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a ected by chemical exposures. Addition- ally, future investigations and survey meth- ods (e.g., oversampling) could be beneficial in addressing this issue. Our findings are subject to limitations of the survey that was rapidly modified from an in-person, interviewer-administrated survey to an electronic, self-administrated survey with limited time for validation. The general health survey might not be representative of the entire exposed cohort because it used a convenience sample. Fur- ther, the general health survey was primar- ily accessed through a direct link emailed to registrants who signed up for COVID-19 vaccine updates and required respondents to provide contact information and demo- graphic information. This sampled popu- lation might be more comfortable with electronic communications, interested in public health activities, and agreeable to providing identifying information in sur- veys than the general public (Tripepi et al., 2010). The general health survey used an adapted Epi CASE survey—a brief survey
designed to capture information soon after a disaster—but it did not capture detailed information on behaviors that might have increased or decreased exposure, factors a ecting health status, or the nature of contact with material. Moreover, the gen- eral health survey did not collect detailed information, such as duration or intensity, about the characteristics of symptoms. Fur- thermore, the survey question about use of healthcare did not provide an option for respondents to indicate that they needed healthcare but lacked access, which could potentially mask the needs and experiences of di erent groups of people. Additionally, the 1-mi evacuation order and 3-mi mask- ing advisory might have a ected respon- dents’ exposure, perception of risks, and responses to survey questions. Conclusion An epidemiological assessment was per- formed after a large chemical fire at a facil- ity to identify potentially a ected areas and assess the health e ects of the fire in nearby
communities and among first responders. This investigation was successful in using several public health tools after a fire at an industrial chemical facility in Winnebago County, Illinois. High levels of reported symptom burden were identified among surveyed residents. There were associations between respondents’ reported contact with material or report of smelling an odor with any reported new or worsening symptom. Results from this investigation might assist the directing of public health resources to e ectively address immediate community needs and prepare for future incidents. Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the ocial position of CDC or ATSDR. Corresponding Author: Jasmine Y. Nakayama, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop S107-5, Chamblee, GA 30341. Email: qdt2@cdc.gov.
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Volume 85 • Number 7
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