PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
COMPUTER CIRCUITS
HAUPPAUGE, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
Computer Circuits was a circuit board manufacturing company which operated at 145 Marcus
Boulevard in Hauppauge, NY, between 1969 and 1977. In July 1998, Computer Circuits was
proposed for addition to the National Priorities List (NPL) due to the potential for improperly
disposed wastewater 
to contaminate the local drinking water supply. The site was added to the
NPL on May 10, 1999.
While Computer Circuits was in operation, wastewater exceeding limits established by the company's State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit was discharged to underground leaching pools. These actions left on-site subsurface soils and groundwater contaminated with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. In 1976-1977 the contaminated leaching pools and building interior were cleaned and the company ceased operation.
Investigations completed at the site between 1986 and 1996 included limited subsurface soil, soil gas and groundwater sampling. No surface soil or indoor air sampling has been conducted at the site. Results of subsurface soil sampling and analysis conducted to date show elevated levels of volatile organic compounds and metals. However, due to the depth of the contamination, no exposures are expected. Trichloroethene, 1,1,1 - trichloroethane, total 1,2-dichloroethene and copper were found in on-site groundwater. There are public drinking water supply wells downgradient of the site. These wells are contaminated with volatile organic compounds; however, it is unknown if this site is contributing to the contamination. The source or sources of the contamination in the wells are unknown. Public water from these wells is treated prior to distribution, reducing human exposures to contamination levels below New York State standards for public drinking water supplies. Private drinking water supply wells are not likely to exist near the site, due to the industrial nature of the area and the availability of public drinking water. However, all sources of contamination in the public drinking water supply wells and the presence of private water supply wells should be determined. On-site surface soils may be contaminated with plating wastes. However, no samples have been taken to determine if they pose a health concern. Employees and trespassers could access this area, so additional data are needed to evaluate this exposure pathway. Soil gas has high levels of volatile organic compounds near the on-site building. Therefore, indoor air must be sampled to evaluate possible exposures.
No community health concerns have been identified at this site, by county, state or federal health and environmental agencies. Health outcome data were not evaluated specifically for this site, as current information has not identified any exposures associated with the site. Health outcome data could be evaluated in the future if additional data indicate exposures.
The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have no information that persons have been exposed to site-related contaminants at levels that may cause adverse health effects. However, because of the lack of soil, groundwater and indoor air data, the NYS DOH and ATSDR concludes that the site represents an indeterminate public health hazard.
Additional surface soil, groundwater and indoor air data are needed to determine whether people are currently being or have been exposed to contamination at levels of health concern. A remedial investigation and feasibility study is currently planned for this site, under United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) oversight, that will provide needed information. The results of the investigation will be reviewed once available, to determine if any health actions are necessary, and the public health hazard category will be changed accordingly.
BACKGROUND AND STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) will evaluate the public health significance of the Computer Circuits site. More specifically, ATSDR and the NYS DOH will determine whether adverse health effects are possible from exposure to site-related contaminants and will recommend actions to reduce or prevent possible health effects. ATSDR is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is authorized by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986, to conduct public health assessments at hazardous waste sites proposed for the National Priorities List (NPL).
The Computer Circuits site, 145 Marcus Boulevard in Hauppauge, NY, (see Figure, Appendix A) is owned by MCS Realty of Melville, NY. On July 28, 1998, Computer Circuits was proposed for addition to the NPL due to the potential for improperly disposed wastewater to contaminate the local public drinking water supply. The site was added to the NPL on May 10, 1999. The area is industrial/commercial and several manufacturing and commercial facilities surround the site. The nearest residential area is 0.4 miles to the north. The site is about 1.7 acres in size, consists of a single story building, and is bounded by Marcus Boulevard to the west, parking lots to the north and south and a sand and gravel lot with sparse vegetation behind the building to the east. Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water on Long Island, and the nearest public drinking water supply wellfield is 4,200 feet to the northeast, on Falcon Drive. Depth to groundwater is approximately 100 feet.
Computer Circuits manufactured circuit boards at this location between 1969 and 1977. The
manufacturing process discharged wastewater from the plating operation to underground
leaching pools to the south and southwest of the building. The Suffolk County Department of
Health Services (SCDHS) documented concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, copper,
nickel, zinc, silver and iron in the waste discharge, which exceeded the limits established by the
company's State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit. Trichloroethene,
cyanide and flouride were also detected in liquid and sludge discharges above permitted levels.
About 0.6 to 2.0 million gallons of wastewater were discharged to the subsurface leaching pools
on-site. The disposal of wastewater, which contained elevated concentrations of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, contaminated soils and the underlying groundwater at the site.
Since Computer Circuits began operations in 1969, until its closure in 1977, the SCDHS reported that the operation of the plating room was generally poor, and spilled chemicals were noted on the floor. The SCDHS inspector often noted throat and lung irritation during short periods of time spent in the plating room. During an inspection of the facility in January 1973, an illegal overflow pipe was discovered leading directly from a leaching pool to the storm sewer on Marcus Boulevard. The storm sewer ultimately leads to a recharge basin located southwest of the intersection of Kennedy and Marcus Boulevards. Following a removal of the pipe, the company allowed wastewater from the plant to flow from the leaching pools down the paved driveway to the public street, and ultimately to the storm sewer, potentially exposing the public to hazardous materials and contaminating surface soils.
This overland flow ceased in July 1976 following court efforts to reduce of the quantity of wastewater and to install new leaching pools. At that time, the five old cesspools were cleaned and closed to the satisfaction of the SCDHS. In June 1977, a SCDHS inspector noted a return to previous operating conditions and wastewater was again being discharged to leaching pools. The owner of the adjacent business filed a formal complaint asking for correction of an overflowing cesspool problem which caused water to accumulate in the street in front of his building. The overflowing cesspool was located to the north of Computer Circuits. Several inspection reports indicated the presence of up to 32 barrels of waste products stored haphazardly behind the plating facility. At one point, a pile of blue-green copper sludge was noted on the ground near the barrels. This pile was immediately cleaned up by an employee, following its discovery by the SCDHS inspector. Several violation notices and fines were issued while the company was in business, without proper resolution, and a criminal action suit was filed. Operations ceased in 1977 in response to an injunction filed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). After Computer Circuits vacated the site, the interior of the building was cleaned to the satisfaction of the SCDHS. Since that time, a trade school (1977-1980), NAV-TEC (1980-1983) , TYMSHARE (1983 - unknown) and Algorex Power and Control Electronics (APACE), have occupied this location. NAV-TEC assembled electronic components and TYMSHARE was a tax preparation company. APACE is the current tenant. There is no indication that any tenant subsequent to Computer Circuits has inappropriately discharged contaminants to the environment.
Since the closure of Computer Circuits, the property owner, in cooperation with the NYS DEC, conducted several investigations at the site to determine the extent of environmental impacts resulting from improper waste disposal. A NYS DEC initial investigation report was prepared for the site in January 1986 (Woodward-Clyde Consultants, Inc., 1986), and documented the discharge of wastewater containing concentrations of heavy metals exceeding the limits established by the SPDES permit. In 1989, soil and groundwater were investigated (Roux Associates, Inc., 1989) at the site as required by an Order on Consent between the NYS DEC and the property owner. Additional groundwater sampling occurred in February 1991, February 1994 and October 1995 (P.W. Grosser Consulting, 1996). A soil vapor survey and additional subsurface soil and groundwater sampling occurred in February 1996 (Commonwealth Analytical, 1996).
Site Visit and Physical Hazards
The most recent NYS DOH site visit was May 14, 1998 by Ms. Wendy Kuehner. At that time, there were no physical hazards visible at the site. Site access was not restricted, but no evidence of trespassing was observed. Algorex Power and Control Electronics currently occupies the building.
The NYS DOH estimated from the 1990 Census (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1991) that 5,769 people live within one mile of the site. The following chart compares these demographics with statewide averages.
| New York State | Area within 1 mile of site | |
| Age Distribution | ||
| <6 | 8.3% | 7.8% |
| 6-19 | 18.4% | 17.3% |
| 20-64 | 60.2% | 68.3% |
| >64 | 13.1% | 6.6% |
| Race Distribution | ||
| White | 74.4% | 92.1% |
| Black | 15.9% | 3.2% |
| Asian | 3.9% | 2.7% |
| Other | 5.8% | 2.0% |
| Ethnicity Distribution | ||
| Percent Hispanic | 12.3% | 8.5% |
| 1989 Median Income | $32,965 | $60,753 |
| % Below Poverty Level | 13.0% | 1.9% |
Nature and Extent of Contamination
Subsurface Soil
Ten subsurface soil samples were collected and analyzed for volatile organic compounds, cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc, copper, lead, silver and iron as part of the 1989 subsurface soil and groundwater investigation. Volatile organic compounds were detected at levels below health comparison values. Concentrations of metals at each sample location were also below health comparison values and Eastern USA Background Soil Conditions.
Five additional soil borings were installed in September 1995 near the former leaching pools at the site. These soil borings contained volatile organic compounds including acetone, tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene at levels below health comparison values. Metals, including cadmium, nickel, silver, lead, mercury, copper and zinc, were detected at levels above background conditions in subsurface soils (10 - 37 feet below the ground surface) in three locations.
Starting in March 1996, the US EPA collected fourteen subsurface soil samples for volatile organic compound and metals analysis. These compounds were detected at levels significantly above background. However, due to the depth of contamination, it is unlikely that anyone will come into contact with these soils. Therefore, this exposure pathway will not be evaluated further.
Soil Vapor
A soil vapor survey was conducted at the site in February 1996. Results of this survey indicate high levels of volatile organic compounds in soil vapor 6 - 8 feet below the ground surface, near the former Computer Circuits building. These data suggest that some contamination remains at the site. The interior of the building was not inspected during the 1998 site visit. Therefore, it is unknown whether there is a basement or floor drains. However, due to the location of the elevated soil vapor reading, indoor air may be affected by site related contamination. No indoor air sampling has been conducted at the site, so additional data are needed to evaluate this potential exposure pathway. Analysis of air samples within the on-site building is needed to determine whether employees are being exposed to site-related contaminants. Additional subsurface soil samples may be required to determine, if necessary, the source of indoor air contaminants.
Surface Soils
Surface soil samples were not collected at this site. Therefore, it is unknown whether surface soils contain contamination at levels of health concern. It is an industrial area and not frequented by the general public. Also, the majority of the site is paved or covered with vegetation, limiting contact with surface soils. However, due to the potential for employees or trespassers to come in contact with surface soils, samples should be collected from areas most likely affected by past disposal practices, and analyzed for contamination to further evaluate this exposure pathway.
Groundwater
Three monitoring wells were installed at the site in February 1989 and sampled to evaluate groundwater quality. Elevated levels of trichloroethene (up to 3,000 micrograms per liter (mcg/L), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (up to 240 mcg/L) and total 1,2-dichloroethene (up to 67 mcg/L) were detected in groundwater samples. Trichloroethene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane were also detected in the upgradient monitoring well. Therefore, an upgradient location appears to be an additional source of the volatile organic compounds detected in on-site groundwater. However, higher concentrations were found in downgradient groundwater samples. These three monitoring wells were sampled again in February 1991, February 1994 and October 1995 and analyzed for a wide range of volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethene and its breakdown products. Results from these sampling events show decreasing levels of volatile organic compounds in groundwater at the site. The types of contaminants detected in downgradient monitoring wells were again determined to be the same as those detected in the upgradient monitoring well. Barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, nickel, mercury and zinc were all detected in groundwater samples, but at levels below NYS DOH Drinking Water Standards for public drinking water supplies.
In conjunction with the March 1996 subsurface soil investigation, the US EPA installed three new groundwater monitoring wells at the site. Unlike previous data, groundwater data from these wells showed levels of copper significantly above background. The extent of contamination has not been fully defined at this site. Therefore, additional groundwater data are needed to determine if the site poses a threat to downgradient public drinking water supplies.
Public Drinking Water Supply Wells
The closest downgradient public drinking water supply wells are approximately three-quarters of a mile to the northeast of the site, on Falcon Drive. There are two supply wells which are maintained by the Suffolk County Water Authority (S-44774 and S-14326). The wells are 293 feet and 225 feet deep, respectively. Routine monitoring detected volatile organic compounds in these wells in September 1977, at levels below the drinking water guidelines in effect at the time. Chemicals found at the site and detected in the wells included 1,1,1-trichloroethane at levels up to 7.0 mcg/L in the wells and trichloroethene up to 8.0 mcg/L in the wells. Current drinking water standards for these chemicals are 5 mcg/L. The wells were equipped with granular activated carbon filters in 1988 and 1990, to minimize public exposure to contaminated drinking water. The most recent sampling data for the Falcon Drive municipal wells continue to show levels of volatile organic compounds which slightly exceed New York State Drinking Water Standards for Public Drinking Water Supplies; however, the water is treated prior to distribution. The Computer Circuits site may have contributed to the contamination in the Falcon Drive well field. However, the source or sources of the contamination in these wells remain unknown. Further investigations are warranted to determine the source or sources of volatile organic compounds in the public drinking water supply well.
Private Drinking Water Supply Wells
It is unknown whether private drinking water supply wells exist near the site. Given the location of the site in an industrial park and the availability of public drinking water in the area, the presence of private drinking water supply wells is unlikely. However, a February 1999 Remedial Investigation Work Plan for the nearby and downgradient 100 Oser Avenue site (Site #152162) includes provisions for a private water supply well survey in the area. Information gathered during this investigation will be evaluated to determine the potential for exposures to contaminated groundwater as the data become available.
An exposure pathway describes how a contaminant gets from a source area to an exposed population. There are five elements of an exposure pathway: The source of contamination, environmental media, point of exposure, route of human exposure and receptor population. Sources of contamination are where contaminants were disposed. The environmental media are what contaminants move through or with, such as groundwater or soil. Points of exposure are where persons could come into contact with the contaminant. The route of human exposure is how the contaminant enters a person's body, such as ingesting contaminated water or breathing contaminated air. Anyone who comes into contact with the contaminant is the receptor population. The following table describes the five elements of completed and potential exposure pathways at the Computer Circuits site.
Table 2: Exposure Pathway Elements
|
Pathway Name |
Exposure Pathway Elements | Time | ||||
| Source of Contamination | Environmental Media | Point of Exposure | Route of Exposure | Receptor Population | ||
| *Public Water Supply | Computer Circuits Site, Other unknown sources | Groundwater | Residences, businesses | Ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact |
Residents, business employees | Past |
| **Private Water Supply | Computer Circuits Site, Other unknown sources |
Groundwater | Residences, businesses | Ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact |
Residents, business employees | Past, present, future |
| **Surface Soil | Computer Circuits Site | Surface Soil | Computer Circuits Site | Dermal contact, ingestion | On-site employees, trespassers | Past, present, future |
| **Indoor Air | Computer Circuits Site | Air | On-site building | Inhalation | On-site employees | Past, present, future |
The public drinking water supply is the only known route of exposure that may be associated with the Computer Circuits site. However, the actual source or sources of contamination in the Falcon Drive public drinking water supply wells are currently unknown, due to its proximity to other listed hazardous waste disposal sites that could also impact the wells. Contaminants at the site have entered the groundwater and may have traveled with the groundwater to the Falcon Drive wellfield. Residents and employees of local businesses were exposed to contaminated groundwater in the past, prior to the installation of the treatment system. Additional groundwater data are needed to determine the source of the contamination.
The remainder of the table lists potential exposure pathways, including private drinking water supply wells, surface soil and indoor air. These are potential exposure pathways because at least one of the five elements are unknown. It is unknown whether private drinking water supply wells exist in the area; therefore, the point of exposure is unknown in this pathway. No surface soil samples were collected at the site, so the point of exposure and route of exposure cannot be determined at this time. Likewise, no indoor air data have been collected at the site, so it is unknown if people are being exposed to contamination via this pathway. The recommendations section details what actions and information are needed to determine if any of these exposure pathways, in addition to public drinking water supplies, are complete at the Computer Circuits site.
Only one completed exposure pathway is defined that may be related to this site: public drinking water supply wells. During the period of exposure, levels of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethene in the drinking water were below New York State guidelines for public drinking water supplies in effect at the time. The levels of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethene exceeded current drinking water standards. However, we do not know whether the contaminants in the drinking water are from the site.
The remaining exposure pathways lack sufficient data to determine what, if any, health effects are possible. Recommendations for collection of additional data are included at the end of this assessment. Once sufficient data are obtained, the public health implications of this site will be evaluated further.
No public meetings have been held for this site. Community concerns about this specific site have not been documented with local, state or federal environmental agencies.
The public was invited to review a draft of this public health assessment during the public comment period, which ran from February 20, 2001 to April 15, 2001. We received no comments from residents. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services submitted the following comments:
Comment 1: "We concur and support the conclusions and recommendations for future actions. Our primary question regards cyanide. On page 4, it is mentioned that cyanide was detected in "...liquid and sludge discharge above permitted levels." However, cyanide is not mentioned as being detected in groundwater or soil samples. Is this because cyanide was analyzed for and not detected or where the samples not analyzed for cyanide? If soil and groundwater samples have not been analyzed for cyanide, we recommend that subsequent surface and subsurface soil, as well as groundwater samples include this parameter."
Response 1: The NYS DOH and NYS DEC have recently reviewed the draft work plan for the remedial investigation to be completed at the Computer Circuits site. Comments provided to the US EPA include a request for all soil and groundwater samples collected in the upcoming investigation to by analyzed for cyanide, in addition to the currently proposed analytes.
Comment 2: "We consider indoor air sampling of the on-site building to be a very important public health action. Because this is an industrial park, many buildings are in close proximity. Therefore, the need for sampling of neighboring buildings should be evaluated."
Response 2: Provisions have been made in the remedial investigation work plan for the site to collect indoor air samples within the on-site building. The analytical results obtained from this round of samples will be used to evaluate whether additional sampling is needed in neighboring buildings.
The ATSDR Child Health Initiative emphasizes the ongoing examination of relevant child health issues in all of the agency's activities, including evaluating child-focused concerns through its mandated public health assessment activities. The ATSDR and NYS DOH considers children when we evaluate exposure pathways and potential health effects from environmental contaminants. We recognize that children are of special concern because of their greater potential for exposure from play and other behavior patterns. Children sometimes differ from adults in their susceptibility to hazardous chemicals, but whether there is a difference depends on the chemical. Children may be more or less susceptible than adults to health effects, and the relationship may change with developmental age.
The Computer Circuits site is in an industrial park and manufacturing and commercial facilities surround the site. No evidence of trespassing was noted during the site visit in 1998. We do not know whether contaminants found in public drinking water supply wells in the past are from the site. Currently, contaminants are below standards. Therefore, children's exposures to site-related contaminants are expected to be minimal.
The NYS DOH maintains several health outcome databases. These databases include the cancer registry, the congenital malformations registry, the heavy metals registry, childhood lead reporting system, vital records (birth and death certificates) and hospital discharge information.
The NYS DOH has not evaluated health outcome data specifically for this site, as current information has not identified any exposures associated with the site. However, in the past people were exposed to contaminants in public drinking water at levels above current standards; the source of the contamination is not known. There are no community health studies planned at this time.
The NYS DOH concludes that although some exposures to contaminants may have occurred in the past via the public drinking water supply wells, we do not know whether contaminants came from the site. Groundwater used as public drinking water is contaminated with low levels of volatile organic compounds and is treated prior to use, minimizing exposure. It is unknown if private drinking water supply wells exist in the area. Surface soils and indoor air were not sampled. Additional data are needed to further evaluate these exposure pathways and to determine the potential for current or future exposures of on-site workers and trespassers to site-related contamination. The NYS DOH and ATSDR have no information that persons have been exposed to contaminants from the site at levels that may result in adverse health effects; however, because of the lack of soil, groundwater and indoor air data, and information regarding the presence of private water supply wells, the NYS DOH and ATSDR conclude that the site represents an "Indeterminate Public Health Hazard" (see Appendix D).
Additional surface soil, groundwater and indoor air data are needed to determine whether people are currently being or have been exposed to contamination at levels of health concern. A remedial investigation and feasibility study is currently planned for this site, under US EPA oversight, that will provide needed information. The results of the investigation will be reviewed once available, to determine if any health actions are necessary, and the public health hazard category will be changed accordingly.
The US EPA should:
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the Computer Circuits site contains a description of actions to be taken by the US EPA, ATSDR and/or NYS DOH following the completion of this health assessment. For those actions already completed at this site, please refer to the Background section of this public health assessment. The purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that this 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 NYS DOH to follow-up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented. The public health actions to be implemented are as follows:
The Public Health Assessment for the Computer Circuits site was prepared by the New York State Department of 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 public health assessment was initiated.
Gregory V. Ulirsch
Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC), ATSDR, has reviewed this public health assessment, and concurs with its findings.
Sven E. Rodenbeck
Acting Chief, SSAB, DHAC, ATSDR
Wendy Kuehner
Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation
New York State Department of Health
ATSDR Regional Representative
Arthur Block
Senior Regional Representative
Region 2
Office of Regional Operations
ATSDR Technical Project Officer
Gregory V. Ulirsch
Environmental Health Engineer
Superfund Site Assessment Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Commonwealth Analytical. 1996. Mobile Laboratory Field Analysis Report, Computer Circuits Site, Hauppauge, NY. February.
P.W. Grosser Consulting. 1996. Groundwater Monitoring Report - Computer Circuits, Hauppauge, NY. February.
Rhodes, James P., 1996. Soil Quality Investigation, Computer Circuits Site, Hauppauge, NY., P.W. Grosser Consulting.
Roux Associates (Prepared for US EPA). 1992. Computer Circuits Corporation Site Inspection Prioritization Evaluation. June.
Roux Associates, Inc. (Prepared for Shea & Gould). 1989. Investigation Report, Order on Consent (# W10061885), Computer Circuits Site, Hauppauge, New York. May.
US Bureau of the Census. 1990 Census of population and housing summary tape file 1B. US Department of Commerce. 1991.
US Bureau of the Census. 1990 Census of population and housing summary tape file 3A CD- ROM. US Department of Commerce. September 1992.
Woodward-Clyde Consultants, Inc. (Prepared for NYS DEC). 1986. Phase I Investigation: Computer Circuits (Site # 152034) - Town of Hauppauge, Suffolk County. January.
Figure 2. Proposed Soil Boring Locations
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD CATEGORIES
INTERIM PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD CATEGORIES
| CATEGORY / DEFINITION | DATA SUFFICIENCY | CRITERIA |
| A. Urgent Public Health Hazard
This category is used for sites where short-term exposures (< 1 yr) to hazardous substances or conditions could result in adverse health effects that require rapid intervention. |
This determination represents a professional judgement based on critical data which ATSDR has judged sufficient to support a decision. This does not necessarily imply that the available data are complete; in some cases additional data may be required to confirm or further support the decision made. | Evaluation of available relevant information* indicates that site-specific conditions or likely exposures have had, are having, or are
likely to have in the future, an adverse impact on human health that
requires immediate action or intervention. Such site-specific
conditions or exposures may include the presence of serious physical
or safety hazards. |
| B. Public Health Hazard
This category is used for sites that pose a public health hazard due to the existence of long-term exposures (> 1 yr) to hazardous substance or conditions that could result in adverse health effects. |
This determination represents a professional judgement based on critical data which ATSDR has judged sufficient to support a decision. This does not necessarily imply that the available data are complete; in some cases additional data may be required to confirm or further support the decision made. | Evaluation of available relevant information* suggests that, under site-specific conditions of exposure, long-term exposures to site-specific contaminants (including radionuclides) have had, are having, or are likely to have in the future, an adverse impact on human health that requires one or more public health interventions. Such site-specific exposures may include the presence of serious physical or safety hazards. |
| C. Indeterminate Public Health Hazard
This category is used for sites in which "critical" data are insufficient with regard to extent of exposure and/or toxicologic properties at estimated exposure levels. |
This determination represents a professional judgement that critical data are missing and ATSDR has judged the data are insufficient to support a decision. This does not necessarily imply all data are incomplete; but that some additional data are required to support a decision. | The health assessor must determine, using professional judgement, the "criticality" of such data and the likelihood that the data can be obtained and will be obtained in a timely manner. Where some data are available, even limited data, the health assessor is encouraged to the extent possible to select other hazard categories and to support their decision with clear narrative that explains the limits of the data and the rationale for the decision. |
| D. No Apparent Public Health Hazard
This category is used for sites where human exposure to contaminated media may be occurring, may have occurred in the past, and/or may occur in the future, but the exposure is not expected to cause any adverse health effects. |
This determination represents a professional judgement based on critical data which ATSDR considers sufficient to support a decision. This does not necessarily imply that the available data are complete; in some cases additional data may be required to confirm or further support the decision made. | Evaluation of available relevant information* indicates that, under site-specific conditions of exposure, exposures to site-specific contaminants in the past, present, or future are not likely to result in any adverse impact on human health. |
| E: No Public Health Hazard
This category is used for sites that, because of the absence of exposure, do NOT pose a public health hazard. |
Sufficient evidence indicates that no human exposures to contaminated media have occurred, none are now occurring, and none are likely to occur in the future |
ATSDR PLAIN LANGUAGE GLOSSARY
OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TERMS
Revised -15Dec99
