AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-346719

346719 - Article 4

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In November 2021, a significant environmental health incident occurred at the Red Hill Fuel Depot in Hawaii, where JP-5 jet fuel contaminated the drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. Alan Philippi presented an analysis of this event at the AOCOPM Midyear Meeting on March 22, 2024, to outline the incident, health impacts, and lessons learned.<br /><br />The contamination, stemming from a cracked valve in a fire suppression system, led to widespread reports of a fuel-like odor in the drinking water and numerous health complaints. Types of symptoms reported included gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, headaches, and respiratory difficulties. In response, a "do not drink" advisory was issued affecting 93,000 users. The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), together with federal and state agencies, coordinated efforts to manage this crisis and ensure safe drinking water.<br /><br />This unprecedented event demonstrated the complexities involved in risk communication, highlighting inconsistent messages and public concern regarding health risks. Despite the short to medium-term exposure, predicting long-term health impacts has proven challenging. Surveys showed that many affected individuals continued experiencing health symptoms months after the incident, with significant mental health reporting due to the event’s stress.<br /><br />Interagency collaborations, including the establishment of the Interagency Drinking Water System Team and CDC's Assessment of Chemical Exposures, played roles in addressing the situation by flushing water systems, performing health surveys, and monitoring potential long-term health effects.<br /><br />Lessons learned emphasize the need for clear communication, early expert engagement, transparency, and maintaining focus on public health protection. Continued efforts are required to study long-term impacts, enhance communication strategies, and restore trust in managing environmental public health crises. The forecasted closure of the Red Hill facility and comprehensive monitoring will be essential for ongoing environmental remediation and safeguarding public health.

Keywords

Red Hill Fuel Depot

JP-5 jet fuel

drinking water contamination

health impacts

risk communication

Hawaii Department of Health

Interagency Drinking Water System Team

chemical exposure assessment

environmental remediation

public health protection