Public Health Approach to the Centralia Mine Fire

A mine fire in Centralia, Pa has been left to burn largely unabated since May of 1962. The health impacts on individuals and families who resided in Centralia have been little studied and, at present, remain poorly understood. This paper hopes to shed light on the subject by providing an analysis of the only known study to date. Additionally, the paper includes very preliminary results of interviews with 5 individuals who were children living in Centralia at the time of the fire. Information from the interviews is used to expand extant information about the consequences of the fire, particularly the health impact on the people who were interviewed. Just as the fire burned hidden from sight and resulted in unexpected and higher costs over time, the health consequences for Centralia's residents have been hidden and may also represent negative effects that should be taken into account.M.P.H., Public Health -- Drexel University, 201