Erich W. Bretthauer, Chairman of the Exposure and Hazard Assessment Working Group U. s. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D. C. The efforts of the Exposure and Hazard Assessment Working Group were focused on the exchange of information on a variety of topics including research projects, regulations/statutes, analytical laboratories, and methods of exposure/risk assessment involving CDDs and CDFs. It was evident to the leaders of the Working Group that several of the knowledge voids had to be addressed on a fundamental level before expanded efforts could be made. Several questions needed to be answered: • Who has done research on this topic, and what do the data indicate? • Who is performing research now, and what are their capabilities? • How are other nations addressing this problem, and do they have legislative mandates in place? • Is there a general consensus on the topic? The members of the Working Group believed that these questions could be answered by surveying the major participants in the field of interest. Three principal survey efforts were performed by the Working Group, which collected information on research, regulations/statutes, and analytical laboratories from each of the participating nations. In addition to answering these fundamental questions, these efforts also fulfilled the major objectives of the entire Pilot Study. The collection, analysis, and distribution of information on research projects, regulations/statutes, and analytical laboratories were very useful efforts in helping to fill some of the basic knowledge voids.

Zusammenfassung
Proceedings of a NATO/CCMS Pilot Study, which began in Brussels, Belgium, May 1985, and concluded in Berlin, Germany, April 1988

Inhalt

1. Introduction and Background Information.- 1. Participation.- 2. The Pilot Study Organization.- 3. The Nature of the Problem.- References.- 2. Exposure and Hazard Assessment Working Group.- 1. Introduction.- 2. International Exchange of Research and Technology Information on Dioxins and Related Compounds.- 3. Listing of Laboratories with Expertise in the Analysis of Dioxins and Related Compounds.- 4. Inventory of Regulations/Statutes Concerning Dioxins and Related Compounds.- 5. International Toxicity Equivalency Factor (I-TEF) Method of Risk Assessment for Complex Mixtures of Dioxins and Related Compounds.- 6. A Review and Update of Current Knowledge and Methods for Performing Exposure Assessments for 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD.- 7. Quantitative Implications of the Use of Different Extrapolation Procedures for Low-Dose Cancer Risk Estimates from Exposure to 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD.- 8. Rationale for a Hormone-Like Mechanism of 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD for Use in Risk Assessment.- References.- 3. Technology Assessment Working Group.- 1. Introduction to Working Group B Activities.- 2. Formation of Dioxins and Related Compounds from Combustion and Incineration Processes.- 3. Formation of Dioxins and Related Compounds in Industrial Processes.- 4. Methods for Degradation, Destruction, and Detoxification of Dioxins and Related Compounds.- 5. Waste Disposal Sites Contaminated with Dioxins and Related Compounds.- 4. Management of Accidents Working Group.- 1. Introductory Comments on Seveso (Italy) Industrial Accident.- 2. Contingency Planning.- 3. Immediate Emergency Response.- 4. Long-Term Rehabilitation.- 5. Other Contributions.