Community News

 

EAST PALESTINE, OHIO – February, 2023 –  On Friday February 3^rd at 9 p.m., 50 cars of a 141-car Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, which is in the northeast corner of the state near the Pennsylvania border. The derailment was felt to be due to a mechanical issue with the train. No injuries were reported. A large fire started near some of the derailed cars. Five of the cars were carrying hazardous chemicals, initially identified as vinyl chloride. These toxic chemicals had spilled at the derailment site and were released in the air and into the soil. Firefighters were fighting the fire, however, having hazardous materials near the fire made it difficult to safely put out the blaze. Two nights later, the temperature climbed rapidly in one of the rail cars, which contained the toxic substance, creating the potential for a major explosion. Under these circumstances, a controlled release was performed with small detonations and burn of all 5 cars containing the toxic material. The immediate area within 1 mile was evacuated because new toxic gases were emitted as combustion products and were potentially deadly. Governor DeWine called in the Ohio National Guard for assistance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is monitoring the situation. A remediation is underway.

Vinyl chloride is an industrial chemical and gas that is used to produce PVC, a hard plastic used for pipes. High levels of exposure are known to cause liver cancer, liver disease, and brain, lung and blood cancers. It is unknown what can happen to persons with low levels of exposure to this toxic chemical. Vinyl chloride can travel in the air and also disperse in water. In the air, vinyl chloride can become rapidly diluted and sunlight can cause it to chemically break down. However, people should get medical treatment for severe exposure, if they smell the chemical or have symptoms of itchiness or dizziness. Vinyl chloride is filtered from all public water, but private wells can become contaminated if it enters the groundwater. If the well water is heated then vinyl chloride gas is released from the contaminated water. It accumulates and reaches high levels when taking a shower or cooking. The effects are made worse in enclosed spaces like shower stalls and small kitchens. It is recommended that all residents with private wells drink bottled water until their wells are tested and cleared. Vinyl chloride can decompose in the topsoil because of microbes. However, if it passes into the subsoil, it can remain there for years.

Burning vinyl chloride can create hydrogen chloride and phosgene gases. Phosgene is an industrial chemical that is used to make plastics and pesticides. Exposure to this toxic chemical can cause eye irritation, dry burning throat, vomiting, coughing, breathing difficulty and chest pain. Phosgene was used as a chemical weapon in World War 1 as a choking agent. Hydrogen chloride can irritate the eyes, skin and breathing passages. Severe exposure can cause lung problems and even death. It can pass from the air into the ground water. Particle pollution can also result from burning many types of material. This pollutant can cause and aggravate heart and lung disease, childhood asthma, reduce life expectancy, and can increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Toxic material can attach themselves to the small particles, travel long distances through the air and settle in water and soil.

Four other toxic substances were identified on the train, days later, in addition to vinyl chloride. One is a known cancer-causing substance. Contact with them can irritate the eyes, skin and breathing passages and can cause shortness of breath. Other adverse health impacts may include dizziness, headaches, vomiting and blood in the urine.

The evacuation orders were lifted on February 8^th, when it was deemed that the air and water was safe by the EPA. The public water supply to Ohio and West Virginia has been deemed safe too. However, some of the toxic substances had spilled into the adjacent Ohio River near West Virginia. As of February 17^th, more than 1 thousand people have been adversely affected by exposure to the toxic chemicals.

Ohio Governor DeWine asked the CDC and HHS for assistance on February 16^th. The Biden administration has sent federal medical experts to the accident site to assess the public health impact of the train derailment. A chemical stench still lingers in the area; thousands of fish have been killed by the contamination in nearby rivers and streams; and many residents still complain of headaches and throat pain.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said during a February 16^th news conference, “I want the community to know that we hear you, we see you, and that we will get to the bottom of this.”

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – February 22, 2022 – There is a trend downward to the pre-holiday season COVID-19 community levels. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is low for the week ending February 13^th. More than two-thirds of the counties in North Carolina are low. More than three-quarters of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with about 2% at a high level. This is about the same as last week.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on February 11^th indicate:

• Last week’s total cases are down 23% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 32% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased by 1 and of ICU patients has increased by 2 from last week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a low community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:

• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space.
• If you plan on being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

Doctors from the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School conducted a survey of 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the New Jersey-New York (NJ-NY ) metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016. The results were recently published in the February issue of the journal of Pediatrics.

Autism is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” CDC data show that about 2% of children have been diagnosed with ASD in the United States. Children with ASD can be classified into groups with and without intellectual disability (ID). Having higher intellectual ability has been associated with having better functional outcomes.

The Rutgers study found that:

• Diagnosis rates are 3-times higher among 8-year-olds in the NJ-NY metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016.
• The diagnosis rates of children with average and above average IQs increased 5-times from 2000 rates
• Diagnosis rates increased most among children of wealthy families and without intellectual disability, as compared to Black and Hispanic children and children from underserved areas
• 1 out of 3 ASD children had ID
• Almost 80% of ASD children were male
• A greater proportion of ASD children with ID lived in underserved areas

Possible explanation for findings:

• Greater awareness of ASD
• Improvement of diagnosis methods and provider education
• Changes in the environment and genetics
• However, there is no evidence of any association with vaccines

Experts recommend early intervention to help ASD children with the development of communication skills and the ability to overcome socialization and behavioral challenges. Dr. Josephine Shenouda, an epidemiologist and lead author for the study, told NBC News that universal screening for autism is “not happening consistently, and even when it happens, the follow-through – where parents are referred to appropriate services – that’s also lacking.”

The authors are hoping that their data would help identify the cause of ASD and in planning for services. There is a shortage of special education teachers and staff (particularly in low resource communities) that is made worse by the sharp increase in the diagnosis of ASD and the need for early treatment. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents were unable have their children evaluated for ASD or be able to obtain the necessary treatment for them. The after-effects of this delay will be more apparent with the normalization of life after the COVID crisis.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we take care of ourselves. We can hop on the internet for virtual doctor visits, virtual wellness groups and for health education. This has greatly benefitted seniors, persons with poor mobility or without transportation, and people who are unable to take time off from work.

The North Carolina (NC) Center for Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville has developed a division called Healthy Aging NC to offer free in-person and virtual evidence-based programs to people in need. Project Manager Nadia Mazza, from Healthy Aging NC, says that “There’s something for anyone looking to improve their health or well-being, particularly older adults.”

Here are some of the programs that are available:

• A Matter of Balance is a program designed for people at risk or fearful of falling. The program teaches balance and strength exercises, fall prevention and how to create a safer environment at home.
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention can help improve balance, strength and mobility. The exercises have been specifically modified for older persons and people with arthritis.
• Living Healthy with Chronic Disease Management is designed for people with chronic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, stroke and arthritis. The program is also available in Spanish.
• Living Healthy with Diabetes Self-Management teaches people with type 2 diabetes about their disease. It offers support with exercise, healthy eating and medication. The program is also available in Spanish.
• Health Coaching pairs people with a coach to help identify health concerns and achieve health goals.
• The Social Bridging Project is for people who are experiencing isolation or loneliness. Trained individuals perform check-in phone calls. People can be connected with transportation services, meal deliveries and free wellness programs. Other benefits include training in how to use social media and electronic communication devices to help reduce isolation.
• Walk with Ease is for people with arthritis, heart disease and other chronic health conditions who would like to increase their physical activity. It consists of a health-or-exercise-related education session, followed by stretching and a 10 to 35-minute walk. The program is also available in Spanish.

Interested persons can sign up online or refer others at healthyagingnc.com. There is no cost for this service.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

There is a trend downward to the pre-holiday season COVID-19 community levels. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is low for the week ending February 6^th. More than two-thirds of the counties in North Carolina are low. More than three-quarters of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with about 2% at a high level.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on February 4^th indicate:

• Last week’s total cases are up 6% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 32% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster. Up 1% from last week.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has decreased 28% and of ICU patients has decreased by 50% from last week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a low community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:

• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space.
• If you plan on being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

WASHINGTON, DC – January 1, 2023 –  The United States’ Clean Air Act (CAA) is the foremost air quality law to reduce and control air pollution in our country. It was first passed in 1963. The law is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency sets standards for the maximum concentrations of pollutants in outdoor air and for maximum emissions of hazardous air pollutants from specific industrial sources. After the pollution standards are set, the state and local governments have to develop implementation plans to best achieve these standards. These plans are directed at either a major source or an “area” source. The CAA has been frequently challenged in court by groups seeking stricter guidelines and by other groups seeking less regulation.

The EPA regulates 6 ‘criteria’ air pollutants by using human heath-based and/or environmentally-based criteria data. The agency develops guidelines for the maximum concentration allowable in outdoor air. Five gases and particulate matter (PM) comprise these pollutants. The five gases are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone and sulfur oxides. PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. The EPA only regulates inhalable particles 10 micrometers or smaller. Large particles, like dust, pollen and mold, are about 2.5 to 10 micrometers in width, called PM₁₀ particles. Fine particles, derived from burning fuels and organic compounds, measure less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in width, called PM_2.5 particles. These particles are one thirtieth the width of a human hair. They usually form in the air following a chemical reaction between nitrogen and sulfa-based criteria gases.

The PM_2.5 particles, also called soot, pose a greater risk to human health than the PM₁₀ particles. Soot is linked to heart and lung disease and with early death. It also can adversely affect fetal health and is associated with childhood asthma. Breathing PM has been associated with 32 thousand deaths in the U.S. in 2020, according to a Lancet journal review. Many are related to fossil fuel combustion. Low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately are situated closer to highways and industry in urban areas, the major sources of particle pollution. Other vulnerable groups include outdoor workers, children, seniors, and persons with heart and lung disease.

In January, the EPA has proposed reducing the maximum concentration of PM_2.5 from 12 micrometers per cubic meter of air to between 9 and 10. This is based on the daily averages over the course of a year. The agency is taking public comment on these proposed limits for 60 days after the proposal is entered into the Federal Registry. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, the American Lung Association, the advocacy group Clean Air Now and the Union of Concerned Scientists are in favor of even lower standards, 8 micrograms per cubic meter of air, in order to better protect vulnerable groups that live closer to the sources of pollution.

Harold Wimmer, the president of the American Lung Association said to USA Today, “Inadequate standards leave too many communities behind. Strong particulate matter standards are needed to protect public health and further environmental justice.”

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour