ENVIRON MENTAL HAZARDS RESOURCE BOOKLET
prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health with funding from the
I .. , „ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry T?J. s 3?Ti» ; I u ept5l uuty Q y | UMASS/AMHERST rjiJuly£ 1997 Argeo Paul Cellucci Governor
Howard K. Koh Commissioner Department of Public Health
Suzanne K. Condon Director Bureau ofEnvironmental Health Assessment Index
About This Booklet 1
About the Environmental Health Education Program 1
Massachusetts Governmental Agencies Department of Public Health
Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment 2
Bureau of Health Statistics, Research and Evaluation
Cancer Registry 3
Occupational Health Surveillance Program 3
Bureau of Health Quality Management
Division of Food and Drug 4
Radiation Control 4
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 4
Department of Food and Agriculture
Pesticide Bureau 5
Department of Environmental Protection 5
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Occupational Safety 6
Poison Control Center 6
Other Agencies and Organizations
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 7
United States Environmental Protection Agency 7
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 8
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 8
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics 8
Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health 9
National Cancer Institute 9
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Cancer Society 9
American Lung Association 9
New York Foundation for the Arts 1 81
Hotlines
Office Technology Education Project (OTEP) 1
Center for Hazardous Materials Research 10
Pregnancy/Environmental Hotline 1
National Pesticides Telecommunications Network 1
Cancer Information Service 12
Lung Line 12
American Cancer Society 12
American Cancer Information 13
Air Risk Information Hotline 13
Occupational and Environmental Clinics
Occupational and Environmental Health Center/ Cambridge Hospital 14
University of Massachusetts Medical Center 14
Massachusetts Respiratory Hospital - Occupational and Environmental Clinic 14
University of Massachusetts Medical Center - Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards Clinic 15
Massachusetts General Hospital - Occupational Medicine Clinic 15
Federal, State, and County contacts for the Massachusetts Military Reservation/Cape Cod
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment The Environmental Public Health Center 16
Installation Restoration Program 16
Cape Cod Commission 16
USEPA Remedial Project Manager 17
MDEP Federal Facilities Remediation Section 17
Local Boards of Health on Upper Cape Cod 1
Massachusetts NPL Superfund Sites
Map and List inside back cover About This Booklet
Physicians, health care professionals, public health officials, and citizens are often unsure where to get information regarding environmental hazards and potential exposures. Numerous public and private agencies can respond to inquiries, provide basic information on environmental hazards, and provide referrals to specialists. The purpose of this Resource Booklet is to provide a list of such agencies, along with general information about each organization. The user may then decide which contact is the most appropriate.
About the Environmental Health Education Program (EHEP)
The EHEP is one of six programs at the Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment that receives funding from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. For several years, the EHEP has educated physicians and health professionals regarding environmental health hazards by sponsoring Grand Rounds and educational seminars. If you would like information on this
program, please call 617-624-5757.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) acknowledges Susan
Bernstein, who was instrumental in the original planning and implementation of the EHEP.
This Resource Booklet was supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act trust fund through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
1 Massachusetts Governmental Agencies
Massachusetts Department of Public Health 250 Washington Street Boston MA 02108-4619 617-624-6000
Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment 617-624-5757
The Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment (BEHA) has the mission of protecting public health from a variety of multi-media exposures. This includes investigating potential problems identified by the Massachusetts Cancer Registry. Staff includes a physician, epidemiologists, toxicologists, computer programmers, environmental scientists, health educators, and a variety of public health researchers. BEHA comprises six major program areas:
• Community Assessment responds to inquiries regarding environmental health issues, performs preliminary analysis of
suspected elevations in disease related to the environment, and completes hazardous-waste-site health assessments
• Environmental Epidemiology provides follow-up and research through environmental health studies
• Environmental Toxicology provides assessments of environmental data and supports pesticide and fish toxins and indoor air-quality programs
• Emergency Response/Indoor Air Quality maintains the
Massachusetts Substance List and provides information regarding emergency response, indoor air quality, and health hazard evaluation.
• Environmental Health Education provides information, education, and services to health professionals and citizens on the effects of non-workplace environmental health hazards
2 • The Environmental Public Health Center (EPHC),
Massachusetts Military Reservation/Otis Air Base is a newly created office located on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) and has a primary purpose of developing a better sense of public health watchfulness with respect to the base. The United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has also assigned a full-time senior
environmental scientist to this office. The EPHC will coordinate
all public health activities and assign priorities to the most pressing issues related to MMR.
Bureau of Health Statistics, Research, and Evaluation
Massachusetts Cancer Registry (MCR) 617-624-5645
The MCR is population-based, providing the public with information and statistical analysis of cancer incidence in the Commonwealth's 351 communities. Data generated by age, sex, and other demographic variables are submitted from 104 hospitals. These, as well as occupational health and smoking status data, serve as resources for the DPH and as a research tool for epidemiological investigations.
Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP) 617-624-5600
The OHSP uses data collected by DPH and other state agencies to document the extent and distribution of work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the Commonwealth. Much of this work has been funded through a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The program also provides information to health care providers and the public on occupational health/medicine issues.
3 Bureau of Health Quality Management
Division of Food and Drug 617-983-6712
The Division's goal is to protect the consumer from unsafe, fraudulent, or deceptive practices in the food, drug, medical device, cosmetic, pesticide, and other consumer product industries. Primary program objectives are to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply, control abuse and diversion of pharmaceutical drugs, and reduce exposure to pesticides and chemicals that occurs via food consumption.
Radiation Control 305 South Street Jamaica Plain MA 02130 617-727-6214
Radiation Control responds to worker or management requests for radiation exposure hazard evaluation. The Division has the right to enter a site, and to survey and enforce standards for all users of radiation equipment.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute 470 Atlantic Ave., Second Floor Boston MA 02210 617-753-8400 1-800-532-9571
This program provides general information and counseling on lead poisoning prevention and reproductive effects; analyzes blood, paint, soil, and water samples; and inspects properties where children six years and under reside. It also provides medical intervention and environmental investigations and enforces lead poisoning prevention.
4 Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture
Pesticide Bureau 100 Cambridge Street Boston MA 02202 617-727-2863 617-727-3000
The Bureau provides information related to pesticides and their use in Massachusetts. Its Right-to-Know Division answers questions regarding the use and control of pesticides and their effects on health and the environment. The education division distributes informational literature and conducts lectures for interested groups and associations on the use and handling of pesticides.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) One Winter Street Boston MA 02108 617-292-5500
Central 508-792-7650 Northeast 78 1-932-7600 Southeast 508-946-2714 Western 413-784-1100
The MDEP administers the Commonwealth's environmental regulatory programs. It is responsible for ensuring the timely clean up of hazardous waste sites, providing emergency response to hazardous material spills, implementing strategies for preserving wetlands, and ensuring clean air and water in Massachusetts.
5 Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Occupational Safety 1001 Watertown Street West Newton MA 02165 617-969-7177 617-727-3982
In response to employee and employer requests, the DOS makes recommendations after investigating workplace hazards and conducts worksite inspections. Current information about health and reproductive hazards is available.
Massachusetts Poison Control Center 300 Longwood Avenue Boston MA 021 15 617-232-2120 1-800-682-9211
The Center may be consulted by the public and by health professionals on the medical management of exposure to a variety of drugs, chemicals, and other toxins. It also serves as a referral resource for services including special antidotes, laboratory assays, and technical assistance.
6 Other Agencies and Organizations
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) 1600 Clifton Road, NE (E-28) Atlanta GA 30333 404-639-0700
Division of Health Education and Promotion 404-639-6205
Local Office:
ATSDR Region I JFK Building Boston MA 02203 617-223-5590
The ATSDR was created by Congress with the mission of preventing exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of pollution in the environment. ATSDR's activities include conducting public health assessments of hazardous waste sites, summarizing and disseminating data on the health effects of hazardous substances, initiating research in toxicology and health effects, and developing health education programs and materials about hazardous substances in the environment. Materials including Case Studies, Medical Management Guidelines, and a Public Health Newsletter are available through the Division of Health Education and promotion.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Region 1, New England JFK Federal Building, Mailcode REA Boston MA 02203
The New England office of the USEPA is one of ten regional offices that cooperates closely with state and local governments in implementing federal environmental laws. Questions regarding environmental issues can be answered by a variety of offices including Public Affairs, Hazardous Waste, Asbestos and Air Issues, and Right-to-Know.
7 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) New England Field Office PO Box 87040 South Dartmouth MA 02748 508-997-6126 1-800-356-4674
NIOSH publishes materials on health and safety and can perform
health hazard evaluations. Information is available on occupational disease and injuries, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and other environmental health effects.
United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) JFK Federal Building, Room RE340 Boston MA 02203 617-565-9860
OSHA was created to encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and implement new or improved safety and health programs. Materials are available on occupational
health, occupational safety, asbestos, back injuries, hazard communications, federal regulations, accidents, statistical data, and carcinogens.
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) 1010 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 513 Washington, DC 2005 202-347-4976
The AOEC is a network of clinics and individuals who provide patient care and research on occupational and environmental
health hazards. In Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the Massachusetts Respiratory Hospital, and the Cambridge Hospital are affiliated with this association
(see page 13).
8 Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (Mass COSH) 555 Amory Street Boston MA 02130 617-524-6686
Mass COSH is a statewide coalition of workers, unions, and occupational health and legal professionals dedicated to workplace health and safety. It provides technical assistance and advice to community residents, workers, unions, and environmental groups on hazardous waste sites, toxic use reduction, and related issues.
Health and safety training is available for remedial workers.
National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER
This agency provides information about treatment guidelines and medical consultation, and produces related publications geared to health professionals and patients.
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Cancer Society 30 Speen Street Framingham MA 01701 508-270-4600
The Chapter provides physicians with information regarding causal influences of the environment on cancer. Resources include lists of carcinogenic industrial processes, occupational exposures, and chemicals.
American Lung Association 1505 Commonwealth Avenue Brighton MA 02135 617-787-5864
The Association can answer questions regarding environmental effects on the thoracic region, and provides a referral service to physicians. Fact sheets and other general medical literature are available upon request.
9 New York Foundation for the Arts 155 Sixth Avenue, 14th floor New York NY 10013 212-366-6900
This office responds to questions relating to hazards in the arts
(e.g. arts and crafts, the visual arts, and the performing arts), distributes newsletters and publications, makes referrals to doctors specializing in toxin-related illnesses, and provides qualified speakers to address hazards in the arts. It serves as a national clearinghouse for information on hazards in the arts, offers courses nationwide, and provides on-site consultation and inspection.
Hotlines
Office Technology Education Project (OTEP) 650 Beacon Street 5th floor Boston MA 02215 617-247-6827
OTEP provides educational programs, a resource library, and a hotline on the health and job impact of new office technology. The hotline may be used by pregnant women concerned about a possible risk of miscarriage and birth defects associated with the use of video display terminals (VDTs), and by office workers with questions on repetitive strain injuries, eyestrain, stress, and other technology and health issues.
Center for Hazardous Materials Research (CHMR) 320 William Pitt Way Pittsburgh PA 15238 412-826-5320
The CHMR is a subsidiary of the University of Pittsburgh Trust. It has pioneered the development and implementation of practical solutions to problems associated with the use and disposition of hazardous and solid waste materials.
10 Pregnancy/Environmental Hotline National Birth Defects Center Pediatric Adolescent Referral Center 40 Second Avenue, Suite 460 Waltham MA 02154 617-466-8474 1-800-322-5014
This hotline provides confidential and free phone consultation and written information on potential risks to pregnancy from environmental or workplace exposures. It also makes referrals to occupational health agencies and clinics when appropriate.
The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network TTU/HSC Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 1-800-858-PEST
This toll-free network (9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday - Friday) provides the medical and veterinary professional communities and the general public with pesticide product information, information on recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology and symptomatic review, referrals for laboratory analysis, investigation of pesticide incidents, and emergency treatment information. In addition, it provides safety information on health and environmental effects and clean-up and disposal procedures.
11 Cancer Information Service Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center P.O. Box 208034 New Haven CT 06520-8004 1-800-422-6237
This service of the National Cancer Institute answers cancer- related questions from health professionals, the public, and cancer patients and their families.
Lung Line National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine 14000 Jackson Street Denver CO 80206 1-800-222-5864
Nurses are available to answer questions and supply publications on occupational and environmental lung disease.
American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Response Line 1-800-ACS-2345
This toll-free service of the ACS provides publications and information about cancer and coping with cancer, and refers callers to local chapters of the ACS for support services.
12 American Cancer Information 1600 Pierce Street Denver CO 80214 1-800-525-3777
This toll-free service of the American Medical Center provides information on causes of cancer and related diseases, prevention, methods of detection and diagnosis, treatment and treatment facilities, rehabilitation, and counseling services. It also has the latest information on cancer including occupational cancer, medical referrals (including those to low-cost clinics), medical consultations, and referrals to patient support groups.
Air Risk Information Hotline Office of Air Quality Planning Standards
United States EPA f Maildrop 52 Research Triangle Park NC 27711 919-541-0888
AIR RISC provides technical assistance and information on health, exposure, and risk assessments for toxic air pollutants to state and local air pollution control agencies and USEPA Regional Offices.
13 Occupational and Environmental Clinics
The Occupational and Environmental Health Center * The Cambridge Hospital 1493 Cambridge Street Cambridge MA 02139 617-498-1580
The Center can answer questions regarding occupational and environmental health issues including diagnosis, general referrals, and referrals to government agencies. The clinic is staffed by board-certified Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians, and takes referrals from outside physicians.
University of Massachusetts Medical Center Occupational/Environmental Medicine Clinic * 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester MA 01655 508-856-2818
The Clinic specializes in diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of work- or environment-related diseases. It offers comprehensive services, including detailed examination and testing, specialized laboratory testing for various chemicals, and access to laboratories for analysis of air and water. The staff can conduct workplace or environmental site evaluations, and make recommendations for controlling hazards. Clinic staff are involved in several research
projects in environmental health.
Massachusetts Respiratory Hospital Occupational and Environmental Health Clinic * 2001 Washington Street Braintree MA 02184 617-848-2600
This diagnostic and treatment center for occupational and environmental exposures, dedicated to prevention, includes a clinic and a resource and referral center.
* This clinic is a member of the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics.
14 University of Massachusetts Medical Center Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards Clinic and Education Center 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester MA 01655 508-856-2818
Staffed by an obstetrician, occupational health physician, and health educator, the Center provides confidential consultations regarding the effects of environmental and occupational exposures on male and female fertility, as well as on pregnancy and breast feeding. Educational sessions are available for health providers, employees, and the general public.
Massachusetts General Hospital Occupational Medicine Clinic 55 Fruit Street Boston MA 02114 617-726-1721
This clinic specializes in asbestos, beryllium, and chemical exposures and fumes.
15 Federal, State, and County Contacts for the Massachusetts Military Reservation/Cape Cod
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment The Environmental Public Health Center Massachusetts Military Reservation/Otis Air Base 3137 North Inner Road Bourne, MA 02542 508 968-4366
See page 2.
Installation Restoration Program Head Quarters, Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence 322 East Inner Road, Box 41 Otis ANG Base, MA 02542-5028 508 968-4670 Hotline: 508 968-4678
The Installation Restoration Program (IRP) oversees remediation for the MMR through the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE). The AFCEE also responds to questions and concerns about environmental contamination at the MMR through maintenance of a environmental hotline.
Cape Cod Commission PO Box 226 3225 Main Street Barnstable, MA 02630 508 362-3828
The Cape Cod Commission (CCC) is a department of Barnstable
County. It is funded by the Cape Cod Environmental Protection Fund. The CCC was established as a regional planning and regulatory agency to prepare and implement a regional land use policy plan for all of Cape Cod. The CCC reviews and regulates land developments of regional impact and recommends designation of certain areas as districts of critical concern.
16 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Remedial Project Manager
EPA Region l f HBT Boston MA 02203 617 573-5793 617 223-5594 508-565-5594
The USEPA Remedial Project Manager oversees federal involvement in site remediation at the MMR.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Federal Facilities Remediation Section 20 Riverside Drive Lakeville, MA 02347 508 946-2871 508 946-2700
The MDEP Federal Facilities Remediation Section oversees state involvement in remediation activities at the MMR.
17 Local Board of Health Contacts on Upper Cape Cod
Bourne Board of Health Town Hall 24 Perry Avenue Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 508 759-0630
Falmouth Board of Health Town Hall 59 Town Hall Square Falmouth, MA 02540 508 548-7611
Sandwich Board of Health 16 Jan Sebastian Drive Sandwich, MA 02563 508 888-4200
Mashpee Board of Health Town Hall 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 508 539-1418
18 Massachusetts NPL* Superfund Sites
Atlas Tack Corp. (Fairhaven) New Bedford Harbor (New Bedford)
Baird and McGuire (Holbrook) Norwood PCBs (Norwood)
Blackburn and Union Privileges Nyanza Chemical Dump (Ashland)
(Walpole) Otis Air National Guard Base
Cannon Engineering Corp. (Mashpee, Massachusetts Military
(Bridgewater) Reservation, Bourne, Sandwich,
Charles-George Reclamation Trust and Falmouth)
(Tyngsborough) Plymouth Harbor/Cannon Eng.
Fort Devens (Ayer) (Plymouth)
Fort Devens-Sudbury Training Annex PSC Resources (Palmer)
(Sudbury) Re-Solve Inc. (Dartmouth)
Groveland Wells (Groveland) Rose Disposal Pit (Lanesborough)
Hanscom Air Force Base (Bedford) Salem Acres (Salem)
Haverhill Municipal Landfill Shpack Landfill (Norton/Attleboro)
(Haverhill) Silresim Chemical Corp. (Lowell)
Hocomonco Pond (Westborough) South Weymouth Naval Air Station
Industri-Plex (Woburn) Sullivan's Ledge (New Bedford)
Iron Horse Park (Billerica) W.R. Grace and Co. Inc. (Acton)
Natick Labs (Natick) Watertown Arsenal (Watertown)
Naval Industrial Reserve (Lexington) Wells G and H (Woburn) Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health Assessment 250 Washington Street, Seventh Floor Boston MA 02108-4619 617-624-5757