Temporal and seasonal variation in the occurrence of chemical incidents
- 1Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2Chemical Hazard Management and Research Centre, Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, University of Birmingham, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr B Olowokure PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (West Midlands), 2nd Floor, Lincoln House, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK; bolowokurecdscwmid.demon.co.uk
- Accepted 27 March 2003
Abstract
Aims: To determine whether there were temporal or seasonal patterns in the occurrence of chemical incidents reported to the West Midlands Chemical Incident Surveillance System, UK.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of reports maintained on a computerised database was carried out for information received from January 1997 to December 2001.
Results: Annual numbers of events increased significantly from 77 (7.5%) in 1997 to 282 (27.4%) in 2001. Compared to the average of other seasons, proportionately more incidents occurred in the summer (29.3%). Compared with the average of other days, incidents were more likely to occur on Thursdays (17.1%) and least likely on Saturdays (8.9%). When grouped together on a six hourly basis incidents were most frequent between 12 00 and 17 59 (31.1%) and least frequent between 00 00 and 05 59 (21.2%).
Conclusions: The surveillance system shows that chemical incidents do not occur randomly but have marked temporal and seasonal variation. These results have implications for service provision, training, and the development of preventive strategies.
- ATSDR, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- CHMRC, Chemical Hazard Management and Research Centre
- HSEES, Hazardous Substances Emergency Event Surveillance System
- IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety
- RSPUs, regional service provider units
- WHO, World Health Organisation
- WMCISS, West Midlands Chemical Incident Surveillance System
