Presentation Abstract

Managing Emerging Contaminants: A Practical Approach
Al Alwan
Region 5, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chicago, IL

This approach for managing emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, is a new way to view the issue. Our regional prospective led us to identify different Regional and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) roles in addressing this issue. This presentation will provide an overview of the emerging contaminant issue. The new approach includes the development of five tools to address any new contaminants. These tools are: analytical methods, new biological end points, monitoring and assessments, chemical profile matrix, and collaborations and outreach. Emerging contaminants are national and international concerns. EPA has worked and continues to work on this issue. Environmental laws exist regarding the screening of endocrine disruptor chemicals in drinking water and food. Those involved in this area of research know that there is no easy solution. The major challenge is selecting the best practices to manage this demanding issue. We believe a special new approach is needed to address the problem of emerging contaminants. This new approach should utilize all available tools and result in a solution with multiple options. Collaboration with stakeholders is recommended to define a common goal and explore the best options to manage contaminants. The effort should focus on understanding the contaminant issue and recommending and adopting the best solution.

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