Why we chose them

The case studies were selected for their similarities to events, impacts, and responses in Texas. We have selected three major events that occurred outside of Texas and impacted the health of residents. This section examined actions taken in response to prepare for the possibility of similar hazards occurring in Texas.

Flooding

The focus of this section is the frequent flooding in coastal regions of the United States. It focuses on the
  • destructive force
  • disastrous consequences
  • impact on the life of people
Our area of interest is on infrastructure, landfills, and food security.
Colonias

Texas has the largest number of colonia residents, over 500,000 people and about 2300 colonias. They are located along the US-Mexican border and primarily use makeshift wells and septic tanks. ​Wells in colonias might contain dangerous Escherichia coli or E-coli bacteria, arsenic, mercury, nitrate, boron, and vanadium be present in wells due to massive flooding 
​Superfund sites in the Texas coastal area

13/ 41 are located near Houston and seven sites in Houston itself. The impacts include carcinogenic and other toxic chemicals in floodwater
Post-Katrina
​Floodwaters had the following:
  • the spill of oil and oil products
  • waste products 
  • debris of houses and structures
  • damage of sewerage and treatment systems
  • industrial chemicals and other waste from Superfund facilities 
  • gasoline from gas tanks of cars and boats ​
Food security
Harvey’s flood virtually paralyzed the Texas agrarian activities. This included:
  • Losses of product
  • Infrastructure and industry 
  • Livestock farms and pastures 
  • Commercial and recreational fisheries 
The total losses to Texas farmers were more than $ 200 million. 

Water Quality

This section focuses on the Flint Michigan water crisis. What happened?
  1. Plan to switch from DWSD to KWA led to interim use of Flint River
  2. Water was not immediately treated and no corrosion control plans were in place
  3. Finding coliform bacteria and E. Coli led to increased use of added chlorines which resulted in increased TTHM 
  4. High levels of lead were also found in Flint residents’ water
  5. Switched back to initial water supplier, but the damage had been done
High levels of lead had contaminated the water through lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. This occurs when when corrosion control measures are not taken.
Health Effects
There are seen in both short and long term in all ages. 
Children
 
Children have been found with brain damage and effects on nervous system, growth and development. This leads to learning, behavior problems, hearing and speech issues. 
Adults

Adults have been found with increased mental health issues due to exposure, concern over children’s health, and finances. This can result in physical issues due to chronic stress and using substances to cope. 
Connection to Texas

Texas has a large fracking industry that pumps fluid down well at high pressure to crack shale to release oil and gas . the fracking fluid includes a combination of water, sand, and chemicals. Proximity to fracking sites can pollute water supply via:
  • Degradation of wells’ protective casing
  • Contaminants transferred through fractures
  • Mishandling wastewater

Air Quality

This section focuses on the air quality of Los Angeles, California due to it's similarity to high-density Texas cities and its status as one of the most polluted areas in the USA.
Transportation

The emission from cars, trucks, and ships contributes to pollution through gas emissions and particulate pollution. 
Oil & Gas Industries

California has 58,000 wells, most near the city of LA. Approximately 1.7 million residents live within one mile of active facilities and 61/187 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) were found near oil facilities.
Health Effects

​The health effects are as follows:
  • Coronary heart disease                    
  • Respiratory problems: asthma, decrease in lung function
  • Cancer
  • Other severe health problems 
Similarities to Texas
  • Metropolitan city with high populations
  • Traffic problem                          
  • Bay city                                         
  • High number of oil and gas facilities