"Federal scientists will conduct new studies to examine the potential health effects of exposure to the chemicals released during the January leak at the Freedom Industries tank farm along the Elk River in Charleston, under an agreement announced Wednesday.

The National Toxicology Program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will conduct the studies, using computer modeling and tests on laboratory animals to learn more about the impact of the leaked chemicals on human health, according to announcements from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., the Tomblin administration and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department.

John Bucher, associate director of the program, said officials are hopeful the new studies will confirm initial federal findings — reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March — that long-term adverse health effects from the leak are unlikely."

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette July 23, 2014. [2]