ATLANTA, GA – The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency, recently released its report, Exposure Investigation - Biological Testing for Exposure to Lead in Iola, Kansas.
The report finds that young children living in Iola may have higher blood lead levels (BLLs), which can harm children’s health, compared to the national average. Lead in soil in Iola is high as a result of former smelter operations in the community.
In December 2016, ATSDR offered blood lead testing to residents of Iola with high lead levels in soil to assess whether people living in the homes may have elevated BLL. Children younger than 6 years old and women who were pregnant or of childbearing age were recruited for testing. This is the group at a higher risk for health problems from lead exposure. In August 2017, blood lead testing was offered to all eligible residents of Iola.
The testing sought to determine if residents had levels of lead above the CDC reference value of 5 micrograms per liter in their blood. Community members may come into contact with lead in soil as a result of past smelting activities and other sources. The report summarizes the results of the testing and offers several recommendations for protecting the health of the community.
ATSDR scientists will discuss the overall findings of the report with the community at a public meeting and open house.
WHEN:
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Iola Public Library
218 E. Madison Avenue
Iola, Kansas 66749
During the public meeting, community members and other interested individuals can learn about the report’s findings and its recommendations. They will have the opportunity to meet and talk with scientists, ask questions, and discuss their environmental public health concerns.
The report evaluated environmental sampling data for lead in soil. To read the report, visit: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/FormerUnitedZinc/Former_United_Zinc_EI-508.pdf
Copies of the report can be reviewed during regular business hours at the library:
Iola Public Library
218 E. Madison Avenue
Iola, Kansas 66749
BACKGROUND
Iola is home to the Former United Zinc and Associated Smelters site, which is a National Priorities List (NPL) Superfund site. The site is located within the city boundaries of Iola, which includes a mixture of residential and commercial properties. Four zinc smelters operated in Iola until approximately 1925. Residential and non-residential properties were heavily contaminated with lead.
This report is based on a public health evaluation of blood lead levels obtained during the investigation and available EPA data on lead in soil. . The report addresses potential exposure to lead of community members and provides recommendations on how to reduce lead exposure.
For more information about the Former United Zinc Smelter, Inc. site (aka Iola) contact CDC-INFO at
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or www.cdc.gov/info or visit www.atsdr.cdc.gov.
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ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the potential for adverse human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment.