Abstract  Final rept. red by Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. Emissions, Monitoring, and Analysis Div. S. Environmental Protection Agency evaluated the air quality in and around areas affected by Hurricane Katrina to characterize the magnitude and composition of potentially toxic air pollution. The post-Katrina Monitoring Network consisted of 30 monitoring stations that collected 24-hour air samples, typically on 1-, 3-, and/or 6-day schedules, for up to 12 months of monitoring. Five sites were designated as comprehensive sites and analyzed ambient air samples for concentrations of 60 volatile organic compounds (VOC) and 15 carbonyl compounds. Three of the comprehensive sites also analyzed for 80 speciated nonmethane organic compounds (SNMOC), 106 semivolatile compounds (SVOC), and hexavalent chromium. Four of the comprehensive sites analyzed 13 metal compounds. The remaining 25 non-comprehensive sites analyzed metal compounds only. Overall, nearly 155,000 ambient air concentrations were measured from October 2005 to September 2006. A complete description of the monitoring network, sampling schedule, test methods, and statistical analyses of the ambient air monitoring data are presented in the enclosed report. The final data are also included as appendices.

Abstract  The analysis of soil and sediment samples are routinely performed using either Soxhlet extraction or sonication. Both procedures use large quantities of organic solvents such as methylene chloride, hexane and acetone. These solvents are expensive to purchase and dispose of properly. In addition, these procedures are time-consuming and tedious. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is rapid and uses very little solvent. The supercritical fluid used in these experiments is non-toxic and does not create problems with hazardous waste generation and disposal. This work was part of a general effort by the US EPA Central Regional Laboratory in Region III to minimize the solvent necessary for extraction of semi-volatile compounds. The goal of the study was to determine optimal extraction conditions (pressure, flow, temperature, time and use of modifiers) for the extraction of semi-volatile compounds.

Abstract  This document provides a preliminary public summary of available information collected by EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) on the manufacturing (including importing), processing, distribution in commerce, use, and disposal of this chemical. This is based on existing data available to EPA, including information collected under the Chemical Data Reporting rule, Toxics Release Inventory (if available), information from other Agency databases, other U.S. Government agencies, publicly available information from states, and a review of published literature. In addition, the document includes information reported to EPA by producers and users of the chemical in the United States and in other countries. This preliminary use information and any additional use information received in the docket by March 15, 2017 will inform efforts to develop the scope of the chemical risk evaluation required under section 6(b)(4) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, and will inform any risk management efforts following risk evaluation. Mention of trade names in this document does not constitute endorsement by EPA. To verify products or articles containing this chemical currently in commerce, EPA has identified several examples. Any lists are provided for informational purposes only. EPA and its employees do not endorse any of the products or companies. This document does not contain confidential business information (CBI).

Abstract  This fourth edition of the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality builds on over 50 years of guidance by WHO on drinking-water quality, which has formed an authoritative basis for the setting of national regulations and standards for water safety in support of public health. It is the product of significant revisions to clarify and elaborate on ways of implementing its recommendations of contextual hazard identification and risk management, through the establishment of health-based targets, catchment-to-consumer water safety plans and independent surveillance.