KHOU-TV (CBS) Houston, Feb. 13, 2008 New research just completed at UTMB says people living near big chemical refineries in the Houston area could be facing a higher risk of stress-related illnesses. And that's why researchers say the findings are important; to let people here know they are at extra risk of stress-induced diseases simply by living here. The article and video quote researcher Kristen Peek, an associate professor in the Division of Sociomedical Sciences.