EPA talks about air monitor findings for Ky chemical plant

CALVERT CITY, Ky. (KBSI) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says their findings are based off a lifetime risk assessment determined by their findings through three different air monitoring sites inside Calvert City.

Dr. Rashidra Walker who works with the EPA says “The EPA in collaboration with the Kentucky Division of Quality did s study to determine if the residents of Calvert City Kentucky in the vicinity of the industrial complex are potentially being exposed to compounds and the concentrations in the ambient air and the risk that those exposures may pose. The Calvert City risk analysis results reported that Etheline Dichloride or EDC which is a man-made oily chemical that is commonly used in PVC concentrations were elevated and they caused the highest lifetime cancer risks at all three community monitoring sites.”

The EDC chemical is being released from PVC equipment failure from inside the factory.

The risk assessment is also based off lifetime exposure, so exposure of 24 hours a day, for 70 years would cause high chances of developing severe or Longterm health conditions.

The EPA states that there are no immiediate or short term health risks,

However, there is still substantial long-term health risk to residents.

An air monitor placed at the Calvert City elementary school showed elevated results but not as elevated as the air monitor located in front of the plant.

The EPA says there could be long term health or development affects to children and residents, but it could take decades to know.

The EPA says they will continue to work with the Kentucky Division of Air Quality on this issue.

The EPA is holding a community meeting to talk to residents of Calvert City Kentucky on February 13 at 6 pm at the Marshall County Public Library in Calvert City.