The HSEES system is a surveillance database established to provide data that can be used to reduce the illnesses and deaths resulting from acute hazardous substance releases. The system is funded by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and operates in 15 states, including Louisiana. The system has four goals:
- To describe the distribution and characteristics of acute hazardous substances releases.
- To describe the illnesses (morbidity) and deaths (mortality) experienced by employees, responders and the general public as a result of hazardous substance releases or threatened releases.
- To identify risk factors associated with the morbidity and mortality.
- To identify strategies that may reduce future morbidity and mortality resulting from the release of hazardous substances.