tERI-91-W
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II, New York, New York 10278
DATE: September 30, 1991
SUBJECT; Risk Assessment Review
P.E.
nistrator
FROM: William J. Ikrszyns
Deputy Regional A
William Farland, Ph.D. / / sp
Director (//
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 l of the Review.
Attachment
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September 1991 II. Headquarters
Highlights
GIS and Risk Analysis: A Regional Perspective p. 1
Ecological Guidelines Development - Update p. 1
Risk* Assistant Update p. 2
OHEA Publications p. 3
Using IRIS on ALL-IN-1 p. 3
Region IX's Risk Training Activities p. 6
I I
I. Special Feature
GIS and Risk Analysis: A Regional Perspective
Jacques Kapuscinski (FTS 260-5979)
David Rejeski (FTS 260-5625)
Chris Solloway (FTS 260-3008)
The Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM)
completed a second survey focusing on the use of Geo-
graphic Information Systems (GIS) for regional risk analy-
sis in October 1990.
The survey was intended to provide an overview of how
EPA professional staff involved primarily with risk assess-
ment views GIS, its potential, and its problems. The survey
supplemented an earlier one which focused on the regional
GIS teams (Risk Assessment Review, December 1989).
Data was of great interest In contrast to the first survey
with the GIS specialists, the regional risk coordinators
raised more questions concerning data availability (imply-
ing that geo-referenced data for risk analysis may be inad-
equate or lacking). Based on responses from the survey, the
Agency needs to increase its work on improving data qual-
ity, assuring data accuracy, compiling a data source cata-
logue, and developing better interfaces to risk-relevant
databases. In the area of data acquisition, high risk areas as
identified in the Regional Risk Ranking Projects and the
Science Advisory Board's "Relative Risk Reduction Project"
(e.g., biodiversity, habitat alteration, stratospheric ozone
depletion, ambient and indoor air pollution, and worker
exposure to chemicals) should receive priority.
Moving beyond data issues, the survey highlighted the need
for some additional initiatives required to provide better
support for use of GIS and regional risk analysis.
1. Initiative on Cartographic Design
Many regional risk coordinators expressed concerns
about how to cartographically represent risk and asso-
ciated uncertainties. At the moment, there is no stan-
dardized symbol set for mapping risk-related facilities
and phenomena, nor is there a set of graphic principles
covering the design of maps for various audiences
(e.g., managers, risk assessors, and the public).
Update on Ecological Risk Assessment
Guidelines Development
by BiU van der Schalie (FTS 245-4191)
Substantial progress has been made over the last few months
in the initial phase of the development of Agency-wide
guidelines for ecological risk (ecorisk) assessment. This
effort, sponsored by the Risk Assessment Forum, includes
several interrelated projects. A series of initial information-
gathering meetings held last year have been summarized
and published in a document entitled "Summary Report on
Issues in Ecological Risk Assessment" (EPA/625/3-91/018),
which is available from the National Technical Information
Service (NTIS) PB91-172122. NTIS can be reached at 703-
487-4650. The basic elements of the ecorisk assessment
process, known as a "framework," were proposed in a
report developed by a headquarters work group and peer-
reviewed at a workshop this Spring (1991). A revised
"Interim Framework" will be published in the Federal
Register late this fall, along with a discussion of plans for
future ecorisk assessment guideline activities. Preparation
of this long-range plan was facilitated by discussions of
ecorisk assessment issues at a planning workshop held in
April 1991.
In a related effort, a group of selected case studies that
illustrate the "state-of-the-practice" in Agency ecological
assessments were peer-reviewed at four workshops held
during May and June of 1991. Following revisions in
response to peer-reviewer recommendations, the case stud-
ies will be included in a report that discusses the prucess of
ecological risk assessment as illustrated by the case studies,
reviews the risk assessment and scientific issues raised by
the case studies, and provides a list of the methods, models
and assessment schemes used in the case studies. This
report will be available late in Calendar Year 1991 from the
Center for Environmental Research Information (FTS 684-
7562). Watch future issues of the Risk Assessment Review
for updates on these activities.
see Update p. 2
Risk Assessment Review Committee
Bill Farland-ORD, FTS 260-7317
Maureen McClelland - Region I, FTS 835-4885
Maria Pavlova - Region II, FTS 264-7364
Marian Olsen - Region II, FTS 264-5682
Suzanne Wuerthele - Region VIII, FTS 330-1731
Dana Davoli - Region X, FTS 399-2135
Recently, OIRM began a project with Dr. Alan
MacEachren of the Department of Geography at Penn
see GIS p.2
1
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GIS (continued from p. 1)
State University to develop a "Primer on Cartographic
Symbolization and Design for GIS." This primer will
focus largely on risk and illustrate a structured process
for map development which links the design of maps
with their intended use (data exploration, confirmation,
integration, and communication). The primer will also
present standard approaches to common problems of
symbolization and color representation. The primer
(with a supporting slide show) should be available in
November 1991.
2. Training Initiative
Based on the survey, GIS training for risk analysis
needs to focus on two different subgroupsthe risk
assessment community and the managers who may be
making decisions based on GIS-generated risk maps.
Based on the survey, training programs developed for
the risk assessment community should focus on devel-
oping a conceptual understanding of the technology
which will allow risk assessors to design (or help
design) GIS applications for their specific needs. The
training should cover the concepts of cartographic mod-
eling and spatial statistics and help the risk specialist
translate analytic approaches into viable GIS applica-
tions.
GIS is beginning to create large expectations, and
managers need to become aware of die accuracy of
maps in presentingreality. Managers need a conceptual
understanding of the processes and assumptions under-
lying various risk maps for their decisions. Training/
education efforts should therefore focus on making
managers into informed consumers of GIS-based risk
analysis.
The survey, suggests that upper-level managers would
benefit from a focused text (possibly supplemented
with a seminar) clearly explaining the potentials and
pitfalls involved in using GIS for risk analysis. Such a
"Survival Manual for Managers" could be developed
around a set a questions (and their practical answers)
that managers should ask when confronted with a GIS-
based risk analysis.
3. Initiative on GIS/Risk Methodologies
One clear picture emerging from the survey is that GIS
is a technology looking for a methodology. Though
there exists a wide variety of well-developed and well-
grounded approaches for risk analysis, few (if any) of
these are being adapted for use in spatial analysis
platforms. A lack of good geo-referenced data may
partially explain this tendency, but a lack of familiarity
and confidence on the part of the risk community with
the GIS technology also contributes to this method-
ological confusion and stagnation.
There is a need to develop a GIS/Risk Methodology
Review Committee which can provide a quick, initial
review of various risk methodologies proposed for GIS
implementation. To be effective, the committee should
provide a quick turn-around on methodological pro-
posals (initial screening).
Looking to the future, EPA must continue to support
the development and technology transfer of robust
models appropriate for analyzing new areas of Agency
concern. This is especially important since most of the
high risk areas identified by the recent Science Advi-
sory Board Report, "Relative Risk Reduction Project,"
lack existing methodological approaches, and, in many
cases, supporting databases. In approaching this chal-
lenge, the Agency needs to look not only to the tradi-
tional EPA labs but also continue to form strategic
alliances with universities and other federal, state, and
local Agencies.
For additional information on GIS activities, contact the
authors at the Office of Information Resources Manage-
ment GIS Program.
Update (continued from p. 1)
Risk*Assistant Update
by John Schaum (FTS 260-5988)
Risk* Assistant Version 1.0 was officially released in Au-
gust 1991. The software was developed under a cooperative
agreement between the Exposure Assessment Group of the
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment and Hamp-
shire Research Institute. Primary funding for the coopera-
tive agreement was provided by the Office of Health and
Environmental Assessment (OHEA), the Office of Tech-
nology Transfer and Regulatory Support (OTTRS), the
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER),
and the states of California and New Jersey. Risk9" Assistant
is designed to assist people in conducting exposure and risk
assessments. The software contains a database of the physi-
cal, chemical, and toxic properties of 300 chemicals and a
menu-driven procedure for estimating exposures/risks. The
system produces reports to accompany the analysis which
summarize the results, discuss the major assumptions/un-
certainties, and provide a list of relevant references. User
friendliness has been enhanced via several features, includ-
ing help screens to identify mechanics of program opera-
tion, explanation screens to provide scientific background,
and a function key to identify citations for default values.
This software should improve the accuracy and consistency
of assessments and reduce their costs by automating the
process.
Distribution and technical support for Risk*Assistant is
available from Thistle Publishing at (703) 684-5203. Inter-
ested users (inside or outside of EPA) should call Thistle to
register and get copies of the disks and users' manual.
Registration also entitles users to access a bulletin board
where updates and announcements will be posted and to
receive a periodic newsletter. The service cost is free to
2
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EPA employees, but users outside the Agency have to pay
separate charges for the software and technical support The
Exposure Assessment Group is working on a new version
of Risk* Assistant that will contain dermal exposure assess-
ment procedures and expanded fate modeling capabilities.
OHEA Publication on a Preliminary Risk
Assessment for Bacteria in Municipal Sewage
Sludge Applied to Land
by Judi Olsen (FTS 684-7576)
OHEA has published a document titled "Preliminary Risk
Assessment for Bacteria in Municipal Sewage Sludge Ap-
plied to Land" (EPA/600/6-91/006). This document sup-
ports the development of regulations required under Section
405 of the Clean Water Act The regulations require identi-
fication of:
1. uses for sludge, including disposal;
2. specific factors (including costs) to be taken into
account in determining the measures and practices
applicable for each use or disposal; and
3. concentrations of pollutants that interfere with each
use or disposal.
To comply with the mandate, the U.S. EPA is developing
four major technical regulations: land application, includ-
ing distribution and marketing; landfilling; incineration;
and surface disposal. In 1990, OHEA also published "Patho-
gen Risk Assessment for Land Application of Municipal
Sludge" (EPA/600/6-90/002), a multimedia microbiologi-
cal risk assessment methodology. The pathogens methodol-
ogy has been used to develop a preliminary risk assessment
for parasites titled, "Preliminary Risk Assessment for Para-
sites in Municipal Sludge Applied to Land" (EPA/600/6-
91/001), and the new bacteria document. A third document
is being developed on viruses.
The documents on parasites and bacteria are available from
the Center for Environmental Research Information at FTS
684-7562 or (513) 569-7562 commercial. The FAX number
is FTS 684-7566 or (513) 569-7566 commercial. For addi-
tional information, contact Judi Olsen, Environmental Cri-
teria and Assessment Office, Cincinnati Ohio at FTS
684-7576 or (513) 569-7576 commercial.
OHEA Documents on Indoor Air Assessments
by Michael Berry (FTS 629-4172)
OHEA recently published one of a series of Indoor Air
Assessments. This series of documents is being prepared in
response to Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA), Public Law 99499, the Ra-
don Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act. The Office
of Research and Development (ORD) has organized the
Indoor Air Research Program around the following catego-
ries of research:
1. sources of indoor air pollution;
2. building diagnosis and measurement methods;
3. health effects;
4. exposure and risk (health impact) assessment; and
5. building systems and indoor air quality control
options.
This comprehensive research and development effort in-
volves in-house work and coordination with other federal
agencies, state and local governments, and private sector
organizations. All of the published documents are available
from the Center for Environmental Research Information
(FTS 684-7562 or (513) 569-7562) or the National Techni-
cal Information Service (NTIS). Documents published in
1990 and 1991 include:
Indoor Air - Assessment: Methods of Analysis for
Environmental Carcinogens (EPA/600/8-90/041), June
1990.
Indoor Air - Assessment: Indoor Concentrations of
Environmental Carcinogens (EPA/600/8-90/042), Janu-
ary 1991.
Indoor Air - Assessments: A Review of Indoor Air
Quality Risk Characterization Studies (EPA/600/8-90/
044), March 1991.
Indoor Air - Assessment: An Inventory of Indoor Air
Quality Research in the United States: 1989-1990 (EPA/
600/8-90/080F), March 1991.
For further information, contact Michael Berry, Environ-
mental Criteria and Assessment Office, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina, at FTS 629-4172.
in. Around the Regions
Region II
Using IRIS on ALL-IN-1
On August 5, 1991, the Agency converted from the ITT
Dialcom electronic mail system to ALL-IN-1,'-the new
electronic mail system available on the National Computer
Center's (NCC's) Digital VAX system in Research Tri-
angle Park, North Carolina
With this conversion to the new electronic mail system, the
process for EPA staff to access the Integrated Risk Informa-
tion System (IRIS) has changed. Following is a description
of the procedures to be used by EPA staff to access IRIS.
(Please note procedures for accessing IRIS using Toxnet
and other commercial systems have not changed).
To access IRIS on ALL-IN-1, the user will use ALL-IN-1 to
communicate with the old ITT Dialcom electronic mail
system where IRIS will be maintained until the new PC-
IRIS system is available. Instructions and sample menus are
provided below:
3
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1. Log onto ALL-IN-1
2. At the main menu,
USERNAME Wed07-Aug-1991
Electronic Messaging
SEL Select message
Folder
Title:
C Create
Author
E Edit
Date: Modified on:
D Delete
Number: 000000 Status:
P Print
R Read
II Index - Inbox
I Index
IR Index - Read
RI Recall index
IC Index - Created
RN Read new mail
IO Index - Outbox
F Forward
AA Answer with
A Answmer
attachment
S Send
EX Exit mail system
Enter option and press RETURN,
jr press NEXT SCREEN for more options, (more...)
At prompt,
TYPE IN: COM
* Please note: the term requires pressing the
ENTER key on the keyboard, not typing the word
ENTER.
4. The following menu will appear on the screen,
USERNAME Wed07-Au -1991
Communications
TP Terminal phone
DT Document transfer
CD Connect to DIALCOM system
CC Communications control
PS Premium Services
Enter option and press RETURN
At the cursor,
TYPE IN: PS
S. The following menu will appear,
Select Premium Service Name:
Enter Service Name and press RETURN or EXIT SCREEN
to exit
At the cursor,
TYPE IN: IRIS
6. The system will connect you to DIALCOM for access-
ing IRIS, and display:
PAD-I-COM, call connected to remote DTE
Primecom Network
Please Sign On
>
At the prompt,
TYPE IN: ID EPAxxxxx PASSWORD
(This is the E-MAIL number and password for your box. If
you have not used E-MAIL in the last six months you must
contact ALL-IN-1 User Support at FTS 629-4506 to get
access to the system).
7. The system will respond:
Dialcom Computer Services 19.4Q. 106(63)
On At 8:28 08/07/91 EDT
Last On At 7:53 08/07/91 EDT
If you are not an approved user for PS (Premium
Sendees) please logoff immediately by typing off.
DIALCOM is no longer the Agency E-MAIL Sys-
tem.
>
8. At this point if you wish to save a file on a hard disk,
floppy disk or Local Area Network during the session,
at the prompt (>),
TYPE IN: TERM TYPE HARDCOPY
The prompt, > will next re-appear on the screen.
10. To use IRIS whether you are saving a file or not, at the
prompt >,
TYPE IN: IRIS
11. The IRIS menu will appear,
4
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INTEGRATED RISK INFORMATION SYSTEM
1. Chemical Files
2. List of Chemicals In IRIS
3. Chemical File Revision History
4. Introduction to IRIS and User's Guide
5. Background Documents
6. Case Study and Sample Files
7. Glossary
8. Chemicals To Be Reviewed by RFD and CRAVE
Workgroups
Enter a Service Code
TYPE IN:
TER>
The bottom line of the screen will display
Capture File Successfully Written
and return the user to the main screen.
14. To save additional information, repeat Steps 12 and 13
as appropriate using a new file name.
15. When you have finished using IRIS, at the Service
Code,
TYPE IN: QUIT
(to leave IRIS and RETURN to >).
16. At the prompt >,
TYPE IN: OFF
17. The system, will display:
At the prompt (--), select service codes as appropriate
by typing in the service code number and press
.
12. If you wish to save information on a floppy disk, hard
disk, or Local Area Network, before displaying the
information you wish to save,
PRESS ESC (key on keyboard)
The bottom line on the screen will display
COMMAND?
At the prompt, COMMAND?
Off At 8:28 08/07/91 EDT Time used: OOh 00m
connect, 00m 00s CPU, 00m 00s I/O. network: call
cleared by request
%PAD-I-CLEAR, call being cleared at request of
remote DTE PAD usage statistics:
Elapsed time: 00:00:48.87 CPU time: 00:00:00.21
Buffered I/O: 200 Direct I/O: 202 Page
faults: 109
%PAD-S-END, control returned to node PYXIS::
Press RETURN to continue
CAPTURE A:\filename.ext
For the Local Area Network, type in:
Capture F:\usei\usemame\fUename.ext .
Once this command is entered, all information dis-
played on the screen through the use of IRIS com-
mands and service codes will be saved to the floppy
disk, hard disk or Local Area Network until the CAP-
TURE command is turned off.
13. To turn off the capture command,
PRESS ESC (key on keyboard)
The bottom line on the screen will display
COMMAND?
At the prompt, COMMAND?
TYPE IN: CAPTURE OFF
At the prompt,
PRESS
20. The following menu will appear,
USERNAME Wed07-Au -1991
Communications
TP Terminal phone
DT Document transfer
CD Connect to DIALCOM system
CC Communications control
PS Premium Services
Enter option and press RETURN
You are now in ALL-IN-1. To return to the main menu,
PRESS: F1 M
(F1 is the first function key)
21. You are now at the ALL-IN-1 main menu, and can
continue with normal ALL-IN-1 functions.
If you have any questions concerning these procedures,
contact IRIS Support at ECAO in Cincinnati at FTS 684-
7254 or E-MAIL User's support at FTS 629-4506.
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CDC Publication of Children's Exposure to
Environmental Smoke
The Centers for Disease Control's (CDC's) National Center
of Health Statistics (NCHS) has released a report on the
effect of children's exposure to environmental cigarette
smoke before and after birth. Data in the report are based on
the 1988 National Health Interview Survey on Child Health,
conducted by NCHS in collaboration with the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the
Health Resources, and Services Administration. Statistics
are presented by race, family income, poverty level, and
place of residence. Data by exposure level are included as
well.
Copies of the report, "Children's Exposure to Environmen-
tal Cigarette Smoke Before and After Birth - Health of Our
Nation's Children, 1988" are-available free of charge from
the Scientific and Technical Information Branch, NCHS,
CDC, Room 1064,6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Mary-
land 20782 or telephone (301) 436-8500.
Proceedings of the Fourth National Environmen-
tal Health Conference
The proceedings of the Fourth National Environmental
Health Conference, sponsored by the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry, the Center for Environ-
mental Health and Injury Control, the Centers for Disease
Control, and the Association of State and Territorial Health
Officials, is available. The conference, titled "Environmen-
tal Issues: Today's Challenge for the Future," was held in
San Antonio, Texas on June 20-23, 1989. The volume
contains 47 presentations from the conference covering a
wide spectrum of information on environmental issues that
include epidemiology and laboratory methodologies, indi-
vidual environmental hazards, ethical and legal issues, com-
munication and risk assessment, psychosocial factors and
institutional programs.
Copies are available from the U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402-9325 for $17.00 domestic
and $21.25 foreign. The Government Printing Office can be
reached at (202) 783-3238 or FAX at (202) 275-0019.
Contact: Marian Olsen (FTS 264-5682)
1991 National Environmental Information Con-
ference "Information: A Catalyst for Environ-
mental Risk Reduction"
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is plan-
ning its 1991 National Environmental Information Confer-
ence, scheduled for December 2-5, 1991, in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. The conference is cosponsored by the Office
of Information Resources Management and EPA Region III
(Philadelphia office).
The theme of the conference is "Information: A Catalyst for
Environmental Risk Reduction." The conference will be
based on Reducing Risk: Setting Priorities and Strategies
for Environmental Protection, a landmark report by EPA's
Science Advisory Board. The goals of the conference are
to:
Educate attendees on the content and importance of
reducing risk and discuss the report's implications for
environmental information management
Showcase the importance of data integration and its
value in helping plan and implement environmental
programs.
Provide a forum for discussing opportunities, obstacles,
and progress in improving environmental information
management
The 1991 conference is one of EPA's largest national
gatherings focusing on the importance of environmental
information and its impact on federal, state and interna-
tional environmental programs. Participants will include
individuals from state governments, federal agencies, aca-
demia, special interest groups, and the international com-
munity. The conference program will feature plenary
presentations, panel discussions and speeches organized
around six topical tracks (risk reduction, pollution preven-
tion, research, cross-media data integration, environmental
program planning, and empowering the environmental pro-
fessional), tutorials, and a demonstration hall exhibiting the
latest in environmental data systems and technologies.
Contact: Jeff Burke (FTS 597-7808)
Region VIII
Region VIII has announced the availability of a GS-0415-
12/13 Toxicologist position in the Hazardous Waste Man-
agement Division, Superfund Management Branch,
Superfund Technical Section in Denver, Colorado. The
Salary range is GS-12 $37,294 to $48,481 and GS-13
$44,348 to $57,650. The bulletin # is 91-34 DA' and the
closing date is 10/11/91.
The position will serve as the Regional Expert in providing
technical assistance on toxicological problems concerning
the effects on human health and the environment of poten-
tial exposures to toxic chemicals and hazardous substances
near Superfund sites.
For additional information contact Jodi Gallegos at (303)
293-1231.
Region IX
Risk Training
Region IX has completed a major Risk Communication and
Public Involvement Training Session in Long Beach, Cali-
fornia, during the month of August. This session was highly
rated by the 88 participants who attended from various state
6
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and local agencies and federal facilities. Thirty of the at-
tendees were from the South Coast Air Quality Manage-
ment District, who co-sponsored this session. In the
California air programs, there has been a growing interest in
risk assessment, risk management and risk communication
as a result of their new air toxics hotspots program.
Contact* Alvin Chun (FTS 484-1019)
Revisions to Risk and Decision-Making Workshop
Region IX continues to work and receive comments from
various regional offices and headquarters for our project to
update the Risk and Decision-Making manual and accom-
panying slide presentations. The final revisions will be sent
to each regional office and Headquarters for implementa-
tion in the coming months. Region IX is currently working
on condensing and finalizing the introductory risk assess-
ment/risk management slide presentation. If you have sug-
gestions or comments to contribute to the revision, please
submit them to Gerry Hiatt at FTS 484-1022 or the Office
of the Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA - Region IX, 75
Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California 9410S.
Contact: Gerry Hiatt (FTS 484-1022)
Risk Communication
As part of Region IX's Risk Training Program, two ques-
tions related to property values have been added to Region
IX's publication "Public Meeting: Typical Questions and
Sample Responses." The August 1, 1991, update was re-
quested by the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Re-
sponse for use in their specialized risk communication
course which is under development. The Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards has incorporated this docu-
ment in their communication training manual for state
agencies and also received the update for their use.
Copies of the updated publication may be obtained by
contacting Alvin Chun at FTS 484-1019.
Regional Support for IRIS
Arnold Den of Region IX coordinated the development of a
memorandum to the Deputy Administrator's Office high-
lighting regional support for the Integrated Risk Informa-
tion System; and for maintaining the current workgroup
process to develop IRIS information as an internal activity.
The memorandum also described the various opportunities
for public input and comments and presented ideas for
further improving the utility of IRIS. The memo was con-
curred on by 38 regional toxicologists throughout the coun-
try.
A copy of the memo is available from Arnold Den at FTS
484-1018.
Other Region IX Activities
At the invitation of Region IX, Jim Cogliano from the
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment met with
risk assessors from the newly formed California EPA (C AL-
EPA) to discuss current issues and directions in the risk
assessment/risk management arenas in EPA. After CAL-
EPA was formed in July, the risk assessment resources for
the state were consolidated. There was great interest to
convene a joint meeting and to hear from EPA on its current
activities. CAL-EPA is developing new cancer potency
numbers for 138 chemicals. Jim also met with the Proposi-
tion 65 Program staff to discuss work on chemicals that
were of mutual interest
Kim Hoang, from the Exposure Assessment Group in the
Office of Research and Development (ORD), who was on
special detail to Region IX since last year, has returned to
ORD. Kim provided Region IX with her technical expertise
in exposure modeling and assessment. Hot input was much
appreciated and she will be missed.
Contact: Arnold Den (FTS 484-1018)
IV. Announcements
Pesticide and Industrial Chemical Risk Analysis
and Hazard Assessment (PIRANHA) Modeling
Workshop
The Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling, U.S. EPA,
Environmental Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgia,
and the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Educa-
tion in Athens, Georgia, are cosponsoring the Pesticide and
Industrial Chemical Risk Analysis and Hazard Assessment
(PIRANHA) Modeling Workshop from September 23 to
27,1991, in Athens, Georgia.
The PIRANHA workshop is designed for scientists and
engineers responsible for ecological safety and risk assess-
ment of industrial chemicals and biocides. PIRANHA is a
geographic information system (GIS) shell containing elec-
tronic cartographic displays, biogeographic, climatological
and physiographic databases and validated process-based
models for atmospheric transport, land surface contamina-
tion, and aquatic biota/ecosystem risk analysis of synthetic
organic chemicals. Its constituent models include spray-
drift (FGSCBG), land contamination and mobility (PRZM),
aquatic ecosystem physical, chemical, and biological mod-
eling (EXAMS) and bioconcentration/bioaccumulation of
fish and gil-breathing invertebrates (FGETS).
The purpose of the workshop is to provide participants with
background knowledge and direct experience necessary to
conduct biogeographic endangerment analyses, quantita-
tive assessment of the extent, duration, and magnitude of
environmental contamination by synthetic chemicals, and
evaluations of food-chain contamination and contaminant
impacts on aquatic biota. The workshop will emphasize the
preparation of ecotoxicological problems for simulation
studies and analysis, acquisition of reliable chemical and
environmental data, preparation of appropriate datasets for
use by PIRANHA'S constituent analytical tools, and inter-
pretation of results in effective risk management and safety
evaluations.
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To register for the course contact Joyce Wool, ASCi Corpo-
ration, U.S. EPA-ERL, 960 College Station Road, Athens,
Georgia, 30613-0801 or (404) 546-3210 or FTS 250-3210.
National Environmental Health Association
Conference
The National Environmental Health Association Confer-
ence will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, from October 6 to 9,
1991. The conference will focus on health risk analysis.
Featured speakers will include Vernon Houk from the Cen-
ters for Disease Control and representatives from EPA and
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
For additional information, contact Deb Belohavy or Linda
Lehman-Murphy at (303) 756-9090.
Conference on Preventing Childhood Lead
Poisoning
The Alliance To End Childhood Lead Poisoning in coop-
eration with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry and the California Public Health Foundation will
co-sponsor the First Comprehensive National Conference
on "Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning" on October 7
and 8,1991, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington,
D.C.
The conference will cover the latest research results on
neurotoxic effects of lead at low dose; how to implement
the Centers for Disease Control's new guidelines and proce-
dures; how local programs can begin to shift from reaction
to primary prevention; state-of-the-art procedures on lead-
based paint testing, abatement, and worker protection; and
cleanup and disposal.
For additional information on the conference contact the
Alliance To End Childhood Lead Poisoning at 600 Pennsyl-
vania Avenue, S.E., Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20003.
American College of Occupational Medicine
Conference on Environmental Health
The American College of Occupational Medicine is spon-
soring a conference on environmental medicine issues to be
held October 28-November 1,1991, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The conference attendees will discuss such environmental
issues as altered indoor air quality, multiple chemical sensi-
tivity, risk assessment and other legal, social and political
aspects of environmental health. For additional information
contact the American College of Occupational Medicine at
(708) 228-6850 or FAX (708) 228-1856.
American Public Health Association Meeting
The American Public Health Association's 119th Annual
Meeting will be held from November 10-to 14, 1991, in
Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting will be held in conjunction
with the Sixth International Congress of the World Federa-
tion of Public Health Associations.
This year, more than 1,100 scientific and special sessions,
workshops, films, poster sessions, exhibits, and special
events will be available.
For additional information contact the' American Public
Health Association, Attn: Meeting Registrar, 1015 15th
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
Exposure Analysis Conference
The Environmental Protection Agency, the Agency for
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the Interna-
tional Agency on Exposure Analysis are cosponsoring an
International Conference on Total Exposure Monitoring,
Modeling and Assessment The conference will be held in
Atlanta, Georgia, at the Westin Peachtree Hotel from No-
vember 18-21,1991.
This conference will bring together scientists, engineers,
and regulatory specialists interested in human exposure and
risk assessment from around the world. Technical sessions
will be oriented to addressing the collection and use of
human exposure data, especially the use of data for expo-
sure assessments, risk assessments and regulatory decision-
daking. Workshops on technical topics will be a key part of
this conference to educate interested persons about human
exposure monitoring and assessment
For further information, contact Sandee Coulberson,
ATSDR, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Mailstop E28, Atlanta,
Georgia, 30333 or telephone (404) 639-0700.
NGA Conference: Making Information Work
The National Governors' Association's fourth annual con-
ference on integrating data for decision-making, "Making
Information Work," will be held in Washington, D.C.,
January 18-23, 1992. The aim of the conference is to
explore the role information plays in critical policy deci-
sions regarding education, environment, and health.
The National Governors' Association is a public interest
association representing the governors of the 50 states, the
Commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto
Rico, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the
Virgin Islands on issues of public policy and governance.
The 1992 NGA conference will provide a forum for govern-
ment, industry, and academic representatives to share their
experience in applying information technology and explore
ideas for making the most effective use of information
resources of state and local governments.
Major topics to be addressed at the planned conference are:
Improving case management and client tracking;
Enhancing data capture and integration;
Developing information resources;
Monitoring emerging systems and technology;
Understanding international and global perspectives;
Sharing information electronically;
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Applying spatial display and analysis; and
Improving staff and organizational development.
For more information, please contact Kristen Gooch, Mak-
ing Information Work Conference, National Governor's
Association, 444 North Capitol Street, Suite 250, Washing-
ton, D.C. 20001. The telephone number is (202) 624-5426.
Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting
The Society of Toxicology (SOT) will host its annual
meeting from February 23-27,1992, at the Seattle Conven-
tion Center in Seattle, Washington. The SOT Annual Meet-
ing is the largest toxicology meeting in the world attracting
over 3,000 scientists.
At each SOT meeting, submitted abstracts have served as a
cornerstone for the overall exchange of ideas and informa-
tion among the world's leading toxicologists. Abstract sub-
mission forms of the 1992 Annual Meeting are available
and must be submitted by October 4,1991.
At the conference, Sunday, February 23, 1992, will be
devoted to Continuing Education Courses. In addition to
repeating the popular computer course on Physiologically-
based Pharmacokinetic Modeling, courses on the toxicity of
halogenated hydrocarbons and biotechnology products, three
organ systems, and a case study in risk assessment will be
presented. Advanced courses will address the topics of
developmental toxicology and cell proliferation.
Symposia are planned in such areas as: Current Controver-
sies in Cancer Causation, Mechanisms and Risk to Humans,
Genetic Susceptibility to Environmental Agents, Chemical
Allergy, and Mercury Vapor Toxicology and Specific Pro-
tein Changes as Indications of Toxicological Mechanisms.
To receive an abstract submission form and a preliminary
program for the Annual Meeting and/or membership infor-
mation regarding the Society of Toxicology, please contact
the Society of Toxicology, 1101 - 14th Street, N.W., Suite
1100, Washington, D.C. 20005. The telephone number is
(202) 371-1393; the FAX number is (202) 371-1090.
Conference on Measurement of Toxics and
Related Air Pollutants
EPA and the Air and Waste Management Association are
cosponsoring a symposium to be held May 4-8, 1992, in
Durham, North Carolina, titled "Measurement of Toxics
and Related Air Pollution." Papers are invited on topics
including; indoor air measurements, new measurement and
monitoring techniques, ambient air measurements of vola-
tile organic compounds and atmospheric chemistry, and
fate of toxic pollutants. Abstracts are due by November 29,
1991.
For additional information, contact Steve Stasko of the Air
and Waste Management Association at (412) 232-3444.
Risk and Decision-Making Courses Scheduled
The following is the schedule for the Risk and Decision-
Making Courses through December
September 16-18
Seattle, Washington
(Region IX and X)
October 29-31
Denver, Colorado
(Region IX and VIII)
November 18-20
Sacaramento, California
(Region IX)
The following is the schedule for the Risk Communication
Workshops through December
September 24-26
Ventura, California
(Region IX and U.S.
Dept. Interior, Minerals
and Management Service)
December 10-12
San Francisco, California
(Region IX)
Contacts: Jim Cole (FTS 260-3354)
Marian Olsen (FTS 264-5682)
Contacts:
Jerome Puskin
OAR-RAD
FTS 260-9640
Linda Tuxen
ORD-OHEA
FTS 260-5949
Dorothy Patton
ORD-RAF
FTS 260-6743
Dick Hill-
OPTS
FTS 260-2897
Don Barnes
SAB
FTS 260-4126
Dean Hill
NEIC
FTS 776-8138
Maureen McClelland
Region I
FTS 835-3696
Marian Olsen
Region II
FTS 264-5682
Jeffrey Burke
Region III
FTS 597-7808
Elmer Akin
Region IV
FTS 257-1586
Milt Clark
Region V
FTS 886-3388
Jon Rauscher
Region VI
FTS 255-2198
Mary Williams
Region VII
FTS 757-2970
Suzanne Wuerthele
Region VIII
FTS 330-1731
Arnold Den
Region IX
FTS 484-1018
Dana Davoli
Region X
FTS 399-2135
If you would like to receive additional copies of
this and subsequent Reviews or to be added to the
mailing list contact:
CERI Distribution
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
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