~^1 r*
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(fttae md Instructions on tht rtvent bffort eomplttinf)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA/600/8-88/010
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
PB88-182068/AS
4. TITLE ANO SUBTITLE
Health Effects Assessment for Acenaphthene
6. REPORT DATE
. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
'. AUTHOR(S)
•. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME ANO ADDRESS
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME ANO ADDRESS
13. TYPE OF REPORT ANO PERIOD COVERED
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati. OH 45268
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/22
s. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
6. ABSTRACT
This report summarizes and evaluates information relevant to a preliminary interim
assessment of adverse health effects associated with specific chemicals or compounds.
The Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (Superfund) uses these documents in
preparing cost-benefit analyses under Executive Order 12991 for decision-making under
CERCLA. All estimates of acceptable intakes and carcinogenic potency presented in
this document should be considered as preliminary and reflect limited resources
allocated to this project. The intent in these" assessments is to suggest acceptable
exposure levels whenever sufficient data are available. The interim values presented
reflect the relative degree of hazard associated with exposure or risk to the
chemical(s) addressed. Whenever possible, two categories of values have been
estimated for systemic toxicants (toxicants for which cancer is not the endpoint of
concern). The first, RfD£ or subchronic reference dose, is an estimate of an exposure
level that would not be expected to cause adverse effects when exposure occurs during
a limited time interval. The RfD is an estimate of an exposure level that would not
he expected to cause adverse effects when exposure occurs for a significant portion
of the lifespan. For compounds for which there is sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity, qi*s have been computed, if appropriate, based on oral and
inhalation data if available.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lOENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Croup
*. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Public
10. SECURITY CLASS (This Rtfort)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA P«m 2220.1 (R«*. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OMOLETE
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EPA/600/8-88/010
July, 1987
HEALTH EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
FOR ACENAPHTHENE
ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA AND ASSESSMENT OFFICE
OFFICE OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OH 45268
«+*l Protection Agency
0 S. Environmental Pro
_, . T, 5 Library (5PL iD) ., ,.„«
g'S's! Dehorn Street,
tlj TT 60604
Chicago, li'
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DISCLAIMER
This document has been reviewed 1n accordance with the U.S
Environmental Protection Agency's peer and administrative review policies
and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products
does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
11
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PREFACE
This report summarizes and evaluates Information relevant to a prelimi-
nary Interim assessment of adverse health effects associated with acenaph-
thene. Pertinent toxlcologlc and environmental data were located through
on-line literature searches of the Chemical Abstracts, TOXLINE, CANCERLINE
and the CHEMFATE/DATALOG data bases. The basic literature searched support-
Ing this document Is current up to Hay, 1986. Secondary sources of Informa-
tion have also been relied upon In the preparation of this report and repre-
sent large-scale health assessment efforts that entail extensive peer and
Agency review. The following Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
(OHEA) sources have been extensively utilized:
U.S. EPA. 1980a. Ambient Water Quality Criteria Document for
Acenaphthene. Prepared by the Office of Health and Environmental
Assessment, Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincin-
nati, OH for the Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Wash-
ington, DC. EPA 440/5-80-015. NTIS PB 81-117269.
U.S. EPA. 1980b. Hazard Profile for Acenaphthene. Prepared by
the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment, Environmental
Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH for the Office of
Solid Waste, Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1983. Reportable Quantity Document for Acenaphthene.
Prepared by the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment,
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH for
the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Washington, DC.
111
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ABSTRACT
Because of the lack of data for the carclnogenlclty and threshold
toxlclty of acenaphthene risk assessment values cannot be derived. The
ambient water quality criterion of 0.2 mg/i 1s based on organoleptlc data,
which has no known relationship to potential human health effects. Acenaph-
thene has been shown to produce nuclear and cytologlcal changes 1n mlcroblal
and plant species (U.S. EPA, 1980a). Results of acenaphthene mutagenlclty
studies fn microorganisms (Guertn et al., 1978; Douglas et al., 1980} and
carclnogenlclty study (Neukom, 1974) are negative. Despite the negative
results In the newt (TrUurus crlstatus) the fact that acenaphthene 1s a
PAH, a class of chemicals that contain carcinogens, the carcinogenic
potential of acenaphthene 1s of great concern. Inadequate evidence to allow
any conclusion regarding cardnogenldty for humans appropriately places
acenaphthene In Group 0 (U.S. EPA, 1986b).
1v
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Initial draft of this report was prepared by Syracuse Research
Corporation under Contract No. 68-03-3112 for EPA's Environmental Criteria
and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Christopher DeRosa and Karen
Blackburn were the Technical Project Monitors and John Helms (Office of
Toxic Substances) was the Project Officer. The final documents In this
series were prepared for the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response,
Washington, DC.
Scientists from the following U.S. EPA offices provided review comments
for this document series:
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH
Carcinogen Assessment Group
Office of A1r Quality Planning and Standards
Office of Solid Waste
Office of Toxic Substances
Office of Drinking Hater
Editorial review for the document series was provided by the following:
Judith Olsen and Erma Durden
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
Cincinnati, OH
Technical support services for the document series was provided by the
following:
Bette Zwayer, Jacky Bohanon and Kim Davidson
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
Cincinnati, OH
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND FATE 1
2. ABSORPTION FACTORS IN HUMANS AND EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS 3
3. TOXICITY IN HUMANS AND EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS ..... 4
3.1. SUBCHRONIC . 4
3.1.1. Oral 4
3.1.2. Inhalation 4
3.2. CHRONIC 4
3.3. TERATOGENICITY AND OTHER REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS 4
3.4. TOXICANT INTERACTIONS 5
4. CARCINOGENICITY 6
4.1. OTHER RELEVANT DATA 6
4.2. WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE 6
5. REGULATORY STANDARDS AND CRITERIA . 7
6. RECOMMENDATIONS 8
7. REFERENCES 9
vl
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CAS Chemical Abstract Service
DNA Deoxyrlbonuclelc acid
PAH Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
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1. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND FATE
Selected physical and chemical properties and environmental fate of
acenaphthene are presented 1n Table 1-1.
The half-life of acenaphthene In air, water and soil could not be
located In the available literature. In both air and water, acenaphthene
may be partly associated with participate matter (Callahan et al., 1979).
When adsorbed to partlculate matter In air, acenaphthene could potentially
be transported long distances before ultimately being removed by chemical
reaction or by rainfall and dry deposition (HSDB, 1986; Llgockl et al.,
1985). The part of acenaphthene present In the atmosphere In the vapor
phase Is expected to undergo direct photolysis or oxidation by reaction with
photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals (estimated oxidation half-life
-19 hours) (HSDB, 1986; U.S. EPA, 1986a). In water, acenaphthene Is
expected to be transported primarily as adsorbed matter on suspended solids
and may persist for years adsorbed to sediments (Bjoerseth et al., 1979).
Ultimate removal by blodegradatlon may be possible (Callahan et al., 1979).
Acenaphthene Is expected to strongly adsorb to soil. Ultimate removal by
blodegradatlon 1s probably more rapid 1n soil than In water (HSDB, 1986).
According to U.S. EPA (1978), acenaphthene has been detected In efflu-
ents from petro-chemlcal, pesticide and wood preservative Industries.
Acenaphthene has also been Identified In gas exhaust (Grimmer et al., 1977)
and cigarette smoke condensates (Harke et al., 1976; Severson et al., 1976).
Quantitative data regarding oral and Inhalation exposure were not located,
but It appears that both routes of exposure may be relevant.
0067h -1- 12/03/86
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TABLE 1-1
Selected Physical and Chemical Properties and Half-Lives for Acenaphthene
Property
Value
Reference
CAS number:
Chemical class:
Molecular weight:
Vapor pressure at 25°C:
Water solubility at 25°C:
Log octanol/water
partition coefficient:
Bloconcentratlon factor:
Log soil sorptlon coefficient:
Half-lives In
A1r:
Water:
83-32-9
polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbon
154.21
4.47xlO~3 mm Hg
3.88 mg/l
3.92
387 1n blueglll
sunflsh
3.31 estimated
4.27 estimated
hours to days
(vapor phase)
years (adsorbed
to sediments)
Mackay and
Shu1, 1981
Mackay and
Shul, 1981
Hansch and
Leo, 1985
Barrows
et al.. 1980
Lyman et al.,
1982
Sabljlc, 1984
U.S. EPA,
1986a
Bjoerseth
et al., 1979
0067h
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12/03/86
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2. ABSORPTION FACTORS IN HUMANS AND EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
Pertinent data regarding the absorption of acenaphthene following oral
or Inhalation exposure could not be located In the available literature.
0067H -3- 07/30/86
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3. TOXICITY IN HUMANS AND EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
3.1. SUBCHRONIC
3.1.1. Oral. Knobloch et al. (1969) orally administered 2 g/kg acenaph-
thene In olive oil to seven young rats (sex not specified) dally for 32
days. The effects observed were loss of body weight, changes In peripheral
blood. Increased amlnotransferase levels 1n blood serum, mild morphological
damage to the liver and kidneys, and mild bronchitis and localized Inflamma-
tion of the perlbronchlal tissue. No Information was provided regarding the
use of controls.
3.1.2. Inhalation. Reshetyuk et al. (1970) exposed 100 rats to acenaph-
thene at a concentration of 12il.5 mg/m3 for 4 hours/day, 6 days/week for
5 months. The authors reported altered reflexes 1n the upper airways and an
Increase 1n the concentration of nucleic adds In the liver., Hlstopatho-
loglcal examination of the lungs revealed aspedflc pneumonia with the
bronchial epithelium showing hyperplasla and metaplasia. No signs of
malignancy were observed. Further details of this study were not provided.
3.2. CHRONIC
Pertinent data regarding the effects of chronic exposure to acenaphthene
following oral or Inhalation routes of exposure could not be located 1n the
available literature.
3.3. TERATOGENIC AND OTHER REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS
Pertinent data regarding teratogenlc or reproductive effects of acenaph-
thene following oral or Inhalation exposure could not be located 1n the
available literature.
0067h -4- 07/30/81)
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3.4. TOXICANT INTERACTIONS
Acenaphthene has been shown to depress the activity of dlmethylnltros-
amlne demethylase In rats (Argus et al., 1971; Arcos et al., 1976). This
activity Is required for carclnogenesls caused by d1methy1n1trosaro1ne;
therefore, acenaphthene may slightly Inhibit dlmethylnltrosamlne carclno-
genesls.
Buu-Hol and Hlen-Do-Phouc (1969) Injected male Wlstar rats IntrapeMto-
neally with 20 mg/kg acenaphthene 1n corn oil. The rats were Injected
IntraperHoneally 1 week later with 90 mg/kg zoxazolamlne. The mean
paralysis time of acenaphthene-treated rats was found to be significantly
greater (p<0.01) than that of vehicle Injected rats. The authors believed
that these results Indicated that acenaphthene slows the detoxification of
zoxazolamlne, which usually proceeds by hydroxylatlon.
0067h -5- 10/29/86
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4. CARCINOGENICITY
4.1. OTHER RELEVANT DATA
Neukomm (1974) reported negative results In a predictive carclnogenlclty
test based on neoplastlc Induction In the newt, TrUurus crlstatus.
Acenaphthene was Injected subcutaneously at unspecified dose levels.
MutagenlcHy studies of acenaphthene 1n Salmonella typhlmurlum gave
negative results In strain TA98 with and without S-9 metabolic activation
(Guerln et al., 1978; Douglas et al.. 1980) and 1n strains TA1535, TA100,
TA1537 and TA1538 with S-9 metabolic activation (Douglas et al.. 1980).
Acenaphthene also had no effect on the recombination rate of two auxotrophlc
strains of EscheMchla coll. as Indicated by the low level of prototroph
Induction (Clark, 1953a). Clark (1953b) also tested acenaphthene for
mutagenlclty 1n Hlcrococcus pyrogens var. aureus strain FDA209 with negative
results.
Acenaphthene has been shown to produce nuclear and cytologlcal changes
In microblal and plant species. The changes observed, Including Increased
cell size and DNA content, are associated with disruption of the spindle
mechanism during mitosis. Because there Is no known correlation between
these effects and the biological Impact of acenaphthone on mammalian cells,
studies examining these changes will not be summarized here. Studies
concerning these mltotlc effects are reviewed 1n U.S. EPA (1980a).
4.2. WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE
Because of the lack of studies concerning the carcinogenic potential of
acenaphthene, the compound can be classified as an IARC Group 3 chemical
(Inadequate evidence to allow any conclusion regarding carclnogenlclty for
humans). According to the EPA classification scheme (U.S. EPA, 19865),
acenaphthene 1s most appropriately Included In Group D (not classified).
0067h -6- 02/12/87
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5. REGULATORY STANDARDS AND CRITERIA
The ambient water quality criterion for acenaphthene, based on organo-
leptlc data, 1s 0.02 mg/i (U.S. EPA. 1980a). This level has no known
relationship to potential human health effects.
0067h -7- 07/30/86
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6. RECOMMENDATIONS
Because of the lack of data for the carclnogenlcUy and threshold
toxlclty of acenaphthene, risk assessment values cannot be derived. The
ambient water quality criterion of 0.2 mg/i 1s based on organoleptlc data,
which has no known relationship to potential human health effects.
The best documented effect of acenaphthene 1s Its ability to cause
nuclear and cytologlc changes 1n plants (U.S. EPA, 1980a). No correlation
between these effects and effects on mammalian cells Is known. Acenaphthene
has tested negative In mutagenldty studies In microorganisms (Guerln et
al., 1978; Douglas et al., 1980; Clark, 1953a) and 1n a carclnogenlcUy
study In the newt, Trlturus crlstatus (Neukom, 1974). Despite the negative
results, the fact that acenaphthene 1s a PAH, a class of chemicals that
contain carcinogens. Indicates that the primary Issue requiring resolution
Is the carclnogenlcUy of acenaphthene by oral or Inhalation exposure.
Acenaphthene has been found In both air and water (U.S. EPA, 1980a), so that
both routes of exposure may be Important.
If adequate testing determines that acenaphthene Is not carcinogenic,
efforts should be made to define thresholds for noncarclnogenlc toxlclty.
Data are needed to determine the target organ(s) or system(s) most likely to
be Injured by exposure to acenaphth&ne. Because acenaphthene has a rela-
tively low vapor pressure (4.47xlO~3 mm Hg at 25°C), substantial levels 1n
air are unlikely and Initial testing by oral exposure to determine sub-
chronic, developmental and reproductive toxlclty may be more Immediately
necessary.
0067h -8- 10/29/86
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7. REFERENCES
Arcos, J.C., et al. 1976. Dlmethylnltrosamlne-demethylase: Molecular
size-dependence of repression by polynuclear hydrocarbons. Nonhydrocarbon
repressers. J. Toxlcol. Environ. Health. 1: 395. (Cited 1n U.S. EPA,
1980a)
Argus, H.F., et al. 1971. Molecular-slze-dependent effects of polynuclear
hydrocarbons on mixed function oxldases. Possible action on cascade-coupled
operons. Eur. Blophys. Congr. Proc. 1st. 1: 187. (CHed 1n U.S. EPA,
1980a)
Barrows, H.E., S.R. PetrocelH, K.J. Hacek and J.J. Carroll. 1980. Blocon-
centratlon and elimination of selected water pollutants by blueglll sunflsh,
Lepomls macrochlrus. In: Dyn., Exposure Hazard Assess. Toxic. Chem. Ann
Arbor Science, Ann Arbor, HI. p. 379-392.
Bjoerseth, A., J. Knutzen and J. Ske1. 1979. Determination of polycycllc
aromatic hydrocarbons- In sediments and mussels from Saudafjord, W. Norway,
by glass capillary gas chromatography. Sc1. Total Environ. 13: 71-86.
Buu-Ho1, N.P. and H1en-Do-Phouc. 1969. Biological effect of some aromatic
polycycllc hydrocarbons and their heterocycllc analogs. Inhibition of
zoxazolamlne hydroxylatlon 1n rats. C.R. Hebd. Seances Acad. Scl. Ser. D.
268: 423. (Cited 1n U.S. EPA, 1980a)
0067h -9- 07/30/86
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Callahan, M.A., H.W. Sllmak, N.W. Gabel, et al. 1979. Water-related envi-
ronmental fate of 129 priority pollutants. Volume II. EPA 440/4-79-0298.
U.S. EPA. Washington, DC.
Clark, J. 1953a. The effects of chemicals on the recombination rate In
Bacterium coll. J. Gen. M1crob1ol. 8: 45. (Cited In U.S. EPA, 1980a)
Clark, J. 1953b. The mutagenlc action of various chemicals on Hlcrococcus
aureus. Proc. Okla. Acad. Sc1. 34: 114. (Cited 1n U.S. EPA, 1980a)
Douglas, G.R., E.R. Nestmann, J.L. Betts, et al. 1980. Mutagenlc activity
In pulp mill affluents. Water Chlorlnatlon: Environ. Impact Health Eff. 3:
865-880.
Grimmer, G., et al. 1977. Investigation on the carcinogenic burden by air
pollution In man. XV. Polycycllc aromatic hydrocarbons 1n automobile gas
exhaust — An Inventory. Zentralbl. Bakterlol. Parasltenkd., Infectlonskr.
Hyg. Abt. 1: OMg. Relhe B. 164: 218. (Cited In U.S. EPA, 1980a)
Guerln, M.R., et al. 1978. Polycycllc aromatic hydrocarbons from fossil
fuel conversion processes. Cardnog. Compr. Surv.: 3. Iss. Polynucl. Arom.
Hydrocarbons: 21. (Cited In U.S. EPA, 1980a)
Hansch, C. end A.J. Leo. 1985. Medchem Project Issue No. 26. Pomona
College, Claiemont, CA.
0067h -10- 10/29/86
-------
Harke, H.P., et al. 1976. Investigations of polycycllc aromatic hydro-
carbons 1n cigarette smoke. Z. Lebensm. - Unters. Forsch. 162: 291.
(Cited In U.S. EPA. 1980a)
HSDB (Hazardous Substance Data Bank). 1986. Report No. 2659. Online: 198&.
Knobloch, K., et al. 1969. Acute and subacute toxlclty of acenaphthene and
acenaphthylene. Med. Pracy. 20: 210. (CUed In U.S. EPA, 1980a)
Llgockl, M.P., C. Leuenberger and J.F. Pankow. 1985. Trace organic
compounds 1n rain. II. Gas scavenging of neutral organic compounds. Atmos.
Environ. 19: 1609-1617.
Lyman, W.J., W.F. Reehe and D.H. Rosenblatt. 1982. Handbook of Chemical
Property Estimation Methods. Environmental Behavior of Organic Compounds.
McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York. p. 4-9.
Mackay, D. and W.Y. Sh1u. 1981. A critical review of Henry's Law Constants
for chemicals of environmental Interest. 3. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data. 19:
1175-1199.
Neukomm, S. 1974. The Newt test for studying certain categories of
carcinogenic substances. In: Excerpta Medlca Int. Congr. Sen. No. 311.
Experimental Model Systems In Toxicology and Their Significance In Man,
H.A.M. Duncan, Ed. Proc. Evr. Soc. Study Drug Tox., Zurich, Switzerland.
June 1973. Excerpta Medlca, Amsterdam. (CUed In U.S. EPA, 1980a)
0067H -11- 07/30/86
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Reshetyuk, A.L., E.I. Talaklna and P.A. En'yakova. 1970. Toxlcologlcal
evaluation of acenaphthene and acenaphthylene. Gtg. Tr. Prof. Zabol. 14:
46.
Sabljlc, A. 1984. Prediction of the nature and strength of soil sorptlon
of organic pollutants by molecular topology. J. Agrlc. Food Chem. 32:
243-246.
Severson, R.F., et al. 1976. Gas chromatographlc quantltatlon of poly-
nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons In tobacco smoke. Anal. Chem. 48: 1866.
(CHed In U.S. EPA, 1980a)
U.S. EPA. 1978. Analytical reference standards and supplemental data for
pesticides and other organic compounds. Health Effects Res. Lab., Environ.
Toxicology Dlv., U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC. EPA 600/9-78-012.
(Cited In U.S. EPA. 1980a)
U.S. EPA. 1980a. Ambient Water Quality Criteria Document for Acenaphthene.
Prepared by the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment, Environmental
Criteria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH for the Office of Water Regu-
lations and Standards, Washington, DC. EPA 440/5-80-015. NTIS PB81-117269.
U.S. EPA. 1980b. Hazard Profile for Acenaphthene. Prepared by the Office
of Health and Environmental Assessment, Environmental Criteria and Assess-
ment Office, Cincinnati, OH for the Office of Solid Waste, Washington, DC.
0067H -12- 02/12/87
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U.S. EPA. 1983. Reportable Quantity Document for Acenaphthene. Prepared
by the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment. Environmental Criteria
and Assessment Office, Cincinnati, OH for the Office of Emergency and
Remedial Response, Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 1986a. Graphical Exposure Modelling System (GEMS). Computer
printout. Fate of Atmospheric Pollutants (FAP) Data Base. Office of Toxic
Substances, U.S. EPA.
U.S. EPA. 1986b. Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment. Federal
Register. 51(185): 33992-34003.
r,+.T Protection
It g. Environmental rroT?-.
-/ .-.(-,, =5 Library -J.?] .
*i "
0067h -13- 02/05/87
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