Research Needs For Risk Assessment Of Inhaled Particulate Matter: Report Of A Workshop
Recent studies have shown that insoluble, biochemically inert particles, small enough to deposit in the deep lung, are capable of inducing carcinogenic as well as pathological effects. hese findings have important implications for risk assessment, especially since particulate matter of this type, carbon black for example, has been considered in the past to be relatively benign. n March 10-11, 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Health and Environmental Assessment sponsored a workshop in McLean, Virginia, on "Research Needs for Risk Assessment of Inhaled Particulate Matter." During the 1-1/2 day workshop, the 14 expert panelists discussed the current state of the art regarding pathological effects of inhalable particulate matter. hey also developed a list of research ' recommendations aimed at improving risk assessment in this area. umber of observers also were present to witness and join in the discussion. his report summarizes the proceedings of the workshop.