About - 35^th Avenue Site, North Birmingham

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to review the results of soil and air samples collected at properties in the Collegeville, Fairmont, and Harriman Park communities in north Birmingham, Alabama. These communities are now part of the 35^th Avenue Site. ATSDR looked at the sample results to see if any chemical levels in soil or air were high enough to cause health problems for people who live or work in the community.

Soil

ATSDR reviewed soil sample results from 75 properties in the Collegeville, Fairmont, and Harriman Park communities in north Birmingham in 2013. The soil samples were collected in 2005 and 2009 and were tested for many chemicals. ATSDR looked at each chemical in soil to see if the level was high enough to cause health problems for people who come into contact with the soil. Arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sometimes called PAHs) levels were high in some yards. Therefore, ATSDR recommended reducing peoples contact with the chemicals. To read the full report of the “Assessment of Soil Exposures in Communities Adjacent to the Walter Coke, Inc. Site, Birmingham, AL” visit the Publications section of this website.

ATSDR reviewed surface soil sample results collected by EPA from 2012-2016 for the 35^th Avenue Site (which includes portions of Collegeville, Fairmont, and Harriman Park) as well as some limited garden produce sample results. ATSDR evaluated if contact with contaminants in the soil or eating garden produce could have harmful effects. To read the full report of the “Evaluation of Surface Soil and Garden Produce Exposures Assessment of Soil Exposures,” visit or the Publications section of this website.

Air

ATSDR looked at air sample results collected by EPA and the Jefferson County Department of Health. The samples were collected in north Birmingham from 2005 – 2012. ATSDR found that in the past, particulate matter (PM) levels could have resulted in harmful health effects in some people. PM levels are lower now than in the past, and should no longer cause harmful health effects in people. ATSDR released its final Public Health Assessment that reviews air sample results on April 21, 2015. This report is available in the Publications section of this website.