People may also be exposed to contaminants through ingestion of contaminated surface water, sediment, or eating contaminated fish, animal meats, or home grown vegetables. Chronic exposure to cadmium at levels found in soil and drinking water could result in adverse human health effects, particularly on the kidney. However, evaluation of available mortality data did not identify any health impact that can be conclusively linked to exposure to contamination from the site. Because of concern for possible adverse health impact on the people living in the community, an exposure health study was begun in the Palmerton area prior to completion of the public health assessment. Other sources of lead dust may be present in the community, but not all sources have been identified.
Some tap water contains lead, cadmium, and arsenic at levels that are of public health concern.
More characterization of area groundwater is needed to evaluate that environmental pathway. More characterization is needed to assess potential exposure to contaminated surface water and sediments. Little information is available on the number of people who consume home-grown vegetables and fish and animals living in the area. Also, information is lacking on levels of contaminants in edible portions of those food items. Children who exhibit pica behavior may be more susceptible to zinc toxicity if they come into contact with zinc in the areas where the highest concentrations were found.