Ambient air exposure to PCBs: regulation and monitoring at five contaminated sites in EPA regions 1, 2, 4, and 5
Basra, Komal ; Scammell, Madeleine K. ; Benson, Eugene B. ; Heiger-Bernays, Wendy
2018
28
2
262-282
air pollution ; polychlorinated biphenyls ; health impact assessment ; inhalation toxicity ; regulatory impact ; distribution of air pollutants
Environment
https://journals.sagepub.com/loi/NEW
https://doi.org/10.1177/1048291118763620
English
Bibliogr.
"Existing regulations seek to protect the public from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in food, water, and soil. Exposure to PCBs in ambient air has recently been given explicit consideration in the human health risk assessments that form the basis of risk management decisions at contaminated sites. The objective of this paper is to examine how ambient air exposure to PCBs is regulated and monitored at five contaminated sites in the United States. We reviewed online accessible materials (including Environmental Protection Agency-site specific websites, data repositories, and other agency websites). Results indicate that the five sites vary in regard to the measured PCB concentrations in air, the sampling and monitoring methodologies, and the established site-specific guidelines/standards and their basis. We conclude that current practices may not adequately protect those living or working near these sites from airborne PCB exposure and that regulations should include recognition of exposure to indoor sources."
Digital
The ETUI is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ETUI.