NCD980602163_19781117_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_Analytical Results-OCR

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFA~E c/ ~ r;9 r, / J/
PUBLIC HEAL TH SERVICE "/!l ./ ✓ .,,'f/ t,. X
NATION,._L INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ~ ror ~vi, (l1
~ NATION.I_J INSTfUTE r November 17 1978 ..,,. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH sc1ENcts , /> ,..o. aox ,m,
Dr. Martin P. Hines
Chief, Epidemiology Section
State of North Carolina
Department of Human Resources
Division of Health Services
P. 0. Box 2091
Raleigh, NC 27602
Dear Dr. Hines:
IICSU.RCl-i° TRIA><C.U: ,.ARK. N.C. %Tlot
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This letter is to briefly summarize -for your files the results of our
analytical studies with samples (serum and grass ) associated with the
PCS spills.
The results of the individual analyses of human blood serum for PCBs
have been provided previously and will not be repeated here. However,
three composite samples were made by pooling sampl es No . 3, 5, 12, 13,
and-19 (control); samples No. 1, 8, 14, 16, and 17 {exposed low); and
samples No. 9, 10, and 11 (expost:d high). This was done to see if the
residues found in exposed cases more closely resembled a 1260 pattern
than a 1254 pattern. The results reported by the contract laboratory
were as follows:
Aroclor 1254 Aroc1or 1260
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Control 19. 7 ppb None
Exposed low 13.0 ppb None
Exposed high <10.0 ppb 30.0 ppb
These results have not been confirmed yet by mass spectrometric techniques,
but if this should fail, it would probably be due to lack of instrument
sensitivity. Although the presence of small amounts of chlorinated
benzenes was indicated from gas chromatography-electron capture detection,
it could not be confirmed using mass spectrometric techniques. This
could reflect the high volatility of these compounds.
Grass and soil samples were collected from eight different sites (see
attached map) including control samples on Auguit 17 and ·1s~ 1978. Only
the grass samples were extracted and analyzed using methods previously
applied to chlorinated furans and dioxins in biological fluids and
tissues. A control spiked sample was prepared and analyzed which
indicated good recovery for the extraction step.
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The presence of Aroc1or 1260 was confirmed at about 20% by weight of the
grass samples (except for the Fort Bragg sampie which was essentially
straight fluid from a puddle). Confirmation of the 1260 pattern had
been done previously using radioirimunoassay techniques. The Fort Bragg
sample was also shown to contain chlorinated benzenes.
Tripheny1 tin hydroxide was found in most of the samples. This apparently
is a breakdown product of tetraphenyl tin used as an antioxidant additive
in such fluids in the past.
Almost all of the samples contained terphenyls and apparently related
higher forms such as dimers of the biphenyls. These are not totally
unexpected contaminants.
Chlorinated dibenzofurans were foun~ at vary i ng levels between one and
sixty six ppb. The predominant isomers were th e heptas and octas with
some he xas. The co~centration in the total ~ixture wou ld appear to be
less t han 0.5 ppm, a level consistent with t hat fou nd i n unused fluids
of this type. The analysis for chlorinated di oxins was made diffi cu1t
by the presence of the furans, but none could be confirmed as present in
these samples.
A variety of other trace conta minants were found which remain unconfirmed.
These include, among others, the chlorinated diphenyiethers, napthalenes,
and possibly the biphenylenes .
If you should desire to see the raw data (extraction procedures, chromatogram!
spectra, etc.), we would be glad to provide it on request. There is
some possibility that all or part of this data may be published, but it
will be done in such a way as not to be identifiable with human subjects.
If you should have any further questions about these analyses, please do
not hesitate to contact me directly.
cc: Dr. Moore
Dr . Albro
Dr. Hass
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Sincerely, ·/·
i-111r1~
James 0 . McKinney, Ph'.:1).
Head, Chemistry Section, EBCB
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