Public Health Advisory 

E.C. ELECTROPLATING 

(a/k/a GARFIELD CHROMIUM GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION SITE) 

GARFIELD, BERGEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY 

EPA FACILITY ID: NJD002006773 

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

Division of Health Assessment and Consultation 

Atlanta, Georgia 30333 
Table of Contents 

Introduction (Statement of Purpose) ............................................................................................... 1
 


Background..................................................................................................................................... 2
 


Basis for the Public Health Advisory.............................................................................................. 3
 


Public Health Implications of Completed Exposure Pathways ...................................................... 6
 


Noncancer Health Effects—Incidental Ingestion of Surface Dust ............................................. 6
 


Low Use Basements ................................................................................................................ 6
 


High Use Basements ............................................................................................................... 7
 


Cancer Health Effects - Incidental Ingestion of Surface Dust .................................................. 10
 


Low-Use Basements ............................................................................................................. 10
 


High-Usage Basements ......................................................................................................... 11
 


Inhalation Exposure Evaluation ............................................................................................ 12
 


Dermal Exposure Evaluation ................................................................................................ 12
 


Conclusions................................................................................................................................... 12
 


Recommendations......................................................................................................................... 13
 


Public Health Action Plan............................................................................................................. 14
 


References..................................................................................................................................... 16
 


Tables and Figures 

Table 1: Summary of Hexavalent Chromium Concentrations in Wipe Samples ........................... 3
 


General Exposure Assumptions............................................................................19
 


Location Specific Assumptions: Low Usage Scenario for Basements................................19 
 

Location Specific Assumptions: High Usage Scenario for Basements...............................20 
 

Photograph 1: Photo taken by U.S. EPA Region 2 On Scene Coordinator of basement where 
 

maximum detection of hexavalent chromium occurred. The yellow staining indicates chromium
 


precipitate........................................................................................................................................ 5
 


Photograph 2: Another photo taken by U.S. EPA Region2 OSC of adjoining room in basement 
 

where maximum detection of hexavalent chromium occurred. This area of the basement has a 
 

couch (bottom of photo), air conditioner, and paneling. ................................................................. 5
 


Table 2: Comparison of Ingested Exposure Dose to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) in Surface 
 

Dust with Health Guideline Comparison Values (CVs) for Noncancer Health Effects ................. 8
 


Table 3: Calculated Lifetime Excess Cancer Risk Based on Ingestion Exposures to haxavalent 
 

Chromium (Cr+6) in Surface Dust..........................................................................11 
 

Appendix A. Noncancer Exposure Assumptions........................................................18
 


Cancer Exposure Assumptions.............................................................................21
 

 

 

Introduction (Statement of Purpose) 

On July 21, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advised 

both the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) and the Agency for 

Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) that they had preliminary data indicating that 

elevated levels (2,640,000 micrograms per square meter (μg/m2)) of hexavalent chromium were 

found in a basement at a mixed use (commercial/residential) property near the E.C. 

Electroplating site in Garfield, New Jersey. On August 5, 2010, U.S. EPA provided ATSDR and 

NJDHSS with the validated data. That data provided a basis for a health consultation as well as 

an evaluation of the public health implications of exposures to hexavalent chromium in surface 

dust.1 

ATSDR has determined that the current exposures emanating from or near the E. C. 

Electroplating site warrant the issuance of a Public Health Advisory. U.S. EPA found that 

groundwater contaminated with high levels of hexavalent chromium had entered the basements 

of some of the properties located above a contaminated groundwater plume. The one basement at 

the mixed-use property referenced above contained highly elevated levels of hexavalent 

chromium. Thus ATSDR and NJDHSS concluded that children and adults accessing any 

property basements in the area of the E.C. Electroplating site were and still are exposed to 

hexavalent chromium in surface dust at levels that may pose an immediate and significant threat 

to human health. If actions are not taken, these exposures will likely continue in the future. Note 

that people can be exposed to the harmful levels of hexavalent chromium by accidentally 

swallowing and inhaling contaminated dust. 

The observed concentration of hexavalent chromium in basement dust at the mixed-use 

property where the maximum level was detected establishes the presence of an urgent public 

health hazard. In addition, while not all properties within the plume area have been evaluated, the 

finding of a high concentration of hexavalent chromium in basement dust at this one property is 

an indicator that all residences in the immediate vicinity have been, are presently, or in the future 

will be at risk of contamination. The degree of that contamination could pose a significant health 

risk to residents, whether the basement is frequently used (high-use) or lesser used (low-use). 

ATSDR and NJDHSS recommend that U.S. EPA take short- and long-term measures to 

dissociate persons—whether in residential or commercial properties in the area of the 

contaminant plume—from hexavalent chromium exposures resulting from infiltration of 

contaminated groundwater into the basements of these properties. Acting on ATSDR’s and 

NJDHSS’s recommendation, U.S. EPA has already taken steps to remediate the one property 

where the highest levels of surface-dust hexavalent chromium were found in the basement. 

Over the longer term, however, U.S. EPA should move to remediate permanently the 

source of the hexavalent chromium in the Garfield, NJ area groundwater-contamination plume. 

1

 The interpretation, advice, and recommendations provided in this public health advisory are based on the data and 

information evaluated and referenced here and in the NJDHSS health consultation prepared under cooperative 

agreement with ATSDR (ATSDR 2010b). The conclusions, recommendations, and public health actions in this 

advisory are site-specific and are not intended as generally applicable to any other situation. 

1 
 

 

In the absence of a permanent solution, all residents within that groundwater contamination 

plume could continue to be exposed to hexavalent chromium. And that exposure could be at 

levels that present an immediate and significant health threat. Until a permanent groundwater 

contamination solution is in place, the U.S. EPA should continue with actions to prevent 

hexavalent-chromium contaminated groundwater from entering any and all residences within the 

groundwater plume. 

Background

The E.C. Electroplating site (a.k.a. Garfield Chromium Groundwater Contamination site) 

is located at 125 Clark Street in Garfield, Bergen County, New Jersey. The site occupies a 3⁄4 acre 

(approximate) parcel in a mixed residential and commercial area of Garfield. In December 1983, 

approximately 3,640 gallons of chromium plating solution (chromic acid) containing 5,441 

pounds of chromium were discharged from a partially below-ground storage tank. In response, 

five monitoring wells and one recovery well were installed to monitor groundwater and to 

recover discharged product. Background reports indicate that by May 1984, 1,044 gallons of 

product and 1,600 pounds of chromium were recovered. The tank leak and subsequent spill of 

chromic acid solution likely impacted the overburden and bedrock aquifers. 

In May 1985, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) allowed 

E.C. Electroplating to cease contaminant recovery efforts. Rather, NJDEP directed E.C. 

Electroplating to seal four of the groundwater wells and to continue groundwater monitoring 

from two on-site wells. E.C. Electroplating, however, failed to comply with this monitoring 

directive. In June 1993, chromium-contaminated groundwater and crystals were discovered in 

the basement of the nearby Garfield Fire House #3. The fire house was subsequently taken out of 

service. In November 1993, NJDEP and E.C. Electroplating entered into a Memorandum of 

Agreement to comply with regulatory investigation requirements, including full delineation of 

the chromium-contaminated groundwater plume (NJDEP 2002a). Between November 1994 

through April 2000, four groundwater monitoring wells were installed to comply with the 

agreement’s delineation requirements. As of April 2000, groundwater samples at one on-site 

monitoring well indicated maximum concentrations of total chromium and hexavalent chromium 

at 1,500,000 and 1,490,000 micrograms per liter (μg/L), respectively (NJDEP 2002b). 

The groundwater sampling results prompted an additional, October 2000 investigation 

that revealed chromium-contaminated groundwater within the basement sumps of several 

residences and commercial properties in the immediate vicinity of the discharge site. In 

September 2002, the NJDEP issued a Notice of Violation to E.C. Electroplating for failing to 

comply with continued investigation and for failing to initiate remedial actions. The company 

cited financial difficulty as the reason for its inability to conduct continued remedial 

investigations and actions. Also in October 2002, the NJDEP requested that U.S. EPA evaluate 

the site.2 

2

 In addition to E.C. Electroplating, U.S. EPA is investigating other potential sources of chromium that may have 

contaminated groundwater. These potential sources include a nearby tannery, a chemical plant, and another 

electroplating facility within the Garfield area (USEPA 2008). 

2 
           

   

     

       

         

 

In September 2007, in response to a request by U.S. EPA Region 2, NJDHSS and 

ATSDR completed a health consultation for the Garfield, New Jersey, E.C. Electroplating site. 

The September 2007 health consultation was based on limited environmental data; the health 

consultation, however, did recommend additional sampling to better assess potential public 

health threats to residents in the vicinity of the site (ATSDR 2007). 

In April 2010, NJDHSS and ATSDR completed an additional site health consultation. 

This consultation assessed potential hexavalent chromium exposures to area residents based on 

U.S. EPA Region 2’s 2009 sampling investigations (ATSDR 2010a). The April 2010 health 

consultation concluded in part that 

	 Because of ingestion of hexavalent chromium dust in limited-use basements, a public 

health hazard exists; 

	 	 If any of the basements with high levels of hexavalent chromium were used more 
 

frequently, an urgent public health hazard could exist in the future; and 
 

	 	 Ingestion of dust from the Roosevelt Elementary School was not expected to harm 

people’s health. 

During February and March 2010, the U.S. EPA collected dust-wipe samples from a total 

of 92 residential/commercial properties (USEPA 2010a). In July 2010, the U.S. EPA collected 

dust-wipe samples from an additional 13 residential/commercial properties (USEPA 2010b). The 

U.S. EPA identified these properties for evaluation based on resident survey responses and 

property location in relation to the contaminated groundwater plume. The purpose of the 

investigations was to determine whether hexavalent chromium in groundwater had affected the 

interior of these basements. An NJDHSS health consultation evaluated these most recent data, 

and that health consultation forms the basis for this public health advisory (ATSDR 2010b). 

Basis for the Public Health Advisory 

Concentrations of hexavalent chromium were detected in surface dust within 41 sampled 

basements. The detections ranged from 1 to 2,640,000 micrograms per square meter (μg/m2). 

The following table summarizes the 2010 investigation dust-wipe sampling results: 

Table 1: Summary of Hexavalent Chromium Concentrations in Wipe Samples 

U.S. EPA Investigations: February, March, June and July 2010 

Sample

Locations

Number of

Samples

Number of

Detections

Number of

Residences with

Detections

Range of Detected

Concentrations

(μg/m2

)

105 properties 405 65 41 1 – 2,640,000

ug/m2= micrograms per meter squared.

3 
The method for assessing the presence of a health hazard in a community is to determine 

whether a completed exposure pathway connects a contaminant source to a receptor population, 

and whether exposures to that contamination are sufficiently high to be of health concern. As 

described in the April 2010 Health Consultation (ATSDR 2010a), an exposure pathway was and 

is complete for ingestion of—and dermal contact with—surface dust containing hexavalent 

chromium. The recent basement data confirm the existence of this pathway for the 41 properties 

evaluated during the February through July 2010 investigation. Exposed persons may include 

children and adults occupying or working in structures identified as contaminated. In addition, 

anecdotal evidence suggests that residents may periodically use a broom to sweep up the yellow 

chromium crystals. If surface crystals are disturbed and become airborne, inhalation of 

hexavalent chromium becomes a potential exposure pathway. Persons exposed in this pathway 

may also include children and adults living or working in structures identified as contaminated. 

In this health advisory, basement usage at sampled residences is characterized as either 

“high use” or “low use.” The general assumption is that the high-use category is applied to 

basements that serve as an extra living space and where area usage would be intensive (e.g., for 

playing, sleeping, working) and on a daily basis. For the low-use category, the general 

assumption is that these are basements used only intermittently (e.g., for laundry or storage). 

Given these high-use and low-use exposure scenarios, site-specific exposure doses were 

calculated and compared with health guideline comparison values (CVs) as shown in Table 2. 

U.S. EPA data verify that contaminated groundwater can infiltrate into basements. That 

contaminated groundwater can then leave behind a high-level residue of hexavalent chromium in 

surface dust and crystals. The maximum concentration of hexavalent chromium detected in 

surface dust was 2,640,000 μg/m2 in the mixed-use, low-use basement identified by U.S. EPA 

(see Photographs 1 and 2 below). This detected hexavalent chromium value was used to evaluate 

exposure scenarios for both high- and low-use basements for properties within the immediate 

vicinity of the E.C. Electroplating site. Because the basements of properties in the immediate 

vicinity of this property fall within varying degrees of both high- and low-use scenarios, we used 

the maximum concentration. 

Environmental sampling can only show contaminant concentration at a point in time. 

Resident actions such as cleaning can influence sampling results in ways that could lead to an 

underestimation of actual exposures and risks. Furthermore, high concentrations may recur 

following new water infiltration events. In this area of Garfield NJ, water infiltration events are 

common. Therefore, all properties in the vicinity of the E.C. Electroplating site are considered at 

risk of similar concentrations in basement surface dusts. Conservatively estimated, 15 to 20 

unsampled properties are within in the immediate vicinity of that part of the groundwater plume 

area exhibiting the highest concentrations of hexavalent chromium in groundwater. 

4 
Photograph 1: Photo taken by U.S. EPA Region 2 On Scene Coordinator of basement 

where maximum detection of hexavalent chromium occurred. The yellow staining indicates 

chromium precipitate. 

Photograph 2: Another photo taken by U.S. EPA Region2 OSC of adjoining room in 

basement where maximum detection of hexavalent chromium occurred. This area of the 

basement has a couch (bottom of photo), air conditioner, and paneling. 

5
 

Public Health Implications of Completed Exposure Pathways 

Appendix A contains the site-specific exposure assumptions (USEPA 1997; 2003; 2008) 

used to calculate exposure doses to child and adult residents and to adult employees. Appendix 

A also contains a statement regarding the uncertainty introduced by the assumptions used in 

calculating the non-cancer dose from incidental ingestion of surface dust from the formula used 

in the U.S. EPA World Trade Center Indoor Environment Assessment study (USEPA 2003). 

Noncancer Health Effects—Incidental Ingestion of Surface Dust 

Exposure dose estimates were calculated using the exposure assumptions outlined in the 

April 2010 health consultation. For this evaluation, we used the maximum concentration of 

hexavalent chromium detected in surface dust at 2,640,000 μg/m2 the mixed-use, low-use 

basement target property. That concentration was then used to construct exposure scenarios for 

both high- and low-use basements for properties within the immediate vicinity of the target 

property. We used the maximum concentration because the basements of properties in the 

immediate vicinity of this property and the groundwater “hot-spot” area fall within high or low 

usage. Moreover, U.S. EPA data verify that contaminated groundwater can infiltrate into 

basements and leave behind very high levels of hexavalent chromium residue in surface dust. As 

stated, environmental sampling can only show the concentration of a contaminant at a point in 

time, and resident actions such as cleaning can influence sampling results. These conditions, 

then, could lead to an underestimation of actual exposures and risks. Furthermore, following new 

water infiltration events, high concentrations may recur. In support of this assumption, the three 

residences, previously evaluated in the April 2010 health consultation, within the groundwater 

“hot-spot” plume area showed that concentrations of hexavalent chromium in surface dust had 

created conditions in which exposure doses could exceed the margin of safety represented by the 

chronic and intermediate health CVs. Additionally and as discussed further in this document, the 

most recent U.S. EPA sampling results show that exposure doses for one of these three 

properties also exceeded the chronic, intermediate, and acute lowest-observed-adverse-effect 

levels (LOAELs) based on recent animal studies. From a public health standpoint, exceeding the 

LOAEL is important—it represents a level at which harmful (adverse) health effects have been 

seen in either animals or humans. 

Low-Use Basements 

Hexavalent Chromium. The intermediate oral ATSDR Minimal Risk Level (MRL) for 

hexavalent chromium is 0.005 milligrams of contaminant per kilogram of body weight per day 

(mg/kg/day). That MRL is based on the health effect of microcytic, hypochromic anemia in male 

rats intermediately exposed to sodium dichromate dihydrate in drinking water for 22 days to 6 

months. An uncertainty factor of 100 and the Benchmark Dose Level (BMDL)2sd of 0.52 

mg/kg/day were used to calculate the intermediate oral MRL (ATSDR 2008; NTP 2008). The 

chronic oral MRL for hexavalent chromium of 0.001 mg/kg/day is based on the health effect of 

diffuse epithelial hyperplasia of the duodenum observed in male and female mice chronically 

exposed to sodium dichromate dihydrate in drinking water for 1 to 2 years. The chronic oral 

MRL was calculated using an uncertainty factor of 100 and the BMDL10 of 0.09 mg/kg/day 

(ATSDR 2008; NTP 2008). 

6 
 Given the maximum concentration of hexavalent chromium detected in surface dusts, the 

exposure dose calculated for children (1–6 years) at 0.54 mg/kg/day, children (1–18 years) at 

0.31 mg/kg/day and adults at 0.25 mg/kg/day significantly exceeded the margin of safety 

represented by the ATSDR intermediate and chronic MRLs of 0.005 and 0.001 mg/kg/day, 

respectively (see Table 2 below). They also met or exceeded effect levels shown in animal 

studies, as detailed below. 

Compared with toxicological studies, the calculated exposure doses based on the 

maximum hexavalent concentration in surface dust 

	 	 Exceed the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of 0.38 mg/kg/day in female 

mice and are near the LOAELs of 0.77 and 1.4 mg/kg/day in male rats and female mice 

for intermediate exposures known to cause hematological effects (NTP 2008); 

	 	 Exceed the LOAEL of 0.38 mg/kg/day for chronic exposures known to cause 
 

gastrointestinal and hepatic effects in male and female mice (NTP 2008); and 
 

	 	 Exceed the benchmark dose level (BMDL10) of 0.09 mg/kg/day for chronic exposures 

known to cause diffuse epithelial hyperplasia of the duodenum observed in male and 

female mice (NTP 2008). 

We cite the three intermediate LOAELs to provide the range of exposure doses wherein 

health effects were observed for the specific intermediate exposure period. The LOAELs are 

based on 2008 studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). These studies 

examined the health effects of oral exposures in mice and rats intermediately exposed to sodium 

dichromate dihydrate in drinking water. The three intermediate LOAELs identified in these 

studies are also based on hematological effects observed for the following: 0.38 mg/kg/day for 

female mice after a 22-day exposure; 0.77 mg/kg/day for male rats after 22-day and 6-month 

exposures; and 1.4 mg/kg/day for female mice after a 6-month exposure (NTP 2008). Thus for 

the property in which the maximum observed concentration of hexavalent chromium in dust was 

detected, noncancer adverse health effects could occur in children and adults who have accessed 

this low-use basement. This conclusion may also apply to other properties with high-usebasements in the vicinity of and with contamination levels similar to the contaminated low-use 

basement property described above that exhibited the highest concentration of hexavalent 

chromium detected in basement dust. 

High-Use Basements 

Hexavalent Chromium. Using the maximum observed concentration of hexavalent 

chromium, the estimated exposure dose calculated for children (1–6 years) at 4.3 mg/kg/day, 

children (1–18 years) at 2.2 mg/kg/day and adults at 1.7 mg/kg/day significantly exceeded the 

margin of safety established by the ATSDR intermediate and chronic MRLs of 0.005 and 0.001 

mg/kg/day, respectively (see Table 2 below). The exposure dose also exceeded effect levels 

shown in animal studies as detailed below. 

7 
Exposure Exposure Point Exposure Dose (milligrams per Health Guideline CVs National Toxicolo

Scenario Concentration(c)

(micrograms per

square meter(μg/m2))

kilogram per day (mg/kg/day)) (mg/kg/day) Program Study LO

(NTP 2008)(f) (mg/

Child

(1–6 yrs)

Child

(1–18 yrs)

Adult ATSDR

MRL(d)

USEPARFD(e)

Acute Inter

Rang

Low Usage

Residential

Basements

(a) Cr+6

2,640,000 0.54 0.31 0.25

0.005

0.001

(I)

(C)

0.003 2.8 0.38–

High

UsageResidential

Basements

(b) Cr+6

2,640,000 4.3 2.2 1.7 

Table 2: Comparison of Ingested Exposure Dose to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) in Surface Dust with HeComparison Values (CVs) for Noncancer Health Effects 

8
      

                 

                       

               

                                   

                 

     

                   

                                 

                           

         

       

         

                             

       

         

                               

                             

                     

           

     

 

Cr+6= Hexavalent chromium

(a) Low Usage Exposure Assumptions (source USEPA 1997, 2003):
 


1 ‐ 2.5 hours per day (hrs/day), 2–5 days/week –(i.e., unfinished basements, laundry use)
 


Exposure Duration: 18 years (child), 30 yrs (adult)
 


Body Weight: Child ‐ 16.5 kilogram (kg) (1–6 years), 34 kg (7–12 yrs) and 58 kg (13–18 years); Adult ‐ 70 kg
 


(b) High Usage Exposure Assumptions (source USEPA 1997; 2003):
 


365 days/year ‐ i.e. living space
 


Exposure Duration: 6 and 18 yrs (child), 30 yrs (adult)
 


Body Weight: Child ‐ 16.5 kg (1–6 yrs), 34 kg (7–12 yrs) and 58 kg (13–18 yrs); Adult ‐ 70 kg
 


(c) Exposure Point Concentrations (micrograms per square meter) derived using Pro UCL Version 4.00.02 (USEPA
 


2007).
 


μg/m2

= micrograms per square meter
 


mg/kg= milligrams per kilogram
 


MRL= ATSDR Minimal Risk Level
 


(d) ATSDR's Minimal Risk Level (I = Intermediate 15–365 days; C= Chronic > 364 days)
 


RFD= EPA Reference Dose
 


(e) USEPA's Chronic Reference Dose
 


(f) National Toxicology Program. (NTP) 2008. NTP technical report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of
 


sodium dichromate dihydrate (CAS No. 7789‐12‐0) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (drinking water studies).
 


Washington, DC: National Toxicology Program. NTP TR 546. August 13, 2008.
 


LOAEL= Lowest observed adverse effect level

 9 
 
 

Compared with toxicological studies, the calculated exposure doses based on the 

maximum hexavalent concentration in surface dust 

	 	 Exceeded the LOAEL of 2.8 mg/kg/day for acute exposures known to cause 
 

hematological effects in male rats (NTP 2008);
 


	 	 Exceeded all intermediate and chronic LOAELs (0.38 to 1.4 mg/kg/day) and the chronic 

BMDL10 of 0.09 mg/kg/day described in the preceding Low Use Basement scenario. 

Therefore, in basements considered as high use and at the maximum observed 

concentration of hexavalent chromium in dust, noncancer adverse health effects are likely to 

occur in children and adults exposed to such hexavalent chromium-contaminated dust. This 

conclusion applies to all properties with high-use basements in the vicinity of the low-use 

basement property with the highest concentration of hexavalent chromium detected in basement 

dust, if those basements have similar contamination levels. 

Cancer Health Effects—Incidental Ingestion of Surface Dust 

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (US DHHS), the U.S. EPA, 

the U.S. DHSS, National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the International Agency for Research 

on Cancer have determined that regarding inhalation exposure, the cancer class of hexavalent 

chromium is listed as a known human carcinogen. 

Regarding oral exposure, the NTP has recently completed a 2-year study in which 

reliable evidence supported the conclusion that ingestion of hexavalent chromium-contaminated 

drinking water caused malignant tumors in mice and rats. A 2-year study on laboratory animals 

is considered the primary method to determine the potential for human hazard. Regulatory 

agencies have used NTP rodent studies to promulgate regulations to protect human health and in 

the hazard identification process for risk assessment (NTP 2008). 

The cancer risk was evaluated for incidental ingestion of surface dust contaminated with 

hexavalent chromium based on the location-specific exposure scenarios used to assess noncancer 

health effects. Appendix A contains the site-specific exposure assumptions for the cancer risk 

calculations. 

Low-Use Basements 

For the property in which the maximum observed concentration of hexavalent chromium 

in dust was detected, the lifetime excess cancer risks (LECRs) were approximately 4 in 100 for 

children and adults who have accessed and who might continue to access this low-use basement. 

This is considered an increased risk of cancer when compared with the background risk of all or 

specific cancers, and it is of significant concern (see Table 3 below). ATSDR considers as 

insignificant estimated cancer risks of less than one additional cancer case among one million 

persons exposed (expressed as 1 in 1,000,000). This conclusion also applies to similarly 

contaminated properties with low-use basements in the vicinity of that property described above 

that exhibited the highest concentration of hexavalent chromium detected in basement dust. 

10 
Exposure Scenario Exposure Point Exposure Exposed CSF(d) Lifetime Excess Cancer

Concentration(c) Duration Population [(milligrams per Risk (LECR)

(micrograms per (years) kilogram per

square meter day)‐1

(μg/m2

)) (mg/kg/day)‐1

]

Low Usage 2,640,000 30 Adult 0.5 4.1E‐02

Residential

Basements Cr+6 (a)

18 Child 3.4E‐02

High Usage 2,640,000 30 Adult 3.0E‐01

Residential

Basements Cr+6 (b)

18 Child 2.8E‐01

     

                 

             

                       

                                 

                 

     

                       

                                 

                           

         

       

 

 

 

 

High-Use Basements 

Using the maximum observed concentration of hexavalent chromium in dusts, 

the theoretical LECRs for children and adults were approximately 3 in 10, which is 

considered an increased risk of cancer and is of significant concern (see Table 3 

below). This conclusion may also apply to other properties with high-use-basements 

in the vicinity of and with contamination levels similar to the previously referenced, 

contaminated low-use basement property. That is, the low-use basement that 

exhibited the highest concentration of hexavalent chromium detected in basement 

dust. 

Table 3: Calculated Lifetime Excess Cancer Risk Based on Ingestion Exposures to 

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6 ) in Surface Dust 

Cr+6= Hexavalent chromium

(a) Low Usage Exposure Assumptions (source USEPA 1997; 2003):
 

1 ‐ 2.5 hours/day, ‐ days/week ‐ i.e. unfinished basements, laundry use, adults only
 

Exposure Duration: 18 years (child), 30 years (adult); Averaging Time 70 years
 

Body Weight: Child ‐ 16.5 kg (1–6 years), 34 kg (7–12 years) and 58 kg (13–18 years); Adult ‐ 70 kg
 

(b) High Usage Exposure Assumptions (source USEPA 1997; 2003):
 

365 days/year ‐ i.e. living space
 

Exposure Duration: 18 years (child), 30 years (adult); Averaging Time 70 years
 

Body Weight: Child ‐ 16.5 kg (1–6 years), 34 kg (7–12 years) and 58 kg (13–18 years); Adult ‐ 70 kg
 

(c) Exposure Point Concentrations (micrograms per square meter) derived using Pro UCL Version 4.00.02 (USEPA
 

2007).
 

μg/m2

= micrograms per square meter
 

(d) Source: NJDEP, 2009

11
Inhalation Exposure Evaluation 

No hexavalent chromium air sampling data are available for the basement where the 

highest levels of hexavalent chromium were found. Nonetheless, the potential remains for 

exposure to hexavalent chromium via inhalation if the dust/crystals are disturbed and become 

airborne. No data are available to conclude whether the inhalation of hexavalent chromium could 

affect people’s health in the mixed-use, low-use basement where the highest level of hexavalent 

chromium was found. That said, ATSDR has established an intermediate inhalation MRL for 

hexavalent chromium particles of 0.0003 milligrams per cubic meter of air. The most common 

health problem in workers exposed to chromium involves the respiratory tract. Health effects 

include irritation of the lining of the nose, runny nose, and breathing problems (e.g., asthma, 

cough, shortness of breath, wheezing) inhalation of hexavalent chromium has been shown to 

cause lung cancer in workers. 

Dermal Exposure Evaluation 

No known environmental comparison value relates dermal exposures to hexavalent 

chromium in surface dust. Hexavalent chromium, however, is a known skin irritant and can 

cause skin ulcers. But the health risks via the dermal pathway are uncertain; they were not 

evaluated quantitatively in the September 2010 health consultation on which this public health 

advisory is based. 

Conclusions 

ATSDR has determined that the current exposures warrant the issuance of a Public 

Health Advisory. ATSDR and NJDHSS conclude that children and adults accessing basements 

of properties in the area of the E.C. Electroplating site area were, are, and will continue to be 

exposed to hexavalent chromium at levels that may pose an immediate and significant threat to 

their health. People can be exposed to the harmful levels of hexavalent chromium by inhaling 

and by accidentally swallowing contaminated dust. The observed concentration of hexavalent 

chromium in basement dust at the mixed-use, low-use property where the maximum level was 

detected indicates the presence of an urgent public health hazard. 

Data for the basement area of one of the properties sampled indicated hexavalent 

chromium was present in dust at high concentrations due to contaminated groundwater entering 

the basement area. Not all properties within the groundwater plume area have been evaluated. 

But finding a high concentration of hexavalent chromium in basement dust at one property is an 

indicator that all residences in this immediate vicinity have been, are presently, or will be at risk 

of contamination. And that contamination could be at levels that pose a significant health threat 

to residents. Note that this conclusion applies to all affected residences, whether their basements 

are high- or low-use areas. 

As long as groundwater remains contaminated with high levels of hexavalent chromium, 

that contaminated groundwater may continue to infiltrate into the basements of residences, as 

demonstrated by current U.S. EPA data. Children and adults will therefore continue to be at risk 

of exposure to levels of hexavalent chromium posing an immediate and significant threat to 

12 
 

human health. This risk affects all residents at properties within the immediate vicinity of the 

mixed-use, low-use property with the maximum hexavalent chromium concentration in basement 

surface dust. 

Using the concentration of hexavalent chromium detected in basement surface dust, the 

risk of noncancer health effects from ingestion exposures is significantly elevated above a 

reasonable margin of safety for children and adults. The theoretical lifetime oral excess cancer 

risk is calculated as 4 in 100 for low-use basements and 3 in 10 for high-use basements, but note 

that both are considered an increased cancer risk and both are of significant concern. 

Data are unavailable for the inhalation pathway. ATSDR cannot therefore reach a 

conclusion regarding the health effects of inhaling hexavalent chromium particulates in air. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests, however, that residents may periodically use a broom to sweep up 

the yellow chromium crystals. If surface crystals are thus disturbed and become airborne, 

inhalation of hexavalent chromium is a potential exposure pathway. This is of particular concern 

given that hexavalent chromium is considered a known human carcinogen via inhalation. 

The amount of exposure to hexavalent chromium and consequent health risk depends in 

part on the degree to which residents access this contaminated area and the activities they 

conduct therein. Under both the high- and low-use scenarios, however, these risks remain very 

high. And these risks are considered present for all residents at properties within the immediate 

vicinity of that property with the maximum hexavalent chromium concentration. 

Recommendations 

ATSDR and NJDHSS recommend that U.S. EPA take short- and long-term measures to 

dissociate persons (either in residential or commercial properties), who live, work, or both in the 

contaminant plume area. This dissociation would be from hexavalent chromium exposures due to 

the infiltration of contaminated ground water into the basements of these properties. Acting on 

ATSDR’s and NJDHSSs’ recommendation, U.S. EPA has already taken immediate steps to 

remediate the property with the highest levels of hexavalent chromium in basement surface dust. 

Additionally, U.S. EPA should advise residents in the immediate vicinity of the property 

showing the highest contaminant levels not to use their basements as they otherwise might use 

them until after completion of an environmental assessment to determine the presence of a health 

hazard. Residents should be advised to contact U.S. EPA if they observe signs of hexavalent 

chromium contamination (e.g., yellow dust or crystals) in the basements of their homes. 

In the long term, U.S. EPA should take steps to remove permanently the source of 

hexavalent chromium contamination in the Garfield, NJ area groundwater. Until completion of 

such permanent solution, all residents within the contaminant plume may continue to be exposed 

to hexavalent chromium at levels that present an immediate and significant threat to their health. 

And until completion of that permanent solution, U.S. EPA should continue to implement actions 

to clean basements where hexavalent chromium is at levels of health concern. U.S. EPA should 

also continue to prevent groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium from entering any 

residence within the groundwater plume. 

13 
 

With regard to worker safety, a site-specific health and safety plan should be 

implemented during any remedial activities to ensure such worker safety. 

Public Health Action Plan 

The public health actions taken by the ATSDR and NJDHSS are as follows: 

1.	 The ATSDR and NJDHSS have worked with U.S. EPA to review information and 

relevant data and thereafter to evaluate the potential health implications for exposures to 

hexavalent chromium detected in surface dust at residences within the hexavalent 

chromium groundwater plume associated with the E.C. Electroplating site. 

2.	 Two health consultations were completed by the ATSDR and NJDHSS in September 

2007 and April 2010, respectively (ATSDR 2007; ATSDR 2010a). 

3.	 In September 2008, the NJDHSS attended a public meeting hosted by U.S. EPA to 

discuss site investigations planned for the residential area within the affected 

groundwater plume area. 

4.	 In May 2010, the NJDHSS and ATSDR held a public meeting to discuss the April 2010, 

E C Electroplating site Health Consultation findings and recommendations. 

5.	 In September 2010 (ATSDR 2010b), the NJDHSS, under cooperative agreement with 

ATSDR, issued a health consultation that evaluated the most recent data and that 

provided the basis for this public health advisory. 

The public health actions planned by the ATSDR and NJDHSS are as follows: 

1.	 By issuing this Public Health Advisory, ATSDR calls on U.S. EPA to implement shortand long-term actions necessary to prevent exposures of affected residents to hexavalent 

chromium and to address the source of hexavalent chromium in groundwater. Short-term 

actions include 

	 	 Continued assessment of properties in areas with high levels of hexavalent chromium 

groundwater contamination, 

	 	 Outreach to residents and community members to inform U.S. EPA of any wet 

basements, chromium blooms (e.g. yellow dust or crystals) or other evidence of 

suspected site-related contamination, and 

	 	 Continued monitoring of previously remediated properties to evaluate possible 

recontamination. 

Concurrently, in the long-term, U.S. EPA should develop options for addressing the 

contaminated groundwater plume, with an emphasis on remediating the area of highest 

groundwater contamination as soon as possible. 

2.	 NJDHSS will advise area health care providers, particularly pediatricians and family 

practitioners, of this report’s findings. NJDHSS will make available materials on 

hexavalent chromium, including the ATSDR Case Study in Environmental Medicine— 

14 
 
Chromium Toxicity and the chromium ToxFAQ. NJDHSS will also provide copies of the 

report to the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System for health care 

provider reference and information. 

3.	 NJDHSS will provide additional community health education to advise residents to limit 

activities in chromium-contaminated basements. Also, NJDHSS will encourage residents 

who see yellow deposits in dust or on their floors or walls to contact U.S. EPA. 

4.	 ATSDR is committed to review of additional data or to respond to additional requests 

involving the E.C. Electroplating site as necessary. 

15 
 
References 

[ATSDR] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2007. Letter Health Consultation 

for the E.C. Electroplating Site. Garfield, Bergen County, New Jersey. US Department 

of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia. September 2007. 

[ATSDR] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2008. Toxicological Profile for 

Chromium (draft). Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services; 

September. 

[ATSDR] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2010a. Health Consultation for 

the E.C. Electroplating Site. Garfield, Bergen County, New Jersey. Atlanta: US 

Department of Health and Human Services; 2010 April 26. 

[ATSDR] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2010b. September 2010 letter 

Health Consultation for the E.C. Electroplating Site. Garfield, Bergen County, New 

Jersey. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services. 

[NJDEP] New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 2002a. October 7, 2002 fax re: 

E.C. Electroplating Site - site description and background summary. 

[NJDEP] New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 2002b. March 27, 2002 letter to 

Richard Chapin, Chapin Engineering re: E.C. Electroplating Site – Results of 

December 12, 2001Aqueous Sampling Event. 

[NJDEP] New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 2009. Derivation of an ingestionbased soil remediation criterion for Cr+6 based on the NTP chronic bioassay data for 

sodium dichromate dihydrate. Trenton, NJ: Office of Science; 2009 June. 

[NTP] National Toxicology Program. 2008. NTP technical report on the toxicology and 

carcinogenesis studies of sodium dichromate dihydrate (CAS No. 7789-12-0) in 

F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (drinking water studies). Washington DC: National 

Toxicology Program. NTP TR 546. August 13, 2008. Available at: 

http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/files/546_web_FINAL.pdf. Accessed 2010 September 13. 

[USEPA] US Environmental Protection Agency. 1997. National Center for Environmental 

Assessment. Office of Research and Development. Exposure Factors Handbook. 

Washington, DC;. 1997Aug. 

[USEPA] US Environmental Protection Agency. 2003. World Trade Center Indoor Environment 

Assessment: Selecting Contaminants of Potential Concern and Setting Health-Based 

Benchmarks. Prepared by the Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPC) Committee 

of the World Trade Center Indoor Air Task Force Working Group. New York, NY. 

2003 May. 

[USEPA] US Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. National Center for Environmental 

Assessment. Office of Research and Development. Child-Specific Exposure Factors 

Handbook. Washington DC. 2008 September. 

16 
[USEPA] US Environmental Protection Agency. 2010a. Region 2 June 8, 2010 e-mail re: surface 

dust results related to the EC Electroplating site – Investigations conducted from 

February through March 2010. 

[USEPA] US Environmental Protection Agency. 2010b. Region 2 August 5, 2010 e-mail re: 

surface dust results related to the EC Electroplating site – Investigations conducted 

July 2010. 

[Weston] Weston Solutions. 2010c. Preliminary Data Package, EC Electroplating Site, Garfield, 

Bergen County, New Jersey. Provided via July 21, 2010 e-mail to the New Jersey 

Department of Health and Senior Services through the US Environmental Protection 

Agency, Region 2. 

17
 

                             

                                     

                                   

                             

                             

                           

 

 

Appendix A. Noncancer Exposure Assumptions 

Exposures are based on incidental ingestion of surface dust contaminated with hexavalent 

chromium during use of residential basement areas. Noncancer exposure doses were calculated 

using the following formula obtained from the U.S. EPA World Trade Center Indoor 

Environment Assessment study (USEPA 2003): 

Exposure Dose (mg/kg/day) = 

[( ET hard x FTSS hard x CSL hard )  ( ET soft x FTSS sof t x CSL soft )] x SA x FQ x SE 

BW 

where mg/kg/day = milligrams of contaminant per kilogram of body weight per day and; 

ET = Exposure Time (hr/day) for hard and soft (carpeted) surfaces; 

FTSS = Fractions Transferred from Surface to Skin (unitless) 

FTSShard = 50%, FTSSsoft = 10%; 

CSL = Contaminant Surface Load (mg/cm2

); 

SA = Surface Area (cm2/event); 

FQ = Frequency of hand-to-mouth events (events/hr); 

SE = Saliva Extraction Factor at 50% (unitless); and, 

BW = Body Weight (kg) 

Note: The above formula requires multiple assumptions in estimating exposures to surfaces which add uncertainty

to estimating exposure doses. Factors such as surface loading and transfers to skin are likely to be highly variable

as they have not been well studied. Variability of these factors may be influenced by characteristics of different

surfaces, activity patterns related to surface contact, and surface cleaning techniques and frequency (USEPA 2003).

In following the USEPA World Trade Center Indoor Environment Assessment study, this assessment used input

parameters to define reasonably the maximum exposures for both high and low use basement areas.

18
 

Exposure Setting Exposed Population

Surface Area

(mouthing area)

Hand‐to‐Mouth

(events/hour)

Contacts

Child 2 15 to 25 cm 9.5

Resident

(1 through 6 years) (Age Adjusted) (Age Adjusted)

Child

(1 through 18 years)

2 15 to 45 cm

(Age Adjusted)

2 to 9.5

(Age Adjusted)

Child/Adult

(1 to 31 years)

2 15 to 45 cm

(Age Adjusted)

1 to 9.5

(Age Adjusted)

Resident/Employee Adult 45 2 cm 1

2 cm = centimeter squared

Exposed Population Body Weight Exposure Time (e)

Number

Exposed

of Years

(a) Child

(1 through 6 years)

12 to 23 kg

(Age Adjusted)

1

5

hour/day

days/week

6

(b) Child

(7 through 12 years)

26 to 53 kg

(Age Adjusted)

1

2

hour/day

days/week

(c) Child

(13 through 18 years)

56 to 70 kg

(Age Adjusted)

2.5 hours/day

5 days/week

Adult (d)

12 to 70 kg

(Age Adjusted)

2.5 hours/day

5 days/week

30

General Exposure Assumptions 

Location Specific Assumptions: Low Usage Scenario for Basements 

19 
 
 

 

  

Exposed Population Body Weight Exposure Time

Number of Years

Exposed

Child

(1 through 6 years)

12 to 23 kg

(Age Adjusted)

6

Child

(1 through 18 years)

12 to 70 kg

(Age Adjusted)

12 hours/day

365 days/year (b)

18

Child/Adult

(1 to 31 years) (a)

12 to 70 kg

(Age Adjusted)

30

(a) Worst‐case scenario: child exposed through and into adulthood in residence

High Usage Assumption (i.e. living space, actively used area) at 12 hours/day

kg= kilogram

20 
 

(a) Child spends less than half the time that an adult does in basement. 

(b) School-aged child exposed only during weekend period. 

(c) Assumes child 13 to 18 years takes on laundry duties. 

(d) Worst-case scenario: child exposed through and into adulthood in residence. 

(e) Low Usage Assumption (i.e. unfinished basements, laundry use, storage) 

kg= kilogram 

Location Specific Assumptions: High Usage Scenario for Basements 
Cancer Exposure Assumptions 

Cancer exposure doses were calculated using the noncancer exposure dose and adjusting 

for the following formula: 

ED Cancer Exposure Dose (mg/kg/day) =Noncancer Exposure Dose x AT 

Where ED = exposure duration representing the location-specific scenario (years); 

and AT = averaging time (years). 

The LECR for adults was calculated by multiplying the cancer exposure dose by the 

cancer slope factor (CSF). The CSF is defined as the slope of the dose-response curve obtained 

from animal and/or human cancer studies and is expressed as the inverse of the daily exposure 

dose, i.e., (mg/kg/day)-1. 

The CSF regarding ingestion exposure was obtained from the NJDEP. The NJDEP 

derived a CSF of 0.5 (mg hexavalent chromium/Kg/day)-1 using chronic bioassay data of male 

mice from the 2008 NTP study and U.S. EPA cancer assessment guidelines (NJDEP 2009). 

21