CONSIDERING THE
HEALTH IMPACTS
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury are highly
toxic, and both were found at the Waunakee site. Ayres’
environmental staff said PCBs were used in capacitors’ oil due
to their non-flammability, high boiling point, and electrical
insulating properties, and the mercury likely came from on-off
switches or other electrical components such as manometers.
Exposure to even small amounts of mercury can cause serious
health issues – and Ayres found about a pint of elemental
mercury spilled within the defunct Waunakee Alloy building.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
•
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in
air, water, and soil.
•
Exposure to mercury is a threat to the development of the
child in utero and early in life.
•
Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive
and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin, and
eyes.
•
Mercury is considered by WHO as one of the top ten
“They truly knew
their stuff, and as
complications arose
and new pollutants and
chemicals were found,
Ayres knew exactly what
to do.”
Erick Plumb
Waunakee Library Director
chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health
concern.
PCBs, too, have documented adverse health effects. According
to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, they have been
shown to cause cancer as well as a number of serious non-
cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the
immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and
endocrine system. Studies in humans support evidence for
potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs.
Top photo: Leaking containers of hazardous substances discovered
inside foundry building. Bottom: Abandoned refuse inside foundry
requiring removal prior to demolition.
8 | TRENDS
Ingenuity, Integrity, and Intelligence.