Harvey-Related Chemical Fire (HCF) Study
The Wheeler et al. v. Arkema, Inc., Civil Action settlement is the rationale/reason for the conduct of this study. Our study team refers to the study as the "Harvey-related Chemical Fire (HCF)" study. The objective of the HCF study is to conduct surveys and environmental sampling to assess potential exposure to fire-related chemicals and their impact on the health and well-being of individuals who lived within one of the following geographic areas: Crosby, TX; Barrett, TX; Highlands, TX; Huffman, TX; Atascocita, TX; Baytown, TX; Channelview, TX; Cloverleaf, TX; Dayton, TX; Mont Belvieu, TX; or Sheldon, TX for at least one year between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. The study focuses on the location of the Arkema plant in Crosby, Texas, the site of the industrial fire that occurred in September 2017.
The overall goal of this study is to examine the potential long-term impact of exposure to fire-related chemicals on self-reported health outcomes of individuals who lived within the specified study area during the study period. The health outcomes of interest are (1) cancer incidence and (2) chronic respiratory disorders.
Staff in this project: A.O., I.S., M.C., E.B.
Assessing Community Benefit Agreement Effects on Neighborhood Characteristics and Displacement (ACEND)
This project examines how community benefit agreements (CBAS)-formal contracts between developers and community organizations-affect neighborhood improvement and displacement. Using 10-20 years of data from seven U.S. cities, the team investigates whether CBAs in racially segregated areas implemented between 2002 and 2008 have reduced health inequities through place-based changes like affordable housing and green spaces.
Staff in this project: A.O., I.S., E.B.