US EPA

The purpose of this SOP is to indicate the proper method for assigning unique Identification Numbers for all samples taken and forms used in the collection of NHEXAS Pilot Studies. All data tracking procedures were built upon these ID numbers. Inspection of these ID numbers provides essential information, such as type of sample, geographic stratum, and cycle number. Keywords: data management; tracking.

The National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) is a federal interagency research effort coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD). Phase I consists of demonstration/scoping studies using probability-based sampling designs. The studies collected household environmental and personal samples for chemical analysis, and questionnaires were administered. The NHEXAS Phase I Questionnaires were organized into six modules for simplicity in administration (to minimize respondent burden and maximize participation rates at each step) and for collecting information that can be temporally related to the exposure, concentration, and/or biological measurements collected in NHEXAS: Descriptive, Baseline, Technician, Follow-up, Time and activity diary, and Dietary diary (and follow-up). The NHEXAS-Maryland study sampled residences determined by a proportion-based sample of Baltimore and four adjacent counties and measured metals, pesticides, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study was conducted by Harvard University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, and Westat. Data collection occurred up to six times over one year for the participating households. Analytical results were obtained under strict QA/QC requirements during collection, processing, and final deposition into databases.

NOTE: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Research and Development (ORD), partially funded and collaborated in the research described here. This SOP is part of the Quality Systems Implementation Plan (QSIP) that was reviewed by the EPA and approved for use in the Maryland study and is provided for documentation purposes. It does not reflect EPA methods and should not be construed as such. The methods were generated by the consortium to be used for the NHEXAS pilot study. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by EPA for use.

Maryland Study Consortium. NHEXAS PHASE I MARYLAND STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FOR SAMPLES AND FORMS (G03). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 1995.

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