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PubMed2004

An overview of data integration methods for regional assessment.

The U.S. Environmental Protections Agency's (U.S. EPA) Regional Vulnerability Assessment(ReVA) program has focused much of its research over the last five years on developing and evaluating integration methods for spatial data. An initial strategic priority was to use existing data from monitoring programs, model results, and other spatial data. Because most of these data were not collected with an intention of integrating into a regional assessment of conditions and vulnerabilities, issues exist that may preclude the use of some methods or require some sort of data preparation. Additionally, to support multi-criteria decision-making, methods need to be able to address a series of assessment questions that provide insights into where environmental risks are a priority. This paper provides an overview of twelve spatial integration methods that can be applied towards regional assessment, along with preliminary results as to how sensitive each method is to data issues that will likely be encountered with the use of existing data.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The Genetic Activity Profile database.

A graphic approach termed a Genetic Activity Profile (GAP) has been developed to display a matrix of data on the genetic and related effects of selected chemical agents. The profiles provide a visual overview of the quantitative (doses) and qualitative (test results) data for each chemical. Either the lowest effective dose (LED) or highest ineffective dose (HID) is recorded for each agent and bioassay. Up to 200 different test systems are represented across the GAP. Bioassay systems are organized according to the phylogeny of the test organisms and the end points of genetic activity. The methodology for the production and evaluation of GAPs has been developed in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Data on individual chemicals have been compiled by IARC and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Data are available on 299 compounds selected from volumes 1-50 of the IARC Monographs and on 115 compounds identified as Superfund Priority Substances. Software to display the GAPs on an IBM-compatible personal computer is available from the authors. Structurally similar compounds frequently display qualitatively and quantitatively similar GAPs. By examining the patterns of GAPs of pairs and groups of chemicals, it is possible to make more informed decisions regarding the selection of test batteries to be used in evaluating chemical analogs. GAPs have provided useful data for the development of weight-of-evidence hazard ranking schemes. Also, some knowledge of the potential genetic activity of complex environmental mixtures may be gained from assessing the GAPs of component chemicals. The fundamental techniques and computer programs devised for the GAP database may be used to develop similar databases in other disciplines.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Development of the revised drinking water standard for chromium.

Comprehensive regulations are being developed to limit human exposure to contamination in drinking water by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). These regulations are being developed in several phases and include synthetic organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, microbiological contaminants and radionuclides. This paper addresses the fundamental concepts and approaches used by EPA in setting drinking water regulations and how EPA is using these concepts to revise the drinking water standard for chromium.

Carcinogens↗
PubMed2001

Identifying sources of stress to native aquatic fauna using a watershed ecological risk assessment framework.

The free-flowing Clinch and Powell River Basin, located in southwestern Virginia, United States, historically had one of the richest assemblages of native fish and freshwater mussels in the world. Nearly half of the species once residing here are now extinct, threatened, or endangered. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's framework for conducting an ecological risk assessment was used to structure a watershed-scale analysis of human land use, in-stream habitat quality, and their relationship to native fish and mussel populations in order to develop future management strategies and prioritize areas in need of enhanced protection. Our analyses indicate that agricultural and urban land uses as well as proximity to mining activities and transportation corridors are inversely related to fish index of biotic integrity (IBI) and mussel species diversity. Forward stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that coal mining had the most impact on fish IBI followed by percent cropland and urban area in the riparian corridor (R2 = 0.55, p = 0.02); however, these analyses suggest that other site-specific factors are important. Habitat quality measures accounted for as much as approximately half of the variability in fish IBI values if the analysis was limited to sites within a relatively narrow elevation range. These results, in addition to other data collected in this watershed, suggest that nonhabitat-related stressors (e.g., accidental chemical spills) also have significant effects on biota in this basin. The number of co-occurring human land uses was inversely related to fish IBI (r = -0.49, p < 0.01). Sites with > or = 2 co-occurring land uses had >90% probability of having <2 mussel species present. Our findings predict that many mussel concentration sites are vulnerable to future extirpation. In addition, our results suggest that protection and enhancement of naturally vegetated riparian corridors, better controls of mine effluents and urban runoff, and increased safeguards against accidental chemical spills, as well as reintroduction or augmentation of threatened and endangered species, may help sustain native fish and mussel populations in this watershed.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2002

QSARs for identifying and prioritizing substances with persistence and bioconcentration potential.

From the 8511 chemicals with 1998 production volumes reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the TSCA Interagency Testing Committee's (ITC's) Degradation Effects Bioconcentration Information Testing Strategies (DEBITS) was used to identify 56 chemicals. The DEBITS Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs) and the U.S. EPA's PBT profiler QSARs were used to predict the persistence and bioconcentration factors of these 56 chemicals. Partial order ranking was used to prioritise the chemicals based on persistence and bioconcentration potential.

Biological Availability↗
PubMed1999

Sites in the United States contaminated with radioactivity.

Over the century that radioactive materials have been mined, processed, produced, and utilized, many sites across the United States have become contaminated. Such sites include bases and installations of the Department of Defense, weapons production and research facilities of the Department of Energy, properties under the authority of other Federal agencies, privately-owned and governmental facilities that are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and its Agreement States, and sites licensed by or the responsibility of states. This review reports on aspects of work by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and others to identify sites contaminated with radioactive materials. It also describes the principal programs that have been instituted to deal with them.

Government Agencies↗
PubMed2005

Molecular forensic profiling of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in raw water.

The emerging concept of host specificity of Cryptosporidium spp. was exploited to characterize sources of fecal contamination in a watershed. A method of molecular forensic profiling of Cryptosporidium oocysts on microscope slides prepared from raw water samples processed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 1623 was developed. The method was based on a repetitive nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism-DNA sequencing approach that permitted the resolution of multiple species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium in a single water sample.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

An overview of a multimedia benchmarking analysis for three risk assessment models: RESRAD, MMSOILS, and MEPAS.

Multimedia modelers from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) collaborated to conduct a detailed and quantitative benchmarking analysis of three multimedia models. The three models--RESRAD (DOE), MMSOILS (EPA), and MEPAS (DOE)--represent analytically-based tools that are used by the respective agencies for performing human exposure and health risk assessments. The study is performed by individuals who participate directly in the ongoing design, development, and application of the models. Model form and function are compared by applying the models to a series of hypothetical problems, first isolating individual modules (e.g., atmospheric, surface water, groundwater) and then simulating multimedia-based risk resulting from contaminant release from a single source to multiple environmental media. Study results show that the models differ with respect to environmental processes included (i.e., model features) and the mathematical formulation and assumptions related to the implementation of solutions. Depending on the application, numerical estimates resulting from the models may vary over several orders-of-magnitude. On the other hand, two or more differences may offset each other such that model predictions are virtually equal. The conclusion from these results is that multimedia models are complex due to the integration of the many components of a risk assessment and this complexity must be fully appreciated during each step of the modeling process (i.e., model selection, problem conceptualization, model application, and interpretation of results).

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perspectives on air quality policy issues in Europe and North America.

This article presents an overview of progress and future directions in air quality management in Europe, the United States, and Canada. The article describes the role of the European Commission, the Clean Air for Europe program, and the World Health Organization (WHO) in devising policies to reduce health risks due to air pollution in Europe. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for particulate matter (PM), air quality monitoring programs, and research efforts to support air quality management strategies are discussed. The unique aspects of air quality management in Canada are identified, including the need for a better understanding of the true burden of health effects and improved communication strategies to inform the public and stakeholders.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1992

The Sporicidin recall.

Sporicidin products have been recalled by a joint action of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). HHMM emphasizes that other glutaraldehyde-based cold sterilant products are still acceptable for use. An FDA spokesperson could not offer a reason why Sporicidin products failed the Association of Official Analytical Chemists test protocol for sterilants (see HHMM July 1990; 3[10]:1). The official press release issued by FDA is reprinted below in its entirety.

Disinfectants↗
PubMed2002

Identification of alternatives for the management of foliar nematodes in floriculture.

The foliar nematodes, Aphelenchoides spp, have emerged as important pests of ornamentals in North America during the last decade. Due to the ban on the use of potentially toxic pesticides, there are currently no nematicides registered to manage foliar nematodes on ornamentals. Therefore, we have evaluated a biological [Burkholderia cepacia (syn Pseudomonas cepacia)], two plant products [clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extract and Nimbecidine (azadirachtin)] and twelve chemical pesticides registered for the management of insects, mites, slugs or diseases of ornamentals, against Aphelenchoides fragariae on the most popular ornamental, hosta (Hosta spp), for two consecutive years. We found ZeroTol (270 g liter-1 peroxyacetic acid), currently labeled as a broad-spectrum fungicide/algicide, to be a very potent nematicide that killed 100% of the nematodes in water suspension. It also caused over 70% reduction in A fragariae population in soil and in the leaves without any phytotoxicity. B cepacia caused 67-85% reduction in A fragariae population in leaves and 50% reduction in the soil whereas insecticidal soap caused over 72% reduction in leaves and 61% reduction in the soil. Clove extract and Nimbecidine did not show any potential for the control of A fragariae on hosta. Although all twelve chemical pesticides were effective in reducing the population of A fragariae in the soil 45 days after treatment (DAT), only diazinon 475 g liter-1 EC, trichlorfon 800 g kg-1 SP, ethoprophos 100 g kg-1 GR, oxamyl 100 g kg-1 GR and ZeroTol caused over 70% reduction in nematode population compared with the control. In the leaves, only diazinon EC, trichlorfon SP, insecticidal soap, oxamyl GR and ZeroTol consistently caused over 70% nematode population reduction compared with the control at 45 DAT in both years. Thus, only diazinon EC, trichlorfon SP, oxamyl GR and ZeroTol consistently caused over 70% reduction in nematode population both in soil and leaves. Due to the recent ban by the US Environmental Protection Agency on the use of the first three of these formulations, only ZeroTol would serve as an effective tool to manage foliar nematodes in ornamentals. Although not as effective as ZeroTol in the soil, insecticidal soap is the only other alternative for foliar nematode management.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1993

The U.S. EPA Geographic Information System for mapping environmental releases of Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals.

This study characterizes the environmental releases of toxic chemicals of the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) in the southeastern United States by using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Geographic Information System (GIS) to map them. These maps show that the largest quantities of TRI releases in the Southeast are usually near densely populated areas. This GIS mapping approach takes the first steps in defining those areas in the region which may be potential exposure zones and which could be strategic targets for future risk screening efforts in this geographic area.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Infectious medical wastes. Council on Scientific Affairs.

A number of recent incidents involving improper handling and disposal of hospital waste have prompted the demand for more stringent legislation to cover the management of infectious hospital waste. Resolution 53 (December 1987 Interim Meeting) called for the American Medical Association to promote the passage of federal legislation for the proper disposal of infectious hospital waste. This resolution has prompted a Council on Scientific Affairs report on the current status of infectious hospital waste management and of state and federal regulations to control such waste. The Council has concluded that existing federal and state regulations for the management of hazardous waste--in conjunction with the accreditation program of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control, if adhered to and properly enforced--should be adequate to ensure that the public and environment are not endangered. Therefore, the Council does not favor additional federal legislation at this time and recommends that this report be accepted in lieu of Resolution 53.

American Medical Association↗
PubMed1995

A compilation of Good Laboratory Practice questions and (where to get the) answers.

Since the inception of the Food and Drug Administration's Good Laboratory Practice Regulations and Environmental Protection Agency's Good Laboratory Practice Standards, many "questions and answer" documents have been produced. Our purpose in this presentation is to pull together some of these reference documents and provide a cross-reference index to sort through the many topics and questions. The combined reference resource and index provide the quality assurance professional a useful Good Laboratory Practice information tool.

Facility Regulation and Control↗
PubMed1998

Synthetic risks, risk potency, and carcinogen regulation.

This article analyzes a comprehensive sample of over 350 chemicals tested for carcinogenicity to assess the determinants of the probability of regulation. Controlling for differences in the risk potency and noncancer risks, synthetic chemicals have a significantly higher probability of regulation overall: this is due to the greater likelihood of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation. Measures of risk potency increase the probability of regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have a somewhat weaker positive effect on regulation by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and decrease the likelihood of regulation by the FDA. The overall regulatory pattern is one in which the FDA targets synthetic chemicals and chemicals that pose relatively minor cancer risk. The EPA particularly performed more sensibly than many critics have suggested.

Carcinogens↗
PubMed2004

Validating sample preservation techniques and holding times for the approved compliance monitoring methods for haloacetic acids under the US EPA's stage 1 D/DBP rule.

Haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are formed during the disinfection of drinking waters with chlorine, are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Stage 1 Disinfectant/Disinfection Byproducts (D/DBP) Rule. Recently, three studies have been reported indicating that low concentrations of HAAs can also be formed during disinfection with chloramines. Methods currently approved for compliance monitoring under the Stage 1 Rule arrest the chlorine-mediated formation of HAAs by adding ammonium chloride, which forms chloramines. Studies were undertaken using an in-process water that favored the formation of HAAs with moderate total organic carbon concentration and high levels of chlorine to investigate the potential formation of HAAs under sample storage conditions. The ammonium chloride-quenched sample did form a small amount of HAAs, but total formation over a period equal to the 14-day sample storage time was less than 2 microg/l, whereas the unquenched samples increased 41 microg/l during the same period. Pour plate studies indicated that chlorinated drinking waters quenched with ammonium chloride are protected from microbial growth, which is an important additional advantage to this preservation scheme. The presence of a combined chlorine residual should prevent microbial degradation of HAAs in samples. These studies support the preservation protocols and the sample storage times promulgated for compliance monitoring under the Stage 1 D/DBP Rule.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed1984

Evaluating the use of occupational standards for controlling toxic air pollutants.

Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established air standards for relatively few chemicals. As a result, state agencies are faced with controlling air contaminants for a large number of chemicals posing potential public health threats. Use of occupational standards as a basis for deriving ambient air guidelines is a method used by states to control air toxics. This standard development approach is reviewed by considering the differences in the health basis and numerical values which often occur among the occupational standards set by OSHA, NIOSH and ACGIH. This study indicated that careful selection should be made of the most appropriate occupational standard to use to protect public health. A comparison is made of chemicals regulated by various state air toxic programs using occupational standards lowered by a safety factor to concentrations established by the U.S. EPA. It was found that the air guidelines vary, but the degree of stringency can be comparable.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2007

Survey of dioxin-like compounds in dairy feeds in the United States.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has completed a survey of dioxin-like compounds (including 17 dioxin and furan (CDD/F) congeners and 12 coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) congeners) in dairy feeds from 10 dairy research facilities around the United States, sampling the overall mixtures and the major and minor feed components. Low levels of dioxin were found in all feed mixtures with an average concentration of 0.05 pg/g (ppt) toxic equivalent (TEQ) dry weight. This is lower than previously found in dairy feeds by about a factor of 4. While it is possible that generally lower levels of dioxins in the environment in recent years may explain this result, examinations of the data suggest that the oven drying used to prepare the wet feed samples could have resulted in a loss of dioxins from the feed materials. The percentage of the total TEQ due to CDD/Fs was about four times that of PCBs. Leafy vegetations in the feed (the silages and the hays) had concentrations about twice as high as nonleafy, protected vegetation of the feeds (the ground or meal corn, cottonseed, and others). Minor components did not significantly influence the final feed mixture concentration of dioxin TEQ. However, in one of the feed mixtures, a minor component with a high concentration of 38.5 ppt TEQ effectively doubled the concentration of the overall feed mixture.

Animal Feed↗