Community health impacts after a jet fuel leak contaminated a drinking water system: Oahu, Hawaii, November 2021

Abstract

Background: In 2021, a large petroleum leak contaminated a water source that supplied drinking water to military and civilians in Oahu, Hawaii. Methods: We conducted an Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) survey and supplemented that information with complementary data sources: (1) poison center caller records; (2) emergency department visit data; and (3) a key informant questionnaire. Results: Among 2,289 survey participants, 86% reported ≥1 new or worsening symptom, 75% of which lasted ≥30 days, and 37% sought medical care. Most (n = 1,653, 72%) reported new mental health symptoms. Among equally observable symptoms across age groups, proportions of children ≤2 years experiencing vomiting, runny nose, skin rashes, and coughing (33, 46, 56, and 35%, respectively) were higher than other age groups. Poison center calls increased the first 2 weeks after the contamination, while emergency department visits increased in early December 2021. Key informant interviews revealed themes of lack of support, mental health symptoms, and long-term health impact concerns. Discussion: This event led to widespread exposure to petroleum products and negatively affected thousands of people. Follow-up health surveys or interventions should give special consideration to longer-term physical and mental health, especially children due to their unique sensitivity to environmental exposures. HIGHLIGHTS Report of early physical and psychosocial health issues related to petroleum contaminated water event.; Certain health symptoms are proportionally high for young children compared to older groups.; New or worsening mental health symptoms reported in all age groups.; Establishing community trust through transparency, open communication, and sector-specific guidance should be a priority in emergency events.; Monitoring strategies need to be implemented for long-term health follow-up.;

Keywords

• drinking water contamination
• environmental exposure
• petroleum spill