 The sites surrounded rivers and lakes, making the water quality toxic for human consumption and recreation.Toxicology studies revealed high and dangerous levels of lead, mercury, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and xylene.Residents were exposed to hazardous fumes from nearby factories and asbestos in construction material for tile and insulation.