Appendix C: Hurricane
After a hurricane, children are at greater risk of environmental health issues, including exposure to contaminated water, mold, and hazardous debris. Their developing immune systems and smaller size make them more susceptible to infections, respiratory problems, and waterborne diseases.
Common Environmental Hazards
| Environmental Health Hazard | How a hurricane might affect children's health |
|---|---|
| Air: Indoor Air Quality | Hurricanes often lead to water damage in homes, leading to mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Children, with their faster breathing rates and developing respiratory systems, are particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, and mold-related infections. |
| Air: Outdoor Air Quality | Hurricanes can stir up debris and contaminants, worsening air quality in the affected areas. Children are more susceptible to respiratory distress from inhaling particulate matter, mold spores, and chemicals released into the air after the storm. |
| Chemical: Asbestos | Hurricanes can damage older buildings or infrastructure, which may contain asbestos. Children are more vulnerable to the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure, such as lung disease or cancer, due to their smaller lungs and increased rate of exposure. |
| Chemical: Combustion Byproducts | If hurricanes cause fires or damage industrial facilities, hazardous combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and smoke, could be released. Children, with their higher breathing rates and smaller body sizes, are more at risk from inhaling these toxic substances. |
| Chemical: Industrial Chemicals | If a hurricane causes flooding or damage to industrial facilities, it can release hazardous chemicals like solvents or fuels into the environment. Children, who may be exposed to contaminated air, soil, or water, are more at risk for health problems such as neurological damage, respiratory issues, or chemical burns. |
| Chemical: Lead & Heavy Metals | Hurricanes can disturb areas with heavy metal contamination, such as industrial zones or old infrastructure, releasing lead, mercury, or other metals into the environment. Children are at higher risk of absorbing these metals, which can negatively affect their neurological and developmental health. |
| Chemical: Pesticides & Herbicides | Hurricanes can wash agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, into surrounding areas, contaminating the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure, which can affect their neurological development, immune system, and cause acute poisoning from direct contact. |
| Debris & Physical Hazards | Hurricanes leave behind a massive amount of debris, including trees, building materials, and hazardous waste. Children are at increased risk of injury from sharp objects, falling debris, or getting caught in collapsed structures, especially if they are playing outdoors or exploring the damaged area. |
| Extreme Cold | In some rare late-season scenarios, hurricane effects such as inland flooding in areas with power outages may put children at risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to cold or wet conditions can increase the risk for frostbite or hypothermia. |
| Extreme Heat | Power outages from hurricanes can disrupt cooling systems, leaving children vulnerable to heat-related illnesses in the aftermath, especially in regions with high temperatures. Without air conditioning or fans, children are more likely to suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. |
| Pest Management | Hurricanes can displace insects, rodents, and other pests, pushing them into homes or schools. Children are particularly at risk of diseases carried by pests, including leptospirosis from rodents or insect-borne diseases like Zika, West Nile, or dengue fever. |
| Water: Damage & Mold | Flooding from hurricanes can cause widespread water damage, leading to mold growth in homes, schools, and community centers. Children are more susceptible to mold-related respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems, especially when they spend time in damp or water-damaged buildings. |
| Water: Drinking Water Safety | Floodwaters from hurricanes can contaminate drinking water sources with bacteria, viruses, or chemicals, making it unsafe for consumption. Children are at greater risk of gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea or vomiting from drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with polluted water during flooding. |
| Water: Sewage & Wastewater Contaminants | Hurricanes can overwhelm sewage systems and cause the release of untreated sewage into the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases like E. coli, cholera, and other gastrointestinal infections from contact with sewage-contaminated water or soil. |
Educational Resources
Hurricanes | General Hurricane Resources | ASPR TRACIE: This Topic Collection the most robust and most useful peer-reviewed and other public and privately developed materials (e.g., fact sheets, technical briefs, articles, toolkits, webinars, and plans) helpful to stakeholders in improving healthcare system preparedness and resilience.
Hurricanes | Ready.gov: Preparing for and staying safe during a hurricane.
Hurricanes | EPA: Environmental considerations to prepare for and recover after a hurricane.
How the Hurricane Made Me Feel (Activity Sheet) | CDC: An activity sheet that helps children express and process their emotions following a hurricane.
How the Hurricane Made Me Feel (Activity Sheet) | CDC (Spanish): Spanish version of the children's worksheet designed to support emotional expression after a hurricane.
Responding to Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather | Emergency Preparedness | CDC: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has created a document communicating key messages associated to the multiple hazards related to storms, floods, and hurricanes. The document is available for employers, emergency response and recovery workers, and volunteers.
Hurricane Safety | American Red Cross: Learn how to keep your home and family safe during a hurricane or typhoon.