Public Health Implications Adverse health effects are not expected from exposure to contaminant levels found in the surface soil at the dumpsite and residential sites. The potential for contacting contaminants at concentrations associated with adverse health effects is limited. It is, therefore, doubtful that exposure to surface soil either via ingestion of or dermal contact with surface soil would present a public health hazard. Methane remains a potential explosive hazard. This vulnerability is a result of the following factors.
Children are more likely to play outdoors and bring food into contaminated areas.
Children are shorter and their breathing zone is closer to the ground, resulting in a greater likelihood of breathing dust, soil, and heavy vapors. Children are smaller and receive higher doses of chemical exposure per body weight. Children's developing body systems are more vulnerable to toxic exposures, especially during critical growth stages in which permanent damage might be incurred. The current concentrations of chemicals in the surface soil at the Rock Avenue Dumpsite are not at levels of health concern for children or for other residents of the area.