Do Large-Scale Remedial and Dredging Events Have the Potential to Release Significant Amounts of Semivolatile Compounds to the Atmosphere?

Laboratory studies suggest that substantial amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls are rapidly volatilized from wet contaminated solids during water evaporation. If significant losses also occur during field activities, potential analytical, global, and health implications should be considered in the design and monitoring of remedial actions and the handling of contaminated solids.