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EPA Posts Sampling Data from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita-Sediment Sampling Data from Orleans; 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish
Release date: 11/22/2005
Contact Information:
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
(11/22/05) On Nov. 21, EPA posted results from sediment samples taken Nov. 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 from Louisiana's Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes. Sediment samples indicate the continued presence of petroleum, as well as volatiles, semivolatiles, including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides and heavy metals including aluminum. EPA and ATSDR/CDC believe that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses is worn. EPA and ATSDR/CDC continue to recommend that residents avoid all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact. For more information on these results, visit: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/katrina/emkatrina.html
