ATSDR was petitioned by a community group to investigate air emissions from Intel Corporation’s manufacturing plant in Rio Rancho, New Mexico in 2004. Residents living near the Intel facility have experienced symptoms that they believe are associated with the air emissions from the Intel facility. These symptoms include but are not limited to headache, cough, migraine, irritability, shortness of breath, seizures, throat irritation, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Community members also report smelling strong odors that are described as burnt coffee, acid, perfume, burnt wood and vinegar.
ATSDR is completing a Public Health Consultation that evaluates existing air sampling and monitoring data to evaluate whether public health concerns may be associated with the air emissions from the Intel facility. ATSDR is completing a second Public Health Consultation that discusses Intel’s potential and actual air emissions, air permits, compliance with air permits, and associated air modeling reports. ATSDR will post these two health consultations on this Web site in 2008.
Are Environmental Odors Toxic? (Poster) [PDF, 657 KB]
Just because it smells does not mean it is toxic.
Health Effects from Environmental Odors [PDF, 1.21 MB]
This is a presentation provided to the community in 2007 regarding the physical and quality of life effects of environmental odors on a community.
ATSDR’s Public Health Assessment/Consultation Process [PDF, 1.50 MB]
This is a presentation provided to the community in 2007 regarding the steps that ATSDR takes in completing a public health assessment or a public health consultation.
Cancer Presentation [PDF, 1.10 MB]
This is a presentation provided to the community in 2007 regarding what is known about environmental contaminants and cancer.