Are gas manufacturing residues health and environmental problems?
A – The primary compounds of interest in tar are polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, and benzene. PAHs are widespread in the environment because they are products of combustion, such as running a gasoline engine or burning coal or wood. Likewise, benzene is widespread in our daily environment from such sources as gasoline stations, auto exhaust, household cleaning products, and cigarette smoke. At the Skokie site, the potential for exposure to any of these compounds is unlikely for several reasons, including the fact that the site has been closed for many years, no one is occupying the property, access is limited, most hydrocarbons are likely buried beneath the surface and the groundwater beneath the site is not in use. A risk analysis prepared by nationally respected outside consultants demonstrates that there are no health risks associated with the proposed investigatory work at the site.
