SRA 2013 Annual Meeting <strong>Abstracts</strong> P.132 Gernand, JM*; Casman, EA; Penn State University; jmgernand@psu.edu Treed Exponential Models <strong>for</strong> Evaluating Factors Affecting Nanomaterial Dose-Response and Setting Occupational Exposure Limits Existing research has demonstrated that some materials produce significantly increased toxic responses when particles are sized in the ultrafine or nano-range (
SRA 2013 Annual Meeting <strong>Abstracts</strong> M3-J.3 Gilmore, EA*; Hendrickson, P; University of Maryland; gilmore@umd.edu Evaluating Proliferation Resistance of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Nuclear energy can make an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Small modular reactors (SMRs), defined as units with a generating capacity of less than 300 MW that are delivered to the site fully assembled, may represent a viable alternative to large reactors since they require smaller initial capitalization, better match existing demand <strong>for</strong> energy and capacity requirements, may be easier to site and may engender less public opposition. Thus, this configuration opens new opportunities <strong>for</strong> nuclear energy use, especially in developing countries. However, there has been little ef<strong>for</strong>t to evaluate SMR designs, manufacturing arrangements and fuel cycle practices on the risks <strong>for</strong> proliferation. Here, we evaluate the designs and fuel cycle arrangements, manufacturing and delivery systems, and policy regimes are most likely to result in proliferation resistant SMRs. We start by reviewing the characteristics of existing SMRs. We compare this to a notional SMR with sealed fuel compartment that would not give users access to nuclear materials. In addition, these SMRs would be produced in a “hub and spoke” arrangement with a small number of manufacturing facilities worldwide and end of life recovery of the modules <strong>for</strong> recycling and disposal. We then apply and adapt a number of existing methods used to evaluate the proliferation resistance <strong>for</strong> conventional light water reactors to assess the SMRs. Adapting these models, we find that the technological features of SMR systems can reduce the proliferation risks compared to light water reactors, although strong international regimes are required to support this outcome. P.10 Gilmore, J*; Martinez, C; Pagliarulo, M; Ontario Ministry of Environment; James.Gilmore@Ontario.ca Interim action values <strong>for</strong> management of contaminants in soils <strong>for</strong> protection of human health risks The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has developed interim action value (IAVs) <strong>for</strong> several contaminants as part of its Soil Assessment Protocol, which in<strong>for</strong>ms investigation, analysis and risk reduction measures (RRMs) to address contaminated soil. An IAV represents the upper limit beyond which interim risk reduction measures should be considered. As the name implies, IAVs are intended to in<strong>for</strong>m short-term risk management and mitigation decisions, which may need to be reconsidered over time as more in<strong>for</strong>mation becomes available on the exposure conditions or on the science underpinning the IAV. IAVs can be developed <strong>for</strong> various media including soil, groundwater, soil vapour and indoor air, as needed. Interim action values are generally developed from generic soil standards (GSS) by: a) Reviewing the relevant human health component values (HHCVs) underpinning the GSS (e.g., direct contact <strong>for</strong> incidental ingestion and dermal contact); b) Adjusting the target risk levels <strong>for</strong> non-cancer and cancer effects to the selected range <strong>for</strong> risk management; c) Selecting the more stringent effect and ensure that risks posed by other effects (e.g., acute effects) are not exceeded. The IAV may be also refined by reviewing available data from biomonitoring or other studies, if available. Using arsenic as an example, an IAV of 200 µg/g was developed. This value is within the range of soil concentrations studied that showed no significant elevated arsenic exposure, reflects a 2 in 10,000 (or 1 in 5,000) incremental cancer risk and is within the range of risks posed from total inorganic arsenic exposure in the general Canadian population (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000), and is equivalent to approximately ten times an upper estimate of background soil concentrations of arsenic at 18 µg/g. P.36 Glynn, ME*; Pierce, JS; Williams, B; Johns, LE; Adhikari, R; Finley, BL; Cardno Chem<strong>Risk</strong>; Meghan.Glynn@cardno.com Residential and occupational exposure to wood treating operations and bladder cancer: A meta-analysis The wood treating industry has operated <strong>for</strong> over 100 years in the United States, with sites commonly operating <strong>for</strong> more than decades. Over time, concerns have been raised regarding the potential chronic health effects associated with wood treating-related exposures. In at least one case it has been suggested that there might be an association between risk of bladder cancer and exposure to chemicals associated with historical wood treating operations (e.g., creosote, coal tar and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], and pentachlorophenol [PCP]). A literature search was conducted to identify all published and unpublished analyses that reported risk estimates <strong>for</strong> bladder cancer in (1) residents of communities surrounding wood treating operations, (2) wood treating workers, and (3) non-wood treating workers who were exposed to chemicals associated with wood treating operations (e.g., creosote/coal tar/PAHs and PCP). A total of 18 studies, including independent cohort, record-linkage, and case-control studies, were included in the meta-analysis. Using a random effects model, meta-relative risks (meta-RRs) were calculated <strong>for</strong> each exposure group. The summary relative risk (meta-RR) <strong>for</strong> bladder cancer overall was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93, 1.17). No statistically significant meta-RRs were observed among residents of communities in the vicinity of wood treating operations (meta-RR=0.99; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.34); wood treating workers (meta-RR=1.11; 95% CI: 0.53, 2.04); workers exposed to coal tar, creosote, and associated PAHs (meta-RR=1.04; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.27); and workers exposed to PCP (meta-RR=1.00; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.23). In conclusion, the studies reviewed provided no evidence of an association between residential and occupational exposure to wood treating operations and an increased risk of bladder cancer. M4-D.2 Gombas, D; United Fresh; dgombas@unitedfresh.org Produce Industry Perspective: Predicting the Unpredictable Protecting consumers is the top priority of the fresh produce industry. But, without a “kill step”, produce food safety must rely on prevention of contamination at every point in the supply chain, from field to <strong>for</strong>k. Good Agricultural Practices(GAPs) have been successfully used to prevent large scale contamination events in the field. Yet recalls and outbreaks linked to fresh produce demonstrate that GAPs cannot be the entire answer. So how does the industry proceed? This session will explore the industry’s current path, how speculations can divert food safety resources from more effective practices, and how opportunities have been missed in developing better approaches to predict, prevent and detect sporadic contamination events. December 8-11, 2013 - Baltimore, MD
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