ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ATSDR Finds Hospitalizations, Medical Visits for Lung Disease Associated
with Levels of Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Pocatello, Chubbuck

Agency to Host Meeting to Discuss Findings at Site

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2005

ATLANTA - The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a follow up study to the 2001 report about air contamination for the Eastern Michaud Contamination site. The new report found that on days when there is increased particulate matter air pollution in Pocatello and Chubbuck, Idaho, there is also an increase in same-day hospitalizations and medical visits for lung disease. This finding and others will be presented at a public meeting on Sept. 21.

Air pollution consists of a mixture of gases, liquids and solids. Particulate matter (PM) is a part of this mixture. It consists of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air that people breathe.

ATSDR also finds evidence that children and especially the elderly are at an increased risk of hospitalization or medical visit for lung disease due to PM exposure. The study found no link between particulate matter air pollution and heart disease.

ATSDR will discuss these findings at community meetings to be held on Sept. 21 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Pond Student Union at Idaho State University, 1065 South Ceasar Chavez in Pocatello. During the meeting ATSDR representatives will present the study and answer questions.

Some of the major sources of PM exposures to the Chubbuck and Pocatello community during the study period (1994-2000) were phosphate industry wind blown dusts and wood burning. This study was designed to attempt to address community concerns about heart and lung disease related to air pollution in their community. The study does not determine if there was a relationship between any one source of PM exposure to the community and health effects.

ATSDR reviewed records from hospitals to find out how many people were treated or hospitalized for lung disease. The agency then compared this information with the amount of PM present each day.

The study is available for public review Sept. 14 through Oct. 17. The public comment period is an opportunity for residents to review and comment on agency findings or proposed activities noted in the assessment. Residents can review the document at:

Comments on the study must be made in writing. Mail comments to:

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged into the ATSDR administrative record, and available upon request.

Members of the community that have questions about the report may contact Senior Environmental Health Scientist Greg Ulirsch at 1-888-422-8737. ATSDR Regional Representative Richard Robinson also may be contacted at 206-553-5114.

ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.

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Members of the news media can request an interview with ATSDR staff by calling the ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.