The Arizona Department of Health Services reviewed existing data and performed a health consultation to evaluate the potentially adverse health effects due to VOCs created by air emissions from the Miller Road Treatment Facility. Prior to the existence of our current environmental regulations, local industries improperly disposed of organic solvents directly onto the ground or into dry wells. This subsequently contaminated all three levels of the aquifer.

The objective of this health assessment is to provide an evaluation of the health risks that may result from exposure to abandoned mine tailings in Klondyke, Arizona. The tailings are remnants from an earlier flotation mill and mining operation that was in business from the early 1900's until 1950. Environmental data indicate that the 70,000 cubic yards of tailings that remain on the property have contaminated the soil and nearby creeks with heavy metals. This report evaluates the potential pathways of human exposure to the contaminated media. The contaminants of concern further evaluated are lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, manganese, and boron. Child health issues and community concerns are also an integral part of the evaluation.

In May 2003, a Scottsdale, Arizona, resident asked the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta to investigate possible sewer gas exposures in a Scottsdale residential neighborhood. In June 2003, the Agency asked the Arizona Department of Health Services, to conduct an investigation to determine if sewer gas exposures were occurring. Because ambient and indoor air hydrogen sulfide data for the neighborhood were not available, the Arizona Department of Health Services and the resident collaborated in conducting an air monitoring investigation in the neighborhood from June 26, 2003, through July 15, 2003.