OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HEXACHLOROCYCLOPENTADIENE - HOW SAFE IS SEWAGE

In March 1977, a large volume of the industrial chemical hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HCCPD) was dumped into a municipal sewage system in Kentucky, [USA]. The health effects of exposure to HCCPD in 145 sewage treatment plant workers was evaluated. Eye irritation was noted in 85 (59%), 65 (45%) had headaches and 39 (27%) had throat irritation. Symptoms occurred throughout the plant; highest attack rates occurred in primary sewage treatment areas. Medical examination of 41 employees 3 days after the plant was closed showed proteinuria and elevation of serum lactic dehydrogenase level; these findings were not present 3 wk later. The toxicity of HCCPD and the vulnerability of sewage workers to chemical toxins in wastewater systems was demonstrated.