NCD980602163_19780815_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_DHS Memo to Citizens - Information on PCBs-OCR

JAMl"e ■. HUNT, J•. -.ov••-oa
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
. . • Dlvllllon of lltttltla S~rolue
JACOlt KOOMDI, M.D .• M ,P'.M.
eAIIAH T ... CHUtOW, M.D.. M,l",H, •ac.••, .. ., P. O. Box 2091 Raltltrh 27802
TO: North Cdrolina Citizens Living on Roads Where PCBs Were Dumped
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON PCBs
DtMC1' ..
TherP. has been much concern recently about the criminal dumping of PCBs
(polychlorinated biphenyls) along North Carolina's roads. The purpose of this
111e1110r.indL111 1s to present the facts about this situation from a health standpoint.
WHAT ARE PCBs? : PCBs are a group or class of chemicals which have been used widely 1n
Tncfustry--sfnce the early 1940's. These oily liquids have served as agents in electrical
ettuipaient and in many other industrial situations. They do not tend to break down very
e.isily over time. Unfortunately, they have found their way into the environment down
through the years so that fish, wildlife, domestic animals and many humans now carry
very Sllall an~unts of PCBs in thier bodies.
To comp 1 icate matters, PCBs are usually mixed with other chemic a 1 s before being
used in Industry. During use, there ls some breakdown of these chemicals (including
the PCBs) similar to the changes that occur in motor oil in an automobile with use. ,-~--. .
WHAT ARE THEIR EFFECT(ON .HUMANS? : There ls no irmiediate threat to the health of any-
one fiving in the area of these PCB spills. In the few situations where humans have
been poisoned by these chemicals, the chemicals were taken into the 'body either by
swallowing large amounts or by getting large amounts on the skin over a period of time,
as in people working in factories using PCBs to manufacture electrical equipment.
The other chemicals besides PCBs in the oily substance spilled on the roadway
aight cause minor temporary irritations to eyes and throat, and might cause nausea in
those smelling these chemicals irmtediately after the spill. These are temporary
symptoms thilt should disappear in a day or two. They do not cause permanent il 1 effects.
IS 1T DANGEROUS TO WALK WHERE PCBs HAVE REEN SPILLED? : While there is likely r.o danger
frooioccasionally walking through these oily spill areas (either barefoot or in shoes),
because of the small exposure that would occur, we believe it is wise to avoid these areas
unless it is absolutely necessary. If you walk through one of these areas and note an
oily substance on your feet or shoes, it should be washed off with soap and water.
Contaminated clothing should not be worn until thoroughly washed. ·
To dssurP. people that the risk of exposure is negligible, the Division of Health
Services ls conducting a small study of PCB levels in selected individuals who have had
the hedviest exposure to these spills.
/\l!E _WELLS, VEGETABLE GARDENS I LIVESTOCK AND PETS LIKELY TO BE CONTAMINATED WITH PCBs?
PCOs, likr. other oils, are only slightly soluble in water. Also, they are t;ghtly bound
to soil particles wh<>re they are deposited and thus do not move great distances ;n the
soi I quickly. It 1s extremely unlikely that residues from these sp;lls will find thetr
way into wells. However, we are checking well water for PCBs where wells are
located within just a few feet of the spills. So far results on this testing hdve been negative.
Livr.stock should not be allowed to graze on the spill areas. Some of the grass
growing by the roadways is contaminated with PCBs. Pets should also be kept out of
these areas. PCOs from these spills would be unlikely to contaminate pastures or
gardens unless there was in~1ediate run-off at the time of the spill before soaking
into th1! <Jround or heavy erosion. If this has occurred, do not allow animals to graze
in these areas, and do not eat vegetables from contaminated areas.
R[MEMBER -·-----·-
( 1 ) There is no I nmed i ate danger to anyone's hea 1th.
• (2) Avoid, as 111ud1 as possible, walking in the spill areas.
(3) If you do feel you have had PCB exposure to any part of your body, wash
with soap and water as soon as possible.
(4) If you feel you have had unusual excessive exposure to PCBs, contact your
County Health Department.