Anniston, Alabama
dibenzofurans (CDFs), and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). A limited investigation of
The Monsanto Company produced PCBs at a
plant in Anniston, Alabama, from 1935 to the
ducted: four surface soil samples and two
1970s. Hazardous wastes, including PCBs, were
chicken eggs were collected and analyzed for
disposed of in two unlined landfill areas adja-
CDDS and CDFs. A breast milk sample from
cent to the production facility. Investigations
one resident was also analyzed.
The exposure investigation concluded that blood
ditches and in soil samples from private resi-
dioxin concentrations measured in the study
dences east and north of the facility. These
participants were elevated, but were at levels
that were unlikely to be associated with known
contaminated areas and property buyouts for
clinical health effects such as chloracne (an
some homeowners.
acnelike skin condition) or elevated liver
enzyme levels. The average concentration of
Subsequent investigations detected elevated
dioxin in blood samples from the exposure
blood levels of PCBs in some residents living in
investigation participants was at the upper end
the community surrounding the facility or other
of the reference range averages. The reference
neighborhoods in Anniston. The source and
range was from studies conducted in the 1980s.
exposure pathways by which residents had been
Thus, the current reference range could be
exposed to PCBs had not been defined. Further-
lower. Four of 28 residents had blood dioxin
more, it was uncertain whether significant
concentrations that exceeded the reference range
exposures were still occurring. ATSDR con-
means by twofold or threefold. Dioxin concen-
ducted an exposure investigation to address
trations in three surface soil samples and two
these question.
chicken eggs were not at levels of health
Before conducting the exposure investigation,
concern. The concentration of dioxin in a breast
staff from ATSDR and the Alabama Department
milk sample was not elevated.
of Public Health (ADPH) met with community
The source of the increased dioxin exposure in
representatives to explain the exposure investi-
residents of Mossville could not be initially
gation and solicit their input. In March 2000,
determined. ATSDR plans to work with federal
ATSDR staff members met with families who
and state agencies and the community to
lived within a half-mile radius of the site and
implement further investigations to identify
invited them to participate in the exposure
possible sources of dioxin exposure in
investigation. To be eligible for the investiga-
Mossville. ATSDR facilitated access to an
tion, at least one family member had to be a
Association of Occupational and Environmental
child between 1 and 7 years old. ATSDR staff
Clinics (AOEC) environmental medical expert
members and representatives of the community
in dioxin to review medical information for the
group, CAP, went door-to-door in the desig-
28 exposure investigation participants, deter-
nated neighborhoods to invite eligible families
mine the next clinical steps for these people,
to participate. A total of 18 families participated
and provide them with education and informa-
in the exposure investigation. Environmental
tion about their exposure status.
samples were collected from the homes of these
26 chapter 1
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