Environmental Issues

Background of the Study
Natural disasters are now increasing in both frequency and intensity, thanks to the phenomenon we now call as climate change. Everywhere in the world we hear deaths and damage to property caused by various natural disasters. Just recently, Haiti, Chile and China were struck by high magnitude earthquakes. On the other hand, countries like Japan and the Philippines have thousands of casualties due to a tropical storm. The United States is no exception. In recent years, the country has been plagued by major hurricanes such as Ike, Rita, Wilma, and of course, Katrina, one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes of all time.

Hurricanes are known for their powerful, spiraling storms which tend to be violent at times. These are characterized by heavy rains and fierce winds which can damage lives, and destroy properties, both natural and manmade (Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 1993). It also causes great inland flooding and huge waves that crash ashore. In its aftermath, other problems arise.

There are three major aspects in human life that is being affected during hurricanes PhysicalBiological, EmotionalSpiritual, and Social.

PhysicalBiological. During and immediately after hurricanes, humans life is endangered. Flash floods and great landslides have claimed hundreds if not thousands of lives. Sometimes, explosions also occur, killing and injuring people. Debris from ruined physical structures like buildings and houses also posed as a hazard to peoples safety. Gas tanks and pipes containing noxious gases leaked, air- and waterborne microorganisms spread rapidly, and the inevitable climate shifts moodily that threaten the health of the people in the area of calamity. This is why, cases of influenza, cholera, and diarrhea, gas poisoning such as chlorine gas toxicity are expected during and after hurricanes. Aside from lives, strong hurricanes also damage properties, infrastructures, and natural resources like trees, farms, and mountains.

EmotionalSpiritual. With the devastating results caused by hurricanes, the emotional and spiritual life of people is gravely affected. Sorrow, regrets, anger, and mourning are the common feelings at these distressing times of storm.

Spiritually, people may either grow stronger or weaker in faith. Some people cling closer to God despite the agonies and destructions while some blame Him for the loss of their loved ones and properties. Further, the time of storm is literally and symbolically a time for reflection. Some people believe that hurricanes are actually Divine intervention. For example in the year 2005, Father Gerhard Maria Wagner, a parish priest at Windischgarsten in Austria since 1988, mentioned in a newsletter that Hurricane Katrina was Gods punishment for sin  a divine retribution for undue sexual (and homosexuality) permissiveness (Richard Owen, 2009, p. 1).

Social. Aside from their relationship with the Deity, peoples relationship with other people is also affected during times of hurricane. The havoc caused by the storm may build, deepen, or destroy human relationships.

At the times of strife, strangers help one another to survive. With this, new relationships start to flourish. Families and friends helping and holding on to each other tighten their bond. However, when people take advantage of others like stealing from them, misunderstandings ensue.

At this point, this case study targets to make recommendations for the safety of clean-up and rescue workers during and after their clean-up and rescue operation on times of hurricane disasters. This study will review related articles on hazards and safety measures for rescue and clean up personnel when hurricanes strike. Specifically, this paper aims to present proposals on resolving the physicalbiological hazards after hurricanes.

 Review Discussion and Recommendations
This part discusses reviews on related articles on the major hazards and recommended physicalbiological safety during retrieval and clean-up operations after hurricanes and the roles of working personnel.

Addressing specific hazards during hurricanes
Chlorine gas leakage. Chlorine gas is a toxic, rapidly spreading, pale yellow-green colored gas that has a strong, irritating odor which may be perceived as rotten egg smell or pineapple and pepper or bleach odor. Such sharp smell is already a warning to people that they have been exposed to chlorine gas (The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, 2010). Thus, a person who sniffed such odor should immediately be brought to where fresh air is. He should not sit as chlorine gas stays close to the ground it is heavier than air.

Before rescue and clean up operations, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or barrier materials is highly recommended. PPE protects them from exposure to radioactive, biological, and chemical hazards (Segal, 2010, p.1). PPE must include biochem suits which are encapsulating body protection, boots which are chemical-and liquid resistant for foot protection, gloves, and hooded powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) that deliver filtered air under positive pressure and provide respiratory and eye protection  (Services, 2008,  p.1). The whole body should be well protected as chlorine gas is highly corrosive to the bodys tissues, especially the moist membranes like the eyes, mouth, nose, and lungs.

Physical wounds, abrasions, contusions, punctures, burns, and lacerations. These are common cases during rescue and clean up operations. First aid skills should be oriented to the working personnel. Also, the use of PPE should be required to prevent such cases.

Waterborne diseases. Cholera and diarrhea are the most common waterborne diseases after hurricanes. This is due to contaminated water and food.

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent and loose watery stools occurring three times or more in a day. If not treated early, dehydration may occur. Severe dehydration can lead to death. Thus, during rescue and clean up operations, standby medical assistance should be ready with oral rehydration solutions for diarrhea victims to rehydrate them with water and electrolytes. If diarrhea prolongs, it may indicate other health problems such as cholera.

Cholera is an acute infection in the intestines caused by ingestion of Vibrio cholerae, a bacteria present in water or food contaminated with feces. It can kill healthy adults within hours. According to the World Health Organization (2010, p. 1), the disease is chiefly linked to deficient safe water access and proper sanitation, especially in places where environmental infrastructures are disrupted or have been destroyed.

Preventive measures for both diarrhea and cholera include drinking clean water. Observance of good hygiene such as systematic hand-washing especially after going to comfort rooms and before handling food should be emphasized.

Roles of working personnel
The industrial hygienist checks and analyzes health hazards and diseases in the work place to keep workers safe from potentially hazardous materials or situations, collects potentially lethal materials, prepares reports, and delegates tasks to technicians (Wisconsin AHEC, n.d.). data gathered should be reported to the environmental engineer, who is in charge for physical plants, wastes and regulatory issues. Meanwhile, the safety supervisor conducts orientation and training on PPE, first aid, and other safety measures for the clean up and rescue workers.

This case study aims that the health safety of clean up and rescue workers is secured.