Document npQ854rr2rO07JjqwmVkdo5O2

*0*T PFfICt BOX 1 t> COLUMBUS, OHIO 432 1 S NEWS RELEASE RICHARD F. CELESTE GOVERNOR March 22, 1983 IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Ohio Department of Health, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, today announced the results of blood sample analysis for PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in Ashtabula County residents. Blood samples were taken in January and February with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control from 59 residents living near the Poplar Oil Company site in Jefferson. This site was found to be contaminated with PCBs. The blood samples were analyzed at the Centers for Disease Control. Only two of the 59 residents were found to have PCB blood levels higher than normal,vone at 26 parts per billion (ppb) and the other at 45 ppb. Acute health effects are usually experienced only when PCB levels exceed 100 ppb. PCB levels of 20 ppb or below are considered normal. PCB levels in the remaining blood samples were at 15 ppb or below. . Ongoing analysis of detailed health questionaires obtained at the time of blood sample taking may lead to explanations of the slightly elevated levels found in two of the 59 persons. Contact: Robert Indian (614) 466-0281 PCB-ARCH-EXT0378336