ATLANTA – State Representative Ralph Long (D- Atlanta) has made the study and regulation of pentachlorophenol the central issue of his freshman term. Since taking office in January of this year, Rep. Long has introduced three pieces of legislation concerning pentachlorophenol.
“While talking to constituents I learned that pentachlorophenol has caused a persistent noxious odor in the Jefferson Park and Sylvan Hills communities,” said Rep. Long. “I have introduced three pieces of legislation to protect the people living in those areas from the odor and potential health hazards caused by this carcinogenic chemical.”
Pentachlorophenol is a chemical wood preservative used to protect wooden telephone poles, railroad ties, cross arms, and fence posts. Environmental scientists are still working to determine the full extent of the damage caused to humans by exposure to pentachlorophenol. However, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has classified pentachlorophenol as a carcinogen, and the chemical has been banned in 26 countries. Despite these facts, the presence of the chemical in the air is not currently regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
Exposure investigations have been conducted by the ATSDR and the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) in Jefferson Park and Sylvan Hills. The studies were composed of air and urine samplings. According to the studies, pentachlorophenol was detected in the ambient air of both communities and in the urine of the residents.
For this reason, Representative Long has introduced House Bills 230 and 531 as well as House Resolution 177. HB 230 and 531 regulate the emission of pentachlorophenol near primary and secondary schools. HR 117 seeks to create the House Study Committee on the Airborne Release of Pentachlorophenol and its Effects on the Health of Georgia Residents. This study committee would research the effects of pentachlorophenol and recommend any necessary action or legislation.
“The State of Georgia has a duty to regulate industries whose activities unduly interfere with the safety of our state’s residents, especially those most vulnerable to potential health hazards,” said Rep. Long. “Protecting the health of school children should be at the forefront of our legislative priorities. Georgia’s children deserve safe schools and safety extends to the environmental quality of schools. This means ensuring the air quality surrounding our schools is free of carcinogens and other toxic substances.”
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Representative Ralph Long represents the citizens of District 61, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2009, and currently serves on the Higher Education, Natural Resources & Environment, and Transportation committees.