[CPEO-MEF] Open burning of PCB-contaminated buildings

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Press Release
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
January 20, 2006

Army Study Will Underestimate Dioxin Emissions 

A laboratory-scale test intended to project the level of toxic emissions
from open burning PCB-contaminated paint is flawed and could lead to an
underestimation of risks to workers and nearby residents, according to
scientists that have reviewed the Army plan. 

"For one, the study is limited to the effects of temperature," warned
Dr. Peter deFur, a nationally-recognized expert on dioxin and other
environmental toxins. 

"There are many, many factors that can contribute to the formation of
dioxins such as the amount of oxygen present, how long PCBs are exposed
to a particular level of heat, and the types of PCBs that are being
burned," deFur said. "Predicting dioxin formation is a highly complex
process and not the simplistic approach the Army proposes." 

The Army's $100,000 "paint chip" test is a critical first step in a
Pentagon-level push to ultimately gain EPA approval to open burn
hundreds of PCB-contaminated buildings at Badger Army Ammunition Plant
(WI), Ravenna Arsenal (OH), and other closing bases. 

The military is seeking a precedent-setting exception to current EPA law
which prohibits open burning of PCB wastes with concentrations above 50
parts per million (ppm). PCBs, found primarily in applied paint, have
been detected in buildings at Badger Army Ammunition Plant at levels as
high as 22,000 ppm ? more than 400 times the current federal limit. 

DeFur was hired by Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger to review the
Army's planned test protocol which was recently submitted to the EPA. 

"Open burning PCB-tainted wastes results in the uncontrolled release of
dioxins ? a dangerous contaminant that is especially toxic to children
and babies," deFur cautioned. 

The developing fetus, infants and children are the population groups
most vulnerable to PCB and dioxin exposure. Exposure of fetuses and
children may impede the development of their brains, reproductive,
immune and hormonal systems. Future mothers should be especially careful
because the toxic load that builds up in fatty tissues will be passed to
the fetus in utero and to the infant through breast feeding. 

"There is no safe level of exposure when it comes to dioxins," deFur
said. "The exposure to workers and nearby families should be zero." 

EPA officials said they have not finished their review of the Army's
paint test plan. More information, including a complete copy of Dr.
deFur's comments, can be found on CSWAB's website at www.cswab.org. 

 * * * 

Laura Olah
Executive Director 
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger 
E12629 Weigands Bay S 
Merrimac, WI 53561 
phone: (608)643-3124 
email: info@cswab.org 
website: www.cswab.org
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