Rice University

Time Sensitive Award Mechanism - Using Exposure Science to Identify Populations at Risk in the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

NIEHS Grant: R21ES029461

Hurricane Harvey hit the greater Huston area in August 2017, causing fierce winds, torrential rain, and extensive flooding. Flood waters are often contaminated with sewage and dangerous chemicals and therefore, pose various human health risks. Further dangers persist after flood waters recede including widespread mold and bacterial contamination of homes and businesses. In response to Hurricane Harvey, researchers from Rice University are using state-of-the-art data and exposure science methods to identify exposed individuals, as well as understand potential long-term health effects associated with this event. Researchers are integrating exposure data including soil, sediment, and air quality measurements from the greater Houston area. They are also integrating exposure data with health, housing, and spatial data. These integrated data resources will be available to both the research and public health communities. More importantly, they may provide valuable insight for protecting individuals at higher risk of hurricane-related exposures and help to evaluate sustainable solutions.