Translating the Recommendations of the Risk Assessment Advisory Committee Into Action. R. A. Becker, T. A. McDonald, D. Ting, and W. A. Vance, OEHHA, California EPA, 601 N. 7th Street, P.O. Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
Implementation of the recommendations of the Risk Assessment Advisory Committee (RAAC) is well under way within California. In October 1996, the RAAC published a report of its review on ways to improve the scientific basis and consistency of Cal/EPA’s risk assessment activities. California Governor, Pete Wilson embraced the quality of the report and designated the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) as the lead agency for coordinating a state-wide effort to implement the recommendations. OEHHA is working on a number of areas aiming to incorporate new science into risk assessment practice and to improve consistency in risk assessment across programs. OEHHA has signed an agreement with US EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment for collaborating on risk assessment activities. Cal/EPA and US EPA Region IX are jointly developing a screening-level risk assessment method applicable across RCRA and Superfund programs. OEHHA has published draft stochastic exposure assessment guidelines, and is conducting a pilot project to evaluate a few selected chemicals using US EPA’s draft carcinogen guidelines. OEHHA is aggressively working to strengthen its peer involvement and peer review procedures. To enhance the interaction of risk assessors and risk managers, OEHHA, in conjunction with Region IX US EPA, is conducting a series of training courses for risk managers on risk assessment, risk communication and public interaction. Additional activities and plans will be presented and discussed.