Using geographic information systems to identify priorities and vulnerabilities from states that participate in the National Toxic Substance Incidents Program

Thousands of hazardous chemicals releases occur every year resulting in adverse public health consequences such as injuries, deaths, and evacuations. To protect people from harm caused by chemical releases, the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry established the National Toxic Substance Incidents Program (NTSIP). NTSIP is a state based surveillance system that collects and combines data from different resources about chemical releases to help reduce the morbidity and mortality from such releases. One method NTSIP uses to identify chemical releases and prioritize vulnerabilities in industry, transportation, and communities is geographic information systems (GIS). This presentation will highlight the work of four NTSIP states (Louisiana, New York, Tennessee, and Utah) that use GIS to identify locations of toxic substances and associated vulnerabilities. Louisiana mapped population demographics surrounding several wastewater treatment facilities. New York mapped incidents involving swimming pool chemical and the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of these substances. Tennessee used a vulnerability index to identify vulnerable communities. Utah mapped events in relation to population demographics for Salt Lake County, which had the most chemical releases in the state. In Louisiana, some wastewater facilities are already in the process of shutting down because of potential danger to surrounding populations. New York's maps identify the sources and distribution of pool chemicals and the areas with the highest density of private pools for targeted education and outreach. Tennessee's maps show that the majority of toxic chemical incidents occurred in areas of mid-range to high levels of vulnerability. Utah's map demonstrates that chemical incidents occurred more often near frequently traveled roads and rail lines. Using GIS to locate toxic substances in relation to infrastructure and population density helps in developing plans to prevent future releases and resultant health effects.