Public health assessments also have been conducted at Baxter/Union Pacific Tie Treating and Mystery Bridge
Road at Highway 20.
A health consultation is a written or oral response from ATSDR to a specific request for information about health
risks related to a specific site, chemical release, or hazardous material. It is a more limited response than a public
health assessment. To date, eight documented health consultations have been conducted at four sites in Wyoming.
Following is an example of a health consultation conducted in the state.
North Casper Perchloroethylene (PCE) Plume - ATSDR received a citizen's request to conduct a health
consultation at this site. Concern was expressed about potential health effects from exposure to groundwater,
soil, and air contamination from the North Casper PCE Plume and other specified sources. After public com-
ments were received on the draft document, ATSDR revised the consultation and released the final report in
1999.
Two separate and apparently unrelated groundwater plumes in the area, identified as east and west plumes, were
contaminated with PCE. Residents were concerned that treated drinking water at a nearby trailer park was
contaminated with PCE and trichloroethylene (TCE). Although TCE was found in the water, neither PCE nor
TCE were found in excess of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Similarly, the levels of PCE
found in indoor air were not sufficiently elevated to constitute a public health threat.
ATSDR reviewed a health survey conducted by a local community group, and evaluated existing and potential
environmental exposures, as part of the process. Both the east and west plumes were identified as potential
sources of PCE and TCE contamination. None of the data reviewed indicated that the documented exposures
in the area would cause adverse health effects. Additionally, ATSDR reviewed childhood cancer incidence data
for the Casper area. These data indicated levels, ages, and types of childhood cancers similar to those found
nationally.
residents not drink private well water. Treatment and periodic testing of municipal water supplies should be
continued.
Health consultations also have been conducted at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Riverside Norge Village, and
Wenger Drum.
Toxicological Profiles
ATSDR develops toxicological profiles that describe health effects, environmental characteristics, and other informa-
tion for substances found at NPL sites. These profiles contain information on pathways of human exposure and the
behavior of hazardous substances in environmental media such as air, soil, and water.
In the last 5 years, more than 120 of these profiles have been sent to requesters, including representatives of federal,
state, and local health and environmental departments; academic institutions; private industries; and nonprofit organi-
zations, in Wyoming.
If you would like additional information, contact ATSDR toll-free at (888) 42ATSDR,
that is, (888) 422-8737 or visit the homepage at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
September 2002
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