Use of Monte Carlo simulation for human exposure assessment at a Superfund site

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1994 · Risk Analysis

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1994.tb00261.x· OSTI ID:35714

Smith, R L ^[1]

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1. Environmental Protection Agency, Philadelphia, PA (United States)

This work presents a comparison of probabilistic and deterministic health risk estimates based on data from an industrial site in the northeastern United States. The risk assessment considered exposures to volatile solvents by drinking water ingestion and showering. Probability densities used as inputs included concentrations, contact rates, and exposure frequencies; dose-response inputs were single values. Deterministic risk estimates were calculated by the {open_quotes}reasonable maximum exposure{close_quotes} (RME) approach recommended by the EPA Superfund program. The RME noncarcinogenic risk fell between the 90th and the 95th percentile of the probability density; the RME cancer risk fell between the 95th percentile and the maximum. These results suggest that in this case (1) EPA`s deterministic RME risk was reasonably protective, (2) results of probabilistic and deterministic calculations were consistent, and (3) commercially available software Monte Carlo software effectively provided multiple risk estimates recommended by recent EPA guidance.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 35714
• Journal Information: Risk Analysis, Journal Name: Risk Analysis Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 14; ISSN 0272-4332; ISSN RIANDF
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
CONTAMINATION
DRINKING WATER
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RISK ASSESSMENT
US SUPERFUND
VOLATILE MATTER