Contamination of water resources by fuel oxygenates raises several issues that are difficult to evaluate with currently available information. The sources, pathways, and extent of actual and potential exposure of human populations are not adequately known. Quantitative characterization of health risks is problematic. Moreover, independent of the degree of human health risk that may be posed by oxygenates in water, the sensory properties of contaminated water may override health concerns. These and other issues are highlighted in a document recently released by EPA, "Oxygenates in Water: Critical Information and Research Needs", the purpose of which is to identify work needed to provide a better basis for characterizing the potential health and environmental risks of oxygenates and for informing risk management and policy decision making. As the document notes, if the environment and public health are to be protected effectively and efficiently, adequate scientific information and technical data are essential.
Product Details
Published: 01/01/1999 ISBN(s): 1583210016 Number of Pages: 3File Size: 1 file , 140 KB