Public and Worker Health Concerns Following Crude Oil Derailments

Historically, the vast majority of crude oil has been transported from production sites to refineries via pipeline with lesser volumes transported via railway. The recent surge in U.S. crude oil production over the last few years has resulted in oil companies transporting more crude oil by rail. Data provided by the Association of American Railroads confirms a significant increase in crude oil transport via railway. In 2008, approximately 9,500 tank cars of crude oil were transported in the U.S. via Class I railroads; by the year 2012, this number increased to nearly 234,000 tank cars, and current estimates for 2013 report approximately 400,000 tank cars of crude oil were transported by rail. The derailment of tank cars containing crude oil presents an important public health concern, as highlighted by recent derailments in Canada and the U.S. The specific constituents of concern from a health risk perspective are dependent on multiple variables including the type of oil, meteorological conditions, fresh crude versus weathered crude oil, proximity to residential areas, and the presence or absence of fire. Aside from the presence of volatile organics, semi-volatile organics, and hydrocarbons, the presence of fire creates the potential for various combustion products and fire-smoke particulate matter. This presentation will address the potential health hazards to the public, and response workers posed by rail-related crude oil incidents as well as measures to protect response workers and the public.