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Appendix C: Tornado

Children’s Environmental Health Post-Disaster Assessment Toolkit 2.0

Children are particularly vulnerable after a tornado due to their developing bodies, which make them more susceptible to physical injuries, airborne toxins, and contaminated food or water.

Common Environmental Hazards

Environmental Health HazardHow a tornado might affect children's health
Air: Indoor Air QualityTornadoes can cause significant structural damage, including roof and wall collapses, leading to water damage and mold growth in affected homes and buildings. Children, with their faster respiratory rates and developing lungs, are especially susceptible to mold-related health problems, such as asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
Air: Outdoor Air QualityThe force of a tornado can stir up debris, dirt, and dust, leading to poor outdoor air quality in affected areas. Children are more vulnerable to respiratory issues, including coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, as they have faster breathing rates and smaller airways than adults.
Chemical: AsbestosTornadoes may damage older buildings or infrastructure that contain asbestos, causing dangerous fibers to be released into the air. Children are at higher risk for the long-term effects of asbestos exposure, including lung disease and cancers, due to their smaller lung capacity and increased breathing rates.
Chemical: Combustion ByproductsIf tornadoes cause fires or damage industrial sites, harmful combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be released into the air. Children's developing bodies and higher breathing rates make them more susceptible to the toxic effects of these chemicals, which can cause respiratory distress and other health issues.
Chemical: Industrial ChemicalsTornadoes can damage industrial facilities, leading to the release of hazardous chemicals like solvents, fuels, and other toxic substances into the environment. Children are especially at risk of exposure to these chemicals, which can cause poisoning, neurological damage, or respiratory issues.
Chemical: Lead & Heavy MetalsTornadoes may disturb industrial or construction sites containing heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or cadmium, releasing them into the environment. Children are more likely to absorb these metals, which can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other neurological issues.
Chemical: Pesticides & HerbicidesIf a tornado strikes agricultural areas, pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers may be dispersed into the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure, including neurological and developmental issues, as well as acute poisoning from direct contact or ingestion.
Debris & Physical HazardsTornadoes create large amounts of debris, including broken trees, metal, glass, and building materials. Children are at increased risk of injury from sharp objects, falling debris, or getting caught in unstable structures, especially if they are playing or wandering near the damaged area.
Extreme ColdWhile tornadoes typically occur in warmer weather, the destruction caused by a tornado, including power outages or damaged homes, could leave children exposed to cold conditions. Without heat or adequate clothing, children are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia or frostbite, in the aftermath.
Extreme HeatIf tornadoes cause widespread power outages, children may be left without cooling systems in hot climates. Without air conditioning or fans, children are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, especially if they are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.
Pest ManagementTornadoes can displace rodents, insects, and other pests, causing them to seek shelter in homes or buildings. Children are more vulnerable to diseases transmitted by pests, such as leptospirosis from rodents or insect-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Zika, or Lyme disease.
Water: Damage & MoldTornadoes can cause flooding, water damage, or broken water pipes, creating an environment conducive to mold growth in homes, schools, and other structures. Children are more vulnerable to mold exposure, which can exacerbate asthma, trigger allergic reactions, and cause respiratory distress.
Water: Drinking Water SafetyTornadoes may cause damage to water treatment facilities or disrupt water infrastructure, leading to contamination of drinking water. Children are especially susceptible to waterborne illnesses, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal infections, from consuming contaminated water or coming into contact with polluted water.
Water: Sewage & Wastewater ContaminantsTornadoes may disrupt sewage systems or cause wastewater to overflow, contaminating the environment. Children are more vulnerable to diseases transmitted through sewage-contaminated water, including E. coli, cholera, and other gastrointestinal diseases.


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