What is epidemiology? By definition, epidemiology is the study (scientific, systematic, and data-driven) of the distribution (frequency, pattern) and determinants (causes, risk factors) of health-related states and events (not just diseases) in specified populations (neighborhood, school, city, state, country, global). I took upon myself by going door to door in order to collect the data of people who live in the area and the symptoms they are experiencing. With that being said, I spoke with 51 individuals for hours at a time. All this data that was collected was presented to agencies who are investigating. I would like to share with the public some of my finding.
Out of these 51 individuals here is what they were experiencing:
38 people with skin conditions, boils and rashes
12 households who have seen cancer
19 people who have suffered memory loss
36 individuals with breathing issues, shortness of breath, and cough
31 individuals with sleeping problems
10 people who experience headaches
17 people who suffer from confusion
20 people who have eye pain or blurred vision
17 individuals who have gastrointestinal issues
16 people who have experienced buzzing/ringing in ears
10 individuals who experience dizzy spells
5 people who experienced major weight loss
7 individuals who have heart complications
8 individuals who have suffered one or more strokes
14 people who have unexplained runny nose or congestion
20 people who suffer from mood swings/irritability
11 individuals with mental health issues or anxiety and paranoia
22 individuals who have suffered from loss of feeling in their limbs
15 people who experience tremors, convulsions, or seizures
3 people who have kidney issues
There is very limited research and data on long term exposure to low levels of h2s that have been conducted. Per World Health Organization study on pulp mill workers who were exposed they stated they experienced these symptoms which are very similar to the study I conducted. the symptoms stated by WHO are convulsions, loss of concentration, headache, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, poor memory, dizziness, eye irritation, anxiety, amnesia, gastrointestinal issues, and lack of initiative. In their study "the need for epidemiological studies on possible effects of long-term, low-level hydrogen sulfide exposure is obvious" proves the fact that there is not many scientific studies on the effects of hydrogen sulfide to the human body and long term, low ppm exposure. This is an issue.
The state epidemiologist is only doing a study on cancer, and completely ignoring the other symptoms. There has still not been any initiative for testing on carcinogenic impurity possibilities. This is concerning because h2s is not proven to be a carcinogenic so will these illnesses go unreviewed by state agencies?
WVDEP we are still waiting for you to address everyone. Will you do some extra studying to "appease Mr. Bentley"?