Letter to the Editor regarding Davis B, McDermott S, McCarter M, Ortaglia A. 2019. Population-based mortality data suggests remediation is modestly effective in two Montana Superfund counties. Environ. Geochem. Health

Abstract

As a group of citizens, scientists and public health officials, members of the Butte Superfund Health Study & Biomonitoring Working Group are committed to furthering the health and well-being of Butte citizens. We welcome the Davis et al. (2019) examination of mortality rates in Butte and Anaconda. Nevertheless, we are concerned the conclusion that elevated mortality rates reported were associated with the presence of Superfund sites in these two communities is not adequately supported. In this letter, we focus on Butte and begin by summarizing findings of twoMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS) studies of cancer mortality and incidence in Butte Silver Bow County that do not find elevated cancer incidence over a 35-year period. We then describe the massive remediation program conducted throughout Butte Silver Bow County over the past thirty years, as well as ongoing programs to reduce and track potential exposures to metals in Butte. Notably, by 2010 average blood lead levels in Butte children were not elevated above those expected in a similar community without a mining history. We conclude by describing the collaborative effort of the Health Study and Biomonitoring Working Group to update the prior exposure studies and to engage in outreach to the community inviting input regarding health concerns and study design.