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GENERAL BACKGROUND <br /> The test results set forth in Table 1 include the following <br /> categories of chemical compounds: polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs) , <br /> certain metals, and cyanide. <br /> The PNAs are a class of organic compounds that are found throughout <br /> the environment, primarily as a result of natural and man-made combustion <br /> processes . Specifically, they are often found in asphalt roofing materials <br /> and pavement, fireplaces, home barbecues, charbroiled foods, certain <br /> medications (including medicated soaps and shampoos) and many other common <br /> items. <br /> Although we are not in a position to assess the health risk of <br /> particular exposures to PNAs, the attached chart provides a range of <br /> concentrations at which PNAs may be found in public areas and in common <br /> items. While PNAs are prevalent in the environment, they may pose a potential <br /> health risk in certain cases of excessive exposure. There are no national <br /> standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for PNAs in soils. <br /> With respect to the metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury) the State of <br /> California has established certain levels at or above which waste materials <br /> are classified as hazardous . The concentrations set forth in Title 22, <br /> Chapter 30, Article 11 , of the California Administrative Code for arsenic, <br /> lead, and mercury are 500 milligrams per kilogram (parts per million) , 1 ,000 <br /> parts per million, and 20 parts per million, respectively. While these levels <br /> are used to legally classify a waste material as hazardous, they do not define <br /> whether a health risk exists without additional information about personal <br /> exposure. <br />