Health hazard identification carcinogens

Clearly, a sound evaluation of the total mutagenic/carcinogenic potencies of a complex mixture of POM emissions (e.g., diesel exhaust) should include not only the PEFs of the primary particle- and vapor-phase PAHs and PACs but also those of the mutagens formed in atmospheric reactions of precursor PAHs (see, for example, Arey et al. (1992), Lewtas (1993b), Atkinson and Arey (1994), Nielsen et al. (1996), Arey (1998a), and Section F). For examples of such formal scientific health risk assessments prepared by the State of California Air Resources Board and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, see Benzo[ ]pyrene as a Toxic Air Contaminant (CARB, 1994) and Identification of Diesel Exhaust as a Toxic Air Contaminant (CARB, 1998). 

IRIS is a toxicology data file that contains data in support of human health risk assessment. It is compiled by the US EPA and contains over 500 chemical records. IRIS data, focusing on hazard identification and dose-response assessment, are reviewed by work groups of EPA scientists and represents EPA consensus. Among the key data provided in IRIS are EPA carcinogen classifications, unit risks, slope factors, oral reference doses, and inhalation reference concentrations. 

Waters, M. D., Stack, H. R, Jackson, M. A., and Bridges, B. A. (1993). Hazard identification Efficiency of short-term tests in identifying germ cell mutagens and putative nongenotoxic carcinogens. Environ Health Perspect 101(Suppl 3), 61-72. 

Each MSDS must be in English and include information regarding the specific chemical identity of the hazardous chemical(s) and their common names. The MSDS must also provide information on the physical and chemical characteristics of each hazardous chemical. This would include known acute and chronic health effects, related health information, exposure limits, and whether the chemical is considered a carcinogen. In addition, the MSDS must contain precautionary measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and the identification of the organization responsible for preparing the MSDS. 

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