HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07311984 - X.8 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY , CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on July 31 , 1984 , by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder , McPeak, Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Study on Pollution Related
Disease in Contra Costa County
At the request of Supervisor Tom Powers , Dr . Wendel Brunner ,
Public Health Director , Health Services Department , appeared before
the Board to report on the most recent studies conducted by scientists
from the California Department of Health Services , U . C . Berkeley and
the Lawrence Laboratory with respect to the potential effects on human
health of the petro-chemical industry' s pollution of the air .
Dr . Brunner stated that there have been a number of studies
done in Contra Costa County to determine the correlation between air
pollution associated with the petro-chemical industry and incidences
of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases in the County, that the
results of such studies have been contradictory and inconclusive , and
that cancer and cardiovascular diseases have many contributing factors ,
and while it is likely that environmental factors do contribute to
some extent , it is difficult without costly long-term studies to
determine the magnitude of environmental influences .
Dr . Brunner informed the Board that because Public Health
considers occupational and environmental health a major issue , they
are starting an occupational health clinic in the County, both to
provide care for people with occupation-related diseases and to
determine what kind of occupational diseases are prevalent in Contra
Costa County. He stated that his department is also working with
health officials from around the Bay Area and the State Health
Services Department to design an on-going study that would provide
information and data that would be useful in answering some of the
questions regarding occupational cancer and other occupation related
diseases .
In response to questioning from Supervisor Nancy C . Fanden
with respect to specific known human carcinogens , Dr . Brunner stated
that during the recent problems with inappropriate emissions .from
Pacific Refinery, the Public Health Department took extensive samples
and analyzed them carefully for all kinds of potential carcinogens
and other health hazards . Hydrocarbons and known carcinogens were
found , but in quantities too small for the Health Department to
declare it an imminent health hazard .
Supervisor Powers commented that although the current study
does not say that because there are petro-chemical companies in Contra
Costa County, therefore people get more cancer , it does set forth some
environmental issues that must be dealt with .
Supervisor Fanden expressed her belief that the Board of
Supervisors has a responsibility to protect the citizens of Contra
Costa County, not only with respect to health risks but also to reduce
possible financial losses . She made the following recommendations:
1 . Instruct the County Administrator to report back on
August 7, 1984 with an update on the activities of the
Citizens Advisory Committee , established in November
1983, on occupational and environmental health issues
in West County, said update should include all findings
and recommendations;
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2. Instruct County Administrator to direct the Health
Services Department to develop an Epidemiology Division
with the capability to do daily monitoring of industrial
emissions , said activity to be funded from revenues
derived from the forthcoming hazardous waste tax; and
3. Establish a working group, consisting of representatives
of the petro-chemical and energy producing industries ,
impacted cities , medical profession , private sector
health plans , real estate , land development firms ,
environmental interest groups , etc . , to develop a plan
of action to substantially reduce the risk to our health
caused by industrial air pollution and to stem the
financial losses to homeowners , realtors and developers
because potential buyers do not want to live in a "high
exposure" area .
Supervisor Fanden also recommended that the current study
be forwarded to the National Cancer Institute for review and analysis .
Supervisor Sunne W . McPeak expressed her agreement with
respect to the Board' s responsibility to the residents of the County,
and commented on the necessity of going ahead both with the occupational
health clinic proposed by the Public Health Department and the design
of a comprehensive prospective study, as opposed to the retrospective
studies done in the past . She stated that national agencies should be
encouraged to implement the study, with Contra Costa County serving as
a laboratory to provide the resources .
Edgar Monk , representing the Grey Panthers , appeared before
the Board and urged that steps be taken to protect the health of the
residents of the County
Jean Siri , representing the West Contra Costa- Conservation
League , appeared before the Board and urged that the National Cancer
Institute be requested to get involved since they have the personnel ,
equipment and finances to conduct the necessary studies .
In response to question from Supervisor Torlakson , Mr . Phil
Batchelor , County Administrator , stated that he would make an oral
report on August 7, 1984 with respect to the time frame for an in-depth
report .
After further discussion by Board members , IT IS BY THE BOARD
ORDERED that the recommendations of Supervisors Fanden and McPeak be
REFERRED to the County Administrator for report back to the Board .
cc: County Administrator
Public Health Director Ihereby certify that thletsatrue one,correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date $frown.
ATTESTED:
J.R. OLS.ciON, COUsd 7'y CLERK
and ex officio Clerk of the Board
By --� . Deputy
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