Health Study Will Examine Effects of FMC
A new study starting in Fort Hall could give answers to how FMC pollution might have harmed public health.
The health investigation will look at four main things, whether exposure to pollution has caused increased cancer, asthma, early death or any other type of rare disease.
Members of the Sho-Ban tribe said they’ve had to deal with real health problems caused by pollution.
“The reason why it’s so important is because our children, many of our children, have asthma and respiratory problems. And if we can link and find out where it came from, that’s good,? Hobby Hevewah said.
Exponent Inc. is conducting the health study, and is made up of doctors, statisticians and epidemiologists.
They hope the study will give answers, as to whether FMC pollution has caused disease and death, and if so, how much.
“I think people want to understand if the area has an increased risk associated with it due to environmental exposures. If they’re at an increased risk for cancer or other diseases,? Exponent Principal Investigator Jon Fryzeck said.
But don’t expect answers back fast. All told it will probably take three years until these studies are concluded and show results.
The scientists and doctors conducting the study said it takes time to be accurate and thorough.
“The most important thing is that the study is scientific, and that it follows the scientific methods very closely,? Fryzeck said.
Exponent wants information from anyone in Fort Hall, whether they’re a member of the tribe or not, and said the study’s outcome really depends on support from the public.
“So we want to make the results as valid and reliable as possible. And in order to do that we need to understand the health of every person in Fort Hall. So if someone doesn’t want to participate we can’t get and accurate understanding of the health of the residents here.”
For Fort Hall locals, the hope is any answers found could help protect the health of themselves and their children.
“Anytime you get diagnosed and find out where it came from, hopefully you can fix the problem,? Hevewah said.
