NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--QUALITY SYSTEMS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (QSIP).

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Abstract

The Arizona Consortium scoping studies were designed to be part of the total NHEXAS framework that was developed as a result of a series scientific discussions and workshops conducted by the US EPA from 1992 through 1993. Several scientific issues needed to be addressed to evaluate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of a national exposure program. Included were methods evaluation, population and statistical sampling, selection of data quality objectives, and pathway identification for total exposure. In order to determine the feasibility of the NHEXAS to characterize total human exposure, the consortium evaluated protocols and tested hypotheses for contaminants that potentially have multi-media and multiple routes of exposure. The contaminants of concern included selected metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. Sample collection was performed by the Arizona consortium. Analyses of the external marker and biological marker samples were completed by the Arizona consortium or Federal laboratories associated with the CDC, FDA, and EPA. A data management system was implemented for these data. The study examined a probability based population sample for total exposure in counties located throughout the state of Arizona. The units for sampling were households and the individuals residing within each household. This document includes sections on: (1) project planning and organization, (2) management assessment, (3) project implementation plan, (4) data acquisition and management, (5) records usage and management, (6) routine controls and procedures, and (7) technical assessment and response. Keywords: study; human exposure.

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 Arizona study sampled residences determined by a population-based probability research design for the total population of Arizona and measured metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Analytical results were obtained under strict QA/QC requirements during collection, processing, and final deposition into databases. In addition, strict standard operating procedures were followed throughout the NHEXAS Arizona study. The study was conducted by a consortium composed of the University of Arizona, Battelle Columbus, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Data collection occurred between June 1995 and February 1998 for the participating households.

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 Quality Systems Implementation Plan (QSIP) was reviewed by the EPA and approved for use in the Arizona study and is provided for documentation purposes. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by EPA for use.


Citation

Arizona Study Consortium. NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--QUALITY SYSTEMS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (QSIP). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 1995.

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This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.


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