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"PFAS soil concentrations surrounding a hazardous waste incinerator in East Liverpool, Ohio, an environmental justice community," Kaitlin Vollet Martin, Timothy J. Hilbert, Michael Reilly, W. Jay Christian, Anna Hoover, Kelly G. Pennell, Qunxing Ding, Erin N. Haynes
Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products. While PFAS provide product durability, these chemicals are ubiquitous, persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. These characteristics make the ultimate disposal of PFAS a challenge. One current disposal method is incineration; however, little research has been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of PFAS incineration.
Situated in eastern Ohio, East Liverpool is an Appalachian community that is home to a large hazardous-waste incinerator, operated by Heritage WTI, that began accepting PFAS in 2019. Residents are concerned that the disposal lacks the research necessary to assure safety for the residents. Due to both community interest and data gaps regarding PFAS incineration, our research team conducted a pilot study to examine the distribution and concentration of PFAS in soil samples surrounding the incinerator.
Conclusion: All 35 soil samples had measurable amounts of PFAS including perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)/GenX. Further research on PFAS disposal will advance knowledge and action related to regulatory requirements and exposure prevention, ultimately improving individual and community protections and health equity.
"Post-Acute Expenditures among Patients Discharged Home after Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: The COMprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS)," Yucheng Hou, Karishma D'Souza, Anna M Kucharska-Newton, Janet K Freburger, Cheryl D Bushnell, Jacqueline R Halladay, Pamela W Duncan, Justin G Trogdon
Abstract: The COMprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) pragmatic trial cluster-randomized 40 hospitals in North Carolina to the COMPASS transitional care (TC) post-acute care intervention or usual care. We estimated the difference in health care expenditures post-discharge for patients enrolled in the COMPASS-TC model of care compared to usual care.
Conclusion: The COMPASS-TC model did not significantly change patients' total healthcare expenditures for up to one-year post discharge.
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