Ongoing community concerns and health effects after jet fuel contamination of a drinking water system — Oahu, Hawaii, September 2022

Background In November 2021, jet fuel released from a storage facility contaminated a drinking water system serving military members and civilians in Oahu, Hawaii. An initial investigation by the Centers for Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR) and the Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) noted symptoms attributed to this novel exposure and recommended a follow-up assessment. The health advisory was fully amended and the water was deemed “safe for all purposes” on March 18, 2022. In September 2022, a follow-up Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) survey was deployed to assess ongoing community concerns and health effects. Methods The cross-sectional survey was available online and by telephone to those potentially exposed to the water contamination from November 20, 2021–March 18, 2022. We performed univariate and thematic analyses of structured and open-ended qualitative responses, respectively, on exposure, symptoms experienced, and other constructs. Results Among 972 respondents, 79% reported ≥1 symptom during the previous 30 days, and 84% still used alternative drinking water. Most (65%) expressed high confidence that their symptoms were related to contamination, 57% thought about the incident daily, and 22% reported no trusted information sources. Approximately half (49%) provided qualitative input, with themes describing far-reaching consequences and unmet needs. Conclusions Six months after the water was deemed safe, respondents still had concerns about water safety and continued to experience symptoms they attributed to the contamination incident. Ongoing monitoring, engagement, and support of affected communities are essential to address ongoing health effects and rebuild trust.