Katrina as a Natech Disaster: Toxic Contamination and Long-Term Risks for Residents of New Orleans

Abstract

Hurricane Katrina's impacts have been debated and discussed as resulting from either natural forces or from the failure of man-made levees. However, both the immediate (3 years) and, most important, long-term (20 years or more) social and health consequences of Katrina must be understood in terms of natech disasters. Natech disasters combine etiological elements of both natural and technological disasters, and this conceptual framework forces a recognition of the risks of toxic contamination. A review of available information on the air quality and sediment contamination in New Orleans following Katrina's destruction and subsequent flooding provides data for justifying this natech classification. Furthermore, data on the awareness of contamination for residents of Orleans parish are presented, revealing that a majority feel they have been exposed, and one out of three are worried about neighborhood contamination. Suggestions for changes in risk assessment and public policy are also provided to mitigate the impacts of future natech disasters.