 
Battelle Examines Health Risks at a Future Park Past industrial development along the southern fringe of the Alps left some deep scars. Last year, Battelle Geneva conducted a detailed human health risk study at one of these locations, a former ferrochrome production operation and waste dump. The site was under consideration for use as a public park and for limited new industrial use. The major cause of concern was chromium, which is carcinogenic in its hexavalent form.
First, past manufacturing activities, waste management procedures, and previous site studies were reviewed to identify all potential contaminants. This revealed the presence of chromium-rich slag in an insufficiently sealed dumpsite; groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium, iron, and manganese; and excessive chromium in the top two meters of soil. Unacceptable levels of zinc were also found in the soil. The previous studies had sampled surface and underground soil in the former industrial area; groundwater beneath, upstream, and downstream of the site; sediments from surface water; fish; and the roots of reeds next to the dumpsite. These sampling data were analyzed again and augmented by data from new samples of groundwater and associated suspended solids from the dumpsite. The analysis showed that hexavalent chromium was found in the groundwater at only one location, and its concentration strongly varied with the water table. High arsenic concentrations were found in the sediments and in the suspended solids of water from deep sampling sites. No contaminants were found in the fish, surface waters, or drinking water.
Battelle conducted a rigorous health risk evaluation for chromium, arsenic, zinc, and manganese. Potency factors for the lifetime risk of cancer and hazard quotients for acute, subchronic, and chronic effects not related to cancer were compiled. All potential exposure scenarios were examined, including scenarios that were purposely beyond realistic expectations: children coming to the park daily and ingesting the maximum amount of soil containing the highest chromium concentration, or workers drinking water found at the dumpsite, for example. The health risk assessment revealed no significant cause for concern, except for the drinking of unfiltered water containing excess arsenic in the suspended solids. The risk values for zinc and manganese ingested with water from the dumpsite were borderline, and therefore of potential concern. The high arsenic levels were deemed indicative of a more widespread problem in the valley. This conclusion was drawn because the review of industrial activities indicated no potential source of arsenic and similar arsenic concentrations were detected upstream of the site. As a precaution against residual or acceptable risks, it was decided to cover the park area with clean soil one meter deep. Battelle recommended sealing the dumpsite against rain and periodically rising ground-water and paving the future industrial portion of the area. It was also recommended that old walls on the site be examined for asbestos. For more information, contact Dr. Augusto Porta at +41-22-827 2650, portaa@battelle.org, or Dr. Paola Duart at +41-22-827 2897, duart@battelle.org. 
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