From the Poughkeepsie Journal (NY):
Children are more susceptible than adults to cancer and developmental problems after exposure to TCE, a chemical found at polluted sites in Dutchess County, a doctor and an environmental epidemiologist testified at a hearing Thursday.
The hearing in East Fishkill focused on the evolving science related to the effects of toxic vapors that can seep into buildings from polluted groundwater, and the best way to reduce them.
“We don’t have as much information as we’d like to have, but what we do know is of great concern,” said Kathleen Burns, a member of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiologists with 20 years of experience studying TCE.
TCE, or trichloroethylene, is a solvent long used by industry to dissolve grease. In the human body, it can dissolve the fats and proteins that cells use to control what substances enter or leave, Burns said. Once in the cell, it can damage DNA, the genetic material essential to cell replication, leading to cancer or developmental problems.
The hearing was held at the request of Assemblyman Patrick Manning, R-East Fishkill. Manning and Thomas DiNapoli, D-Great Neck, Nassau County, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation, heard testimony from several experts, agency officials and residents.
The committee has already issued a report calling on the departments of health and environmental conservation to quickly test sites where “vapor intrusion” could pose health risks, and to set conservative guidelines for acceptable levels of contaminants to protect residents.
Read more. Also see coverage of citizen testimony at the hearing in the Hudson Valley News (NY)
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