Establishing generic remediation goals for the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Critical issues
- OHM Remediation Services Corp., Hopkinton, MA (United States)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were one of the first classes of compounds identified as carcinogens and are often chemicals of concern at hazardous waste sites. Remediation goals established by regulatory agencies for carcinogenic PAHs in soil are generally either risk based or based on the method detection limits. PAHs are products of incomplete combustion, are components of petroleum, and as such, are components of petroleum, and as such, are prevalent in the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Background concentrations are often above risk- or detection limit-based criteria, and therefore these remediation goals are of limited practical use as target criteria. In addition, the approaches used to establish target criteria do not account for several factors that may produce over- or underestimates of risk associated with the PAHs. Because of the frequency with which these compounds are detected, it is imperative that reasonably achievable and practical remediation goals be established. This paper examines the various factors that contribute to over- and underestimates of risks associated with PAHs and presents an approach for establishing cleanup criteria that takes into account health risks, background concentrations, and achievability. 25 refs., 4 figs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6794155
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States) Vol. 102:4; ISSN EVHPAZ; ISSN 0091-6765
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AROMATICS
CARCINOGENS
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
REMEDIAL ACTION
RISK ASSESSMENT