NCD980602163_19781117_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_DHEW Summary of analyrical studies-OCR

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 samples 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 (exposed 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: ~
Control
Exposed low
Exposed high
Aroclor 1254
19.7 ppb
13.0 ppb
<10.0 ppb
Aroclor 1260
None
None
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 sit~s (see
attached map} including control samples on August 17 and 18, 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 Aroclor 1260 was confirmed at about 20% by weight of the
grass samples (except for the Fort Bragg sample which was essentially
straight fluid from a puddle). Confirmation of the 1260 pattern had
been done previously using radioimmunoassay techniques. The Fort Bragg
sample was also shown to contain chlorinated benzenes.
Triphenyl 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 t~e 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 faun~ at varying levels between one and
sixty six ppb. The predominant isomers were the heptas and octas with
some hexas . The concentration in the total mixture would appear to be
less than 0.5 ppm, a level consjstent with that found in unused fluids
of this type. The analysis for chlorinated dioxins was made difficult
by the presence of the furans, but none could be confirmed as present in
these samples .
.
A variety of other trace contam·inants were found which remain unconfirmed.
These include, among others, the chlorinated diphenylethers, napthalenes,
and possibly the biphenylenes.
If you should desire to see the raw data (extraction procedures, chromatograms,
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
Or. Albro
Or. Hass
Sinc:,erellyi( e /~ ..
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James D. McKinney, Ph';O.
Head, Chemistry Section, EBCB