About 200 people were exposed to chemicals in drinking water wells near Lusher Avenue in Elkhart, IN, in the late 1980s, including an estimated 53 who were exposed to levels that may put them at greater risk for adverse health effects, concludes the final public health assessment (PHA) on the site from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
 
Since 1987, many residents have reduced their potential for exposure by using local public drinking water or using water filtration systems.

Those people who live in affected areas and still use private wells should continue to take precautions, federal officials say. For homes and businesses that use well water and do not use filtration systems, occupants could be exposed through drinking water and also showering, from the water and from steam vapors. ATSDR recommends using exhaust fans during and after showering for people still showering with contaminated water. Residents could also install shower filters as a preventive measure.

ATSDR recommends that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) monitor groundwater contamination, conduct additional well sampling, and conduct more indoor air monitoring. These data will allow scientists to further evaluate the potential for public health hazards at the site.

ATSDR released its assessment in March for public comment. The final report includes comments from and responses to private industry and a Congressional committee.

The area of concern is bounded by the St. Joseph River to the north, Hively Avenue to the south, Oakland Avenue on the east and Nappanee Street or State Road 19 on the west. Most of the approximately 2,600 people who live in the area use city water. Residences and businesses that use the city water supply are not affected by this contamination.

The report follows an investigation begun in 2008 into the health implications of the groundwater contamination. In 1987, EPA and IDEM found that groundwater in the neighborhood was contaminated with several chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially trichloroethane (TCA) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These manmade chemicals are commonly used as degreasers and solvents. Repeat tests in 2006 also found elevated levels of the two chemicals in private wells tested.

Interested persons may access the health assessment via the internet at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/PHA/HCPHA.asp?State=IN

A copy of the health assessment will also be available for review at the following location:

Elkhart Public Library, reference services 300 S. Second St.
Elkhart, IN

For more information, community members may contact:

Laura Frazier, Environmental Health Scientist
770-488-0721 or toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) LHFrazier@cdc.gov

Mark Johnson, Regional Representative, 312-886-0840

Rose Jackson, Health Communication Specialist
770-488-0777 or toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) rdjackson@cdc.gov

ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.