Development of a data visualization platform that uses evidence-based recommendations of short-term guidelines for ambient air levels of benzene during disaster response

Abstract

Abstract Background Industrial disasters have led to hazardous air pollution and public health impacts. Response officials have limited exposure guidelines to consult during the event; often, guidelines are outdated and may not represent relevant elevated-exposure periods. During the 2019 Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Houston, large-scale releases of benzene—a hazardous chemical and known carcinogen—presented a public health threat. This incident, among others, highlight the need for effective response and nimble, rapid public health communication. Method We developed a data-driven visualization tool to store, display, and interpret ambient benzene concentration information to assist health officials during environmental emergencies. Guidance values to interpret risk from acute exposure to benzene were updated using recent literature and regulatory guidance, which additionally consider exposure periodicity. The visualization platform can process data from several types of sampling instruments and air monitors automatically and publicly display information in real-time, along with the associated risk information, and action recommendations. The protocol was validated by retrospectively applying it to the ITC event. Results The new guidance values are 6- to 30-times lower than those derived by the Texas regulatory agency. Fixed-site monitoring data assessed using the protocol and revised thresholds, indicated an additional 8 shelter-in-place and 17 air quality alerts would have occurred. At least one of these shelter-in-place alerts corresponded to prolonged, elevated benzene concentrations (~ 1000 ppb). Conclusion This new tool addresses essential gaps in timely communication of air pollution measurements, provides context to understand potential health risks from exposure to benzene, and provides a clear protocol for local officials in responding to industrial air releases of benzene. This type of protocol has been identified as a critical need by several community groups in the Houston region who have expressed concerns about disparities in air quality attributable, in part, to industry air emission exceedances.