ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ATSDR Releases Assessment of Cancer Incidence

Assessment finds no unusual patterns of cancers

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2006

ATLANTA – Cancer incidence for the eight-county area surrounding the U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge Reservation, TN are consistent with most cancer levels across the state, says a report released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Using data from 1991-2000 from the Tennessee Cancer Registry, the assessment evaluated 42 cancer types for Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Meigs, Morgan, Rhea and Roane counties.  The assessment cannot determine the causes of cancer in the Oak Ridge area; it provides information about cancer rates and determines if any unusual pattern is occurring by comparing the community to the state.

The assessment is available for public comment and review through April 14. The public comment period is an opportunity for residents to review and comment on agency findings noted in the assessment. The assessment can be viewed at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/oakridge/, or at:

 

Oak Ridge Public Library Civic Center Oak Ridge, Tenn.	Harriman Public Library 1 Waldon Ave. Harriman, Tenn.
Kingston City Library 1004 Bradford Way Kingston, Tenn.	Roane State Community College 276 Patton Lane Harriman, Tenn.
Rockwood Public Library 117 N. Front Ave. Rockwood, Tenn.	Department of Energy Information Center 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike Oak Ridge, Tenn. 865-241-4780

Comments must be made in writing to:

Chief, Records Management Activity
ATSDR
1600 Clifton Road, N.E. (MS E-60)
Atlanta, GA 30333

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged into the ATSDR administrative record. All comments that are received along with ATSDR responses will appear in an appendix to the final version of the report. The names of individuals and groups who submit comments will not appear in the report. However, the names will be subject to release for requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

The Oak Ridge Field Office is now closed. Members of the community who have questions about this assessment may contact Epidemiologist Dhelia Williamson, toll free, at 1-888-422-8737.  For fact sheets and other questions, please contact Health Communication Specialist Loretta Bush, toll free, at 1-888-422-8737.

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.