HEALTH CONSULTATION

FOR RESIDENTIAL SOIL

VEGA BAJA SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
RIO ABAJO WARD/LA TROCHA, VEGA BAJA COUNTY, PUERTO RICO

CONCLUSIONS

The level of lead in certain properties on the Vega Baja Waste Disposal Site is a public health threat to children because of long-term exposure to lead in soil. Children and especially pre-school children might be exposed to small amounts of lead when they accidentally swallow soil and dust that clings to their hands. Long-term exposure could increase blood lead levels and cause harmful effects in some children.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Prevent exposure to lead-contaminated soils that consistently exceed about 400 ppm in areas where children have moderate to high contact with the soil.

ATSDR will continue to review environmental data for public health purposes as it becomes available. If you have questions about this consultation, please contact Mr. Genaro Torres with PREQB at 787-766-2823; or Dr. David Mellard with ATSDR at 404-639-0639 (direct line) or 800-447-1544, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 800 number is a free call.

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Draft Expanded Site Inspection Summary Report, Vega Baja Solid Waste Disposal, Rio Abajo, Puerto Rico. Vol 1. U.S. EPA. November 8, 1996.

2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological profile for lead (update). Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, 1993.

3. Steele, M.J., Beck, B.D., Murphy, B.L., and Strauss, H.S. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 1990;11:158-190.

4. Deseda, Carmen, M.D., PRDOH, personal communication.

Review and Approval of Health Consultation for Residential Soil, Vega Baja Solid Waste Disposal Site, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

Concurrence

Adrienne Hollis, PhD
Section Chief, Section A, SSAB, DHAC

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