February 25, 2005

Results from an exposure investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) of an Oakland County aluminum smelter show no apparent health hazard to the surrounding community, officials said today.

The exposure investigation of air quality around the Continental Aluminum plant in spring 2004 showed compounds that can be emitted by secondary aluminum smelters, but at concentrations well below acceptable levels, said Christina Rose Bush, an MDCH toxicologist.

MDCH released the results of the study today for public comment, which outlines the analytical results of air sampling conducted in the township last year and the public health implications of those results.

Bush said MDCH is recommending no further action at this site.

Lyon Township officials and two environmental groups requested assistance from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in determining the public health impact that Continental Aluminum, a recycling aluminum smelter located in the township, might be having on the surrounding community. MDCH conducts public health assessments in Michigan for the ATSDR under a cooperative agreement.

MDCH invites the public to review the Exposure Investigation Report and offer comments on it. Copies of the report are available for reading or photocopying at the Salem-South Lyon District Library, 9800 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon; the Lyon Township Public Library, 27025 Milford Road, New Hudson; and the Lyon Township offices, 58000 Grand River Avenue, New Hudson. The report is available on the MDCH website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics under the Health Assessments and Related Documents link.

Due to recent increased community interest in the site, MDCH will hold two community meetings to discuss the findings of the report and take comments and questions. The first meeting will be Tuesday, March 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lyon Township offices, 58000 Grand River Avenue, New Hudson. The second meeting will be Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lyon Township Library, 27025 Milford Road, New Hudson.

Questions and comments should be addressed to Christina Bush, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, 3423 North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., BOW 214, Lansing, Michigan 48906. People may also call the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-648-6942 (1-800-MI-TOXIC) or e-mail their comments to bushcr@michigan.gov.  

Comments on the Exposure Investigation Report must be received by April 26, 2005. All comments received will be evaluated and considered, and written responses will be provided in the final version of the report.

Information concerning the human health effects of exposure to environmental contaminants can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) web page at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html.