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Frequent Questions

This page presents answers to commonly asked questions about:

General EPA Responsibility and Communication

What are EPA’s responsibilities for response efforts in the Gulf Region?

EPA is the lead federal agency under the National Response Plan for Emergency Support Function (ESF) #10, which addresses hazardous materials, including oil. As such we are coordinating with state, local and other federal government agencies (especially the US Coast Guard) to prevent, minimize, or mitigate threats to public health, welfare, or the environment caused by the actual or potential release of hazardous materials. EPA has been assessing, and will continue to assess and manage, a range of environmental issues, from the disposal of small containers left by the flood waters to the evaluation of potentially impacted Superfund sites.

Because EPA was able to field staff in 67 boats during the first days after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, we joined the priority effort of rescuing flood victims and taking them to safety. To date, EPA staff have rescued close to 800 flood victims.

EPA is also one of several agencies that provide support under ESF #3, which addresses Public Works and Engineering. Specifically, EPA is working to help address health and environmental concerns with contaminated flood waters, and restoration of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

Additionally, under ESF # 3, EPA has a support role working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address the proper management of debris with regard to hazardous materials. The Agency anticipates a growing role in addressing large volumes of debris from homes, buildings and other structures damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

List of all general EPA responsibility and communication questions
List of all questions

How is EPA making sure that its advisories are getting the residents and other people on the ground?

There are several things being done to ensure that the public and first responders get the information they need to protect themselves:

List of all general EPA responsibility and communication questions
List of all questions

Who is providing equipment, washing stations, soap, shots, hazard suits, and other protected equipment to workers and how is EPA making sure that workers receive appropriate advisories on health conditions?

A number of agencies are involved in this effort. For its part, EPA is supplying protective equipment to its employees. Contractors working for EPA are required under contract arrangements to supply appropriate equipment to their contractors.

EPA is working with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Health and Human Services to disseminate health advisory information to field responders. These advisories provide guidance on the proper health and safety measures that should be taken to address any potential areas of concern.

List of all general EPA responsibility and communication questions
List of all questions


Flood Water

What is in the water going into Lake Pontchartrain and the river?

The floodwaters of the New Orleans area are being sampled for bacteria commonly found in raw sewage, as well as for a suite of chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Sampling is being conducted by the EPA, the USGS, and Louisiana DEQ. Sampling results will be available via EPA's Web site once data is validated.

List of all flood water questions
List of all questions

What kind of pollutants is EPA sampling for?

EPA is sampling for bacteria and over 100 priority pollutants potentially found in lakes, rivers, and wastewater effluent.

List of all flood water questions
List of all questions

Where are you sampling and why?

EPA, in cooperation with the Mississippi & Louisiana Departments of Environmental Quality, the United States Geological Survey, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, have mobilized a coordinated effort to sample standing floodwater remaining in the impacted area. EPA began its sampling in several industrial and residential areas. The purpose of the sampling is to determine the extent, nature, and magnitude of contamination and any variability that may exist across the entire flooded area. We will continue sampling as floodwater remains and as access allows.

List of all flood water questions
List of all questions

What has EPA done to ensure that sampling of floodwater is adequate?

EPA consulted with members of the Agency Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) regarding its draft sampling plan. The independent SAB reviewers provided many useful comments, many of which were incorporated into EPA's Quality Assurance Sampling Plan. The more significant changes include refining how sampling would be done and what would be sampled, including sampling for total petroleum hydrocarbons which will better characterize pollutants in the visible oil sheens, and the inclusion of adopting a method to get a more accurate count and type characterization of fecal indicator bacteria contamination in the floodwaters.

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Why aren’t you sampling standing water in MS or AL?

EPA, in cooperation with the Mississippi & Louisiana Departments of Environmental Quality, the United States Geological Survey, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, have mobilized a coordinated effort to sample standing floodwater remaining in the impacted area. The primary damage from Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Alabama however resulted from the storm surge, high winds, and rainfall accompanying the hurricane. Unlike Louisiana, large highly urbanized or industrialized areas did not remain flooded after the hurricane passed.

List of all flood water questions
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EPA’s recent advisory on standing water sampling in New Orleans mentioned:

“Additional chemical sampling was performed for priority pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Results from these analyses were compared to various ATSDR and EPA health levels."

Which ATSDR and EPA health levels were being compared? Drinking water levels?

The results from sampling were compared to drinking water standards, ATSDR Health Reference Levels and EPA reference doses. Future data will examine dermal, ingestion, and inhalation exposure routes as appropriate.

List of all flood water questions
List of all questions

What is being done to treat the water being pumped into Lake Pontchartrain?

EPA is working closely with its federal and state partners to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts to Lake Pontchartrain, while flood waters are removed quickly to protect public health. As the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues de-watering operations, skimming booms are being deployed to remove oil and debris from water prior to pumping. After pumping, additional booms are being deployed in the canals leading to the Lake to further reduce oil, debris, and solids. Aerators are also being used in the canals to raise dissolved oxygen levels in the water, prior to outfall to the Lake.

List of all flood water questions
List of all questions

Is the water pumped into Lake Pontchartrain being tested?

Water is being sampled and tested by various groups, including the USACE, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LADEQ) and EPA Region 6 at several locations around the City of New Orleans. Samples are being taken of the remaining flood waters, in the canals and in Lake Pontchartrain.

The water is being sampled for bacteria and chemicals. Sampling results are available on EPA's Web site once data has been validated. The USACE and EPA are working cooperatively to evaluate additional feasible treatment options to further reduce pollutant loadings to the Lake and to mitigate water quality and environmental impacts.

In addition, EPA Region 4 staffs are working with agency staff from Alabama and Mississippi to develop a sampling plan for the coastal waters in the Mississippi Sound and waters adjacent to the coast. Both ambient water quality and fish tissue samples are being collected and analyzed. EPA will continue to work with state officials and other federal agencies regarding precautionary beach and shellfish bed closures to protect public health until a determination is made that these areas are safe for recreation and harvesting.

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Under what authority can the EPA allow the Army Corps of Engineers to pump water into Lake Pontchartrain without a permit?

In New Orleans and other communities, Hurricane Katrina flood waters contain oil and hazardous substances. Under Section 311(c) and its implementing regulations, discharges that are in compliance with the instructions of an EPA On-Scene Coordinator (pursuant to the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan) do not require NPDES permits.

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How will clean up and reconstruction of the city impact Lake Pontchartrain, the River, and the Gulf?

We don't know yet how cleanup and reconstruction will impact the Lake, River, and Gulf but we are putting a priority on working with our state and Federal partners to: 1) collect data (water quality and sediment), 2) take proactive mitigation measures (such as booms and aeration devices); and 3) take additional measures based on new data and adaptive management.

We are working with Louisiana DEQ, Army Corps, and USGS to monitor water quality before and after floodwaters are discharged into Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. We are also working with our partners to monitor potential effects on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

EPA is sensitive to potential downstream effects on waters, coastal wetlands, and fisheries and will strive to be proactive as decisions are made regarding cleanup and reconstruction. Potential stressors include pathogens, nutrients, chemicals, and sediments.

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List of all questions

Since no lives are threatened anymore by the waters, and we are just in cleanup and recovery, why don't we wait to pump remaining water until we know more about the quality of the raw water?

The flood water remaining in New Orleans continues to be a threat, including to relief workers and property. We are also working to reduce the amount of flood waters before any additional rain falls. We are working with our Federal and State partners to continue to pump and to implement procedures to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts associated with this pumping.

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When are we going to finish our water quality testing? Once all the water is drained?

EPA will continue to coordinate with our State and federal partners to do testing of flood waters that remain and in Lake Ponchartrain and the Mississippi River. Testing in Lake Pontchartrain and the River will continue after pumping is completed.

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Have we made an assessment of potential harm? If not, why not yet? If yes, what is it?

Attention continues to be focused on reducing exposure to the public and relief workers from potential health hazards. EPA is participating with CDC on a joint task force to identify and assess overall environmental health needs, barriers, and milestones for progress in rehabilitation of the city. EPA is also working closely with its Federal and State partners to reduce and mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts.

List of all flood water questions
List of all questions


Drinking Water

Quality of Drinking Water

Drinking Water Systems

Private Wells

Quality of Drinking Water

What contaminants may be in my drinking water?

After a flood, drinking water sources can potentially be contaminated with waste from sewage, septic systems, household chemicals, chemical facilities, oil refineries, and other sources. In addition to chemicals, some of the organisms of concern are parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and bacteria, such as Shigella and E. coli. These organisms primarily affect the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting with or without fever.

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How do I know if my water is safe to drink?

Contaminated water should NOT be used for drinking, making prepared drinks, ice-making, brushing teeth, washing food or preparing food, or for drinking water for pets. Even if your water service has been restored, you must take care not to consume contaminated water. Many water systems will recommend that customers boil water until they are sure that the water they provide is clear of harmful microorganisms. Local media outlets (radio, television, and newspaper) can provide you with the most up to date information regarding the safety of your local water supply.

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How do I know if my water is safe for other purposes such as showering or bathing?

Some of the contaminants that may be found in water after a flood event may also be able to penetrate the skin or can be inhaled. A hot water heater may not be able to heat water to a sufficient temperature to kill pathogens. Local media outlets (radio, television, and newspaper) can provide you with the most up to date information regarding the safety of your local water supply.

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What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?

If you consumed potentially contaminated water from either a public water system or a private well, there is a possibility you could become ill. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should seek medical attention.

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Are there groups of people who are at greater risk of severe illness as a result of exposure to E. coli?

E. coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. E. coli is short for Escherichia coli. The presence of E. coli in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage may contain many types of disease-causing organisms. Children under the age of five, the elderly, and people whose health is weakened (e.g., people who have long-term illnesses such as cancer or AIDS) are at greater risk of severe illness. People who are at greater risk should consult with their doctor or health care provider and follow the instructions provided.

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Where can I obtain clean water if I have no other place?

Within your household:
You can obtain limited amounts of water by draining your hot water tank or melting ice cubes. In most cases, water from a well that has not been subject to flooding is the preferred source of drinking water. If it is not available and river or lake water must be used, avoid sources containing floating material and water with a dark color or an odor.

In times of extreme crisis, local health departments may urge consumers to use more caution or to follow additional measures. There are two general methods by which small quantities of water can be effectively disinfected. One method is by boiling water vigorously for one minute. This method will kill disease-causing microorganisms. Another method is chemical treatment through addition of chlorine or iodine. If applied with care, certain chemicals will make most water free from harmful or pathogenic organisms. These methods, however, are generally not effective in dealing with chemical contamination problems. More information about disinfecting water is available.

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Is the water safe for my pets?

Like people, your pets can also become sick from contaminated water. Try to keep pets from drinking standing water that is outdoors and try to provide them with boiled or disinfected water unless you have received information that water from your public water system is safe to drink.

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Is there anything I can do to avoid causing additional contamination to the water?

To avoid adding contaminants to ground water and surface water sources, citizens should properly dispose of chemicals, oil, gasoline and any other contaminants when cleaning out their house or yard. EPA urges the public to be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, like caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach, and take the following necessary precautions to prevent injury or further damage:

More information on disposing of debris and removing hazardous waste is available:

EPA page on Katrina / Rita debris issues
EPA page on disaster debris
FEMA page on disposing of debris and removing hazardous waste

List of all drinking water questions
List of all questions

Drinking Water Systems

How many drinking water systems are off-line?

Information may be available on individual state Web sites at http://katrina.louisiana.gov, http://www.ms.gov/.

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Are sites being assessed?

EPA regional staff are participating in a multi-agency effort in collaboration with the States of MS, AL, and LA to evaluate water systems. The initial focus has been on establishing contact with the utilities to determine if they are operational, the type of power under which they are operating, and whether they have issued a boil water notice. As of September 13, 2005, the assessors are still working to evaluate the status of a large number of systems in Louisiana and Mississippi that have not yet been reached due to communication difficulties or lack of access.

Once access to all utilities is gained, the detailed assessment of the utilities will take at least another month because they include assessments of source water quality changes and impacts on treatment or need for additional treatment.

Map of affected drinking water facilities in Louisiana. (509 kb, JPG)

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What does the assessment entail?

The initial assessment consists of physical inspection (where possible) and contact with system operators/owners. Where possible, staff are compiling water system needs (generators, chemicals, pumps, etc.) identified during their water system assessments.

The types of issues being assessed include:

List of all drinking water questions
List of all questions

What will be needed to bring facilities back on-line?

The drinking water utilities in the hurricane impact zone need to identify and take corrective actions to repair distribution systems and treatment plants. Pumps and any electrical components or instrumentation that has been submerged will require special handling and maintenance prior to reuse. Treatment plant restorations, full or partial, may take many months. The specific activities that will be needed to bring a plant back on-line will depend on the type and extent of damage to facilities operated by the system and may include:

EPA has developed a checklist to assist drinking water and wastewater facilities recover from hurricanes.

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What are EPA’s future plans for damage assessments and inspections?

After ensuring that facilities are operational and not subject to boil water advisories, assessment teams [which include both EPA and state officials] will work to identify longer-term needs and provide technical assistance. Some of the activities that may be carried out, depending on the extent of damage may include:

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How will EPA address the need to rebuild infrastructure?

EPA will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other Federal Agencies coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agencies under the National Response Plan and the Stafford Act to support the States and local governments in their efforts to repair and restore public facilities such as roads, streets, bridges, waste treatment facilities, etc .

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Private Wells

What should I do if I have a well?

Your well may be contaminated with pathogens or other pollutants if it was subject to flooding. Therefore, in order to avoid becoming sick, do not drink water from the flooded well or use it for bathing, cooking or other purposes until you have consulted with your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent. Do NOT turn on the pump, and do NOT flush the well with water. Contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice on disinfecting your well. More information on how to manage a flooded well is available.

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Are private wells polluted? How many people are affected and what is being done about it?

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) has not provided EPA with any estimates of the number of private wells that may be polluted. The LDHH has included wells that were flooded as part of their general boil water advisory due to potential contamination.

LDHH requested water purification tablets to distribute to private well owners whose wells were flooded. EPA is in discussions with Louisiana as to the quantity of purification tablets that would adequately address the impacted population.

The Mississippi Department of Health provided private well notices in areas not served by community water systems to alert homeowners of pollution risks resulting from flooding. These notices were provided in both English and Vietnamese languages.

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Wastewater Systems

How many wastewater systems are off-line?

Information may be available on individual state Web sites at http://katrina.louisiana.gov, http://www.ms.gov/.

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What is being done for water and wastewater systems?

Assessments of water and wastewater treatment systems in the affected areas are being conducted. EPA personnel, representatives of associations, health departments, and state and local governments are participating. Some facilities are already up and running; some are running at limited capacity; and others are not operating at this time.

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How many sites has EPA assessed?

Teams including staff from the state, EPA and other agencies are working in the field to evaluate the status of wastewater facilities. The initial site assessments have been prioritized to focus mostly on drinking water systems. Due to the lack of lodging and fuel in the hurricane impact zone, wastewater utility site assessments have been limited. Once services can be provided, wastewater site assessment will increase. In Louisiana and Mississippi, site assessments are ongoing.

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What does assessment of wastewater facilities entail?

The initial assessment consists of physical inspection (where possible) and contact with system operators/owners. Where possible, staff are compiling wastewater system needs (generators, chemicals, pumps, etc.) identified during their system assessments.

The types of issues being assessed include:

List of all wastewater systems questions
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What will be needed to bring facilities back on-line?

As with drinking water utilities, the first priority will be to restore power to affected systems. Once assessors have been able to visit plants, we will have a better idea of what will need to be done to restore wastewater treatment. Pumps and any electrical components or instrumentation that has been submerged will require special handling and maintenance prior to reuse. Treatment plant restorations, full or partial, may take many months. The specific activities that will be needed to bring a plant back on-line will depend on the type and extent of damage to facilities operated by the system. EPA has developed a checklist to assist drinking water and wastewater facilities recover from hurricanes.

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What are EPA’s future plans for damage assessments and inspections?

Assessments are currently underway for drinking water and wastewater utilities. Wastewater utilities in the hurricane impact zone are working with federal and state assistance providers to identify and take corrective actions to repair the damage to collection systems and treatment plants. Pumps and any electrical components or instrumentation that have been submerged will require special handling and maintenance prior to reuse. Treatment plant restorations, full or partial, may take months. Issue to consider for repair or restoration include: 1) availability of disinfection chemicals and equipment (e.g., pumps, valves); 2) replacement and/or retrofits of electrical components and instrumentation; 3) repair of leaks; 4) manpower to repair leaks, perform flushing, and replacement of pipes and valves; and 5) stabilize and replace structures and collection systems.

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How will EPA address the need to rebuild infrastructure?

EPA will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other Federal Agencies coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agencies under the National Response Plan and the Stafford Act to support the States and local governments in their efforts to repair and restore public facilities such as roads, streets, bridges, waste treatment facilities, etc .

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Septic Systems

Where can I find information on my septic system?

Please contact your local health department for additional advice and assistance. For more information on onsite/decentralized wastewater systems, call the National Environmental Services Center at (800) 624-8301 or visit their Web site  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

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Do I pump my tank during flooded or saturated conditions?

No! At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes. The best solution is to plug all drains in the basement and drastically reduce water use in the house.

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What do I do with my septic system after the flood?

Once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should remember:

Remember: Whenever the water table is high or your sewage system is threatened by flooding there is a risk that sewage will back up into your home. The only way to prevent this backup is to relieve pressure on the system by using it less.

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What are some suggestions offered by experts for homeowners with flooded septic systems?

1) Use common sense. If possible, don’t use the system if the soil is saturated and flooded. The wastewater will not be treated and will become a source of pollution. Conserve water as much as possible while the system restores itself and the water table fails.

2) Prevent silt from entering septic systems that have pump chambers. When the pump chambers are flooded, silt has a tendency to settle in the chambers and will clog the drainfield if it is not removed.

3) Do not open the septic tank for pumping while the soil is still saturated. Mud and silt may enter the tank and end up in the drainfield. Furthermore, pumping out a tank that is in saturated soil may cause it to “pop out” of the ground. (Likewise, recently installed systems may “pop out” of the ground more readily than older systems because the soil has not had enough time to settle and compact.)

4) Do not dig into the tank or drainfield area while the soil is still wet or flooded. Try to avoid any work on or around the disposal field with heavy machinery while the soil is still wet. These activities will ruin the soil conductivity.

5) Flooding of the septic tank will have lifted the floating crust of fats and grease in the septic tank. Some of this scum may have floated and/or partially plugged the outlet tee. If the septic system backs up into the house check the tank first for outlet blockage. Clean up any floodwater in the house without dumping it into the sink or toilet and allow enough time for the water to recede. Floodwaters from the house that are passed through or pumped through the septic tank will cause higher flows through the system. This may cause solids to transfer from the septic tank to the drainfield and will cause clogging.

6) Locate any electrical or mechanical devices the system may have that could be flooded to avoid contact with them until they are dry and clean.

7) Aerobic plants, upflow filters, trickling filters, and other media filters have a tendency to clog due to mud and sediment. These systems will need to be washed and raked.

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Human Health

When will residents be able to safely return to their homes?

Residents will be able to return to their homes when local officials determine that their homes and communities are safe. This includes consideration of many factors. The ability to offer basic services such as food, water, sewerage, electricity, fuels and natural gas are important factors that will be considered. The accessibility of neighborhoods in terms of debris, standing water, structural hazards and environmental contamination are other considerations.

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How will EPA know when it is safe for individuals to return to their homes?

EPA will work with the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies as well as the State Health Environment agencies to support local officials as they evaluate home and neighborhood safety. EPA has published an advisory, “Potential Environmental Hazards When Returning to Homes and Businesses after Hurricane Katrina” that provides advice on avoiding and mitigating possible hazards.

EPA is working with federal and state partners to conduct site assessments and test the water, sediments and air in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

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What is EPA doing to ensure that disease carrying insects, rodents, etc. do not create health hazards in flooded areas?

Under the authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended, the EPA is responsible for regulating pesticides that are intended to prevent, control, repel or destroy any “pest,” including vectors (e.g., rodents, insects) that carry disease-causing pathogens. EPA reviews these pesticides prior to either registration under FIFRA section 3 or issuance of emergency exemptions under FIFRA section 18 to ensure that humans and the environment are protected from any possible unreasonable adverse effects. EPA has been working closely with state agencies, the DOD and FEMA to assure that emergency exemption requests are acted on immediately and we are working with pesticide manufacturers to make sure that adequate product supply is available. To date, all requests for pesticide use have been for registered products and no sections 18's have been necessary.

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Air Issues

How is EPA dealing with potential air pollution issues?

Both damage from Hurricane Katrina and cleanup/restoration could cause releases of air toxics and other air pollutants that will affect air quality in the damaged areas and potentially in areas downwind. Sources of this air pollution include: spills of volatile chemicals; start-up releases or leaks from industrial plants; dust ( potentially including contaminants such as asbestos and lead) from building demolition and debris transport; contaminated sediments that can be resuspended as dust; and smoke from open burning of debris.

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Sediment

What does EPA expect to be in sediment and soils that have been covered by the contaminated floodwater?

The sediments will be sampled for organic compounds (volatiles and semi-volatiles), pesticides, herbicides, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), fecal coliform, total petroleum hydrocarbons and percent moisture.

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Is EPA sampling sediment and if so, where, when, and how?

Epa Region 6 has implemented a Screening Level Sampling plan of the sediments transported by the flood into the residential areas of Southeast Louisiana. The goal of the initial sampling plan is to determine the nature and type of contaminants from the floodwaters that may have traveled and settled in the sediments.

Unlike New Orleans and other areas in Louisiana, locations in Mississippi and Alabama have not experienced the significant flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina. Damage in most industrial areas resulted from storm surge. It is possible that the storm surge may have moved contaminants. EPA Region 4 will be working with Mississippi and Alabama to develop strategies for sediment sampling that may include sites in heavily industrialized areas as well as other potentially contaminated sites that could pose a significant risk to public health and the environment.

The information collected in Regions 4 and 6 may be used for developing a more detailed investigation of the contaminated sediments and potential for the public health risk resulting from exposure to the sediment.

Appropriate sediment removal options will be determined once the sampling results have been reviewed.

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Oil Spills and Superfund Sites

What is the plan for addressing oil spills in the region?

EPA and the United States Coast Guard are working together to address oil spills reported to the National Response Center or otherwise observed by our emergency responders. They work with facility owners when possible. Response personnel clean up significant spills and take other actions appropriate to protect public health and environment.

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When will we know about the number of oil spills and how many gallons were likely dumped into the flooded areas, the bay and the river?

We expect that it will take some time before we know the full extent of the impacts of oil spills resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

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What is being done to evaluate the status of Superfund sites that were impacted by Hurricane Katrina?

EPA is working closely with States, our Federal partners, and local partners to assess the status of Superfund sites that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. EPA will take the necessary action to address public health and safety issues associated with these sites.

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Asbestos

What should be done with debris that may contain asbestos?

It is anticipated that debris already on the ground and in structures needing demolition may contain some asbestos. Asbestos-containing products, which may be part of this debris, include: asbestos-cement corrugated sheet, asbestos-cement flat sheet, asbestos pipeline wrap, roofing felt, vinyl-asbestos floor tile, asbestos-cement shingle, millboard, asbestos-cement pipe, and vermiculite-attic insulation.

The affected States have authority for their asbestos programs and will be leading efforts to determine how to dispose of asbestos containing debris. EPA is working closely with them and is providing debris management guidance to ensure minimization of exposures while expediting cleanup. For example, we have advised states to make efforts to segregate asbestos and certain other types of waste for proper disposal in landfills prior to burning the debris. EPA will work with state and local agencies to assist with asbestos sampling as necessary.

As a general matter, building demolition and debris loading may release asbestos from building materials, lead from paint, and other pollutants. Materials such as asbestos cement pipe can release asbestos fibers if broken and crushed when buildings are demolished, renovated, or repaired. Because of the possible presence of metals and asbestos in building debris, these may be present in smoke from open burning after Katrina. Careful consideration should be given in selection of collection, transfer, storage, and open-burning sites, factoring in proximity to populations, other land uses, and meteorological conditions, to prevent exposures.

In all instances, workers should use equipment specifically designed to protect them from asbestos exposures during demolition and handling of debris, as required under OSHA.

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What sampling will EPA do to monitor the possible release of asbestos to the air as a result of hurricane recovery efforts?

Given the age of the architecture and the amount of demolition that may be needed in the Gulf Coast area, there is the possibility of significant release of asbestos. EPA has advised that asbestos-containing material (along with certain other types of harmful material) be segregated to the extent feasible. To the extent open burning takes place it could result in release of asbestos if asbestos-containing materials are not well separated.

EPA proposes to put one asbestos-dedicated filter sampler at one of the conventional monitoring sites in New Orleans, and one asbestos-dedicated filter sampler at another site where open burning may take place. The exact locations will be based on the pattern of demolition and burning in New Orleans and elsewhere. Initially, asbestos will be monitored on a one-in-three-days sampling schedule. This plan for asbestos sampling will be reviewed after a period of operation to consider whether the sampling should be made more or less intense, depending on the amount of demolition, its apparent degree of control for asbestos releases, whether open burning is occurring, and concentrations observed so far. Asbestos sampling in additional areas will be considered as more information becomes available on the nature of demolition and open burning activities.

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Debris

What is EPA planning to do to support debris removal?

States have considerable expertise in responding to management of hurricane related debris. EPA has provided technical assistance to States on these issues in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Currently, EPA is working closely with the affected States to provide technical assistance and guidance on debris issues that takes into account both the realities on the ground in the aftermath of this natural disaster and any applicable federal statutory or regulatory requirements. For instance, EPA has now reviewed the debris management plans developed by Mississippi and Louisiana. EPA is also working to assess the location and capacity of non-hazardous waste landfills in the affected areas, as well as working with Waste Management Inc. and the American Forest and Paper Association to determine their capabilities in providing assistance with debris management.

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List of all questions

May construction, demolition and vegetative debris be burned?

EPA is providing technical assistance to the States to identify the best management practices given the volume of construction and demolition debris as well as vegetative debris. Open-burning of some types of debris materials will be one option as well as placement in municipal solid waste landfills and construction and demolition waste landfills. In some cases, State Directors may decide to reopen closed construction and demolition waste landfills and/or municipal solid waste landfills to mange debris. In addition, wood, concrete, and similar debris often can be reused in construction or for other purposes.

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How has hazardous waste been handled?

All three states that were primarily affected by Hurricane Katrina were authorized in the mid-1980s to implement the hazardous waste provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which regulate hazardous waste disposal in lieu of the Federal government. EPA has confidence in these state programs.

In extraordinary circumstances, such as a major hurricane that produces enormous amounts of debris, it is inevitable that some hazardous materials and debris that are co-mingled with other debris may be disposed of in non-hazardous waste landfills, or burned in debris piles, though that use of these practices decline as cleanup and recovery progresses. However, the affected states, with EPA support, are already providing guidance to their citizens and industry on how to safely segregate, handle and dispose of hazardous materials and other debris. This guidance focuses on the safety of cleanup workers and nearby residents, and the use of emergency disposal methods that minimize the risk of long-term impacts on the environment.

EPA is working to assess the capacity of landfills in the affected areas as well as working with the Waste Management industry to explore other expedited disposal options. EPA has also provided location information on generators of hazardous waste and Treatment, Storage, and Disposal facilities to Regions and States to expedite assessment of the impact of the hurricane at these facilities.

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Will all hazardous material go to approved disposal sites?

In a disaster of this magnitude, it is very difficult to characterize or segregate all co-mingled debris prior to disposal. In some cases, it is likely that hazardous materials co-mingled with other debris will unknowingly be disposed, though this will decline as cleanup and recovery progresses. Municipal solid waste landfills are designed to accept household hazardous waste and small quantity generator hazardous waste.

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When will we know about the status of hazardous waste sites in the impacted area?

Information is already being received directly from industrial facilities, which are responsible for securing their operations. State regulatory agencies are also contacting individual facilities by phone, and site visits and fly-overs have begun. In addition, EPA's on-scene coordinators have been provided with information on hazardous waste facilities, and will be assessing their condition as priorities allow. This will take several weeks, or longer. The States are very active in evaluating the status of facilities in the affected areas and plans for sharing the results are under development.

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Fuel Waivers

Which fuel standards have been waived?

For the latest information, go to https://www.epa.gov/compliance/katrina/waiver/index.html.

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Which gasoline volatility waivers have been issued?

For the latest information, go to https://www.epa.gov/compliance/katrina/waiver/index.html.

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What is "volatility controlled" gasoline?

Volatility is the tendency of gasoline to evaporate. Evaporated gasoline is a particular air pollution problem during high summer temperatures. Because evaporated gasoline contributes to smog formation, volatility limits are placed on all gasoline sold in the United States during the summer high-ozone season. The limits, or standards, are expressed in terms of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), the technical measure of gasoline?s tendency to evaporate. These limits apply only during summer months, generally between June 1 and Sept. 15. However, the RVP standards last through Sept. 30 in Phoenix, Ariz. and East Texas, and through Oct. 31 in California.

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How did higher volatility gasoline help the situation?

Certain components of gasoline, such as butane, cause it to be more volatile at high temperatures. Refiners do not add as much of these components with higher volatility to gasoline in the summer months. However, under the nationwide waiver, refiners were able to produce "winter grade" gasoline containing larger volumes of components with higher volatility. Allowing the use of these higher-volatility components can potentially increase the volume of gasoline produced by refiners.

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Why did EPA waive the RVP requirements in Texas, Phoenix, Arizona and California?

Unlike most other parts of the country, these states require use of "summer" gasoline after the federally designated summer gasoline period, which ended Sept. 15. The summer requirement is effective until Oct. 1 for East Texas and Phoenix, and until Nov. 1 for California. On Sept. 13, in concert with actions taken by Arizona, California and Texas, EPA waived the requirement to use "summer" gasoline in East Texas and Phoenix through the end of September, and in California through Oct. 3 (on Sept. 27, EPA issued a second RVP waiver for California, through Oct. 24). EPA's waiver therefore allows "winter" gasoline to be distributed in these states for the time periods specified. At a later date, EPA will consider whether to extend the gasoline volatility waiver in California through the end of October, when California's "summer" gasoline season ends.

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Under the California RVP waivers issued on Sept. 13 and Sept. 27, is gasoline that has been produced and blended to meet waiver requirements and that is in storage tanks at the refinery site covered?

For purposes of the Sept. 13 and Sept. 27 California RVP waivers, finished gasoline that is stored in refinery storage tanks and that has been accounted for as a finished gasoline product (including CARBOB for downstream ethanol blending) is considered to be in the distribution system and is covered by this waiver. Therefore, it can be delivered after Oct. 24, provided that the finished product in the tank had been blended and finished before midnight on Oct. 24 under the conditions of the waiver.

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What reformulated gasoline waivers have been issued?

For the latest information, go to https://www.epa.gov/compliance/katrina/waiver/index.html.

List of all questions

What highway diesel fuel waivers have been issued?

For the latest information, go to https://www.epa.gov/compliance/katrina/waiver/index.html.

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How long will high-sulfur diesel fuel be sold at retail outlets?

Under the terms of the Oct. 4 highway diesel sulfur waiver, refiners are allowed to distribute high sulfur diesel fuel through Oct. 25. This high-sulfur diesel fuel will remain in the distribution system after Oct. 25, but parties upstream of the retail level, including terminals, must comply with the highway diesel sulfur standard no later than on Dec. 10. Retail stations will be able to transition their storage tanks to comply with the highway diesel fuel standard after Dec. 10.

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How will use of high-sulfur diesel fuel in highway vehicles help the current situation?

As a result of disruption to the fuel distribution system, there may be instances where low- sulfur diesel fuel is not readily available to use in trucks that may, for example, be needed to transport relief materials to the Gulf Coast. Under the waiver, high-sulfur (i.e., greater than 500 ppm) diesel fuel that previously could only be used in off-road applications, such as construction or farm equipment, may now be used in highway diesel trucks. Two-thirds of the diesel supply, 2.7 million barrels per day, is utilized for on-highway vehicles. One-third of total diesel, 1.3 million barrels per day, is used for non-highway equipment, such as construction and farm equipment. The waiver allows for the use of these fuels interchangeably, allowing an increase in the amount of diesel fuel available for on-highway use.

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Will using high-sulfur diesel fuel harm engines?

Allowing fuel with higher sulfur content for a limited period will have little, if any, adverse impact on diesel engines. However, prolonged exposure to higher sulfur fuel would very likely have adverse impacts on engine durability.

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Under the Sept. 13 highway diesel fuel waiver, must high-sulfur diesel fuel be dyed?

Absent a waiver, EPA regulations require that high-sulfur diesel fuel must be dyed red, otherwise it is subject to the 500 ppm sulfur standard for highway diesel fuel. The red dye allows high-sulfur diesel fuel to be more easily identified by regulated parties and fuel users. However, the Sept. 13 diesel fuel waiver includes a waiver of the dye requirement for high- sulfur diesel fuel so that high- and low-sulfur diesel fuel may be more easily distributed as highway fuel.

Through Oct. 5, refiners may introduce into the distribution system, such as into pipelines, undyed high-sulfur diesel fuel, but may not do so after Oct. 5. Any undyed high-sulfur diesel that enters the distribution system through Oct. 5 may remain in the distribution system and may be distributed to retail outlets as highway fuel until Nov. 20. However, beginning no later than Nov. 20, undyed diesel fuel in the distribution system and in the possession of parties upstream of the retail level, including terminals, must contain less than 500 ppm sulfur. As a consequence, beginning on Nov. 20, all diesel delivered to retail outlets as highway fuel must meet the sulfur and dye standards. Retailers may continue dispensing undyed high-sulfur diesel fuel after Nov. 20 until their supplies are depleted.

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Has EPA waived the IRS requirement to dye non-taxed diesel fuel?

EPA cannot and has not waived the IRS requirement that non-taxed diesel fuel must be dyed red. The IRS has published guidance regarding diesel fuel IRS waivers, which can be found by following the Hurricane Katrina links at www.irs.gov.

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Will the fuels waivers affect the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel program scheduled to go into effect next year?

The temporary waivers will not have any adverse impact on the ultra-low sulfur (15 ppm) requirement for highway diesel fuel, which is scheduled to begin a phase-in period in late spring 2006.

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Why did EPA waive additional fuel requirements in the Atlanta area?

Under state law, Georgia requires a clean-burning gasoline to be sold in the Atlanta area that has a unique sulfur standard that is more stringent than federal gasoline requirements. Since Georgia includes this sulfur limit in its state implementation plan (SIP) to control air pollution, the requirement is also federally enforceable.

Refinery and fuel delivery problems caused by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast have curtailed supplies of the low-sulfur gasoline required in Atlanta, resulting in a localized fuel shortage. Therefore, the State of Georgia has temporarily waived the state sulfur requirement and requested that EPA also waive federal enforcement. On Sept. 1, EPA granted the state's request, through Sept. 15. Because of continuing problems at refineries that produce the Atlanta-specific gasoline, EPA granted a second waiver, through Oct. 5. Retail outlets or wholesale purchase consumers who receive gasoline under the waiver may continue selling it or dispensing it until their supplies are depleted.

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Do the EPA fuels waivers include any conditions on their use?

The fuels waivers allow fuel providers to distribute and sell "waiver" gasoline and diesel fuel so that terminals and retail stations do not run out of fuel. However, to the extent practicable and consistent with supplying market demand, fuel providers are required to supply fuel that meets the clean fuels requirements.

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Why was the nationwide waiver necessary?

This extraordinary natural disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has damaged refineries and pipelines that supply much of the nation. The purpose of the waiver was to quickly address the impacts of the disaster on fuel supplies. In the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina, the disruption to the fuel production and distribution infrastructure made it necessary to minimize the potential for supply disruption and create the greatest flexibility possible for the fuel distribution system to respond to this disaster. By the middle of September, repairs to pipelines and increased production capacity were such that a further nationwide waiver was not necessary.

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Will the fuels waivers affect air quality and cause adverse health effects?

We believe the fuels waivers will have minimal impact on air quality due to their short durations. On Sept. 15, the winter fuel regulations took effect. The year-round sulfur controls for diesel fuel are also only relaxed for a short period of time, and after Sept. 15 only to a limited geographic area.

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How will the fuels waivers affect imported fuel?

Fuel imported into the country is subject to the same requirements as domestically produced fuel, and the fuel waivers apply to imported fuel as well as domestically produced fuel. The emergency fuel waivers are limited, and do not allow otherwise illegal gasoline, such as leaded gasoline or gasoline having a sulfur content exceeding 300 ppm, to be imported into the United States.

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If a truck is fueled with high sulfur diesel fuel under an EPA waiver, may that truck be driven to a state where the waiver does not apply?

The waiver allows the distribution and sale of diesel fuel that does not meet the EPA sulfur and dye requirements in the states and during the time periods specified in the waivers. There is no restriction on where vehicles that have been fueled with waiver fuel may be operated. As a consequence, vehicles that have been fueled with waiver fuel may be operated in any state, including states where the waiver does not apply.

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Children’s Health: Hurricane and Flood Disasters

Introduction

Children are different from adults. They may be more vulnerable to chemicals and organisms they are exposed to in the environment because:

Emergency management takes place in four phases—(1) Prevention/Mitigation; (2) Preparedness; (3) Response; (4) Recovery. The advice and recommendations in the questions and answers below have been categorized according to the most relevant phase to help you better protect your children.

When there is any doubt, we recommend you err on the side of caution to keep your children safe.

Questions & Answers

(1) Prevention/Mitigation and (2) Preparedness
Prevention/mitigation is taking early actions to avoid the negative impacts of natural disasters while attempting to minimize related environmental, technological and biological hazards. Preparedness is developing policies, protocols, information, training, planning and coordination for potential crises.

General Questions

Air Pollution

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Asthma Awareness

Safe Water

Safe Food

(3)Response and (4) Recovery
Response is taking action to effectively contain and resolve the crisis or emergency. Recovery is the healing process and the ability to resume day-to-day activities in the impacted area(s).

General Questions

Safe Water

Safe Food

Newborns/Babies and Breastfeeding

Mold

Home Restoration

Flood Related Issues

For More Information

(1) Prevention/Mitigation and (2) Preparedness

General Questions

What types of environmental health hazards are especially important to consider for protecting children?

There are many. Air pollution, lack of a reliable water supply, sewage and sanitation services, food supply, electricity and communication networks could all place children in harm’s way. The air may be polluted by the dust from debris, mold, and fumes from household chemicals being used for clean-up and restoration. Water may not be safe for children to drink and debris and mud may contain disease-causing organisms and chemicals that could potentially harm children. Lack of sanitation and sewage services could lead to infections and diarrheal diseases. Flood water in homes and schools may cause mold growth, deterioration of lead paint, and structural damage. Mold growth will be one of the most challenging and long-term problems resulting from the hurricanes and floods. Standing water may result in more mosquitoes and other pests. As the debris and mud begin to dry out, the amount of dust in the air will increase. Clean-up activities may expose children to a variety of chemicals.

List of all children's health questions
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What is the easiest way for me to protect my child from these environmental health hazards?

We urge pregnant women and children, including teens, to stay outside the affected zone until public water officials or the local health agency assure you that essential services are fully restored. Essential services are: electric power, clean drinking water, phone, sanitation services, and emergency and hospital services.

Pregnant women, children, and teens should also avoid returning to areas that are undergoing extensive clean up, renovation, or re-building. If your home had serious water damage, it is not a good idea to return there with young children, especially if they have allergies or asthma. Living in a damp or moldy home can cause serious breathing problems in some children.

As families return to their neighborhoods, continued care will be needed to address potential environmental health risks in homes, schools and playgrounds.

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How do I reduce the risk of rodent infestation?

If rodents continue to be a problem, contact a pest control professional.

List of all children's health questions
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Is it safe for me to use pesticides in and around the house to get rid of cockroaches, rats, and other pests?

Pesticides can be harmful to a child’s developing nervous and immune systems, so they should be used sparingly and strictly according to label directions. Choose the least toxic pesticide for the particular pest problem. Baits that are out of reach of children and crack and crevice treatments are better to use around children than foggers, sprays, powders, and dusts.

If foggers, sprays, powders or dusts are used, pregnant women, children, and pets need to leave the area and not return until treatment is completed according to instructions and the area has been well-ventilated.

All pesticides need to be stored out of reach of children and in original labeled containers. Accidental ingestion by children is a common and serious problem that is more frequent during times of moving or other chaos around the house.

If pesticides are being applied by a commercial company, it is very important that you make sure that they are legally certified pesticide applicators. Many of the worst problems in recent years have resulted from hiring non-certified applicators who apply materials that are not appropriate for indoor or household application.

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What symptoms should I watch out for in my child if she/he has been exposed to harmful pesticides?

Children are more vulnerable to immediate or long-term health effects of pesticide exposure. Symptoms can often be mistaken for other causes. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1212 if your child has any of these symptoms: vomiting or diarrhea, persistent headache, visual difficulties, problems with memory or concentration, dizziness, confusion, seizures, difficulty walking, shortness of breath or wheezing.

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Air Pollution

Are children more susceptible than healthy adults to the harmful effects of air pollution?

Yes. Dust from debris, mold, and fumes from household chemicals will take a harder toll on children than adults for many reasons. First, children’s airways are smaller making it easier for air pollutants to irritate them and cause them to narrow. Second, children breathe more rapidly than adults so they inhale more pollutants per pound of body weight. And, third, children’s lungs are still growing, and repeated exposures to air pollution may limit the growth of children’s lungs and make them more vulnerable to chronic lung disease.

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Carbon Monoxide (CO)

How can I tell if my child has carbon monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always obvious, especially in children. If your child or anyone else in your family starts to feel sick, dizzy or weak or experiences a headache, chest pain or confusion, get to fresh air right away and seek medical care as soon as possible. Your child’s skin under the fingernails may also turn cherry-red if he/she has been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.

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What can I do to protect my child from carbon monoxide poisoning?

Do not use gasoline-powered generators indoors or within 10 feet of windows, doors or any other air intake. Gasoline-powered pressure washers, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal grills also should not be used in homes, garages, or any other confined space such as attics or crawl spaces, or even outdoors within 10 feet of windows, doors or other air intakes.

Remember that simply opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home or in partially enclosed areas such as a garage. Check vents and chimneys to assure that debris does not block or reduce the exhaust from water heaters and gas furnaces.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm that meets UL, IAS, or Canadian standards. These are generally available at local hardware stores.

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Asthma Awareness

My child is prone to asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Before I return, do I need to take special precautions?

Yes. Particle pollution and dust in the air from fires and debris, and fumes from petroleum spills, heavy machinery, household chemicals, pesticides, and mold, may cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and irritation of nasal passages and airways.

Children who already have asthma may experience a worsening of their symptoms, and it is extremely important for you to have their inhalers and other prescription medicines readily available.

Keep children, particularly those with asthma, away from areas that contain debris, where fuel or chemical spills have occurred, and where household chemicals or pesticides are being used.

Children should be kept out of areas where there are large amounts of dust from construction equipment exhaust, and from destroyed buildings.

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How would I know if my child is having an asthma attack?

Immediately seek medical care if your infant, child or teen begins to experience persistent coughing, wheezing, fast breathing, or has to stop playing because he or she cannot catch his/her breath.

Sometimes infants will not obviously wheeze, and instead, will just look pale or will need to take frequent breaks when breastfeeding or sucking on a bottle. In infants, you may notice that their skin is sucking in between or under their ribs.

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Safe water

What symptoms might my child show if he/she has drunk contaminated water?

Your child may or may not show symptoms or become ill from swallowing small amounts of contaminated water. Symptoms can vary by contaminant. If your child drinks water contaminated with disease-causing organisms, she/he may come down with symptoms similar to the “stomach flu”. These include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms could lead to dehydration.

Some contaminants, such as pesticides and gasoline, may cause the water to smell and taste strange, and others such as lead and disease-causing organisms may not be detectable. Drinking water contaminated with chemicals like lead or gasoline may not cause immediate symptoms or cause your child to become ill but could still potentially harm your child’s developing brain or immune system.

Because you cannot be sure the water is safe until private wells are professionally tested or city water is certified as safe by local officials, we urge parents to take every precaution to make sure their child’s drinking water is safe.

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Are children dehydrated more rapidly than adults? What symptoms might my child show if she/he is dehydrated?

Yes, Dehydration occurs more rapidly in infants and children than adults, and therefore it is important to keep infants and children drinking plenty of safe fluids. Dehydration can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, and not drinking an adequate amount of fluids. Staying hydrated is especially important in hot climates.

Signs of dehydration include decreased energy levels, slowing of movements, dry mouth, decreased urination, and no tears. Infants up to 18 months old have a soft spot at the top and front of their skull that may appear sunken. If your child has signs of dehydration or numerous bouts of vomiting or diarrhea you should seek medical help immediately.

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How can I find out if my tap water is safe for my child to drink?

If you have public water, contact your local public health officials for the most current information on drinking water safety.

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What should I do if I use water from a well?

Your well may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms or other pollutants if it was subject to flooding. Do not drink water from the flooded well or use it for bathing, cooking or other purposes until you have consulted with your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent. Do NOT turn on the pump, and do NOT flush the well with water. Contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice on disinfecting your well. More information on how to manage a flooded well is available at: https://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/whatdo.html .

If you have private well water, you will need to arrange for it to be tested. Testing should include, at the very least, tests for coliform bacteria and nitrates. Tests for chemicals will depend on where you live and what the potential contaminants might be, and we recommend that you contact your local health agency for guidance. In the meantime, it is best to assume that the water may be contaminated, and to drink bottled water until the safety of your tap water is confirmed. Use bottled water for cooking and brushing teeth as well.

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Safe Food

Is it safe for my child to eat locally-caught fish or shellfish?

We recommend that pregnant women and children avoid eating any locally-caught fresh, saltwater fish and shellfish until local public health authorities can verify the safety. It is best to always check with your local health authorities and obey any public fish advisories, even in the absence of a local disaster, before consuming any locally-caught fish or shellfish.

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(3) Response and (4) Recovery

General Questions

Which types of environmental exposures pose significant risks to the health of my children? 

There are many. Lack of a reliable water supply, sewage and sanitation services, food supply, electricity and communication networks could all place children in harm’s way. More specifically, water may not be safe for children to drink and debris and mud may contain disease-causing organisms and chemicals that could potentially harm children. Lack of sanitation and sewage services could lead to infections and diarrheal diseases. Flood water in homes and schools may cause mold growth, deterioration of lead paint, and structural damage. Mold growth will be one of the most challenging and long-term problems resulting from the hurricanes and floods. Standing water may result in more mosquitoes and other pests. As the debris and mud begin to dry out, the amount of dust in the air will increase. Clean-up activities may expose children to a variety of chemicals.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

How can I protect my children from these environmental health hazards?

We urge pregnant women and children, including teens, to stay outside the impacted zone until public water officials or the local health agency assure you that essential services are fully restored. These include power, clean drinking water, phone, sanitation services, and emergency and hospital services.

Pregnant women, children, and teens should also avoid returning to areas that are undergoing extensive clean up, renovation, or re-building. If your home had serious water damage, it is not a good idea to return there with young children, especially if they have allergies or asthma. Living in a damp or moldy home can cause serious breathing problems in some children.

As families return to their neighborhoods, continued care will be needed to address potential environmental health risks in homes, schools and playgrounds.

I can see gasoline or oil spills around my home, is there something I should be worried about?

Yes. Gasoline and oil spills pose a fire risk. In addition, children and teens can be exposed to the chemicals in gasoline or oil by breathing in their fumes, by swallowing them, or by getting them on their skin. Immediate health effects will vary and will depend largely on how your child is exposed and the amount of the exposure.

Symptoms may include asthma-type reactions like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, or dizziness or loss of consciousness. Long-term health effects may include an increased risk for certain cancers.

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List of all questions

Our neighborhood does not have electricity yet. Instead, we are using a gas–powered generator. Is there anything that I need to watch out for with my children?

Yes. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gasoline, propane, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. You can’t see or smell or taste carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill you or your child or cause serious brain damage. Fetuses and infants are especially vulnerable to the life-threatening effects of carbon monoxide.

Do not use gasoline-powered generators indoors or within 10 feet of windows, doors or any other air intake. Simply opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home or in partially enclosed areas such as a garage. Contact an expert to check vents and chimneys to assure that debris does not block or reduce the exhaust from water heaters and gas furnaces.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm that meets UL, IAS, or Canadian standards.

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List of all questions

Safe Water

If many public water supplies and wells were contaminated by flood waters that contain chemicals, heavy metals, and disease-causing organisms, what should I do to make sure my child is drinking safe water?

Yes, many wells and water supplies may be contaminated and could remain unsafe to drink. Both ground water and surface water sources of drinking water may be contaminated due to flooding. While all people need safe drinking water, it is especially important for children because they are more vulnerable to harm from contaminated drinking water. Until you are certain that your tap water meets federal drinking water standards, either by receiving information from your local water utility or testing your private well, pregnant women and children should drink bottled water. Bottled water should also be used to mix baby formula and for cooking.

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What if I can’t get bottled water? Is it safe to boil tap water?

Your public water system or local health agency will inform you if you need to boil water prior to using if for drinking and cooking. Additional information about emergency disinfection of drinking water is available at https://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html.

Tap water that has been brought to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute will kill disease-causing organisms, and will also eliminate some chemicals. Boiling will not remove many potentially harmful chemicals, including heavy metals. Boiling tap water may actually increase concentrations of heavy metals, including lead, which can be particularly harmful to your child’s developing nervous system.

However, if there is no bottled water available, it is better to give children boiled water - for a short period of time - than to let them drink tap water that has not been boiled. Boiling water should be cool before using for drinking or washing purposes.

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What about chemically treating tap water?

Chemically treating tap water with either chlorine or iodine will kill many disease-causing organisms, but will not remove harmful chemicals or heavy metals.

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How do I clean containers that will be used to hold drinking water?

  1. Clean surfaces thoroughly with soap and water, then rinse.
  2. For gallon-sized containers, add approximately 1 teaspoon of bleach to a gallon of water to make a bleach solution.
  3. Cover the container and agitate the bleach solution thoroughly, allowing it to contact all inside surfaces. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes, then rinse with potable water.

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What type of water should I use to bathe my child?

Until you are certain that your tap water is safe to drink, we recommend that you give your child a sponge bath using bottled water which has been heated to a comfortable temperature. Test the temperature by putting your hand in the water and remember that infant skin burns more easily than adult skin.

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Safe Food

How do I make sure the food that my child eats is safe?

Generally speaking, food that is safe for you to eat will be safe for your child to eat. Throw out ALL perishable food and any food that may have come in contact with floodwaters or household debris! Food that should be discarded after contact with flood water includes: food in freezers; food stored in canisters or any unopened jars with twist seals (including baby food), screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles); food stored in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, or cellophane; and home-canned goods. Screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps and home-canned items cannot be safely disinfected.

If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Relabel the cans with a marker.

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Newborns/Babies and Breastfeeding

I may have been directly exposed to contaminated floodwaters. Is it safe for me to continue breast feeding?

Yes. Breastfeeding is the best possible food for your baby. Breastfeeding will help protect your baby from the contaminants in the water. But it is also important to make sure that if you are breastfeeding, that you drink plenty of bottled water to protect both yourself and your baby from dehydration.

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My baby is formula-fed. Do I need to take special precautions in preparing it?

Yes. Until you are certain about your tap water’s safety, infants who are formula-fed should be fed ready-to-feed formula or formula that is mixed using bottled water. As mentioned before, THROW OUT baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers that have come in contact with flood waters or debris.

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Mold

When I return home, should I be concerned about mold and its potential effect on the health of my children?

Extensive water damage after major hurricanes and floods increases the likelihood of mold contamination in buildings (MMWR, 2006). Many experts feel that mold will be one of the most challenging and long-term problems in flooded areas.

Children exposed to mold may show a wide range of symptoms varying in severity, from the more common hay-fever-like reactions (such as stuffy nose, red, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing) to asthma attacks.

Infants may be even more vulnerable to the health effects of mold because of their developing immune systems.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

How do I protect my child from exposure to mold?

Do everything you can to try to decrease your child’s exposure to indoor mold. Young children and pregnant women should avoid exposure to mold.

You can clean smooth, hard surface materials such as metal and plastics with soap and water and dry thoroughly.

If you use bleach, other disinfectants or biocides, remember:

Water damaged items made of more absorbent materials like paper, cloth, and wood, (upholstery, carpets, padding, curtains, clothes, stuffed animals) are impossible to clean and should be discarded.

Homes or apartments that sustained heavy water damage will be extremely difficult to clean and will require extensive repair or complete remodeling. We strongly advise that children not stay in these buildings.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

Our home was only slightly water damaged. All of us are doing fine except my one child who is beginning to cough and sometimes wheeze. Could mold still be the culprit?

Yes. Buildings wet for >48 hours will generally contain visible and extensive mold growth and should be remediated. Excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination. Some children are more susceptible than others to mold, especially those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions (MMWR, 2006).

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

Home Restoration

I know that my young children should not help with clean up, but what about teenagers?

Teens are still growing and developing, especially their reproductive, nervous, and immune systems, and whenever possible they should not participate in clean-ups. Older teens may help adults with minor clean-ups but only if they wear protective gear including goggles, heavy work gloves, long pants, shirts, socks, boots, and a properly fitting N-95 respirator.

Teens are less likely to understand dangers and may underestimate the dangers of certain situations, or they may be reluctant about voicing their concerns about potential dangers. Adults should educate their older teens about possible environmental health hazards and check on them often.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

If I am repairing or demolishing a home or apartment built before the 1980’s, are there special concerns?

Yes, older homes may contain lead and/or asbestos, both of which may cause serious harm to children if special precautions are not taken. Lead is especially toxic to a child’s developing nervous system and will increase a child’s risk for learning disabilities and attention problems. It can be found in paint that was used in homes built before 1978 and often in the soil around those homes.

Any disturbance or removal of that paint will increase the amount of lead dust in the air or on the ground. Children or pregnant women who are in the immediate area can be exposed by unintentionally swallowing or breathing in the tiny lead dust particles.

Asbestos in the air, if inhaled, can damage lungs and cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Asbestos is found in many older homes, especially those built before 1970. Pipe or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roof shingles and sprayed-on soundproofing are a few materials that may contain asbestos. Disturbance or removal of these materials may release asbestos fibers into the air, making it easier for children to breathe it in.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

What precautions should I take during clean up or renovation if I suspect that my home contains asbestos or lead-based paint?

Before you begin your cleanup, seek help from public health authorities and specially trained contractors. Although conditions following a hurricane may make it difficult to obtain such assistance, EPA strongly advises against individuals attempting to handle such materials themselves. If you must handle debris or other potentially contaminated materials:

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

Flood Related Issues

I have been told to use diluted bleach to clean and disinfect things that came in contact with the floodwater. Can this be harmful to my children? What about other household cleaning products?

Yes. Household bleach contains chlorine, a very corrosive chemical which can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It is one of the most common cleaners accidentally swallowed by children; and children—especially those with asthma, should not be in the room while using these products.

Stronger is not always better. Using bleach straight from the bottle will not sanitize any better. Keep children away when preparing and using diluted bleach mixtures. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.

All household cleaning products should be stored in their original, labeled, containers. Keep all household products locked and out of your child’s reach.

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1212 immediately in case of poisoning.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

Can I still use kitchenware and utensils that were exposed to floodwaters?

In general, metal and glazed ceramic that are thoroughly washed and dried can be sanitized and kept, while plastic and wood items must be thrown away. Throw out ALL plastic dishware, baby bottles, nipples, pacifiers, and wooden cutting boards, because they can absorb contaminants or grow mold from the exposure to flood water and they cannot be properly sanitized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces in a four-step process:

  1. Wash with soap and warm, clean water.
  2. Rinse with clean water.
  3. Sanitize by immersing for 1 minute in a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of clean water.
  4. Allow to air dry.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

Do I need to be worried about my child playing in areas that were once flooded but are now dry? What about areas that may contain debris?

Yes, for two reasons. By allowing children to play in these areas, children will be at more risk for physical injuries, AND they will also be exposed to dirt and debris that may have been contaminated with hazardous chemicals like lead, asbestos, oil and gasoline. Children can be exposed in several ways -- by direct contact through their skin, by breathing in dust particles or fumes, or by putting their hands in their mouths.

Because children are especially vulnerable to both the short- and long-term health effects of these and other chemicals, do not let them play in these areas until the hazards are better understood.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

Can children play with toys that were in flood waters?

Throw away ALL soft or absorbent toys because it is impossible to clean them and they could harm your child. Hard plastic toys with cleanable surfaces may be cleaned. Before you let your child play with them, clean them with a diluted bleach solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach to five gallons of clean water and thoroughly dry them.

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

I’ve read that flood water may increase the number of mosquitoes and other disease causing pests in areas hardest hit by the hurricane. What steps should I take to protect my child from being bitten?

If used strictly according to the label instructions, insect repellants containing up to 30% Deet, Picardin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are generally regarded as safe for children to use and have been shown to ward off mosquitoes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that DEET not be used on infants less than 2 months of age and that Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus not be used on children under 3 years of age.

Read and follow label directions when applying insect repellants on children. Do not use under clothing and avoid applying on your child’s hands, on skin that is cut or irritated, or near his/her eyes or mouth. Once your child is away from mosquitoes, wash the repellant off. Avoid using products that combine insect repellant with sunscreen, as it may result in children using more repellant than necessary.

Other measures that will help decrease your child’s risk of being bitten include:

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions

For More Information

I would like to find out more about environmental health risks that could exist in areas affected by natural and/or man-made disasters. Who can I contact to learn more?

There is a list of centers and websites below that can be contacted to learn more about environmental health risks that could exist in areas affected by natural and/or man-mad disasters. For highly specific information and more complex questions we recommend consulting with your health care provider.

Questions about environmental health of children can be addressed to experts at the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs). The PEHSUs provides education and consultation for health professionals, public health professionals and others about the topic of children's environmental health. These units are staffed with pediatricians, occupational doctors, medical toxicologists and nurses, all with expertise on children’s environmental health issues, including asthma, mold, waterborne diseases, air pollution, pesticide poisonings and chemical exposures.

Pediatric Environmental Health Center
Children's Hospital, Boston
Serving Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont
Telephone: 1-888-Child14
Web site: www.childrenshospital.org/pehc  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
Harborview Medical Center, Seattle
Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington
Telephone: 1-887-KID-CHEM (1-877-543-2436; toll-free west of the Mississippi River)
or 206-526-2121
Web site: depts.washington.edu/pehsu/  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Mt. Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Unit
Mt. Sinai-Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, New York
Serving New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Telephone: 212-241-6173
Web site: http://www.mountsinai.org/Research/Centers%20Laboratories%20and%20Programs/Pediatric%20Environmental%20Health%20Specialty%20Unit  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Great Lakes Center for Children's Environmental Health
Cook County Hospital, Chicago
Serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin
Telephone: 1-800-672-3113 (toll-free) or 312-633-5310
Web site: www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/kids  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

The Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
Emory University, Atlanta
Serving Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee
Telephone: 1-877-337-3478 (1-877-33PEHSU)
Web site: www.sph.emory.edu/PEHSU  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
University of California-San Francisco (UCSF)/University of California-Irvine (UCI)
Serving Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands and Tribal Nations
Telephone: 1-415-206-4320 (for both sites)
Web site: www.ucsf.edu/ucpehsu  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health
University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
Serving Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma
Telephone: 1-888-901-5665 (toll-free)
Web site: www.swcpeh.org  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment (MACCHE)
George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
Serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia
Telephone: 1-866-MACCHE1 (1-866-622-2431)
Web site: www.health-e-kids.org  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Rocky Mountain Regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver
Serving Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota
Telephone: 1-877-800-5554 (toll-free)
Web site: rmrpehsu.org  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (MAPEHSU)
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Servicing Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
Regional Toll-Free Telephone: 800-421-9916; National Number: 913-588-6638
Web site: www2.kumc.edu/mapehsu/  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

Federal Agencies Contacts:

EPA’s Hurricane Katrina Web site
www.epa.gov/katrina

EPA’s Children’s Health Protection
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/homepage.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/environmental.asp

Children and Environmental Organizations:

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/new/disasterresources.htm  Link to EPA's External Link Disclaimer

List of all children's health questions
List of all questions


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