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May 08, 2023
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released the results of a health consultation conducted in Kalamazoo near the Graphic Packaging International (GPI) facility and the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant (KWRP) after community complaints of foul odors from the sites. A community townhall is scheduled for Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church,120 Roberson St. in Kalamazoo to discuss the results and answer questions.
The health consultation identified hydrogen sulfide and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the sources of odors affecting the neighborhoods. MDHHS has concluded that a lifetime of exposure to levels of hydrogen sulfide measured in the air in communities close to GPI and KWRP could result in increased risk of nasal irritation, such as discomfort or inflammation, in addition to odors causing temporary health effects like headaches.
MDHHS was first alerted to complaints by residents in the northside and eastside neighborhoods of Kalamazoo regarding foul odors and negative health symptoms such as headaches, nausea and eye irritation in 2020. MDHHS began investigating these concerns immediately, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department, resulting in the health consultation.
“We appreciate the trust of the community members who reached out about their concerns with regard to the odors they’ve been smelling and believe this consultation will provide information to help address their concerns,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We will continue to be active in the community, collecting and reviewing air monitoring data as it comes in to watch for any additional hazards going forward.”
MDHHS has confirmed that hydrogen sulfide and other VOCs were at high enough levels in the air that people may detect odors. Individuals who are sensitive to odors may experience temporary health effects including headaches, nausea and eye irritation in addition to respiratory effects. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience airway irritation when strong odors are inhaled.
MDHHS recommends staying indoors and avoiding outdoor physical activity when environmental odors are noticeable for community members with existing respiratory problems or sensitivity to odors. MDHHS also recommends that people with asthma take their control and rescue medications as prescribed by health care providers. Residents with questions about their health are encouraged to talk with their health care provider.
MDHHS is recommending that air sampling equipment be maintained at appropriate locations in the community. This will allow for ongoing monitoring and sampling of hydrogen sulfide in the area for further assessing long-term exposures.
An additional availability session will be held Wednesday, May 24 from 1 - 3:30 p.m. at the Urban Alliance in Kalamazoo for those who are unable to attend the town hall and have questions or want more information.
For more information, call the MDHHS Division of Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942. Please visit Michigan.gov/EnviroHealth to view the entire health consultation.