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.h
tm
 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