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1. ATSDR > Public Health Assessments & Consultations

Contaminants and physical hazards on and in the vicinity of the C & R Battery Company, Inc. site will be discussed in this section. The contamination encountered on the C & R Battery Company, Inc. property and adjacent Capitol Oil property will be addressed in On-site Contamination. The contamination or potential for contamination beyond the C & R Battery Company, Inc. and Capitol Oil Company property will be addressed as Off-site Contamination. Our analysis will be presented according to the media (soil, water, or air) in which contaminants were found.

The concentrations of the contaminants were determined in the Remedial Investigation. The maximum concentration of a specific contaminant found in that investigation will be shown in the tables presented in this section. This maximum concentration will then be compared to existing guidelines which are referred to as "comparison values." When a contaminant is of concern to the community or its concentration is greater than the corresponding comparison value, it will be further evaluated in the Pathways Analyses section of this assessment. In the data tables that follow under the On-site Contamination and the Off-site Contamination subsections, the listed contaminant does not mean that it will cause adverse health effects from exposures. Instead, the list indicates which contaminants will be evaluated further in this Public Health Assessment.

There are several different comparison values for some contaminants; whereas, other contaminants may have no established comparison values. The comparison values which we present in our tables are what we consider to be the most appropriate value to use for a specific media. The types of comparison values used for this evaluation are Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs) and Reference Dose Media Evaluation Guides (RMEGs) as defined in the glossary in Appendix A.

A search was conducted of the EPA Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) for the zip code which includes C & R Battery Company, Inc. for the years 1987, 1988 and 1989. The results of that search indicate that several substances that are found on the C & R Battery Company, Inc. property have been released as air emissions by companies within this zip code. The total reported air emissions (point and non-point emissions) for the years 1987 through 1989 include aluminum oxide (57,500 pounds), chromium (1,500 pounds), copper (2,800 pounds), lead (500 pounds), manganese (2,500 pounds), nickel (1,750 pounds) and sulfuric acid (23,864 pounds).

A. On-site Contamination

Remedial activities by the EPA have taken place on the site which includes C & R Battery Company, Inc. property and the adjacent Capitol Oil property. The most recent remedial activity was conducted during the summer of 1986. Significant modifications were made to the surface of the site during that activity. Due to the modifications made to the site, only data obtained after these modifications will be used in this portion of the assessment.

Debris Piles

Two debris piles are located on-site which contain mixtures of soil, debris, and crushed/shredded battery casings. It has been reported that the larger of the two debris piles consists of material removed from the area east of the drainage ditch by EPA during their 1986 removal action.

Four grab samples of soil materials in the debris piles were collected during the RI (collected in September 1988). Analysis of debris samples from both piles indicated that the contaminants of both the piles appeared to be similar. The contaminant concentrations found in the debris piles are also similar to concentration found in sludge materials on the site. Therefore, the contaminants found in the debris piles are likely typical of the solid waste on the site.

A list of contaminant concentrations found in samples collected from the debris piles is shown in Table 1. This list contains only those contaminants found with concentrations above the comparison values used. The comparison values shown in Table 1 are calculated for soil ingestion by a typical child (200 milligrams per day). If an ingestion rate for a pica child (5,000 milligrams per day) were used to calculate the comparison value, several other contaminants (barium, chromium, manganese, and nickel) would exceed their comparison values, but the presence of a child who exhibits pica behavior on site is unlikely.

Table 1
Maximum Contaminant Concentrations in Debris Piles

¹ mg/kg = milligram/kilogram equivalent to parts per million
² The comparison value sources are defined in the Glossary
Reference - 12

Surface Soils

Surface soils were collected from 31 borings drilled during the RI. These samples were collected by driving a 2-foot, split-spoon sampler into the ground. Therefore, the laboratory results for these samples were for soils within 2 feet of the surface. Since surface soils on the most contaminated portions of the site were disked and mixed with lime to a depth of 2 feet during the EPA 1986 removal action, the samples collected within 2 feet of the surface likely characterize current surface soils (soils within 3 inches of the surface) at the site.

The maximum contaminant concentrations found in the surface soil samples are presented in Table 2. The comparison values shown in Table 2 are calculated for soil ingestion by a typical child (200 milligrams per day). Comparison values for a pica child were not calculated because ingestion of large quantities of the surface soil on the site does not appear to be likely and very small children are unlikely to play on this site.

Table 2
Maximum Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Surface Soil

¹ mg/kg = milligram/kilogram equivalent to parts per million
² The comparison value sources are defined in the Glossary
³ H = Value is biased high, actual value may be lower
Reference - 12

The extent of lead contamination in surface soil was evaluated by laboratory results from the borings noted above and two surface samples together with interpretation of X-ray fluorescence readings. The results of the surface soil lead concentrations were contoured for the RI and are presented as Figure 3.

Subsurface Soils

The RI evaluated the subsurface soil conditions on-site utilizing trenches, test pits, and borings. These included 8 shallow trenches (3 - 8 feet deep), and 27 test pits (3 to 5.5 feet deep). Only the laboratory data from the 32 borings were used as the basis for evaluation. The depth of these borings ranged from 15 feet (24 borings) to 42 feet (8 borings). Samples were collected at 2-foot intervals in these borings and 131 of these samples were sent for chemical analyses.

The concentration of lead in the subsurface soils decreases with depth. Contours of the lead concentration between 3 and 5 feet below the surface are presented in Figure 4. Lead concentration as high as 1,110 mg/kg persists to a depth of 13 feet (Boring SO-13).

The concentrations of antimony, arsenic, and cadmium generally decrease with depth, and they are variable beyond a depth of 5 feet. Concentrations of these contaminants at or above the comparison values shown in Table 2 are found to depths of 30 feet. The concentrations of these metals below a depth of 5 feet are no more than twice the background levels at similar depths.

Generally, pH for the subsurface soils ranged from 4.0 to 4.8 in the upper 10 feet of the soil column. The pH value for depths of 10 to 42 feet ranged from 4.6 to 5.3, respectively. The pH values for the on-site and off-site subsurface soils appeared to vary little. This may be due to the fact that Virginia soils are reported to be very acidic.

According to a study (21) performed subsequent to the RI, the highest contaminant concentrations are found in fill and debris materials on-site. These fill and debris materials range from 2 - 4 feet thick and overlay a clayey natural soil. The clayey natural soil has impeded downward migration of the contaminants; however, according to the RI, the soil has not confined the contaminants to the fill and debris materials.

Ground Water

Four monitoring wells (MW1-1, MW1-2, MW1-3, and MW1-4) were installed in September 1988 in conjunction with the RI. The background monitoring well (MW1-1) is located about 250 feet upgradient and southwest of the site (Figures 3 and 4). Monitoring well MW5-1 was installed in March 1989. This well is considered down gradient from the area of the site with the highest levels of soil contamination. Based on the hydrogeologic data, the ground water appears to flow northwest.

Monitoring wells MW1-1, MW2-1, MW3-1, and MW4-1 were sampled three times (September 15, 1988; September 28, 1988; and March 29, 1989), and MW5-1 was sampled only once on March 29, 1989. Comparison of the data among wells shows that the background well (MW1-1) had a pH which ranged from 5.19 to 6.75, while the down gradient well (MW5-1) had the lowest pH (4.09). This indicated the possible presence of on-site battery acid in the ground water. When compared to the background well, all of the wells on-site showed elevated conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS) values. Maximum contaminant concentrations detected in total (unfiltered) and dissolved (filtered) form are listed in Table 3.

Table 3
Maximum Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Ground Water

¹ µg/l = microgram/liter equivalent to parts per billion
² The comparison value sources are defined in the Glossary
³ NDB = Not detected substantially above level reported in blank
⁴ E = Estimated value
Reference - 12

The contaminant concentrations and pH of on-site ground water samples appear to indicate that the on-site soil contamination has affected the ground water.

Dissolved concentrations of manganese (20,100 µg/l) and nickel (331 µg/l) have also been detected in the on-site ground water at concentrations exceeding their comparison values (1,000 and 200 µg/l, respectively). However, it is not substantiated that either manganese or nickel concentrations are caused by on-site contamination.

Surface Water

The surface water runoff on the site is directed into the drainage ditch, running along the eastern boundary of the C & R Battery Company property. This 1800-foot drainage ditch discharges into the James River about 650 feet north of the site. Since there was no flow in the drainage ditch during the RI, standing water was sampled. Therefore, no data exist for active runoff from the site.

The results of the contaminant concentrations found in one surface water sample (SW-03, Figure 2) collected from standing water in the drainage ditch are presented in Table 4. The similarity of the total and dissolved results indicates that most suspended solids had settled out of the surface water. The pH of this sample was 4.30, but this value is not likely representative of active surface runoff.

Table 4
Maximum Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Surface Water

¹ µg/l = microgram/liter equivalent to parts per billion
² The comparison value sources are defined in the Glossary
³ NT = Not Tested
⁴ L = Value is biased low, actual value may be higher
⁵ E = Estimated value
Reference - 12

Sediments

The drainage ditch contains sediments associated with runoff from the site. The sediments in this ditch were sampled at 3 on-site locations (SD-01, SD-02, and SD-03; Figure 2) spaced at 300-foot intervals along the ditch. The maximum contaminant concentrations detected from this set of samples are presented in Table 5.

Table 5
Maximum Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Sediments

¹mg/kg = milligram/kilogram equivalent to parts per million

²The comparison value sources are defined in the Glossary

Reference - 12

The pH of the drainage ditch sediments was affected by the site. Slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.51) were observed in the upgradient portion of the ditch. Moderately acidic conditions (pH 4.0) were observed at locations adjacent to, and downstream from, the former acid pond.

X-Ray fluorescence lead analysis was performed on a number of sediment samples collected at 50-foot intervals along the ditch. The results indicated that the highest concentration of lead was found in the southern portion of the ditch.

B. Off-site Contamination

Soils

Soil contamination extends beyond the perimeter of the site. Refer to Figure 3 for the approximate extent of surface soils containing greater than 500 mg/kg lead. Other contaminants, including antimony (50 mg/kg) and arsenic (4.6 mg/kg), were found in off-site soils. Insufficient data (2 samples) exist for off-site subsurface soils; therefore, they cannot be addressed at this time.

Ground Water

It has not been determined if contaminants in the on-site ground water have migrated off-site. The closest down gradient well is a residential well located 600 feet northwest of the site. That well and an additional 32 residential wells in the vicinity of the site have been tested for lead and indicate no results of concern.

Surface Water

The only off-site surface water samples collected during the RI were from the James River at a time when there was no flow from the on-site drainage ditch. Contaminants were not detected, but these results are not representative of conditions when on-site surface water is entering the James River.

Sediment

On-site contaminants have been detected in off-site sediments. Sediments deposited in the drainage ditch and sediments in the James River were tested during the RI. A sample taken from the drainage ditch approximately 220 feet north of the site (SD-06, Figure 2) had 167 mg/kg of lead and 10.6 mg/kg of arsenic. Sediments from the James River taken downstream from the site showed an almost two-fold increase for lead (18.1 mg/kg) and arsenic (4.5 mg/kg) concentrations when compared to samples taken upstream from the site for lead (10.2 mg/kg) and arsenic (2.6 mg/kg) concentrations.

C. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

Contaminant concentrations cited in this Public Health Assessment were derived from the RI. No difficulties, with respect to availability of site information, were encountered in the preparation of this Public Health Assessment. In preparing this document, VDH has relied on the information provided in the referenced documents and assumed that adequate quality assurance and quality control measures were followed with regard to chain-of-custody, laboratory procedures, and data reporting. The validity of the analysis and conclusions drawn for this Public Health Assessment are determined by the availability and reliability of the referenced information.

D. Physical and Other Hazards

No physical hazards were observed on the site. The C & R Battery Company, Inc. property is mostly fenced with a secured front gate. Access to that property is limited to authorized individuals accompanied by U.S. EPA personnel. The Capitol Oil Company property is also fenced. However, there is an approximately 50-foot wide strip between the two properties that is not fenced. This unfenced strip of property includes an open storage building that may present a physical hazard.

PATHWAYS ANALYSES

In order to determine if humans are being exposed to contaminants migrating from the site, the human exposure pathways that lead to human exposure have been evaluated. Pathway analysis consists of five elements: a source of contamination, transport through an environmental medium (i.e. water, soil, air), the point of exposure, a route of exposure, and an exposed population.

Exposure pathways are categorized as completed or potential. Completed exposure pathways have all five elements and indicate that exposure to a contaminant has occurred in the past, is currently occurring, or is likely to occur in the future. Potential exposure pathways indicate that exposure to a contaminant could have occurred in the past, could currently be occurring, or may occur in the future. An exposure pathway can be eliminated from consideration if at least one of the five elements is missing and will never be present.

A. Completed Exposure Pathway

In the past, there was a completed exposure pathway for on-site workers. 1983 air monitoring of the personal breathing zone on-site indicated that lead concentrations exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard of 50 µg/m3. In 1984, two employees were found to have elevated blood lead levels, indicating that exposure was occurring. These exposures were probably a result of the active battery recovery activities occurring at the time. Activities stirred up the contaminated soil suspending lead contaminated dust into the air which was then inhaled by workers. It is assumed that workers were exposed during the 15 years of the active battery recovery (from 1970 to 1985).

B. Potential Exposure Pathways

Based on currently available site information and medical and toxicologic knowledge, the potential exposure pathways now and in the future, for this site, include:

1. Ingestion of contaminants in ground water, soils, fugitive dust, and fish.

2. Inhalation of contaminants associated with fugitive dusts.

Surface Water

Surface water from the site is a potential environmental pathway for human exposure. The chemical analysis data available for the samples collected from stagnant water in the drainage ditch may not truly represent the chemical quality of storm runoff leaving the site. However, the available data do indicate that surface water in the drainage ditch contains total and dissolved contaminant concentrations above comparison values used (Table 2). In order to adequately evaluate this potential environmental pathway, data are needed for contaminant concentrations at possible points of exposure. The possible points of exposure include, but are not limited to, the drainage ditch outside the fenced portion of the site and the James River.

While this pathway is potential, it is not possible to define a potentially exposed population. There are no indications that children have played in the drainage ditch possibly because of its remote and densely vegetated location. Although data are limited, it does not appear that recreational users of the James River are or will be an exposed population because no swimming areas appear to exist in the vicinity of the site. However, this possibility cannot be completely ruled out.

Ground Water

Ground water on the site contains total concentrations of contaminants far above comparison values (Table 3). Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are site-related contaminants that have been detected in on-site ground water at concentrations exceeding the respective comparison values. The dissolved concentrations of these contaminants are also above comparison values. It is possible that the off-site ground water will be a future environmental pathway by the dissolved, relatively mobile, contaminants migrating to private wells used for drinking water.

The possible points of exposure are drinking water wells in the vicinity of the site and water from the James River. Residential wells are hydraulically connected to the contaminated aquifer underlying the site; however, they have not yet been affected by the site.

The ingestion of contaminants in ground water may occur if private wells in the area become contaminated. The potentially exposed population in the vicinity of the site includes residences which rely exclusively on private wells for their drinking water supply. Residents using drinking water from the 3 wells about 600 feet north and northwest of the site are the likely future receptors. This human exposure pathway has not been completed in the past and is not presently completed, as evidenced by test results of the drinking water wells.

Air

Fugitive dust generated from surface soils which are on or near the site is a potential pathway for human exposure. Contaminant concentrations in on-site soils are significantly elevated. Past air monitoring on-site found lead concentration which exceeded OSHA standards (50 µg/m³). The possible points of exposure include workers on the Capitol Oil Company property, and residences and businesses down-wind from the site.

The exposed population for ingestion and inhalation of contaminated fugitive dust includes on-site workers and down-wind receptors. These exposures would most likely occur when soils are disturbed, such as, during remedial activities or borrow operations on the property northwest of the site. Borrow activities may presently expose workers and down-wind receptors. Remedial activities will likely create exposure in the future if adequate precautions are not taken. Therefore, dust control measures are recommended and air monitoring would be prudent. This pathway will likely remain a potentially completed pathway until the completion of remedial activities.

Biota

There is very little vegetation on-site, and it is unlikely that contaminants could be passed through the flora food chain and affect on-site fauna. However, transport of dissolved contaminants to the James River through the drainage ditch during rainfall could result in the contamination of some aquatic organisms. Edible fish are a potential environmental pathway, but no data are available to evaluate if contaminants are present in the fish in the vicinity of the site.

The potential exposed population for ingestion of contaminated aquatic organisms are local recreational fisherman. No commercial fishing activities are known to take place in the vicinity of the site. The existing surface water and sediment data (Tables 4 and 5, respectively) indicate that lead would be the most significant contaminant. Lead does bioconcentrate, but biomagnification has not been detected (4). The bioconcentration factors are relatively high for benthic organisms; such as oysters, but much lower for carnivorous fish. Lead is also toxic to fish; therefore, even if contaminated they may die prior to being caught. While human exposure to site contaminants through fish consumption is not highly likely, it cannot be ruled out based upon the available data.

C. Eliminated Exposure Pathway

Soil

It is possible that humans could be exposed to soil on and adjacent to the site through ingestion or dermal contact. Figure 3 shows the area with lead concentrations in soil above 500 mg/kg. The possible points of exposure include surface soils near the site, but outside of the restricted access areas. The potentially exposed population for ingestion of contaminated soils would be children playing in the vicinity of the site. However, there are no indications that children play in the immediate vicinity of the site. This pathway is not likely to be a completed pathway.

The exposed population for direct dermal contact with contaminants is on-site workers and children playing in the vicinity of the site. Children have not been observed playing in the vicinity of the site and on-site workers are anticipated to wear protective clothing. Therefore, this potential exposure pathway is not completed presently and is not anticipated to be a completed human exposure pathway in the future.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

The following chemicals have been identified as contaminants of concern at the site: antimony, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. In the past, workers were exposed to lead and possibly other contaminants. Currently, no exposure pathways are completed, thus health effects would not be expected to occur. The important potential exposure pathways include ingestion of contaminated ground water and inhalation of contaminated fugitive dust. Ingestion of surface water from the James River and ingestion of fish, while unlikely, may be potential exposure pathways, but additional data are needed in order to fully evaluate these pathways.

A. Toxicologic Evaluation

This section emphasizes site-specific chemicals and their potential public health implications. To assess health effects that could result from exposure to site contaminants, daily exposure doses which an individual may receive are estimated. The estimated daily dose is compared to a health guideline which define levels of exposure at which adverse health effects are likely to occur. ATSDR has developed Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) to evaluate noncarcinogenic adverse health effects for routes of exposure such as ingestion and inhalation, and for exposure durations including acute (less than 14 days), intermediate (15 days to 364 days), and chronic (greater than 365 days). When MRLs are not available, the EPA Reference Dose (RfD) is used. The RfD is an estimate of daily exposure below which noncancer adverse health effects would not be expected to occur.

Antimony

Antimony has been detected in surface soils (6,410 mg/kg) and ground water (120 µg/L total) on the site. The EPA drinking water standard (Maximum Contaminant Level - MCL) for antimony is 6 µg/L. Antimony has not been determined to be carcinogenic.

Estimated doses from ingestion of antimony in on-site groundwater exceed the EPA RfD. Chronic ingestion of antimony could result in dry throat, nausea, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and dizziness. Liver and kidney degenerative changes are late manifestations of chronic exposures (1).

Inhalation of antimony in fugitive dust is a potentially completed pathway. Elemental antimony and its chemical forms are generally regarded as primary skin irritants. Lesions generally appear on exposed, moist areas of the body, but rarely on the face (1). Inhalation of antimony in fugitive dust can be an irritant to the nose and throat. Antimony is absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. Principal systems or structures that are affected include certain enzyme pathways, heart, lungs, and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (1).

Arsenic

Arsenic has been detected at the site in the surface soils (60 mg/kg) and ground water (412 µg/L, total). The EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory level and Virginia ground water standard (currently under review) for arsenic are both 50 µg/L. Arsenic has been classified as a Class A human carcinogen by EPA based on sufficient human evidence when there is chronic exposure (2).

Estimated doses from ingestion of arsenic in on-site groundwater exceed the EPA RfD. Ingested arsenic is quickly absorbed through the lining of the stomach and intestine and enters the bloodstream. This method of entry varies somewhat for different chemical forms of arsenic. Typical effects of ingestion include decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart function, blood vessel damage, liver and/or kidney injury, and impaired nerve function. Evidence from animal studies suggests that high oral doses during pregnancy may be damaging to the fetus, but this has not been documented in humans (2).

Arsenic, when inhaled, is absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. Inhalation exposure to inorganic arsenic dusts and fumes may produce the same types of systemic health effects as those produced by ingestion. However, this route of exposure is not common and the health effects are usually mild. Of much greater concern is the ability of inhaled arsenic to increase the risk of lung cancer (2).

Cadmium

Cadmium has been detected in surface soils (31 mg/kg) and ground water (63.4 µg/L, total). EPA has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5 µg/L for cadmium in drinking water. The Virginia ground water standard (currently under review) is 0.4 µg/L. Cadmium has been classified as a Class B carcinogen by EPA. It is a probable human carcinogen, based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals (3).

Estimated doses from ingestion of cadmium in on-site groundwater exceed the EPA RfD. Cadmium can enter the blood by absorption from the stomach or intestine after ingestion of water, or by absorption from the lungs after inhalation. Approximately 1 to 5 percent of the cadmium that is taken in orally is absorbed into the blood, while approximately 30 percent to 50 percent of that inhaled is taken up by the blood. Once cadmium enters the body, it is readily retained. Low doses of cadmium from chronic exposure may build up significant levels in the body. Inhalation effects of cadmium following long-term, low-level ( <0.1 mg/m³) exposure include kidney damage, lung damage, and lung cancer (3).

Lead

Lead has been detected at the site in surface soils (122,000 mg/kg) and ground water (2,130 µg/L total; 16.9 µg/L dissolved). The Virginia ground water standard for lead is 50 µg/L; however, this level is currently under review. The EPA classifies lead as class B2 carcinogen. Lead has not been shown to be carcinogenic in humans, but cancer has been experimentally induced in animals at high doses.

The primary threat to human health arises from the inhalation and ingestion of lead-bearing dust. Lead has the potential for accumulating in the bones and the half-life of lead in the human body is estimated to be 1,460 days. Lead is a potential mutagen with chromosome damage reported in occupationally exposed persons (4).

Workers were exposed in the past to elevated levels of lead. Exposure to levels found in on-site groundwater and surface soil could increase blood lead levels to the point that health effects are possible. Chronic exposure to lead may cause anemia, pallor, a "lead line" on gums, and decreased hand-grip strength. Recovery is slow and not always complete. The central nervous system is affected when large amounts of lead are ingested or inhaled. This results in severe headache, convulsions, coma, delirium, and possible death. The kidneys also can be damaged after chronic exposure to lead (14).

Exposure to lead by children occasionally produces progressive mental deterioration. The history of exposed children (blood lead levels 30-50 µg/dL) indicated normal development during the first 12-18 months of life or longer, followed by a steady loss of motor skills and speech. They may have severe hyperkinetic and aggressive behavior disorders and a poorly-controlled convulsive disorder. The lack of sensory perception severely impairs learning (10).

Per day, children ingest less lead in their diets and inhale less lead than adults, but on a dose-per-body-weight basis, children may have 2 to 3 times the exposure. Furthermore, children are more likely than adults to absorb lead from extraneous sources, such as, ingestion of foreign objects, dust, paint chips, and inhalation of resuspended dusts. Preliminary data suggest children absorb 50 percent of ingested lead, a rate 5 times greater than adults (15). There is no evidence that children have been or are being exposed to elevated levels of lead at this site.

Exposure of pregnant women to lead is dangerous because of the great sensitivity of the fetus during development. Exposure of a mother to lead results in the transfer of lead to the fetus and may cause premature birth, reduced birth weight, and decreased intelligence quotient in the infant. The current maximum blood lead level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control is <10 µg/dL for children.

B. Health Outcome Data Evaluation

There are limited health outcome data for this site and no data have been collected since 1986. Existing health outcome data indicate that on-site exposures of humans to lead occurred while C & R Battery was operating. Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH), Department of Labor and Industry, had extensive involvement with the C & R Battery site, including air monitoring of the personal breathing zone and analysis of blood lead levels in workers. The first inspection in 1983 revealed numerous violations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Air monitoring of the personal breathing zone on-site at several work stations indicated that lead concentrations ranged to 112 µg/m³ (micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air). This was well above the existing OSHA standard of 50 µg/m³. Two employees were found to have elevated blood lead levels in 1984 (65 µg/dL [micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood] and 80 µg/dL).

In June 1986, the Chesterfield County Health Department collected blood samples from 9 children who were residents of the area between Interstate Highway 95 and the James River on Bellwood Road, Gresham Avenue, and Haven Avenue. In addition, 6 children who were provided day care in the same area were sampled for blood lead levels. All 15 children had blood lead levels below the detection limit (6 µg/dL). Blood lead level data collected from children in the area do not indicate that exposure to off-site contamination is occurring.

C. Community Health Concerns Evaluation

There is little community concern related to this site, possibly because the site is in a highly industrialized area. Members of the community and of the Chesterfield County public administration have maintained an interest in all activities at the site, but specific public health concerns have not been raised.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1825 Century Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30345
Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348 

Department of Health and Human Services