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For Immediate Release: June 15, 2005
ATLANTA - After reviewing data recorded from 1980-2001, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) determined that no harmful exposures to chemical or radioactive contaminants from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) site in Los Alamos, N.M., are occurring now. Nor are current conditions expected to cause illness in the future, the report says.
ATSDR examined possible human exposure to chemical contaminants and radionuclides in groundwater, surface soil, surface water and sediment, air, and plants and animals on and surrounding LANL. The results are in a report called a public health assessment.
Agency scientists reviewed monitoring data from 1980-2001. Pre-1980 data still are being gathered.
In its report, ATSDR notes that past LANL activities have released chemical and radioactive wastes to the soil, air and water surrounding the laboratory. However, agency scientists determined that contaminant levels are not high enough to make people sick.
Regarding specific ways people may be exposed, ATSDR finds
The ATSDR public health assessment is available for public review and comment. The public comment period runs through Aug. 8, 2005.
The public health assessment can be viewed at
Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board
1660 Old Pecos Trail, Suite B
Santa Fe, N.M.Santa Fe Public Library
145 Washington St.
Santa Fe, N.M.Department of Energy Community Relations Office
1619 Central Ave.
Los Alamos, N.M.
Comments on the public health assessment must be made in writing. Mail comments to
Records Center, ATSDR
ATTN: Los Alamos National Laboratory Site
1600 Clifton Road, N.E. (MS E-60)
Atlanta, GA 30333
Comments received during the public comment period will be logged in to ATSDR's administrative record for the health assessment. Comments received, without the names of individuals who submitted them, and ATSDR's responses to the comments will appear in an appendix to the final public health assessment. Names of those who submit comments, however, will be subject to release to requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.
For more information, community members can contact Health Physicist Michael Brooks or Community Involvement Specialist Maria Teran-MacIver toll-free at 1-888-422-8737. Senior Regional Representative George Pettigrew also may be contacted at 214-665-8361.
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 with ATSDR
staff by calling the NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.
Updated June
16, 2005
For more information, contact ATSDR at:
770-488-0700 or e-mail (news media)
ATSDR
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