Exposure investigations (EIs) are used in emergency or time-critical situations like train derailments in which dangerous or toxic chemicals have been released or where people living in areas with contaminated soil are concerned that they have been unusually exposed. EIs are intended to be a public health service-- not research. Many communities, state and local health departments, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have come to rely on EIs conducted by ATSDR. EIs are an approach developed by ATSDR that employ targeted biologic (e.g., urine, blood, hair samples) and environmental (e.g., air, water, soil, or food) sampling to determine whether people are or have been exposed to unusual levels of pollutants at specific locations (e.g., where people live, spend leisure time, or anywhere they might come into contact with contaminants under investigation). This time-critical service is authorized by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Att 6.Example of IRB Determination_0923-0040.doc
NCEH/ATSDR Exposure Investigations (EI)