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Pentagon surface wipe sampling health risk assessment.
B J Gaborek1, J M Mullikin, A T Pitrat
1US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, ATTN: MCHB-TS-REH, 5158 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5403, USA. bonnie.gaborek@apg.amedd.army.mil
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|January 24, 2003
Summary
Surface wipe sampling at the Pentagon after 9/11 found no significant risk from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins/furans, and lead. Concentrations were below levels expected to cause adverse health impacts for response and cleanup crews.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon, immediate environmental sampling was crucial.
- Assessing potential health risks from contaminants was a priority for building occupants and response teams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surface contamination levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins/furans, and lead.
- To determine the necessity of further sampling and assess health risks to personnel.
Main Methods:
- Surface wipe sampling was conducted on nonporous surfaces within the Pentagon.
- A risk-based screening level method, incorporating dermal, ingestion, and inhalation pathways, was employed.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidance informed the risk assessment methodology.
Main Results:
- Concentrations of PCBs, dioxins/furans, and lead were measured on nonporous surfaces.
- The screening level method indicated that additional sampling was not required.
- Contaminant levels were found to be below thresholds associated with adverse health effects.
Conclusions:
- The study concluded that surface contamination posed no significant health risk to emergency responders, remediation workers, or returning Pentagon employees.
- The risk-based screening approach effectively assessed potential exposures and determined the adequacy of current sampling efforts.