Summary
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has launched an investigation to assess potential health risks associated with breathing contaminants in the air near egg farms located in Arlington and Tonopah, Arizona. Specifically, ATSDR’s focus will be on evaluating exposure to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, chemicals known to be present in the vicinity of these facilities.
Several key factors have prompted this investigation:
Community Reports: Local residents have reported odors in the area that are consistent with the presence of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
Previous Air Measurements: Other organizations have conducted air quality measurements in the past, detecting the presence of these chemicals in the vicinity.
In 2017, ATSDR lacked sufficient data to determine if there was a potential health risk associated with these chemicals. However, in 2018, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) conducted air monitoring, specifically measuring hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in the communities surrounding these egg farms. ATSDR will utilize this data to thoroughly investigate whether the inhalation of these chemicals in the air could pose health risks to individuals living nearby.
The outcome of this investigation will be documented in a comprehensive report. This report will encompass community concerns, an analysis of ADEQ’s 2018 air monitoring data (including any limitations), health conclusions regarding the potential harm caused by breathing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, discussions on environmental odors in the community, and recommendations for actions aimed at safeguarding public health.
As part of this health consultation process, ATSDR will also decide whether additional air monitoring is necessary and will provide regular email updates to keep the public informed of their progress. For those interested in staying up to date with this investigation, information on how to join ATSDR’s email list is available in the Contact section.
Stay informed about the ongoing efforts to ensure the health and well-being of communities near these egg farms in Arizona.
