Air Quality Investigation in Arlington and Tonopah, Arizona

ATSDR is investigating whether breathing contaminants in air near egg farms in Arlington or Tonopah could harm people’s health. We will focus on assessing exposure to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. We know these chemicals are present in the air near the facilities because

• People report smelling odors in the area consistent with these chemicals.
• Other organizations have measured these chemicals in the air in the past.

In 2017, there was not enough data for ATSDR to determine if there is a health risk.

In 2018, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) measured hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in communities near these facilities. ATSDR will use this data to investigate whether breathing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in air could harm people’s health.

ATSDR will write a report to document community concerns; present our analysis of ADEQ’s 2018 air monitoring data, including any data limitations; make health conclusions about whether breathing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in air could harm people’s health; discuss environmental odors in the community; and recommend actions to protect people’s health.

As part of the health consultation process, ATSDR will determine whether to conduct or recommend additional air monitoring.

ATSDR will keep you informed of our progress through regular email updates. Visit the Contact section to join our email list to stay up to date.