H&E Minutes – 5/10/10

Present: Caroline Skinner, Allan Classen (Examiner) Sujata Joshi (Health Div.) Julie Early-Alberts (Health Div) Monica Russell (DEQ) Bob L, Dr. Bob Amundson, Joe A. Keller, Myrian Alaux, Biljana Milkovska, Dr. Chris Bugas, Paul Koberstein, (Examiner) Sharon Genasci

Sujata Joshi & Julie Early Alberts from the Oregon Health Division spoke to us about their work with the Oregon cancer registry. Sujata, an epidemiologist, is going to work with our neighborhood to provide data from the cancer registry that will be broken down to zipcode or finer levels, so we can look at health data in a particular geographic area.

She was pleased to hear about the detailed monitoring of our airshed over the years by the neighbors, as this will provide more information on possible environmental factors. She took some trouble to point out difficulties in this work, as all results must be age adjusted (older people are more apt to get cancer) people move in and out of the neighborhood, and there is the question of people who work in the neighborhood, but do not live here (they will not be included). Also, the registry depends on doctors reporting a diagnosis. Naturopaths she thought were not included.

The good news is she can access for us by zipcode now, using data from 1996 to 2007. She thought she might be able to access data down to the census track level (2000 people) though there might be confidentiality problems with the smaller group.

She also thought she would be able to compare different neighborhoods.

We will ask our neighbors for a list of questions we want answered, any specific contaminants, childhood cancers, all types of cancers etc.

Paul Koberstein spoke about his research on cancer causing pollutants in the neighborhood air. He then asked the group how the air pollution affected the way they live in the neighborhood? Do they have to buy air purifiers? Do they limit time in the garden? Do they keep windows closed when it is hot? etc.

There was a discussion about prevention needing to be the focus of groups concerned about cancer- rather than paying for the cure, why not prevent it in the first place?

When asked, Monica said that 70 per cent of DEQ’s budget comes from permitting polluters to pollute. Some commented on Esco odors reaching higher on the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park.

Sharon reminded people of the permit hearings coming up: May 17th, 70 Couch Street, Oil Company hearing, White Stag Building, Room 142/144, 6:30 pm.
Neighbors are asked to come to the hearing and speak about any fuel odors they are noticing in the neighborhood.

May 18th, Public hearing on DEQ health benchmarks, 6:00 ODOT building, Main Floor, Conference room AB 123 NW Flanders. Benchmarks are being set for manganese, lead, ethyl benzene and mercury. There are no safe levels for these compounds. Come and testify.

- Sharon Genasci, Chair, NWDA Health & Environment Committee