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The Five W's of ATSDR, the What, Why, Who, When, and Where The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been helping to protect public health throughout the United States for almost twenty years. What is ATSDR? The Agency is a federal entity with the primary mission of serving the public by using the best science, taking responsive public health actions, and providing trusted health information to prevent harmful exposures and disease related to toxic substances. Why was ATSDR established? Congress established ATSDR as a separate agency to ensure that public health issues at Superfund sites would be addressed. Congress also directed ATSDR to establish a national registry of serious diseases and illnesses and a national registry of persons exposed to toxic substances. Who is on the agency's staff? The agency's staff includes epidemiologists, physicians, toxicologists, engineers, public health educators, health communication specialists, environmental health specialists, hydrogeologists, and support personnel. When was ATSDR created? ATSDR was created by the Superfund law in 1980. Where is ATSDR located? The agency's headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, and there are ten regional offices throughout the United States, as well as an office in Washington, DC. How does ATSDR become involved with a site? Any person, group, or agency can request ATSDR's assistance on any health-related issues concerning toxic chemicals released into the environment. For more information on how to request ATSDR's assistance, contact the
ATSDR Information Center. The center's toll-free telephone number is Superfund Law
EPA maintains a Web site with information about NPL sites (also called Superfund sites). The Web address is http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites The National Priorities List
You can find ATSDR's reports on NPL sites available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/PHA. |
Last updated: February 14, 2008 | ATSDR
EPH Training Coordinator |
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