Potential health impacts of heavy-metal exposure at the Tar Creek Superfund site,Ottawa County,Oklahoma |
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Authors: | John S Neuberger Stephen C Hu K David Drake Rebecca Jim |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Mail Stop 1008, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;(2) Scripps Clinic, Green Hospital, 10666 North Torrey Pines Road, GEN2, La Jolla, CA 92037-1093, USA;(3) US Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII, 901 North 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101, USA;(4) L.E.A.D. Agency, 19257 South 4403 Drive, Vinita, OK 74301, USA |
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Abstract: | The potential impact of exposure to heavy metals and health problems was evaluated at the Tar Creek Superfund site, Ottawa
County, Oklahoma, USA. Observed versus expected mortality was calculated for selected conditions in the County and exposed
cities. Excess mortality was found for stroke and heart disease when comparing the exposed County to the state but not when
comparing the exposed cities to the nonexposed rest of the County. However, sample sizes in the exposed area were small, population
emigration has been ongoing, and geographic coding of mortality data was incomplete. In an exposed community, 62.5% of children
under the age of 6 years had blood lead levels exceeding 10 μg/dl. The relationships between heavy-metal exposure and children’s
health and chronic disease in adults are suggestive that a more thorough investigation might be warranted. A number of possible
environmental and health studies are suggested, including those focusing on possible central nervous system impacts. Unfortunately,
the exposed population is dispersing. One lesson learned at this site is that health studies need to be conducted as soon
as possible after an environmental problem is identified to both study the impact of the most acute exposures and to maximize
study sample size—including those exposed to higher doses—and minimize the loss of individuals to follow-up. |
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Keywords: | Hazardous wastes Health studies Lead Mining wastes Superfund site |
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