THE USE OF HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT TO ESTIMATE DESIRABLE SAMPLING DETECTION LIMITS

The inclusion of non-detected chemicals in a health risk assessment ma y lead, in some cases, to estimated risks that exceed regulatory thres holds, because one must use the detection limit or half of the detecti on limit. This study presents a methodology which will allow one to es timate appropriate detection limits by conducting a health risk assess ment prior to the source sampling program. The advantages and shortcom ings of various levels of detail in the risk assessment to determine t hose detection limits are discussed. The application of the methodolog y is demonstrated with a case study of the potential health effects of power plant stack emissions.