NJDOH and ATSDR have concluded that the Curcio Scrap Metal site was a public health
hazard prior to remediation of the East lot in January 1994. The site represents no apparent
public health hazard for current exposure to remaining on-site contaminants. Also, Curcio Scrap
Metal is considered to be an indeterminate public health hazard off-site for potential exposure to
off-site residents.
In the past, about 100 people including past and present employees at the site, scrap metal
haulers and trespassers may have been exposed to hazardous concentrations of lead and PCB's.
Due to inadequate off-site sampling, it cannot be determined if potential exposures will occur
in residents who live near the site.
The effects on human health from contaminants associated with volatilization, off-site soil,
groundwater and the drainage basins, drainage pipes, and surrounding surface waters is unknown
due to an insufficient number of samples.
The potential for exposure that would occur if the bedrock aquifer becomes contaminated by
the overlying shallow aquifer is unknown.
The impact of trucks from the site tracking contaminated soil into residential neighborhoods
has not been evaluated but has probably been reduced.
Blood of Curcio workers analyzed for PCB's and lead found that their serum PCB levels were
similar to that of the general population, while blood lead levels were elevated. This indicates
that a past completed exposure pathway for lead existed for the workers at the site.
Additional characterization of the site should occur in Operable Units as described. This data
is needed to ascertain the scope of the potential for exposure to off-site soil, surface waters,
sediment, and groundwater.
The site should be posted as a hazardous waste site.
The shallow and bedrock aquifers should be monitored. The shallow aquifer should be
remediated so that the bedrock aquifer will not be at risk.
ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) evaluated the data and information
on October 9, 1992, and determined that workers' past and current exposures pose an urgent
public health hazard. The panel determined that on-site workers need education to assist them in
reducing their exposures. In addition, occupational health agencies should consider biologic
monitoring according to appropriate occupational health practices.
The HARP recommendation was made prior to the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Report
issued on November 17, 1993, and prior to the USEPA's removal of the contaminated soil from
the East Lot, replacing it with clean fill, and then paving, on January 20, 1994. Current
exposures to on-site workers and trespassers are considered to be no apparent public health
hazard because the site has been remediated.
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the Curcio site contains a description of actions to be
taken by NJDOH and/or ATSDR at and around the site subsequent to the completion of this
public health assessment. 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 NJDOH and ATSDR to
follow-up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented.
ATSDR prepared and sent a Letter Of Concern (Appendix C) to OSHA on June 8, 1993.
The NJDOH referred the Curcio site to NIOSH.
NIOSH conducted a health hazard evaluation of the workers which included biological
monitoring for elevated blood lead and PCB levels.
NIOSH conducted health education for workers.
The USEPA remediated the site in January 1994.
Environmental data and proposed remedial activities have been evaluated within the context
of human exposure pathways and relevant public health issues.
Consider further follow-up activities if additional data become available that suggest human
exposure is occurring or has occurred in the past.
ATSDR will provide OSHA and NIOSH a copy of this public health assessment.
CERTIFICATION
The Public Health Assessment for the Curcio Scrap Metal site was prepared by the New Jersey 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.
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.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Draft Toxicological Profile for Lead.
Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, October 1991.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Toxicological Profile for Mercury.
Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, December 1989.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Draft Toxicological Profile for Selected
PCB's. Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, October 1991.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Draft Toxicological Profile for
Trichloroethylene. Atlanta, Georgia: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,
October 1991.
Clayton, G.D. and Clayton, F.E. Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volume 2C.
Third Edition, New York. John Wiley & Sons, New York. 1982.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Draft Remedial Investigation and Feasibility
Study: First Operable Unit - East Lot Soil, Curcio Scrap Metal, Inc. Site. Saddle Brook, New
Jersey. June, 1990.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Record of Decision: Curcio Scrap Metal,
Inc. USEPA Region II. June 30, 1991.
