The Union Pacific railroad has been contacting property owners at a north Wichita contamination site to arrange for testing of indoor air samples in homes. The railroad is also planning a community open house this weekend to provide information and updates on the site.
The area around 29th Street North and Grove has been the focus of a health study on the effects of a railyard spill 50 years ago that potentially exposed residents to toxic and hazardous chemicals. Kansas health officials have reported higher rates of liver cancer among adults, and a higher rate of low birthweights among infants, in a study of the area.
Union Pacific has sent letters to residents in the area to collect indoor air samples, and residents are urged to return a signed access agreement enclosed with the letters. The agreements will authorize technicians to determine if indoor air quality meets the standards set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The community open house will be held Saturday, June 1st at the Atwater Resource Center at 2755 East 19th. It will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
