Nasty Stuff

The former ThermalKem site is tainted by high-level contaminants in three classes of volatile organic compounds -- BTEX (Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene); CEE (Chlorinated ethenes and ethanes) and CB (chlorinated benzenes) -- as well as chromium, lead, manganese and iron.

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? These compounds contain carbon and evaporate easily from water to air -- increasing the likelihood of exposure.

How might I be exposed to VOCs? Drinking contaminated water, breathing contaminated air or through skin contact with contaminated soil or water.

What are chromium, lead, manganese and iron? Naturally occurring elements that can be deposited in high levels into the environment by industry or hazardous waste sites.

How can those elements and VOCs affect my health? People or animals must ingest, breathe or come into contact with a VOC to get sick. Exposure can cause various adverse health effects -- from minor respiratory ailments to organ failure and cancer -- depending on the degree of exposure and other factors, such as age, gender, race and pre-existing disease.

This story was originally published September 14, 2008 at 12:14 AM with the headline "Nasty Stuff."