Statement of Scientific Concerns

Understanding environmental conditions in the Great Lakes region and protecting residents from possible health effects is a priority for CDC and ATSDR. Community members in the Great Lakes region deserve accurate, timely information. In July 2007, ATSDR's Office of the Director determined that the draft report Public Health Implications of Hazardous Substances in the Twenty Six U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern, was not ready for public release. CDC and ATSDR reports undergo extensive review before they are released to the public. These reviews ensure that when information is released, it is scientifically reliable and can be used with confidence by those making decisions to protect public health and the environment. The decision to take additional time to improve the draft report in order to ensure its scientific quality was difficult, but it was necessary. CDC is currently taking actions to remedy several important scientific deficiencies in the draft document.