ATSDR is sponsoring a follow-up exposure investigation in the Calcasieu and Lafayette parishes of Louisiana. An earlier investigation found some area residents had higher-than-expected levels of chemicals called dioxins in their blood. The current investigation will determine the amount of dioxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in residents of the parishes.
An exposure investigation is one approach ATSDR uses to develop a better characterization of past, current and possible future human exposures to hazardous substances in the environment. There are three main ways ATSDR gathers information in an exposure investigation: bio-medical testing (for example, blood or urine sampling); environmental testing (for contaminated soil, air or water); and exposure-dose reconstruction (using environmental data and computer models to estimate past exposures). The results of exposure investigations are used to make public health decisions and to recommend appropriate public health actions.
Community members seeking information on the procedures of this exposure investigation should contact ATSDR Community Involvement Specialist, La Freta Dalton or Epidemiologist, Deborah Millette, toll free, at 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737).
Callers should refer to the "Dioxin Exposure Investigation." ATSDR Senior Regional Representative George Pettigrew in Dallas also may be called for information at (214) 665-8361.