Article fails to mention health and environmental effects of contaminants.

A New York Times article takes a near-sighted focus when explaining that former auto manufacturing sites – including a designated Superfund site abandoned by General Motors – are on the list to receive significant funds from an auto industry bankruptcy settlement. Reporter Nick Bunkly fails to inform the readers about the health and environmental risks that are driving the cleanup efforts of these areas.

In an article full of money specifics, there is only a single mention of contaminants and no description of why "aggressive environmental cleanup" is required. The polluted sites have serious environmental contamination, including chemicals that are probable human cancer-causing agents.

A big missing piece is information on the known and suspected chemicals at the sites. Only polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are mentioned and only in reference to one site. The numerous health and environmental concerns related to PCBs – and indeed, all of the other contaminants – are neglected.

PCBs are used in numerous industrial applications and have been banned since the 1970s. They do not easily break down in the environment, and any site contaminated with PCBs can continue to release them into the environment through leaks or burning of waste.

PCBs are probable human carcinogens based on a multitude of studies in animal models.  Some studies of human workers exposed to PCBs have shown an increased risk for certain types of liver cancer and malignant melanoma (skin cancer). PCBs also have effects on the immune, reproductive, endocrine and nervous systems.

To fully understand the extent of the problems surrounding large, legacy sites, a more rounded picture is needed, including the human health risks associated with long-term environmental exposures to the pollutants.