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<br />1 feet. Nine (9) samples taken showed levels of up to 70% <br /> <br />2 crysotile asbestos. As a result of EPA's findings, and as a tem- <br />3 porary mitigation action, DHS applied a polymer seal at the site <br /> <br />4 on May 23, 1988. The polymer seal was applied to the soil sur- <br />5 face for the purpose of binding the asbestos fibers to the soil <br />6 and to each other. <br />7 B. ENDANGERMENT <br /> <br />8 5. The presence of asbestos at the site poses a threat of <br /> <br />9 continuing airborne release of asbestos into the environment. <br /> <br />10 The presence of asbestos was first confirmed on April 15, 1985, <br /> <br />11 through soil borings at the site taken as part of a soil inves- <br /> <br />12 tigation conducted for Pacific Telephone. A sample analyzed at <br /> <br />13 that time contained 10 to 20% crysotile asbestos to a depth of <br /> <br />14 three (3) feet. In April, 1986, five (5) soil samples were <br /> <br />15 taken. Analysis showed 20 to 40% crysotile asbestos. In April, <br /> <br />16 1988, EPA took nine (9) samples from the site. Three (3) samples <br /> <br />17 showed crysotile asbestos up to 70%. Analysis was by polarized <br /> <br />18 light microscopy. <br /> <br />19 6. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. Prolonged inhala- <br /> <br />20 tion can cause cancer of the lung, pleura and peritoneum. Clin1- <br /> <br />21 cally, the most striking sign is shortness of breath of gradually <br /> <br />22 increasing intensity, often associated with a dry cough. Where <br /> <br />23 the disease is far advanced, there are usually large areas of <br /> <br />24 fibrosis with emphysematous changes. <br /> <br />25 7. The site poses a threat to nearby residents due to the <br /> <br />26 potential exposure to airborne asbestos which may be entrained <br /> <br />27 from exposed surfaces. Exposure may also occur from direct con- <br />28 tact with the soil and subsequent ingestion of the asbestos <br />3