ATSDR’s Exposure Pathway Evaluation

The ATSDR, Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC) is conducting a detailed exposure pathway evaluation for the River Road (Jefferson Parish) facility in New Orleans; a health consultation (HC) for this effort will be released by the end of the year. The health consultation will follow the format of the exposure pathway HCs already released for the Phase I site evaluation project.

Health outcomes that have a known or suggestive association with asbestos exposure include:

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the cells that form the lining around the outside of the lungs (pleura), but that can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Affected cells grow without restraint and can eventually form a malignant tumor that can destroy these vital organs. The cancer can remain virtually ‘dormant’ for 20 to 40 years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a uniquely related to asbestos exposure and is a relatively rare cancer; however, asbestos-related pleural disease is much more common and is diagnosed in approximately five million individuals every year.

Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor of the bronchial lining. The tumor grows through surrounding carcinoma tissue, invading and often obstructing air passages. The time between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of lung cancer is about 20 to 30 years.