Friday, February 6, 2004

JEREMIAH STETTLER

Dow Chemical Co. doesn't want blood. It wants residents' two cents.

David Garabrant, the lead researcher in a Dow-sponsored study of human dioxin levels, will meet privately with Tittabawassee River residents next week.

Garabrant said he will explain the upcoming study and solicit input on how to improve it.

Dow announced plans last week to pay for the blood testing of 350 Saginaw and Midland residents living outside the Tittabawassee River floodplain. Officials hope to determine how much dioxin is in residents' blood.

"Everyone has some level of dioxin in their blood," said Garabrant, a professor of occupational medicine and epidemiology at the University of Michigan.

"So we want to understand what is typical in the local community, which then can be used to compare with the results of residents who live along the Tittabawassee River or near Dow's Midland plant."

Dow officials say the work will complement a state study of dioxin levels, which will measure the toxin concentrations found in the dust and blood of 25 riverside residents.

State health officials say the studies are not linked. The Department of Community Health was not consulted about Dow's work.

Dow officials have invited more than 1,000 residents along the Tittabawassee River to attend Garabrant's forums -- excluding those who are suing the company.

Residents may attend one of four sessions Tuesday and Wednesday at Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State in Saginaw Township.

Dow officials also have invited state health officials and members of the media as non-participating observers. However, they forbid any recording of the meeting.

Company spokeswoman Terri M. Johnson said Dow wants to make sure that people feel free to ask questions and express opinions. t

Jeremiah Stettler is a staff writer for The Saginaw News. You may reach him at 776-9685.

© 2004 Saginaw News.