State study finishes gathering data
State researchers have completed the field work on research to determine how widespread exposure is to the chemical toluene diisocyanate and whether those exposed have developed any respiratory problems. The study looked at roughly 400 adults in 10 neighborhoods around four sites where the chemical was used. One of the sites is Olympic Products (formerly Vitafoam) in Pleasant Garden.
(More information about the chemical from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is available here.)
Researchers asked residents questions about their respiratory health, took blood samples to check for the presence of the chemical, and took air samples to see what level of the chemical, if any, was present in the air.
They did the same with residents of demographically similar neighborhoods in the state with no known source of exposure to toluene diisocyanate.
Researchers now will review the data and expect to publish their findings in 2009.
Researchers are keeping information about survey participants strictly confidential. But if you took part and would like to talk about it, call me at 373-7088 or shoot me an e-mail. Thanks!