Monday, August 17, 2009

Increased Suicide Rate Linked to Asphalt Plants

Here is an interesting study (thanks, Dr. Shea!):
Increase Suicide Rate is Possibly Linked to Chemicals Released from Nearby Asphalt Plant
from Duke Health.org
DURHAM, N.C. -- Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide and possibly other airborne chemicals from nearby asphalt plants may have contributed to an increased suicide rate in a North Carolina community, a study suggests for the first time.
In 2003, the suicide rate in two Salisbury, N.C., neighborhoods was found to be 128 per 100,000 individuals a year, roughly 10 times the statewide average...
[...]
Suicidal

The study team reported that additional neurotoxic compounds such as benzene, chlorinated solvents and carbon disulfide, among others, were released in unknown quantities by the asphalt terminal and hot-mix asphalt plant. Carbon disulfide, also a neurotoxin, has been linked to personality changes, mood disorders and suicides in occupational settings , the researchers said.

In addition, "Some research suggests that highway workers exposed to asphalt-solvent fumes show an increase of suicide rates and brain cancers."

Is this what we want for Burlington?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Simple solution: Don't kill youself.