Oak Ridge, environmental hazards (house, to live in, safe)

[formerlobo]

What it is like to live in Oak Ridge? Is it a health risk? We have two kids ages 6 and nearly 3. How far is the superfund site from residences?

[utennvolsfan]

I grew up a mile and a half from the Y-12 facility, and I've not had any health problems as a result. I also used to work on a project that had me out and about in the woods doing some surveying in areas where certain experiments were carried out and haven't had any problems from being out there either.

Sure, Oak Ridge has its issues, but a lot of work has been done in environmental remediation since the 80s. The EPA lists information abut various superfund sites by state so you can see what's been done in OR.

[jibanez]

I live there and there are a pair of octogenarians who live next door and have been there for the past forty-some years. They raised their children there and the ones I've met seem pretty healthy. And the lady we bought our house from also raised three children there, all adults in their 50s now, none seem the worse for it.

So there are some who might say otherwise, but I see plenty evidence that it's pretty safe here.

That's my two cents at least.

[pappysmom]

Let me add my two cents worth ~

I've lived in Oak Ridge for 5 years now and I have yet to find any abnormal or deformed animals or humans.
Trust me ~ I looked for strange things before I bought a house here. My thinking was that if there's any kind of radiation exposure happening - it'll show up in the animals and the people.
I also have not come across any extremely large vegetables (especially since my yard is full of clay!).
I think it's safe or I wouldn't live here

[LauraC]

I'm 57, lived here 2 years, and I'm ashamed to say the 80 year old long time residents in town are more healthier, active and alert than I am.

[formerlobo]

Thank you.