Based on information reviewed, the ASARCO Inc. Globe site is a public health hazard. This
conclusion is based on the evidence that exposures have occurred, and are occurring to
substances at concentrations that may cause adverse health effects. Workers were exposed to
cadmium, lead and tellurium in indoor air at levels of public health concern. These workers who
are in close contact with surface soils were and may be currently exposed to arsenic cadmium
and lead at levels of public health concern. It is possible that those workers might experience
some respiratory, mild kidney and blood problems because of exposure to antimony, tellurium,
cadmium and lead in air and or in soils.
Nearby residents were and may currently be exposed to arsenic, cadmium and lead in soils, and
cadmium and lead in vegetables at levels of public health concern. It is possible that adults
might experience some respiratory, mild kidney, and blood problems. Children, especially the
very small number who exhibit pica behavior (1-3 years old) might experience mild neurological
signs, skin and blood problems because of exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead and zinc.
It is probable that the city-wide problem of total suspended particulate (TSP) levels
occasionally exceeding the TSP standard could contribute to the occurrence of respiratory
conditions reported and diagnosed among workers and area residents.
Past exposures to arsenic in air and soils on site, and to cadmium in air both on and off site could result in slightly low or moderate increased risk for cancer.
Potential routes for human exposure include sediments and farm produce. Although
groundwater is contaminated, two well use surveys have found no current users of the
contaminated groundwater. In addition, future use of groundwater is precluded by the ASARCO
consent order.
Although vegetable gardens may have been a completed pathway in the past, the State of
Colorado and ASARCO have been actively involved in educating the community about using
clean soil and community gardens to avoid any unnecessary exposure now and in the future.
Several community concerns from residents and local officials related to the ASARCO Inc.
Globe Plant site have been received. These concerns have been summarized and addressed in the
Public Health Implications section.
Summary information on the private well surveys is needed to determine if there are private
well users in areas groundwater contamination. Moreover, additional data are needed for the
residential soil sampling currently occurring to evaluate further the public health significance of exposures to residential soils.
Continue to limit access to the site (including the Industrial Drainage Ditch) to prevent human exposure to contaminants in ditch water, sediment, soil, and unused process buildings.
During remedial actions, access to properties should be restricted and residents should be
asked not to use their yards.
Dust suppression methods should be used during remedial activities.
Site/Area Characterization Recommendations
Provide summaries of previous private well surveys.
Continue additional soil sampling now occurring in residential areas.
Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) Recommendations
In accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liability
Act of 1980 as amended, ATSDR has evaluated the Globe Plant site for appropriate health
follow-up activities. The data and information developed in the ASARCO Inc., Globe Plant site
public health assessment have been evaluated by the HARP for appropriate follow-up with
respect to health actions. Because workers and nearby residents in the community were and may
currently be exposed to hazardous substances at levels of public health concern, HARP
determined that (1) community health education is needed to assist them in understanding their
probable exposure to contaminants, and (2) health professions education is needed to educate the local professionals in diagnosing, treating and preventing injury or disease due to exposure to
hazardous substances. In addition, ATSDR concurs with the CDPHE that medical monitoring of
the community prior to and after remediation is needed. Moreover, HARP determined that
childhood respiratory disease concerns (probably exacerbated by the city-wide problem of total
suspended particulate (TSP) levels occasionally exceeding the TSP standard) should be brought
to the attention of the local health officials. [The CDPHE has acknowledged that representatives
of the local health departments have been actively involved in site activities, and have been
provided with copies of the public health assessment]. When additional data and information
become available, ATSDR will reevaluate this site for any additional indicated follow-up.
Public Health Actions
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the ASARCO Inc. Globe Plant site contains a
description of actions to be taken by ATSDR and/or local, state, and federal agencies. The
purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that this public health assessment not only identifies public
health hazards, but provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human
health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. Included, is a commitment on the part of ATSDR and the Colorado Department of Health to follow up on this
plan to ensure that it is implemented.
The Colorado Department of Health will take the lead, and ATSDR will assist when requested,
to (1) provide community health education to help the exposed persons in understanding their
probable exposure, (2) provide health professions education to assist the local health
professionals in diagnosing, treating and preventing injury or disease due to exposure to
hazardous substances, (3) conduct medical monitoring of the community prior to and after site
remediation to evaluate health concerns and assess likelihood of linkage to exposure to
hazardous substances, and (4) bring the concerns about childhood respiratory disease in the
community to the attention of the local health officials. [The CDPHE has acknowledged that
representatives of the local health departments have been actively involved in site activities, and have been provided with copies of the public health assessment].
The final PHAP will be evaluated annually unless additional information warrants more frequent evaluation.
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8, 1986.
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Comment. November 15, 1993.
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received October, 1993.
United States Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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