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May 15, 2003 Contact: Bonnie Widerburg (503) 731-4180 Technical contact: Janice Panichello (503) 731-4025 Health study finds old Burns Radar Station to be a health hazard Because of physical hazards and health risks from asbestos materials, the former Burns Air Force Radar Station in Harney County is officially considered to be a public health hazard, according to a new report from the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). "We strongly advise that residents in the area keep their families away from this area," said Janice Panichello, M.P.A., health assessor in DHS. "For more than 30 years, the buildings have deteriorated and been repeatedly vandalized. The location is dangerous." The former radar station, located about 3.5 miles southwest of Burns and Hines, was originally home to 38 building. The buildings remain, but are in various states of disrepair. Warning signs have been posted at the location, but because there is no fencing they are easily accessible, Panichello says. "Trespassers and maintenance workers are at risk of harm from physical conditions, such as open sewer manholes, collapsed beams and broken glass," said Panichello. "Our other concern is that fragments of deteriorating asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, pipe wrap, tile and wallboard are spread throughout the site." Panichello said the Air Force owned the radar station property from 1954 to 1970. For a short time after, Burns Union High School owned the property but deeded it back in 1978. Most of the property has been under private ownership since 1979. Exposure to asbestos is a known hazard, because microscopic fibers can be breathed in and trapped in the lungs. Asbestos has been associated with lung cancer and other diseases of the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs, according to Panichello. "If you’ve visited or spent time at the site and you are a smoker, we advise that you stop smoking," Panichello said. "Smoking acts with asbestos to increase the risk of lung cancer. We’re also advising people who’ve been exposed to asbestos at the site to notify their health care provider at their next visit. Asbestos exposure is something to keep in mind as they visit their doctor over the years." Panichello said that the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s eastern region is currently evaluating who is responsible for clean up of the location and how that will be accomplished. The DHS public health report is available on the Web. It is also available by calling (503) 731-4025. |
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