EPA-600/1-78-022
March 1978
Environmental Health Effects Research Series
/
V \
* »*»* 1**J' f t« *°£ '
,/r^it£r;^f f : : ^
f H5?0y %. l*vfc;*>f
l-Mi:^^tlVtt:J
-------
RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS RE-
SEARCH series. This series describes projects and studies relating to the toler-
ances of man for unhealthful substances or conditions. This work is generally
assessed from a medical viewpoint, including physiological or psychological
studies. In addition to toxicology and other medical specialities, study areas in-
clude biomedical instrumentation and health research techniques utilizing ani-
mals — but always with intended application to human health measures.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service. Springfield, Virginia 22161.
-------
EPA-600/1-78-022
March 1978
PLAN FOR A NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIMEN BANK
By
George M. Goldstein
Clinical Studies Division
Health Effects Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
Prepared for
The National Science Foundation
Washington, D.C. 20550
HEALTH EFFECTS RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. 27711
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Health Effects Research
Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for
publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does
not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
n
-------
FOREWORD
The many benefits of our modern, developing, industrial society are
accompanied by certain hazards. Careful assessment of the relative risk of
existing and new man-made environmental hazards is necessary for the estab-
lishment of sound regulatory policy. These regulations serve to enhance
the quality of our environment in order to promote the public health and
welfare and the productive capacity of our Nation's population.
The Health Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park,
conducts a coordinated environmental health research program in toxicology,
epidemiology, and clinical studies using human volunteer subjects. These
studies address problems in air pollution, non-ionizing radiation, environ-
mental carcinogenesis and the toxicology of pesticides as well as other
chemical pollutants. The Laboratory develops and revises air quality
criteria documents on pollutants for which national ambient air quality
standards exist or are proposed, provides the data for registration of new
pesticides or proposed suspension of those already in use, conducts research
on hazardous and toxic materials, and is preparing the health basis for
non-ionizing radiation standards. Direct support to the regulatory function
of the Agency is provided in the form of expert testimony and preparation
of affidavits as well as expert advice to the Administrator to assure the
adequacy of health care and surveillance of persons having suffered imminent
and substantial endangerment of their health.
This report documents one aspect of an International effort, supported
by EPA, to provide a comprehensive environmental monitoring program to
assess the relative risk of environmental hazard to the health and well-
being of our population and to aid in the improvement of our environmental
quality. This program, the National Environmental Specimen Bank, will
serve as an environmental warning system by providing real time chemical
analysis of collected specimens. In addition, this system would permit
the use of tomorrow's more sensitive and more specific methods of chemical
analysis on stored samples. The advantages of such a program will
permit us to assess the effectiveness of our present environmental
control techniques by monitoring pollutant trends, as well as establishing
environmental baseline levels of new pollutants or pollutants of current
concern not previously investigated.
John H. Knelson, M.D.
Director,
Health Effects Research Laboratory
iii
-------
ABSTRACT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been concerned about
the potential dangers to human health and the environment from the ever in-
creasing influx of new man-made substances into our ecosystem. Since 1974,
the EPA has been actively engaged in studying the feasibility of establishing
a program, The National Environmental Specimen Bank System (NESBS), that
would provide a formalized, systematic approach to assess the environmental
impact of these substances at a national, as well as international level.
The NESBS would provide real time monitoring, assessing the adequacy of pre-
sent pollutant control techniques, as well as providing samples for retro-
spective analyses.
With the realization that the NESBS is a viable concept, both from the
standpoint of need and by the availability of present technology, it must
be decided if such a system is in fact, feasible to establish and maintain
under actual operating conditions. It is proposed, therefore, that a five-
year pilot bank program be initiated. During this time, a limited number of
samples should be collected, analyzed, and stored in a central facility. The
pilot bank program should focus on validating credible collection, storage,
and analytical data.
The functioning NESBS should provide future generations with an impor-
tant resource for evaluating their current environmental status.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of NSF Grant ENV74-19000 A01 by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the partial sponsorship of the
National Science Foundation, the National Bureau of Standards and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers the period June, 1974
through May, 1977.
iv
-------
FOREWORD
The many benefits of our modern, developing, industrial society are
accompanied by certain hazards. Careful assessment of the relative risk of
existing and new man-made environmental hazards is necessary for the estab-
lishment of sound regulatory policy. These regulations serve to enhance
the quality of our environment in order to promote the public health and
welfare and the productive capacity of our Nation's population.
The Health Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park,
conducts a coordinated environmental health research program in toxicology,
epidemiology, and clinical studies using human volunteer subjects. These
studies address problems in air pollution, non-ionizing radiation, environ-
mental carcinogenesis and the toxicology of pesticides as well as other
chemical pollutants. The Laboratory develops and revises air quality
criteria documents on pollutants for which national ambient air quality
standards exist or are proposed, provides the data for registration of new
pesticides or proposed suspension of those already in use, conducts research
on hazardous and toxic materials, and is preparing the health basis for
non-ionizing radiation standards. Direct support to the regulatory function
of the Agency is provided in the form of expert testimony and preparation
of affidavits as well as expert advice to the Administrator to assure the
adequacy of health care and surveillance of persons having suffered imminent
and substantial endangerment of their health.
This report documents one aspect of an International effort, supported
by EPA, to provide a comprehensive environmental monitoring program to
assess the relative risk of environmental hazard to the health and well-
being of our population and to aid in the improvement of our environmental
quality. This program, the National Environmental Specimen Bank, will
serve as an environmental warning system by providing real time chemical
analysis of collected specimens. In addition, this system would permit
the use of tomorrow's more sensitive and more specific methods of chemical
analysis on stored samples. The advantages of such a program will
permit us to assess the effectiveness of our present environmental
control techniques by monitoring pollutant trends, as well as establishing
environmental baseline levels of new pollutants or pollutants of current
concern not previously investigated.
John H. Knelson, M.D.
Director,
Health Effects Research Laboratory
i i i
-------
ABSTRACT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been concerned about
the potential dangers to human health and the environment from the ever in-
creasing influx of new man-made substances into our ecosystem. Since 1974,
the EPA has been actively engaged in studying the feasibility of establishing
a program, The National Environmental Specimen Bank System (NESBS), that
would provide a formalized, systematic approach to assess the environmental
impact of these substances at a national, as well as international level.
The NESBS would provide real time monitoring, assessing the adequacy of pre-
sent pollutant control techniques, as well as providing samples for retro-
spective analyses.
With the realization that the NESBS is a viable concept, both from the
standpoint of need and by the availability of present technology, it must
be decided if such a system is in fact, feasible to establish and maintain
under actual operating conditions. It is proposed, therefore, that a five-
year pilot bank program be initiated. During this time, a limited number of
samples should be collected, analyzed, and stored in a central facility. The
pilot bank program should focus on validating credible collection, storage,
and analytical data.
The functioning NESBS should provide future generations with an impor-
tant resource for evaluating their current environmental status.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of NSF Grant ENV74-19000 A01 by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the partial sponsorship of the
National Science Foundation, the National Bureau of Standards and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers the period June, 1974
through May, 1977.
iv
-------
CONTENTS
FOREWORD 111
ABSTRACT 1v
FIGURES
1. NESB PILOT BANK 19
2. PILOT BANK SAMPLES 21
I. CONCEPTS 1
II, HISTORY 3
III. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 17
IV. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS 23
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 25
BIBLIOGRAPHY 26
-------
I. CONCEPTS
Chemicals are an important part of our daily lives. Like many things,
however, chemicals have both good and bad effects. Thus, while some chemi-
cals in trace amounts are essential to human life, others can be deadly.
For example, scientists discovered that asbestos and vinyl chloride, two
chemicals commonly used to make a variety of consumer goods, caused
cancer in workers some 20 to 30 years after they were exposed to the
substances. And recently, consumers learned that chlorine, which is
routinely added to drinking water in many municipalities to kill disease-
causing bacteria, apparently reacts with chemical pollutants in the
water to form barely detectable, but potentially dangerous, amounts of
carcinogenic agents.
These examples are only two of the discoveries made possible in part
because scientists have developed more sensitive, accurate ways of detecting
and measuring trace chemicals present in very low concentrations in food,
tissues, water and air. Now people are beginning to wonder which of the
allegedly harmless chemicals in our present day environment might prove to
be health hazards.
Finding an answer to this question is the major reason that the Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Bureau of Standards (NBS)
and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are studying the feasibility of
establishing a National Environmental Specimen Bank System (NESBS). The
NESBS would provide a formalized, systematic approach to assess the environ-
mental impact of these substances at a national as well as an international
level.
The concepts of the NESBS, real time monitoring and retrospective ana-
lytical capabilities, are derived from its dual function. First,
1
-------
representative portions of samples included in the bank would be analyzed
at the time of introduction to provide real time monitoring and evaluation
of pollutant trends. Elevation of these trends would serve as early
warning sentinels so that oroper control measures could be taken to halt
rising human body burdens before irreversible damage could occur.
Second, a specimen bank would enable measurement scientists to use to-
morrow's more sensitive and specific methods of chemical analysis on today's
samples. The imoroved measurement methodoloqy would enable health scientists
to determine accurate levels for substances that would be either undetectable
or poorly analyzed by today's less sensitive methodoloqy. The existence of
a specimen bank would provide the opportunity to determine what the body
burden of newly recognized toxic substances was in the past and to determine
if their levels had changed with time.
It is anticipated that this formalized, systematic approach, defining
our current environmental hazards, will replace the present system of ran-
domized studies (often without proper validation) used by many State and
Federal regulatory agencies as well as other interested parties in proposing
environmental quality standards and limits for control technology. If these
types of monitoring programs are to continue, as they must to protect our
environment as well as the health of our population, then it is necessary
to establish and define the basic scientific information required to sustain
such a specimen banking system. The NESBS, when operational, will provide
future generations with an important resource for evaluating their current
environmental influences.
-------
II. HISTORY
The storage of tissue for analytical measurements is a natural out-
growth of an environmental monitoring system. The need for such a moni-
toring system was realized in the late 1960's by the National Air Pollu-
tion Control Administration, one of the predecessors to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, with the initiation of human population studies.
The objectives of these studies, (1) to evaluate existing environmental
standards, (2) to quantitate pollutant burdens in exposed populations and,
(3) to quantitate health benefits of pollutant control, were addressed by
coupling sensitive health indicators to comprehensive environmental moni-
toring. These studies were conducted in communities representing a pollutant
exposure gradient, thus allowing replicated dose response studies over time.
Environmental monitorinq was divided into two separate aspects, expo-
sure monitoring and tissue pollutant burden monitoring. Exposure monitorinq
consisted of ambient air monitoring, whereas pollutant burdens, the levels
of environmental residues greater than that required of optimal growth and
development, were measured in selected tissues. Exposure monitoring was
then correlated with health indicators and covariates to assess the health
impact of the various classes of air pollutants.
From the very onset of the human pollutant burden studies, short-term
tissue banking became an integral part of this program. A tissue or groups
of tissues were collected to test a specific hypothesis. These tissues
were stored until they could be analyzed, and were then discarded. As the
pollutant burden program expanded, the need for a fully developed tissue
banking system became more apparent.
-------
This banking system was envisioned as having a dual function. First,
to provide real time monitoring and evaluation of pollutant trends. Second,
a specimen bank would enable measurement scientists to use tomorrow's more
sensitive and specific methods of chemical analysis on today's samples.
In EPA's continuing effort to establish a National Environmental Spec-
men Bank, a two day working session was held in February 1973 at EPA's
Rational i-Hvironmental Research Center, Research Triangle Park, North Caro-
lina to discuss and nropose plans for the establishment of a National Envi-
ronmental Specimen BanK System.
The broad objective? of this working session were:
1. Establish current trends in human pollutant burdens (short-term
banking).
2. Create a specimen bank that would provide retrospective analy-
tical capability (long-term banking).
One major recommendation from the working session was that a sample
banking system should be established at the national level that would cross
all agency lines and provide human tissues representative of that period in
time from which the sample was taken. The proper storage of these tissues
would permit retrospective analysis using improved methodologies that were
likely to be available.
In 1972, the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council
(NAS/NRC) addressed tissue banking when they stressed the lack of coordi-
nation in the numerous programs by components of Federal and State govern-
ments, private industry and academic institutions to collect, store and ana-
lyze specimens of environmental interest.
In an effort to upgrade the availability and long-term protection of
environmental samples and to make the information gathered with each
-------
II. HISTORY
The storage of tissue for analytical measurements is a natural out-
growth of an environmental monitoring system. The need for such a moni-
toring system was realized in the late 1960's by the National Air Pollu-
tion Control Administration, one of the predecessors to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, with the initiation of human population studies.
The objectives of these studies, (1) to evaluate existing environmental
standards, (2) to quantitate pollutant burdens in exposed populations and,
(3) to quantitate health benefits of pollutant control, were addressed by
coupling sensitive health indicators to comprehensive environmental moni-
toring. These studies were conducted in communities representing a pollutant
exposure gradient, thus allowing replicated dose response studies over time.
Environmental monitoring was divided into two separate aspects, expo-
sure monitoring and tissue pollutant burden monitoring. Exposure monitorinq
consisted of ambient air monitoring, whereas pollutant burdens, the levels
of environmental residues greater than that required of optimal growth and
development, were measured in selected tissues. Exposure monitoring was
then correlated with health indicators and covariates to assess the health
impact of the various classes of air pollutants.
From the very onset of the human pollutant burden studies, short-term
tissue banking became an integral part of this program. A tissue or groups
of tissues were collected to test a specific hypothesis. These tissues
were stored until they could be analyzed, and were then discarded. As the
pollutant burden program expanded, the need for a fully developed tissue
banking system became more apparent.
-------
This banking system was envisioned as having a dual function. First,
to provide real time monitoring and evaluation of pollutant trends. Second,
a specimen bank would enable measurement scientists to use tomorrow's more
sensitive and specific methods of chemical analysis on today's samples.
In EPA's continuing effort to establish a National Environmental Spec-
men Bank, a two day working session was held in February 1973 at EPA's
National i'r.viror^ental Research Center, Research Triangle Park, North Caro-
lina to discuss arid nropose plans for the establishment of a National Envi-
ronmental Specimen Ban< System.
The broad objective? of this working session were:
1. Establish current trends in human pollutant burdens (short-term
banking).
2. Create a specimen bank that would provide retrospective analy-
tical capability (long-term banking).
One major recommendation from the working session was that a sample
banking system should be established at the national level that would cross
all agency lines and provide human tissues representative of that period in
time from which the sample was taken. The proper storage of these tissues
would permit retrospective analysis using improved methodologies that were
likely to be available.
In 1972, the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council
(NAS/NRC) addressed tissue banking when they stressed the lack of coordi-
nation in the numerous programs by components of Federal and State govern-
ments, private industry and academic institutions to collect, store and ana-
lyze specimens of environmental interest.
In an effort to upgrade the availability and long-term protection of
environmental samples and to make the information gathered with each
-------
collection readily available, the Subcommittee on the Geochemical Environ-
ment in Relation to Health and Disease (GERHD) of the National Committee
for Geochemistry, National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council at
their Asilomar Workshop in California (1972) recommended that a group of
specialists be convened to study this problem at its Capon Springs Workshop
in May 1973.
The concepts from the EPA Specimen Bank Conference were reinforced by
the Capon Springs Workshop (May 6-12, 1973). The workshop recognized the
need for a NESBS to ensure the continuing availability of a comprehensive
collection of scientifically selected environmental specimens and information.
The GERHD proposal envisioned the NESBS as a central coordinating insti-
tution, relying on specimens collected from a combination of presently exis-
ting single-purpose collections and materials banked under its own collection
program. A strict quality control methods standardization program would
ensure that items needed for future environmental studies are acquired, vali-
dated and properly preserved.
The NESBS could be the mechanism used to continually monitor the envi-
ronment and assess the effectiveness of control practices. To accomplish
this task, the GERHD Workshop set forth the following objectives:
1. Establish mandatory criteria for the sampling, storage, and
measurement of the various types of specimens that are to be
accepted into the System.
2. Provide historical specimens for: (a) the measurement of con-
taminants not previously investigated, (b) re-evaluation as
analytical methods are improved, and (c) measurements of trends.
-------
3. Make samples available for use in measuring rates of changes of
persistent environmental substances (both natural and man-made),
through a program of systematic sampling and careful storage of
specimens for retrospective examination.
4. Establish a centralized data and information storage and retrieval
system appropriate to the scientific community, and to other inter-
ested users.
5. Provide samples that can be used in assessing the long-term envi-
ronmental effects of new industries and technologies, or of other
activities.
6. Provide information useful for the assessment of current environ-
mental policies, and for the establishment of revised environmental
policies.
7. Establish a framework for national coordination of current and
future specimen banks and collection activities to minimize dupli-
cation of efforts.
8. Foster cooperation and establish working arrangements for the
international exchange of information and specimens.
The GERHD subcommittee concluded that the U.S. Government should esta-
blish, on a permanent basis, a National Environmental Specimen Banking Sys-
tem. Initial coordinating and funding of the multi agency system should be
considered by the National Science Foundation. The Environmental Protection
Agency should be considered as the most logical organization to establish
the system.
-------
Four tasks were proposed to begin development of the NESBS.
Task I. Conduct an inventory and assessment of the value of
existing specimen collections as potential candidates for partici-
pation in the NESBS.
Task II. Establish a steering committee composed of represen-
tatives from a variety of concerned groups that are providing funds,
participating in specimen collection, and operating monitoring pro-
grams. This committee would be responsible for:
1. Developing the organizational and managerial structure
of the NESBS.
2. Identifying the types of specimens and information to be
stored in the Banking System.
3. Developing interim protocols for sampling, sample handling,
and storage of specimens to be included in the bank.
4. A plan for a data handling, storage, and retrieval system.
Task III. Identify research needs as determined during the imple-
mentation of the NESBS. Areas already identified are:
1. Sampling strategies
2. Sample processing procedures
3. Measurement strategy
Task IV. Conduct meetings at national and international level, of
user and research groups, to .exchange current information that would be
relevant to the NESBS.
During this time, the rapid growth of EPA's human pollutant burden pro-
gram dictated the need for a sophisticated system of standardized protocols
for sample collection, preparation, storage and analysis.
-------
In December, 1973, this need was addressed by the EPA and the NSF in
a meeting to formulate plans for the development of a National Environmental
Specimen Bank. At this meeting, a four point proposal was generated, with
joint funding being provided by NSF, EPA and NBS.
The four point proposal contained the following elements:
1. Survey of Existing Specimen Collections
2. Evaluation of Specimen Collection Survey
3. Research protocol development
4. Planning document for the organization and management of the NESBS
1. Specimen Collection Survey
The initial chase of the specimen bank program, the specimen collection
survey, was designed to provide a broad data base on the various aspects of
specimen banking. This data base would subsequently be utilized in deve-
loping guidelines for the NESBS. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, working
through an interagency agreement with EPA, has conducted a national
survey of existing specimen collections in an attempt to identify those
places in the Continental United States that are currently, or have been
storing material collected in either research or monitoring activities.
The survey objectives were to identify, (1) where collections were located,
(2) who maintained the collections, (3) what the collections consisted of,
(4) what analysis had been performed on the material in the collections,
(5^ how the sample collections had been preserved and stored, and (6) the
accessibility of the stored materials and associated data to both research
and regulatory personnel. The survey was designed to include collections
in the following areas: geological, atmospheric, human tissues, plant and
animal tissues and water samples. The survey began in May, 1974 and was
completed in August 1975. Of the 4506 letters of survey intent that were
8
-------
mailed, 649 positive responses were compiled into the data base (Van
Hook and Huber, 1976).
2. Specimen Collection Evaluation
NBS has critically evaluated the results of the survey as to their
utility and applicability to the NESBS. Few of the survey respondents an-
swered the questions in sufficient detail to give a definite answer, but
most of the collections could be of use for taxonomical purposes.
In developing guidelines for the evaluation of this survey, a large
portion of the recent literature concerning sampling and storage of envi-
ronmental specimens has been examined. In addition, the advice and opin-
ions of workers in various aspects of the field has been obtained.
It became readily apparent from the conflicting data in the literature,
that additional research must be conducted in the areas of sample handling
and preparation. Gross contamination of the samples, from the time of the
sample collection stage, through the analysis stage, appears to be a major
problem (Becker and Maienthal, 1977) and (Maienthal and Becker, 1976).
3. Protocol Development
For a system such as the NESBS to be of any value, the credibility of
the methodology protocols must be above reproach. EPA realized this condi-
tion at the conception of the NESBS plan, and it has been working with the
National Bureau of Standards in the development of state-of-the-art method-
ology for sampling, sample handling, analysis and long-term storage.
It is anticipated that this formalized, systematic approach will be
invaluable to EPA in defining our current environmental hazards, and in
addition, the methodology protocols would be readily available to other inter-
ested user groups.
-------
Since January 1975, the Analytical Chemistry Division of the National
Bureau of Standards has conducted a continuing research program to improve
methodologies for the collection, storage, and analysis of NESBS samples.
The program currently underway is pursuing an active research pro-
gram to improve methodologies for sampling, sample handling, and storage
of biological and environmental samples for analytical purposes, as well
as evaluating and improving analytical techniques to be used for the ana-
lysis of the trace constituents of interest. These portions of the NBS
research program are currently directed primarily towards trace elements,
but future research will be directed toward other substances of interest,
such as trace organic species.
A major portion of the current NBS research program has been the
experimental evaluation of contamination and losses of the trace consti-
tuents of interest during sampling, sample handling, and long-term storage.
One of the initial projects in this program was the evaluation of twelve
polymeric materials for their trace element content, and for the possi-
bility of removing these trace elements when contacted by liquid samples.
This study was made using three complimentary trace analytical techniques,
neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption, and spark source mass
spectrometry. The utilization of a multidisciplinary analytical approach
gave an almost complete coverage of trace elements of interest.
The results of this study indicated that many materials were grossly
contaminated by trace elements from plasticizers, formulators, and other
process materials. However, conventional polyethylene and Teflon were
found to be reasonably clean and it was generally found that less than
ten percent of the bulk trace element content could be leached out, even
10
-------
with conditions as severe as a 2-hour hot leach with 6N^ acid.
A second, and equally important part of the current research program
has been a study and evaluation of long-term storage techniques which would
be adequate for tissue and other biologically active samples. The effects
of microbiological action on trace constituent concentrations and distri-
butions are well documented. However, the mechanism for complete long-term
elimination of that micro-biological activity is not well documented.
Freezing has long been applied as a technique for analytical storage, however
no study has yet been performed to document the reliability of this method
of storage for more than a short period of time.
More recent studies into lyophilization have demonstrated minimal
losses and/or contamination of trace elements during the sample processing.
The NBS has now documented the viability of the freeze-drying technique to
stabilize trace element composition. Standard Reference Material Bovine
Liver (SRM1577) has been shown to be unchanged for more than five years.
The bulk meterial for this SRM was freeze-dried, ground, blended, and
bottled. This material was analyzed and certified for trace element compo-
sition in 1972. To the present time, no documented evidence of trace element
loss or alteration has occured.
Finally, the technique of low temperature ashing (LTA) has been evalu-
ated for long-term storage and found to have many advantages. A recent
study at NBS investigated the loss of trace elements during plasma ashing
using both radioactive tracers, and activation analysis of samples before
and after ashing. The results obtained indicate that over thirty (30) trace
elements are retained quantitatively during LTA. Five elements, mercury,
11
-------
osmium, and the halogens (chlorine, bromine, iodine), are not quanti-
tatively retained. It was also determined from the above studies that
contamination of the sample was not a measurable problem during ashing.
An added advantage to the LTA technique is that resultant samples are
easily composited and homogenized.
The latter portion of the current research program has been to
evaluate the effectiveness, and improve where necessary, the major analy-
tical techniques for environmental samples. The elements specified to
be of primary interest were mercury, lead, arsenic, selenium, nickel,
vanadium, copper, manganese, beryllium, chromium, platinum, and palladium.
4. Planning Document for the Organization and Management of the NESBS
The formulation of a plan for the development and operation of the
bank will require a series of interrelated tasks. Some tasks have
been considered in detail, while others are still in the planning stage.
The actual completion of the NESBS planning document will have to await
the outcome of the Five Year Pilot Bank Program. The various tasks
that will be considered in preparing the planning document will include:
a. Review of the Problem:
An identification and description of the issues which create the
need for an NESBS. The kinds of environmental insults and dangers which
could be better managed and the kinds of analyses required to assess the
magnitude and trends of such dangers will be described. In addition, the
contribution that such a bank could make to better environmental management,
will be estimated. The result of this task will be a statement of need,
including the types of information that would be generated, their various
applications as well as a thoroughly documented rationale for the bank.
12
-------
b. Development of Specific Bank Objectives:
Based on the rationale and need, a set of specific objectives
will be developed to identify just what functions the NESBS will be expected
to perform and how it will meet the needs specified in Task a.
c. Identify and Specify Sample Type:
The types of specimens that will be collected as well as the
areas of collection and trophic levels to be sampled will be based upon
existing and anticipated future needs and objectives as stated in Task b.
Specifications of the kinds of demographic and technological data which
must accompany the samples will be developed.
d. Evaluate and Formulate Methods of Analysis:
Analytical procedures applicable to the NESBS will be evaluated.
Preferred methodology will be specified along with the amount and condi-
tion of sample required to perform such an analysis.
e. Analysis of Specimen Collection, Preparation and Storage
Requirements:
Based upon the kinds and amounts of specimens and the required
storage condition of samples (so as to maintain their usefulness) the pro-
cedures available for collection, preparation and storage will be analyzed
and the preferred methods and procedures will be identified. In addition,
the total amounts of specimens to be stored will be estimated.
e. Analysis of Users:
An identification, analysis and evaluation of potential users
will be undertaken to provide a set of user specifications as an input to
13
-------
the design of the system and the establishment of operating procedures.
Additionally, a set of guidelines will be established to govern who can use
the bank and what may be taken from it.
g. Design, Physical Make-up and Location of the NESBS:
Tasks b through e will provide the basic information upon which
to establish the functional specifications of the system and will allow
for the development of a system design.
The physical make-up will depend substantially upon the numbers and
volumes of specimens, the methods of storage, the analytical instrumentation
and laboratory requirements, and the numbers and kinds of people who will
be provided access to the system.
The location will depend substantially upon the location of the users,
the location of the sample sites, and to an as yet undetermined degree, upon
what now exists which may become a part of the system.
h. Design of a Data Storage and Retrieval System:
The utility of the NESBS will be expressed by the collection,
maintenance, processing, and dissemination of data. This data system,
whether an existing off-the-shelf system, or a new set of system speci-
fications will be based upon user requirements and specimen sample re-
aui>-ements. These requirements will be translated into more meaningful
parameters for the design of the data storage and retrieval system. These
considerations will include: data volume and compression for storage,
frequency of user access to data, updating, amending data, data format, data
14
-------
processing, and data traceability. The NESBS requirements may dictate a
mix of data storage media and associated access systems to be most cost-
effective. This mix could consist of:
1. Photographic storage media (microfilm and microfiche)
2. Hard copy volume
3. Digital storage media with interactive and non-interactive
modes
i. Develop a Plan for Management and Operation of the Bank:
The management and operation plan for the NESBS will consider the
following: the maintenance requirements of the physical building(s) housing
the bank, the storage facility and the data storage and retrieval system;
the procedural requirements for the use of the bank, insuring the economic
utilization by the users; outline of NESBS support requirements; formulation
of a management plan acknowledging the EPA as the lead agency with unambi-
guous authority for insuring that the NESBS meets its objectives by satis-
fying the user's needs, and recognition of the need to update the specimen
and data base.
j. Budget Plan:
The budget plan will take into consideration the one-time set
up costs at the inception of the NESBS and then identify all of the cost
elements and their contribution to the total maintenance costs.
At the present time, NBS is developing state-of-the-art methodology
for sample collection, preparation, storage and analysis, thus satisfying
the requirements of tasks d and e. In addition, NBS and EPA have prepared
documentation addressing Tasks a,b,c, and f. Tasks a,b,c and f are regarded
15
-------
as the statement of need, or feasibility study (Rook and Goldstein, 1977).
The successful completion and acceptance of these tasks would warrant
the completion of tasks g through j.
The tasks required to develop the NESBS have been designed to give the
maximum amount of information in a step-wise fashion while remaining cost
effective. Each series of tasks terminates at a GO-NO GO stage, with the
exception of the methodology tasks. As a result of the urgent need for
methodology protocols and the extended time required for the decision to
develop the NESBS, the methodology protocols will continue until the final
GO-NO GO stage. It is my opinion that regardless of the outcome of the
NESBS, the methodology protocol development would provide the scientific
community with state-of-the-art standardized protocols for sample collection,
preparation, storage and analysis for a diversity of elements and chemicals
in a variety of ecologically important materials. The cost benefit of this
alone is uncalculable.
The initial survey and evaluation task which provided us with the pres-
ent status on specimen collections and sampling, storage and analysis tech-
niques cost approximately $100,000.00. Protocol development for sampling,
specimen preparation, storage and analysis is. currently costing about
$200,000.00 per year. The preparation of the NESBS need statement cost
about $50,000.00.
It is estimated that the remaining tasks g through j may cost about
$300,000.00 to $400,000.00. These tasks would provide detailed descriptions
for the physical design of a banking system, a data storage and retrieval
system, operation and management plan and an operation budget.
16
-------
III. ACCOMPLISHMENTS
On 19 and 20 August, 1976, the NBS and U.S.EPA co-sponsored a workshop
to review technical developments and to make recommendations on the imple-
mentation of the NESBS. The Workshop consisted of a review session where
past specimen banking considerations were discussed; a technical session
where recent analytical research relevant to sample banking was discussed;
and a planning session where planning and design of a prototype banking
system was outlined.
On review of the issues that created the need for the NESBS, there
was unanimous agreement that not only was the concept of sample banking
still of vital importance to the assessment of low-level environmental
contaminiation but that many of the original issues which mandated the
implementation of the NESB were heightened due to recent environmental
pollutant episodes. The Kepone episode in the James River and the
Chesapeake Bay was pointed to as a prime example were existing specimens
of documented validity would have been extremely useful to assess the
change in the environment of that pollutant. There were not and are not
samples of aquatic life or shell fish available from the Chesapeake Bay
or James River which can be used for determination of Kepone levels
before the start-up of the Kepone production in that area. Limited samples
were available from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences dating back
3-4 years. These samples have proven invaluable in establishing the
extent to which Kepone has affected the marine life. Had earlier samples
been available from a banking system, a far better assessment of Kepone
baseline levels prior to the dumping episodes would have been available
17
-------
to environmental officials. With the large increase of man-made chemicals
now being put into our environment, it is evident that issues such as
the Kepone insult in Virginia are surely to be on the increase rather
than to remain as an isolated situation.
The single most important point to come from the Workshop was that the
NESBS can serve many important functions, not just that of long-term retro-
spective analysis. The results of sample banking would surely impact on
monitoring and health effects research of the EPA, and would be of great
assistance to ongoing programs within the Department of Agriculture,
Food and Drug Administration, and other agencies.
A set of specific objectives for the sample bank were identified.
(Figure 1) Those objectives are summarized as follows:
1. The collection, preservation, and storage of selected environmental
samples using methodologies that had been documented to minimize
or eliminate alteration of trace constituents.
2. The real-time analysis of selected trace constituents using
methods of documented validity to obtain monitoring trend
data.
3. Research in analytical methodology utilizing both the accumu-
lated long-term data base and samples that have been stored in
the NESBS. This research will lead to a self-improving set of
monitoring data.
4. The periodic review of the operation of the banking system
relative to its valid input of samples and output of analytical
data.
18
-------
RESEARCH IN
ANALYTICAL
METHODOLOGY
NESB ADMINISTRATION
REAL TIME
MONITORING
LONG TERM
STORAGE
RESEARCH IN
SAMPLE PRESERVATION
AND STORAGE
\
RESULTS
TIME SERIAL DATA
FOR TREND ANALYSIS
RESULTS
SAMPLES FOR
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TIME DIFFERENTIAL
COMPARISONS
Figure 1. NESB PILOT BANK
19
-------
The conclusions expressed by the Workshop participants was that a
formalized, systematic approach is needed to assess the environmental impact
of the ever increasing influx of man-made substances into our ecosystem.
The technology to initiate this type of program is presently available and
should be formulated into a pilot bank program. This program would utilize
and integrate our newly developed techniques with those currently used.
The pilot bank program would serve as the "test site" for program design
and implementation. The various aspects of the program would be evaluated
at each stage of development. The knowledge gained from operating this
pilot study would be incorporated into the NESBS plan.
The identification of specific sample types which should be included
in the pilot sample bank during initial start-up of the system was
discussed. The major focus of attention was on the absolute requirement
to minimize both the number of samples and sample types in the pilot
program so that the banking system did not become overwhelmed with
either samples or analyses during its first years of operation. Unreason-
ably large numbers of avoidable errors would destroy its credibility
before it was even in full operation.
Thus, all participants recommended the inclusion of a modest sample
set per year for the first five years of operation with the focus on
validating credible storage and analytical results.
A reasonable figure of approximately two thousand samples a year,
split into four matrix types, was recommended (Figure 2). Also, it was
20
-------
TWO GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS
2000 SAMPLES PER YEAR
HUMAN TISSUE
ACCUMULATOR
ATMOSPHERIC
INTERGRATOR:
LICHEN, MOSS,
FILTERS
FOOD
GRAIN
AQUATIC
ACCUMULATOR
SHELLFISH BIVALVE
Figure 2. PILOT BANK SAMPLES
21
-------
recommended that the samples be obtained from no more than two different
locations in the beginning phases, to minimize problems with logistics,
sample collection, and transport.
Nine different sample types representing all major phases of environ-
mental samples were considered for inclusion in the bank. These included
air particulates, sediment, water, botanical, biological, and human
samples. It was recommended that samples which represented environmental
accumulators or integrators be emphasized as initial candidates, both
due to the ease of analytical manipulation of those samples and because
they represented time integrators of major pollutants present in our
environment.
The first sample that was recommended for inclusion unanimously was
a soft tissue sample that had an accumulator function in the human body,
most likely liver or kidney. The second and equally important sample
type was an accumulator of aquatic origin. Agreement was reached that a
shellfish bivalve such as oyster which passes large quantities of water
through its system every day and which tended to mirror increased concen-
trations of many toxic pollutants was a good choice. The third sample
type was a food material representing a major input into the human diet.
Consensus was unanimous that a food grain or composite of grains was the
best choice. The fourth sample type was a collector of atmospheric or
airborne pollutant materials. It was recommended that material such a
lichen or moss was a good indicator of long-term trends in atmospheric
pollutants and should be included in the initial bank. These four
sample types were chosen for their diversity and their utility to environmental
22
-------
TWO GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS
2000 SAMPLES PER YEAR
HUMAN TISSUE
ACCUMULATOR
ATMOSPHERIC
INTERGRATOR:
LICHEN, MOSS,
FILTERS
FOOD
GRAIN
AQUATIC
ACCUMULATOR
SHELLFISH BIVALVE
Figure 2. PILOT BANK SAMPLES
21
-------
recommended that the samples be obtained from no more than two different
locations in the beginning phases, to minimize problems with logistics,
sample collection, and transport.
Nine different sample types representing all major phases of environ-
mental samples were considered for inclusion in the bank. These included
air particulates, sediment, water, botanical, biological, and human
samples. It was recommended that samples which represented environmental
accumulators or integrators be emphasized as initial candidates, both
due to the ease of analytical manipulation of those samples and because
they represented time integrators of major pollutants present in our
environment.
The first sample that was recommended for inclusion unanimously was
a soft tissue sample that had an accumulator function in the human body,
most likely liver or kidney. The second and equally important sample
type was an accumulator of aquatic origin. Agreement was reached that a
shellfish bivalve such as oyster which passes large quantities of water
through its system every day and which tended to mirror increased concen-
trations of many toxic pollutants was a good choice. The third sample
type was a food material representing a major input into the human diet.
Consensus was unanimous that a food grain or composite of grains was the
best choice. The fourth sample type was a collector of atmospheric or
airborne pollutant materials. It was recommended that material such a
lichen or moss was a good indicator of long-term trends in atmospheric
pollutants and should be included in the initial bank. These four
sample types were chosen for their diversity and their utility to environmental
22
-------
monitoring programs. However, a second and even more important consideration
was that there is now enough scientific evidence to be reasonably assured
that the storage and analysis of the trace element components in these
materials could now be carried out with integrity (Rook and Goldstein,
1977).
One of the last items for consideration at the Workshop was the
evaluation and formulation of viable analytical methods for the real-
time and retrospective analysis of samples from the NESBS system. Part
of the NBS research effort has been to publish a compilation of analytical
methods currently being used for SRM certification analysis. These
methods will be available in the near future.
The concept of specimen banking to assess the environment was rein-
forced at an International Workshop "The Use of Biological Specimens
for the Assessment of Human Exposure to Environmental Pollutants" held in
Kirchburg, Luxembourg, 18-22 April, 1977 (Goldstein, 1977).
The conclusions and recommendations from this Workshop stated that
where the scientific expertise is already available, that biological moni-
toring should be instituted to provide direct evidence of human exposure to
chemicals in the environment. In addition, research should be instituted in
those areas where the scientific expertise is lacking or insufficient.
IV. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
The problems of environmental pollution are worldwide in scope and
transgress all national and political boundaries. Finding answers to
problems of environmental concern in areas of pollutant identification,
sources, effects, control, etc. are the concerns of many nations.
23
-------
Since 1975, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and
the Environmental Agencies of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) have
been pursuing collaborative research in areas of the tissue bank program as
part of a bilateral agreement on the environment. This cooperative program
allows for the input of expertise from the two countries, thus reducing
research time and cost. During this time period, the U.S. effort has focused
on research areas related to trace elements, whereas, the FRG has concen-
trated their efforts in the area pertaining to organic substances.
Meetings are held on a yearly basis to discuss and exchange research
findings.
24
-------
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council stressed
the lack of coordination in the numerous programs by components of
Federal and State government, private industry and academic institu-
tions to collect, store and analyze specimens of environmental interest.
2. A formalized, systematic approach, defining our current environmental
hazards, must replace the present system of randomized studies (often
without proper validation) so as to protect our environment as well
as the health of our population.
3. It is necessary to establish and define the basic scientific information
required to sustain a specimen banking system.
4. The conclusions and recommendations of two workshops (NBS/EPA - Aug. 1976
and WHO/CEC/EPA - Apr. 1977) proposed that where the scientific expertise
is already available, that biological monitoring should be instituted to
provide direct evidence of human exposure to chemicals in the environment.
25
-------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Van Hook, R.I. and Huber, E.E. National Environmental Specimen Bank Survey
(1976) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Publication #EPA-600/1-76-006.
Becker, D.A. and Maienthal, E.J. Evaluation of the National Environmental
Specimen Bank Survey. (1977) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication #EPA-600/l-77-015.
Maienthal, E.J. and Becker, D.A. A Survey of Current Literature on
Sampling, Sample Handling, and Long term Storage for Environmental
Materials. (1976) National Bureau of Standards Publication #NBS-TN-929.
Rook, H.L. and Goldstein, G.M. Recommendations of the EPA/NBS Workshop
on the National Environmental Specimen Bank. (1977) U. S. EPA
Publication #EPA-600/1-77-020.
Goldstein, G.M. The National Environmental Specimen Bank; Its Concepts,
History and Objectives. International Workshop on "The Use of Biological
Specimens for the Assessment of Human Exposure to Environmental Pollutants.
April 18-22, 1977, Luxembourg. Sponsored by WHO, U. S. EPA, and CEC.
26
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
readluidj'uctioiU: on the reietse before com/;/.
1 REPORT NO.
EPA-600/1-78-022
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
PLAN FOR A NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIMEN BANK
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
3 RECIPIENT S ACCESS'O> NO
5. REPORT DATE
March 1978
7 AUTHOR(S)
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
George M. Goldstein
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Clinical Studies Division
Health Effects Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
10 PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1AA601
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Health Effects Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
RTP,NC
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA 600/11
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been concerned about the
potential dangers to human health and the environment from the ever increasing flux
of new man-made substances into our ecosystem. Since 1974, the EPA has been actively
engaged in studying the feasibility of establishing a program, The National Environ-
mental Specimen Bank (NESB), that would provide a formalized, systematic approach
to assess the environmental impact of these substances at a national, as well as
international level. The NESBS would provide real time monitoring, assessing the
adequacy of present pollutant control techniques, as well as providing samples for
retrospective analyses.
With the realization that NESBS is a viable concept, both from the standpoint of
need and by the availability of present technology, it must be decided if such a
system is, in fact, feasible to establish and maintain under actual operating
conditions. It is proposed, therefore, that a five-year pilot bank program be
initiated. During this time, a limited number of samples should be collected,
analyzed, and stored in a central facility. The pilot bank program should focus on
validating credible collection, storage, and analytical data. The functioning NESBS
should provide future generations with an important resource for evaluating their
rurrpnt.
17.
KEV WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
data acquisition
Information centers
Environmental surveys
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
specimen bank
COSATi Field/Group
05 B
06 F
13, DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
19 SECURITY CLASS /Th.s Report;
201?ECCttfTY C~LWss '/Thisjage'l
21 NO OF PAGES
22 TRICE
UNCLASSIFIED
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
27
------- |