UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Toxic Substances (WH-557)
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

OFFICIAL BUSINES:
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300

An Equal Opportunity Employer

POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENC
EPA -335

FOURTH CLASS BOOK RATE



PLATINUM

GENERAL STUDIES

Catalyst Research Program - As catalytic converters have come
into use, a number of questions about the potential hazards
of platinum have been raised. Sampling and analytical
methods have been developed to identify platinum in environ-
mental media and biotic specimens. The environmental behavior,
including methylation and demethylation, of platinum has been
studied. The toxicological effects, including mutagenic
potential, behavioral impacts, and allergenic responses of
platinum are being studied. Preliminary reports from these
studies are included in a symposium report and a series of
annual reports. Vandy Duffield, EPA/ORD, (919) 549-8411,
X-2525.

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
platinum levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202)
426-2026.

10


BENZENE

GENERAL STUDIES

Air Pollution - A preliminary assessment of air pollution
problems from benzene has been completed. Further questions
remain to be answered before regulatory decisions can be
made. Studies to develop those answers are tentatively
scheduled for completion by March 1977. Richard Johnson,
EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-501.

HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

Health Effects Review - The Committee on Toxicology of the
National Academy of Sciences compiled and evaluated the
literature on the health impacts of benzene. The June 1976,
report also identified several areas needing further study.
William Coniglio, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS,
AND EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Drinking Water Survey - Drinking water supplies in 113 cities
are being surveyed for a number of organic constituents in-
cluding benzene. Sampling and analyses are due to be com-
pleted in December 1976, and the report is expected in early
1977. Joseph Cotruvo, EPA/OWS, (202) 755-5643.

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
benzene levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202)
426-2026.

Sampling and Analysis - Samples taken near six manufacturing
sites and 12 plants using benzene as an intermediate will

be analyzed for concentrations of benzene. The report
should be available by mid-1977. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-0300.

CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including benzene, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. Appropriate



TRIS (2,3-DIBROMOPROPYL) PHOSPHATE

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
Tris levels in the various media are being reviewed. Recom-
mendations for the adoption of standardized techniques are
expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202) 426-
2026.

Analytical Methods - Methods are being developed for the
analysis of Tris in human tissue samples (including body

fluid). These methods will be applied in an effort to
determine if Tris is taken up by the human body from treated
fabrics and clothing. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.

Sampling and Analysis - Samples taken in an EDB monitoring
activity will also be analyzed for levels of Tris. Vincent
DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.

HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

Carcinogenesis - The carcinogenic potential of Tris when
administered orally to rodents is being determined.
Cipriano Cueto, NCI, (301) 496-4875.

Hazard Assessment - Using the Ames bioassay, Tris was shown
to be a potential mutagen. These findings were forwarded
to CPSC in the Fall of 1975. Based on these results, EDF
petitioned CPSC to restrict the use of this substance as a
flame retardant in fabrics. CPSC is preparing to conduct
further tests and is awaiting the results of NCI's tests
before making a final decision. Barbara Ostrow, CPSC, (301)
492-6477.

14


HYDROGEN SULFIDE

GENERAL STUDIES

STAR Report - A Scientific and Technical Assessment Review
of hydrogen sulfide will be prepared after the health hazard
assessment by the National Academy of Sciences has been re-
ceived in January 1977. Orin Stopinski, EPA/ORD, (919) 549-
8411, X-266.

HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

Health Hazard Assessment - The National Academy of Sciences
is reviewing the health hazards associated with hydrogen sul-
fide. The report is due in January 1977. John Redman, NAS,
(202) 393-8100.

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
hydrogen sulfide levels in the various media are being
reviewed. Recommendations for the adoption of standardized
methods are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD,
(202) 426-2026.

Automotive Emissions - Hydrogen sulfide is one of the exhaust
components that will be measured in a series of tests of a
variety of exhaust control systems. Normal and malfunction
conditions will be simulated. The report is due in late 1977.
Joseph Somers, EPA/MVEL, (313) 668-4321.

SUBSTITUTES, CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, AND RELATED COSTS AND
ECONOMIC FACTORS

Automotive Emissions - Improperly adjusted automobiles
equipped with catalysts can emit hydrogen sulfide. EPA
is encouraging that automobiles be adjusted rather than
that catalyst devices be removed or overidden. Dealers,
zone representatives, and manufacturers are consulted in
these efforts. Michael Walsh, EPA/OE, (202) 755-2874.

CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Air Pollution Assessment - Two preliminary air pollution
assessment reports are being prepared by OAQPS. The first
will focus on the potential problems associated with normal



BIS (CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Air Pollution Assessment - Mathematical models based on
industrial information have predicted that environmental
levels of BCME are below detection limits and offer ex-
posure potential more than two orders of magnitude below
levels known to be hazardous. Richard Johnson, EPA/OAQPS,
(919) 688-8146, x-501.

Sampling and Analysis - Monitoring will be started in early
1977, to determine if BCME is formed in areas where formalde-
hyde and chloride ions are available in waste streams.
Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.

CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including haloethers, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, sources, and environmental

levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-
approved schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.

Workplace - A survey of workplace environments (such as
textile mills) where formaldehyde and chloride ions are
available will determine if BCME is formed. If the formation
of BCME occurs, recommendations for revisions to the OSHA
standard for BCME will be made. Ben Dobbin, NIOSH, (531)
684-3255.


water quality criteria, effluent guidelines, toxic pollutant
standards, and/or pretreatment requirements will then be
established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act

in accordance with a court-approved schedule. John Carroll,
EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.

Workplace Standard - Revision to the benzene workplace
standard is being considered by OSHA. The revised standard
is expected to be proposed in December 1976. Brad Russell,

OSHA, (202) 523-7184.


ABBREVIATIONS OF ORGANIZATIONS

Environmental

Protection Agency

MVEL
OAQPS
OE
ORD
oTs
OWPS
ows

1

Motor Vehicle Emission Laboratory

Office of
Office of
Office of

Air Quality Planning & Standards
Enforcement
Research & Development

Office of Toxic Substances

Office of
Office of

Other Organizations

CPSC
NAS
NCI
NIEHS

NIOSH

OSHA

Consumer
National
National
National

Health
National

Safety

Water Planning & Standards
Water Supply

Products Safety Commission

Academy of Science

Cancer Institute

Institute for Environmental
Sciences

Institute for Occupational

and Health

Occupational Safety & Health Administration


Washington, D. C., Metropolitan Area is in progress. A

report is expected in early 1977. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.

SUBSTITUTES, CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, AND RELATED COSTS AND
ECONOMIC FACTORS

Wastewater Treatment - Methods available for treating cadmium-
containing wastewater have been reviewed for efficacy, costs,
and benefits. Kent Ballantine, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3030.

Substitute Material - A Navy Department proposal to substi-
tute aluminum for cadmium in electroplating is scheduled to

be evaluated during the fall of 1976. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.

CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including cadmium, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal

Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-~approved
schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.

Workplace - A criteria document that is expected to recommend
tightening the OSHA standards for workplace exposure to cadmium
and its compounds is scHeduled for release before the end of
1976. Keith Jacobson, NIOSH, (301) 443-2130.

Air Pollution Assessment - Information that has become available
since 1972 (when a Preferred Standard Path Analysis was pre-
pared) is being collected and analyzed to determine if emission
or performance standards under the Clean Air Act should be
developed. Richard Johnson, EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-501l.



EPA 560/4-76-007

IDENTIFICATION OF SELECTED FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
DIRECTED TO CHEMICALS OF NEAR—TERM CONCERN

SEPTEMBER 1976

OFFICE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460


MERCURY

GENERAL STUDIES

Manufacturing and Use Data - Data on the manufacture and

use of mercury during 1975, are being compiled for the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) .
Abstracts of that body's reports are being prepared for
inclusion in a computerized information system to be managed
by OECD. Elbert Dage, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-2110.

HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

Carcinogenesis - A study was conducted to determine if mercury
d/7or methyl mercury chloride demonstrated carcinogenic

potential when administered intramuscularly to rats. The
findings will be published in the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute. Sidney Siegel, NCI, (301) 496-3503.

Health Effects - A variety of epidemiological studies, as
well as studies on toxicity mechanisms, synthesis of chelat-
ing agents, and impacts on protein synthesis, are being con-
ducted. Robert Owens, NIEHS, (919) 549-8411, x-3358.

Environmental Release and Fate - Sampling of mercurial
releases at the Four Corners powerplant has identified low
levels of various forms of mercury at various distances from
the plant. Two additional years of activity will attempt to
further refine analytical procedures, more closely follow
environmental transport, and identify the ultimate fate.
Bruce Wiersma, EPA/ORD, (702) 736-2969.

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Mercury in a Metropolitan Area - A survey of levels and
sources of mercury in environmental substances in the
Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area is in progress. A
report is expected in early 1977. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.

Environmental Levels - The technical literature is being
reviewed to document previous monitoring activities. The
results will be evaluated for adequacy. If needed, additional
monitoring will be undertaken. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-0300.

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring

mercury levels in the various media are being reviewed.

Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods

are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202)
-2026.


industrial and catalyst operations. The second will document
accidental release episodes, identify potential control
mechanisms, and recommend EPA actions. Thomas Fagans,
EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-501.

State Accidental Release Standard - Workplace safety regula-
tions governing recovery operations at capped gas wells and
requiring recovery operators to develop and file contingency
plans for notification and evacuation procedures associated
with accidental releases at these wells have been imposed.
James Herring, State of Texas, Railroad Commission, Oil and
Gas Division, (512) 475-4639.

Accidental Release Alert - As a result of several incidents
in which workers were fatally injured, a "Work Alert" on
accidental release of hydrogen sulfide and recommended work
practices and monitoring measures was issued in September
1976. Roscoe Moore, NIOSH, (301) 443-3843.

Workplace - A criteria document will outline hazards of and
control measures for carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide.
Standards for both materials, separately and together, will

be recommended. This report should be forwarded to OSHA in
late March 1977, and published in April 1977. Herbert Venable,
NIOSH, (301) 433-4216.


CADMIUM

HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

Uptake in Humans - Cadmium has long been implicated in
kidney disorders. A study to document the uptake
mechanism and renal cortex levels is in progress. The
report is due in early 1977. Edward Brooks, EPA/OTS,
(202) 755-4880.

Uptake and Translocation in Food Chain - A variety of
Studies will report on uptake of cadmium from sludge
and other sources by plants and animals. A report on
body burden limits and other factors needed to support
regulatory decisions will be prepared. Donald Ehreth,
EPA/ORD, (202) 426-0264.

Carcinogenesis - A special study of the carcinogenic
potential of Cadmium by intramuscular injection in three
rodent species was conducted by NCI. Sidney Siegel, NCI,
(301) 496-3503.

Effects on Protein Synthesis - An investigation is under-
way to characterize adverse effects on protein synthesis
and possible induction by heavy metals including cadmium.
Dr. Robert Owens, NIEHS, (919) 549-8411, X-3358.

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
cadmium levels in the various media are being reviewed.
Recommendations for the adoption of standardized methods
are expected in the fall of 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD,
(202) 426-2026.

Analysis of Human Tissues - Analytical techniques to measure
cadmium levels in human tissues are being developed. Vincent
DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.

Environmental Levels - The technical literature is being
reviewed to determine the extent and adequacy of monitoring
data. A decision will be made when the results have been
compiled as to whether further monitoring should be under-
taken. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202) 755-0300.

Cadmium in a Metropolitan Area - A survey of levels and
sources of cadmium in environmental substrates in the



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Benzene

Bis(chloromethyl) Ether

Cadmium

Hydrogen Sulfide

Mercury

Platinum

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Trichloroethylene

Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) Phosphate

-ii-

Page

10
iL
12
14


POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PNA's)

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
PNA levels in the various media are being reviewed. Recom-
mendations for the adoption of standardized methods are
expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD, (202) 426-
2026.

Vehicular Emissions - Exhaust from light- and heavy-duty
diesel-powered vehicles will be characterized for a variety
of hydrocarbon components including certain PNA's. The
report is due in July 1977. Joseph Somers, EPA/MVEL,

(313) 668-4321.

Drinking Water Survey - Drinking water supplies in 113 cities
are being surveyed for a number of organic constituents in-
cluding several PNA's. Sampling and analyses are due to

be completed in December 1976 and the report is expected in
early 1977. Joseph Cotruvo, EPA/OWS, (202) 755-5643.

CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, are being sur-
veyed in connection with effluent discharges. Physical and
chemical behavior, health and environmental effects, and
sources and environmental levels will be documented over

the next year. The report, including recommended criteria,
is scheduled to be published by July 1977. Appropriate
water quality criteria, effluent guidelines, toxic pollutant
standards, and/or pretreatment requirements will then be
established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act

in accordance with a court-approved schedule. John Carroll,
EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.

11


Air Pollution Assessment - Based on an air pollution assess-
ment, it has been determined that regulation of trichloro-
ethylene is not warranted at this time. Richard Johnson,
EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146, X-501.

Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including trichloroethylene, are being surveyed in connection
with effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior,
health and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including a recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal

Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-approved
schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.

13


PREFACE

This Report is intended to assist Federal agencies
and other interested organizations obtain current infor-
mation on the on-going activities of EPA directed to
selected chemicals of near-term concern.

In addition to identifying the principal EPA programs
relating to these chemicals, the Report also includes
significant activities of other organizations when that
information is available. The Report does not attempt to
include many important completed projects.

The Office of Toxic Substances would welcome infor-
mation concerning other important on-going activities
directed to these chemicals. Such information should be
directed to the Chief, Special Chemicals Branch, Office
of Toxic Substances.


EPA 560/4-76-007

IDENTIFICATION OF SELECTED FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
DIRECTED TO CHEMICALS OF NEAR-TERM CONCERN
(Benzene, Bis(chloromethyl) Ether,
Cadmium, Hydrogen Sulfide, Mercury,
Platinum, Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons, Trichloroethylene,
Tris(2, 3-dibromopropyl) Phosphate)

Prepared by the

OFFICE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

SEPTEMBER 1976


CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Air Pollution Assessment - A preliminary assessment of air
pollution problems associated with mercury and mercurial
compounds is being prepared. When completed, a decision
on the need for further study and/or regulatory action

will be made. John O'Connor, EPA/OAQPS, (919) 688-8146,
X-355.

Water Pollution Assessment - Sixty-five chemicals and classes,
including mercury, are being surveyed in connection with
effluent discharges. Physical and chemical behavior, health
and environmental effects, and sources and environmental
levels will be documented over the next year. The report,
including recommended criteria, is scheduled to be published
by July 1977. Appropriate water quality criteria, effluent
guidelines, toxic pollutant standards, and/or pretreatment
requirements will then be established under the Federal

Water Pollution Control Act in accordance with a court-approved
schedule. John Carroll, EPA/OWPS, (202) 245-3042.



TRICHLOROETHYLENE

GENERAL STUDIES

Hazard Assessment - A two phase hazard assessment of trichloro-
ethylene is underway. The first phase consists of a survey of
production, sources, environmental levels, health effects,
ecological impacts, and possible controls. The second phase
consist of an assessment of the economic and environmental
impacts of control options. George Semeniuk, EPA/OTS, (202)
755-2110.

HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

Carcinogenesis Bioassay - Positive findings of carcinogenesis
have been reported based on high-dose gavage studies. An
inhalation study, related to real-world exposures, is due

to begin late in 1976. Dr. Cipriano Cueto, NCI, (301) 496-
4875.

CURRENT AND PROJECTED SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEVELS, AND
EXPOSED POPULATIONS

Analytical Methods - The available methods for measuring
trichloroethylene levels in the various media are being
reviewed. Recommendations for the adoption of standardized
methods are expected in late 1976. Charles Plost, EPA/ORD,
(202) 426-2026.

Monitoring Data - Samples taken from selected locations
(6 producers; 6 major users) will be analyzed for tri-
chloroethylene levels. Vincent DeCarlo, EPA/OTS, (202)
755-0300.

Drinking Water Survey - Drinking water supplies in 113 cities
are being surveyed for a number of organic constituents
including trichloroethylene. Sampling and analyses are

due to be completed in December 1976, and the report is
expected in early 1977. Joseph Cotruvo, EPA/OWS, (202)
755-5643.

CONTROL OPTIONS, REGULATORY ACTIONS, AND ATTENDANT IMPACTS

Workplace Standard - In 1974, NIOSH published a criteria
document on trichloroethylene. On October 20, 1975, a pro-
posal to revise the existing standard was published. On

April 16, 1976, a notice that consideration was being given

to consolidating the standard with those for perchloroethylene
and methyl chloroform was published in the Federal Register.
Grover Wrenn, OSHA, (202) 523-7081.

12