The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta is undertaking a study to determine whether air emissions from
Perma-Fix of Dayton pose a health risk.

The health assessment comes at the request of a residents' group. They say fumes from the plant smell like paint thinner and have cut property values and could be causing headaches and nausea.

Last year, the group successfully fought the Army's plan to ship neutralized VX nerve agent to the plant for treatment.

Perma-Fix recycles used oil and commercial fuels. The company also operates a hazardous and non-hazardous wastewater treatment plant and storage center.

The study comes as developers plan to build 40 homes in the area. Health officials say the study should begin in about six months.