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HEALTH CONSULTATION

Galary PropertyFairhaven, Massachusetts

CERCLIS MAD981066392

Bureau of Environmental Health AssessmentMassachusetts Department of Public Health

Boston, Massachusetts

Under Cooperative Agreement with theAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Atlanta, Georgia

March 7, 1997

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INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), reviewed data on soil concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds at the Galary property (CERCLJS MAD981066392) located at 67 Hathaway Road in Fairhaven. Massachusetts, to determine whether the concentrations found in soil could pose a potential health threat. ATSDR had been asked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide such assistance. Screening data on PCB concentrations in soil were provided to MDPH prior to a public meeting with local residents on April 24, 1996. At the meeting, MDPH offered its opinion that, based on MDPH's experience with PCBs, primarily in the Greater New Bedford area and in Norwood, it was unlikely that opportunities for exposures to PCBs in the soil on the property would result in elevated levels of PCBs in blood, a good marker of exposure to ihe compounds. MDPH noted that the best predictors of PCB levels in serum are generally age (i.e., the older the individual, the higher the PCB level in serum), occupational exposures, and consumption of contaminated seafood containing PCBs. However, MDPH offered to concerned local residents the opportunity to complete an exposure survey, the results of which would be evaluated for possible testing of blood samples for PCB concentrations. MDPH staff developed a survey specific to this site and on May 24. 1996, completed interviews for residents who wanted to take the survey. After evaluating the survey, MDPH offered blood testing to 18 individuals. A contract with a local health center was established, appointments made, and blood drawing completed in September 1996.

This health consultation will provide a general discussion on PCS concentrations found in residential properties at the Galary site, the overall methods used to evaluate the residents' opportunities for exposure to these PCBs (i.e., the exposure survey), the results of the blood analyses for PCB concentrations, and a general discussion of how the results compared with reported background levels in the U.S. population of PCBs in blood. Thus, this consultation addresses only the biological and environmental data on PCBs related to the site.

The U.S. EPA had also asked ATSDR to review data on other contaminants detected at the site. MDPH will prepare a separate consultation reviewing the data on constituents other than PCBs.

DISCUSSION

Site Background

The 67 Hathaway Road property, which is a half-acre parcel of land, had originally come to EPA's attention during EPA's investigation of the New Bedford harbor Superfund site. EPA investigators received a report that burial of capacitors, which may contain PCBs, had occurred at a private residence (the Galary residence) at 67 Hathaway Road. The resident had worked at Cornell Dubilier Electronics in New Bedford. However, it appears that, during the 1960s, the resident used boiler room cinders as fill material in an area of standing water at the rear of his property but no known disposal of PCB-containing capacitors took place (Haworth 1996, pen. comm). Cornell Dubilier reportedly used Arochlors 1016, 1242, and 1254 in manufacturing capacitors. After filling the area, The resident then covered the area with din (depth of dirt cover not specified) and maintained a vegetable garden in the area.

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Historical Environmental Data

An EPA contractor conducted some preliminary investigations of the property in 1986 (NUS 1986). Screening results from 1986 soil sampling included results from one composite surface soil (0-6 inch depth) sample taken from the front of the house (PCBs detected at a reported concentrations of "1-50 ppm"), one composite surface soil sample taken from the rear of the property (< 1 ppm PCBs), and one surface soil grab sample in the area of capacitor cinder burial (< 1 ppm PCBs). The contractor's PCB analyses were composed of Arochlors 1248, 1254, and 1260. The Arochlor detected in these screening samples most closely resembled Aroclor 1254. In addition, four other soil samples showed no detectable PCBs (NUS 1986).

1996 Environmental Data.

For sampling conducted from March to May 1996,a contractor (Weston) conducted geophysical surveys to locate buried metallic materials on the property. They constructed a grid system of 20-foot squares for the property, and soil samples were taken from these grids. A total of 83 surface soil samples (0-1 ft depth) were taken and analyzed for PCBs. Additional samples were taken at 1-foot, 2-foot, and 3-foot depths. For purposes of evaluating possible opportunities for exposure to PCBs, this consultation focuses on the surface soil sample results.

The soil samples were analyzed using a field screening method as specified by EPA Region 1. This method analyzed for Aroclors 1242 and 1254. Some samples were also taken for confirmatory laboratory analysis by standard contract laboratory program methods (EPA method 8080 or 8081), and data validation was conducted on these analyses. In general, the confirmatory sample concentrations were similar to the concentrations reported in screening samples taken from the same sampling locations.

The neighborhood in which the site lies is a densely populated residential area with well-maintained and well-manicured lawns throughout. All areas are easily accessible. The area includes the 65, 67, 70, and 71 Hathaway Road properties, an empty lot used for gardening on Orchard Street (behind 65 Hathway Road), and a road that was never constructed but identified as Ramsey Street on the Fairhaven tax maps (see figure of she area). This nonexistent road is called a "paper" road. The paper road lies between 65 and 71 Hathaway Road. No private drinking water wells are in the area, with ail houses serviced by the municipal supply.

The 67 Hathaway Road property is nearly entirely grass-covered. On the property line with 71 Hathaway Road sits a hedgerow. Beyond the hedgerow is the paper road, and beyond that is the driveway for 71 Hathaway Road. The driveway is dirt, and most of the paper road is grass covered. However, on the paper road sits a boat that is dry-docked during the winter months, and the area directly underneath the boat is dirt. The boat belongs to a"d is maintained by residents of 71 Hathaway Road.

Surface soil samples have been taken from the 65, 67, 70, and 71 Hathaway Road properties, the property on Orchard Street to the rear of 65 Hathaway Road, and the paper road. Screening results for PCBs show the following distribution of concentrations for each of these properties:

• 65 Hathaway Road—6/14 detections, average concentration of 0.7 ppm (range of detections from 0.2-2 ppm)

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• 67 Hathaway Road—47/54 detections, average concentration of 3.9 ppm i range of detections from 0.4-31 ppm)

• Orchard Street property—6/7 detections in the garden (single detection at 2.6 ppm) and 13 other samples with an average of 1.3 ppm PCBs and a range of 0.7 to 3.8 ppm

• paper road—13/13 detections, average concentration of 54 ppm (range of detections from 0.54-390 ppm)

• 70 Hathaway Road—18/39 detections, average concentration of 1.5 ppm and a range of 0.4-18.2 ppm

• 71 Hathaway Road—1/10 detections, (single detection of 0.7 ppm)

These results show average concentrations of PCBs in soil for the residential properties surrounding die original property of concern, 67 Hathaway Road, are about 1 ppm or less. The 67 Hathaway Road property average concentration was 3.9 ppm. The paper road contained the highest concentrations of PCBs of all the properties evaluated with the screening analyses. The highest concentration of PCBs was detected at the base of a tree on the paper road, and the next two highest concentrations (36 and 90 ppm) were in samples only a few feet from each other and near the dry-docked boat area on the paper road. Of rhree other samples from either directly adjacent to or under the boat, one showed a detectable level of PCBs (1.3 ppm). Five samples taken directly in the driveway did not detect PCBs. The four samples not along the hedgerow/paper road area but with concentrations between 10 to 26 ppm were both in front and in back of the 67 Hathaway Road house.

Available information on use of the paper road area is that the resident in 71 Hathaway Road frequently worked on his dry-docked boat and was concerned about possible exposure while working on the boat (e.g., working while laying on the ground). The resident also reported living at the bouse about 19 years. Two older children (12 and 16 years old) also live in this residence.

Most of the properties involved in this investigation are grass covered. Hence, access to PCBs in surface soil via direct contact, fugitive dust, or incidental ingestion is less than it would be to din areas containing PCBs. The din driveway on 71 Hathaway Road did not show any detectable PCBs, bat three samples taken between the boat and hedgerow contained PCBs ranging from 27 to 90 ppm. The single sample taken from directly underneath die boat showed no detectable PCBs. The resident who worked on his dry-docked boat could have been exposed to some PCBs in soil in the dirt area around die boat. However, the exposure was likely intermittent and PCB concentrations in soil in the vicinity of the boat were not consistently elevated, thereby reducing the likelihood for exposure to elevated PCB concentrations in soil.

MDPH PCB Exposure Assessment Surrey and Serum PCB Analyses

Methods

A good measure of exposure to PCBs is the level of PCBs in blood serum. National figures show that average levels of PCBs in blood are about 4 to 8 ppb, with 93 percent of the U.S. population having levels less than 20 ppb (ATSDR 1996). The MDPH offered residents me opportunity of completing a household survey to evaluate die potential for exposures to die PCBs in soil. The questionnaire was developed based on MDPH's experiences in New Bedford, Norwood, and the Housatonic River area in Berkshire County. It was designed to collect

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information from each member of a household regarding demographic data, residential history, occupational history, a variety of activities related to the Galary site, and fish and seafood consumption history. The household survey was conducted via telephone by MDPH staff.

Blood samples were collected and processed at New Bedford Community Health Center in New Bedford. Prior to sample collection, staff in the health center were trained by MDPH State Laboratory Institute (SU) staff for special sample collecting, processing, and shipping procedures according to the SLJ established protocol. Participants were asked to fast 12 hours prior to blood drawing. A consent form describing the purpose, procedure, confidentiality, and other necessary information was signed by each participant before the blood sample was taken from him or her. A brief questionnaire was also administered at the time of blood drawing to collect necessary information on significant health problems, medication, height, weight, and the past 24-hour dietary intake.

The serum samples were then shipped to SLI for subsequent analysis. PCBs were analyzed using a modification of a method developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (MDPH 1995). Although the soil samples at the Galary site contained predominantly Aroclor 1254, serum PCBs were quantified as Arocolor 1260 because the chromatographic pattern of the serum samples most closely resembled this commercial mixture. Once PCBs enter the body, lower chlorinated congeners tend to be metabolized and eliminated from the body more quickly that higher chlorinated congeners. (PCBs are a group of chemicals that contain 209 individual compounds known as congeners [ATSDR 1995].) Thus, even if a potential exposure to PCBs may have involved an Aroclor with lower chlorinated congeners (e.g., Aroclor 1254), the serum levels may still reflect a distribution of congeners more similar to a different Arcolor (e.g., Aroclor 1260). A subset of serum samples were sent to CDC by SLI for external quality control analysis.

Results of Exposure Assessment Survey and Blood PCB Analyses

A total of 22 individuals representing six households participated in die exposure assessment survey. Among them, five households representing 20 individuals (4 of which were children) were residing in the Galary site neighborhood. Another Faiihaven household not near the Galary site included two individuals, one of which had asked to participate because of concerns about past opportunities for occupational exposures while working at Cornell Dubiiier.

After reviewing the surveys, MDPH decided jto otter blood testing to all the adults in the Galary site neighborhood, as well as to the individual who used to work at Cornell Dubiiier. This decision was based on the fact that all the Galary area adults who completed the questionnaire demonstrated opportunities for exposure to PCBs for at least five years (the minimum length of residence of anyone responding). Children less than 18 years of age were not selected to participate for the following reasons:

• The three main predictors of PCB levels in blood are age, occupational exposures, and consumption of contaminated fish and seafood. With respect to age, for example, previous studies have shown that as age increases, blood PCB levels also increase. The MDPH New Bedford study (MDPH 1987) showed that among participants 18-24 years old, the mean blood PCB level was 2.59 ppb, while among participants 55-64 years old, the mean blood PCB level was 8.97 ppb.

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• Because Ac children were not likely to have significantly higher exposures to PCBs than their parents, and hence, not likely to have higher blood PCB levels, MDPH did not believe that the risk of drawing blood from minors was justified.

Of the 18 adults offered blood testing, 13 actually had their blood drawn for PCB analysis. The five adults who chose not to participate included two individuals who lived out of state, one who was a spouse of an occupationally exposed individual, one who was a member of a household where one other person was tested, and one individual who did not show up at the appointed time for blood drawing.

The thirteen residents had an average serum PCB level of 5.02 ppb, a median of 3.92 ppb, and a range of nondetect (i.e., less than 2.0 ppb) to 11.95 ppb (Table 1). Three individuals did not have any detectable level of PCBs, eight had levels between 2-10 ppb. and two had levels between 11-12 ppb. The two individuals with levels between 11-12 ppb were both over 70 years old, and one of them had formerly worked at Cornell Dubilier.

Table 1. Serum PCB Levels Among Residents Near Galary Site

Serum PCB Level (ppb)

number mean median range

Age < 60 years 8 2.95 3.24 < 2.0-5.67

> 70 years 5 8.34 9.55 2.09-11.95

Total 13 5.02 3.92 < 2.0-1 1.95

When Examined by age, eight residents who were less man 60 years old had an average serum PCB level of 2.95 ppb.a median of 3.24 pp, and a range of less than 2.0 to 5.67 ppb. The other five individuals were all over 70 years old and had an average serum PCB level of 8.34 ppb,a median of 9.55 ppb, and a range of 2.09-11.95 ppb.

The low number of individuals tested and the high degree of covariance among potential exposure opportunities with increasing age precluded evaluations of many other neighborhood-specific exposure factors. For example, as length of residence in the neighborhood increased, so did the age of the respondent. Thus, one would expect to see higher PCB levels in those individuals who lived in the area the longest because they also were the oldest. The individuals tested reported the following information:

• The average length of residence in the current household was 29 years, with a range of 5 to 46 years.

• Seven of the 12 individuals who lived near the Galary property reported consuming food from a garden in the affected area for as many as 42 years.

• All but three participants reported doing some outdoor activities in the affected area. For

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example, one individual reported doing yard work aboui 15 rimes/month for 40 years, another doing gardening about 15 times/month for 40 years, and another as playing in dirt areas about 5 times a month for 20 years.

These characteristics of the participants suggest that individuals who had lesser opportunities for exposure to PCBs (e.g., a few years of residence in the area) would not likely have higher blood PCB levels than demonstrated here. For the four children who were included in the exposure assessment survey but were not tested, the maximum length of residence in the area was 9.5 years. One of the four children was reported to eat food from a garden, and two of the four children were reported doing some outdoor activities in die area. Hence, the opportunities for exposure to these children were generally less than those in the adults who participated in the survey. Importantly, adults who reported consuming food from the garden did not demonstrate elevated serum PCB levels. Thus, children who consumed food from the garden would not be expected to hrve elevated levels.

The results of PCB analyses in serum show that residents in the Galary site neighborhood do not have elevated PCB levels in serum compared with'the U.S. population values. As expected, the highest serum PCB levels, which are still well within typical background levels documented for the U.S. population, were found in older individuals (i.e., greater than 70 years old). Because the individuals tested represented those who had the greatest opportunities for exposure to PCBs in soil at die site, other individuals who may have had contact with these soils would not be expected to have been exposed such that elevated serum PCB levels resulted.

CONCLUSIONS

PCBs were detected in surface soil samples a sever?! properties at and around the Galary property on Hathaway Road in Falrhaven. In response to concerns over opportunities for exposure to PCBs in soil, the MDPH administered an exposure survey and offered blood testing for PCB levels in serum to the residents. Results from the blood testing showed that residents in the Galary property neighborhood do not have elevated PCB levels in serum.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. To ensure that future exposures that may result in significantly greater exposure to PCBs in soil (e.g.. via a disturbance of soil at the site) do not occur, MDPH supports efforts by local, state, or federal environmental regulatory officials to limit opportunities for future exposures to PCBs in soil.

2. MDPH will prepare a separate consultation on data on other environmental constitutents at the site.

REFERENCES

ATSDR. 1995. Toxicological profile for Polychlorinated Biphenyls. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA.

Haworth, R. 1996. Personal communication (to Martha Steele, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, on June 18. 1996). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region I, Boston.

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MA.

Kreiss, K. 1985. Studies en populations exposed 10 polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Health Perspectives 60:193-199.

MDPH. 1984. PCB Exposure Assesmenr in Norwood. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA.

MDPH. 1987. Final Report of the Greater New Bedford PCB Health Effects Study 1984-1987. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA.

MDPH. 1995. Analytical Protocol for the Quantification of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Human Serum. Environmental CHemistry Laboratory, State Laboratory Institute, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA.

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OTHER DOCUMENTS REVIEWED

Jones, K- 1986. Personal communicarion (letter report from Kenneth Jones, NUS Corporation, regarding the Galary property preliminary assessment to Don Smith, dated April 25.1986). NUS Corporation, Superfund Division, location of office not specified.

Kowal, J. 1996. Personal communication (facsimile from Joseph Kowal, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, to Jeffrey Purvis, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, dated April 26, 1996, with a table and figures on PCB soil sample results and soil sampling locations).

Mavris, G. 1996. Personal communication (memorandum from George Mavris, Roy F. Weston. Inc., to Gaiary Property Site File, regarding geophysical surveys conducted at the Galary Property Site on March 13, 1996). Dated April 22, 1996. Roy F. Weston, Burlington, MA.

NUS. 1986. Final site inspection report, Galary property, Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Internal correspondence from Kenneth Jones to Don Smith, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. NUS Corporation, Superfund Division, location of office not specified.

Data validation packages from Weston (dated July 21, July 31, August 1, August 21, and August 30).

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CERTIFICATION

The Galazy Property Consultation was prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the Health Consultation was initiated.

Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC

The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this Health Consultation and concurs with its findings.

Chief, SPS, SSAB, DHAC, ATSDR

TOTflL P.18

barcode: *6321*barcodetext: SEMS Doc ID 6321