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Frequently Asked Questions About ATSDR


What is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)?

ATSDR is the principal federal public health agency involved with hazardous waste issues. The agency helps prevent or reduce the harmful effects of exposure to hazardous substances on human health. ATSDR, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was created by the Superfund Law in 1980.

Where is ATSDR located? How big is it?

ATSDR's headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia. The agency has 10 regional offices and an office in Washington D.C. The multi- disciplinary staff of approximately 400 includes epidemiologists, physicians, toxicologists, engineers, public health educators, health communication specialists, and support staff.

What does ATSDR do?

ATSDR conducts a number of activities to help prevent or reduce the harmful effects of exposure to hazardous substances, including:

  • Advises federal and state agencies, community members, and other interested parties on the health impacts of Superfund sites and other petitioned sites.
  • Identifies communities where people might be exposed to hazardous substances in the environment.
  • Determines the level of public health hazard posed by a site.
  • Recommends actions that need to be taken to safeguard people's health.
  • Conducts health studies in some communities that are located near Superfund sites or in locations where people have been exposed to toxic materials.
  • Funds research conducted by colleges, state agencies, and others who study the relationship between hazardous waste exposure and illnesses.
  • Educates physicians, other health care professionals, and community members about the health effects of--and how to lessen exposure to--hazardous substances.
  • Provides technical support and advice to other federal agencies and state and local governments.
  • Maintains registries of people who are exposed to the most dangerous substances.
What can ATSDR do to help a community that may be exposed to hazardous substances?

ATSDR helps communities in a variety of ways, including:

  • Helps communities by working with them to resolve their health concerns.
  • Determines whether the community is or was exposed to hazardous substances.
  • Visits the community to hear residents voice their health concerns.
  • Educates residents about any health hazards posed by environmental contaminants.
  • Works with local health care providers to ensure they have the information needed to evaluate possible exposures to hazardous substances in their community.
  • Visits a community to draw blood or to collect urine to determine if people have been or are being exposed to a hazardous substance when such actions are required.
  • Can provide medical monitoring in communities exposed to hazardous substances if such action is needed.
What can't ATSDR do to help a community?

ATSDR does not have the legal authority to conduct certain activities, such as the following:

  • Cannot provide medical care or treatment to people who have been exposed to hazardous substances, even if the exposure has made them ill.
  • Cannot provide funds to relocate affected residents or to clean up a site.
  • Cannot close down a plant or other business, but can make recommendations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
How is ATSDR's role in helping communities different from EPA's role?

Unlike EPA, ATSDR is not a regulatory agency. ATSDR is a public health agency that advises EPA on the health aspects of hazardous waste sites or spills. ATSDR makes recommen- dations to EPA when specific actions are needed to protect the public's health. For example, ATSDR might recommend providing an alternative water supply, removing contaminated material, or restricting access to a site. EPA usually follows these recommen- dations. However, ATSDR cannot require EPA to follow its recommendations.

How does ATSDR become involved with a site? How can I get ATSDR involved with a site?

ATSDR is required by the Superfund law to become involved with all sites that are on or proposed for the National Priorities List (NPL). Specifically, ATSDR conducts public health assessments of NPL sites, as well as of all sites proposed for the NPL. EPA, states, local governments, or other federal agencies may request ATSDR's help with a site, such as in cases of accidental spills or releases. Anyone may request or "petition" that ATSDR to do a health con- sultation. Most requests for health consultations come from EPA and state and local agencies. Anyone may also petition ATSDR to conduct a public health assessment of a site. For more information about how to petition ATSDR to conduct a public health assess- ment, call ATSDR's toll-free information line, 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737), or send an e-mail request to ATSDRIC@cdc.gov

How does ATSDR work with states and local health departments?

ATSDR has cooperative agreements (partnerships) with 23 states to conduct site-related public health assessments or health consul- tations, health studies, and health education. In states that have co- operative agreements, ATSDR provides technical assistance and oversees site evaluations and related activities done by state staff. ATSDR also assists local health departments.

Does ATSDR assist communities located near hazardous waste sites that are not on the NPL?

Yes. More than half of the sites ATSDR has worked at are not on the NPL.

What information does ATSDR provide through its Internet web site?

Information that can be accessed through ATSDR's web site in- cludes these items: information about ATSDR; a database con- taining information on all sites where ATSDR has worked; short, easy-to-read fact sheets on 60 of the most common contaminants at Superfund sites; and links to related sites.


This page updated June 3, 2003
For more information, contact ATSDR at:
1-888-422-8737 or e-mail: atsdric@cdc.gov (public inquiries)
404-498-0070 or e-mail: ATSDRmediainquiries@cdc.gov (news media)

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