A federal health assessment has found that trespassing or using all-terrain vehicles at the 68th Street Dump Site may cause harm to people’s health.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) published its final report on the 150-acre site in Rosedale at 68th Street and Pulaski Highway after accepting public comments. ATSDR examined available data to find out if people are being or have been exposed to hazardous substances from the site and to determine if the exposure might affect their health.  ATSDR also looked at physical dangers at the site and their effects on public health.

The agency found evidence of significant trespassing at the site. People spending time at the site are in danger of physical hazards such as sharp debris and sharp drop-offs. Settling of landfill areas may cause hazards that could lead to slipping, tripping, or falling, according to the report.

ATSDR also looked at the potential of harm to health from chemicals and heavy metals at the site.

Based on the data, average exposures to contamination across the site are not expected to result in adverse health effects. However, any land use that unearths sub-surface soil could result in exposure to lead and chemicals. Scientists say ingesting an amount of soil large enough to cause health effects would be extremely unlikely. Remediation is planned in the near future for the site under the Superfund Alternative Site process.

ATSDR was not able to evaluate fully the health risk of eating fish caught at the site but recommends that local fishermen avoid fishing at the site and fish only in state-recommended areas.

ATSDR was also unable to evaluate whether vapor intrusion may cause future exposure to volatile chemicals in onsite buildings or bordering residences.

Not enough sampling or exposure data were available to evaluate past exposures from private well water off-site or from air contamination during on-site fires.

The agency recommends further sampling and characterization of contaminants at the site.

The agency also recommends that access to the site is restricted until remediation is complete.

Baltimore residents are advised to report illegal dumping by calling 410-396-4707 or 311. Further information can be obtained from the following website:

http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/dpw/waste.html.

People with health concerns related to lead or chemical exposure should contact their health care providers. People can also call ATSDR at 1-800-CDC-INFO and ask for information on the 68th Street Dump site.

A copy of the public health assessment is located at:

Rosedale Branch Library

6105 Kenwood Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21237

Interested persons may also access the health assessment via the Internet at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/PHA/HCPHA.asp?State=MD

For more information, community members may contact:

Tonia Burk, Ph.D., Environmental Health Scientist, 770-488-0764 or 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)