Description

As the sink hole developed, the Bayou Corne/Grand Bayou community began complaining of odors and associated health impacts. Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) developed an Odor and Symptom Log For Use in Association with the Bayou Corne Incident and posted the Odor and Symptom Log on the LEAN web site. click here to view odor and symptom logclick here to view odor and symptom log

Analysis of air samples in the Bayou Corne/Grand Bayou area by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality demonstrated that the concentrations of toxic chemicals in the air, including Volatile Organic Compounds such as Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene, were below the Louisiana Ambient Air Standards. However, though the concentrations of toxic chemicals were below acceptable standards, health symptoms continue to be experienced and reported by community members.

Locations where odors and health symptoms were reported by community members:

Highway 70 between Bayou Corne and Gator Corner/Stop
Highway 70 and Gumbo Street
Highway 70 between Gumbo Street and Gator Corner/Stop
Gator Corner/Stop
Gumbo Street
Sauce Piquante
Crawfish Stew Street

Time Odors were observed
6:30 AM and 9 PM

Description of Odors
Diesel
Tar
Gas
Burning Trees

Source of Odors
Sink Hole
Drilling Operations

Health changes associated with odor event
84% of individuals reporting odors, experienced health impacts associated with the odor events

Health Symptoms
Headaches 68%
Sore Throat 53%
Nose Irritation 21%
Burning and Watery Eyes 21%
Fatigue 16%
Mood Changes 11%
Coughing 5%
Nose Bleed 5%
Skin Irritation 5%
Sleep Disorder 5%
Lightheadedness 5%
Behavioral Upset 5%
Fatigue 5%