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Tools available to communities for conducting cumulative exposure and risk assessments

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology volume 20, pages 371–384 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper summarizes and assesses over 70 tools that could aid with gathering information and taking action on environmental issues related to community-based cumulative risk assessments (CBCRA). Information on tool use, development and research needs, was gathered from websites, documents, and CBCRA program participants and researchers, including 25 project officers who work directly with community groups. The tools were assessed on the basis of information provided by project officers, community members, CBCRA researchers, and by case study applications. Tables summarize key environmental issues and tool features: (1) a listing of CBCRA-related environmental issues of concern to communities; (2) web-based tools that map environmental information; (3) step-by-step guidance documents; (4) databases of environmental information; and (5) computer models that simulate human exposure to chemical stressors. All tools described here are publicly available, with the focus being on tools developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. These tables provide sources of information to promote risk identification and prioritization beyond risk perception approaches, and could be used by CBCRA participants and researchers. The purpose of this overview is twofold: (1) To present a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, summary of numerous tools that could aid with performing CBCRAs; and (2) To use this toolset as a sample of the current state of CBCRA tools to critically examine their utility and guide research for the development of new and improved tools.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the CARE administrators, project officers, and community members, whose input and perspective were an integral part of formulating this research. We also thank all the members of the CCRP team who contributed their feedback during the development of this review. Matt Lakin in Region 9 contributed significant technical direction and information on community needs. Myriam Medina-Vera of ORD NERL provided valuable feedback on myriad issues throughout this process. We would like to thank Stephen Graham and Eric Hall for their contributions to the initial stages of the project. Details about the exposure models were provided by EPA personnel, Conrad Flessner, Christina Cinalli, Jay Jon, Nhan Nyugen, and Lisa Melnyk.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Exposure Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina, USA

    Timothy M Barzyk, Davyda M Hammond, Valerie G Zartarian & Bradley D Schultz

  2. Association of Schools of Public Health, Fellowship with the US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, North Carolina, USA

    Kathryn C Conlon

  3. Harvard School of Public Health, Student Services for the US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, Massachusetts, USA

    Teresa Chahine

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  1. Timothy M Barzyk
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  2. Kathryn C Conlon
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  5. Valerie G Zartarian
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Correspondence to Timothy M Barzyk.

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The US EPA through its Office of Research and Development funded and conducted the research described here. It has been subjected to Agency review and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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Barzyk, T., Conlon, K., Chahine, T. et al. Tools available to communities for conducting cumulative exposure and risk assessments. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 20, 371–384 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jes.2009.25

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