Incorporation of potential for multimedia exposure into chemical hazard scores for pollution prevention

We are reporting a chemical hazard score for pollution prevention, called t he Purdue score. The Purdue score provides a relative quantitative measure combining a variety of chemical hazards into a single quantitative hazard w eighting factor for the non-expert to use. The main expected uses are to de sign safer products, assist in implementing and measuring achievement in po llution prevention, and as an adjunct for reporting Toxic Release Inventory data to the U.S. Government. Scoring results are presented for 200 Superfu nd chemicals, rank ordered by the worker hazard part of the score, by the e nvironmental hazard part, and by combined worker and environmental hazard s cores. We have reviewed the extent to which the Purdue score presently inco rporates potential for multimedia pathway and multiroute absorption exposur e.