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For Immediate Release: August 28, 2006
ATLANTA – The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) will offer free medical screening to former workers
who might be at risk for past exposure to asbestos during their employment
at the former Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Hamilton, New Jersey from 1948 to
1991.
The former plant processed vermiculite from a mine in Libby, Montana from
1948 to 1991. Vermiculite from Libby was found to contain asbestos and other
similar fibers. Exposure to asbestos might lead to respiratory illnesses.
Household members who lived with workers during their employment at the site
may also be eligible for the free screening. The workers’ household members
could have been exposed to asbestos if workers brought home asbestos fibers
on their clothes, shoes or bodies.
ATSDR and their contractor, Research Triangle International, recently sent
letters to a list of former workers and their household members provided by
the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS). Former
workers and their household members that did not receive a letter and would
like more information can call the NJDHSS Hazardous Site Health Evaluation
Program at (609) 584-5367.
Established by Congress in 1980 under the Superfund law, ATSDR conducts
public health assessments at each of the sites on the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency 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 NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.
Updated August 28, 2006
For more information, contact ATSDR at:
770-488-0700 or e-mail (news media)
ATSDR
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