Federal study due soon on Tar Creek health risks

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) _ A federal study is expected to be released in a few days on the health risks facing Tar Creek residents. <br/><br/>But one local activist says the study isn't going far enough.

Wednesday, August 11th 2004, 1:47 pm

By: News On 6

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) _ A federal study is expected to be released in a few days on the health risks facing Tar Creek residents.

But one local activist says the study isn't going far enough.

The area in northeastern Oklahoma is contaminated by waste from years of lead and zinc mining. Children have been found with high levels of lead, which can cause learning disabilities and health problems.

The federal study was ordered by Congress and is expected to look at efforts to reduce lead exposure and treat those who are exposed.

But local activist Earl Hatley says other metals also contaminate the area. Hatley is working with researchers from Harvard on a study of the effects on children of a combination of metals in the area.