Residential Creosote Exposure: An Assessment of Community Health and Environmental Health Risks in the Greater Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas

Abstract

The Greater Fifth Ward is a majority-minority environmental justice neighborhood in Houston, Texas, that experiences legacy pollution from various industries, Superfund sites, and former creosote facilities. Two cancer clusters were identified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in 2019 and 2021, that revealed a higher number of expected cancer cases within this neighborhood for both children and adults. To address these concerns a complete census was attempted utilizing a cross-sectional study design to collect environmental and survey data. A team of field trained individuals completed a health survey including (1) environmental risk perceptions, (2) cancer diagnosis, (3) noncancerous chronic conditions, (4) general physical and mental health scores (Short-Form Health Survey version 2), and (5) demographic, behavioral, and potential confounding variables. Additionally, water samples were assessed for concentrations of lead in drinking water from individual’s kitchen faucets and soil samples were taken from individuals yards characterizing the concentration and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Results were consistent with DSHS findings, of those surveyed (N=172) 40% of individuals were living with a chronic health condition and nearly 13% with a cancer diagnosis. Scores for general physical health in the community were significantly below the scores for the nation (p<0.001) and most individuals reported fears of environmental conditions in their neighborhood. Regional Soil Screening Level (RSL) analysis from soil samples (N=103) were consistent with expected concentrations in most major urban areas and imply low or negligible risk of cancer based upon current levels of most samples. However, 7 out of 103 (6.7%) samples had levels that may warrant additional investigation due to possible cancer risks above 1 in 10,000. Water sampling (N=175) uncovered that 98.3% (n=172) had detectable levels of lead in their drinking water, 14% of homes showed concentrations of lead above 1 part per billion (ppb) with one home having concentrations above the action level of 15 ppb set by the Environmental Protection Agency. This research contributes to our understanding of the breadth and magnitude of PAHs in the neighborhood, potential sources of exposure from contaminants of concern, and an ability to examine associated adverse health outcomes.