Local public health agency response to inadvertent PCB contamination at multiple county park sites and public school playfields

Many industries across the nation are thought to have discharged polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into municipal sewer systems until the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) ban on PCBs in manufacturing and sales in 1978. PCBs are probable human carcinogens that persist and bioaccumulate within the ecosystem. Human exposure through ingestion (PCBs in fish and other foods), inhalation and skin absorption is linked to various developmental, endocrine, immune and reproductive system disorders. In July, 2007, a local public health agency was notified of potential PCB contamination in numerous urban recreational environments. A fertilizer (a product of the local wastewater treatment plant influent) spread on thirty recreation areas was found to contain PCB concentrations that exceeded the Toxic Substances Control Act standard. Immediate public health concerns focused on exposure to children who could inadvertently add to long-term bioaccumulation of PCBs through skin absorption and soil ingestion through recreational activities. As each exposure to PCBs contributes to lifetime bioaccumulation with a corresponding increase in health risk, avoidance of unnecessary exposures is an important strategy in the protection of public health. The response to this incident by the local public health authority, in partnership with various State agencies, included: coordination of rapid environmental health risk assessment; prompt and transparent public communication through signage, media, electronic messaging, hotline, and website; and, oversight of USEPA directed cleanup activities. Early notification and involvement by local public health authorities is essential to early and successful intervention and protection of the community from unnecessary, unexpected and adverse environmental exposures.