What: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, concluded its door-to-door visits in Lafayette Parish and recently began making phone calls to complete the final phase of The 2002 Dioxin Study.

ATSDR is studying Calcasieu and Lafayette Parishes to see if residents have been exposed to unusual levels of dioxin and/or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Blood and VOC levels in Calcasieu residents will be compared to levels found in residents from Layette Parish. The 2002 study is a follow-up to ATSDR's 1998 dioxin exposure investigation in Calcasieu, which found that some residents had higher-than-expected levels of dioxin in their blood. This follow-up study, which began in January 2002, was designed to be implemented in two phases.

During the first phase of the study, ATSDR representatives conducted door-to-door surveys to build a Household Listing from which they developed a scientifically selected sample of eligible people living in the parish who will now be contacted to participate in the second step of the dioxin study.

In the second phase, the surveyors will make phone calls to randomly selected Lafayette and Calcasieu residents aged 15 and older. The surveyors will identify themselves as calling on behalf of ATSDR and will ask residents several questions to determine their eligibility for the study, such as how long they have lived in the parish and several questions regarding their ability to give blood. The phone call will take 5-10 minutes

Those that are eligible for the study will be asked to schedule an appointment to come in to the local ATSDR office at a convenient time. At the appointment, which will last one - but no more than two - hours, they will answer a questionnaire and give a blood sample. Participants who complete this step will receive $50 for their time and travel costs.

Where & When: The phone calls will be conducted in the Lafayette and Calcasieu Parishes. The appointments will be scheduled at the local ATSDR office.

Why: While participation is voluntary, it is important for those who are contacted to participate to help ATSDR answer vital public health questions about exposure to dioxins and VOCs.

The people who are chosen at random represent all the people in Lafayette Parish; therefore, their participation is very important. Scientists need good participation to produce statistically valid results and to help answer questions regarding dioxins and VOCs.

For More Information: Community members seeking information on the procedures of this exposureinvestigation should contact ATSDR Epidemiologist Deborah Millette, toll free, at 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737). Callers should refer to the 2002 Louisiana Dioxin Study site. ATSDR Senior Regional Representative George Pettigrew in Dallas also may be called for information at (214) 665-8361.

Editors: Members of the news media should make an appointment to interview ATSDR staff. Please contact John Florence, ATSDR Office of Policy and External Affairs, at (404) 498-0070.