The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), released a report called “Evaluation of Community Exposures Related to Coldwater Creek,” in North St. Louis County, Mo. on April 30.  The report focused on people who lived along or played in Coldwater Creek from the years of 1960 to the 1990s, as well as in the 2000s.

The ATSDR stated that people who were regularly around Coldwater Creek in the 1960s to the 1990s have a possibly increased risk of leukemia, bone cancer or lung cancer. People who currently live by Coldwater Creek or have in the 2000s may have an increased risk of lung cancer.

The ATSDR recommends that residents who may of been exposed to the toxic waste in Coldwater Creek need to consult their medical physicians if unusual or new symptoms develop, as this exposure is apart of their medical history. The ATSDR also supports the continued investigation and cleanup of Coldwater Creek floodplain soils and sediments which is part of remedial action being taken. 

This appears to be a big win for Coldwater Creek activists, but also creates new complications. Some of the people who have been affected by the toxic waste have started a lawsuit towards the companies involved, but the ATSDR press release points blame toward the companies involved which negatively affects the payment victims will receive as an outcome of this lawsuit.

The fight for Coldwater Creek is not over, but this was a win. As people continue to speak up and take action over this issue, the more progress is made towards a solution for the issue.