Assessing public health risks from environmental hazards at military Superfund Sites requires a clear understanding of the environmental health continuum from the source of the hazard, to population exposure, and subsequent health outcomes. Developing and implementing a public health approach within this "source-hazard-exposure-outcome" continuum requires a clear understanding of public expectations and concerns. While risk assessment has been the foundation for cleanup efforts at Superfund sites, health studies have been the typical public health response to address community concerns. These two processes are often uncoordinated and have contributed to the growing public frustration. Two Military Superfund sites are evaluated in this paper on three inter-connected issues: community involvement, community health studies and risk-based cleanup methodologies. Key health indicators identified based on toxicological evidence and measured/modeled exposure are contrasted with health outcomes evaluated in past/present health studies. Information from the case-study sites will be used to formulate a framework for strengthening the role of public health tracking at Superfund sites.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1) Understand the past and existing infrastructure and processes to address public health concerns and site risks at military hazardous waste sites. 2) Identify gaps and overlaps between public health and risk-based clean-up efforts and needs to better address community concerns. 3) Describe a framework for public health tracking at military and other hazardous waste sites.
Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Health Indices
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.