Study finds high levels of metals in Ottawa County residents hair

(Tulsa-AP) -- A health study has revealed high levels of lead, manganese, arsenic and cadmium in Ottawa County residents' hairs. <br><br>The 20 residents in the study all live around mounds of mine

Thursday, July 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A health study has revealed high levels of lead, manganese, arsenic and cadmium in Ottawa County residents' hairs.

The 20 residents in the study all live around mounds of mine tailings.

The high levels of heavy metals will be discussed at a public hearing tomorrow, sponsored by the Harvard School of Public Health. The hearing will reveal just how high the levels are and what health risks residents will have to deal with in the future.

Experts warn that the presence of lead in humans is dangerous. It's even more dangerous when combined with other metals.

The tailings are left from the mining of lead and zinc in Ottawa County. Mining in the area was halted in 1960.