Environmental and Health Assessment Following the Westlake Vinyl Fire: A Time-Sensitive Study

R21 Calvert City Abstract Environmental pollution from industrial activities in Calvert City, Kentucky, has raised significant public health concerns following a recent industrial accident involving the release of ethylene dichloride and other hazardous air pollutants. This project addresses the urgent need for comprehensive environmental and clinical monitoring to evaluate the health risks posed by such exposures, particularly given the occurrence of multiple cases of hemangiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer associated with exposure to these chemicals. Combining innovative environmental monitoring methods with community engagement and medical surveillance, this study seeks to identify exposure pathways, assess subclinical biomarkers, and empower affected residents. Through the establishment of air quality monitoring sites, wastewater surveillance, and quarterly biological sampling, the project will generate a holistic view of exposure and health risks. Advanced metabolomics analysis will be applied to measure biomarkers linked to the pathogenesis of hemangiosarcoma and related health conditions. Additionally, a rapid-response framework will be developed to enable timely environmental and clinical data collection in the event of future incidents. Community engagement will play a central role, with affected residents actively involved in data collection and dissemination to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. This two-year study will produce actionable data to inform community advocacy, public health interventions, and policy recommendations aimed at reducing cancer and cardiometabolic disease risks in Calvert City. By integrating environmental and clinical monitoring with community science, this project will not only advance the scientific understanding of industrial pollution impacts but also contribute to supporting the long-term well-being of the community. Project Number: 1R21ES038074-01 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) | Principal Investigator: Ted Smith (+1 co-PI) | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, LOUISVILLE, KY | Award Amount: $431,750 | Activity Code: R21 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZES1 LWJ-D (TS)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11272419