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