Site contamination health risk assessment case study involving tenant relocation from a former gasworks site.
An Adelaide suburban public-housing residential site with 16 apartments was investigated after complaints of odor in some yard areas. A distinct 0.5-m layer of dark, odorous (tarry), contaminant material, which in some areas had been covered with plastic sheeting, was subsequently found beneath the topsoil across most of the site. This material appeared to extend beneath the apartments. Analysis indicated high levels of cyanide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), consistent with gasworks waste. Historical investigation revealed that the site was originally owned by a gas company and that a large gasometer (gas-storage tank) existed in one corner of the site. This finding of significant soil contamination precipitated a decision by the health and housing authorities to notify tenants immediately and to plan for their relocation. In addition to tending to the consequent personal disruption and logistical difficulties this posed, a detailed risk assessment process was developed. Urine samples were collected before and after relocation and analyzed for 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a biomarker for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. In addition, samples of tap water, indoor and outdoor air, indoor and ceiling dust, carpets, and soil from tillage areas were analyzed for PAHs. Data indicated a low health risk associated with tenancy on the site. This report presents details of the health risk assessment process undertaken and discusses vindicative reasons for tenant relocation.
Turczynowicz
Len
L
Department of Health, Environmental Health Service, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Fitzgerald
D James
DJ
Nitschke
Monika
M
Mangas
Sam
S
McLean
Angela
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003486:Cyanides / Q000032:analysis; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009153:Mutagens / Q000032:analysis; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis; D011638:Public Housing; D011721:Pyrenes / Q000032:analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D013021:South Australia; D013784:Textiles / Q000032:analysis; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry; D014835:Volatilization; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
D000393:Air Pollutants; D015415:Biomarkers; D003486:Cyanides; D004391:Dust; D005740:Gases; D009153:Mutagens; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D011721:Pyrenes; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C033146:1-hydroxypyrene