Feds studying hazards at Texas cement factory town

John McFarland missed asking Don Hastings and David Perkins,“If there are no health issues to be concerned about, then why is ATSDR revisiting Midlothian?” That there have been numerous health studies is not true. The only health study EVER completed in Midlothian was a peer-reviewed study of respiratory illnesses in Midlothian, conducted by University of Texas Medical Branch and authored by Dr. Marvin Legator in 1996, concluded a 35% higher incidence of respiratory problems in Midlothian than the control group.



TCEQ, a regulatory agency – not a public health agency is trying to pass off their questionable data as a health study. All of Texas knows TCEQ’s history when it comes to protecting public health. TCEQ sees public health as a sacrifice for doing business and we all just need to “suck it up.” Industry and the City agree.



ATSDR has not concluded the public health consultation started in July 2005. They are taking a deeper look at concerns expressed by the community. A significant point missed by this article.

This article is an insult to the people in Midlothian. A second grader could write a better article than this. If you do not understand environmental issues, then DO NOT WRITE about them. This entire article lacks integrity. There were several Midlothian residents that worked hours trying to educate you regarding environmental concerns in Midlothian. It is questionable what you truly understood. It appears that either you are not capable of understanding or chose not to listen.



It seems like you bought the City’s and TCEQ myth that no problems exist. If there is no question that there may be an issue, then why is ATSDR revisiting Midlothian?



It is obvious that you do not understand TCEQ’s role is regulatory and not that of assessing public health. ATSDR is in town to ASSESS PUBLIC HEALTH not to determine whether or not anyone is meeting regulatory requirements. ATSDR and TDSHS use different standards and different criteria to assess public health.



You are wrong about all the studies that prove everything is okay. There are studies that show everything may not be okay – but this is something TCEQ and the City pretend do not exist. There has NEVER BEEN A TRUE PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN MIDLOTHIAN. That is why ATSDR is in town and that is what they are trying to do.



If you cannot be objective and impartial, I suggest you find a different occupation.

Clean up the air = postive growth & health economy.