The Hanford Health Effects Subcommittee and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry-or A-T-S-D-R- will host a special meeting in Kennewick on Thursday evening, January 25. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for community members to discuss concerns about exposure to radioactive or other hazardous material releases from Hanford and the impact on human health.

Thursday's meeting will also feature a panel of scientists and medical researchers. The panel will present information about exposure to radioactive and other hazardous materials, and the illnesses reported in communities located near Department of Energy facilities. Members of the community will have the opportunity to discuss their health concerns related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation site.

The meeting will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the West Coast Tri-Cities Hotel at Columbia Center (formerly Cavanaugh's Hotel) in Kennewick, Washington.

The Hanford Health Effects Subcommittee provides advice to federal agencies regarding research into health effects related to exposure to emissions from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. A-T-S-D-R is a federal public health agency which is responsible for preventing or reducing the harmful effects of exposure to hazardous substances on human health and quality of life.

Community members who would like more information about the meeting can call A-T-S-D-R Community Involvement Specialist Lafreta Dalton, toll free, at 1-888-42-ATSDR ...that's 1-888-422-8737.