Hamilton – An important opportunity for the public to learn more about – and add vital input to – the recently released public health study of the neighborhoods surrounding the former Mercer Rubber factory on Mercer Street in Hamilton is being held this coming Wednesday at the Nottingham Fire House in Hamilton, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said today.    

The public availability sessions on the study – which will be held at 2:00-4:00 pm and from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 – will provide a valuable opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about the study.

            “I strongly encourage anyone interested in listening and learning more about the preliminary study results concerning the incidence of cancer found in the area to make plans to attend one of the two sessions, especially if you currently live, or at one point lived, near the former Mercer Rubber factory,” said Smith.

The availability sessions are being arranged through the joint cooperation of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), and the Hamilton Township Department of Health. 

Smith stressed that those closest to the effected area should make every possible effort to attend one of the two sessions.

“I especially want to reach out to anyone who is currently living – or knows someone who has at one point lived – in the neighborhoods surrounding the Mercer Rubber plant to please try to attend one of these sessions.  You are among those who stand to be affected the most by this study and your participation is imperative to its success,” said Smith.

A summary of the draft Public Health Assessment document, prepared as a result of a request from a concerned citizen to look into possible exposures to contaminants from the Mercer Rubber Company, will be provided.  Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments about the issues discussed in the report.  

            Also offered will be one-on-one private conversations with those involved with the study from the government agencies with any citizen who wishes to discuss particular health concerns they or members of their family may be experiencing which the citizen believes could be related to exposures to the contaminants from the rubber plant.

            Copies of the report can be found at the NJDHSS website at:  http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/cehsweb/index.html.  Further information about report and the comment period can also be requested through the NJDHSS’s Office of Consumer and Environmental Health Services at (609) 584-5367.