KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is set to hold two community town hall meetings to discuss, and answer questions about their report concerning odors from two industrial facilities in Kalamazoo.
The first town hall is scheduled for Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 120 Roberson Street.
Another session will be held on Wednesday, May 24 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. at the Urban Alliance in Kalamazoo for those who are unable to attend the May 18 event.
MDHHS on Monday, May 8 released the results of a health consultation conducted in Kalamazoo near the Graphic Packaging International (GPI) facility and the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant (KWRP).
The consultation identified hydrogen sulfide and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the sources of odors affecting the neighborhoods. MDHHS officials conclude that a lifetime of exposure to levels of hydrogen sulfide measured in the air in communities close to GPI and KWRP could result in increased risk of nasal irritation, such as discomfort or inflammation, in addition to odors causing temporary health effects like headaches.
MDHHS was first alerted to complaints by residents in the northside and eastside neighborhoods of Kalamazoo regarding foul odors and negative health symptoms such as headaches, nausea and eye irritation in 2020. MDHHS began investigating these concerns immediately, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department.
MDHHS has confirmed that hydrogen sulfide and other VOCs were at high enough levels in the air that people may detect odors. Individuals who are sensitive to odors may experience temporary health effects including headaches, nausea and eye irritation in addition to respiratory effects. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience airway irritation when strong odors are inhaled.
MDHHS officials are recommending that air sampling equipment be maintained at appropriate locations in the community which they say will allow for ongoing monitoring and sampling of hydrogen sulfide in the area for further assessing long-term exposures.
Visit Michigan.gov/EnviroHealth to view the entire health consultation.
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