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U.S. EPA Washington to choose panel of experts
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Posted on Oct 09 2000
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington will take the lead role in choosing a panel of experts who will make an in-depth study on crabs in Tanapag village following results of the preliminary survey which showed that at least five crabs were contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl.
In an advisory, public health and environment officials have asked the people to stop eating land crabs as a precautionary measure since PCBs are potential cancer-causing agents as well as non-cancer health effects. People who have been exposed to PCBs in the air for a long time have also experienced irritation of the nose, lungs and skin such as acne and rashes.
Division of Environmental Quality Director Ignacio Cabrera and U.S. EPA Washington Toxicologist Dorothy Canter discussed a week ago the possible members of the team.
Mr. Cabrera said he will recommend that a representative from the Division of Fish and Wildlife be included because the agency is more familiar with the species of crabs on the island. He hopes the panel to be formed before the end of the month and the study to begin soon after the members are appointed.
While the detectable levels of PCB found in five of the eight land crabs tested are below the standard established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fish, U.S. EPA guidelines indicate that the levels may be of concern.
“This preliminary health advisory will remain in effect until further studies by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are able to demonstrate that the crabs in the area are safe to eat,” DEQ said.
The land crabs taken were among the samples of food gathered five months ago by U.S. EPA Region 9 representatives as part of the risk assessment in Tanapag village.
EPA officials found other food items tested for PCB contamination such as taro, yam, clams, chicken eggs and fish safe for consumption. Groundwater testing also yielded negative results for PCB.
Meanwhile, public health officials are preparing for the opening of the Tanapag health clinic to explain to the village residents the results of the PCB testing earlier conducted. (LFR)
