Appendix C: Earthquake
Children are more vulnerable during earthquakes due to their smaller size, limited mobility, and lack of understanding of danger, making it harder for them to escape or respond appropriately.
Common Environmental Hazards
| Environmental Health Hazard | How an earthquake might affect children's health |
|---|---|
| Air: Indoor Air Quality | High poverty (25%+), low income ($46K median)Earthquakes can cause structural damage to buildings, leading to mold growth, dust, and debris accumulation inside homes, which can worsen respiratory issues, particularly for children with asthma or other respiratory conditions. |
| Air: Outdoor Air Quality | Earthquakes can shake loose dust, dirt, and debris from collapsed buildings, roads, or infrastructure, leading to poor outdoor air quality. Children may be more vulnerable to respiratory issues from airborne particulates in the aftermath. |
| Chemical: Asbestos | Earthquake damage to older buildings, especially those built before asbestos regulations, could release asbestos fibers into the air. Children are more susceptible to long-term lung diseases due to exposure to asbestos dust from damaged infrastructure. |
| Chemical: Combustion Byproducts | If the earthquake causes fires (from gas line ruptures, for example), combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other toxic fumes could harm children, whose respiratory systems are more sensitive. |
| Chemical: Industrial Chemicals | Earthquakes could damage chemical storage sites or industrial plants, resulting in hazardous chemical spills or leaks. Children living in or near affected areas would be at higher risk due to their increased exposure to contaminants. |
| Chemical: Lead & Heavy Metals | Earthquake damage to industrial facilities, sewage treatment plants, or power plants could release heavy metals like lead or mercury into the environment. Children are more vulnerable to heavy metal poisoning due to their smaller bodies and higher absorption rates. |
| Chemical: Pesticides & Herbicides | Earthquake-induced flooding or debris could spread pesticides or herbicides from nearby agricultural areas or households. Children playing outdoors are at greater risk of coming into contact with these chemicals. |
| Debris & Physical Hazards | Collapsed buildings, fallen trees, and other debris pose a direct physical hazard to children, with a higher likelihood of injuries. Additionally, debris may be contaminated with hazardous materials like glass, metals, and chemicals, which children are more likely to handle or be exposed to. |
| Extreme Cold | If an earthquake leads to power outages or damages heating systems, children may be at risk of hypothermia or frostbite, especially in colder climates or during the winter months when temperatures drop. |
| Extreme Heat | In warmer climates or after power outages in the summer, the absence of cooling systems could lead to heat-related illnesses. Children are at higher risk for dehydration and heatstroke due to their lower ability to regulate body temperature compared to adults. |
| Pest Management | Earthquakes may disrupt waste management and increase the presence of pests like rodents and insects. Children are particularly vulnerable to diseases transmitted by pests, especially in areas where buildings have been damaged, and food storage may be compromised. |
| Water: Damage & Mold | Earthquake damage can result in water leaks or flooding, leading to mold growth inside homes or buildings. Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions, particularly in children with developing immune systems. |
| Water: Drinking Water Safety | Earthquake damage to water supply systems or sewage lines can lead to contamination of drinking water. Children are more susceptible to waterborne illnesses, which can lead to gastrointestinal infections or more severe health impacts. |
| Water: Sewage & Wastewater Contaminants | Earthquakes can damage sewage systems or create flooding that leads to contamination from wastewater. Children are more likely to come into contact with these contaminants, increasing their risk for waterborne diseases. |
Educational Resources
Lessons Learned: Earthquakes | ASPR TRACIE: This Topic Collection the most robust and most useful peer-reviewed and other public and privately developed materials (e.g., fact sheets, technical briefs, articles, toolkits, webinars, and plans) helpful to stakeholders in improving healthcare system preparedness and resilience.
The Science of Earthquakes | U.S. Geological Survey: Explains how earthquakes occur due to sudden slips along faults caused by tectonic plate movements, describes associated phenomena like foreshocks and aftershocks, and details how seismic waves are recorded and measured to determine earthquake magnitude and intensity.
Earthquakes for Kids | U.S. Geological Survey: Links and resources to help children understand the science behind earthquakes.
Earthquakes | Ready.gov: Preparing for and staying safe during an earthquake.
Earthquakes | EPA: Environmental considerations to prepare for and recover after an earthquake.
Responding to Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather | Emergency Preparedness | CDC: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has created a document communicating key messages associated to the multiple hazards related to storms, floods, and hurricanes. The document is available for employers, emergency response and recovery workers, and volunteers.
Earthquake Education Resources | ShakeAlert®: Compendium of education resources, including interactive activities, video demonstrations, and animations.
Earthquake Resources Multimedia Library | Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC): Free videos for edutainment. This page includes links to several other resources and publications.
Earthquake Safety | American Red Cross: Learn what to do during an earthquake, and how to strengthen your home to prepare for an emergency.