The Chicago office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a formal consultation letter to the main office of the EPA that validates the technical approaches used in a study to assess potential exposures to low levels of asbestos found at Chicago’s Oak Street Beach, reports a press release by the agency.
“ATSDR’s (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) review of the data collected by the Chicago Park District in 2005 provides an extra level of assurance that the Oak Street Beach testing was appropriate and sufficient to reach a public health conclusion,” said Regional Superfund Director Richard Karl. “Going forward, EPA and its federal partners will continue to be available to the park district for consultation as requested.”
The 2005 study evaluated whether beach-goers could be exposed to asbestos during typical beach activities, such as building sandcastles or playing frisbee. Conclusions drawn from the study noted that the asbestos did not cause a public hazard.
The EPA validated those findings last week, noting that:
- The air samples collected contained asbestos concentrations consistent with levels that would be expected in urban areas and that recreational activity at Oak Street Beach does not pose a public health hazard.
- The sampling methods and analytical protocols used in the study were consistent with methods recommended by both EPA and ATSDR for assessing asbestos exposure.
- Based on the data collected in 2005, ATSDR did not recommend additional sampling at Oak Street Beach. However, if additional sampling efforts are conducted, ATSDR is willing to review sampling protocols and results.
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