problems that require further investigation through,
profiles comprehensively describe health effects;
for example, health surveillance or an epidemiologic
pathways of human exposure; and the behavior of
study. Following are examples of health studies or
more than 250 hazardous substances in air, soil, and
investigations that ATSDR conducted or supported in
water at hazardous waste sites. Health professionals
Oklahoma.
at all levels use the toxicological profiles primarily
as comprehensive resources. These profiles have
Bartlesville Blood Lead Testing--In 1992,
been sent to requesters, including representatives of
ATSDR awarded funding to OSDH to conduct
federal, state, and local health and environmental
blood lead testing of Bartlesville residents. The
departments; academic institutions; private industries;
objective of the study was to determine whether
and nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma. ATSDR
pregnant women and children between the ages
also has developed extensive resources for community
of 6 and 72 months living in the area had elevated
members.
blood lead levels that constituted an immediate
health hazard. Blood lead levels of 10 g/dL or
greater (the minimum level at which intervention is
recommended) were found in 11% of the children;
the highest level in children was 24 g/dL. The
highest adult blood lead level was 29 g/dL. After
residential yard cleanup, reductions in blood lead
levels were found.
Tar Creek Lead Screening and Education--In
1995, OSDH and the Ottawa County Health
Department conducted a blood lead level testing
program, with funds from ATSDR, in Picher,
Cardin, Commerce, Quapaw, and North Miami.
They tested children aged 6 to 72 months and
pregnant women. Study results showed that 28.3%
of children tested had blood lead levels equal to
or greater to 10 g/dL. All pregnant women tested
showed results equal to or below 10 g/dL. The
final report was issued in July 1997.
The Ottawa County Health Department continues
to screen children and pregnant women. Although
reductions in blood lead levels have been found,
elevations still exist.
Resource Materials
ATSDR develops materials for public health
professionals and medical care providers to use
to assess the public health impacts of chemical
exposures. These resources are available in print,
on the ATSDR Web site, and on CD-ROM. For
example, medical management guidelines are
available for acute chemical exposures to more
than 50 chemicals. These guidelines were designed
to aid emergency department physicians and other
emergency health care professionals, such as first
For more information, contact ATSDR toll-free
responders, who manage acute exposures resulting
at 1-888-42ATSDR (1-888-422-8737) or visit
the ATSDR Web site at www.atsdr.cdc.gov.
from chemical incidents. ATSDR's toxicological
June 2004
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