Onsite soil samples taken for asbestos and vermiculite

EPA sampling at another facility in the northwest in April 2000 found 1.2% LA contamination in the soil near the railroad unloading area and traces in three additional soil samples at the rear of the building.

It has been shown that disturbing soils with even trace amounts of LA can result in levels of inhalable LA of concern. Generally, however exposures to LA-contaminated soil were of short duration and were much Vermiculite less likely to lead to health effects than long-term, high-level exposures that may have been experienced by workers during vermiculite processing at the plant.

Recently EPA collected air and soil samples at Vermiculite Northwest (Portland site) and these are being analyzed for the presence of asbestos.

Results of the investigation are pending and will be evaluated by SHINE in a future health consultation. Onsite soil is considered a potential exposure pathway and is an "indeterminate public health hazard."