Recruitment of former workers has begun and will continue through March 14. Information meetings will be held during the first week of march. Residents are encouraged to contact or provide information on former workers of the plant who no longer live in the local area and might not be award of the study. Allied Chemical purchases site and begins the next year producing chlorine, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen gas. Significant amounts of mercury released during production process.
Chemical production continues.
Finds elevated air mercury levels and high creatinine levels in about half the patients, though no neurobehavioral symptoms. Duke University performs follow-up study at request of plant management. Finds evidence of excessive mercury in air and in worker's urine. Community concern increases over possible health consequences related to plant contaminants. Environmental Protection Division of Georgia Department of Natural Resources closes several adjacent waterways to fishing.