Nature, extent, and impact of Superfund hazardous waste sites

Uncontrolled hazardous waste sites are major environmental and public health concerns in the United States and elsewhere. The identification and remediation of and public health responses to these sites are mandated by the U.S. federal Superfund statute. Since its enactment into law in 1980, approximately 40,000 uncontrolled waste sites have been identified in the United States. Approximately 1,300 of these sites constitute the current national Superfund priority list of sites for remediation. Results from analyses are described that characterize the priority hazardous substances released from Superfund sites and the extent of hazard posed to residential communities. Findings from the United States' experience in responding to uncontrolled waste sites are relevant to other countries as they address similar environmental and public health concerns.