ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ATSDR Releases Public Health Assessment for
Central Chemical Site, Hagerstown, Md.

Public may comment on the report through June 10

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2005

ATLANTA - Exposure to site-related chemicals in on-site buildings, soil, groundwater, surface water, storm water or stream sediment is not expected to cause harmful health effects for people who live or work near the Central Chemical Site in Hagerstown, Md., says the public comment version of the public health assessment released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The document will be available for public review and comment through June 10.

The public health assessment presents ATSDR findings and conclusions, identifies site-related public health issues and recommends follow-up actions to decrease exposure. The assessment conclude that:

Because the abandoned buildings on the site pose physical and chemical hazards, ATSDR recommends the site boundary fencing be inspected regularly and maintained.

The assessment is available for public review through June 10. The public comment period is an opportunity for residents to review and comment on agency findings or proposed activities noted in the assessment. Residents are encouraged to participate by reviewing the document at

Comments must be made in writing to

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged in to the ATSDR administrative record for this public health assessment. Comments received, without the names of individuals who submitted them, and ATSDR 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 for requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

For more information, community members may contact Environmental Health Scientist William Robison or Community Involvement Specialist Loretta Bush, toll-free, at 1-888-422-8737. ATSDR Regional Representative Tom Stukas also may be contacted at 215-814-3142.

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

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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.