Health assessment for Outboard Marine Corporation, Waukegan, Illinois, Region 5. CERCLIS No. ILD000802827. Preliminary report

Technical Report · Thu Apr 20 04:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5310110

The Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) Site is listed on the National Priorities List. The site is located in Waukegan, Illinois. In 1975, OMC was found to be discharging PCBs to Waukegan Harbor, North Ditch, and Lake Michigan. PCBs were identified in the food chain (fish). Specifically, PCBs were detected at concentrations of greater than 50 ppm (as high as 520,000 ppm) in Waukegan Harbor sediment, and greater than 35,000 ppm in North Ditch sediments. PCBs were also detected in the waters of Waukegan Harbor (less than 0.07 ppb - 6.0 ppb), Lake Michigan (5 - 50 ppb), and the North Ditch (7.0 ppb). Groundwater PCB concentrations were detected up to 35,000 ppb and sampling of the OMC parking lot soils identified PCB levels ranging from 50 - 5,000 ppm. Based on available information, the site is considered to be a public health concern because of the risk to human health caused by probable human exposure to hazardous substances. Human exposure to PCBs is probably occurring and has probably occurred in the past via ingestion of PCB-contaminated fish, direct contact with PCB-contaminated sediment from recreational activities, and volatilization of PCBs from harbor sediments and harbor and lake waters. The primary exposure route of concern to human health is via the ingestion of PCB-contaminated fish. In addition, remedial workers should follow all applicable OSHA regulatory and NIOSH precautionary measures during work activities.

• Research Organization: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5310110
• Report Number(s): PB-90-106055/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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