453N89002
NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION
CLEARINGHOUSE NEWSLETTER
oEPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards	March 1989
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
State and Tei
Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials
U /A (1 /A	State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
IN THIS ISSUE
NATICH DATA BASE UPDATE UNDERWAY USING NEW, EASY FORM	1
STATE/LOCAL AGENCY SPOTLIGHTS MAINE ACTIVELY PURSUES RADON RISK	2
DAYTON, OHIO, AGENCY TESTS FOR RADON IN SCHOOLS	3
AIR RISC PRESENTS WORKSHOP IN RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK COMMUNICATION	5
SCAQMD PROPOSES AIR TOXICS RULES FOR CARCINOGENS TO AID PERMITTING
DECISION MAKERS	5
NEW EMISSION MEASUREMENT TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER INTRODUCED	7
ERA'S ROLE IN INDOOR AIR POLLUTION DESCRIBED	8
FIRST URBAN AIR TOXICS WORKSHOP HELD IN ANAHEIM	9
REGION V RELEASES SOUTHEAST CHICAGO CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS	10
NATICH DATA BASE UPDATE UNDERWAY
USING NEW, EASY FORM
This year's NATICH data request form was mailed
on February 17 to officials of State and local air pollution
control agencies. For the first time, sample data forms
and a summary of modifications to the data reporting
procedure have been included in the mailing. These
sample data forms will show examples of the most ap-
propriate types of answers expected for questions con-
cerning the status of data entry programs. Unlike pre-
vious years, a data entry manual will not accompany this
year's request. Instead, those who complete the status
reports should keep last year's manual and add the mod-
ification summary to it.
A new form has also been included that allows
agency officials to request a complete printout of all data
their agencies have supplied to NATICH, including this
year's update. This feature should help the agency
check the accuracy and completeness of NATICH files.
Modifications to the data entry programs allowing
State and local agencies to enter data directly into the
data base reflect the changes in the data entry forms.
Most of these modifications are to the format of the data
fields. For example, the value field for acceptable am-
bient concentrations, guidelines, or standards now ap-
pears in scientific notation format. Some of these
modifications were not complete as of the date the forms
were mailed out; however, final changes were completed
by March 13, 1989. State and local agencies may now ¦
continue to enter data directly as of this date.
Clearinghouse Staff Duties Clarified
Readers should note that although Tim Mohin
oversees the maintenance, development and data col-
lection aspects of the NATICH data base, he should not
receive the STAPPA/ALAPCO surveys, as was stated in
the January issue of the Newsletter. Please send them
to Sandy Smith, Radian Corporation, Post Office Box
201088, Austin, Texas 78720-1088.
Users Denied Data Base Access
Should Contact User Support Directly
User ID problems have prompted a number of re-
cent telephone calls to the NATICH staff. Here are a few
tips: in the process of logging on to the NATICH system,
users have three opportunities to enter valid passwords
corresponding to their three-letter user IDs. Should the
third attempt fail, the user should call user support direct-
ly before attempting to access the data base again. The
reason for this is that the data base cannot be accessed
again in such cases until the user has been reauthorized
by the National Computer Center. This must be ac-
complished by the user; no one else is authorized to re-
quest reactivation of a password.
Finally, unlike account numbers, user IDs and
passwords are assigned to individuals and are to be
uS^ib by those individuals only.

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STATE/LOCAL AGENCY SPOTLIGHT!
MAINE ACTIVELY PURSUES RADON RISKS
by Eugene Moreau and Steve Zayszly, State of Maine Department of Human Services
The State of Maine Department of Human Services
has begun participation in a joint State/EPA random
Statewide radon survey. Random sample locations were
identified by geological conditions, using Maine's
bedrock and surficial geology map. A preliminary study
designed to provide the survey data base has already
been completed.
Approximately 950 carbon canisters have been
distributed. An additional 100 participants have been
selected to receive long-term alpha track detectors as
well as carbon canisters. Distribution of devices is ex-
pected shortly pending arrival from the supplier.
Concurrent with the survey, Maine is also partici-
pating in an EPA-sponsored Home Evaluation Program
designed to better train radon mitigation professionals.
The program teaches state-of-the-art mitigation techni-
ques such as preparing and caulking cracks, replacing
floor drains with appropriate equipment, and covering
and sealing sump pump pits to subslab ventilation.
Past Radon Water Activities Outlined
The two programs described above are examples
of Maine's longtime commitment to radon mitigation.
Highlights of that commitment, focusing on radon con-
centrations in water, follow.
Maine became aware of significant water radon pro-
blems about 1957. A U.S. Public Health Service-
sponsored study began that year. A study conducted in
the early 1980s showed that 99.2 percent of the drilled
wells tested contained more than 2,000 pCi/L of radon
and radon daughters. The radon activity was assumed
to be one-fifth of this or approximately 400 pCi/L.
Extensive analyses for water radon between 1984
and 1987 suggest that Maine possesses two of the
highest water radon concentrations reported in the world
(in excess of 1.2 to 1.8 million pCi/L). It appears the
highest, which exceeds 2 million pCi/L, was recently con-
firmed (1989) by a sister State.
A recent assessment of a municipal or public water
supply survey conducted in 1980 and a private water
supplies data base indicate that a significant percentage
of water supplies exceeds the 200 or 500 pCi/L currently
being considered as a Maximum Contaminant Level
(MCL) for public water supplies. The financial implica-
tions for private home owners to comply with the
established MCL are staggering.
Based on available data, it appears that approx-
imately 93 and 82% of private water supplies exceed the
radon concentrations of 500 and 1000 pCi/L, respect-
ively. Furthermore, adoption of a 500 pCi/L MCL by EPA
would most likely negate the possibility of granular ac-
tivated carbon (G AC) as a reasonable cost effective alter-
native for water radon mitigation. Approximately 88 and
64% of public water supplies exceed the respective 500
and 1000 pCi/L concentrations.
Drinking water standards set in the early 1980s for
community and noncommunity water supplies limit
Radium-226 concentrations to 5 pCi/L. No standard was
established for uranium. However, both radium and ura-
nium are subject to revision by the present ongoing con-
siderations by EPA. Several private water supplies have
been documented to have radium or uranium at values
between 500 and 1000 pCi/L. The identification and
mitigation of radium or uranium as performed by an initial
Gross Alpha screening test is a major concern. Prelimi-
nary plans are being prepared for an appropriate training
workshop for water treatment specialists in the near
future.
Department Initiated Program to Focus
on Radon in Indoor Air
The Occupational and Residential Health Program
(Indoor Air) was formed in 1985 to assist the public with
general indoor air contaminant concerns. Of late, the
program emphasis has shifted to radon-related pro-
blems due to the serious nature of radon and radon's
high priority in the State.
Program activities have included:
—	responding to the public's letters and telephone
calls (averaging 1,000 to 1,500 calls per month);
—	providing a variety of written information in-
cluding both U.S. EPA publications and depart-
mental reports and brochures;
—	speaking to public groups;
—	maintaining and reporting statistics; and
—	making technical presentations, with occasional
assistance from Maine Extension Service
Community Action Programs, and others.
The Department has also assisted a vocational
technical school in preparing and presenting a three-day
diagnostics/mitigation workshop in April 1988 and
February 1989. More are anticipated in the future. These
cover the general subjects of health risk, diagnostics and
mitigation, whereas the Home Evaluation Program men-
tioned earlier emphasizes hands-on mitigation ex-
perience. Maine usually explains the difference this way:
the three-day workshop is equivalent to a Bachelor's
degree, but the five-day program provides a Master's
degree in air radon diagnostics/mitigation.
For further information on Maine's radon activities,
call Eugene Moreau, Manager, Occupational and
Residential Health Program, Division of Health
Engineering at (207) 289-3826.
2

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DAYTON, OHIO, AGENCY TESTS
FOR RADON IN SCHOOLS
The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA)
conducted a radon testing program at the Northridge
Public School district in Dayton, Ohio, on December 2-5,
1988*
All ground contact and first floor rooms with signifi-
cant occupancy in each of the district's five schools were
tested (N = 137). Sampling was conducted by RAPCA
employees using Air Chek Pro Chek charcoal packets.
The samplers were deployed on Friday, December 2, at
approximately 3:00 p.m. and were retrieved the follow-
ing Monday morning at about 7:00 a.m. The average ex-
posure time for each monitor was about 64 hours.
School occupancy was kept at a minimum during
the sample period. The heating systems in the building
were run on their normal weekday schedules (weekend
setbacks were overridden) to simulate normal air handl-
ing operations. All of the heating systems in these
schools are either steam or hot water heat, with in-
dividual unit ventilators in each of the classrooms. These
classroom ventilators typically heat and recirculate ex-
isting room air and are designed to bring in a small
amount of fresh outdoor air while they are in operation.
The district's maintenance supervisor believed that
some of the unit ventilators had closed fresh air intakes
in order to conserve heat.
Weather conditions were typical for Dayton in ear-
ly December. Data from the National Weather Service
indicate the mean temperature was 32°F with a high of
56°F and a low of 21°F. Sky conditions ranged from clear
to completely overcast, but official reports indicate thin
broken or scattered clouds predominated. No precipita-
tion was reported during the test period.
RAPCA Devised Protocol and Timing for Tests
The U.S. EPA has not yet issued a radon-in-schools
testing policy. However, RAPCA's discussions with EPA
officials have revealed that a minimum of 25% of the first
floor or soil contact rooms should be tested, and if possi-
ble, all of the soil contact or first floor classrooms should
be included in a screening survey. While this degree of
testing may seem extreme, EPA has learned that
classroom-to-classroom variation can be as high as the
considerable degree of variation one might expect to find
among the various houses in a subdivision. Therefore,
testing in every room may be necessary to avoid miss-
ing a problem.
This sampling effort was designed as a screening
survey to determine if there is a potential problem in the
buildings tested. The screening tests were done during
the coldest part of the year because cold temperatures,
high winds, and the use of central heating systems all
tend to increase radon concentrations inside buildings.
For the screening, samplers were placed in occu-
pied parts of the school where radon infiltration is most
likely. Examples include classrooms and offices that:
—	have sump holes;
—	have access panels to crawl spaces;
—	are in basements or on the ground level; and
—	have negative ventilation (i.e., less air supply
than return).
Samplers were placed:
—	between 2 and 4 feet off the floor;
—	away from outside walls, windows, and
doorways;
—	away from any obvious drafts or sources of
heat or humidity; and
—	in a central location.
RAPCA decided that, since the sampling was tak-
ing place when the students were on holiday, the best
place to deploy samplers was on a desk in the center of
the room. Had students been present during the sampl-
ing, it would have been better to leave the sampler on
a teacher's desk, or on top of a table or a filing cabinet.
Samplers were not disturbed after they were set out.
Results Showed Elevated Levels in TWo Schools
Of the 137 samples taken from first floor and ground
contact rooms, 7.3% were found to be at or above the
4.0 pCi/L guideline (see Figure 1). Concentrations
ranged from 0.0 pCi/L to 7.0 pCi/L with a detection limit
of 0.2 pCi/L. The mean radon concentration within the
district was found to be 1.3 pCi/L. Table 1 summarizes
these data.
TABLE 1.
RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN
THE NORTHRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Number of	% 4.0 pCl/L
School	Samples Mean Range or Greater
Grafton Kennedy
27
2.8
(0.7-
4.6)
21.4%
Timberlane
26
2.2
(0.4-
•7.0)
15.3%
Morrison
35
0.8
(0.3 ¦
16)
0.0%
Northridge High
35
0.5
(0.0 ¦
¦1.3)
0.0%
Esther Dennis
14
0.4
(0.0-
•1.7)
0.0%
District-wide
137
1.3
O
o
• 7.0)
7.3%
All of the elevated concentrations came from two
schools: Grafton Kennedy Elementary had 6 of its 27
rooms sampled (22%) at or above 4.0 pCi/L (mean = 2.8
pCi/L) (Figure 2) and at Timberlane Elementary, 4 of its
26 rooms (15%) were at or above the guideline (mean
2.2 pCi/L) (Figure 3). Based on sample results for these
3

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2 schools, 19% have concentrations above the
guideline.
Morrison Elementary, Northridge High School, and
Esther Dennis Middle School all had concentrations
below the 4.0 pCi/L guideline. Mean radon levels in these
schools were 0.8, 0.5, and 0.4 pCi/L, respectively.
In addition to the 137 samples taken in the
classrooms and offices, 25 other samples were taken
either as blanks, duplicates, or in boiler rooms. Of the
seven blanks run during these tests, six came back from
the lab as 0.0 pCi/L and one as 0.1 pCi/L. Of the ten
duplicate tests performed, four were in perfect agree-
ment; two were within +/- 0.1 pCi/L of each other; and
all ten were within +/- 0.4 pCi/L. Boiler room sample
results ranged from 0.1 pCi/L to 3.2 pCi/L, mean of 1.5
pCi/L, all below the guideline.
FIGURE I
NORTHRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
RADON CONCENTRATIONS - DECEMBER 2-5, 1988
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5
Radon Concentration pCI/l
FIGURE 2
GRAFTON KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
RADON CONCENTRATIONS - DECEMBER 2-5, 1988
w
a
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K
&
E
3
2
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!! S111111
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7
Radon Concentration pCI/l
Conclusions Support Need for More Testing
The results of this testing program indicate that
three of the schools in the Northridge district are relative-
ly free from radon; therefore, no further testing for them
is warranted. The remaining two schools, Timberlane
Elementary, and Grafton Kennedy Elementary, do have
possible elevated radon concentrations. However, while
FIGURE 3
TIMBERLANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
RADON CONCENTRATIONS - DECEMBER 2-5, 1988
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5
Radon Concentration pCI/l
the radon concentrations in some of the classrooms in
these two schools were above the guideline, it is quite
possible that the school-time average concentrations are
below 4.0 pCi/L. The significant increase in the ventila-
tion rate that occurs with building occupancy may reduce
the levels considerably during normal school hours.
The RAPCA is therefore suggesting that Northridge
schools conduct long-term alpha-track measurements
in the 10 classrooms that indicated possible problems.
Considering the levels of radon found in these con-
taminated classrooms, the best way to assess the situa-
tion would probably be to start the tests in September
1989, and allow them to run until school is dismissed the
following spring.
The RAPCA will be sending this report to EPA radon
offices in Washington, D.C.; Chicago, Illinois; and
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, for additional
comments and advice concerning this effort. The report
has been released with the consent of the Superinten-
dent of the Northridge schools.
For further information on RAPCA's radon-in-
schools testing program, call Andy Lindstrom at (513)
225-4898.
*See these related articles; the September 1986 issue
of the Newsletter (pages 6-7) reported that in the six-
county Dayton area "a number of houses ... have radon
gas concentrations exceeding the EPA guidelines of 4.0
pCi/L" The March 1987 issue (pp. 6-8) stated that while
the uranium content of soil in RAPCA's jurisdiction is pro-
bably only average or low compared with other areas of
the county, extremely high soil gas permeability is pre-
sent in some parts of the RAPCA district. This
characteristic can be a significant contributor to indoor
radon levels. Results in that study (163 sampling loca-
tions) found average radon concentrations to be 7.0
pCi/L; 21 percent were above 10 pCi/L.

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AIR RISC PRESENTS WORK
RISK ASSESSMENT AND Rl.
The Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC)
will offer 3-day workshops on risk assessment and risk
communication during May and June. The workshops
will be conducted in Raleigh, North Carolina, on May
23-25; in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (between Milwaukee
and Chicago), on May 30-June 1; and in Tiburon, Califor-
nia (across the bay from San Francisco), on June 13-15.
The workshops are designed to train State and local
air pollution control agency personnel as well as EPA
Regional Office personnel in risk assessment and risk
communication. Individual sessions will be targeted
toward participants with varying levels of expertise in
these areas. The workshops will present updated infor-
mation on risk assessment and communication ap-
proaches, tools and support services to promote com-
mon understanding in these areas. As a forum for
discussion and analysis of case studies, Air RISC hopes
the workshops will promote sharing of the diverse ex-
perience and expertise of those present.
The first day and a half of the workshop will use
presentations and case studies to focus on risk assess-
ment. Sessions will cover health effects assessment, ex-
posure assessment, and issues associated with
evaluating the health effects of mixtures. The health ef-
fects assessment presentations will be divided into two
concurrent sessions. Session A, an overview of tox-
icology and risk assessment, is intended for staff without
training in toxicology or those with little knowledge of cur-
rent methods of risk assessment. Session B will include
detailed presentations on such topics as noncancer risk
assessment and pharmacokinetics. Participants in this
session should have a basic understanding of tox-
icological principles and risk assessment approaches.
SHOP IN
SK COMMUNICATION
Presentations on risk assessment guidelines will
provide an overview of current EPA guidelines, as well
as those under development. Talks on toxicology and
risk assessment of mixtures will address types of
chemical interactions and approaches to dealing with
complex mixtures in risk assessment. A session on ex-
posure assessment will review current methods for
assessing human exposure and will introduce new tools
under development for estimating short- and long-term
population exposure.
The remainder of workshop time will feature presen-
tations, group discussion, videotapes and case studies
to convey important principles of risk perception, public
involvement and risk communication. Discussion will
focus on the factors determining public perception of
risk, as well as ways to address those perceptions and
concerns when communicating risk assessment results
to the public. Case studies will be used to demonstrate
the principles for explaining technical issues, making
risk comparisons, and gaining trust and credibility with
the public. Strategies for involving the public and deal-
ing with the media will also be discussed, emphasizing
case studies and videotaped examples.
The workshop should improve participants'
understanding of risk assessment components and their
ability to communicate risk assessment results and
related risk management issues. The format is designed
to provide principles through presentations and then to
practice their use through case studies.
Brochures with registration, costs and travel details
were mailed in early March. For more information, con-
tact Melissa McCullough at (919) 541-5646, (FTS)
629-5646 or Dan Guth at (919) 541-5340, (FTS) 629-5340.
SCAQMD PROPOSES AIR T<
CARCINOGENS TO AID
PERMITTING DECISIONMA
With recent growing concern about the magnitude
of health impacts caused by noncriteria air con-
taminants, EPA and the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) have established national and Statewide ap-
proaches to regulating existing and future sources of tox-
ic air contaminants. Nevertheless, local air pollution con-
trol districts are still faced with difficult decisions when
individual sources of carcinogenic, or potentially car-
cinogenic, air contaminants apply for permits.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District's
(SCAQMD) former practice concerning carcinogenic air
contaminants was to deny permits if a project resulted
OXICS RULES FOR
KERS
in an individual cancer risk of greater than 1 in 1,000,000.
This action was based on noncompliance with the pro-
visions of District Rule 402 - Nuisance.
However, in December 1986, the District's Hearing
Board reversed the denial of a permit to construct a
resource recovery facility proposed by Rialto Power Cor-
poration. The denial had been based on the risk assess-
ment submitted by the applicant. The Hearing Board
reversed the permit denial because the District's risk
assessment and risk management policy had not been
adopted by the District's Governing Board.
The proposed Rules 223 and 1401 described below
5

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are directed at preventing a recurrence of such a situa-
tion by setting forth District intent and policy on the
regulation of carcinogenic air contaminants. Chronic ex-
posure to carcinogenic air contaminants from new or
modified stationary sources is the immediate concern
addressed by these proposed rules.
Proposed Rules 223 and 1401 are designed to
reduce individual cancer risk and excess cancer cases
from new or modified stationary sources, and to specify
the methods to be used in estimating such risks and
cases. Proposed Rule 223 formally establishes the
analysis procedure, and proposed Rule 1401 specifies
the limits for maximum individual cancer risk and excess
cancer cases which may result from exposure to car-
cinogenic air contaminants.
Rule 223 Summarized
This proposed rule will establish the impact analysis
techniques for the risk assessment of carcinogenic air
contaminants for new or modified stationary sources.
Specifically, the rule will address screening analyses, air
quality modeling, alternative analyses and determina-
tion of impacts.
Staff have developed a screening procedure to
identify those sources which would require only an in-
halation pathway analysis (rather than a multipathway
analysis) and which would have the potential to cause
a maximum individual risk of 1 in 1,000,000 or greater.
This screening procedure will use "carcinogenic source
strength" as a measure of the potency of the source's
emissions. Carcinogenic source strength is the sum of
the mathematical products of each carcinogenic air con-
taminant emission rate and its unit risk factor.
A table of' 'allowed carcinogenic source strengths''
has been prepared for a variety of release conditions
(i.e., roof vents, stacks, etc.) and at a variety of locations
throughout the District. Under the proposed rule, if any
source's carcinogenic source strength is less than the
allowed carcinogenic source strength, the applicant will
have satisfied this portion of the permit evaluation. If, on
the other hand, the allowed carcinogenic source
strength is exceeded, a detailed modeling analysis will
be required. Through the use of this screening proce-
dure, staff will be able to evaluate the majority of carcino-
genic sources without the need for extensive modeling.
An air quality model is a set of mathematical equa-
tions relating the release of carcinogenic air con-
taminants to the corresponding concentrations of the
same contaminants in the ambient atmosphere. Such
mathematical relationships provide a technique for
predicting the consequences of changing the amount of
contaminants released into the air from either new or
modified stationary sources.
In general, air quality models are used to identify
and evaluate the level of control required to solve in-
dustrial air contaminant problems. Models are used to
identify and to analyze the causes of existing problems,
and to predict and avoid future problems.
Proposed Rule 223 specifies how air quality models
will be used to quantify, by individual and by group, the
potential exposure to carcinogenic air contaminants.
With this information, the individual cancer risk and the
number of excess cancer cases for the subject stationary
source can be specified.
There is a significant amount of uncertainty in
evaluating carcinogenic sources. Because of this uncer-
tainty, situations may arise which require analytical
techniques other than the methods described above.
Alternative analysis methods may be used as long as
prior approval from the SCAQMD Executive Officer is ob-
tained.
The majority of the population is exposed to car-
cinogenic air contaminants through the inhalation
pathway. However, calculating a risk to the population
exposed via the inhalation pathway only may not repre-
sent the total risk impact. A multipathway analysis
method is required if humans could be exposed to car-
cinogenic air contaminants through inhalation, ingestion
(through consumption of water, crops, fish, milk, and
soil), and absorption through the skin.
Rule 1401 Outlined
The purpose of Rule 1401 is to specify limits for the
maximum individual cancer risk and excess cancer
cases for new or modified stationary sources which emit
carcinogenic air contaminants. The rule also requires
best available control technology for toxic air pollutants
(T-BACT) where a maximum individual cancer risk equal
to, or greater than, 1 in 1,000,000 is estimated to occur.
The following is a summary of each paragraph of the
rule:
•	Summary - This paragraph defines the purpose of
the rule in providing preconstruction review of sta-
tionary sources that will emit carcinogenic air con-
taminants. Major requirements of the rule are
highlighted.
•	Applicability - This paragraph states that a complete
application for a new, modified, or relocated permit
unit shall be subject to the Rule on or after (date of
adoption), and shall enter into effect at the time the
application for the permit unit is deemed complete.
•	Definitions - This paragraph defines the terms ap-
plying to this rule: T-BACT, Carcinogenic Air Con-
taminant, Excess Cancer Cases, Individual Cancer
Risk, Modification, Permit Unit, Potency Slope,
Receptor Location, Stationary Source, and Unit
Risk Factor.
•	Requirements - This paragraph sets limits for the
maximum individual cancer risk and excess cancer
cases from the cumulative impact of all permit units
for which a complete application was submitted
after (date of adoption). T-BACT is required if the
maximum individual cancer risk from a new or
modified stationary source is equal to, or greater
6

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than, 1 in 1,000,000. If the maximum individual
cancer risk from a new or modified stationary
source after the application of T-BACT is equal to
or greater than 10 in 1,000,000, the permit to con-
struct will be denied. In addition, if the excess
cancer cases are equal to or greater than 0.5 for
situations where the population is exposed to an in-
dividual cancer risk greater than 1 in 1,000,000, the
permit will also be denied.
T-BACT will require the most stringent emis-
sion control available to reduce the individual
cancer risk to the greatest extent achievable or to
less than 1 in 1,000,000, regardless of cost. T-BACT
for each permit unit shall be determined on a case-
by-case basis. In determining individual cancer risk
and excess cancer cases, this paragraph refers to
Rule 223.
• Calculation of Carcinogenic Emissions - This
paragraph describes the method by which yearly
emissions shall be calculated in determining the
cancer risk and cases pursuant to Rule 223.
•	Exemptions - This paragraph provides an exemp-
tion from the rule for air pollution control equipment,
provided the modification is constructed solely to
reduce the issuance of air contaminants or solely
to comply with a new, amended, or existing District
rule. Change of ownership and permit renewal are
also exempt from the rule's requirements.
•	Permits to Operate - The first part of this paragraph
states that permit units installed without receiving
a permit to construct shall be treated as new equip-
ment.
Future regulatory efforts will address existing
sources of carcinogenic air contaminants that result in
both acute and chronic exposures. Additionally, ex-
posures to toxic, noncarcinogenic air contaminants will
also be addressed. For further information, call South
Coast Air Quality Management District at (818) 572-6200.
NEW EMISSION MEASURE!
TECHNICAL INFORMATIOf
CENTER INTRODUCED
In the past, suggestions have been made for ex-
changing emission measurement/compliance testing in-
formation directly between EPA Headquarters and the
technical staffs of EPA Regional Offices and State and
local air pollution control agencies. Recently, William G.
Laxton, Director of OAQPS' Technical Support Division,
announced the establishment of the Emission Measure-
ment Technical Information Center (EMTIC) headed by
the Emission Measurement Branch (EMB) of EPA to pro-
mote uniform application of stationary source emission
test methods in emission control programs nationwide.
In order to disseminate new developments in sta-
tionary source emission measurement technology, a
quarterly mailing to Regional, State, and local contacts
has begun. The first mailing, completed on January 9,
contained the following:
1.	EMTIC Guideline Documents
—	Effect of Silica Gel on C02 Measurements
—	Standard Specification for Fuel Oil
—	Nozzle Orifice for Setting Isokinetic Rates
—	SO2 Interference in EPA Test Methods 7
and 7A
2.EMTIC	Information Document
—	Derivation of AH@ used in EPA Method 5
3.	Stationary Source Compliance Division (SSCD)
Information Documents
—	Guidelines for Stack Testing of Municipal
Waste Combustion Facilities
VIEIUT
si
—	Guidance on the Use of EPA Test Method 18
for Specific Volatile Organic Compounds
—	Development of Methodology to Measure
Condensible Emissions from Stationary
Sources
—	SSCD Series Publications
—	A Guideline for Graphic Arts Calculations
4.	EMB Information Documents
—	EPA Method Development and Testing for
Measurement of Source Levels of Hexavalent
and Total Chromium
—	EPA Method Development and Data Gathering
for Hexavalent Chromium Emissions from
Industrial Cooling Towers
5.	EPA Method 1
6.	Chronological Development of EPA Method 1
(one-page summary)
7.	A list of recent Federal Register Publications
(April 7, 1988 - November 21, 1988)
For further details on EMTIC or for information on
obtaining copies of the publications, call Candace
Sorrell at (919) 541-1064 or (FTS) 629-1064.
7

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EPA'S ROLE IN INDOOR AIR POLLUTION DESCRIBED
Only recently has legislation specific to indoor air
pollution research been passed. The Radon Gas and In-
door Air Quality Research Act of the Superfund Amend-
ment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) passed in 1986
requires that all affected Federal agencies develop an
indoor air quality research plan. Although this Act does
not provide additional regulatory authority to EPA to ad-
dress indoor air quality, it provides a mandate for public
guidance concerning the identification of hazards from
indoor pollution and the means for mitigating risks. To
that end, the Agency is to conduct a research program
that identifies, characterizes, and monitors the sources
of indoor pollution in both residential and commercial
buildings, develops instrumentation for data collection,
researches the effects of pollutant exposure on human
health, and develops control technologies and the
means to mitigate problems related to indoor pollutants*
In response to the mandate, EPA currently heads
the Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ)
and coordinates Federal research and development ef-
forts relating to indoor air pollution. Members include
representatives from the Department of Energy, the Con-
sumer Product Safety Commission, the National In-
stitute of Occupational Safety and Health, the Tennessee
Valley Authority, and the Department of Health and
Human Services.
EPA Provides Public Guidance
through Publications
The Agency has addressed the mission of public
guidance through several publications. The Office of Air
and Radiation and the Office of Research and Develop-
ment (ORD) have released a series of pamphlets, fact
sheets, and technical guides that are available through
the EPA's Public Information Center (919-541-4577). One
topic addressed by some of these publications is radon;
others provide information on ventilation and indoor air
quality, for example.
Additional research reports have been developed
by the Office of Acid Deposition, Monitoring, and Quali-
ty Assurance which has published studies on total ex-
posure assessment methodology, and the Atmospheric
Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory which
has produced a report on non-occupational pesticide
exposures.
Chamber Studies Serve as Basic
Emissions Evaluation Method
Several methods are used to identify and
characterize the sources of indoor air pollutants.
Chamber studies, as one example, have been used to
provide information on the composition and emission
rates of airborne pollutants over a range of environmen-
tal conditions, such as varying temperatures, humidities,
and air exchange rates. Materials studied to date include
caulk, floor adhesive, moth repellant, particleboard, dry
cleaned fabrics, and carpets. Other chamber studies are
examining emissions from unvented combustion
sources, such as kerosene heaters and gas space
heaters, and from cigarettes. The ORD will use these
tests to develop standard methods for emissions testing
of indoor materials for use by manufacturers.
A second emissions evaluation technique is the use
of a test house. The studies evaluate the potential impact
of indoor air pollutants under actual home conditions, in-
cluding the effects of multiple pollutant sources. Further-
more, the emissions data developed in chamber studies
can be verified in the test house. Research thus far has
evaluated the particle concentrations produced by
kerosene heaters, perchloroethylene emissions from dry
cleaned clothes, and the impact of moth crystal usage.
The effects of personal care products on indoor air quali-
ty will be examined next.
The information obtained from test house studies
is also used in the development and verification of
predictive models that can assess the effects of sources,
sinks, inter-room air flow, and heating and air-
conditioning systems.
ORD Develops Alternative
Measurement Techniques
Direct measurement of pollutant levels is another
way to characterize exposures. Quiet, unobtrusive,
passive samplers and personal monitoring devices are
under development and evaluation. Recent projects in-
clude samplers for gas-phase organic compounds, for-
maldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide, and sampling and
analysis methodology for nicotine and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke.
In addition to developing and evaluating monitoring
devices, EPA is also preparing a compendium of
measurement methods to provide Standard Operating
Procedures and technical assistance to the research
community. This effort will help to standardize the for-
mat for emerging measurement technology for use in
homes and offices.
Health Effects Research Focuses on
Three Groups of Pollutants
EPA's health effects research primarily involves
evaluating exposure to environmental tobacco smoke,
gas-phase organic compounds, and emissions from
kerosene heaters. Research on environmental tobacco
smoke involves the search for a biomarker, a chemical
unique to this combustion product, used as an index of
exposure. Nicotine is one biomarker under investigation;
DNA adducts another; and cotinine, a metabolite of
nicotine, a third.
Research conducted in Denmark suggests that
workers exposed to certain mixtures of volatile or gas-

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phase organic compounds experience a spectrum of
symptoms known as "sick building syndrome." The
Human Studies Division of ORD's Health Effects
Research Laboratory is conducting similar experiments
to determine whether gas-phase organic compounds
constitute a hazard at the concentrations routinely en-
countered in homes and offices.
Emissions from kerosene heaters have been
measured in test chambers and in the test house. EPA
is now monitoring emissions in actual use situations in
occupied trailers and is determining the potential
mutagenicity of various emission fractions. In addition
to a health effects evaluation, measurements of gaseous
pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide,
and formaldehyde, are being made to develop better
estimates of exposure.
ORD Studies Mitigation Options
Several mitigation options may be used to improve
the air quality of a home or office. Chamber studies allow
comparison of emissions from products and materials
so that products can be modified to reduce emissions,
or consumers can avoid products with high emissions.
Additional research will determine optimal combinations
of operating and design variables to reduce emissions
from kerosene heaters. Evaluations of air cleaner system
effectiveness to date show that activated carbon is
generally ineffective in removing medium or low concen-
trations of organic vapors, whereas electrostatic air
cleaners may produce undesirable ozone during use.
Another basic control strategy involves changing the
ventilation parameters. The ORD plans to evaluate the
effectiveness of different ventilation strategies using a
predictive model. However, they must first improve
methods for measuring ventilation effectiveness.
One other facet of ORD's indoor air pollution
research is the study of air quality in nonresidential
buildings. Emphasis is on "sick building syndrome" and
its causation where occupants complain of a variety of
symptoms ranging from headache and eye, nose, and
throat irritation to dizziness and nausea. Culprits include
inadequate ventilation, emission of pollutants inside the
building, pollutants drawn in from outside, and biological
contamination. EPA is currently investigating its office
buildings in the Washington area in response to
employee complaints following renovation activities. The
Agency is also participating in a study of the Library of
Congress building, which has had indoor air pollution
problems since 1981.
For further information about EPA's Indoor Air Pro-
gram, write to Darcy Campbell or Harriet Ammann at
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Criteria and Assessment Office, MD-52, Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 or call (919)
541-4477.
'The sources of indoor air pollution generally fall into the
categories of combustion sources, personal activity
sources, material sources, outside sources, and
biological contaminant sources. The pollutants that are
emitted from these sources include nitrogen dioxide, car-
bon monoxide, gas-phase organic compounds, par-
ticulate matter, environmental tobacco smoke, bacteria
and mold spores, among others.
FIRST URBAN AIR TOXICS 1
HELD IN ANAHEIM
The first of the three EPA/STAPPA/ALAPCO
workshops on Urban Air Toxics was held in Anaheim,
California, February 15-17. Presentations were given at
the workshop on the South Coast Multiple Air Toxics Ex-
posure Study (MATES), urban studies in Denver and
Baltimore, and EPA's latest findings and assessment
techniques for urban air toxics. Over 120 participants
engaged in a productive exchange of ideas, perspec-
tives, and assessment approaches at the workshop.
The Anaheim workshop featured State and local
speakers including Tad Aburn (Maryland), Naydene
Maykut (Puget Sound), Jim King (Colorado), Ditas
Shikiya, John Grisinger, Steve Barbosa and Mark
Saperstein (South Coast Air Quality Management
District - SCAQMD). Presentation topics included
monitoring, modeling, risk assessment and mitigation
of urban air toxics. A number of EPA speakers also gave
presentations including Tom Lahre (OAQPS) on Over-
view of the Evidence and Nature of Urban Air Toxics, Ken
WORKSHOP
Lloyd (Region VIII) on a summary of the Denver In-
tegrated Environmental Management Project, Larry Pur-
due (AREAL) on the EPA Urban Air Toxics Monitoring Ac-
tivities and Methods Support, Karen Blanchard (OAQPS)
on EPA Exposure and Risk Assessment Support Ac-
tivities and Risk Communication, and Mike Trutna
(OAQPS) on Mitigation Strategies for Urban Air Toxics.
Over 30 speakers and moderators participated in the
workshop.
Carolyn Green (SCAQMD) summarized the
perspectives presented at the Anaheim workshop. She
noted that there was general agreement that urban air
toxics is a serious problem and that mitigating action is
necessary to reduce risks considered unacceptable by
the public. It was suggested at the workshop that the
regulatory community should be concerned with the four
to nine pollutants of highest concern consistently iden-
tified in urban studies instead of lists of hundreds of
pollutants. Another observation was that both monitor-
9

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ing and modeling assessments continue to be needed
to help assess and appropriately mitigate urban air tox-
ics, especially in areas with no such assessments to
date. EPA's five-city study was cited as a possible begin-
ning of a nationwide data base on urban air toxics need-
ed to help identify the pollutants of greatest concern
common to urban areas. Other observations included
the need for funds for additional speciation studies to
help identify and control sources of air toxics of concern
and the need for coordination between EPA's reactivity
policy for volatile organic compounds and air toxics
policies, especially with respect to EPA's co-control
policy.
The upcoming workshop in Baltimore (April 19-21,
1989) also offers opportunities for exchange of informa-
tion on urban air toxics. This two and one-half day
workshop will highlight the urban studies in Baltimore,
and also includes presentations on projects in Southern
California, Southeast Chicago, and Staten Island. Talks
given in Anaheim on EPA's latest observations on
monitoring, emissions inventorying, modeling risk
assessment and mitigation will also be offered. The
workshop is being co-hosted by State and local agen-
cies, STAPPA/ALAPCO, and EPA. [The workshop in
Denver (March 8-10,1989) occurred as this issue of the
Newsletter was going to press.]
A limited number of spaces are available for the
Baltimore workshop. Registration is $40 with priority
given to government agency personnel. Nongovernment
personnel will be placed on a waiting list for space
available registration. The EPA Project Manager is Bill
Lamason, Noncriteria Pollutant Programs Branch
(MD-15), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.
Telephone (919) 541-5374 or (FTS) 629-5374.
REGION V RELEASES SOUTHEAST
CHICAGO CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Region V has recently completed an urban cancer
risk assessment for the Southeast Chicago area. This
study considered 30 pollutants (listed in Table 1) for
which cancer risk factors were available. First, a compre-
hensive emissions inventory for these pollutants was
compiled including such sources as wastewater treat-
ment plants and treatment, storage, and disposal facili-
ties (TSDFs). Next, dispersion modeling was used to
estimate pollutant concentrations in each of 169 one-
kilometer grids. These concentrations were compared to
available monitoring data, mostly to assess the reliability
of the modeling estimates but also to estimate back-
ground concentrations for two pollutants, formaldehyde
and carbon tetrachloride. (From monitoring data, the
levels of these two pollutants are higher than estimated
emissions. This is due primarily to indirect sources such
as photochemical transformation of compounds to for-
maldehyde and the high global background of carbon
tetrachloride that has accumulated over time.) Finally,
the estimated concentrations were multiplied by unit risk
factors to estimate the risks in each grid of the one-
kilometer receptor network. These risks were multiplied
by the population to estimate numbers of cancer cases
per grid attributable to the current level of air pollution.
Grid-specific risks ranged from about 1 x 10"4 to
about 5 x 10-3. However, the grid with the highest risk is
an industrial, essentially unpopulated area. The grid with
the highest estimated number of cancer cases is a fair-
ly densely populated area with a risk of about 9 x 10-4.
For the area as a whole, this study found that with cur-
rent estimated emissions, a total of 85 cancer cases
would be estimated to occur over the next 70 years. With
a total population of about 393,000, the average risk in
the area is 2.2 x 10 4.
By using the emissions inventory/dispersion model-
ing approach, this study was able to suggest which
source categories and which pollutants contribute most
significantly to risks in the Southeast Chicago area. Steel
mills, particularly coke ovens and coke by-product
plants, contribute over a third of the number of cancer
cases estimated for the area. The study found that the
next highest contributions were from background
pollutants (21% of cancer cases, including 16% from for-
maldehyde), chromium electroplating (15%), roadway
TABLE 1.
POLLUTANTS INCLUDED IN THE SOUTHEAST
CHICAGO AREA CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT
Chlorinated VOC
Nonchlorlnated VOC
Carbon tetrachloride
Acrylamide
Chloroform
Acrylonitrile
Dioxin
Benzene
Epichlorohydrin
Butadiene
Ethylene dibromide*
Coke oven emissions
Ethylene dichloride
Ethylene oxide
Hexachlorobenzene
Formaldehyde
Methyl chloride
Gasoline vapors
Methylene chloride
Polycyclic organic matter
Perchloroelhylene
(POM)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Propylene oxide
Trichloroethylene
Styrene
Vinyl chloride

Vinylidene chloride
Inorganic

Arsenic

Asbestos

Beryllium

Cadmium

Chromium
'Although ethylene dibromide is not chlorinated, it is halogenated and
is included among chlorinated compounds due to chemical similarity.
10

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vehicles (14%), and home wood combustion (10%). The
most significant pollutants were coke oven emissions
(28.5% of cancer cases), formaldehyde (18%, including
all sources), hexavalent chromium (17%), polycyclic
organic matter (14%), carbon tetrachloride (5%), and
benzene (5%).
Also of interest in this study were the results of the
risk assessments for wastewater treatment plants and
^s- Estimation of emissions from these source types
requires information that is often not readily available
and involves procedures that are not widely known.
nerefore, the Region V study represents one of few at-
tempts to assess the impacts of these source types.
Region V concluded that these two source categories
each contribute only about 0.1% of the total estimated
number of cancer cases.
Region V has documented this study in a draft
report, supplemented by two reports describing the
emissions inventory. This study is now being subject to
public review, but is available through the Air and Radia-
tion Branch (5AR-26), U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 230 South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60604,
or can be obtained by contacting John Summerhays at
(312) 886-6067, (FTS) 886-6067.
PRIVATELY PRINTED
RADON DIRECTORY NOW
The Radon Press of Alexandria, Virginia, has
Published a 552-page "Radon Industry Directory."
According to the publisher, the Directory provides
ists for every radon detection and mitigation firm in the
nited States and Canada. Other highlights include in-
ormation on radon products, government agencies, con-
AVAILABLE
sultants, research facilities, conferences, and training
opportunities. Special interest organizations in the areas
of real estate, construction, health, environment, in-
dustry, and public interest are also represented.
There is a charge to order the directory. For details,
call The Radon Press at (800) 548-1567.
REQUEST FOR STYRENE El
The EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Stan-
ards (OAQPS) is preparing a styrene report as part of
® document series entitled "Locating and Estimating
"' Emissions from Sources of (Substance)." This report
" identify source categories for which emissions of
Vene have been characterized. It will include general
Process descriptions of emitting processes and identify
MISSIONS DATA
potential release points. The Pollutant Characterization
Section is requesting information on styrene emissions
gathered by State and local air pollution control agen-
cies, especially data compiled for smaller sources of
styrene. If you have any information, please contact
Anne Pope, U.S. EPA, OAQPS, at (919) 541-5373.
meed help?
" your agency needs help in finding information on
specific air toxics question, you can announce that
e6d in (he National Air Toxics Information Clear-
Si ouse Newsletter. Your colleagues from other State
ocal agencies who have such information will be able
contact you with assistance. In addition, the Clear-
inghouse staff would like to receive your ideas for future
Newsletter articles. To list an information need in the next
issue or to submit an article or a suggestion for a future
Newsletter article, please call Susan Buchanan, Radian
Corporation, (919) 541-9100.
CTC AND AIR RISC HOTLINI
ARE READY TO ASSIST STA1
a l'r°r answers to control technology questions, State
a ocal air agencies can call EPA's Control Technology
®r (CTC) Hotline at (919) 541-0800.
e'p with questions on health effects, exposure, or
¦s
rE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
risk assessment associated with air toxics is available
from EPA's Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC)
Hotline at (919) 541-0888.
11

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Scott Voorhees
Pollutant Assessment Branch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
MD-13
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
FIRST CLASS MAIL
U.S. Postage Paid
E.P.A.
Permit No. G-35
Library
EPA, Region II
Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837

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