Intermedia Transport Factors for Toxic Air Pollutants

Research Team: Professor Yoram Cohen (Co-PI), Professor Arthur Winer (Co-PI), Rajeev Vohra (MS Student), Robert van de Water (Research Associate), Lei Chang (Ph.D. Student), Dheeraj Singhal (B.S. Student), Lizette Hernandez (B.S. Student).

This project deals with the evaluation of compound-specific intermedia transport factors (ITFs) that are used in the assessment of exposure of the human population from multiple routes (e.g., inhalation, water drinking, showering, ingestion of vegetables and meat). We have completed the analysis of intermedia transfer factors for seven chemicals (benzene, formaldehyde, chromium VI, mercury, benzo(a)pyrene, methylene chloride and 2,3,7,8-TCDD) and the final report is now available through the California Air Resources. Based on the above ITF study the major factors that affect the multimedia distribution and exposure pathways for selected toxic air pollutants have been identified. This information provides support for risk analyses required under California AB2588. An intermedia transfer factor (ITF) predictor is also currently under development along with a companion chemical property database. The ITF software is being developed for the windows PC environment with a user friendly interface.