arsenic exposures, as originally reported in
cancer incidence and mortality data in these
spring 2001 by five families in South Weymouth.
communities. In addition, MDPH is conducting
U.S. Representative William Delahunt has been
a health consultation on the Easthampton
actively involved with issues related to this site.
vermiculite site. Available environmental data
for the Easthampton site are being evaluated for
In February 2002, MDPH released an
potential health concerns. ATSDR identified the
evaluation of cancer incidence data in these
Easthampton site as a priority site in its national
four communities. In December 2002, MDPH
effort to evaluate vermiculite sites across the
released supplemental analyses in response to
country. The health outcome data analyses for
recommendations made in the initial release.
the five communities are
MDPH conducted a
expected to be complete
variety of activities
by fiscal year 2004. The
to address the arsenic
Easthampton health
concerns, including
consultation is expected to
testing of soils on
be completed during summer
public properties and
2003.
environmental testing
Exposure Investigations
(e.g., house dust, tap
water) in the homes of
An exposure investiga-
the original five families
tion collects information on
who raised concern.
specific human exposures
MDPH held public
through biologic sampling,
meetings to report on its
personal monitoring, related
activities and respond
environmental assessment,
to community concerns.
and exposure-dose re-
MDPH also conducted
construction. MDPH is
urinary arsenic testing for 184 residents living
conducting an exposure investigation on the Great
near the original five families. Results of the
Pond Reservoir in Weymouth to assess potential
environmental and urinary arsenic tests indicated
that no widespread arsenic exposures were
in the pond, as well as testing raw drinking water for
occurring among South Weymouth residents.
arsenic. This exposure investigation is expected to be
finalized by the end of fiscal year 2003.
A health consultation is a written or oral response
from ATSDR to a specific request for information
Health Education and Community Activities
about health risks related to a specific site, chemical
release, or hazardous material. It is a more limited
program includes the support of educational activities
response than a public health assessment is. To date,
for physicians, other health professionals, and
237 documented health consultations have been
communities about human exposure to hazardous
conducted at 104 sites in Massachusetts. Following
substances in the environment. The state of
is an example of a health consultation conducted in
Massachusetts became a partner in the program in
the state:
1987. Through this program, MDPH has conducted
Vermiculite Sites--Five sites in Massachusetts
grand rounds presentations at area hospitals,
(Billerica, Cambridge, Easthampton,
conducted community and physician education
Hingham, and Westminster) received or
activities, and participated in environmental
processed asbestos-contaminated vermiculite.
exchange sessions. MDPH is also collaborating
Concerns about potential exposures to
with EPA and the Massachusetts Department of
asbestos are of primary interest, and MDPH
Environmental Protection to conduct extensive
is conducting an analysis of asbestos-related
community education and outreach activities around
disease (e.g., mesothelioma) and other activities
fish and shellfish consumption issues for closed areas
of the New Bedford Harbor NPL site. MDPH also