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ESA News Release: [03/19/2007]
Contact Name: Dolline Hatchett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4651
Release Number: 07-0088-NAT

U.S. Labor Department launches Web Site on Toxic Substances at Facilities Covered by Compensation Act for Energy Employees

‘Site Exposure Matrices’ database will help eligible claimants obtain benefits

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced public availability of a database to provide information on toxic substance and chemical exposure at facilities covered under Part E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.

In an ongoing effort to obtain and organize exposure data for all covered Part E facilities, the department's Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation has constructed a database called the Site Exposure Matrices (SEM) to act as a repository of information about toxic substances present at covered facilities.

The site contains toxic substance exposure information related to Department of Energy (DOE) and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act facilities. To assist compensation applicants in obtaining evidence of exposure in the workplace, the Labor Department has compiled records on more than 1,900 toxic substances at 24 major DOE sites, as well as more than 4,000 uranium mines and 48 uranium mills.

"We want to get money into the hands of eligible claimants as quickly as possible," said Shelby Hallmark, director of the Labor Department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. "The department created this database to help injured workers and their families get information they need, as well as to provide an avenue for workers to offer feedback and tips on where and when toxic substances were used at covered facilities."

The SEM database will be continually updated as new exposure evidence is identified and additional covered sites are evaluated.

The SEM Web site can be accessed at www.sem.dol.gov. Individuals can send e-mail comments regarding the site from a form located there or by writing directly to info@dol-sem-public.com. Those who wish to submit comments by mail should write to the Site Exposure Matrices Administrator, P.O. Box 1181, Columbus, OH 43216-1181.