KINGSTON, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Cancer concerns about spilled coal ash from the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant are piling up right along with sludge itself.

An Alabama congressman claimed coal ash is just as carcinogenic as nuclear waste during a congressional hearing on the TVA ash slide Tuesday.

Million of cubic yards of ash and sludge spewed from TVA's Kingston plant in December 2008.

The Tennessee Department of Health says coal ash contains low levels of cancer causing metals, including arsenic. Other probable causes of cancers, such as beryllium and cadmium, are also in it, according the Environmental Protection Agency.

"We know this coal ash is as carcinogenic as nuclear waste," Rep. Parker Griffith, D-Ala., said.

"That just doesn't make any sense whatsoever," American Coal Ash Association Executive Director Thomas Adams said.

Touching the sludge is dirty. But TVA says that doesn't present serious health risks, as long you wash your hands.

But the department of health warns ingesting the ash or breathing it for long periods of time could be harmful.

"I don't believe it doesn't cause cancer at all. I don't think there's evidence to support that," Adams said.

Adams says the heavy metals in the muck are already found in the soil.

"I think if you look at soils around the country, you'll find levels of these metals present at very similar levels as they are in coal ash," Adams said.

That's not good enough for the Environmental Integrity Project. The federal watchdog group analyzed EPA data earlier this year.

It's report said one out of 50 Americans living near unlined ash ponds face a greater risk of cancer, based on metals leaking into drinking wells.

"We need to slow down....and take a look at the decades of evidence of people who lived near these facilities before we start making judgments," Adams said.

The possible cancer-connection has piled up worries for some Roane County residents.

"Mercury or whatever, there's always a chance the water could be contaminated," Floyd Walker said.

But others aren't so sure.

"I don't have any indication to make me believe that. You know, I've had friends around here and I don't know any of them that have had cancer or died from cancer," Ken Davis said.

The EPA is reconsidering how coal ash is regulated. The agency expects to re-decide whether or not coal ash should be labeled hazardous waste by the end of this year.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation says Roane County air and drinking water samples continue to meet safety standards.

TVA didn't return Volunteer TV's call for comment.