On February 24, the McHenry County Health Department has cited a Richmond, VA-based dentist and his father for the improper disposal of chemicals and other waste materials, according to an article in the Northwest Herald.
The citation alleges that David Domenella, DDS, and his father, Otello, violated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations when 32 gallons of previously used x-ray developer solution were discovered at Otello's farm near Harvard, IL, on February 11, the Herald reported.
The men have 45 days from the date of the citation to test the chemical waste for silver content and submit a report gauging how hazardous it is, as well as a plan for its removal. If it is determined to be hazardous, or more than 5 parts per million -- the maximum safe concentration for silver in solid waste -- the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will take over supervision of the matter, according to the article.
Edie Sehr, a former employee of Dr. Domenella's, claimed that she had developed hypothyroidism from long-term exposure to the x-ray solution, which prompted the health department's investigation.
In an interview with the Northwest Herald, a dentist who is a member of the McHenry County Dental Society disputed Sehr's claims and said that Dr. Domenella did not violate any guidelines.
Otella told officials that he was unaware of the waste stored in his barn, the article noted. Dr. Domenella contends that he has done nothing wrong by storing the material at his father's farm over a 25-year period, it added.
