Anniston, AL – The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has released a comprehensive health consultation report focusing on the potential health risks to veterans and residents exposed to environmental contaminants during the operation of Fort McClellan, located in Calhoun County, Alabama. The Army base, which was operational from 1945 until its closure in 1999, has long been a subject of concern due to the hazardous materials and chemicals used and disposed of on-site, particularly in areas where military personnel and their families lived, worked, and trained.
In response to a petition from the Fort McClellan Veterans Stakeholders Group, the ATSDR conducted an extensive evaluation of environmental contamination on the base and its potential impact on public health. The petition highlighted multiple concerns about long-term exposure to chemicals and other toxic substances, such as asbestos, pesticides, and heavy metals, many of which are linked to serious health issues. The ATSDR’s report primarily focused on non-occupational exposures—those not directly related to military work but arising from general living conditions around the base, such as contamination in soil, water, and air.
The ATSDR’s report confirmed several findings regarding potential environmental hazards, focusing on contamination levels in various areas across the base. Here are the key conclusions from their evaluation:
Non-Occupational Exposure: Low Health Risks
One of the primary concerns of the evaluation was the potential exposure to contaminants in areas like landfills, lakes, and recreational sites on the base. However, the ATSDR concluded that exposure to these contaminants was unlikely to have harmful effects on health. The contamination levels in these areas were generally low, and the risks to health were minimal due to the nature of exposure. This finding is particularly significant as it alleviates concerns about the risk posed by everyday activities such as visiting lakes or parks within the base.
Groundwater Exposure: No Identified Health Risks
Groundwater contamination was another area of focus in the report. Fort McClellan’s drinking water was sourced from the Anniston Water Works, which complied with federal and state standards for safe drinking water. As a result, the ATSDR found no evidence of harmful health effects from potential groundwater contamination, as it was not used for drinking or household purposes.
Lead Exposure: A Concern for Children
Lead contamination, particularly in soil and dust, emerged as a potential health concern. While lead was found in soil samples taken near residential buildings on the base, the risks were primarily a concern for young children, especially those in areas where lead levels were elevated. For instance, homes constructed before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, posing risks for children who engage in hand-to-mouth behavior. ATSDR highlighted that while risks were possible, uncertainties remained due to missing data, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the problem.
Lead levels in dust samples also raised concerns, particularly in buildings that had not been renovated or maintained properly. While ATSDR could not determine the health risks of lead in building dust due to incomplete data, this remains an area of focus for future assessments.
Asbestos and Radon Exposure: Mitigation Efforts and Uncertainty
The ATSDR report also reviewed potential health risks related to asbestos and radon exposure at Fort McClellan. Asbestos was found in many of the buildings on the base, and although the ATSDR could not confirm the extent of exposure due to insufficient data, the agency noted that poorly maintained or renovated buildings could have presented a risk. Asbestos exposure is associated with serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, making it a critical area of concern for those living and working in these buildings.
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas linked to lung cancer, was also a potential hazard at Fort McClellan. In 1989, testing revealed radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter in six on-base buildings. Although the Army took steps to mitigate radon levels, the ATSDR could not determine the full extent of exposure prior to this time, especially in buildings constructed before 1989.
Further Investigations and Health Recommendations
The ATSDR report acknowledged the limitations of available data and emphasized the need for further research to assess the long-term health risks associated with the contaminants found at Fort McClellan. For instance, while the agency found no conclusive evidence of cancer risks from environmental exposures, it recommended continued investigation into lead contamination, particularly in soil and dust, as well as the potential impact of radon and asbestos exposure.
Additionally, the report emphasized that veterans and their families who were stationed at Fort McClellan or lived on the base should consult with healthcare providers to discuss any potential health concerns related to past exposures. The ATSDR’s findings also suggest that the possibility of health risks could change if the land is repurposed for future use, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts.
The ATSDR’s health consultation report on Fort McClellan provides valuable insights into the environmental risks that may have impacted the health of veterans and civilians living on or near the base. While many of the health risks were found to be minimal, concerns regarding lead exposure, asbestos, and radon remain, particularly for children and those living in older buildings. The report calls for additional research and continued monitoring to ensure that any potential risks are fully addressed.
The findings also underscore the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing public health concerns related to environmental contamination, as well as the need for ongoing health surveillance to safeguard communities impacted by past military operations. As the conversation about environmental hazards and health risks at military sites continues, the ATSDR’s report on Fort McClellan serves as a crucial document in understanding and mitigating those risks.
For access to full report please view here.