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1. ATSDR > Public Health Assessments & Consultations

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
RAYMARK INDUSTRIES
STRATFORD, FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND OTHER HAZARDS

The following discussion and data tables present the contaminants of concern for the Raymark facility (on-site) and the other known waste areas (off-site). Contaminants are presented by the medium in which they were found. The listing of contaminants in this section does not imply that it will cause adverse health effects, that determination is based on the routes and duration of exposure, and the toxicity of the contaminant and is explained in the Pathway Analysis and Toxicological Implications sections.

Comparison values are used to identify contaminants that will be evaluated further. The comparison values are contaminant specific concentrations in specific media. These values include Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs), Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs), and other relevant guidelines. CREGs are estimated contaminant concentrations based on a one excess cancer in a million persons similarly exposed over a lifetime. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) represent drinking water contaminant concentrations that EPA deems protective of public health (considering the availability and economics of water treatment technology) over a lifetime (70 years) at an exposure rate of two liters of water per day. The EPA Reference Dose (RfD) is an estimate of the daily exposure to a contaminant that is not expected to cause adverse health effects. Not all contaminants have comparison values.

A. ON-SITE CONTAMINATION/RAYMARK FACILITY

A Remedial Investigation for the Raymark facility was complete as of April 1995. Environmental sampling at the site has been extensive. Data for soil and groundwater were reviewed.

Soil

Soil samples collected in 1992, 1993 and 1994 as part of Phase IIA and IIB RCRA investigation at the Raymark facility have identified very high levels of contamination at or near the surface and in deeper soils. Soil borings have been used throughout the site to help define the extent of soil contamination. Table 2 provides a list of the contaminants identified in soil at the Raymark facility which exceed comparison values.

Ambient Air

Ambient air sampling for lead and asbestos has not identified these contaminants at levels of health concern. Sampling was done in December 1992 and January 1993 and during drilling activities likely to disturb contaminated soils. During the drilling activities, control measures were being taken to suppress any dust generation.

Groundwater

Groundwater monitoring wells have been installed on site. Sampling of these monitoring wells has identified very high levels of contamination in the groundwater. In addition to asbestos, lead, and PCBs, other metals, volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile compounds have been detected (Preliminary Summary Statistics for Groundwater Data, 1994).

Table 2
Raymark Industries, Inc.
On-Site Soil Contamination Levels

CREG-Cancer Risk Evaluation Guide
EMEG-Environmental Media Evaluation Guide
ppm-parts per million
TEF-Toxic Equivalency Factor

B.OFF-SITE CONTAMINATION

Surface Soil

Soil sampling at off-site locations included grab samples at 0-3 inch depths. Site maps with sampling locations were provided for all off-site surface soil sampling activities. All samples were screened for lead, asbestos and PCBs. These contaminants were selected because: 1.) they are indicative of Raymark waste; 2.) there are screening methods available for these contaminants; and 3.) these contaminants presented the most significant health threat. Ten percent of all the surface soil samples were sent for confirmation through the Contract Laboratory Program. This also included analysis for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides, dioxin and metals.

One of the most toxic forms of dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD was not detected in any of the dioxin analysis. ATSDR and CT DPH concluded that although the presence of dioxin was an overall health concern at a few of the commercial properties, the levels of lead, asbestos and PCBs presented the greatest threat to public health and by addressing these contaminants the risk posed by the dioxin would also be addressed.

Wooster Junior High School

In April and May 1993, 227 surface soil samples were collected from the north and south playing field of Wooster Junior High School. The samples were screened for lead, asbestos and PCBs. ATSDR evaluated these data as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory. Contamination was not detected at levels of health concern in the south playing field.

In June 1993, an additional 132 surface soil samples were collected and screened for lead, asbestos, and PCBs. This was done to determine if surface soil contamination was present in areas of the school property other than the north playing field. Trace asbestos was detected in the parking lot medians. The highest concentration of lead was 525 ppm however, only two samples had lead above 200 ppm.

Table 3 provides a summary of the sampling events from Wooster Junior High School.

Table 3
Wooster Junior High School
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Wooster Park, adjacent to Wooster Junior High School was sampled. Lead levels were as high as 790 ppm, asbestos was detected as high as 60%, and PCBs were found as high as 1.75 ppm. The most significant contamination was found in a dug out area between the stream and the bike path.

Two residential properties located near Wooster Junior High School were sampled. Contamination was not detected at levels of health concern at either property.

Short Beach Park

In April and May 1993, 190 soil samples were collected from Short Beach Park including the softball, little league and soccer fields. The majority of these samples were collected at surface, 0-3 inches, approximately 24 samples were collected at depths greater than three inches. These samples were screened for lead, asbestos and PCBs. These data were evaluated by ATSDR as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory.

In June 1993, an additional 189 surface soil samples were collected from parking lot islands, play ground areas, a swale area along the entrance road off of Dorne Drive and the platform tennis and basketball court areas. The most significant contamination was identified in the basketball and platform tennis court area.

Table 4 provides a summary of the sampling events from Short Beach Park.

Table 4
Short Beach Park
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Vacant Lot at the end of 4th/5th Avenue

In April and May 1993, 14 surface soil samples were collected from the 4th/5th Avenue/Vacant Lot area. Samples were screened for lead, asbestos, and PCBs. These data were evaluated as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory.

In June and July 1993, approximately 60 surface soil samples were collected from individual parcels that make up the 4th/5th Avenue/vacant lot.

Table 5 provides a summary of the sampling events for the vacant lot at the end of 4th/5th Avenues.

Table 5
Vacant Lot/End of 4th/5th Avenue
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Surface soil sampling was also conducted at 53 residential properties located adjacent to this site on First, Third, Forth, and Fifth Avenues, Jefferson Street and Shoreline Drive. Five homes were identified as having surface soil contamination present at levels posing an imminent health threat. Two homes had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a health threat and 2 homes had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a possible health threat.

Spada and Adjacent Properties

In April and May 1993, 25 surface soil samples were collected from a few commercial properties located along Ferry Boulevard and from the banks of Ferry Creek. All samples were screened for lead, asbestos, and PCBs. These data were evaluated by ATSDR as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory.

In June and July 1993 approximately 80 surface soil samples were collected from the commercial properties along Ferry Boulevard including the Blue Goose Restaurant, Shopping Center, Housatonic Marina, Dan Perkin's Subaru, Veras Motors, Turnpike Spirits, and Ink Masters. An empty lot at 170 Ferry Boulevard was also sampled. Contamination was not found at levels of health concern at Turnpike Spirits, Ink Masters or the vacant lot at 170 Ferry Boulevard however, to date, samples have not been collected below the surface.

In June and July 1993 unpaved areas along the east and west sides of Ferry Boulevard were sampled and screened for lead, asbestos, and PCBs. In addition, a few additional properties adjacent to the commercial properties on Ferry Boulevard were sampled including the Del Buono property, the Stratford Marina and Fagan's Restaurant.

Table 6 provides a summary of these sampling events.

Table 6
Spada and Adjacent Properties
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Sampling was also conducted at approximately 50 residences located near the Spada/Ferry Boulevard area. This sampling included homes located on Willow Street, Housatonic Avenue and Stratford Avenue. Seven homes has surface soil contamination present at levels posing a health threat, 17 homes had contamination present at levels posing a possible health threat.

Morgan Francis and Adjacent Properties

In April and May 1993, six surface soil samples were collected from the Morgan Francis Property. All Samples were screened for lead, asbestos, and PCBs. These samples were collected in an area between a gravel parking lot and Ferry Creek. These data were evaluated as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory.

In June 1993, additional surface soil sampling was conducted to define the extent of the surface soil contamination. The most significant contamination was identified near Ferry Creek and along the back edge of the property.

Table 7 provides a summary of these sampling events.

Surface soil sampling was done at approximately 31 residential properties adjacent to the Morgan Francis area. These homes are located on Blakeman Place, Meadow Streets and East Broadway. One property had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a health threat, 13 had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a possible health threat.

Table 7
Morgan Francis and Adjacent Properties
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Housatonic Boat Club/Shore Road Area

In April and May 1993, surface soil sampling was done in eleven locations at the Housatonic Boat Club property and near the entrance to the club on Shore Road. All samples were screened for lead, asbestos and PCBs. These data were evaluated as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory.

In June 1993, additional surface soil sampling was conducted on the west and east sides of Shore Road and near the monument to the southeast of the club. This sampling was done to further define the extent of surface soil contamination around the Boat Club and Shore Road. The most significant contamination was identified on the west side of Shore Road.

In September 1993 surface soil sampling was conducted to further define the extent of contamination on the eastern side of Shore Road. Contamination was found at very high levels.

Table 8 provides a summary of these sampling events.

Table 8
Housatonic Boat Club/Shore Road Area
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Four residential properties located near the Housatonic Boat Club were sampled. One home had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a possible health threat.

Raybestos Memorial Field and Adjacent Properties

In April and May 1993, surface soil samples were collected from residential properties located adjacent to the Raybestos Memorial Field. Lead on one property was as high as 150,000 ppm. These data were evaluated as part of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory. In June 1993, additional surface soil sampling was conducted on the playing field and the cement bleachers.

Table 9 provides a summary of these sampling events.

Table 9
Raybestos Memorial Field and Adjacent Properties
Summary/Surface Soil Samples/Contamination Ranges

ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million
asbestos reported in percent by volume

Approximately 50 residential properties located adjacent to the Raybestos Memorial Field were sampled. These properties are located on Patterson Avenue, Clinton Avenue, Longbrook Avenue, Woodside Terrace, Horace Street, River Road, Peard Terrace, and Sidney Street. One home had surface soil contamination present at levels posing an imminent health threat. Eight homes had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a health threat and 4 had surface soil contamination present at levels posing a possible health threat.

Groundwater

The DEP conducted a well survey to identify any private wells near known waste areas. (See Appendix F-Health Consultation/Private Well Survey) Fifteen private wells were identified. Four wells were located within a one-mile radius of Wooster Junior High School, one well was located within one mile of the 4th and 5th Avenue site, one well was located within one mile of the Raymark facility, upgradient, and two wells were located between one and two miles of known waste areas and seven wells were located 2.5-3.5 miles from known waste areas.

Groundwater monitoring was conducted at Wooster Junior High School to determine if soil contamination was leaching into the groundwater. Four monitoring wells, MW1-MW4, were installed at Wooster Junior High School in the area which was defined as contaminated. A fifth monitoring well was subsequently installed hydraulically upgradient from the contaminated area to replace MW-4, which was damaged during the interim cap installation. In addition, a number of well points were installed. Only three of the well points yielded enough water for a groundwater sample.

In July 1993, wells MW1 through MW4 were sampled for dissolved lead and copper as well as PCBs, semi-volatile organics and asbestos. The concentrations of dissolved lead were below 0.01 milligrams per liter (mg/l) and the concentrations of PCBs were below 0.0003 mg/l. There was no detectable dissolved copper, semi-volatile organics or asbestos.

A second round of groundwater samples was collected from MW1, MW2, MW3 and MW5 in April 1994. Samples were analyzed for dissolved copper and lead, semi-volatile organic compounds and PCBs. No semi volatile organic compounds, dissolved lead or PCBs were detected above instrument detection limits. Dissolved copper was detected at 0.01 mg/l in one well.

Indoor Dust

As part of the ongoing health evaluation of residential properties, ATSDR and CT DPH requested that indoor dust samples be collected in homes previously determined to be an imminent health threat or health threat because of outdoor surface soil contamination. This was a recommendation of the May 1993 Public Health Advisory. In August and September 1993, EPA collected indoor dust samples from 17 homes, two of which were control homes used to determine typical background concentrations of the contaminants. The samples were analyzed for asbestos, PCBs, pesticides and total metals.

EPA collected samples using a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Samples were collected from high-use and low-use areas. High-use area were defined as locations where infants and young children have access and where contact with dust was likely to occur. Low-use areas included closets and under and behind refrigerators, beds and sofas. If the volume of sample collected from the high-use area was insufficient, the sample was combined with the low-use sample for analysis. If the combined sample was insufficient, a sample from the residents' vacuum cleaner was used instead. Table 10 lists the range of contamination detected in indoor dust samples.

Lead was identified at levels of health concern in eleven of the homes. PCBs were identified at levels of possible health concern in five homes and PCBs presented a health threat in one home. A Health Threat was determined if residents, especially children were exposed to contaminants at levels that could cause harmful effects. A Health Concern designation was issued for homes where residents, especially children, might be exposed to lead at levels that could cause a harmful effect. A Possible Health Threat was issued if there was the potential for exposure to contaminants at levels that could cause harmful effects.

Indoor air sampling for asbestos was conducted at the Wooster Junior High School by the CT DPH Laboratory. This sampling was done to determine if children playing on contaminated soil had tracked contamination in on their shoes. During this sampling, fans were used to disturb dust and make it airborne. No asbestos was found.

Table 10
Range of Indoor Dust Levels in Private Homes

SAMPLING LOCATION**	INDOOR DUST SAMPLES/CONCENTRATION RANGE
	LEAD ppm	total PCBs* ppm	ASBESTOS
High Use Areas	90.7-4,000	.2-14	ND
Low Use Areas	148-20,800	.2-2.3	ND
High/Low Use Areas Combined	2,470-68,200	.41-1.9	ND
Vacuum	45.3-165	.5-1	ND

*report all PCB species
**sampling location depended on the amount of sample collected for each area within a home
ND-not detected
ppm-parts per million

Fish and Shellfish

The DEP sampled for oysters and mussels in 11 locations in the Housatonic River and Ferry Creek. Samples were collected in June 1993 by dredging. Of the eleven locations sampled, nine yielded oysters and seven of these locations yielded mussels. Two locations within Ferry Creek are not naturally conducive to oysters and none were found. Samples were obtained by a random selection. Between thirty and fifty oysters were collected from each location. The average age of the oysters was three years. Approximately 20 mussels were obtained for sampling. All shellfish were analyzed for PCBs, asbestos and lead. The CT DPH and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration performed split sampling for PCB analysis.

PCBs concentrations ranged from trace levels to 0.2 ppm with the majority of the samples well below 0.1 ppm. Lead levels averaged 0.71 ppm for oysters and 1.0 ppm for mussels. No asbestos fibers were found in any of the shellfish.

The EPA sampled fish from five inland water bodies: Beaver Dam Lake; Wooster Pond; Brewster Pond; Frash Pond; and Selby pond. These water bodies were selected due to their proximity to known waste areas and their size and estimated fishing activity. Approximately 20 fish for two or three species were sampled from each water body. Analysis included specific PCB aroclors (forms) and lead. Fish were also sampled for pesticides and mercury.

Table 11 presents the results of the fish sampling for each water body.

PCB concentrations ranged from 0.002 ppm in Brown Bullheads in Wooster Pond to 0.325 ppm in American Eels found in Selby Pond. Aroclor 1262, a commonly found PCB form found in Raymark waste, was the predominant PCB detected in this analysis. Chlordane was detected in a few species in three different water bodies. This contaminant is not related to Raymark waste and is likely the result of pesticide applications prior to the ban on chlordane use. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.006 ppm in largemouth bass found in Wooster Pond to 0.192 ppm in American Eels found in Beaver Dam Lake.

Table 11
Fish Sampling Results

LOCATION	SPECIES	NUMBER SAMPLED	Average PCBs (All Species) (ppm)	CHLORDANE AVERAGE (ppm)	LEAD AVERAGE (ppm)
BEAVER DAM LAKE	LARGEMOUTH BASS	20	.008		.024
	AMERICAN EEL	19	.012	.229	.192
WOOSTER POND	LARGEMOUTH BASS	20	.003	.118	.006
	BROWN BULLHEAD	20	.002	.122	.055
BREWSTER POND	LARGEMOUTH BASS	20	.005	.196	.015
	BROWN BULLHEAD	20	.003	.200	.034
	WHITE CATFISH	6	.025	.432	.037
FRASH POND	WHITE PERCH	20	.088		.022
	AMERICAN EELS	13	.031		.170
SELBY POND	WHITE PERCH	8	.057		.025
	AMERICAN EELS	10	.325		.113

ppm-parts per million
blank box indicates contaminant was not detected

Sediment

Sediment sampling was conducted at the following locations: Ferry Creek, Beaver Dam, Brewster Pond, Cooks Pond, Elm Street/Lot K, Frash Pond, Great Meadows, Housatonic Boat Club, Selby Pond, Wooster Pond, Birdseye Boat ramp and Tilo. Samples were analyzed for PCBs, volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds and metals. Table 12 provides a summary of these data.

Table 12
Sediment Data

ND-not detected
PPM-parts per million

Some pesticides were also detected in Brewster Pond. This is consistent with the fish data. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in many of the sediment samples. The PAH levels detected were not high enough to contaminate fish and present a public health risk if the fish were eaten.

Ambient Air

Air sampling for lead and asbestos has been conducted before and during excavation activities at the residential properties. This sampling is done during clean-up activities to ensure that contamination is not becoming airborne and presenting a health risk to workers or the neighboring community. Neither lead nor asbestos have been detected at levels of health concern during any of the air sampling events.

C. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

The QA/QC and general field operations for data collection and quality in the Raymark investigations were reviewed. When reviewing surface soil data packages, ATSDR and CT DPH made a number of requests if data was not complete. These recommendations included requests for additional samples if sampling did not appear to be representative and because detection limits were too high.

ATSDR and CT DPH have reviewed and commented on surface soil, indoor dust, ambient air and fish sampling plans. The health agencies worked with the environmental agencies to ensure that the data collected and analyzed as part of these investigations fulfilled the health agencies data needs.

D.PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Many of the manufacturing buildings on-site at the Raymark plant site are in poor condition and may pose a physical hazard. In October, 1995 demolition of all the buildings at the site had commenced.

PATHWAY ANALYSIS

In this section an evaluation of whether people were, are, or could be exposed to contamination is presented. A completed pathway exists if five elements are present:

1.) a source of contamination;
2.) transport through an environmental medium;
3.) a point of exposure;
4.) a route of human exposure; and
5.) an exposed population.

A potential exposure pathway exists if one of the five elements is missing but could exist. An exposure pathway can be eliminated if at least one of the elements is missing and will never be present.

Table 13 provides an overview of the Exposure Pathways for Stratford and the five elements of each pathway.

If you are exposed to a hazardous substance, several factors determine whether harmful health effects will occur and the type and severity of those health effects. You can be exposed only when you come into contact with the chemicals. You may be exposed by breathing the substance in the air, eating or drinking substances containing the chemical, or from skin contact with the substances. The dose (how much), the duration (how long), the route of exposure (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the other chemicals to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics (age, sex, nutritional status, family traits, life style and state of health) determine whether a harmful health effect is likely to occur from exposure. Table 14 provides an overview of the people most likely to be exposed to contamination in Stratford and the following discussion outlines how specific groups of people were likely to be exposed.

A. COMPLETED EXPOSURES

Residents Living in Homes Where Surface Soil was Found to be Contaminated

Soil Pathway

Approximately 150 residents living in homes where surface soil was found to be contaminated were likely exposed to soil containing lead, asbestos and PCBs. These exposures stopped when interim and/or permanent remediation activities took place in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

In the past, exposures to lead, PCBs and asbestos may have occurred through ingestion of contaminated soils. The most significant exposures likely occurred during activities including playing, digging, gardening and other activities where direct contact with the soil was likely. Children are at greatest risk of exposure through ingestion because of increased hand to mouth activities. Inhalation exposures may have occurred if soil particles and or contaminants, particularly asbestos, became airborne. While lead and asbestos are not absorbed through the skin, dermal exposure to PCBs may have occurred during direct contact with contaminated soil.

Indoor Dust

It is possible that contaminated soil was tracked indoors from shoes and pets. The residents of homes where contamination was found in indoor dust at levels of health concerns are likely to have been exposed to lead and PCBs through ingestion and possibly through inhalation. No asbestos was found in indoor dust. Young children are most likely to be exposed while playing on or near surfaces where dust may accumulate. Children often place hands and toys, that may become contaminated with house dust, in their mouths. Activities including dry dusting and vacuuming may have caused contamination in dust to become airborne.

Table 13

PATHWAY NAME	EXPOSURE PATHWAY ELEMENTS					PATHWAY STATUS AND TIME FRAME
	SOURCE	ENVIRON- MENTAL MEDIA	POINT OF EXPOSURE	ROUTE OF EXPOSURE	POPULATION AT RISK OF EXPOSURE
Surface Soil	Raymark Waste	surface soil	residential yards(1) recreational areas(2) commercial properties(3) industrial sites(4)	ingestion inhalation dermal	residents     children     adults workers recreational users     children     adults	completed     past potential     present     future
Indoor Dust	Contaminated Soil	dust	residential properties	ingestion inhalation dermal	residents     children     adults	completed     past potential     present     future
Fish	uncertain	eel white catfish	Selby Pond Brewster Pond	ingestion	fish eaters	completed     past potential     present     future
Ambient Air	Raymark facility	(air)	Raymark facility residential area near facility	inhalation	workers residents     children     adults	potential     past     present     future

(1) includes residential yard where surface soil was sampled and found to be contaminated
(2) Wooster Junior High School/North Playing Field, Raybestos Memorial Field, Housatonic Boat Club, Short Beach Park, Wooster park, Birds Eye Boat Ramp, Beacon Point Road
(3) Spada Area and commercial properties on Ferry Blvd. including: Blue Goose Restaurant, Shopping Center, Housatonic Marina, Dan Perkin's Subaru, Veras Motors, Morgan Francis Area, Fagan's Restaurant, Del Buono property, Stratford Marina, Salce property
(4) Raymark facility

Table 14. ESTIMATED POPULATION/COMPLETED AND POTENTIAL EXPOSURES

LOCATION and POPULATION LIKELY EXPOSED			POP. AFFECTED (ESTIMATE)	LEAD	PCBs	ASBESTOS
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WITH SURFACE SOIL CONTAMINATION	residents children		approx. 150	surface soil indoor dust	surface soil indoor dust	surface soil
WOOSTER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL	school children (12-13yrs)		approx. 500/school year	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil
	children within 1/4 mile		281
	faculty and staff
RAYBESTOS MEMORIAL FIELD	ball players	past	unknown	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil
	children within 1/4 mile		252
HOUSATONIC BOAT CLUB	members		270	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil
	visitors		unknown
SHORT BEACH PARK	visitors		unknown	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil
	workers		unknown
SELBY AND BREWSTER POND	fish eaters		unknown	N/A	eels	N/A
VACANT LOT AND POND ON 4TH/5TH AVENUE	population within 1/4 mile		1385	surface soil sediment	surface soil sediment	surface soil sediment
	children within 1/4 mile		86
SPADA AREA/COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ON FERRY BOULEVARD	workers		unknown	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil
	visitors/shoppers
MORGAN FRANCIS PROPERTY/ADJACENT AREA	workers		unknown	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil
	trespassers		unknown
RAYMARK FACILITY	workers	past	approx. 1,000	surface soil	surface soil	surface soil ambient air
		present	5-100
	population within 1/4 mile		3310

Public Works Employees

Soil Pathway

Approximately 150-200 public works employees are likely to have been exposed to contaminated soil containing lead, asbestos, and PCBs during maintenance activities at Wooster Junior High School, Short Beach Park, Birdseye Boat Ramp, Beacon Point Road, and Wooster Park. Of these sites, the most significant contamination was found at Wooster Junior High School, north field, with lead as high as 1797 ppm, PCBs as high as 44 ppm and asbestos as high as 30%. Interim measures have been instituted to prevent any further exposures.

Exposure to lead, asbestos and PCBs may have occurred through inhalation and ingestion of contaminated soils. While lead and asbestos are not absorbed through the skin, dermal exposures to PCBs may have occurred when workers came in direct contact with contaminated soils. Lawn mowing, digging and excavation activities would have presented the most significant exposures. These exposures were likely to be intermittent in frequency occurring only when workers were participating in activities at these specific areas. Some workers may also have been exposed during covering activities performed at town sites in the early 1980's.

Children, Faculty, and Staff at Wooster Junior High School

Soil Pathway

Children, faculty, and staff that played on the north playing field at Wooster Junior High School were likely exposed to contaminated soil containing lead as high as 1797 ppm, asbestos as high as 30% and PCBs as high as 44 ppm. This exposure stopped in 1993 when access to the north playing field was restricted.

The most significant exposure likely occurred during sporting activities on the field that may have disrupted surface soils. During these activities, exposure to lead, asbestos and PCBs may have occurred through ingestion and inhalation of contaminated soils. In addition, direct contact with soil containing PCBs may have resulted in dermal exposure to this contaminant. An individual's exposure to contamination varies depending on their activity in the contaminated area and the frequency of that activity.

Members of Housatonic Boat Club

Soil Pathway

Members and guests of the Housatonic Boat Club may have been exposed to contaminated soil containing lead, greater than 10,000 ppm, asbestos as high as 90%, and PCBs as high as 108 ppm. In 1993, measures were taken to prevent any additional exposures.

In the past, exposure to these contaminants may have occurred through ingestion and inhalation of contaminated soils. People coming in direct contact with contaminated soils were also exposed to PCBs through dermal contact. Children who played in areas of contamination received the most significant exposures. In addition, landscaping, lawn mowing and maintenance of the boat club grounds may have exposed those workers to contamination.

Anglers

Fish Pathway

People who eat fish caught from Selby Pond and/or Brewster Pond may be exposed to PCBs and chlordane through the ingestion of contaminated fish. The highest average PCB level of 0.325 ppm was found in American eel caught in Selby Pond. Chlordane, a pesticide unrelated to Raymark waste was detected in White catfish from Brewster Pond. The highest average level of chlordane was 0.432 ppm.

Team Members that played on Raybestos Memorial Field

Soil Pathway

Members of ball teams that played on Raybestos Memorial field and spectators were likely exposed to contaminated soils containing lead, asbestos and PCBs. The field has been closed since June 1993 to prevent additional exposures. While these exposures were intermittent, ball players may have been exposed to contamination through incidental ingestion and possibly through inhalation when contaminated soil was disturbed and dust was generated. Spectators may have been exposed through inhalation of contaminated dust or ingestion of contaminated soil while sitting in the bleachers or playing in the dirt near the bleachers.

Workers/Spada and Morgan Francis Area

Soil Pathway

Workers at the commercial properties on Ferry Boulevard may have been exposed to asbestos, lead and PCBs in surface soil. Interim measures have been taken to prevent any further exposure to surface soil contamination. The most significant contamination was found at the Blue Goose Restaurant, the Shopping Center, the Housatonic Marina, Dan Perkin's Subaru on Ferry Boulevard and the Morgan Francis Property. Inhalation exposures may have occurred if surface soil became airborne; incidental ingestion may have occurred if workers got contaminated soil on their hands. Maintenance activities at these sites including landscaping and lawn mowing may have presented the greatest risk of exposure.

Stratford Residents

Soil Pathway

Residents of Stratford who visited and/or played at any of the known waste areas may have been exposed to contaminated soil through ingestion, inhalation and direct dermal contact during these activities. The degree of exposure for an individual is dependent on many factors including the duration of exposure, the type of activity the individual participated in at the known waste area and personal habits such as hand-to-mouth activities and frequency of hand washing. The most significant exposures probably occurred to individuals participating in sporting activities likely to disturb surface soil. Again, children are at greatest risk because of increased hand-to-mouth activity.

Workers at the Raymark Facility

Soil Pathway

Workers at the facility were likely exposed to contaminated soils containing many compounds including volatile organic compounds, lead, asbestos and PCBs. Workers who were involved in the removal of contaminated soil for on and off-site disposal probably received the most significant exposures. During these activities, workers are likely to have been exposed to lead, asbestos and PCBs through incidental ingestion and inhalation. Workers may have also been exposed to PCBs through direct skin contact. Workers may also have been exposed to a variety of compounds during manufacturing processes that likely required the handling of these materials and chemicals.

B. POTENTIAL EXPOSURES

Workers at the Raymark Facility

Soil Pathway

Contaminated soil, excavated from residential properties, is currently being stored at the Raymark facility. If the integrity of the soil storage area is breached or if workers are not following the approved Health and Safety Plan which requires the use of personal protective equipment, workers on site may be exposed to contaminated soils.

Ambient Air Pathway

While we do not have data on airborne contamination at the facility during its operation, it is very likely that workers at the site were exposed to airborne asbestos as well as other contaminants. Information on the manufacturing processes indicate the possibility of worker exposure to airborne asbestos during transfer and mixing. In addition, solvents, which can evaporate, were used in the manufacturing process.

Residents Living Near the Raymark facility

Ambient Air Pathway

It is possible that residents living near the Raymark facility were exposed to asbestos and other contaminants during the years when the facility was in operation. No data exists to confirm this. There are, however, many anecdotal reports from residents during public meetings, of visible air contamination.

Indoor Air Pathway

If contamination in groundwater beyond the Raymark facility property is shallow, contamination in groundwater could volatilize and accumulate in confined spaces. We do not have enough information to determine if there are residents located down gradient from the groundwater contamination and if groundwater contamination is shallow enough to present such a concern.

Trespassers at the Raymark facility site

Soil Pathway

People who trespass on the Raymark facility site may be exposed to contaminated soil. Exposure could occur through direct contact with the soil, incidental ingestion and inhalation if soil particles become airborne. A trespasser's exposure would vary depending on their activities at the site.

Utility Workers

Soil Pathway

Utility workers may have been exposed to Raymark waste in the past if their work occurred in areas where Raymark waste was present. Exposure to lead, asbestos and PCBs may have occurred through incidental ingestion and inhalation of airborne dust. Dermal exposure to PCBs may have occurred if there was direct skin contact with contaminated soil.

Exposure to contaminated soil may occur in the future if Raymark waste is encountered during utility work and occupational safety and health requirements are not implemented and followed.

C. ELIMINATED EXPOSURES

Groundwater Pathway

While citizens of Stratford have raised concerns about groundwater contamination at the Raymark facility, no one is or has been exposed to contaminated groundwater through ingestion. Nearly all residents of Stratford receive public water from the Bridgeport Hydraulic Water Company. Fifteen private wells were identified during a private well user survey. These wells are not located near the Raymark facility or other waste locations. Section 19-13-B51m of The Public Health Code prohibits the establishment of a private well in an area where there is access to a public water supply (See Appendix J). Since public water is available, no one should ever access this groundwater for potable purposes.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

A. TOXICOLOGIC EVALUATION

In this section we discuss the adverse health effects that could occur in people exposed to site contaminants. To understand the health effects that might be caused by a specific chemical, it is helpful to review factors related to how the human body processes such a chemical. Those factors include the exposure concentration (how much) the duration of exposure (how long), the route of exposure (breathing, eating and drinking, or skin contact), and the multiplicity of exposure (environmental media, routes of exposure and combinations of contaminants). Once exposure occurs, a person's individual characteristics such as age, gender, diet, general health, lifestyle, and genetics, influence how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes the chemical. Together those factors determine health effects that exposed people might have.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos was used in more than 3000 products due to its strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. Because asbestos does not evaporate, dissolve, burn or undergo reactions, it remains in the environment.

The primary route of exposure to asbestos is through inhalation. Inhalation exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the thin membrane that surrounds the lung and other internal organs. Breathing air contaminated with asbestos can also cause scarring of the lung tissue called asbestosis. It may take 10 to 30 years after the exposure for health effects to appear.

Information on the health effects of asbestos in humans comes mostly from studies of people who were exposed to high levels of asbestos in the work place. Inhalation studies that evaluated several concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers have shown an excess cancer risk. Adverse health outcomes associated with exposure are affected by the size of the asbestos fibers. Fibers that range in size from 0.5 to 5 microns in diameter with a length to width ratio of 3:1 are most likely to be deposited in the lung.(9)

The health effects from swallowing asbestos are unclear. There is some evidence that ingestion of asbestos fibers may lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer.(9)

Workers at Raymark Industries, Inc. are at increased risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis because of their past exposure to asbestos. In addition, some children and some adults that frequently played or participated in activities that disturbed soil in yards or public areas containing asbestos have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Lead

People can be exposed to lead from swallowing soil that contains lead or breathing lead in air or dust. Lead can cause health problems in adults and children. However, children, infants, and fetuses are more sensitive to the harmful effects of lead because:

1) lead can more easily enter the brain of the developing nervous system of a child;

2) lead can transfer cross the placenta into the developing child;

3) children have more of a tendency to put soiled hands or toys in their mouths; and,

4) children absorb more lead in their body through their gastrointestinal tract.

Lead can harm the nervous system and may lead to decreased intelligence scores, attention deficits, slowed growth and hearing problems among children. Exposure to high levels of lead can cause the brain and kidneys of adults and children to be badly damaged. Lead exposure in adults can cause behavior changes, decreased motor skills, and impaired concentration. Lead exposure may increase blood pressure in middle-aged men and may affect sperm or damage other parts of the male reproductive system (10).

Pregnant women exposed to lead can experience premature delivery, decreased birth weight, and decreased neurological development and growth of the infant (14).

Lead in dust and soil have been found to be an important route of exposure to lead, however, lead in paint remains the most significant cause of elevated blood lead level among children (12,13,14). Blood lead levels are raised above background, about 5 ug/dl for every 1,000 ppm of lead in soil or dust. This estimate varies, the play habits of individuals on the contaminated soil and hand-to-mouth activities will affect the amount of contamination that one is exposed to (14). In addition, the chemical form of the lead may affect the amount of lead that is absorbed in the body once exposure has occurred.

The amount of lead in the blood can be measured to find out if a person has been exposed to lead during the past few months. Over time the lead is stored in bone or removed in the urine and feces. Therefore, the blood lead test is a good indicator of more recent exposure to lead. Lead may start to harm the body at blood lead levels as low as 10 ug/dl (14).

Children who frequently played in yards or public areas contaminated with lead had an increased risk of having elevated levels of lead in their blood.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are a family of 209 man made chemicals once valued for their insulating and nonflammable properties. These chemicals are very stable so they last a long time in the environment, are stored in fat tissue, and concentrate in the food chain.

People can be exposed to PCBs by eating contaminated soil, inhalation of contaminated dust, or by contact through the skin. Health effects of PCBs are the same for adults or children, however, children may be at greater risk from environmental soil contamination because children have a greater tendency to put soiled hands or toys in their mouths. Nursing infants are at risk because PCBs accumulate in breast milk (11). Food, especially fish and animal fat, can be a major source of PCB exposure because PCBs accumulate in the food chain.

Exposure to PCBs has been shown to cause:

1) elevations in blood fats (eg. triglycerides, cholesterol);

2) increases in certain liver and kidney enzymes;

3) chloracne, a rash similar to acne, in humans; and,

4) and may have reproductive effects.

Animal studies indicate that ingestion of PCBs can lead to adverse immunological effects, including a decrease in antibody levels. The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that PCBs maybe reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens (2,11).

Many people chronically exposed to PCBs have had no signs or symptoms of toxicity. The only overt sign of PCB exposure is chloracne which is likely only at high levels of exposure. PCBs can be measured in blood and fat tissue. PCB analysis of blood or fat tissue is not usually recommended (16).

Some children and some adults who frequently played or worked in yards and public areas contaminated with PCBs may have an increased risk of developing cancer and liver damage due to PCB exposure. People who eat contaminated fish are also at increased risk.

B. HEALTH OUTCOME DATA EVALUATION

Voluntary Blood Lead Screening

Three percent of the total population of Stratford and 10% of the children in Stratford younger than age six participated in the voluntary blood lead screening program. Children younger than age six represented only 27% of all participants. The participants reflect the approximate racial mix of Stratford according to the 1990 census.

Of the 1287 blood lead screening clinic participants, 10% (129) had screening blood lead levels of 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (ug/dl) or greater. Of the children younger than age 6, 12% (43) had screening blood lead levels of 10 ug/dl or greater. Seventy-seven percent (99) of the participants with elevated screening results did have confirmatory blood tests done. Of the confirmatory tests, a total of 13 were confirmed to be 10 ug/dl or greater. Six of the confirmed elevated blood leads were in children younger than age six. Confirmed elevated blood lead levels represented less than 1% of all participants. Only 1.8% of the children who participated were found to have blood lead levels of 10ug/dl or greater.

All of the participants with confirmed elevated blood lead levels reported visiting at least one of the known waste sites. Sixty one percent of the participants with confirmed elevated blood lead levels reported visiting more than one of the known waste sites compared to 66% of the participants that did not have confirmed elevated blood lead levels. The screening program did not identify a higher than expected number of elevated blood lead levels based on national statistics. The blood lead screenings were offered as a service to the residents of Stratford to help address their concerns about whether or not they had high levels of lead in their blood. The results of the blood lead screening can not be used to determine if people were exposed to Raymark waste or if Raymark waste affected people's health. The blood lead screening was voluntary and did not represent all of those people who visited the waste areas. In addition, the program was offered several months after exposure to the waste was stopped (See Appendix K-Health Consultation/Blood Lead Screening).

Finally, there are many different sources of lead that an individual may be exposed to and the blood lead test is not specific to different sources.

Cancer Incidence Studies

The rates of cancer incidence in Stratford for 1958 to 1991 are what would be expected based on State rates for the majority of the cancer sites studied. Cancer of the brain, breast, kidney, liver, lung, rectum, testis; and non Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, and soft tissue sarcoma were studied and were found to be similar to State cancer rates. Information on cancer cases was gathered using the Connecticut Tumor Registry. Also, for these sites there were no noticeable patterns in the cancer rates. The rates fluctuated near the state rates during the years studied. There were some differences in the Stratford and state rates between males and females, however, none of these differences are statistically significant.

For bladder cancer, mesothelioma, and the total of all cancer sites combined there were some differences in Stratford rates in comparison to State of Connecticut rates. The rate of bladder cancer among Stratford residents was 14 percent higher than the state rate. The most common risk factors associated with the development of bladder cancer are certain occupational exposures (including working with benzidine based dyes or workers who manufactured rubber), history of frequent bladder infections, and smoking. Some studies have also linked bladder cancer with drinking water that has high levels of chlorination by-products.

For mesothelioma there were five more cases than would be expected based on state rates from 1958 to 1991. Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer of the lining of the lung that is associated with exposure to asbestos. This tumor is most commonly linked with persons who had been exposed to asbestos at their job. While the rate of mesothelioma was higher in Stratford than the State, the number of cases was small.

The rate of cancer for all types or sites combined in Stratford was similar to the State of Connecticut when added together for the 34 year study period, however, when broken into five year time periods the rate of cancer seemed to increase slightly in comparison to State rates during this time period. For all sites combined, the cancer rate was 10 percent less than state rates at the beginning of the study period in 1958, while the cancer rate was eight percent greater than state rates at the end of the study period in 1991.

CT DPH also reviewed more detailed information on cancers that occurred to persons less than 25 years of age. Records in the Tumor Registry were reviewed to determine if there is any type of cancer that was more likely to be diagnosed among the younger persons. For the period 1958 to 1991 there were a total of 130 cases of cancer among persons less than 25 years of age while it was expected that 107 cases would occur. While there was a 22 percent increase in the number of cancers among younger persons there was no apparent pattern in the type of cancers that occurred among this age group. No one cancer type demonstrated a significant excess of cases. Since no one type of cancer was more common among this group it is less likely to indicate a common cause (See Appendix L-Cancer Incidence Study).

The cancer incidence studies were done to determine if cancer rates in Stratford were elevated when compared to State rates. The results cannot be used to determine if people were exposed to Raymark waste or if Raymark waste is causing an increase in the cancer rates.

Birth Defects

Three years of birth defects data were evaluated. Stratford rates were compared to state rates for twenty birth defects. No birth defect stood out as excessive in Stratford. Although slightly elevated rates of cleft lip and palate and musculoskeletal anomalies were observed, they were not statistically significant (See Appendix M-CT DPH Memo-Birth Defects in Stratford-1983,1985, 1986).

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