ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

Free Medical Screening Offered to Workers and Their Families Exposed to Asbestos at former Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Hamilton, New Jersey

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2006 

ATLANTA – The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will offer free medical screening to former workers who might be at risk for past exposure to asbestos during their employment at the former Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Hamilton, New Jersey from 1948 to 1991.

The former plant processed vermiculite from a mine in Libby, Montana from 1948 to 1991. Vermiculite from Libby was found to contain asbestos and other similar fibers. Exposure to asbestos might lead to respiratory illnesses.

Household members who lived with workers during their employment at the site may also be eligible for the free screening. The workers’ household members could have been exposed to asbestos if workers brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, shoes or bodies.

ATSDR and their contractor, Research Triangle International, recently sent letters to a list of former workers and their household members provided by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS). Former workers and their household members that did not receive a letter and would like more information can call the NJDHSS Hazardous Site Health Evaluation Program at (609) 584-5367.

Established by Congress in 1980 under the Superfund law, ATSDR conducts public health assessments at each of the sites on the U.S. Environmental Protection 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 NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.