Northwest Indiana Sustainable Regional Development
Human Health
Environmental Health
UV Radiation/ Ozone
Lung Damage
Asthma
What is Lead?
Main Sources of Lead Contamination
How might I be exposed to Lead?
Health Effects
Children's Health Effects
How to reduce exposure risk
More Information
What are PCBs?
PCB environmental effects
Health Effects
Children's Health Effects and Fish Consumption Advisory
How to reduce exposure risk
UV Radiation/Ozone
According to the Indiana State of the Environment Report 1999, motor vehicles, manufacturing and other industrial activities emit nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that react in sunlight to form ozone. There are many health risks posed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozone. In order to prevent these health risks from occurring there are several steps people can take to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. In 1994, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service introduced the UV index as a daily report on the UV index as a daily report on the UV radiation levels people may experience. The index predicts the next day’s levels on a 0 to 10+ scale. According to the EPA people get 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure by of 18, there has been a 1,800 percent rise in malignant melanoma since 1930, one American dies of skin cancer every hour and one in five Americans develops skin cancer.
UV radiation from the sun and ozone can seriously threaten human health causing shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and eye and nose irritation. It is especially dangerous to older adults, children, asthmatics and persons with other chronic respiratory ailments. Among the most common health risks from overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation are sunburn, premature wrinkling and skin cancer.
The most obvious result of too much sun is sunburn, which involves skin redness and sometimes tenderness, swelling, blistering, fever, and nausea. Although some skin types prevent individuals from burning, everyone is at risk for other UV-related health effects.
Premature wrinkling is another result of overexposure. In the long run, too much exposure to the sun can change your skin’s texture, giving it a tough, leathery appearance. The sun also can cause discolorations in skin tone including red, yellow, gray, or brown spots.
Also, over time, exposure to the sun and severe sunburns can eventually lead to skin cancer. The most common places for skin cancer to develop are on those body parts exposed to the sun such as the face, next, ears, forearms, and hands. According to Russell Train, author of Environmental Concerns for the Year 2000:
“There are three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanomas may appear without warning as a dark mole or other dark spot in the skin All three types can be curable if you detect them in their early stages”.
To help recognize potential problems, conduct periodic self-examinations and watch for growths that meet one of the ABCDs’ of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half of the growth doesn’t match the other half.
- Border irregularity: The edges of the growth are ragged, notched, or blurred
- Color: The pigmentation of the growth is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue also may appear.
- Diameter: Any growth greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) is cause for concern.”
Due to sun sensitivity some people develop bumps, hives, blisters, or red blotchy areas as an allergic reaction to sun exposure. Certain drugs, perfumes, and cosmetic can make some people sensitive the sun. Sun exposure may also lead to immune system suppression and disease. No matter what your skin type or susceptibility to burns, sun exposure can damage your immune system and make your body more vulnerable to infections and cancers. Diseases, such as herpes simplex (cold sores), chicken pox, and lupus, can become worse with sun exposure. Eye damage is another adverse effect of overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has cautioned that excess exposure to UV radiation can cause a painful burn of the cornea. Chronic eye exposure to UV radiation may increase the incidence of cataract, which is a clouding of the eye lens; pterygium, in which fleshy membrane covers the eye; and possibly macular degeneration, or the development of spots that could result in blindness.
There are several sun safety tips that individuals should followed in order to prevent overexposure to sun:
- Minimize exposure to the sun during the hours when exposure could be most damaging, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Typically, exposure at 8 a.m. 4 p.m. is only one third that at midday. Try getting outdoor activities accomplished during minimum exposure hours. Remember, however, you can still get sunburn even in the mid-afternoon.
- Remember that incidental time in the sun can add up to long-term sun damage, including the time spent walking the dog, window shopping, performing outdoor chores, or jogging at lunch. Even on overcast days 30 to 60 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate to the Earth’s surface.
- Wear a hat and other protective clothing, as well as sunglasses, to protect your body from too much sun.
- Use ‘broad spectrum sunscreens’ which are those that contain active ingredients that absorb at least 85 percent of the UVA and UVB rays (UVB is usually associated with sunburn while UVA is recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation). Read labels carefully and choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protector Factor (SPF) of at least 15, which filters out both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, about 20 minutes before exposure, especially to easily overlooked areas like the rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet. For an average adult, the recommended dose is 1 ounce, or one quarter of a 4-ounce bottle, per application. Reapply every 2 hours, after being in the water, or after exercising and sweating.
Ground-level ozone, the main ingredient in smog that can cause damage to your lungs, is a significant health problem in Northwest Indiana during the summer season because ozone is an air quality problem in summer months when temperatures and sunlight are greatest. Several cities have organized Ozone Action day programs in which citizens, businesses, local, State and Federal governments, as well as health and environmental organizations take voluntary actions in order to help reduce ozone-forming emissions. Unfortunately, Indiana ranks 7th in the nation for these emissions, and Lake County Indiana is in the top 100 counties in the nation (69th) for exposure to toxins. According to Goldsmith author of the book titled Air Pollution on Human Health, “An Ozone Action Day will be called when weather forecasters have predicted that conditions will be conducive to the formation of ozone". Ozone is sometimes chemically abbreviated as O3. The ozone layer, which is miles above the surface of the earth, protects us from cancer causing solar ultraviolet radiation. But ground level ozone damages our lung tissues. This harmful ozone is formed through a complex chemical reaction involving hypo carbons, nitrogen oxides and sunlight on calm summer days.
The level of ozone found in the air in cities along the southeastern and western shore of Lake Michigan (Milwaukee, Chicago, and Gary) during warm weather months (May through September) frequently exceeds standards considered safe to human health. Ozone reacts with lung tissue and can inflame and cause harmful changes in breathing passages, decreasing the lung’s working ability. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain when inhaling deeply, wheezing and coughing. All of us are susceptible to the adverse health effects of ozone. Consequently, ozone is a regulated pollutant for which U.S. EPA has established air quality standards at levels considered safe for most people. People with existing lung disease (e.g. asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema) already suffer from reduced lung function. Aggravated respiratory symptoms from exposure to ozone may further impair the ability of these individuals to perform normal activities and can result in increased summertime hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and even death. We can protect ourselves when ozone levels are high by avoiding physical exertion between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and whenever possible, by limiting all outdoor activities. Also, watch for pollution reports in the media in order to determine those days when caution should be taken.
Asthma 
Those individuals who suffer from asthma should be on special alert because ground-level ozone (smog) can irritate your lungs and throat, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain to even the healthiest people. However, these effects are very dangerous for people with asthma, children and the elderly. Ozone can aggravate asthma, causing more asthma attacks, increased use of medication, more medical treatment and more visits to hospital emergency room. Asthma is one of the leading causes of childhood hospital admissions. Children are more susceptible to the effects of smog because: pound for pound, children breathe more air (and ozone) than adults, spend more time outdoors than adult and children’s respiratory systems are still developing. Ozone presents an increased risk to the elderly because it can aggravate preexisting respiratory disease. The elderly experience reduced sensitivity to symptoms of ozone; therefore, each warning signs of he harmful effects of ozone may be ignored.
Individuals with asthma, and other respiratory disease should be aware that on high ozone days they are more susceptible to asthma attacks. Individuals should also watch for Ozone Action Days. Ozone Action Days are called when weather forecasters predict weather conditions that are likely to cause high ozone. People who are at risk should limit their time outdoors, on high ozone days in order to reduce the risk of exposure to ozone. Stay in well ventilated or air condition building. If serious problems result individuals should immediately contact their physicians.
What is Lead? 
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment. Much of it comes from human activities including the burning of fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing. Lead has many different uses. It is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), and devices to shield X-rays. Because of health concerns, lead from gasoline, paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced in recent years.
Main Sources of Lead Contamination
Lead based paint is a hazard if it is peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking. Lead-based paint that appears undisturbed can be a problem if it is on surfaces that children chew or that get much damage. The older your home is the more likely it is to contain lead- based paint.
Contaminated dust forms when lead paint is dry-scraped or sanded. Dust can also become contaminated when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can gather on surfaces and objects that people touch or that children put into their mouths.
Contaminated soil occurs when exterior lead-based paint from houses, buildings, or other structures flakes or peels and gets into the soil.
Contaminated drinking water from older plumbing fixtures found in older buildings or the water’s source.
How might I be exposed to lead?
- Eating food or drinking water that contains lead.
- Spending time in areas where lead-based paints have been used and are deteriorating.
- Working in a job where lead is used.
- Using health-care products or folk remedies that contain lead.
- Engaging in certain hobbies in which lead is used (for example, stained glass).
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. The most sensitive is the central nervous system, particularly in children. Lead also damages kidneys and the reproductive system. The effects are the same whether it is breathed or swallowed. At high levels, lead may decrease reaction time, cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles, and possibly affect the memory. Lead may cause anemia, a disorder of the blood. It can also damage the male reproductive system.
Children’s Health Effects
Lead poisoning is a top environmental health hazard for young children, affecting as many as 1.7 million children age five and under, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. The percentage of Indiana children with higher than normal lead levels is greater than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national average of 4.4 percent. From 1995 to 1998, 99,000 Indiana children were screened for lead. Ten percent of these children were determined to have elevated levels of lead in their blood.
Eating lead-based paint chips, chewing on objects painted with lead-based paint, or swallowing house dust or soil that contains lead can expose small children. Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults. A child who swallows large amounts of lead may develop blood anemia, severe stomachache, muscle weakness, and brain damage. A large amount of lead might get into a child's body if the child ate small pieces of old paint that contained large amounts of lead. If a child swallows smaller amounts of lead, much less severe effects on blood and brain function may occur. Even at much lower levels of exposure, lead can affect a child's mental and physical growth.
Exposure to lead is more dangerous for young and unborn children. Unborn children can be exposed to lead through their mothers. Harmful effects include premature births, smaller babies, and decreased mental ability in the infant, learning difficulties, and reduced growth in young children. These effects are more common if the mother or baby was exposed to high levels of lead.
Reduce the risk of exposure to lead by:
- Avoiding exposure to sources of lead.
- Not allowing children to chew or mouth painted surfaces that may have been painted with lead-based paint (homes built before 1978).
- Running your water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking or cooking with it. This will get rid of lead that may have leached out of pipes.
- Washing children's hands and faces often to remove lead dusts and soil, and regularly clean the house of dust and tracked in soil.
Call
· The National Lead Information Center
1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323)
· U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791
Visit
· EPA Lead Program Web site www.epa.gov/lead
· U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov
What are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)? 
Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as congeners). There are no known natural sources of PCBs. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids that are colorless to light yellow. Some PCBs can exist as a vapor in air. PCBs have no known smell or taste.
PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don't burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs was stopped in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build up in the environment and can cause harmful health effects. Products made before 1977 that may contain PCBs include old fluorescent lighting fixtures and electrical devices containing PCB capacitors, and old microscope and hydraulic oils.
- PCBs entered the air, water, and soil during their manufacture, use, and disposal; from accidental spills and leaks during their transport; and from leaks or fires in products containing PCBs.
- PCBs can still be released to the environment from hazardous waste sites; illegal or improper disposal of industrial wastes and consumer products; leaks from old electrical transformers containing PCBs; and burning of some wastes in incinerators.
- PCBs do not readily break down in the environment and thus may remain there for very long periods of time. PCBs can travel long distances in the air and be deposited in areas far away from where they were released. In water, a small amount of PCBs may remain dissolved, but most stick to organic particles and bottom sediments. PCBs also bind strongly to soil.
- PCBs are taken up by small organisms and fish in water. They are also taken up by other animals that eat these aquatic animals as food. PCBs accumulate in fish and marine mammals, reaching levels that may be many thousands of times higher than in water.
- How might I be exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?
- PCBs entered the air, water, and soil during their manufacture, use, and disposal; from accidental spills and leaks during their transport; and from leaks or fires in products containing PCBs.
- PCBs can still be released to the environment from hazardous waste sites; illegal or improper disposal of industrial wastes and consumer products; leaks from old electrical transformers containing PCBs; and burning of some wastes in incinerators.
- PCBs do not readily break down in the environment and thus may remain there for very long periods of time. PCBs can travel long distances in the air and be deposited in areas far away from where they were released. In water, a small amount of PCBs may remain dissolved, but most stick to organic particles and bottom sediments. PCBs also bind strongly to soil.
- PCBs are taken up by small organisms and fish in water. They are also taken up by other animals that eat these aquatic animals as food. PCBs accumulate in fish and marine mammals, reaching levels that may be many thousands of times higher than in water.
The most commonly observed health effects in people exposed to large amounts of PCBs are skin conditions such as acne and rashes. Studies in exposed workers have shown changes in blood and urine that may indicate liver damage. PCB exposures in the general population are not likely to result in skin and liver effects. Most of the studies of health effects of PCBs in the general population examined children of mothers who were exposed to PCBs.
Animals that ate food containing large amounts of PCBs for short periods of time had mild liver damage and some died. Animals that ate smaller amounts of PCBs in food over several weeks or months developed various kinds of health effects, including anemia; acne-like skin conditions; and liver, stomach, and thyroid gland injuries. Other effects of PCBs in animals include changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and impaired reproduction. PCBs are not known to cause birth defects. However children whose mother have high levels of PCBs when pregnant may develop learning disabilities and experience delayed development.
Children’s Health Effects and Fish Consumption Advisory
Each year, the Indiana Fish Consumption Advisory, a guide for fish consumption, is issued by the Indiana State Department of Health through cooperative efforts with IDEM and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Women who were exposed to relatively high levels of PCBs in the workplace or ate large amounts of fish contaminated with PCBs had babies that weighed slightly less than babies from women who did not have these exposures. Babies born to women who ate PCB-contaminated fish also showed abnormal responses in tests of infant behavior. Some of these behaviors, such as problems with motor skills and a decrease in short-term memory, lasted for several years. Other studies suggest that the immune system was affected in children born to and nursed by mothers exposed to increased levels of PCBs. There are no reports of structural birth defects caused by exposure to PCBs or of health effects of PCBs in older children. The most likely way infants will be exposed to PCBs is from breast milk. Transplacental transfers of PCBs were also reported. In most cases, the benefits of breast-feeding outweigh any risks from exposure to PCBs in mother’s milk.
Reduce your risk of PCB exposure by:
- You and your children may be exposed to PCBs by eating fish or wildlife caught from contaminated locations. Certain states, Native American tribes, and U.S. territories have issued advisories to warn people about PCB-contaminated fish and fish-eating wildlife. You can reduce your family’s exposure to PCBs by obeying these advisories.
- Children should be told not play with old appliances, electrical equipment, or transformers, since they may contain PCBs.
- Children should be discouraged from playing in the dirt near hazardous waste sites and in areas where there was a transformer fire. Children should also be discouraged from eating dirt and putting dirty hands, toys or other objects in their mouths, and should wash hands frequently.
- If you are exposed to PCBs in the workplace it is possible to carry them home on your clothes, body, or tools. If this is the case, you should shower and change clothing before leaving work, and your work clothes should be kept separate from other clothes and laundered separately.
