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37-443: The 170-acre (0.69 km) Munisport landfill contains approximately 6.2 million cubic yards (4.7 × 10 ^  m) of municipal waste and was in operation for seven years. Munisport was found to contain contaminants and a "small amount" of hospital biohazard waste was found on the site and drums of toxic chemicals during its operation. Audubon Society compiled a list of chemicals Munisport employees admitted had been buried in

74-436: A dike constructed along the southeastern edge of the property are mangrove swamps. Biscayne Aquifer lies 150 feet (46 m) below the ground surface. The flow of regional groundwater is southeastward, towards Biscayne Bay, but varies locally due to mounding. For seven years, nearby residents suffered as wastes were dumped into groundwater and piled up to 50 feet (15 m) high. After heavy rains, contaminated water flows from

111-470: A liner and with no leachate control mechanisms, so rainfall percolating through the solid waste has caused the release of elevated levels of ammonia and other contaminants into the underlying groundwater and discharges into adjacent surface water. The remainder of the Munisport site beyond the landfill area, unfortunately, lies below the mean high water line, further increasing risk. Both inside and outside

148-529: A manufacturer of Ginger Jake added Lindol—a compound that consisted mainly of TOCP—to their product. The exact reason for why TOCP was found in Ginger Jake is disputed; one source claims it was to further extract the Jamaica root, another source claims it was to water the drink down, and yet another source claims it was a result of contamination from lubricating oils. Binges of Ginger Jake resulted in what

185-673: A significant health risk, including viral samples and used hypodermic needles . In Unicode , the biohazard symbol is U+2623 ( ☣ ). Biohazardous safety issues are identified with specified labels, signs and paragraphs established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Today, ANSI Z535 standards for biohazards are used worldwide and should always be used appropriately within ANSI Z535 Hazardous Communications (HazCom) signage, labeling and paragraphs. The goal

222-499: A substance harmful to other living beings. The term and its associated symbol are generally used as a warning, so that those potentially exposed to the substances will know to take precautions. The biohazard symbol was developed in 1966 by Charles Baldwin, an environmental-health engineer working for the Dow Chemical Company on their containment products. It is used in the labeling of biological materials that carry

259-497: Is a mixture of three isomeric organophosphate compounds most notably used as a flame retardant . Other uses include as a plasticizer in manufacturing for lacquers and varnishes and vinyl plastics and as an antiwear additive in lubricants. Pure tricresyl phosphate is a colourless, viscous liquid, although commercial samples are typically yellow. It is virtually insoluble in water, but easily soluble in organic solvents like toluene , hexane , and diethyl ether among others. It

296-491: Is also of concern. The ortho-isomer is rarely used on its own outside of laboratory studies that require isomeric purity, due to its extremely toxic nature, and is generally excluded from commercial products where TCP is involved. The most dangerous isomers are considered to be those containing ortho isomers, such as tri- ortho -cresyl phosphate, TOCP. The World Health Organization stated in 1990 that "Because of considerable variation among individuals in sensitivity to TOCP, it

333-416: Is mainly excreted through urine and feces, it is partially metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome P450 system. Pathways include hydroxylation at one or more methyl groups, dearylation (removal of a o-cresyl group) and conversion of the hydroxymethyl groups to an aldehyde or a carboxylic acid . The first step results in a saligenin cyclic o-tolyl phosphate ( SCOTP ) intermediate , a neurotoxin . To

370-407: Is not irritating to the gastric mucous membranes. When creosote is combined with phosphoric acid the metabolic action produced is much more marked, and Phosote can be tolerated in larger doses and for a longer continuance than Creosote or Guaiacol. Dose of the preparation, one to two grammes three times a day. The greatest mass poisoning by TOCP occurred in 1930 when it was added as an adulterant to

407-488: Is not possible to establish a safe level of exposure" and "TOCP are therefore considered major hazards to human health." Therefore, strenuous efforts have been made to reduce the content of the ortho isomers in commercial TCP if there is a risk of human exposure. However, researchers at the University of Washington found that non- ortho TCP isomers present in synthetic jet engine oils do inhibit certain enzymes. TCP

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444-540: Is the name given to the alleged ill effects (with symptoms including memory loss , depression and schizophrenia ) caused by exposure to engine chemicals. However, industry-funded studies in the UK discussed in 1999–2000 did not find a link between TCP and long-term health problems. In studies on slow lorises ( Nyticebus coucang coucang ), numerous chronic effects observed from topical applications. Mammalian placental development were also negatively affected. Although TOCP

481-490: Is to help workers rapidly identify the severity of a biohazard from a distance and through colour and design standardization. Biological hazard symbol design: DANGER is used to identify a biohazard that will cause death. WARNING is used to identify a biohazard that may cause death. CAUTION is used to identify a biohazard that will cause injury, but not death. NOTICE is used to identify a non-injury biohazard message (e.g. hygiene, cleanup or general lab policies). OSHA requires

518-506: The Munisport Landfill site, we searched the 1987, 1988, and 1989 EPA Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) database. The report stated that the dumping of 2,600 pounds (1,200 kg) of styrene in 1989, and 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) in 198, occurred by just one boatyard. Governmental regulatory agencies at that time indicated that the extent of contaminants on the entire property remained unknown. The report indicated that it

555-425: The abortion-inducing (abortifacient) drug apiol . This drug, formed by the phenylpropanoid compound extracted from parsley leaves, was exploited throughout history—and even known to Hippocrates —as an agent to terminate pregnancies. The contamination of the modern drug in 1932 was not accidental, but rather included as an "additional stimulus." Those who took the pill experienced comas, convulsions, paralysis of

592-468: The dump, flooding and contaminating the area. When the EPA originally released its evaluation and report on the Munisport superfund site, it stated that the land should never be developed and that an impermeable "cap" should be placed on the area so that toxic chemicals could not potentially leak into the air, water and soil, as the impact on human and aquatic health were unknown. The original EPA evaluation of

629-626: The dump. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials never detected dangerous levels of those in the landfill and concentrated their efforts on the mangrove preserve south of the site, where the chief concern was the seepage of ammonia, created naturally as organic debris decomposes. The 1992 Consent Decree between the City of North Miami and the United States redefined and shrank the National Priorities List boundaries of

666-500: The early 1990s Highland Park residents expressed concerns that contaminated soil and water at Munisport has exposed adjacent Highland Village mobile home park, population est. 1,500, by stormwater run-off and contaminated airborne pollution (by dust). In addition, Highland Park residents expressed concerns that children have been directly exposed when trespassing on the site. There was a 1990 landfill fire that residents believe could have caused additional toxic exposure, although air sampling

703-423: The enzyme in nerve synapses can be lethal. The enzyme plays a tantamount role in terminating nerve impulse transmission "by hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine." Upon inactivation, acetylcholine can no longer be broken down in the body and results in uncontrollable muscle spasms, paralyzed breathing ( bradycardia ), convulsions, and/or death. Luckily, TOCP is considered a weak AChE inhibitor. In humans,

740-584: The first symptoms are weakness/paralysis of the hands and feet on both sides of the body due to damage to the peripheral nervous system ( polyneuropathy ) and a sensation of pins-and-needles ( paresthesia ). Onset typically occurs between 3–28 days from initial exposure. If ingested, this can be preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rates of metabolism vary by species and by individual; some people developed severe polyneuropathy after ingesting 0.15g of TOCP, whereas others have been reported asymptomatic after 1-2g. Though death

777-573: The formation of SCOTP, the interactions between TOCP and two different human cytochrome P450 complexes (1A2 and 3A4) can further produce 2-( ortho -cresyl)-4 H -1,2,3-benzodioxaphosphoran-2-one ( CBDP ). This metabolite can bind to butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and/or acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Binding to BuChE results in no adverse effects, for its typical role is to covalently bind to organophosphate poisons and detoxify them by inactivation. The dangers in metabolizing TOCP to CBDP occur when its potential to bind to AChE become imminent, for inactivation of

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814-441: The lower body (paraplegia) and often death. Apiol was subsequently criticized by doctors, journalists, and activists until it was discontinued, citing that the dangers were too great and the number of poisonings was likely higher than accounted for. Other mass poisonings include: TCP is used as an additive in turbine engine oil and can potentially contaminate an airliner cabin via a bleed air " fume event ". Aerotoxic syndrome

851-578: The para- and meta- isomers of TCP due to the lack of neurotoxic potential within these isomers. The earliest known mass poisoning event by TOCP occurred in 1899 when six French hospital patients were given a phosphocresote cough mixture containing the organophosphate compound. Pharmacist Jules Brissonet had synthesized this compound in the hopes of treating tuberculosis , but soon after administration all six patients developed polyneuropathy . The original paper described this phosphocresote to be: A bland, limpid liquid, nearly tasteless and odourless, which

888-688: The popular drink Jamaica ginger , also known as Ginger Jake, during the United States Prohibition era, when all alcoholic drinks had been outlawed by the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution . Jake was listed as a cure for "assorted ailments" in the U.S. Pharmocopoeia and thus easy to obtain; as it had a high alcohol content it was used as a way to obtain alcohol legally. Up to 100,000 people were poisoned and 5,000 paralyzed when

925-585: The rest of the site by the State of Florida mangrove preserve The Munisport Landfill is located about 2,000 feet (610 m) from Biscayne Bay. Natural soils in the landfill area had been removed prior to dumping, increasing the risk of pollution seepage, especially into the Biscayne Aquifer , a primary source for drinking water in South Florida. The solid waste was disposed of without the use of

962-428: The right, the first step of TOCP metabolism is depicted by means of chemical structures. This intermediate is able to inhibit neuropathy target esterase ( NTE ) and results in the classic organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy ( OPIDN ). In tandem, TOCP exerts physical damage by causing axon al destruction and myelin disintegration within specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses ( neurons ). In addition to

999-402: The site (10 cover soil samples from 170 acres (0.69 km); 1 sample every 17 acres) is inadequate to fully characterize the extent of contamination. The fill material has not been sampled. Additional chemicals may be discovered and the concentrations of chemicals previously detected in the cover soil may be higher. To identify industrial facilities that could contribute to the contamination near

1036-409: The site stated that the onsite samples originally tested contained di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, dieldrin, pentachlorophenol, and PCBs. Other samples contained lead, cadmium and ammonia. The ASTDR Public Health report stated: Because the number of soil/fill samples is limited, we cannot determine the extent of contamination in the landfill portion of the site. Cover soil sampling on the landfill portion of

1073-436: The site to a 30-acre (120,000 m) site is in wetlands to the east, away from the actual dump. In 2011, Munisport was designated by the EPA as a site ready for use and redevelopment. Location: North Miami, Florida Congressional District: 22 City of North Miami, Florida. Brownfield . Munisport is about 2,000 feet (610 m) northwest of Biscayne Bay. Munisport is bordered on the north by Northeast 151st Street., on

1110-546: The south by N.E. 135th Street on the east by Florida International University, and on the west by Biscayne Blvd. Munisport Landfill comprises some 291 acres (1.18 km), containing 6.2 million cubic yards (4.7 × 10 ^  m) of municipal, biohazardous, and industrial waste. It is a registered Superfund site. There are 4 areas: a 170-acre (0.69 km) landfill, 15 acres (61,000 m) of uplands, 93 acres (380,000 m) of altered wetlands, and 13 acres (53,000 m) adjacent to Biscayne Bay that are separated from

1147-979: The use of proper ANSI HazCom where applicable in American workplaces. States and local governments also use these standards as codes and laws within their own jurisdictions. Proper use of ANSI Z535 signs, labels and paragraphs are written into many of OSHA's standards for HazCom and crafted to integrate with ISO symbols. Reference ANSI Z535 for a complete description on how to use DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTICE signs, labels or paragraphs. Biohazardous agents are classified for transportation by UN number : The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes various diseases in levels of biohazard, Level 1 being minimum risk and Level 4 being extreme risk. Laboratories and other facilities are categorized as BSL ( Biosafety Level ) 1–4 or as P1 through P4 for short (Pathogen or Protection Level). Tricresyl phosphate Tricresyl phosphate ( TCP ),

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1184-437: Was backfilled with solid waste consisting, among other things, of solid waste consisting of trash and municipal garbage. Among the non-permitted dumping discovered and documented were 12 drums containing tricresyl phosphate , ethylcyanoacetate , and acetate . "Small amounts" of hospital waste were found on the site. The contamination in soil, sediments, surface water, and groundwater sampled and documented include: In

1221-498: Was known to be a "Jake walk", in which patients experienced a highly irregular gait caused by numbness in the legs, followed by eventual paralysis of the wrists and feet. In medical journals it was described to have produced an organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) neurodegenerative syndrome, "characterized by distal axonal lesions, ataxia, and neuronal degeneration in the spinal cord and peripheral nervous systems." In 1932, 60 European women experienced TOCP poisoning due to

1258-469: Was necessary to go down more than two feet (0.61 m) below ground (soil had only been tested superficially at 1-inch [25 mm] deep) to know what was really brewing beneath the surface. There is no evidence that this was ever done. The Public Health Assessment concluded: "Inhalation of contaminated dust is a past and future air exposure pathway. Contaminated soils and fill material are sources of contaminated dust." The Western portion of Munisport Dump

1295-458: Was not done in time. The following are documented complaints from Highland Village Residents after dumping began at Munisport Landfill: Biohazard A biological hazard , or biohazard , is a biological substance that poses a threat (or is a hazard ) to the health of living organisms , primarily humans. This could include a sample of a microorganism , virus or toxin that can adversely affect human health . A biohazard could also be

1332-406: Was synthesized by Alexander Williamson in 1854 upon reacting phosphorus pentachloride with cresol (a mixture of para-, ortho-, and meta- isomers of methylphenol), though today's manufacturers can prepare TCP by mixing cresol with phosphorus oxychloride or phosphoric acid as well. TCP, especially the all-ortho isomer, is the causative agent in a number of acute poisonings. Its chronic toxicity

1369-558: Was the source of a 1977 epidemic of acute polyneuropathy in Sri Lanka where 20 Tamil girls were poisoned by TCP-contaminated gingili oil . It is a toxic substance that causes neuropathy , paralysis in the hands and feet, and/or death for humans and animals alike. It can be ingested, inhaled, or even absorbed through the skin. Its ortho-isomer is notoriously known as a source of several delayed neurotoxic outbreaks across recent history. Contemporary commercial products typically contain only

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