PUBH-8165-10 Environmental Health Dioxin contamination in the tittabawassee river floodplain: A primer for the general public By Cindy L. Zastrow, M.S. Walden University PUBH-8165-10 Environmental Health Wecome! The following program has been designed to provide a general overview to members of the public (ages 18-65), of the issues pertaining to dioxin contamination in Saginaw and Midland counties in Michigan. This area encompasses what is known as the Tittabawassee River Floodplain. Before we get started, I would just like to go over some basic housekeeping issues. The restrooms are located __________. The exits are located ______________. In the event of an alarm, please proceed in an orderly fashion to the parking lot where accountability will be taken. Do not leave until you have been accounted for by the assigned monitor/instructor.

Objectives Explain what dioxins are Identify routes of exposure to dioxins Understand health effects associated with dioxin exposure Identify the source of contamination in Midland and Saginaw Counties Examine findings of University of Michigan studies Review current remediation activities and goals Summary Establish a listing of additional resources The objectives of this program are: to explain what dioxins actually are, identify how we may be exposed to dioxins, understanding how dioxins may affect our health, identify where the dioxin contaminations in this area originated from, examine findings from comprehensive studies performed by University of Michigan scientists on dioxin contamination, and review how the dioxin issue is currently being handled and what the goals are for cleanup in the future. This will be followed by a summary of the program, and a comprehensive list of additional resources on the dioxin issue in Saginaw and Midland counties.

What are dioxins? What are dioxins?

(Michigan Department of Community Health, 2001) What are dioxins? Byproduct of certain industrial processes and combustion Chemical manufacturing Pesticide manufacturing Paper bleaching processes Burning of household garbage Forest Fires Commercial waste incinerators Have no use – are strictly waste (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2001) Dioxins are actually byproducts of industrial manufacturing processes, such as chemicals, pesticides, and paper bleaching. They are also produced by combustion in forest fires, by commercial waste incinerators, and through the burning of household garbage. Dioxins are not useful in any way, they are strictly waste products.

What are dioxins? (continued) Actually a group of 210 chemicals that are similar in structure When found in the environment, they are usually a mixture of several types of dioxins Can be found in low levels in soil, lakes, rivers, air, and sediment throughout the world Some dioxins are significantly more dangerous than others (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2001) When we talk about dioxins, we are actually referring to a group of 210 chemicals that are very similar in structure. The dioxins that we find in the environment as a result of pollution are a mixture of several different types of dioxins. This type of contamination is not exclusive to the United States, low levels of dioxins can be found throughout the world in soil, lakes, rivers, air, and sediment. Not all dioxins are created equal, some are significantly more dangerous to humans than others.

The Most Dangerous Dioxins 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin The most toxic of the dioxin family is 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) All other dioxins are compared to 2,3,7,8-TCDD as the standard Measurements of other dioxins are converted to reflect the equivalent comparison concentration to 2,3,7,8-TCDD The most dangerous dioxin that is produced would be 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenxo-para-dioxin, also known as 2,3,7,8-TCDD. This dioxin is so toxic that all others are measured and converted to be compared to 2,3,7,8-TCDD as the standard. The diagram above illustrates the chemical composition of this dangerous dioxin. Please do not misunderstand, all dioxins are harmful and should be treated as so at all times; however, 2,3,7,8-TCDD is the worst of the lot. (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2001)

The Most Dangerous Dioxins (Continued) Dioxin measurements that have been converted to a 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentration are added together and are expressed as the Total Equivalent Concentration (TEQ) Once the dioxin measurements have been converted to a 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentration, they are then added together and are referred to as the Total Equivalent Concentration, or TEQ. (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2001)

How may I be exposed to dioxins? How may I be exposed to these dioxins?

(Department of Health and Human Services, 2006) Routes of Exposure Diet: Meats (animal fats) Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, trout) Dairy products (primarily full-fat) Air: Breathing in polluted air from chemical plants, commercial waste incinerators, paper mills, and metal smelters (Department of Health and Human Services, 2006) There are several different ways that one may be exposed to a chemical or a disease. In the case of dioxin, the are three primary routes of exposure. The first is through our diet. Dioxin has a tendency to store in fatty tissue; therefore, we find the contaminant in the fats of meat, fish, and also in dairy products. Wild game and wild fish may have higher concentrations of dioxin contamination, due to their consumption of food and water from high-contamination areas. This is why suggested dietary limits have been published for wild game and fish in several Michigan areas, including the Tittabawassee River Floodplain. The second primary route of exposure is through breathing polluted air from chemical plants, commercial waste incinerators, paper mills, and metal smelters. The release of these contaminants by industries are controlled by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Routes of Exposure (Continued) Occupational: Working in the chemical or pesticide manufacturing industry Pesticide application Pressure treatment of wood products Working in a paper mill that uses a chlorinated process Working at a commercial waste incinerator Cleaning up hazardous waste (Department of Health and Human Services, 2006) The third route of exposure is through one’s occupation. Individuals who are at risk at work would include those who work in the chemical or pesticide manufacturing industry, individuals who apply pesticides – both commercial and residential, the manufacturing of pressure treated wood products, working in a paper mill that uses a chlorinated process, working at a commercial waste incinerator, or perhaps as a hazardous materials technician – cleaning up hazardous waste. So as you can see, the possibility for exposure could happen at home, at work, or even on a camping trip!

What are the health effects of dioxins? The picture that you see here is of former Ukrainian President, Vicktor Yuschenko. President Yuschenko became seriously ill in 2004, and was ultimately found to have been poisoned. The poison utilized was found to be TCDD, with his blood dioxin levels exceeding 6,000 times above normal. The picture that you see on the right is before poisoning, the one on the left was taken after. The pock-marks and ashen color of his skin is a part of chloracne, one of the symptoms of dioxin poisoning (Answers.com, 2010). Reference Answers.com. (2010). Vicktor Andriyovych Yuschenko. Retrieved on January 23, 2010 from http://www.answers.com/topic/viktor-andriyovych-yushchenko Image of Vicktor Yuschenko, victim of dioxin poisoning. (Freethought Forum, 2010)

(World Health Organization, 2010) Known Health Effects Short Term Exposures: Skin lesions, sores, acne Darkening of the skin Liver damage Long Term Exposures: Immune system damage Nervous system damage Endocrine system damage Reproductive issues (World Health Organization, 2010) When we discuss health effects, we normally consider whether we are dealing with a one-time short term exposure (acute), or a series of exposures over a long period of time (chronic). In the case of dioxins, short term exposures may lead to chloracne, or skin lesions, sores, and pimples. One may also experience a darkening of the skin, and in extremely high doses, liver damage. Long term exposures can cause a breakdown in the immune system, making the exposed individual more susceptible to infectious diseases and other health issues. These chronic exposures may also cause damage to the nervous system and the endocrine system. Affected individuals may also experience reproductive issues, such as difficulty in conceiving or carrying to term.

Suspected Health Effects Type 2 (Late Onset) diabetes Multiple myeloma cancer Lung cancer Prostate cancer Tracheal cancer Neurological developmental effects in infants Less likely to father males (World Health Organization, 2010) There are several other health effects that are suspected to be linked to dioxin exposure. These include Type 2 (late onset) diabetes, multiple myeloma cancer (a type of cancer that effects the blood), lung cancer, prostate cancer, and tracheal cancer. Dioxin is also suspected to cause a delay or impairment in the neurological development of infants. Another interesting suspected effect is the inability of those men exposed to dioxins to father males.

Dioxin in saginaw and midland counties - michigan Now that we’ve determined that dioxins are most definitely a danger to humans, let’s look at possible exposures in the local area of Midland and Saginaw counties. (Perceptions, n.d.)

Source of Dioxin Contamination – Saginaw and Midland Counties Dow Chemical Corporation, founded in 1897 Encompasses 1,900 acres in Midland Has two rotary-kiln waste incinerators Currently operates the Salzburg Road landfill Operated a landfill on Rockwell Road in the past Used to have an extensive chlorophenol production line (Department of Health and Human Services, 2001) Where did the contamination come from in this area? The source has been determined to be Dow Chemical Corporation, in Midland, Michigan. Dow Chemical was founded in 1897 and sits on approximately 1,900 acres. This company has two large rotary-kiln waste incinerators and operates a large landfill on Salzburg Road. They also operated a landfill on Rockwell Road in the past; which has now been filled and closed. Dow Chemical used to have an extensive chlorophenol production line.

Dow Chemical - Production Various chemicals and pesticides have been produced by Dow Chemical, including: Mustard gas Napalm Agent Orange Dursban Styrene Butadiene Picric acid Styrofoam and others Dow Chemical is one of the largest chemical plants in the world. It has produced a variety of chemicals, pesticides, and other products. Some of the more infamous historical products included mustard gas, napalm, and agent orange, all of which were used in the Vietnam conflict. Dow Chemical also produces products such as dursban, styrene, butadiene, picric acid, styrofoam, and others, including latex products. (Department of Health and Human Services, 2001)

Dow – Chlorophenol Production Chlorophenol production at Dow began in 1915 Dioxin-containing wastes from this production line were initially dumped into retaining ponds After sitting in ponds, wastes were intentionally dumped into the Tittabawassee River Dow now operates it’s own wastewater treatment plant (Department of Health and Human Services, 2001) The main production-line that produced dioxins in excess was the chlorophenol line. Chlorophenol production at Dow began in 1915. The byproduct waste dioxins were initially dumped into 600 acre retention ponds. After the waste sat in the pond, it was intentionally pumped into the Tittabawassee River. Dow Chemical no longer pumps any waste into the river. This was outlawed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency. It now operates it’s own wastewater treatment plant onsite.

Tittabawassee River Flood Plain This map shows the entire Tittabawassee River Flood Plain. As you can see, it extends through several mid-Michigan counties. (Wikipedia, 2009)

University of michigan – dioxin studies The University of Michigan has taken an interest in the dioxin issues found in Midland and Saginaw. They have performed extensive studies in this area.

University of Michigan Dioxin Exposure Study (UMDES) Objective: Examine human reactions to dioxin exposure in the Midland and Saginaw areas where the Dow Chemical Corporation has operated for more than 100 years Methods: All examinations of individuals from these areas are compared with results from a population that has no increased exposures to dioxins The University of Michigan Dioxin Exposure Study, or UMDES, was designed to examine human reactions to dioxin exposure in the Midland and Saginaw areas, where, as we stated earlier, Dow Chemical Corporation has operated for more than 100 years. The methods that were used involved the examination of individuals from the Midland and Saginaw areas and comparing them with results from a group of individuals that have had no increased exposures to dioxins.

Population Survey Results – Serum Concentrations Study Objective: Compare and contrast descriptive statistical data on serum concentrations, household dusts, and residential soil with other published values Methods: 946 people were interviewed Serum samples taken Samples of household dust and residential soil collected Results: Serum levels and soil concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the Tittabawassee River floodplain than in referent areas (Hedgeman, E., Chen, Q., Hong, B., Chang, C., Olson, K., LaDronka, K., …Garabrant, D, 2009) The population survey results – serum concentrations portion of the study was designed to compare and contrast descriptive statistical data on blood serum dioxin concentrations, household dusts, and residential soil with other published dioxin values from areas with a lower risk of dioxin contamination. A total of 946 people were interviewed from the Midland and Saginaw area. Blood samples were drawn to determine dioxin levels, and samples of household dust and residential soil were also collected and analyzed. Researchers found that the levels of dioxin in these individuals were significantly higher, as were the soil concentrations, when compared with the group that had not been excessively exposed.

Predictors of Dioxin Levels Study Objective: To identify why dioxin levels in populations in the Midland and Saginaw County area vary Methods: 946 people were interviewed Serum samples taken Samples of household dust and residential soil collected Results: Hunting and fishing, working at Dow Chemical, and historic exposures pre-1980 contributed to higher dioxin levels (Hedgeman, E., Chen, Q., Hong, B., Chang, C., Olson, K., LaDronka, K., …Garabrant, D, 2009) Another portion of the U of M study included the predictors of dioxin levels. In other words, what could possibly influence dioxin levels among the Midland and Saginaw populations. The samples taken and the information gathered from interviews with the subjects indicated that those who hunted and fished in the area, as well as those who worked at Dow Chemical or had exposures prior to 1980, had higher dioxin levels in their blood. The exposures via hunting and fishing could be not only from the consumption of the wild game and/or fish, but also from more direct or more frequent contact with contaminated water, soil, or sediment.

CURRENT REMEDIATION AND GOALS So…we know that dioxin is an issue, we know that it’s dangerous to humans, we know how we could be exposed, and we know where it came from…but what is being done to correct the situation?

Current Remediation Activities Assessment of high-use properties for dioxin levels Continued time-critical clean up actions in these high-use areas Assess contaminated sediment and banks for potential movement Continued time-critical clean up actions in unstable, highly-contaminated banks and sediment areas (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2009) Dow Chemical has been ordered to clean up the contamination and set things right. There are several remediation activities that are currently underway. Areas that are considered high-use, that is that they have a lot of human activity on a regular basis, are being assessed for dioxin levels. Time-critical clean up actions are being performed in these areas. Contaminated sediment and riverbanks are being monitored for movement caused by erosion and water movement. Where these areas are found to be unstable or highly contaminated, immediate clean up actions are being performed.

Remediation Goals for the Future Separate approximately 30 miles of river into 5-7 segments Comprehensive cleanup upstream-to-downstream segment-by-segment, first segment starting in 2011 Goal of completion for cleanup: 2018 (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2009) Remediation goals for the future involve the clean up of approximately 30 miles of river. This will be sectioned into 5 to 7 segments. The clean up will be comprehensive and will move in an upstream-to-downstream manner. The first segment remedation will begin in 2011 with a goal of 2018 for completing the entire clean up project.

Summary Dioxins are a group of byproduct-type chemicals that are not used for anything Dioxins are dangerous to humans, causing a variety of physical ailments The contamination in Midland and Saginaw counties is a result of hazardous waste dumping into the Tittabawassee River from Dow Chemical Corporation in Midland Remediation is currently underway, with a goal of completion for the cleanup being 2018 To sum things up, dioxins are a group of byproducts that are released during chemical processes and incineration of household and industrial wastes. They are dangerous to humans and can cause a variety of physical ailments, including chloracne, or skin lesions and greyish appearance, as well as liver damage. They can also cause immune system and endocrine system problems, and are suspected in a number of other negative health effects. This contamination in the Midland and Saginaw areas was caused by hazardous waste streams being pumped into the Tittabawassee River by Dow Chemical Corporation in Midland. As a result, they have been ordered to clean up the contaminated areas, which is currently underway. The goal for the completion of the cleanup being 2018.

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Contacts Floodplain soil and sediment contamination: Al Taylor, 517-335-4799 Toxicity of Dioxin: Deborah Mackenzie-Taylor, Toxicologist, WHMD, 517-335-4715 Chris Flaga, Toxicologist, RRD, 517-373-0160 If you have further questions, you may contact the following individuals at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ): for floodplain soil and sediment contamination, Al Taylor; for general information on the toxicity of dioxin, Deborah Mackenzie-Taylor and Chris Flaga, Toxicologists.

References Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). ToxFAQs ™ : Chemical agent briefing sheets (CABS): Dioxin. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cabs/dioxins/ Department of Health and Human Services. (2001). Petitioned health consultation: Dioxin contamination in soil in Midland, Michigan. Retrieved on January 22, 2010 from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/PHA/midland/midland.html Freethought Forum. (2010). Ukraine. Retrieved on January 22, 2010 from http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200412/r37289_93247.jpg Hedgeman, E., Chen, Q., Hong, B., Chang, C., Olson, K., LaDronka, K., …Garabrant, D. (2009). The University of Michigan dioxin exposure study: Population survey results and serum concentrations for polychlorinated dioxins, furans, and biphenyls. Environmental Health Perspectives 117(5), 811-817.

References (Continued) Michigan Department of Community Health. (2001). MDCH fact sheet: Dioxins. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Dioxin_Factsheet_82359_7.pdf Perceptions. (n.d.). 10 county area. Retrieved on February 2, 2010 from http://www.perceptionssv.org/images/10county.jpg United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). Timeline for achieving comprehensive cleanup: Tittabawassee River, Saginaw River & Bay contamination site. Retrieved on January 23, 2010 from http://www.epa.gov/region5/sites/dowchemical/pdfs/dow-timeline-fs-200906.pdf

References (Continued) Wikipedia. (2009). Tittabawassee River. Retrieved on January 22, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tittabawassee_River World Health Organization. (2010). Dioxins and their effects on human health. Retrieved on January 22, 2010 from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs225/en/

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