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Emerging Chemicals of Concern

The widespread use of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and nanoparticles has resulted in a growing concern for substances collectively called “Emerging Chemicals of Concern” (ECOC). ECOC, also referred to as Unregulated Chemicals, Microconstituents, Micropollutants, and Emerging Substances of Concern, encompasses a multitude of chemicals including pharmaceuticals, synthetic fragrances, detergents, disinfectants, plasticizers, preservatives, global organic contaminants (e.g., flame retardants, PFOA), endocrine-modulating chemicals, nanoparticles, and other industrial chemicals. Sources of ECOC can be very diverse including urban and agricultural runoffs, industrial discharges and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Regardless of their source, it has become clear that lack of regulatory requirements and effective treatment technologies often result in these compounds migrating into water systems. Consequently, ECOCs are being detected in surface water bodies and drinking water supplies. Unfortunately, toxicity and environmental fate & transport data are often lacking for most ECOC which compromises risk characterizations and regulatory actions while increasing uncertainty and concerns to the public and regulatory authorities.

As a result of improved analytical chemistry methods during the past decade, the identification and quantification of ECOC in ambient streams, drinking water, and biological tissues has increased. Trace levels of steroids, antibiotics, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals and personal care products among other unregulated chemicals have been reported throughout the U.S. and Europe. This has drawn the attention of regulators and the public to gain a better understanding of potential risks to human health and the environment. Federal and state regulatory agencies, as well as European agencies, have initiated monitoring programs for ECOC in WWTP influents and effluents. The U.S. EPA has recently initiated the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR) as part of the Safe Drinking Act so to expand the scope of monitoring for unregulated contaminants of concern in U.S. drinking water supplies.

The expanded monitoring for ECOC will present questions from regulators, environmental organizations, and the concerned public on potential risks to humans and natural resources. Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, consumer product companies, and water management agencies will face increased pressure to provide estimates of potential risks and to improve treatment technologies to reduce ECOC exposure concentrations in ambient waters and drinking water.

Why Cardno ENTRIX?

Cardno ENTRIX professional staff has extensive experience in conducting human health and ecological risk assessments on a broad scope of chemicals including industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine-modulating chemicals. We are recognized for our expertise in providing science-based, cost-effective solutions on complex environmental issues, particularly as they pertain to water resources. Our experience on ECOC issues has demonstrated that risk communication is extremely important when addressing public perspectives and regulatory uncertainties on trace-level contaminants in the environment. Cardno ENTRIX can provide strategic and tactical advice required for understanding potential risks to ECOC. Our services include:

  • Hazard assessments
  • Design & implementation of field & laboratory studies
  • Fate & transport evaluations of chemicals
  • Human health and ecological risk evaluations
  • Issue management
  • Regulatory negotiations
  • Litigation support
  • Risk communication

For More Information, email our Cardno ENTRIX experts by clicking here.