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Through community input, the RISE project has given voice to residents affected by 2005 chlorine gas disaster
May 6, 2013
Dr. Lucy Annang
A study from the Arnold School of Public Health has examined the long-term impact of the nation’s largest chlorine gas disaster that occurred in Graniteville, S.C., on Jan. 6, 2005.
Nine people died, 250 were treated for chlorine exposure, and about 5,400 people living in a one-mile radius of the mill were evacuated for two weeks until the area could be decontaminated.
Researchers, including Dr. Lucy Annang of the Arnold School’s Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, utilized Photovoice, interviews with area health care providers, and analysis of hospital discharge data to understand the long-term impact, including health concerns.
The Restoration in Graniteville through Supportive Engagement (RISE) Project explored residents’ and health care providers’ thoughts on how the disaster affected their quality of life, health and health care services. Community Investigators (Tina Bevington and Louisiana Wright Sanders) and a community advisory board comprised of influential community members and advocates assisted in the development and implementation of the project. The project was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
“Concerns with physical health, specifically cancer and respiratory illness, were the most prominent themes from Photovoice and the health care provider interviews. Additionally, community residents reported having concerns with mental health challenges, a factor that was also noted by many health care providers,” said Annang.
“Results from the secondary data analysis corroborated findings from residents and health care providers with significantly increased reports of respiratory and mental health discharges three years after the disaster,” she said.
One study participant said of the disaster, “I have learned in the past seven years that there’s very little that the people of Graniteville can do. People say we have a voice, but we need someone to help us have a voice.”
The culmination of the program is taking place Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Cedar Creek West, Family Y of Graniteville. The “Healthy You, Healthy Graniteville” community event is free and open to the public. Activities for children, refreshments, giveaways and door prizes are planned.
The program also will provide information on health services for Graniteville area residents, the environment and the future of the community. Sponsored by the Arnold School of Public Health, the program will feature a panel discussion beginning at 11 a.m. about the aftermath of the chlorine gas disaster. Panelists will include the Rev. James Abraham, Carolyn Emanuel-McClain, Pastor Stephen Phillips, Karen Sprayberry, and Porter Walker Sr. Chad Mills will be moderator of the discussion.
Throughout the study, researchers and project leaders have shared updates and results with community members during health fairs and community meetings. Information also is being shared with all partners, stakeholders, local and regional health care providers and state and national agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Dr. Sacoby Wilson of the University of Maryland was the co-principal investigator on the study with Annang.
Other team members representing the Arnold School on the project were Dr. L. Julia Ball, Bethany Carlos, Evangeline Cornelius, Dr. Amy Brock Martin, and Chiwoneso Tinago.
