Beyond Science and Decisions: From Issue Identification to Dose-Response Assessment
Workshop I Date: March 16-18, 2010
Location: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin, Texas

 

A key objective for the first meeting of this series is to identify case studies for presentation and evaluation at the second meeting.  This evaluation will constitute key input to the guidance on purpose-specific dose-response assessment methods to be developed from the third meeting. 

To this end, the risk assessment community is invited to submit short (1-3 page) proposals within the construct of problem formulation/dose-response-method/case-study, using this form and format.  [See Figure, from NAS (2008), for where problem formulation fits in the risk assessment paradigm.]  Some examples of problem formulations are listed below, but this list is not intended to be exhaustive.  We welcome additional proposed case studies using the format: problem formulations – dose-response method – case study.  Proposals will be distributed to all meeting participants prior to the meeting, to allow all to become familiar with the suggested methods.  There will be an opportunity during the meeting for participants to ask questions regarding the proposals, as well as a brainstorming session for participants to proffer additional proposals. 

If you are planning to submit a proposal, please contact Lynne Haber at Haber@tera.org with information on the problem formulation/dose-response-method/case-study, ideally by February 5.  This will allow us to ensure that key topics are covered, and help you to refine the proposal presentation if needed.  We are seeking short proposals for case studies by February 20. Late proposals may be offered in the meeting, and will also be posted on the web prior to the meeting.

Sample proposals 

• High production volume chemical with high population exposure – BBDR

• Screening-level health protective exposure limits for a chemical using minimal data

Example Problem Formulations

• Screening >10,000 chemicals to determine which chemicals need further evaluation for potential risk management

• For the purposes of conducting a cost-benefit analysis, estimate the median and upper bound fraction of people expected to have an adverse noncancer effect at a specified exposure level.

• Estimate a median and upper bound cancer risk from exposure to a chemical at a waste site.  This chemical is found at numerous sites throughout the country, including at sites near population centers, schools, and retirement communities, driving a desire to take into account population variability in sensitivity.

• Based on the minimal (or the extensive) information available for a chemical, set screening level  exposure limits that are protective for human health.  

• Human health assessment is needed for a high-production volume chemical, for which population exposure is substantial, both in consumer products and as a result of legacy site contamination.

From NAS (2008).  Science and decisions: Advancing risk assessment.  National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.

For more information, please contact Oliver Kroner.