WMOA News

Researchers Look for Answers about Air Pollution

Posted on: 04/16/2007

University of Cincinnati environmental health researchers are asking residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley to share their concerns and opinions about pollution and air quality in their region through an anonymous survey.

This community air pollution survey is part of ongoing research related to the health effects of metal exposures in the Mid-Ohio Valley region.

Last year, a team led by Dr. Erin Haynes conducted a pilot study that evaluated about 140 residents from Marietta and nearby communities for potentially dangerous exposures to manganese, chromium and lead.

According to the U.S. EPA, all three metals are being emitted from Marietta’s Eramet facility, the leading manganese refinery in the United States and Canada.

Haynes is now looking for about 600 people to complete a survey on air quality. Anyone living in the Marietta-Parkersburg area is eligible to participate in the survey. The 40 questions can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes.

Survey answers can be submitted online at www.eh.uc.edu/ches.

People who do not have access to the Internet can request a hard copy of the survey by contacting Elizabeth Kopras at koprasej@uc.edu or (513) 558-3625.