Jun 15, 2007 6:05 am US/Eastern
Despite Study, Many Still Worried By Park Arsenic
by Gigi Barnett
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Residents in one Baltimore community still do not believe enough testing has been done to conclusively say arsenic found in a nearby park does not pose a serious health risk.
As
Gigi Barnett reports, the latest report comes as the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry completes a two-month study of soil samples at Swann Park.
The study was launched after arsenic exposure was discovered to have taken place at the park over a period of decades.
Although the levels were above environmental guidelines, the new federal report has stated only a minimal risk.
"When we looked at both adolescent children and adults we did not see any exposures that would result in adverse effects," said ATSDR toxicologist Dr. Carl Markiewicz.
Federal officials said the primary health threat at Swann Park is for youngsters who suffer from a disorder called PICA, which makes them prone to eat dirt.
Despite the report's assertions some residents are skeptical.
"I think it's bogus because first of all they never even checked the air quality," said Harvey Laichling. "They're not saying nothing about our houses being [contaminated]."
Laichling has lived down the street from Swann Park for most of his life.
With arsenic levels in his backyard measuring nine times the acceptable limit, the father of two young boys believes the study should include testing of everyone in the neighborhood.
Laichling and several neighbors took their concerns to a meeting at Digital Harbor High School Thursday night.
At the meeting health officials talked about doing all they could to be sure no long-term arsenic exposure was found.
"There's been a lot of testing but they want to make sure there aren't any kind of hot spots or arsenic or need [for] extra work," said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Josh Sharpstein.
Federal and city health officials agreed that contaminated soil should be removed. They are planning on doing that this summer, but for Laichling that is not enough.
"I was born and raised in South Baltimore. I don't want to leave, but I ain't got much choice," said Laichling. "I'm not staying here with the kids. I've got to do something. Yes, I'd like to see them move us but I think it's gonna be a battle."
Health officials also said they planned on repairing the park this summer and re-opening it sometime in the fall.
Click here for a link to the entire federal report on the Swann Park arsenic contamination.
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