Abstract |
A significant body of information is currently available to characterize the burden of possibly-hazardous organic chemicals (HOCs) in ambient environments. However, these data have not been accessible in an organized format, and no attempt had been made to study their significance or to integrate them into a useful and cohesive document. In this study, ambient data, primarily from the years 1970 through 1980, from 241 references covering 151 chemicals were collected and collated into a computer-accessible data base. Data acquisition has been limited primarily to a few geographical regions, and most sampling programs have been performed in the warmer months and during daylight hours. Specific recommendations are made for future studies regarding data reporting. A strategy for an effective national monitoring program was presented. |