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For Immediate Release: October 15, 2004
ATLANTA - People living near the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant (VAAP) in Chattanooga, Tenn., currently are not exposed to site-related contaminants at levels that would cause harmful health effects, according to the final version of a public health assessment issued by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
The public health assessment investigation evaluated potential sources of contamination associated with VAAP. When contaminants were found, the investigation determined if people were being exposed and to what degree.
In the past, large quantities of military-grade TNT were produced at the plant. The facility is now inactive.
Chemicals related to past production of trinitrotoluene (TNT) were the most commonly discovered contaminants at the base. Volatile organic compounds, pesticides and metals also were found.
There was not enough information for ATSDR to completely evaluate the potential for past exposure while the plant was producing TNT.
After evaluating available environmental information, ATSDR concluded:
Nearby residents might have had limited exposure to some contaminants
found in the soil, surface water or sediment. Exposure is not expected to
have caused illness.
While the base was producing TNT, local residents might have been exposed
to nitrogen and sulfur oxide air emissions. Such exposures can cause short-term
respiratory problems. There is not enough scientific data to determine if
long-term health problems could result from such exposures.
Some groundwater contaminants migrated off-base. There is not enough
sampling data to determine if nearby residents using private groundwater wells
for drinking water were exposed to those contaminants. All residents near
the base now are believed connected to the municipal water system, which provides
clean drinking water meeting federal, state and local standards.
The public health assessment is available at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County
Bicentennial Library, 1001 Broad St., Chattanooga. This final health assessment
includes ATSDR's responses to comments received during a 5-week, June-July
2004, public comment period.
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For more information, community members can contact Environmental Health Scientist
Sue Neurath or Health Communications Specialist Youlanda Outin, toll-free,
at 1-888-422-8737. Regional Representative Carl Blair also may be contacted
at 404-562-1786 or toll-free at 1-800-241-1754, ext. 1786. Callers should
refer to the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant site in Chattanooga, Tenn.
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.
Established by Congress in 1980 under the Superfund law, ATSDR conducts public health assessments at each of the sites on the EPA National Priorities List, as well as other sites when petitioned.
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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.
Updated by
R. Searfoss October 19, 2004
For more information, contact ATSDR at:
770-488-0700 or e-mail (news media)
ATSDR
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