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Shari Weiss
Phd Student
Walden University
Dr. Thron, Course Instructor
Winter 2011
In 1997, IBM reported a spill of methyl chloroform (EPA, 2010)
IBM had a hydrogeologic report done that indicated a “higher than expected plume”, including TCE (EPA, 2010).
In 2002 the NYS DEC ordered IBM to do a comprehensive assessment of contaminant vapors in surrounding areas
Participants will learn about what Tetrachlorethene (TCE) is
How TCE impacts Health The Endicott, New York Superfund site
and what it means to you Research and Recommendations Where to get more information
Vapor Contaminants had migrated to area buildings
This includes buildings in the Village of Endicott and Town of Union
TCE is the pollutant of most concern regarding indoor air (EPA, 2010).
In 2004, site reclassified as a class 2 Superfund site
Tetrachloroethene=TCE Volatile Organic Compounds=VOCs Health Consequences=“cancer, organ
damage, and/or birth defects” (NYSCEC, 2006)
No formal regulations for evaluating TCE exposure, only suggested guidelines
A 2005 Health Statistics Review reported increased rates of testicular and kidney cancer, as well as heart birth defects
In 2009 3 researchers conducted a study on the impact of TCE on the immune system (Cooper, Makris, & Jinot)
Studies with mice indicated lupus like symptoms after exposure to TCE
Human studies are limited Some recent studies indicated a “causal
relation between exposure and disease”,
Skin irritation and liver issues
A 2010 a long term study of NASA research facilities and vapor intrusion was published
TCE was present in groundwater TCE levels analyzed were higher indoors
than outdoors This study demonstrates how TCE can be
effectively measured if it is present due to vapor intrusion
Demonstrates how groundwater contamination can result in vapor intrusion
Despite scientific evidence-lots of controversy and debate
No real standards, only proposed limits Hard to accurately measure More research needs to be done Study published by Brenner (2010) is
promising
Monitoring-testing costs between $2000-$3000 annually (NYSCEC, 2006)
Mitigation-installing specialized venting systems to eliminate TCE costs from $1000-$30000 depending on the complexity of the structure, and could be higher (NYSCEC, 2006)
Over time, mitigation costs are equal or less than annual testing
IBM installed mitigation systems in all buildings within the “plume” in the village of Endicott
Viewed as being responsible in vapor mitigation management
Use of current technology to mitigate exposure
Liquid Boot© Gas Vapor Mitigation System
Spray on Barrier Can be used on existing and new
construction
The NYSCEC (2006) recommends the following: DOH establish exposure limits based on
lowest levels studied.DOH and DEC implement mitigation where
TCE vapor intrusion is detected and confirmed
If someone lives or works in a building near a site, they can request indoor air testing
Cleanup of a site should be done as quickly and “aggressively” as possible
Continuing education of communities
Find out if you live in the impacted “plume” area
Request information from the Broome County Department of Health
Ask for your building to be tested and/or mitigated for TCE
Information available at: http://www.epa.gov/region2/waste/fsibmend.htm
Review the Citizen Participation Action Plan at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24891.html
Brenner, D. (2010). Results of a Long-Term Study of Vapor Intrusion at Four Large Buildings at the NASA Ames Research Center. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995), 60(6), 747-758. doi:10.3155/1047-3289.60.6.747
Cooper GS, Makris SL, Nietert PJ, Jinot J, 2009 Evidence of Autoimmune-Related Effects of Trichloroethylene Exposure from Studies in Mice and Humans. Environ Health Perspect 117(5): doi:10.1289/ehp.11782. Retrieved from: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/citationList.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.11782
CETCO Remediation Technologies. Liquid Boot© Gas Vapor Mitigation System. Retrieved from: http://www.liquidboot.com/index-gasvapor.php
Environmental Protection Agency (2010). Region 2 Home. IBM Corporation-Endicott. Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/region2/waste/fsibmend.htm
New York State Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation,(2006). Vapor Intrusion of Toxic Chemicals: An Emerging Public Health Concern. Final Report.
NYS DEC (2008). Citizen Participation Action Plan for Endicott Area Environmental Projects. Retrieved from: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24891.html