TRI - Toxic Release Inventoryand Your Health - Resources for Your Community - Information About EPCRA and Community-Right-to-Know / Release Reporting - Free

TRI - Toxic Release Inventoryand Your Health - Resources for Your Community - Information About EPCRA and Community-Right-to-Know / Release Reporting - Free

These questions are not easy to answer. Many factors must be considered in order to evaluate what risks, in any, you face from the presence of toxic chemicals in your local environment. Risk is the measure of the chance that you will experience health problems or the environment will be degraded. Risk screening uses available information, such as TRI, to develop a relative estimate of risk for a given set of conditions. Risks are ranked as high, medium, or low in order to set priorities for further evaluation.

The TRI data is a first link to discovering which chemicals being manufactured, released, or transferred in your community pose a threat to human health and the environment. The TRI will tell you the names and estimated amounts of chemicals released in your area during the preceding year. You can also find out about chemicals that were transferred into or away from your area for treatment and disposal.

This information alone does not indicate the risks that these chemicals pose or may pose to human health and the environment. Small releases of highly toxic chemicals may be a greater risk than very large releases of less toxic chemicals. Though the TRI data is useful to evaluate the risk in your community, other information is required to form a complete picture. A determination of risk depends on the release conditions, extent of exposure, environmental conditions, and other factors.

SO WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?

Once you become aware of toxic chemicals releases in your community, you can decide what to do next. Here are several ideas...

Learn the facts...In addition to chemical release information, TRI contains the names and telephone numbers of public contacts of reporting facilities. Companies are becoming more sensitive to citizens' concerns about health and the environment, and some have begun community outreach programs. Company officials may provide answers to your questions that could affect risk screening. They can also steer you towards local agencies, for example, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Go to the local library...Ask your librarian to help you find information about chemicals in your community. There are several standard reference works that can help you decide whether further investigation is warranted.

Identify local safety and public health agencies...These groups can help you evaluate what you have learned and identify and additional information you may need. Most counties have a public health agency staffed by one or more doctors, including a county health officer. Some areas have poison control centers with toxicologists and other staff who may be of some assistance. If you have difficulty identifying appropriate agencies in your area, call the local hospital or fire department for a referral.

Locate the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)...The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) which created TRI also establishes LEPCs to plan for emergency action in the event of hazardous chemical spills and similar incidents. LEPCs are aware of hazardous chemicals used and stored by facilities in your area. They receive Material Safety Data Sheets that detail physical properties and health effects of hazardous chemicals used by local manufacturers and other facilities. LEPCs, while often associated with existing county-level emergency planning or civil defense agencies, include representatives of environmental and transportation agencies, fire fighters, hospitals, the media, community groups, and others.

Call the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)...The ATSDR is the leading federal public health agency concerned with risks resulting from chemical exposure. Located in Atlanta, GA, it was created by the Superfund legislation in 1980. ATSDR makes information on the health effects of hazardous substances available to the public, conducts health assessments, and sponsors research. The ATSDR publication series titled Toxicological Profiles characterizes toxicological properties and health effects information for specific chemicals so they can be understood by a lay person. These publications, widely distributed to libraries across the country, are invaluable if you are interested in a specific chemical. ATSDR maintains contacts with state and local health agencies throughout the U.S. (For more information, call ATSDR at (404)639-0727).

Contact EPA for free fact sheets...EPA publishes fact sheets that summarize health and environmental effects of TRI chemicals. A typical 4-5 page fact sheet describes the symptoms that may result from exposure as well as accepted methods of treatment. Fact sheets are free on request when you call the EPCRA Hotline (800-535-0202). EPA also administers ten regional offices across the country for additional assistance.

Contact your local college or university...Leading experts can often be found in the academic community, and professors and staff are often willing to share their knowledge with local residents. Be prepared to make a few phone calls--several attempts may be necessary to find the right department or person.

Network with neighbors and community groups...This is a good way to exchange information, participate in meetings with officials, experts, and company representatives, and plan activities that address your concerns. The more people who are involved, the more attention you are likely to receive from industry officials, government agencies, and the news media.

Additional Sources For Assistance

Hotlines

Risk Communication Hotline - Responds to questions on risk communications issues and literature, provides information on EPA's Risk Communication Program, and makes referrals to other related agency sources of information. (202-260-5606, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST)

National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse - Purpose is to collect, classify, and disseminate air toxics information and make callers aware of published air toxics information from EPA, other Federal agencies, and similar relevant sources. (919-541-0850, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST, Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. EST)

Air Risk Information Support Center Hotline - Developed to assist state and local air pollution control agencies and EPA regional offices with technical matters pertaining to health, exposure, and risk assessment of air pollutants. (919-541-0888, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EST)

Publications

Chemical Releases and Chemical Risks: A Citizen's Guide to Risk Screening, U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, 1989, 8 pages. Free by calling 1-800-535-0202.

Hazardous Substances in Our Environment: A Citizen's Guide to Understanding Health Risks and Reducing Exposure, U.S. EPA Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, 1990, 125 pages. Free by calling 202-260-5606. Answers questions about health risks from hazardous substances. Contains glossary, lists other resources.

TRI Risk Screening Guide, Volume 1-The Process, U.S. EPA Office of Toxic Substances, 1989, 102 pages. Describes in greater detail how to use TRI data to conduct risk screening. Contains glossary, lists other resources. $44.50 from NTIS by calling 703-487-4650 (#PB90122128).