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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Amy R. Hensley, MS¹, Paul R. Rosenfeld, PhD², Andrew Scott³, and James JJ Clark, PhD³. (1) Environmental Science & Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095, (2) Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 201 Wilshire Blvd, Second Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-795-2335, prosenfe@ucla.edu, (3) Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 201 Wilshire Blvd, Second Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Introduction: A wood treatment facility operating in southern Alabama released dioxins and other hazardous substances into the surrounding community over approximately 35 years. The facility used a variety of chemicals including pentachlorophenol, chromated copper arsenate, and creosote as insecticides to treat wood. The health hazards associated with the released contaminants are numerous and significant.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 21 current and past residents of the adjacent, isolated community and analyzed for concentrations of dioxins and furans. Attic dust sampling was performed in 11 buildings located within a one-mile radius of the former wood treatment facility.

Results: The average total dioxin TEQ concentration in the residents' blood samples was 36.6 pg/g lipids. In the attic dust, the mean total dioxin Toxic Equivalents (TEQs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) TEQs, and arsenic concentration were 145 ng/kg, 0.98 mg/kg, and 29.8 mg/kg, respectively.

Discussion: The concentrations of dioxins measured in the blood samples exceeded the 90th percentile total dioxin levels found in the general U.S. adult population. Concentrations of dioxin, arsenic, and PAHs found in the attic samples exceeded the U.S. Region 9 soil combined exposure cancer risk Preliminary Remediation Goal values. These findings indicate a very significant potential for related health effects in these communities.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins) in the environment.
• Show an example of a measurable impact of dioxin on exposed people.
• Articulate a method to assess historical exposure of people to dioxins.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Toxicants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation