Activities

ATSDR and DC DOH conducted a follow-up exposure investigation from July through November 2002. This investigation also focused on residences with the highest soil arsenic levels. Urine samples were collected by the DC DOH. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether people were being exposed to arsenic in the soil during soil removal in the Spring Valley area and to retest during warmer months to determine if any higher exposures were indicated. Although three of the 40 people tested had mild elevations of inorganic arsenic in their urine, health effects are not anticipated in these or any other EI participants. A summary of these results is presented in the March 2003 Newsletter as well as in a Presentation to the Spring Valley Restoration Advisory Board. A full report is available under June 2003 Exposure Investigation.

ATSDR, in collaboration with the Washington, DC, Scientific Advisory Panel and the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC DOH), conducted an Exposure Investigation (EI) in Spring Valley to determine whether neighborhood residents have higher-than-average levels of arsenic in their bodies. For those families participating in the EI, ATSDR offered urine and hair testing as well as indoor vacuum sampling. Samples were collected during the week of March 11, 2002 . In May, results were provided individually to EI participants, and a summary of the results was provided to the Scientific Advisory Panel. The findings indicate that the levels of arsenic observed in this investigation are not expected to cause health problems. A Summary Report is available and a full report is also available: Exposure Investigation Spring Valley Neighborhood – June 28, 2002.