Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Psychological Responses to Hazardous Substances
Introduction
On September 12 and 13, 1995, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) convened an expert panel workshop on the psychological responses to hazardous
substances. Participants were asked to discuss an integrated approach to addressing the
neurobiological, psychological, and social health effects found in communities near hazardous
waste sites or following a chemical spill. An integrated approach to this issue was achieved by inviting experts
from many different disciplines, as well as public health personnel and concerned
community members, to share their viewpoints and experiences.
- discussed the potential
public health consequences (both physical and psychological) of a chronic stress
response, which has been documented to occur in some residents of communities located near hazardous
waste sites or following a chemical spill. The panel outlined ways to approach how to define the health
effects caused by chronic stress.
- discussed psychosocial
effects in communities near hazardous waste sites and made suggestions regarding
ways of reducing possible stress caused by these factors.
- began developing public
health strategies to prevent and mitigate distress related to exposures to hazardous
materials in communities near waste sites.
Panel candidates were identified through nomination by their peers or
through a literature search for authors of publications on the neurobehavioral and
psychophysiological effects of residence near hazardous waste sites. Panelists
were selected to ensure representation with respect to relevant scientific disciplines and
affiliations, including community members.
During the workshop, the panel members did not attempt to reach a
consensus of opinion but to express abroad spectrum of viewpoints. This
report summarizes the highlights of those discussions along with salient information from the
background literature. This report includes the advice and recommendations of each
panel as well as advice and recommendations on overarching issues presented to all three panels.
The panels also identified critical data gaps and knowledge needs that must be
addressed to develop effective science-based public health strategies.
The opinions and recommendations in this report should be continually reexamined and action
plans updated as new data become available.
