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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCD980602163_19780815_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_DHEW Summary of activities-OCR.. · .. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES P.o. aox 1z:z21 IIIICRAltCH TltlAHGU: P'MK, N.C:. 1771:11 Dr. Martin Hines Section Chief, Epidemiology Section Division of Health Services State of North Carolina Cooper Memorial Building Raleigh, North Carolina Dear Dr. Hines: I wish to surrmarize 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. 1. 2. HIEHS 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's and chlorinated benzenes as well as a search for other plausible candidate chemicals that include chlorinated dibenzofurans, quaterpheny1s, chlorinated phenols, chlorinated dibenzodioxins, chlorinated dipheny1 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. Furthennore, 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, HIEHS 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. ~. .. .. ..... .. ·:.-'.:··c: -r •. :._ .. -~ · .. ' -.: ·,;..'• · ..... 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 Or. W. Rogan Sincerely, . ~ J re, D.V.M. A soc1ate D1rector Research Resources Program