Rural Health Research Report: Toxic Release Inventory Discharges and Population Health Outcomes in Rural and Urban Areas

• Toxics Release Inventory Discharges and Population Health Outcomes in Rural and Urban Areas of the United States (Final Report)
• Toxics Release Inventory Discharges and Population Health Outcomes in Rural and Urban Areas of the United States (Policy Brief)

This study examines whether chemical releases from facilities monitored through the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program were associated with population mortality rates and birth outcomes for both rural and urban populations. They also examined whether rural and urban areas characterized by poor socioeconomic status or higher percentages of racial minorities had greater TRI releases. The results show significantly higher adjusted total mortality rates associated with greater air and water releases in both rural and urban counties, after controlling for the effects of other risk variables. Effects were found in rural areas for total, cardiovascular, and (marginally) cancer mortality outcomes. Suggestions for reducing emissions, further research to understand human health impacts, and improving rural health care are presented.