The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) today announced that it has completed neurobehavioral testing for its health study for residents of Dakota City and South Sioux City, Nebraska. The testing, which began on May 5, was completed on May 27.

In total, ATSDR tested 345 people. The testing included 175 people with higher exposures to hydrogen sulfide and 170 people with very low exposure to the gas. Participants for the neurobehavioral health testing were selected and invited from a list of eligible residents. To be eligible for the study, residents age 16 and older must have lived for at least 2 years continuously in one of the many neighborhoods of interest.

ATSDR expects to receive the results from the tests in approximately two months. ATSDR scientists will then evaluate the data. A study report will be prepared and should be available toward the middle of 2001. Individual test results will be mailed to participants this Fall.

In conducting the testing and preparing the results, ATSDR is working with researchers from the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center and the Oregon Health Sciences University Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology.

The testing was completed three days ahead of schedule, according to Steve Inserra, ATSDR lead scientist for the study. "ATSDR would like to thank the people of Dakota County for their interest and participation in making this study a success," said Inserra. "With their help, and the help of our research partners, this study is a meaningful public health initiative for the health and well being of the people in these two communities."

The neurobehavioral testing which was done involved simple, painless testing of the human central and peripheral (arms, hand) nervous systems. For most participants, the testing took about an hour and a half.This involved a vision check, test of sensation or vibration of the hand, and assorted cognitive and memory tests.

ATSDR became involved in Dakota City/South Sioux City as a result of an Exposure Investigation the agency conducted in 1997. The Exposure Investigation Report, released by ATSDR in December 1997, concluded that the community was being exposed to potentially harmful levels of hydrogen sulfide and total reduced sulfur compounds that could result in adverse health effects. In response, ATSDR conducted the health study to examine the relationship between exposure to hydrogen sulfide and possible neurobehavioral health effects.

ATSDR is the principal federal public health agency involved with hazardous waste and toxic substances, and the harmful health effects of exposure.

For more information about the listing or about the healthstudy, contact ATSDR Community Involvement Specialist Ruby Palmer, toll free, at 1-888-422-8737. Callers should refer to the "Dakota City Health Study." ATSDR Senior Regional Representative Denise Jordan-Izaguirre in Kansas City can also be called for information at (913) 551-1310.