How Healthy is the New How Healthy is the New Orleans Environment Post Orleans Environment Post

Katrina?Katrina?Dillard UniversityDillard University

Division of Educational & Psychological StudiesDivision of Educational & Psychological Studies

Debra DavisDebra Davis Chalon LockettChalon Lockett Ashley Singleton Ashley Singleton Rainelle Smith Rainelle Smith

OutlineOutline

AbstractAbstract IntroductionIntroduction DataData DiscussionDiscussion ConclusionConclusion Q&A SessionQ&A Session Slide ShowSlide Show InvitationInvitation

IntroductionIntroduction The major focus of the Hurricane Katrina The major focus of the Hurricane Katrina recovery has been placed on the financial recovery has been placed on the financial

aspects of the city, infrastructure and aspects of the city, infrastructure and housing while the environmental effects of housing while the environmental effects of this tragedy continues to be placed on the this tragedy continues to be placed on the back burner. The environmental health of back burner. The environmental health of Hurricane Katrina survivors is equally as Hurricane Katrina survivors is equally as

important as the above mentioned issues. important as the above mentioned issues.

There are thousands of people who will not There are thousands of people who will not fully recover from this devastating event fully recover from this devastating event until they receive the help necessary for until they receive the help necessary for

them to cope with their new “Post Katrina them to cope with their new “Post Katrina Life.” People are suffering from health Life.” People are suffering from health

problems because of lack of problems because of lack of understanding of how this entire situation understanding of how this entire situation

came about. People have so many came about. People have so many unanswered questions about Hurricane unanswered questions about Hurricane

Katrina. Katrina.

AbstractAbstractWe will address the areas of soil testing, We will address the areas of soil testing,

and air quality. The tests were conducted and air quality. The tests were conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Defense Resources and the Natural Defense Resources Council. Council.

The question remains unanswered is New The question remains unanswered is New Orleans is a healthy city to live in post Orleans is a healthy city to live in post

Katrina? Katrina?

Sediment ContaminationSediment Contamination

Flood WatersFlood Waters SedimentSediment MapMap

New Orleans,La.New Orleans,La.

Sediment ContaminationSediment Contamination

Sediment in Gentilly

17th Street Canal Levee Breech

TestsTestsWho?What?When?Where?Why?

Tests ResultsTests Results

The following results were revealed:The following results were revealed:

ArsenicArsenicDiesel FuelDiesel FuelOthersOthers

Air Quality TestsAir Quality Tests

These tests were performed to These tests were performed to determine if toxic chemicals are determine if toxic chemicals are health risks to humans living in health risks to humans living in

New OrleansNew Orleans..

Air Quality Tests ResultsAir Quality Tests Results

Tests results revealed toxic levels of the following:Tests results revealed toxic levels of the following: CadmiumCadmium ChromiumChromium ManganeseManganese MercuryMercury ArsenicArsenic PesticidesPesticides Petroleum HydrocarbonsPetroleum Hydrocarbons All of these chemicals carry a very significant health risk All of these chemicals carry a very significant health risk

to humans.to humans.

Arsenic - High LevelsArsenic - High Levels

Orleans Parish Results:Orleans Parish Results:

Average Levels 12.2 (mg/kg) Average Levels 12.2 (mg/kg)

31 times higher than Region 6 EPA soil 31 times higher than Region 6 EPA soil

cleanup level for residential areas.cleanup level for residential areas.

§ Region 6 EPA Soil Cleanup Level 0.39 mg/kg§ Region 6 EPA Soil Cleanup Level 0.39 mg/kg

This level is standard to protect against cancer.This level is standard to protect against cancer.

Arsenic Health RisksArsenic Health RisksLevels of arsenic in the sediment Post Levels of arsenic in the sediment Post

Katrina are unacceptably high for residential Katrina are unacceptably high for residential living. living.

Arsenic is toxic to humans and causes Arsenic is toxic to humans and causes cancer, and for this reason, no amount of cancer, and for this reason, no amount of arsenic is considered safe. Many scientific arsenic is considered safe. Many scientific studies, including reviews by the National studies, including reviews by the National Academy of SciencesAcademy of Sciences

Arsenic Test ResultsArsenic Test Results

Pesticides Test ResultsPesticides Test Results NRDC's testing detected elevated levels of several pesticides NRDC's testing detected elevated levels of several pesticides

next to an abandoned industrial facility known as the Thompson-next to an abandoned industrial facility known as the Thompson-

Hayward facility. It once housed a pesticide-blending company. Hayward facility. It once housed a pesticide-blending company.

One of the samples collected outside the fence on the western One of the samples collected outside the fence on the western

corner of the facility, near some homes, revealed high levels of a corner of the facility, near some homes, revealed high levels of a

variety of banned pesticides. The level of DDT and one of its variety of banned pesticides. The level of DDT and one of its

breakdown products exceeded the Region 6 EPA soil cleanup breakdown products exceeded the Region 6 EPA soil cleanup

levels by approximately twofold. levels by approximately twofold.

Two other pesticides:Two other pesticides: Dieldrin Dieldrin

Heptachlor Epoxide Heptachlor Epoxide

All of these pesticides have been All of these pesticides have been banned in the United States for more banned in the United States for more than 25 years, and they are now also than 25 years, and they are now also banned worldwide by international banned worldwide by international

treaty because of their serious toxicity treaty because of their serious toxicity and environmental persistence.and environmental persistence.

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Independent testing by NRDC and others revealed high Independent testing by NRDC and others revealed high

levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at one site in levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at one site in

New Orleans. PAHs are cancer-causing chemicals from New Orleans. PAHs are cancer-causing chemicals from

soot and petroleum-based products. soot and petroleum-based products.

At the Agriculture Street Landfill Superfund site in the At the Agriculture Street Landfill Superfund site in the

Bywater neighborhood, leachate was visibly leaking from Bywater neighborhood, leachate was visibly leaking from

the site and spreading across the street and onto the the site and spreading across the street and onto the

grounds of the local senior citizens' center. grounds of the local senior citizens' center.

Agriculture Street Landfill

Polyaromatic HydrocarbonsPolyaromatic Hydrocarbons

Results:Results:

Leachate Leachate

Benzo(a)anthraceneBenzo(a)anthracene

Other ContaminantsOther Contaminants

Independent soil sampling revealed a variety of other Independent soil sampling revealed a variety of other

contaminants including contaminants including

Metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury.Metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury.

Various pesticides and chemicals known as phthalates, Various pesticides and chemicals known as phthalates,

which are used in plastics as a softener. which are used in plastics as a softener.

Other Contaminants ContinuedOther Contaminants Continued

The lead level in one sediment sample taken on Treme Street The lead level in one sediment sample taken on Treme Street

was more than double the EPA soil cleanup level. was more than double the EPA soil cleanup level.

The EPA took a sediment sample in that same area, at Treme The EPA took a sediment sample in that same area, at Treme

and St. Phillip, and found similarly high lead levels. These and St. Phillip, and found similarly high lead levels. These

sampling results indicate a lead contamination problem in sampling results indicate a lead contamination problem in

this area thatthis area that

The People of New Orleans The People of New Orleans Deserve a Safe Living Environment Deserve a Safe Living Environment

““The EPA has a legal and moral obligation to The EPA has a legal and moral obligation to assure that the public is fully protected from assure that the public is fully protected from the harmful environmental conditions created the harmful environmental conditions created by Hurricanes Katrina and subsequent by Hurricanes Katrina and subsequent flooding.”flooding.”

The Residents of New Orleans, LAThe Residents of New Orleans, LA

In December of 2005 the LDEQ and the In December of 2005 the LDEQ and the U.S. EPA announced their completed U.S. EPA announced their completed

assessment of the environmental impact assessment of the environmental impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Ritaof Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

““There are generally no unacceptable long There are generally no unacceptable long term health risks directly attributable to term health risks directly attributable to environmental contamination resulting environmental contamination resulting

from the storms.” from the storms.”

Health Issues and concerns for Health Issues and concerns for Returning Residents Returning Residents

NRDC NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)(Natural Resources Defense Council)

EPA EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency)( Environmental Protection Agency)

LDEQ LDEQ ( Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality)( Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality)

Health Issues Related to Post Health Issues Related to Post Katrina ContaminantsKatrina Contaminants

Long Term ExposureLong Term Exposure

Arsenic can cause Arsenic can cause skin, and lung cancer skin, and lung cancer can damage the liver and kidneyscan damage the liver and kidneys is responsible for a variety of other serious is responsible for a variety of other serious

aliments.aliments.

Health Issues Related to Post Health Issues Related to Post Katrina ContaminantsKatrina Contaminants

Short Term ExposureShort Term Exposure

Short Term effects are related to dust, pollen, Short Term effects are related to dust, pollen, and mold. and mold.

Inhaled mold spores can cause congestionInhaled mold spores can cause congestion Sneezing, itchy & running noseSneezing, itchy & running nose Throat irritationThroat irritation Allergy attacksAllergy attacks Pneumonia like symptoms Pneumonia like symptoms

At- Risk CategoriesAt- Risk Categories Children and InfantsChildren and Infants The elderlyThe elderly People with serious allergiesPeople with serious allergies People with asthmaPeople with asthma People with heart conditionsPeople with heart conditions People with compromised immune People with compromised immune

systemssystems They should all avoid previously flooded They should all avoid previously flooded

areas of the city at this time.areas of the city at this time.

Health Advisory to New Orleans Health Advisory to New Orleans Area ResidentsArea Residents

Don’t bring young children into areas that were heavily flooded

Avoid activities that stir up dust Avoid eating and smoking in contaminated

areas Drink bottled water Get rid of porous material that may be

contaminated Thoroughly air out your home

ConclusionConclusionNumerous tests and studies were conducted on the environment in Numerous tests and studies were conducted on the environment in

New Orleans to determine if the environment is safe and healthy New Orleans to determine if the environment is safe and healthy enough for residents to live in.enough for residents to live in.

The test results indicated that the environment and the air quality The test results indicated that the environment and the air quality had been comprised by the various toxic chemicals.had been comprised by the various toxic chemicals.

Results differed between the two testing agencies. (EPA & Results differed between the two testing agencies. (EPA & NRDC.) NRDC.)

At this point residents still have many unanswered questions At this point residents still have many unanswered questions concerning. Judging from the data presented; what do you concerning. Judging from the data presented; what do you think? Is New Orleans affectionately know as the think? Is New Orleans affectionately know as the

““Big Easy” Big Easy” A toxic gumbo?A toxic gumbo?

Based on the data Based on the data findings, what do you findings, what do you

think;think;

“ “ Is the Big Easy a Toxic Is the Big Easy a Toxic Gumbo?”Gumbo?”

Views of KatrinaViews of Katrina

Inside the Eye of the Storm Inside the Eye of the Storm

Breached LeveeBreached Levee

Twin Span Bridge to Slidell, La

Mounds Ave & Interstate 10Mounds Ave & Interstate 10 Houses in Gentilly

World Famous Canal StreetWorld Famous Canal Street

Industrial Canal Lower 9th Ward Industrial Canal Lower 9th Ward Levee BreachLevee Breach

New OrleansNew Orleans

New Orleans affectionately known as theNew Orleans affectionately known as the

““Big Easy”Big Easy” is known world wide for its’is known world wide for its’

Diversity CuisinesDiversity Cuisines

Mardi Gras Jazz Fest Mardi Gras Jazz Fest

Festivals French QuartersFestivals French Quarters

Farmers Market Essence FestivalFarmers Market Essence Festival

StreetcarsStreetcars

Beignets

Mardi Gras

Street Cars

Mardi Gras Indians

InvitationInvitation

You’re invited to a party!You’re invited to a party!

Where: New Orleans “The Big Easy”Where: New Orleans “The Big Easy”When: AnytimeWhen: Anytime

Come to New Orleans and experience all of the things that Come to New Orleans and experience all of the things that makes New Orleans a greatmakes New Orleans a great

place to live and visit. Come have a good time with us.place to live and visit. Come have a good time with us.

““Les Ce’ Le Bon Ton RouLe”Les Ce’ Le Bon Ton RouLe” ““LeT The good Times RoLL”LeT The good Times RoLL”

ReferencesReferences

http://groups.google.com/group/misc.activism.progressive/browse_thread/thread/66e457e5http://groups.google.com/group/misc.activism.progressive/browse_thread/thread/66e457e5......

www.nrdc.org/legislation/katrina/katrinainx.aspwww.nrdc.org/legislation/katrina/katrinainx.asp www.nrdc.org/about/katrina.aspwww.nrdc.org/about/katrina.asp www.nrdc.org/health/effects/katrinadata/sediment.aspwww.nrdc.org/health/effects/katrinadata/sediment.asp www.nrdc.org/health/effects/katrinadata/particulate.aspwww.nrdc.org/health/effects/katrinadata/particulate.asp www.DepartmentofEnvironmentalQuality.comwww.DepartmentofEnvironmentalQuality.com www.osha.govwww.osha.gov http://www.cnn.com/http://www.cnn.com/

AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

President of Dillard UniversityPresident of Dillard University

Dr. Marvalene HughesDr. Marvalene Hughes

ProvostProvost

Dr. Emily MooreDr. Emily Moore

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

MentorsMentors

Dr. A. Darwish & Dr. SingletonDr. A. Darwish & Dr. Singleton

Professors Professors

Dr. A. Aramburo Patricia VenturaDr. A. Aramburo Patricia Ventura Heidi DanielsHeidi Daniels

Dillard University’s ITT Department Communications DepartmentDillard University’s ITT Department Communications Department

Dana Langlois Karen CelestanDana Langlois Karen Celestan

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