EPA/600/N-94/002
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II, New York, New York 10278
DATE: February 18, 1994
SUBJECT: Risk Assessment Review
FROM:
William J.
Deputy Regional A
P.E.
nistrator
William Farland, Ph.D. / / xrv.
Director ^LL^^(/IC
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment
Attached is a copy of the Risk Assessment Review, a bimonthly-
publication that is a cooperative effort between the Office
of Research and Development and the Regional Risk Assessment
Network.
The Review serves as a focal point for information exchange
among the EPA risk assessment community on both technical and
policy issues related to' risk assessment. It is currently in
its fourth year of publication and we are pleased at the
positive feedback we've received on the Review's usefulness
to staff across the Agency.
Thanks to all of you who continue to contribute articles and
are involved with production efforts. If you have an article
to contribute or any suggestions for further issues, contact
one of the Committee members listed on page 1 of the Review.
Attachment
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Risk Assessment Review
January 1994
Highlights ,,,;-/
• New Council Will Replace and Expand on
the Mission of Old Risk Assessment Council p. 1
• Noncancer Health Effects of Hazardous Air Pollutants:
A Compilation of Existing Inhalation Data p. 1
• Air Quality Criteria for Oxides of Nitrogen,
Volumes I, H, and Id p. 4
• Provisional Guidance for Quantitative Risk
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons .. p. 4
« Research Needs for Risk Assessment of
Inhaled Paniculate Matter p. 5
• Environmental Communication p. 5
• Ninth Annual Regional Risk Assessors Conference ..... p. 6
• Indoor Air Action Levels for Vinyl Chloride p. 7
I. Special Features
Administrator Creates Science Policy Council
New Council Will Replace and Expand on the
Mission of Old Risk Assessment Council
by Gerald Filbin (202) 260-8099
On December 22,1993, EPA Administrator Carol Browner
announced the creation of the Science Policy Council to
Risk Assessment Review Committee
Bill Farland - ORD, (202) 260-7317
Maureen McClelland - Region I, (617) 565-4885
Maria Pavlova - Region n, (212) 264-7364
Marian Olsen - Region n, (212) 264-5682
Suzanne Wuerthele - Region VIII, (303) 293-1714
Dana Davoli - Region X, (206) 553-2135
address science policy issues that go beyond boundaries of
regional orindividual programs. The Administrator stated
that the new Council will build on the Agency's previous
experience with organizations such as the Risk Assessment
Council, but the new Council will be assigned a much
broader mission in the integration of policies that guide
Agency decision makers in their use of scientific and
technical information. The Council met on January 21st
and took immediate steps to meet this charge.
The Council will help address the concerns raised by the
Agency's Science Advisory Board, the National Research
Council, and other groups about how the Agency integrates
see Council p. 2
II. Headquarters
Noncancer Health Effects of Hazardous Air
Pollutants: A Compilation of Existing
Inhalation Data
by John J. Vandenberg (919) 541-4527
The EPA Office of Research and Development's Office of
Health Research uses a three-pronged approach to identify
and support health research needed by the Agency. Stated
simply, the approaches are 1) test methods development, 2)
dose-response model development, and 3) chemical-specific
data collection. To help identify data gaps, target priority
research, and support future residual risk estimation under
the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act Amendments
(CAA), the report Hazardous Air Pollutants: Profiles of
Noncancer Toxicity from Inhalation Exposures (EPA/600/
R-93/142, September 1993) has been published.
Under the CAA, 189 substances (e.g., benzene) or groups of
substances (e.g., chromium compounds) were identified as
hazardous air pollutants. The health consequences of expo-
sure to these chemicals will be evaluated by federal, state,
and local governments in the coming years. Information on.
bom the cancer and noncancer health effects of exposure
will be needed, and so an effort was undertaken to compile
existing noncancer health effects information.
A variety of secondary references was used as sources of
toxicity data. These are documents and data bases from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (i.e., the Integrated
Risk Information System, Health Assessment Documents,
and Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables), from the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (i.e.,
Toxicity Profiles and Supplemental Tables) and from the
National Library of Medicine (i.e., the Hazardous Sub-
stances Data Bank).
see Noncancer p. 3
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Council (continued from p. 1)
policy and science in decision making. It will also act as the
principal interagency contact on major science policy is-
sues.
The Science Policy Council will draw on the perspectives
of both political appointees as well as career scientists and
managers from throughout the regions and programs. The
Administrator named Deputy Administrator Robert Sussman
as Chair of the Council and Lynn Goldman, Assistant
Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances (OPPTS), as Vice Chair to ensure that these
policy decisions receive the highest priority in this Admin-
istration.
The Administrator also named to the Council
Margo Oge Director of the Office of Radiation
and Indoor Air
Gary Foley Acting Assistant Administrator for
the Office of Research and Devel-
opment (ORD)
Karl Hausker Deputy Assistant Administrator for
the Office of Policy Planning and
Evaluation (OPPE)
Jane Saginaw Regional Administrator in Region
VI
William Muszynski Acting Regional Administrator in
Region n
new and existing Agency science policies. The members of
the Steering Committee are *
Tudor Davies
Michael Shapiro
Sylvia Lowrance
Director of the Office of Science
and Technology
Director of the Office of Solid
Waste and
the Associate Deputy Administra-
tor.
Donald Barnes, the Director of the EPA Science Advisory
Board, and William Raub, the Administrator's Science
Advisor will serve as ex officio members of the Council.
The Administrator asked Gary Foley and William Muszynski
to represent ORD and the regional office temporarily until
the full team of Assistant and Regional Administrators is
confirmed.
As one of its initial tasks, the Council designated a Steering
Committee of career scientists and managers who will
assess science policy needs on an ongoing basis, plan for
meetings of the Science Policy Council, resolve issues that
do not need the Council's attention, and oversee and evalu-
ate the success of programs and regions in implementing
Charles Auer
Gershon Bergeisen
Patricia Cirone
Wendy
Cleland-Hamnett
Charles Elkins
William Farland
Michael Firestone
Greene Jones
CarlMazza
Al McGartland
Dorothy Pattern
Peter Preuss
Rosemarie Russo
Richard Spear
Margaret
Stasikowski
Vanessa Vu
Director of the Chemical Control
Division (OPPTS)
Staff Assistant to the Director of
the Office of Emergency and Re-
medial Response
Deputy Director of the Region X
Environmental Services Division
Deputy Director of the Office of
Regulatory Management and
Evaluation Office of Policy, Plan-
ning and Evaluation
Associate General Council
Director of the Office of Health
and Environmental Assessment
Science Advisor to OPPTS
Director of the Region III Envi-
ronmental Services Division
Science Advisor to the Office of
Air and Radiation
Director of the Economic Analysis
and Innovations Division, Office
of Policy Analysis
Chair of the Risk Assessment Fo-
rum
Director of the Office of Science
Planning and Regulatory Evalua-
tion, Office of Research and De-
velopment
Director of the Environmental Re-
search Laboratory at Athens, Geor-
gia
Chief of the Surveillance and Moni-
toring Branch, Region n
Director, Health and Ecological
Criteria Division, Office of Sci-
ence and Technology, Office of
Water
Deputy Director, Health and Envi-
ronmental Review Division, Of-
fice of Science and Technology,
Office of Water
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Wilbert Wilson Co-Chair of the National Perfor-
mance Review Team on Credible
Science, Office of Policy Analysis
and Review, Office of Air and Ra-
diation.
The first meeting of the Steering Committee will be on
February 3,1994. The Steering Committee will be chaired
by William Raub.
The Steering Committee members were selected based on
their experience and expertise in science policy, ability to
frame and communicate science policy issues for decision
makers, and effectiveness in marshalling resources for iden-
tified projects. The members of the Steering Committee are
expected to serve staggered terms to provide continuity and
a constant influx of new expertise.
The Council met for the first time on January 21st and
began to address the Administrator's charge to guide the
Agency in identifying and addressing the most urgent sci-
ence policy issues it faces. The Council will work to iden-
tify the highest priority issues for resolution and develop a
work plan for resolving them to report back to the Adminis-
trator on these priorities within the first 60 days of opera-
tion. The Council also began the process of identifying
potential members of its Steering Committee.
The Administrator has charged the Council with preparing
an analysis and response to the recently released report
from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), "Science
and Judgement in Risk Assessment,"1 within 30 days. To
address the Administrator's directive, the Council will work
closely with the Agency ad hoc committee that has begun
the analysis of the NAS Report to complete the analysis and
create a high-level policy response for the Agency.
The Council will also work with its Steering Committee to
establish its relationships with the large number of standing
and ad hoc groups within the Agency, such as the Council
of Science Advisors and Risk Assessment Forum, which
have been working on issues related to risk assessment,
peer review, and other science policy concerns. Similarly,
the Council will serve as the liaison on science policy issues
with other agencies. The Council will also ask its Steering
Committee to begin preparation of the Council's priority
plan and to report back to the Council before its next
meeting in Washington on February 25,1994.
To ensure that the Council and its Steering Committee have
adequate resources and continuity of operation, the Office
1 Pre-publication copies of the report are available from the National Acad-
emy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20418. The
cost of the publication is $75.00 (prepaid) plus $4.00 shipping for the first
copy and $0.50 shipping charge for each additional copy. The National
Academy Press can be reached at (202) 334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242.
of Policy, Planning and Evaluation and the Office of Re-
search and Development will provide staff support for both
the Council and Steering Committee.
>• Direct your questions about the operation or staffing of
the Council to Angela Nugent in the OPPE Science
Policy Staff at (202) 260-5871 or to William Raub in
the Administrator's Office at (202) 260-0412.
Noncancer (continued from p. 1)
Data on noncancer health effects in animals and humans
were identified and extracted from the source documents
and compiled in computer files. The type of effects ob-
served (e.g., neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity), the con-
centrations and exposure conditions producing the effects,
and ancillary information (e.g., the number of animals
exposed) were obtained. Data on exposures that did not
produce health effects were also compiled. The data files
were footnoted extensively to aid data interpretation, and
extensive quality control/quality assurance procedures were
employed.
The results of this compilation are presented in the report
using bar graphs. These "activity profiles" are similar to
displays used previously for genetic toxicity data and devel-
opmental toxicity data. The activity profiles are accompa-
nied by a table of the collected data for each chemical,
including information not suitable for graphic presentation.
These profiles and tables provide insights on the types of
effects seen in humans and animals from exposure to these
pollutants and suggest that certain endpoints may occur
more frequently or be of potential concern during health
risk assessment As shown in Table 1, respiratory, neuro-
logical,-and ocular effects, for example, are reported for the
largest number of pollutants following acute exposures in
humans and animals. More than 50% of the hazardous air
pollutants are associated with respiratory and neurologic
effects in humans (data not shown). These same effects are
reported for the largest number of chemicals, but less
frequently, for humans exposed subchronically and chroni-
cally. In animal studies, subchronic exposures are reported
frequently to result in respiratory and neurological toxicity
as well as hepatotoxicity, developmental toxicity, and sys-
temic toxicity (generally defined here as decreased weight
gain). For many chemicals, respiratory toxicity appears to
occur at a lower exposure concentration than other toxici-
ties; however, data on effects from inhalation exposures are
very limited and may be inadequate for assessment of
public health risks.
While limited to inhalation exposures and to specific infor-
mation sources, it is anticipated that the information con-
tained in this report can be used to compare pollutants
across several dimensions (e.g., concordance across species
and systems), to identify existing data sources and data
gaps, and to evaluate relative potencies across chemicals.
Such analyses are, at present, underway.
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Table 1. Number of Hazardous Air Pollutants Reported To
Produce Health Effects In Humans or Animals by
Inhalation Exposure.
Exposure Duration
System
Bone
Cardiovascular
Dermal
Reproductive/Developmental
Endocrine/Exocrine
Ocular
Gastrointestinal
Homatopotetic
Hepatic
Immunologtc
Multiple
Neurologic/Behavioral
Olfactory
Pancreatic
Renal
Respiratory
Spleen
Systemic
Total Number of Hazardous Air
Pollutants Showing An Effect
Acute
0
52
33
7
24
96
63
38
51
14
1
107
8
1
47
114
3
48
142
Subchronic
6
30
21
54
24
44
31
49
69
24
0
74
15
0
49
78
18
71
122
Chronic
2
6
3
13
8
7
7
16
27
5
1
20
6
1
23
30
11
27
57
This compilation of noncancer toxicity data complements
databases and information on carcinogenicity (available in
the Integrated Risk Information System) and genetic toxic-
ity2 as well as ambient monitoring data which have been
compiled elsewhere by EPA. Together, these sources of
information constitute a substantial source of information
on the health effects and exposure potential of the hazard-
ous air pollutants.
In addition to the hardcopy report, it is anticipated that the
data will be available via computer disk early in 1994
(contact John Vandenberg for a copy). •
>• For additional information, or to obtain a copy of the
report, contact John Vandenberg, Health Effects Re-
search Laboratory, at (919) 541-4527 (Internet:
vandenberg%am%herlvx@mrjtpnc.epa.gov). The ad-
dress is John Vandenberg, U.S. EPA, HERL, MD-51,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
• For more information contact Dennis Kotchmar at
(919) 541-4158.
Provisional Guidance for Quantitative Risk
Assessment ofPolycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
by Rita Schoeny (513) 569-7544
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are products of
incomplete combustion of organic materials. Sources in-
clude cigarette smoke, municipal waste incineration, wood
stove emissions, coal conversion, energy production from
fossil fuels, and automobile and diesel exhaust. As PAHs
are common environmental contaminants, it is important
that EPA have a scientifically justified, consistent approach
to the evaluation of human health risk from exposure to
these compounds.
For the majority of PAHs classified as B2, probable human
carcinogen, data are insufficient for calculation of an inha-
lation or drinking water unit risk. Benzo[a]pyrene (BAP) is
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the most completely studied of the PAHs, and data, while
problematic, are sufficient for calculation of quantitative
estimates of carcinogenic potency.
Toxicity Equivalency Factors (TEF) have been used by
U.S. EPA on an interim basis for risk assessment of chlori-
nated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans. Data for PAHs do
not meet all criteria for use of TEF. This document presents
a somewhat different approach to quantitative estimation of
PAHs using weighted potential potencies. These estimates
are recommended only for evaluation of risk from oral
exposures and are proposed only for the assessment of
potential carcinogenicity of PAHs.
Copies of the report are available from the Center for
Environmental Research Information (CERI), U.S. EPA, 26
West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268. In
requesting the report, please provide the title and EPA
identification number. CERI's telephone number is (513)
569-7562, and the FAX number is (513) 569-7566.
>• For more information contact Rita Schoeny at (513)
569-7544.
Research Needs for Risk Assessment of Inhaled
F'articulate Matter
by BUI Pepelko (202) 260-5904
Recent studies have shown that insoluble, biochemically
inert particles, small enough to deposit in the deep lung, are
capable of inducing carcinogenic as well as pathological
effects. These findings have important implications for risk
assessment, especially since paniculate matter of this type, .
carbon black for example, has been considered in the past to
be relatively benign. In March 1992, the Office of Health
and Environmental Assessment sponsored a workshop on
"Research Needs for Risk Assessment of Inhaled Panicu-
late Matter." The 14 expert panelists discussed the current
state of the art regarding pathological effects of inhalable
paniculate matter. They also developed a list of research
recommendations aimed at improving risk assessment in
this area. This report summarizes the proceedings of the
workshop.
Copies of the report are available from the Center for
Environmental Research Information (CERT), U.S. EPA, 26
West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268. In
requesting the report, please provide the tide and EPA
identification number. CERI's telephone number is (513)
569-7562, and the FAX number is (513) 569-7566.
>• For more information contact Bill Pepelko at (202)
260-5904.
Environmental Communication
by BrendaKover (202) 260-9171
The Risk Communication Project, located within the Office
of Policy, Planning and Evaluation's Office of Regulatory
Management and Evaluation, has developed a series of fact
sheets to help plan and conduct environmental communica-
tion efforts. These fact sheets provide information on such
subjects as risk communication training, planning for evalu-
ation, and where to find contractor support for your plan-
ning and evaluation efforts. The series currently contains
fact sheets on the following subjects:
Risk Communication Project
Risk Communication Workshop
Risk and Decision Making Workshop
Risk Communication Information Line
Planning for Evaluation
Risk Communication Reports
Focus Groups
Readability Test
Applied Research
Lessons Learned: Evaluation of Educational, Ma-
terials for Farmworker Protection
Over time, we will be developing other fact sheets on topics
such as knowing your audience, using external groups to
extend your message, additional lessons learned from past
evaluation efforts, and suggestions for applying lessons
learned from existing and ongoing risk communication
research.
>• To obtain any of the listed fact sheets or to be placed on
our mailing list for future mailings, contact Brenda
Kover at (202) 260-9171 or Office of Regulatory Man-
agement and Evaluation, Office of Policy, Planning
and Evaluation, U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, S.W., Wash-
ington, D.C. 20460.
Integrated Risk Information System Highlights
by Patricia Daunt (513) 569-7596.
Summarized below are the Integrated Risk Information
System (IRIS) highlights for the months of October, No-
vember, and December. More detailed NEWS is available
for IRIS-2 users on the first screen of the system.
October 1993 Update
Oral RfD Replaced (previously withdrawn):
Atrazine; CASRN 1912-24-9
November 1993 Update
Oral RfDs Replaced:
File On-Line Replaced:
Aldicarb; CASRN 116-06-3
Previously Withdrawn:
Aldicarb sulfone; CASRN 1646-88-4
Dichlorvos; CASRN 62-73-7
Inhalation RfC Noted as Pending Change:
Manganese; CASRN 7439-96-5
Inhalation RfC Added to IRIS:
Chlorodifluoromethane
(HCFC-22); CASRN 75-45-6
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Drinking Water Health Advisory Withdrawn:
Aldicarb; CASRN 116-06-3
December 1993 Update
Inhalation RfCs Replaced on IRIS (files on-line):
'Manganese; CASRN 7439-96-5
Methoxychlor, CASRN 72-43-5
Inhalation RfCs Added to IRIS:
Bromoform; CASRN 75-25-2
d-Limonene; CASRN 5989-27-5
Pentafluoroethane; CASRN 354-33-6
Carcinogenicity Assessments Added to IRIS:
Metribuzin; CASRN 21087-64-9
Monochloramine; CASRN 10599-90-3
Drinking Water Health Advisory Withdrawn:
Methoxychlor; CASRN 72-43-5
As of December 1, 1993, IRIS contained 515 chemicals.
This included 346 oral reference doses (RfDs), 84 inhala-
tion reference concentrations (RfCs), and 218 carcinogenic-
ity assessments, bringing the total number of risk information
assessments to 648. In addition, IRIS also contained 73
Drinking Water Health Advisories, 388 EPA regulatory
action sections, and 95 supplementary data sections (chemi-
cal^hysical properties).
>• For additional information, contact Patricia Daunt, IRIS
Data Base Manager at (513) 569-7596.
. Regions
Region I
Ninth Annual Regional Risk Assessors Conference
The Ninth Annual Regional Risk Assessors Conference
will be hosted by Region I. The conference is scheduled for
April 25-27, 1994, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Atten-
dance is limited to EPA staff.
An agenda for the meeting is being prepared. Proposed
agenda items for the human health session include
• Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls,
• Environmental Justice,
• Comparative Toxicity Ranking Systems,
• Indirect Exposure Pathways including a discus-
sion of guidance and regional case examples,
• New Methods in Human Health Analysis includ-
ing Benchmark Dose, Meta Analysis, Categorical
Regression of Acute Inhalation Effects, and the
Reference Concentration Method,
Radiation Issues, and
• Pesticides.
As in prior conferences, separate sessions on ecological risk
assessment issues will be held during the meeting. Issues
for discussion include
• Watershed-Based Ecological Risk Assessment,
• EPA Headquarters Contaminated Sediment Strat-
egy,
• Sediment Screening Levels,
• Trends and Advances in Terrestrial Ecological
Risk, and
• Update on EPA Ecological Risk Guidance.
In the final session on Wednesday, April 27, participants
from both the human health and ecological sessions will
meet to summarize their conclusions for the entire group,
discuss the ways that regions are addressing assessment of
specific risk issues, and discuss strategies for the coming
year.
Similar to last year's conference, the Annual Superfund
Risk Assessor's Meeting is scheduled at the same hotel
immediately following the Regional'Risk Assessors Meet-
ing. It will run all day Thursday, April 28 and until 2:00
p jn. on Friday, April 29.
>• For further information concerning die Superfund meet-
ing contact Anita Street at (703) 603-8822.
As a new feature this year, the Environmental Evaluation
Workshop will be held at the same hotel beginning at noon
on Wednesday, April 27 until noon on Friday, April 29.
>• For further information concerning the workshop con-
tact Susan Svirsky at (617) 573-9649.
Hotel reservations for the meeting can be made with the
Boston Park Plaza Hotel at (617) 426-2000 exL 2500. The
Boston Park Plaza Hotel is located at 64 Arlington Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116. In making reservations indi-
cate that you will be attending the Ninth Annual Regional
Risk Assessor's Conference.
>• For additional information concerning the meeting con-
tact
Margaret McDonough
Jeri Weiss
Mary Beth Smuts
Patti Tyler
(617) 573-5714
(617) 573-9177
(617) 573-3232
(617) 860-4342
(Ecological Risk)
We look forward to welcoming you to Boston in April.
>• Contact: Margaret McDonough (617) 573-5714
Region II
Publications of interest include
• National Research Council's Committee on Mea-
suring Lead in Critical Populations published "Mea-
suring Lead Exposure in Infants, Children, and
Other Sensitive Populations." The study was spon-
sored by the Agency for Toxic Substances and
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Disease Registry. For additional information con-
tact the National Academy Press at (202) 334-
3313 or 1-800-624-6242.
• EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs has published
"Pesticide State Management Plan Guidance for
Ground Water Protection." Copies of the guidance
are available from the Office of Pesticide Pro-
grams, Public Docket, Room 1132, Crystal Mall
#2,1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Vir-
ginia 22202. The phone number is (703) 305-
5805.
• The Office of Technology Assessment released a
report entitled "Preparing for an Uncertain Cli-
mate" concerning global climate change. The re-
ports builds on a previous 1991 study titled
"Changing by Degree." Copies are available by
calling the Office of Technology Assessment at
(202) 224-8996.
« The U.S. Geological Survey has published "Na-
tional Water Summary 1990-91—Hydrologic
Events and Stream Water Quality" (WSP 2400).
Copies are available from the U.S.G.S. Branch of
Distribution, Denver Federal Center, Box 25286,
Denver, Colorado 80225. The cost for the docu-
ment is $43.00.
>• Contact: Marian Olsen (212) 264-5682
Region IX
Indoor Air Action Levels for Vinyl Chloride
Gerry Hiatt from Region DC made a presentation at the
annual meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis (December
1993, Savannah, Georgia) about action levels developed by
Region IX for evaluating indoor air exposures to vinyl
chloride. These vinyl chloride action levels were generated
as a cooperative project involving Region IX, the Office of
Research and Development's Office of Health and Environ-
mental Assessment (OHEA), and the California Environ-
mental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA). Gerry and Arnold
Den represented Region IX on the project, Jim Cogliano
was responsible for OHEA's contributions and Richard
Becker and David Siegel were the Cal/EPA participants.
Indoor air action levels were developed following discov-
ery at two Region IX Superfund sites of vinyl chloride in
subsurface landfill gas which had migrated beneath residen-
tial neighborhoods. One of the sites is a former hazardous
waste landfill and the other a former municipal landfill;
residential communities are situated immediately adjacent
to both sites. Discovery of subsurface vinyl chloride in
these communities prompted Superfund to conduct indoor
sampling programs to determine if any in-home exposures
to vinyl chloride-were occurring at either former landfill.
The action levels were established prior to sample collec-
tion in order to guide the Agency's response to any indoor
vinyl chloride exposures identified by the sampling.
EPA and Cal/EPA were especially concerned about expo-
sures to young children (primarily infants) and adult males.
The concern about young children was based on the demon-
strated exquisite susceptibility of neonatal animals to the
carcinogenic action of inhaled vinyl chloride (Maltoni et
al., Environ,Health Perspect. 41:3, 1981 and Drew et al.,
ToxicolAppLPharmacol. 68:120, 1983). Site-specific risk
assessments for infants were based on Jim Cogliano's analy-
sis for OHEA of the Maltoni and Drew data. Dr. Cogliano
developed a risk table for short-term exposures to children
using Maltoni's and Drew's data on cancer incidence from
neonatal vinyl chloride exposures. Region IK and Cal/EPA
further modified this risk table to tailor it to the specific
characteristics of each site.
Male reproductive toxicity was also of concern due to a
report of testicular toxicity in rats in response to inhaled
vinyl chloride (Bi et al., EcotoxEnviron.Safety 10:281,
1985). The Bi study identified a No Observed Adverse
Effect Level (NOAEL) at 10 ppm for a 12-month exposure
(6 hours/day). An action level for testicular toxicity in
humans was generated from this NOAEL based on standard
EPA reference dose methodology.
Therefore; the action level risk assessment focused on
health risks for two sensitive subpopulations: young chil-
dren (especially infants) and males of reproductive age.
Three action levels were identified by the risk assessment:
1) Low End: a chronic level deemed acceptable for
long-term exposures,
2) Interim: an interim level deemed acceptable only
for short-term exposures while interim remedial
action is taken to interrupt the exposure pathway,
and
3) High End: an emergency action level; above this
level even short-term exposures are unacceptable.
The Low End and Interim action levels were based on
cancer risks to young children, especially infants, from a
four-year exposure (the length of time anticipated until
completion of remedial activities at the sites). The High
End action level was based on reproductive toxicity risks in
males.
Action levels for in-home vinyl chloride exposures were
then incorporated into site-specific response guidelines. As
an example, following are the response guidelines from one
of the two former landfills:
Less than 0.2 ppb
No Immediate Action—Potential lifetime excess cancer
risks from a four-year exposure for children are <5xlQ-s,
which is within the lO* to Ifr4 target risk range for
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Superfund. Adult lifetime excess cancer risks range
5x10* to 2x10*.
conjunction with the April 12-14,1994, standards develop-
ment meetings of Committee E-47.
0.2-1 ppb
Interim Remediation—Potential lifetime excess cancer
risks from a four-year exposure for children range from
SxlO"5 to 2x10*. (Interim remediation means that an
indoor vapor remediation system was installed and
proven effective within 30 days.)
1 - 25 ppb
Immediate Interim Remediation—Potential lifetime
excess cancer risks from a four-year exposure for chil-
dren are within the range of 104 to >10-3. (Interim
remediation means that an indoor vapor remediation
system was installed and proven effective within 12
days.)
Greater than 25 ppb
Immediate Relocation Offered—Potential risk of re-
productive toxicity in males exposed subchronically.
(Immediate relocation was offered to any families liv-
ing in homes where indoor vinyl chloride levels ex-
ceeded 25 ppb. Relocation was only as long as necessary
until remedial work eliminated the exposure.)
These action levels are based on characteristics specific to
this Superfund site and should not be applied to other
situations without adjustments based on modification of the
underlying risk assessment.
>• Contact: Gerald Hiatt (415) 744-1022
IV. Meetings
Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting—March
13-17,1994
The Society of Toxicology will hold its annual meeting
from March 13-17, 1994, at the Loews Anatole Hotel in
Dallas, Texas.
> For additional information contact the Society of Toxi-
cology, 110114th Street, N.W., Suite 1100, Washing-
ton, D.C. 20005-5601. The telephone number is (202)
371-1393 or FAX (202) 372-1090.
ASTM Fourth Symposium on Environmental
Toxicology and Risk Assessment:
Transboundary Issues in Pollution; Air,
Surface and Groundwater—April 10-12,1994
The ASTM has requested papers for the Fourth Symposium
on Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment:
Transboundary Issues in Pollution; Air, Surface, and Ground-
water. The Symposium sponsored by ASTM Committee E-
47 on Biological Effects and Environmental Fate, will be
held April 10-12, 1994, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in
The objective of the symposium is to provide a forum for
reporting the results of original research and for evaluating
current issues in the assessment of biological effects and
chemical fate. Of particular interest are papers addressing
the regional approaches to risk assessment, problems and
solutions in international aspects of pollution assessment,
and issues of chemical fate and biological effects common
across borders. The symposium will begin with keynote
speakers from Canada, Mexico, and the United States pre-
senting discussions of international aspects of contaminant
transport, fate, and effects.
>• For more information on the symposium contact the
chairman, Dr. Thomas W. La Point, Clemson Univer-
sity, P.O. Box 709, Pendleton, South Carolina 29670.
The telephone number is (803) 646-2237, and the FAX
number is (803) 646-2277. Or contact the Co-Chair-
man, Dr. Edward E. Little, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, NFCRC, Route 1, Columbia, Missouri 65201.
The telephone number is (314) 875-5399, and the FAX
number is (314) 876-1896.
Occupational Lead Poisoning—March 21 - 22,
1994
The Johns Hopkins Educational Resource Center in Occu-
pational Safely and Health and the University of Maryland
Occupational Health Project will hold a continuing educa-
tion course in occupational lead poisoning March 21-22,
1994, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Course objectives include updating health professional in
• Recognizing current developments in the preven-
tion of occupational lead poisoning,
• Describing diagnostic criteria for adult lead poi-
soning,
• Describing appropriate treatment for adult lead
poisoning,
• Identifying practical methods for establishing and
managing surveillance programs for lead poison-
ing,
• Identifying practical problems and solutions for
preventing lead exposure, and
• Recognizing the requirements of federal and state
regulations.
>• For additional information concerning the training, con-
tact Ms. Linda Lamb, Occupational Lead Poisoning,
Johns Hopkins Educational Resource Center in Occu-
pational Safety and Health, Johns Hopkins School of
Hygiene and Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street,
Room 6001, Baltimore, Maryland 21205. The phone
number is (410) 955-2609, and the FAX number is
(410) 955-9334.
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First International Symposium on Ecosystem
Health and Medicine—June 19-22,1994, in
Ottawa, Canada
The First International Symposium on Ecosystem Health
and Medicine, "New Goals for Environmental Manage-
ment," will be held June 19-22, 1994, at the Ottawa Con-
gress Center, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This emerging
transdisciplinary field bridges the social, health, and eco-
system sciences in fostering new systematic methodologies
for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of ecosystems
under stress.
The symposium is organized by the International Society of
Ecosystem Health and Medicine and the University of
Guelph.
>• For additional Information concerning the meeting,
contact Mr. Remo Petrongolo, Symposium Manager,
Office of Continuing Education, 159 Johnston Hall,
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada NIG
2W1. The telephone number is (519) 824-4120, ext
3064, and the FAX number is (519) 767-0758.
Joint Sixth Conference of the International
Society for Environmental Epidemiology and
Fourth Conference of the International Society
for Exposure Analysis—September 18-21,
1994, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
The joint Sixth Conference of the International Society for
Environmental Epidemiology and Fourth Conference of the
International Society for Exposure Analysis will be held
September 18-21, 1994, in Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina. The conference is being hosted by the University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health.
Sponsors include the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences, EPA, ATSDR, and the World Health
Organization. The purpose of the joint conference is to
bring together scientists from throughout the world to ex-
change ideas, methods, and applications for cutting edge
research on environmental health.
The theme for this year's conference is the integration of
epidemiologic research with sophisticated tools for expo-
sure assessment in order to advance our understanding of
environmentally-induced death, disease, and disability. Sym-
posium topics include
• Multi-Level Exposure Assessment in Air Pollu-
tion Epidemiology,
Methods in Studying Health Effects of Pesticides,
Exposure Modeling/Activity Pattern Data,
Environmental Inequity and Health,
Hazardous Waste and Its Health Effects,
Risk Assessment Methodology,
Motor Vehicle Pollution, and
Genetic Susceptibility to Environmental Hazards.
To register contact Phylliss Woody, Registrar, Office of
Continuing Education, University of North Carolina School
of Public Health, CB #8165, Miller HaU, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina 27599-8165. Phone registration is available by
calling (919) 966-4032 or FAX (919) 966-5692. Abstracts
for the meeting should be submitted to Phylliss Woody by
March 1,1994, at the above address.
Hotel reservations are available through the Sheraton Impe-
rial Hotel and Convention Center in Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina (rate $72 for a single or double room).
The phone number of reservations is 800-222-6503 or (919)
941-5050.
Seventh International Congress of
Toxicology—July 2-6,1995
The Seventh International Congress of Toxicology (ICT
VII) will be held in Seattle, Washington, July 2-6, 1995.
The program will be based on the theme "Horizons in
Toxicology: Preparing for the 21st Century." The meeting
will be hosted by the Society of Toxicology in conjunction
with the International Union of Toxicology.
>• For additional information contact ICT/VII, c/o Soci-
ety of Toxicology, 110114th Street, N.W., Suite 1100,
Washington, D.C. 20005-5601 or (202) 371-1393. The
FAX number is (202) 371-1090.
Risk and Decision-Making Course Schedule
The following is the schedule for the Risk and Decision-
Making Course through April:
February 16-18 San Francisco, California
The following is the schedule for the Risk Communication
Workshop through April:
March 23-25 San Francisco, California
>• Contacts:
Jim Cole (202) 260-2747
Marian Olsen (212)264-5682
Alvin Chun (415) 744-1022
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Contacts:
Jerome Puskin
Linda Tuxen
Dorothy Patton
John Vandenberg
Dick Hill
Don Barnes
Dean Hill
Maureen McClelland
OAR-RAD
ORD-OHEA
ORD-RAF
ORD-HERL
OPTS
SAB
NEIC
Region I
(202) 260-9640
(202) 260-5949
(202) 260-6743
(919) 541-4527
(202) 260-2897
(202) 260-4126
(202) 776-8138
(617) 565-4885
Marian Olsen
Jeffrey Burke
Elmer Akin
Carole Braverman
Jon Rauscher
Mary Rouse
Suzanne Wuerthele
Arnold Den
Dana Davoli
Region n
Region in
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region Vffl
Region IX
Region X
(212) 264-5682
(215) 597-1177
(404) 347-1586
(312) 886-2910
(214) 655-8513
(913) 551-7415
(303) 293-0961
(415) 744-1018
(206) 442-2135
If you would like to receive additional copies of this and
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contact
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