For 9 Congressional requesters, GAO reviewed federal and state efforts to collect and use human exposure data through biological tissue sampling. Specifically, we reviewed (1) the extent to which state and federal agencies--in particular, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency-collect human exposure data on potentially harmful chemicals, including data to identify at-risk populations, and (2) the main barriers hindering further progress in such efforts. We assessed the extent that HHS and EPA survey efforts measured those chemicals found on various lists of chemicals considered potentially harmful to human health in the U.S. population. These included chemicals prioritized for safety testing (based on EPA's findings that the chemicals may present unreasonable health risks), chemicals linked to cancer, toxic chemicals frequently found at Superfund sites, and certain pesticides monitored in foods or thought to be potentially harmful. We also surveyed state environmental health officials about their uses and needs for human exposure data through tissue sampling, and the barriers they faced in collecting such data. These results and GAO's recommendations to the Secretary of HHS and the Administrator of EPA will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: NA
Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.