Toxicologic Exposures Associated With Natural Disasters: Gases, Kerosene, Ash, and Bites

摘要

Natural disasters may be classified as geophysical (earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions), hydrometerological (tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding), and geomorphologic (landslides).1 Wildfires, forest fires, droughts and extreme temperatures (heat and cold waves) pose additional hazards. These natural hazards all have the potential to cause widespread property damage, population displacement, injury, and death. Over the past 20 years, there has been an average of 55 (range, 32-99) federally declared natural disasters annually in the United States.2 Although coastal regions are most frequently impacted, every US state and territory has experienced a federally declared major natural disaster. Despite public concern, outbreaks of infectious diseases are extremely rare after natural disasters, with only 3 recorded outbreaks of infectious diseases in more than 600 global geophysical natural disasters between 1985 and 2004.1 However, these incidents often result in exposure of the affected population to environmental toxins. This article will review common poisonings and toxic exposures that have been associated with natural disasters and provide recommendations for emergency personnel involved in disaster response and planning.