Appendix C: Landslide
After a landslide, children are more vulnerable to environmental health risks, such as exposure to contaminated water, soil, and debris, due to their developing immune systems and increased contact with hazardous materials.
Common Environmental Hazards
| Environmental Health Hazard | How a landslide might affect children's health |
|---|---|
| Air: Indoor Air Quality | Landslides can stir up dust and debris, leading to poor indoor air quality in affected areas. Children, who breathe faster and have smaller airways, are particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, or asthma, from inhaling dust and particulate matter. |
| Air: Outdoor Air Quality | Similar to indoor air quality, landslides can cause the release of dust, soot, and debris into the outdoor air, compromising air quality. Children, whose lungs are still developing, are more susceptible to the harmful effects of poor air quality, especially if they have pre-existing respiratory conditions. |
| Chemical: Asbestos | Landslides in areas with older buildings or infrastructure may disturb materials containing asbestos, releasing harmful fibers into the air. Children are more vulnerable to the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure, including lung disease, due to their smaller lung capacity and faster respiratory rates. |
| Chemical: Combustion Byproducts | If landslides involve the destruction of structures containing chemicals or flammable materials, hazardous combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), could be released. Children's developing organs and respiratory systems make them more sensitive to toxic air pollutants. |
| Chemical: Industrial Chemicals | Landslides may damage industrial or agricultural facilities, causing the release of chemicals into the environment. Children are at increased risk of exposure to industrial chemicals, which can affect their respiratory, neurological, and immune systems, particularly if they come into contact with contaminated soil or water. |
| Chemical: Lead & Heavy Metals | Landslides can disturb soil and debris in areas with heavy metals, such as lead or mercury from nearby industrial sites, which may be released into the environment. Children are more likely to absorb these metals at higher rates, increasing their risk of neurological and developmental damage. |
| Chemical: Pesticides & Herbicides | Landslides in rural or agricultural areas may move soil and debris contaminated with pesticides and herbicides. Children who are exposed to contaminated soil or water, either through play or consumption, are at higher risk of pesticide poisoning or other health issues related to chemical exposure. |
| Debris & Physical Hazards | Landslides often leave large amounts of debris, such as rocks, mud, and broken building materials. Children are particularly at risk for physical injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or crush injuries, from coming into contact with or playing near unstable debris. |
| Extreme Cold | In mountainous or colder regions, landslides may block roads, damage infrastructure, or disrupt heating systems, leaving children vulnerable to cold-related illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite, especially if homes or shelters are destroyed or damaged. |
| Extreme Heat | While landslides themselves do not cause extreme heat, the aftermath of landslides, such as infrastructure disruptions or power outages in hot climates may lead to heat stress or heatstroke in children. Without access to air conditioning or cooling systems, children in affected areas could face increased risk of heat-related illnesses. |
| Pest Management | Landslides can displace rodents, insects, and other pests, causing them to seek shelter in homes and schools. Children are at higher risk of contracting diseases transmitted by pests, such as leptospirosis from rodents or insect-borne illnesses like West Nile virus. |
| Water: Damage & Mold | Landslides can cause water damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure, leading to mold growth in damp environments. Children, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma, are more vulnerable to mold exposure, which can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate breathing problems. |
| Water: Drinking Water Safety | If landslides damage water infrastructure or contaminate water sources with debris or hazardous materials, drinking water may become unsafe. Children are more susceptible to gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea or stomach infections, from consuming contaminated water. |
| Water: Sewage & Wastewater Contaminants | Landslides may disrupt sewage systems or cause wastewater to overflow, leading to contamination of the local environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, such as cholera or E. coli, from exposure to sewage-contaminated water or soil. |
Educational Resources
Lessons Learned: Floods and Landslides | 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 Landslide Handbook – A Guide to Understanding Landslides | U.S. Geological Survey : This handbook is intended to be a resource for people affected by landslides to acquire further knowledge, especially about the conditions that are unique to their neighborhoods and communities.
Landslides & Debris Flows | Ready.gov: Preparing for and staying safe during landslides and debris flows.
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.
Landslide Safety | American Red Cross: Landslides have occurred in almost every state and can cause significant damage.