[CPEO-MEF] ATSDR HEALTH CONSULTATION

[marty martinson <martymartinson@yahoo.com>]

3/16/00     **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

ATSDR HEALTH CONSULTATION RELEASED FOR FORMER NAS
              ALAMEDA FIREFIGHTERS

In March 2000, ATSDR visited the former Naval Air
Station (NAS) Alameda to gather information for their
public health assessment report (required of a
Superfund Site). Part of that process was meeting with
concerned citizens regarding various topics.

In May 2000, ATSDR released a summary of the issues
they previously identified. The exposure of former NAS
Alameda Firefighters to past contaminants at Sites 14
and 15 was one issue included in the summary.

On March 9 2001, ATSDR released the Health
Consultation concerning the former firefighters past
workplace chemical exposure.

Highlights of the Health Consultation include:

1. The finding that "from about 1973 to 1996, Naval
Air Station Alameda firefighters were exposed to
contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), lead, and dioxins at Site 14 and 15 while
performing their required duties." (Page 1)

2. "Therefore it is reasonable to document, for the
record, a worker's exposure to detected
contaminants.." (Page 12)

3. ATSDR recommends that the approximately 400 former
firefighters be notified of their possible past
exposure to contaminants at Site 14.." (Page 13)

How ironic it is that almost one year ago today on 13
March 2000, the former Alameda NAS (Alameda Point) RAB
drafted and approved a resolution that the Navy track
down and provide to all former firefighters a
statement for the medical record documenting the
past workplace chemical exposure.

Also disturbing is the fact that the Navy has to date
provided the medical statement to only 40 firefighters
(10%). The rest were conveniently put in  personnel
medical records held in Navy storage, as the Navy
stated it would be an "administrative burden" to track
and locate all of the firefighters.

Marty Martinson (760) 728-8792
BLB Consulting  (510) 638-6263

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