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Exposure Investigations
Description of the hazardous waste exposure investigation process. This is a html text vesion of a printed pamphlet.
What is an Exposure Investigation?
An Exposure Investigation shows if people have had recent contact
with certain hazardous chemicals. The Florida Department of Health
(DOH) directs the collection of biological samples from people.
These samples include blood and urine. Laboratory staff analyze
these samples to see if people have these chemicals in their bodies. We do
such investigations in communities near hazardous waste sites.
What are the determining factors for an Exposure Investigation?
We consider the following when deciding whether to do an Exposure
Investigation:
- If it is likely that people were exposed to a chemical
- If more information on the exposure is needed
- If an Exposure Investigation will give the information needed
- If the Exposure Investigation will affect public health decisions
How is an Exposure Investigation Done?
If people were recently exposed to a hazardous chemical, we can
sample their blood or urine. The samples are analyzed
at a certified laboratory. The lab data tells us how much of that
chemical is in their body. Next, we compare the amount of the chemical
found in their body to a known average amount. We may compare this
amount for a certain age group or the general population. After
analyzing the results, we write an Exposure Investigation report and share it with the
community.
What types of chemicals are sampled for during an Exposure Investigation?
Different chemicals stay in the body for varying lengths of time.
We only sample those chemicals that are likely to be found in the
body. Also, we only sample for those chemicals that are a serious
health threat. In the past, Exposure Investigations have tested
for the following chemicals in the blood, hair, or urine:
arsenic, bromine, dioxins, lead, mercury, organochlorine pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), uranium, and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
We can also test for other chemicals. We will add more chemicals
as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) completes its research on
them.
Who funds an exposure investigation?
The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
funds the Florida DOH's Health Assessment Team to do Exposure Investigations. We work in cooperation
with ATSDR. We apply for funding from ATSDR for the Exposure
Investigations. The entire process takes a few weeks to months.
Are Exposure Investigations done for all who ask?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Each exposure situation is different.
The Florida DOH and ATSDR decide if an Exposure Investigation is
needed. For many chemicals, low levels are usually found in everyone’s
bodies. So, it is hard to tell if an exposure is the cause
of a person’s illness. An Exposure Investigation may only tell
the community if they have higher than average levels of a certain
chemical.
An Exposure Investigation should only be done if the results will
help make better public health decisions. Also, if people were exposed
to a chemical many years ago, the chemical may not be found in their
body now.
In this case, an Exposure Investigation would not be done.
Who conducts the Exposure Investigations?
An Exposure Investigation Coordinator in the Bureau of Community
Environmental Health conducts them. This coordinator's training
includes biology, chemistry, biochemistry, human health, toxicology
and statistics. The county health departments
collect samples from the community. Laboratories analyze the samples
for chemicals. The Exposure Investigation Coordinator evaluates
the results and writes a report. The report is shared with the community.
What is learned from an Exposure Investigation?
All people are exposed to various chemicals every day. Some people
may get sick from exposure, while others may not. After we analyze
the lab results, we see if current or future illnesses are related
to that level of a chemical. If a person was exposed to a chemical
months or years ago, biological sampling may not provide useful
results. It is important to keep in mind that most biological tests
do not predict whether a person may suffer any illness.
After an Exposure Investigation, we explain the results to the
community. Knowing the results, the community will better understand
the possible healthy effects of their chemical exposure. They will
also know what steps to take to stay healthy. These steps may include
seeing their doctor regularly or being screened for certain illnesses.
What is the community’s involvement during an Exposure Investigation?
The community is a very important part of the Exposure Investigation.
We cannot do an Exposure Investigation without community involvement.
- We need community input and interest.
- We need community members to volunteer to give us samples.
- We need their consent for testing.
- We may need their permission to look at medical records.
The community needs to understand what the Exposure Investigation
results may or may not tell them before it begins. All of these above items are crucial for a successful investigation.
For more information
Please write, call, or email:
Susan Ann Skye
Health Assessment Team
Bureau of Community Environmental Health
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A-08
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1712
Regular phone: (850) 245-4444, Ext. 2310
Suncom: 205-4444, Ext. 2310
Fax: (850) 487-0864 Suncom fax: 277-0864
Toll free during business hours: 1-877-798-2772
Email: Susan_Skye@doh.state.fl.us
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