Council on Environmental Quality (U.S.)'s Books

Air Quality Management in the United States

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Air Quality Management in the United States

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Air Quality Management in the United States

Managing the nation's air quality is a complex undertaking, involving tens of thousands of people in regulating thousands of pollution sources. The authors identify what has worked and what has not, and they offer wide-ranging recommendations for setting future priorities, making difficult choices, and increasing innovation. This new book explores how to better integrate scientific advances and new technologies into the air quality management system. The volume reviews the three-decade history of governmental efforts toward cleaner air, discussing how air quality standards are set and results measured, the design and implementation of control strategies, regulatory processes and procedures, special issues with mobile pollution sources, and more. The book looks at efforts to spur social and behavioral changes that affect air quality, the effectiveness of market-based instruments for air quality regulation, and many other aspects of the issue. Rich in technical detail, this book will be of interest to all those engaged in air quality management: scientists, engineers, industrial managers, law makers, regulators, health officials, clean-air advocates, and concerned citizens.

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Page Count

427

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309089328

ISBN 13

9780309089326

Rethinking the Components, Coordination, and Management of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Laboratories

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Strengthening the US Environmental Protection Agency Laboratory Enterprise: Phase 1 Priority Needs, Guiding Principles, and Overall Goals

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Rethinking the Components, Coordination, and Management of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Laboratories

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applies scientific results that have been provided by various parts of its own organization and by external organizations. The agency requires substantial high-quality inhouse scientific expertise and laboratory capabilities so that it can answer questions related to regulation, enforcement, and environmental effects of specific chemicals, activities, and processes. It is also usually faced with situations in which research or analytic work is time-critical, so it maintains dedicated laboratory staff and facilities that can respond quickly to such needs. In recent years, EPA has made several changes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its laboratories, such as the designation of national program directors to align the work of research laboratories with the needs of the agency's regulatory program offices. The agency is currently undertaking an integrated evaluation of it laboratories to enhance the management effectiveness and efficiency of its laboratory enterprise and to enhance its capabilities for research and other laboratory-based scientific and technical activities. The results of EPA's evaluation are expected to include options for colocation and consolidation of laboratory facilities. Rethinking the Components, Coordination, and Management of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Laboratories assesses EPA's highest-priority needs for mission-relevant laboratory science and technical support, develops principles for the efficient and effective management of EPA's laboratory enterprise to meet the agency's mission needs and strategic goals, and develops guidance for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness now and during the next 10 years. EPA's laboratories play a vital role in the agency's work. The findings and recommendations of this report will help EPA to develop an implementation plan for the laboratory enterprise.

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247

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

030931240X

ISBN 13

9780309312400

Science for Environmental Protection

The Road Ahead

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Science for EPA's Future

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Science for Environmental Protection

The Road Ahead

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Science for EPA's Future

In anticipation of future environmental science and engineering challenges and technologic advances, EPA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the overall capabilities of the agency to develop, obtain, and use the best available scientific and technologic information and tools to meet persistent, emerging, and future mission challenges and opportunities. Although the committee cannot predict with certainty what new environmental problems EPA will face in the next 10 years or more, it worked to identify some of the common drivers and common characteristics of problems that are likely to occur. Tensions inherent to the structure of EPA's work contribute to the current and persistent challenges faced by the agency, and meeting those challenges will require development of leading-edge scientific methods, tools, and technologies, and a more deliberate approach to systems thinking and interdisciplinary science. Science for Environmental Protection: The Road Ahead outlines a framework for building science for environmental protection in the 21st century and identified key areas where enhanced leadership and capacity can strengthen the agency's abilities to address current and emerging environmental challenges as well as take advantage of new tools and technologies to address them. The foundation of EPA science is strong, but the agency needs to continue to address numerous present and future challenges if it is to maintain its science leadership and meet its expanding mandates.

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188

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309264898

ISBN 13

9780309264891

Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction Benefits from Decreasing Tropospheric Ozone Exposure

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Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution

In light of recent evidence on the relationship of ozone to mortality and questions about its implications for benefit analysis, the Environmental Protection Agency asked the National Research Council to establish a committee of experts to evaluate independently the contributions of recent epidemiologic studies to understanding the size of the ozone-mortality effect in the context of benefit analysis. The committee was also asked to assess methods for estimating how much a reduction in short-term exposure to ozone would reduce premature deaths, to assess methods for estimating associated increases in life expectancy, and to assess methods for estimating the monetary value of the reduced risk of premature death and increased life expectancy in the context of health-benefits analysis. Estimating Mortality Risk Reduction and Economic Benefits from Controlling Ozone Air Pollution details the committee's findings and posits several recommendations to address these issues.

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226

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309119944

ISBN 13

9780309119948

New Source Review for Stationary Sources of Air Pollution

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Changes in New Source Review Programs for Stationary Sources of Air Pollutants

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New Source Review for Stationary Sources of Air Pollution

The Clean Air Act established a pair of programsâ€"known as New Source Review (NSR)â€"that regulate large stationary sources of air pollution, such as factories and electricity-generating facilities. Congress then asked the National Research Council to estimate the effects of NSR rule changes made in 2002 and 2003 in terms of the effects on emissions and human health, and changes in operating efficiency (including energy efficiency), pollution prevention, and pollution-control activities. New Source Review for Stationary Sources of Air Pollution provides insights into the potential effects of the rule changes on national emissions from the electric power industry. Although this book focuses on the 2002 and 2003 rules, its analytic framework applies to other possible changes in NSR and to other regulatory contexts. Helpful, in that it outlines the data-collection efforts needed to assess the impact of the NSR rules, the book recommends EPA and other government agencies undertake and sustain the recommended methods.

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334

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309164591

ISBN 13

9780309164597

Mississippi River Water Quality and the Clean Water Act

Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Water Science and Technology Board,Committee on the Mississippi River and the Clean Water Act

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Mississippi River Water Quality and the Clean Water Act

Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Water Science and Technology Board,Committee on the Mississippi River and the Clean Water Act

The Mississippi River is, in many ways, the nation's best known and most important river system. Mississippi River water quality is of paramount importance for sustaining the many uses of the river including drinking water, recreational and commercial activities, and support for the river's ecosystems and the environmental goods and services they provide. The Clean Water Act, passed by Congress in 1972, is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the United States, employing regulatory and nonregulatory measures designed to reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways. The Clean Water Act has reduced much pollution in the Mississippi River from "point sources" such as industries and water treatment plants, but problems stemming from urban runoff, agriculture, and other "non-point sources" have proven more difficult to address. This book concludes that too little coordination among the 10 states along the river has left the Mississippi River an "orphan" from a water quality monitoring and assessment perspective. Stronger leadership from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is needed to address these problems. Specifically, the EPA should establish a water quality data-sharing system for the length of the river, and work with the states to establish and achieve water quality standards. The Mississippi River corridor states also should be more proactive and cooperative in their water quality programs. For this effort, the EPA and the Mississippi River states should draw upon the lengthy experience of federal-interstate cooperation in managing water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

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252

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309177812

ISBN 13

9780309177818

Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Models in the Regulatory Decision Process

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Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Models in the Regulatory Decision Process

Many regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are based on the results of computer models. Models help EPA explain environmental phenomena in settings where direct observations are limited or unavailable, and anticipate the effects of agency policies on the environment, human health and the economy. Given the critical role played by models, the EPA asked the National Research Council to assess scientific issues related to the agency's selection and use of models in its decisions. The book recommends a series of guidelines and principles for improving agency models and decision-making processes. The centerpiece of the book's recommended vision is a life-cycle approach to model evaluation which includes peer review, corroboration of results, and other activities. This will enhance the agency's ability to respond to requirements from a 2001 law on information quality and improve policy development and implementation.

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286

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309110009

ISBN 13

9780309110006

Opportunities in Applied Environmental Research and Development

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources,Committee on Opportunities in Applied Environmental Research and Development

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Opportunities in Applied Environmental Research and Development

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources,Committee on Opportunities in Applied Environmental Research and Development

Research is the foundation of environmental protection. This volume reviews four areas of opportunity in applied environmental research and development: waste reduction, ecosystem and landscape change, anticipatory research, and long-term chemical toxicity. It presents the consensus of workshops held to explore these four areas as well as an introductory chapter that summarizes the committee's view of environmental research and development.

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185

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

030904698X

ISBN 13

9780309046985

The Ongoing Challenge of Managing Carbon Monoxide Pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska

Interim Report

By: National Research Council,Transportation Research Board,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Carbon Monoxide Episodes in Meteorological and Topographical Problem Areas

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The Ongoing Challenge of Managing Carbon Monoxide Pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska

Interim Report

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic air pollutant produced largely from vehicle emissions. Breathing CO at high concentrations leads to reduced oxygen transport by hemoglobin, which has health effects that include impaired reaction timing, headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, clouding of consciousness, coma, and, at high enough concentrations and long enough exposure, death. In recognition of those health effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as directed by the Clean Air Act, established the health-based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for CO in 1971. Most areas that were previously designated as "nonattainment" areas have come into compliance with the NAAQS for CO, but some locations still have difficulty in attaining the CO standards. Those locations tend to have topographical or meteorological characteristics that exacerbate pollution. In view of the challenges posed for some areas to attain compliance with the NAAQS for CO, congress asked the National Research Council to investigate the problem of CO in areas with meteorological and topographical problems. This interim report deals specifically with Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks was chosen as a case study because its meteorological and topographical characteristics make it susceptible to severe winter inversions that trap CO and other pollutants at ground level.

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158

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309182751

ISBN 13

9780309182751

Waste Incineration and Public Health

By: National Research Council,Commission on Life Sciences,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Health Effects of Waste Incineration

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Waste Incineration and Public Health

By: National Research Council,Commission on Life Sciences,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Health Effects of Waste Incineration

Incineration has been used widely for waste disposal, including household, hazardous, and medical wasteâ€"but there is increasing public concern over the benefits of combusting the waste versus the health risk from pollutants emitted during combustion. Waste Incineration and Public Health informs the emerging debate with the most up-to-date information available on incineration, pollution, and human healthâ€"along with expert conclusions and recommendations for further research and improvement of such areas as risk communication. The committee provides details on: Processes involved in incineration and how contaminants are released. Environmental dynamics of contaminants and routes of human exposure. Tools and approaches for assessing possible human health effects. Scientific concerns pertinent to future regulatory actions. The book also examines some of the social, psychological, and economic factors that affect the communities where incineration takes place and addresses the problem of uncertainty and variation in predicting the health effects of incineration processes.

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336

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National Academies Press

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ISBN 10

030906371X

ISBN 13

9780309063715

Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on Risk Assessment of Hazardous Air Pollutants

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Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on Risk Assessment of Hazardous Air Pollutants

The public depends on competent risk assessment from the federal government and the scientific community to grapple with the threat of pollution. When risk reports turn out to be overblownâ€"or when risks are overlookedâ€"public skepticism abounds. This comprehensive and readable book explores how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can improve its risk assessment practices, with a focus on implementation of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. With a wealth of detailed information, pertinent examples, and revealing analysis, the volume explores the "default option" and other basic concepts. It offers two views of EPA operations: The first examines how EPA currently assesses exposure to hazardous air pollutants, evaluates the toxicity of a substance, and characterizes the risk to the public. The second, more holistic, view explores how EPA can improve in several critical areas of risk assessment by focusing on cross-cutting themes and incorporating more scientific judgment. This comprehensive volume will be important to the EPA and other agencies, risk managers, environmental advocates, scientists, faculty, students, and concerned individuals.

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668

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

030904894X

ISBN 13

9780309048941

Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources,Committee on Tropospheric Ozone

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Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources,Committee on Tropospheric Ozone

Despite more than 20 years of regulatory efforts, concern is widespread that ozone pollution in the lower atmosphere, or troposphere, threatens the health of humans, animals, and vegetation. This book discusses how scientific information can be used to develop more effective regulations to control ozone. Rethinking the Ozone Problem in Urban and Regional Air Pollution discusses: The latest data and analysis on how tropospheric ozone is formed. How well our measurement techniques are functioning. Deficiencies in efforts to date to control the problem. Approaches to reducing ozone precursor emissions that hold the most promise. What additional research is needed. With a wealth of technical information, the book discusses atmospheric chemistry, the role of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ozone formation, monitoring and modeling the formation and transport processes, and the potential contribution of alternative fuels to solving the tropospheric ozone problem. The committee discusses criteria for designing more effective ozone control efforts. Because of its direct bearing on decisions to be made under the Clean Air Act, this book should be of great interest to environmental advocates, industry, and the regulatory community as well as scientists, faculty, and students.

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525

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309046319

ISBN 13

9780309046312

Managing Carbon Monoxide Pollution in Meteorological and Topographical Problem Areas

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Managing Carbon Monoxide Pollution in Meteorological and Topographical Problem Areas

The regulation of carbon monoxide has been one of the great success stories in air pollution control. While more than 90 percent of the locations with carbon monoxide monitors were in violation in 1971, today the number of monitors showing violations has fallen to only a few, on a small number of days and mainly in areas with unique meteorological and topographical conditions.

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218

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309089239

ISBN 13

9780309089234

State and Federal Standards for Mobile-Source Emissions

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on State Practices in Setting Mobile Source Emissions Standards

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State and Federal Standards for Mobile-Source Emissions

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on State Practices in Setting Mobile Source Emissions Standards

Emissions from mobile sources contribute significantly to air pollution in the United States. Such sources include cars and light- and heavy-duty trucks; diesel-powered cranes, bulldozers, and tractors; and equipment such as lawnmowers that run on small gasoline engines. The role of state versus federal government in establishing mobile-source emissions standards is an important environmental management issue. With this in mind, Congress called on EPA to arrange an independent study of the practices and procedures by which California develops separate emissions standards from the federal government and other states choose to adopt the California standards. The report provides an assessment of the scientific and technical procedures used by states to develop or adopt different emissions standards and a comparison of those policies and practices with those used by EPA. It also considers the impacts of state emissions standards on various factors including compliance costs and emissions. The report concludes that, despite the substantial progress in reducing emissions from mobile sources nationwide, more needs to be done to attain federal air-quality standards in many parts of the country. Additionally, California should continue its pioneering role in setting emissions standards for cars, trucks, and off-road equipment.

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362

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309101514

ISBN 13

9780309101516

Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter

IV. Continuing Research Progress

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter

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Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter

IV. Continuing Research Progress

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter

In 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established regulatory standards to address health risks posed by inhaling tiny particles from smoke, vehicle exhaust, and other sources. At the same time, Congress and the EPA began a multimillion dollar research effort to better understand the sources of these airborne particles, the levels of exposure to people, and the ways that these particles cause disease. To provide independent guidance to the EPA, Congress asked the National Research Council to study the relevant issues. The result was a series of four reports on the particulate-matter research program. The first two books offered a conceptual framework for a national research program, identified the 10 most critical research needs, and described the recommended timing and estimated costs of such research. The third volume began the task of assessing initial progress made in implementing the research program. This, the fourth and final volume, gauged research progress made over a 5-year period on each of the 10 research topics. The National Research Council concludes that particulate matter research has led to a better understanding of the health effects caused by tiny airborne particles. However, the EPA, in concert with other agencies, should continue research to reduce further uncertainties and inform long-term decisions.

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373

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309091993

ISBN 13

9780309091992

Interim Report of the Committee on Changes in New Source Review Programs for Stationary Sources of Air Pollutants

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Interim Report of the Committee on Changes in New Source Review Programs for Stationary Sources of Air Pollutants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New Source Review (NSR) programs are designed to help ensure that the construction or modification of factories, electric-generating facilities and other large stationary sources of pollutants will meet emissions criteria. EPA revised the programs in order to provide flexibility and allow for improved energy efficiency in American industry without damaging the environment. However, critics argue the revisions could slow progress in cleaning the nation's air, potentially damaging human health. This interim report provides a synthesis of relevant background information and describes the approach the committee will use to assess the potential impact of the NSR revisions. Conclusions will be issued in a final report later this year.

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242

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National Academies Press

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ISBN 10

0309095786

ISBN 13

9780309095785

A Framework to Guide Selection of Chemical Alternatives

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology,Committee on the Design and Evaluation of Safer Chemical Substitutions: A Framework to Inform Government and Industry Decisions

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A Framework to Guide Selection of Chemical Alternatives

Historically, regulations governing chemical use have often focused on widely used chemicals and acute human health effects of exposure to them, as well as their potential to cause cancer and other adverse health effects. As scientific knowledge has expanded there has been an increased awareness of the mechanisms through which chemicals may exert harmful effects on human health, as well as their effects on other species and ecosystems. Identification of high-priority chemicals and other chemicals of concern has prompted a growing number of state and local governments, as well as major companies, to take steps beyond existing hazardous chemical federal legislation. Interest in approaches and policies that ensure that any new substances substituted for chemicals of concern are assessed as carefully and thoroughly as possible has also burgeoned. The overarching goal of these approaches is to avoid regrettable substitutions, which occur when a toxic chemical is replaced by another chemical that later proved unsuitable because of persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, or other concerns. Chemical alternative assessments are tools designed to facilitate consideration of these factors to assist stakeholders in identifying chemicals that may have the greatest likelihood of harm to human and ecological health, and to provide guidance on how the industry may develop and adopt safer alternatives. A Framework to Guide Selection of Chemical Alternatives develops and demonstrates a decision framework for evaluating potentially safer substitute chemicals as primarily determined by human health and ecological risks. This new framework is informed by previous efforts by regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and others to develop alternative assessment frameworks that could be operationalized. In addition to hazard assessments, the framework incorporates steps for life-cycle thinking - which considers possible impacts of a chemical at all stages including production, use, and disposal - as well as steps for performance and economic assessments. The report also highlights how modern information sources such as computational modeling can supplement traditional toxicology data in the assessment process. This new framework allows the evaluation of the full range of benefits and shortcomings of substitutes, and examination of tradeoffs between these risks and factors such as product functionality, product efficacy, process safety, and resource use. Through case studies, this report demonstrates how different users in contrasting decision contexts with diverse priorities can apply the framework. This report will be an essential resource to the chemical industry, environmentalists, ecologists, and state and local governments.

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475

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309310164

ISBN 13

9780309310161

Hidden Costs of Energy

Unpriced Consequences of Energy Production and Use

By: National Research Council,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Energy and Environmental Systems,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Health, Environmental, and Other External Costs and Benefits of Energy Production and Consumption

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Hidden Costs of Energy

Unpriced Consequences of Energy Production and Use

Despite the many benefits of energy, most of which are reflected in energy market prices, the production, distribution, and use of energy causes negative effects. Many of these negative effects are not reflected in energy market prices. When market failures like this occur, there may be a case for government interventions in the form of regulations, taxes, fees, tradable permits, or other instruments that will motivate recognition of these external or hidden costs. The Hidden Costs of Energy defines and evaluates key external costs and benefits that are associated with the production, distribution, and use of energy, but are not reflected in market prices. The damage estimates presented are substantial and reflect damages from air pollution associated with electricity generation, motor vehicle transportation, and heat generation. The book also considers other effects not quantified in dollar amounts, such as damages from climate change, effects of some air pollutants such as mercury, and risks to national security. While not a comprehensive guide to policy, this analysis indicates that major initiatives to further reduce other emissions, improve energy efficiency, or shift to a cleaner electricity generating mix could substantially reduce the damages of external effects. A first step in minimizing the adverse consequences of new energy technologies is to better understand these external effects and damages. The Hidden Costs of Energy will therefore be a vital informational tool for government policy makers, scientists, and economists in even the earliest stages of research and development on energy technologies.

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506

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National Academies Press

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ISBN 10

0309155800

ISBN 13

9780309155809

Human Exposure Assessment for Airborne Pollutants

Advances and Opportunities

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on Advances in Assessing Human Exposure to Airborne Pollutants

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Human Exposure Assessment for Airborne Pollutants

Advances and Opportunities

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Commission on Life Sciences,Committee on Advances in Assessing Human Exposure to Airborne Pollutants

Most people in the United States spend far more time indoors than outdoors. Yet, many air pollution regulations and risk assessments focus on outdoor air. These often overlook contact with harmful contaminants that may be at their most dangerous concentrations indoors. A new book from the National Research Council explores the need for strategies to address indoor and outdoor exposures and examines the methods and tools available for finding out where and when significant exposures occur. The volume includes: A conceptual framework and common terminology that investigators from different disciplines can use to make more accurate assessments of human exposure to airborne contaminants. An update of important developments in assessing exposure to airborne contaminants: ambient air sampling and physical chemical measurements, biological markers, questionnaires, time-activity diaries, and modeling. A series of examples of how exposure assessments have been applied-properly and improperly-to public health issues and how the committee's suggested framework can be brought into practice. This volume will provide important insights to improve risk assessment, risk management, pollution control, and regulatory programs.

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338

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309042844

ISBN 13

9780309042840

Modeling Mobile-Source Emissions

By: National Research Council,Transportation Research Board,Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee to Review EPA's Mobile Source Emissions Factor (MOBILE) Model

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Modeling Mobile-Source Emissions

The Mobile Source Emissions Factor (MOBILE) model is a computer model developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for estimating emissions from on-road motor vehicles. MOBILE is used in air-quality planning and regulation for estimating emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and for predicting the effects of emissions-reduction programs. Because of its important role in air-quality management, the accuracy of MOBILE is critical. Possible consequences of inaccurately characterizing motor-vehicle emissions include the implementation of insufficient controls that endanger the environment and public health or the implementation of ineffective policies that impose excessive control costs. Billions of dollars per year in transportation funding are linked to air-quality attainment plans, which rely on estimates of mobile-source emissions. Transportation infrastructure decisions are also affected by emissions estimates from MOBILE. In response to a request from Congress, the National Research Council established the Committee to Review EPA's Mobile Source Emissions Factor (MOBILE) Model in October 1998. The committee was charged to evaluate MOBILE and to develop recommendations for improving the model.

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257

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309171903

ISBN 13

9780309171908

Science and Decisions

Advancing Risk Assessment

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Improving Risk Analysis Approaches Used by the U.S. EPA

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Science and Decisions

Advancing Risk Assessment

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Committee on Improving Risk Analysis Approaches Used by the U.S. EPA

Risk assessment has become a dominant public policy tool for making choices, based on limited resources, to protect public health and the environment. It has been instrumental to the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as other federal agencies in evaluating public health concerns, informing regulatory and technological decisions, prioritizing research needs and funding, and in developing approaches for cost-benefit analysis. However, risk assessment is at a crossroads. Despite advances in the field, risk assessment faces a number of significant challenges including lengthy delays in making complex decisions; lack of data leading to significant uncertainty in risk assessments; and many chemicals in the marketplace that have not been evaluated and emerging agents requiring assessment. Science and Decisions makes practical scientific and technical recommendations to address these challenges. This book is a complement to the widely used 1983 National Academies book, Risk Assessment in the Federal Government (also known as the Red Book). The earlier book established a framework for the concepts and conduct of risk assessment that has been adopted by numerous expert committees, regulatory agencies, and public health institutions. The new book embeds these concepts within a broader framework for risk-based decision-making. Together, these are essential references for those working in the regulatory and public health fields.

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Page Count

422

Publisher

National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309120462

ISBN 13

9780309120463

Book's by Council on Environmental Quality (U.S.)

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