ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ATSDR Releases Report on Health Impact of Contamination from
East Annex of the Kelly Air Force Base, TX

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2007

ATLANTA - The hazardous contaminants found in soil, private well water and soil gases from the East Kelly Air Force Base, TX occur at levels too low to cause health problems, says a report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The public health assessment is a follow up to a previous report and responds to community concerns about contamination moving from the east annex of the Air Force Base (also called the East Kelly AFB) to residential areas. ATSDR has determined the possible pathways for contaminant exposure from the East Kelly AFB are surface soil, private well water and soil gases. The agency makes the following conclusions and recommendations:

• Surface Soil – Contaminant levels in the soil on East Kelly AFB are low and do not pose a health hazard. The report goes on to say that it is unlikely that the contaminated soil from the East Kelly AFB will leave the base in the form of surface water, run-off or dust.

• Private Well Water – The shallow aquifer underneath the East Kelly AFB is contaminated. ATSDR reviewed water sample data from homeowner’s private wells to determine whether the private wells outside the base were contaminated. Sample results showed that while contaminants are in the wells, they occur at low levels that do not pose a health concern. The San Antonio Metro Health Department advised residents not to use their private wells for drinking water, ATSDR urges residents to follow this advice.

• Soil Gas – ATSDR reviewed soil gas samples to determine if the levels of gases released from the aquifer through the soil could cause health effects. Soil gas samples contained low levels of several chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to these low levels, either indoors or outdoors, will not cause health effects. The agency recommends continued monitoring of soil gas samples to check the levels of VOCs.

The health assessment can be viewed at:

J.F. Kennedy High School Library 1922 South General McMullen        San Antonio, Texas	Pan American Library          1122 West Pyron San Antonio, Texas
Las Palmas Library  515 Castroville Road San Antonio, Texas	Memorial Library 3222 Culebra San Antonio, Texas

The release of this document marks the completion of ATSDR’s involvement at the site. To request a copy of the health consultation or for more information, community members may contact ATSDR Toxicologist Frank Schnell at 404-498-0462 or FSchnell@cdc.gov or Health Communication Specialist Maria Teran-MacIver, RN at 404-498-1754 or MTeran-MacIver@cdc.gov.

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.

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Members of the news media can request an interview by calling the NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.