I do not know if the incinerator that sat outside NAF Atsugi’s back gate polluted the Sagamihara Family Housing area, which is NW of NAF Atsugi. However, I do believe that everyone, including civilian employees should have been included in retrospective health study of people who resided at NAF Atsugi, Japan. For more information on the study, now in progress, please see www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com click on “07/08 Study”

If you would like to address some of the issues surrounding the study, the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) has a link surrounding the study and other issues regarding NAF Atsugi, Japan.
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has specific POC for questions.

http://www-nmcphc.med.navy.mil/atsugi/atsugi.htm

I contacted the POCs by e-mail a month or so ago, and they did not respond back to me.

Just yesterday, I sent a email to the folks at the NMCPHC & cc'd the CNO addresssing this issue.



5 May 08
CAPT XXXXXX,

In February 2008, many former NAF Atsugi residents sent emails to the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) point of contact regarding questions, concerns and status of family health issues that is provided in the NMCPHC’s Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan, Jinkampo Incinerator Complex Health Information Webpage. ( http://www-nmcphc.med.navy.mil/atsugi/atsugi.htm ) These folks asked specific questions regarding the current health study and reported the following medical issues which included, but was not limited to the following;

Seizures, Autoimmune Disease(s), Cancer, Kidney Disease, Miscarriage(s), Autism, Leukemia (AML), Bi-polar Disorder/depression and unfortunately the death of a spouse or child.

They following generic reply that was sent to all, “This acknowledges receipt of your email. If your inquiry is not currently addressed in the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section of this website and within Navy Medicine's purview to answer, a response will be added to the FAQs as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.”

This response is not only inadequate and insensitive; there have NOT been further updates, to address the concerns, to the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section as stated in the response provided from the NMCPHC.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind your department of its mission statement and guiding principles;

MISSION: Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) is the Navy and Marine Corps center for public health services. We provide leadership and expertise to ensure mission readiness through disease prevention and health promotion in support of the National Military Strategy.

VISION: Protection through Prevention

Commitment: We are dedicated individuals, building professional relationships and motivated by quality customer service.

Readiness: We work as a team, anticipating and maintaining the necessary resources to respond promptly to our customers' needs - first time, on time, every time.

Integrity: We uncompromisingly adhere to principle, courage of conviction, and truth in all matters, professional and personal.

Trust: We trust individuals to do the right thing.

Leadership: We show the way.

Your quick response and update to the informational website is appreciated.

Shelly Parulis
Email - atsugi-incinerator@yahoo.com
Website - www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com

quote:

They following generic reply that was sent to all, “This acknowledges receipt of your email. If your inquiry is not currently addressed in the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section of this website and within Navy Medicine's purview to answer, a response will be added to the FAQs as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest.”

This response is not only inadequate and insensitive; there have NOT been further updates, to address the concerns, to the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section as stated in the response provided from the NMCPHC.

I am in total agreement with you. We have listened to the same baloney for well over 3 decades regarding toxins, dioxin and other poisons. Not just from one branch of service, but all have been involved with cover-ups, lying denials and deception when it come to the health of service members, offspring as well as family exposed on bases.

The Navy has recently awarded contract to review Atsugi Toxins!!!

In 2007…………………….the Navy’s Bureau of Medicine (BUMED) asked the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC), formally the Navy Environmental Health Center, NEHC, to contract with an independent, civilian academic institution to thoroughly review the existing environmental sampling data for Atsugi. This academic review will provide recommendations that may include additional screening based upon the exposure at Atsugi.

The Navy knew that hundreds of toxic chemicals contaminated NAF Atsugi, Japan, which was more than a decade ago……………. They knew the soil and air was contaminated with heavy metals and DIOXIN with significantly high level.

The Toxic Chemicals Levels were over the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL), so why did the Navy wait so long to request action that could ultimately provide active health screening for former residents? Why was medical surveillance not put in place and why did they continue to house military members & dependents in a toxic wasteland?

If you were stationed at NAF Atsugi during the time that the Jinkanpo/Shinkampo incinerator was in operation and you and or your dependents are suffering from cancer or other health issues you believe was caused by the toxic incinerator emissions you have many options.

Contact the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce

Contact the U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services

Local Representative

Local Senator

File a claim (SF95) - forms and information are available on
www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com click on the CLAIM INFORMATION tab.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Shelly

-->Personal email address deleted by MOD to protect privacy of poster<--

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OldAFcop,

Navy Medicine releases June 2008 report on Atsugi's Toxic Exposure

Is NAF Atsugi’s soil still contaminated with Heavy Metals & Dioxin……?

Atsugi Registry / Outreach Program?

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) recently released the REVIEW OF NAF ATSUGI HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL DATA TO DETERMINE IF ADDITIONAL POPULATION-BASED MEDICAL SCREENING IS INDICTED.

Battelle prepared this Technical Report for the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center NMCPHC (formally the Navy Environmental Health Center – NEHC) in June 2008.

The following is an abstract of the recommendation & the final assessment portions of the report:

(1) Evaluate of Current Soil Contamination –sampling for residual pollutants. Soil sampling should be conducted to evaluate the current hazard.

(2) Establish an Outreach Program for Communication with Former NAF Atsugi Residents.
“.it seem likely that very few of the NAF Atsugi residents during the initial ten years of incinerator operation have had the opportunity to learn about their exposed and potential health risk…..” One of the many messages should be to encourage all former
NAF Atsugi residents to follow the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
guidelines for routine preventive care

(3) Exposed NAF Atsugi population should be defined and identified as members of an Atsugi Registry

(4) Medical Evaluation should be conducted via the use of validated questionnaires of respiratory health in individuals who were under 16 while a resident at NAF Atsugi/ For those indicating respiratory symptoms, screening pulmonary function tests.

(5) A review should be conducted of pediatric lead levels at NAF Atsugi during the years of incinerator operation with a comparison
levels in children of comparable age collected under comparable protocols at other naval facilities. Counseling about neuro-
behavioral effects of moderate lead exposure should be provided if average lead levels are significantly higher

The Navy recently contracted Battelle to review the NAF Atsugi's data and provide recommendations. Navy Medicine posted the report on their website, along with their comments - The first six pages is the Navy's
Comments, so I suggest you read the report first - then the comments - the report starts on page 7.

www-mcphc.med.navy.mil/atsugi/atsugi.htm
or
www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com

Navy Medicine … proactive or reactive?
Reactive!!!! no registry, no outreach program, no support....

Please email if you have any questions.

atsugi_incinerator@yahoo.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: USMCWIFE_SP,

You are also welcome to post on Sound Off-Dave Barker. Here is the link:

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/828004719...391001#2950093391001

Please be careful to NOT post personal email addresses. Otherwise you will get emails you wish you had never seen before.

Thanks.

3 June 08 -REVIEW OF NAF ATSUGI HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL DATA TO DETERMINE IF ADDITIONAL POPULATION-BASED MEDICAL SCREENING IS INDICTED prepared for the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center by Battelle.

Questions submitted to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) 6 August 08

1. Will Navy Medicine be establishing an Outreach Program for Communication with Former NAF Atsugi Residents other than the already published website?

• If not, why?
  
• If yes, what are the specific details of the outreach program?
  

2. Can Navy Medicine put together a Fact Sheet for NAF Atsugi Residents that present the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for routine preventive care to be provided to former NAF Atsugi residents?

• If not, why?
  

3. Will Navy Medicine identify NAF Atsugi Residents and keep an Atsugi Registry?

• If not, why?
  
• If yes, how long will it take?
  
• If yes, what purpose will it serve?
  

4. Like the Vietnam Vets, former NAF Atsugi residents were exposed to high levels2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) DIOXIN that is a known teratogen, carcinogen, and endocrine disruptor. The exposure route was dermal and inhalation, which was especially detrimental to children and fetuses.

• What is Navy Medicine’s plan to assist those who are now suffering ill health effects from DIOXIN?
  
• If no actions are planned, please explain why?
  
• If action is considered, what is the plan?
  

5. In 1998, the Navy established an outreach program for then Atsugi residents. How does Navy Medicine plan on notifying residents of their exposure from 1985 – 1997?

• If yes, please provide action plan?
  
• If Navy Medicine does not plan on acting on this recommendation, please explain in detail why?
  

6. What specific steps are being taken to notify the civilian population, such as Teachers and General Service employees as well as their families that worked or lived aboard NAF Atsugi, Japan?

• If none, explain why?
  

7. Why is Yokosuka Naval Base being used as a comparison in the study?

8. Why are former NAF Atsugi residences not being compared to a CONUS military base that does NOT have known soil and air contamination issues?

9. Presently, what measure will Navy Medicine take to ensure current NAF Atsugi residents are protected from contaminated soil until soil testing can confirm no risk?

10. Has Navy Medicine provided my website www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com to future, current of former NAF Residents for any reason?

• If yes, please provide in what circumstance in which it was referred to or released and provide documentation.
  

11. Has Navy Medicine provided the Navy and Marine Corps website
http://www-nmcphc.med.navy.mil/main.htm or www-nmcphc.med.navy.mil/atsugi/atsugi.htm to future, current of former NAF Residents for any reason?

• If yes, please provide all details.
  

12. Has Navy Medicine prepared a NAF Atsugi Pregnancy Fact Sheet that was not released, which noted, “that the miscarriage rate was 24% higher at Atsugi vice the Naval Hospital Yokosuka (NHY) and that all navy personnel have access to quality pre-natal care & education, something that not all Americans enjoy. Miscarriage rates should be compared to rates at the Navy Hospital in the US.”

• If not, why did Navy Medicine initiate a Pregnancy Fact Sheet for distribution and not complete this action?
  

13. What is Navy Medicine’s estimation of when the current NAF Atsugi EPI study data will be released?

14. Can Navy Medicine provide the Current status of NAF Atsugi Soil Contamination/sampling, as they did when preparing the original reports?

• If not, who is the POC for this information?
  

15. Navy Medicine was heavily involved in the NAF Atsugi Toxic Exposure issue by 1995 with the ongoing studies and reports surrounding that surrounding this topic and had knowledge that NAF Atsugi, Japan was being polluted by Dioxin, Heavy Metals and other toxic chemicals. Navy physicians had direct knowledge of the dangers to small children who lived aboard NAF Atsugi, therefore, it would be unethical for these physicians not to make recommendations regarding exposing children to toxic chemicals in the air, soil & dust.

• What recommendations did Navy Medicine provide the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense regarding safeguarding the children?
  
• Please provide all recommendation to include those that were put into action and those recommendations that were not followed in part, full or acted upon?
  

******************************************************
Response is expected the first week in September 08.

I was stationed in Atsugi with my family from 96-99. I will be retiring in 1.5 years and I am wondering this. It is documented in our medical records our exposure to the incinerator. My question is when presenting this to the VA do I need to show them a report or something as far as claiming a percentage. Or is what is in our medical records going to be enough. What do we do if the VA is not familiar with Atsugi and the incinerator?

I don't think the VA is knowledgable about Atsugi and all the stuff that went on there. If they did know then I would have been approved for disability back in 2003 when I stated in my first claim that I was exposed to all sorts of chemicals. However, this time around I submitted all the documents that I could find about the issue and hopefully they will not deny me again this time around.

I was pretty much thinking that the VA would be clueless on this. I suppose the thing to do is get all the reports that state the types of chemicals we were exposed to and hopefully that will do it.

We can only make sure that someone at the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs is aware of NAF Atsugi’s toxic exposure by emailing the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

In the field that asks, “What is the general topic of your message?” add the following txt: Mr. Tewes - NAF Atsugi Toxic Exposure

Here is the link
http://veterans.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?pageid=1

-->Personal email deleted by MOD<--
For more information on the toxic exposure at NAF Atsugi and the new study being conducted by Navy Medicine visit www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OldAFcop,

Thank you for the link. I have sent them my question.

Please do not use personal email addresses on this site as you may wind up getting the kind of emails in your inbox you did not expect.

Thanks.

Ok- I will heed your warning, no email addresses.


Please visit www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com for to view official Navy data related documents regarding NAF Atsugi, Japan toxic exposures to all housing residents 1985-2001.

2001 - Today???? Soil reports for current contamination are pending per Navy.

OK.

Thanks.

I think the Navy would rather I keep this information to myself, but I like to share.

The NAF Atsugi Website has recently been updated with video

www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com

Please provide comments, questions.

Semper Fi

I think you are probably right. I want to thank you for the information you provide. I know myself and others are grateful for what you are doing.

I have posted the toxic NAF Atsugi videos on

http://www.youtube.com/user/ToxicDeceit
and
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=121644233

You can view, rate, comment, Subscribe - Help me make this news worthy. It is perfect timing because NAVY MEDICINE is not sharing info on the 2008 EPI study info.

The Navy does not care to discuss why it continued to station families to NAF Atsugi, Japan, for years after, Navy reports confirmed health risks or why in 97-98 a Waiverwas instituted for all residents including children.

The Latency period from this toxic exposure is starting to take affect and former residents are dying or fighting several types of cancers, leukemia, autoimmune diseases, birth defects, autism and the list goes on and on.

You can read many of the Navy studies and other related material from 1988 thru 2008 by visiting the following websites:
http://www-nmcphc.med.navy.mil/atsugi/atsugi.htm or http://www.atsugi-incinerator-group.com
Early reports and documents visit -
https://portal.navfac.navy.mil/portal/page/portal/navfa.../tab92955:tab5911334

We are Proud Military Families, we trusted and the Navy put our children in harms way.

I think the only way to get the Navy to share information is to make this painfully public.