EHAP was asked by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to evaluate the public health significance of exposure to asbestos at the former Burns Air Force Radar Station near the cities of Burns and Hines in Harney County.
The people that may be affected by the asbestos and physical hazards are mainly trespassers and maintenance workers at the site.
EHAP investigated the site and completed a Public Health Consultation - PHC (pdf), which concludes that exposure to friable asbestos, and physical hazards created by the vandalism of old buildings at the site poses a public health hazard. The physical hazards at the site include open sewer manholes and open pits, buildings with collapsed beams and roofing, and broken window glass. Some sources of asbestos at the site are insulation, pipe wrap, and broken tile and wallboard.
Educational Materials
Reports
- Public Health Consultation (PHC) (pdf) (public comment release document)
- What can I do to reduce my family's health risks from exposure to asbestos?
- What does the PHC say about the former Burns Air Force Station?
Related Websites