Are the workers at risk from contamination on the construction site?
The two terms we use to describe the risks associated with exposure to soils are “acute risk” and “chronic risk.” Acute risk means that you might get sick if you are exposed to contaminated soil either by accidentally eating the soil (for instance eating a sandwich with dirty hands) or breathing in dust. Chronic risk means that your health might be affected if you are exposed to contaminants by eating the soil or breathing in dust over the course of decades. The current levels of arsenic and lead in the site soils do not pose an acute risk. The soil levels pose a chronic risk. However, any exposure is prevented by the use of proper safety gear, simple precautions, and maintaining proper dust control. At current site concentrations, the proper safety gear for the site includes boots, coveralls, hardhat and gloves. Workers are required to wash their boots prior to leaving the contaminated areas of the site, and then remove their coveralls and gloves, and wash their hands prior to leaving
Related Questions
- How are environmental and construction hazards contained on this site? What measures are in place to prevent contamination going into the community?
- Are the residents who live near or travel by the Garfield Avenue site at any risk of chrome contamination?
- What type of duty does the General Contractor owe to workers on the construction site?
