ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

Free Medical Screening Offered to Workers and Their Families Exposed to Asbestos at Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Santa Ana, California

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2006

ATLANTA - The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will offer free medical screening to workers who might have been exposed to asbestos during their employment at the W.R. Grace site in Santa Ana, California between 1972 and 1993.

The plant processed vermiculite from a mine in Libby, Montana, between 1972 and 1993. Vermiculite from Libby was found to contain asbestos. Exposure to asbestos may lead to respiratory illnesses.

Household members that lived with workers during their employment at the W.R. Grace site in Santa Ana between 1972 and 1993 may also be eligible for the free screening. These household members could have been exposed to asbestos if workers brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, shoes or bodies.

Workers and their household members who would like more information and to see if they qualify for a free screening can call toll-free 1-866-553-9207.

Established by Congress in 1980 under the Superfund law, ATSDR conducts public health assessments at each of the sites on the U.S. Environmental Agency National Priorities List, as well as other sites when petitioned.

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