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Feb 19 2007
Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) has raised concerns regarding potential health threats related to naturally occurring asbestos in Swift Creek sediments. According to tests, the dredge piles from the Western Washington creek contain asbestos and there are chances for the residents in the region to be exposed to it. The federal investigators have cautioned that those who disturbed the material along the creek's banks by biking, jogging or whatever means might have to face health risks. To determine how high is the asbestos levels in the piles, EPA sent its technicians and they went through some activities like digging, jogging etc. Unacceptable levels of asbestos were found on their specially designed suits. EPA told that in some cases, the asbestos levels detected were high above the federal standards. They added that the asbestos is capable of going airborne in dust and can be inhaled by people which may lead to dangerous health problems. Federal investigators now think that six cases of a cancer due to asbestos exposure may be tied to the Whatcom County creek that floods every year. Mr. Clifford, the site assessments section manager in the Office of Environmental Health Assessments said, "We know the asbestos levels in the material coming off Sumas Mountain are high, but it will take more analysis and interviews to see if the reported cases of mesothelioma can be linked to the material in the creek." Clifford said that Washington has a high level of asbestos disease among former shipyard workers and from a W.R. Grace plant in Spokane which manufactured insulation from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite and so they have to check out the work history of those identified from the registry to determine if they had asbestos exposure from sources other than the creek. Naturally occurring asbestos like this was believed to be harmless for years however, the latest studies show that heavy exposure can be hazardous. Swift Creek originates on the west flank of Sumas Mountain and drains three square miles near the town of Everson in Whatcom County, Washington. It flows four miles west through agricultural land into the Sumas River. Washington Government agencies have decided not to draw drinking water from the polluted creek or the Sumas River into which it flows.
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