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For Immediate Release: November 7, 2005
ATLANTA - Elevated levels of arsenic were found at more than 700 properties in East Omaha, Neb., says a report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). High levels of arsenic might pose a health concern for some children and adults.
The public health consultation titled Arsenic in Soil in East Omaha, Nebraska, presents ATSDR findings about the site, and offers recommendations to protect health and prevent exposure.
Arsenic levels above 70 parts per million (ppm) are considered elevated; exposure at these levels are a concern for preschool children who eat soil while playing, this is called soil-pica behavior. After eating about one teaspoon of soil with high levels of arsenic, children may become sick. Also, adults who are exposed to elevated levels of arsenic in soil over several decades might have an increased risk for cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, kidney and liver.
In its health consultation, ATSDR makes the following recommendations:
Persons living on or owning property with a yard-wide average arsenic level above 70 ppm have received letters. ATSDR will hold community meetings in Omaha to discuss the health consultation. During these meetings ATSDR representatives will meet one-on-one with residents to address their questions and concerns. The meeting dates, times and locations follow:
Nov. 15
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
South High School
4519 S. 24th Street
Nov. 17
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Teacher Administration Building
3215 Cumming Street
Nov. 17
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
North High School
4410 North 36th Street
Nov. 19
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Juan Diego Center, Catholic Charities
5211 S. 31st Street
The health consultation, fact sheets and other information about the site are available online at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/omahash52. Copies of the consultation are also available at the following locations:
Members of the community who have questions about this health consultation or ATSDR activities at East Omaha Arsenic Site may contact Health Communications Specialist Yolanda Freeman or Toxicologist Dr. David Mellard, toll-free, at 1-888-422-8737. ATSDR Regional Representative Sue Casteel can also be contacted at 913-551-1314.
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 November
7, 2005
For more information, contact ATSDR at:
770-488-0700 or e-mail (news media)
ATSDR
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