NCD980602163_19780815_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_Activities discussion summary-OCR

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
PUBLIC HEAL TH SERVICE
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEAL TH
August 15, 1978
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
P.O. BOX 1=3
RESEARCH TRIANGU: PARK. N.C:. %7108
Dr. Martin Hines
Section Chief, Epidemiology
Division of Health Services
State of North Carolina
Cooper Memorial Building
Raleigh, North Carolina
Section
Dear Dr. Hines:
I wish to summarize our discussions as to activities that the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has agreed to under-
take relating to the chemical dumping along N. C. state roads. ,.
2.
NIEHS will undertake an extensive analysis of 8-10 road side soil/
vegetation samples that are representative of the chemical contami-
nation. Our objective is to provide qualitative and quantitative
characterization of the chemical(s) that were dumped. This will
include confinnation of PCB 1s and chlorinated benzenes as well as a
search for other plausible candidate chemicals that include chlorinated
dibenzofurans, quaterphenyls, chlorinated phenols, chlorinated
dibenzodioxins, chlorinated diphenyl ethers, selected organometallics,
etc. Due to the extensive techniques required plus limited manpower,
these results will take a number of weeks to complete.
In our opinion, there is no merit to delaying removal of contaminated
soil pending the NIEHS results. Removal procedures based on PCB
levels should prove adequate for other chemicals that may be present;
in addition, worker safety procedures that protect for PCB exposure
should also be basically adequate for the other chemicals, if
indeed they are even present. Furthermore, prompt removal should
minimize population exposure and diffusion of the chemicals into
the environment.
Should you determine that selected sampling of people exposed to
the spill is warranted, NIEHS will have PCB analyses of blood
serums perfonned. It is our understanding that a total of twenty
samples may be involved; ten from allegedly exposed people plus ten
from presumedly unexposed individuals matched for age, locale, etc.
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Dr. M. Hines 2 August 15, 1978
As was discussed, worker protection during any soil removal needs careful
thought. Paired serum samples for chemical and organ profiles should be
considered. Dr. Walter Rogan, a medical epidemiologist, would be prepared
to work with you in the design of such procedures.
We are, of course, willing to consult and assist you in other aspects as
you deem appropriate.
. cc: Director, NIEHS
Dr. J. McKinney
Dr. W. Rogan
Sincerely,
J Moore, D.V.M.
A sociate Director
Research Resources Program