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Scorecard's source of information about the chemical constituents of consumer products is the Source Ranking Database, developed by EPA's Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics. The SRD database has been developed to systematically review a large number of consumer products, building materials, and furnishings that are potential sources of airborne chemicals to which individuals can be exposed while indoors. Note thatthe Source Ranking Database does not cover consumer product categories like prescription or over-the-counter drugs, because they do not contribute to indoor air pollution.
To compile the Source Ranking Database, EPA identified products that are
components of construction of buildings, used as fixtures or
furnishings, or consumer goods that are brought into buildings in the
course of normal use. EPA then ascertained the chemical composition of
these products by reviewing a variety of sources on product formulation
as well as laboratory and field studies of emissions from building
materials and furnishings.
MORE ON EPA'S SOURCE RANKING DATABASE
Scorecard only abstracts information from SRD about the chemical
constituents of different types of consumer products. SRD contains
additional valuable information for identifying consumer products that
have a high likelihood of contaminating the indoor environment. The
primary information available for products is their formulation (weight
fractions of various chemicals comprising each product) and duration and
frequency of use. The SRD software includes a ranking system that can
prioritize product classes based on the magnitude of chemical emissions,
the size of potentially exposed populations in various environments
where the products are used, and the potential health hazards associated
with the inhalation of released chemicals.
CAVEATS ON THE SOURCE RANKING DATABASE
EPA distributes the Source Ranking Database with the following caveats:
"Much of the information in the Source Ranking Database is from secondary sources and has generally not been verified against primary sources. Additionally, many values used in exposure calculations are based upon professional judgment because of the lack of relevant data. The Source Ranking Database is a tool for developing
risk-based rankings of products and product categories, but does not
provide actual risk assessment conclusions on products or chemicals.
Mention of trade names or commercial products in the Source Ranking
Database does not constitute a recommendation for use, nor does it
represent an EPA conclusion regarding risks associated with a product or
chemical."
REFERENCES
EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. Source Ranking
Database. http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/exposure/docs/srd.htm. Consumer product use data were obtained from SRD software (SRD*.exe and IE2690.*). 1998.
EPA Science Advisory Board, Office of Research and Development.
Review of the Source Ranking Database. EPA-SAB-IHEC-98-004. EPA,
Washington, DC. 1998.
http://www.epa.gov/science1/pdf/ihec9804.pdf
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