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2008
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Pharma, Med, Consumer, 2008, Assessment of diacetyl. Currently serving as an expert witness in exposure assessment, industrial hygiene, and toxicology in three cases involving popcorn worker exposure to diacetyl and artificial butter
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Dioxin, PCB, 2008, Analysis of of TEF database for PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs. Managed a project team that conducted a review and subsequently revised/updated the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) database for PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs that was originally prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Tire Wear Particles, 2008, A study of the human and ecological hazards of Tire Wear Particles (TWP). Between 2005 and 2010, our firm has responsiblity for designing and managing the research efforts to understand the domestic and international questions regarding health impacts of TWP. About 2,000,000 tons per year of TWP are released globally each year, and questions have been raised about TWP presence in ambient air and sediment. Funded by the eight major tire manufacturers, studies of various types will be conducted in 5 large industrial nations over the next 3 years.
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Various Chemicals, 2008, Evaluation of the vehicle emissions from the M5 tunnel in Sydney, Australia. The evaluation focuses on how to best use exhaust fans and other control devices to minimize emissions into the surrounding neighborhoods. The work was conducted throughout 2007, and will continue into 2008. Client is the Regional Transportation Authority.
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2007
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Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Copper, PCBs, 2007, Assessment of cancer risk from potentially metal contaminated fish. Quantitatively assessed theoretical exposure and associated cancer and non-cancer risk to numerous metals as a result of eating potentially contaminated fish caught in a large bay.
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Formaldahyde, 2007, Assessment of cancer risk from formaldehyde in wood products in the home. Quantitatively assessed theoretical exposure and associated cancer risk of formaldehyde in wood products used in the home in relation to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (Proposition 65) and California Air Resources Board regulations.
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Benzene, 2007, Retrospective quantitative exposure assessment of benzene to an aircraft painter. Project involved using industrial hygiene exposure models, as well as a thorough understanding of the aircraft painting procedures, products used, and ventilation characteristics of the aircraft hangar in which the painter performed his duties.
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Benzene, 2007, Retrospective quantitative exposure assessment of benzene to an operator at an aerosol can manufacturing facility (Faribault, MN). Project involved using industrial hygiene exposure models, as well as a thorough understanding of the potential sources of exposure to solvents used as coating agents and cleaners, the historical benzene content of the solvent products, and the process specific information related to the operator's activities.
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Benzene, 2007, Retrospective evaluation of potential benzene exposure to a pressman during use of printing solvents while working on 5-color and single color presses. Exposures evaluated included the application of solvents to the rubber blankets, plate washing, roll cleaning, ink fountain cleaning and gumming of plates.
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Asbestos, 2007, A complex analysis (with colleagues) of the historical lifetime cumulative intake of asbestos for auto mechanics in the U.S. over the past 40 years compared to mechanics in Europe. The data can be used to understand the risk following low level exposure, since at least 7-10 epidemiology studies are available for these cohorts. The work was conducted in 2005, and the manuscript was published in a peer reviewed journal in 2007.
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Dioxin, 2007, A complex pharmacokinetic study of furan elimination from children exposed to excessive dioxin concentrations due to contaminated soil. The analysis will be published in 2007 or 2008.
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Dioxin, 2007, A study of the exposure of citizens to historical aerial emissions of dioxins and furans from a wire cable recycler/producer. During 2006 and 2007, conducted a major study of the blood concentrations of dioxins/furans in workers and some community members and compared the results against NHANES data. The data will be submitted to a journal for publication.
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Carbon Monoxide, 2007, A study of the integrity of a mobile home with respect to its ability to keep carbon monoxide from the living quarters, as well as an evaluation of various safeguards. The investigation was conducted as a result of two deaths due to carbon monoxide. Many simulation studies were conducted under a number of conditions in New Mexico (Nov., 2007). A manuscript will be submitted when the reports are completed.
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Methanol, 2007, Analysis of the historical exposure of semiconductor workers to methanol. Since the 1990s, workers in the quality control department of many companies have cleaned wafers with methanol before placing them in a “flatness/imperfection” machine. In 2007, conducted both modeling and simulation studies to quantitatively measure the acute and chronic airborne concentration of methanol in the workplace. The results were submitted to a journal for publication in May 2007.
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Benzene, 2007, Assessment of the historical exposure of workers who use mineral spirits assumed to contain “trace concentrations of benzene” (between 0.001 and 1%). In 2007, conducted a simulation study that characterized the near-field and far-field airborne concentration of benzene exposure to workers who use reasonable quantities of mineral spirits. Results will be submitted for publication (probably in two parts; one addressing modeling, and one addressing the raw data). The work was funded by ChemRisk.
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Benzene, 2007, Assessment of the historical exposure to benzene associated with using the rust dissolver known as Liquid Wrench. In 2005, conducted a simulation study to assess the airborne concentration of benzene associated with using about 10 ml of liquid wrench, assuming it contained between 1-30% benzene. The results were published in a peer reviewed journal in 2007. In addition, a companion paper describing our urinary monitoring study was also published.
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Asbestos, 2007, Assessment of the possible human exposure to asbestos resulting from handling and opening boxes that contained clutches. Because of concerns about asbestos in the workplace, conducted a simulation study of workers who repeatedly handled boxes containing clutches by measuring both the acute and chronic airborne concentrations in the breathing zone. The work was conducted in 2007, and the results have been submitted for publication.
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Asbestos, 2007, Assessment of the possible human exposure to asbestos resulting from replacing gaskets in chemical piping and fittings. Due to concerns about asbestos in the workplace, evaluated the published and unpublished literature in order to characterize the range of exposures. The work was conducted in 2005, and the results were published in 2007
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Asbestos, 2007, Evaluation of all available studies of asbestos air samples from on-board shipping vessels. Nearly 100 vessels were studied in an attempt to determine if the presence of asbestos in intact insulation released measurable levels of fibers. Work was conducted in 2006 and submitted for publication in 2007. The work has been described in a peer reviewed publication.
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Asbestos, 2007, Evaluation of lifetime cumulative asbestos dose by mechanics due to brake wear debris. Between 2002 and 2006, characterized the historical exposure of mechanics to asbestos and brake wear debris. This particular study calculated the plausible range of lifetime doses for auto mechanics in the United States and Europe for the period 1950-2007, and compared those doses to other occupations. The study was published in a peer reviewed journal in 2007.
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Benzene, 2007, Evaluation of the possible human health hazard posed by benzene in soft drinks. In 2006 and 2007, there were a number of reports regarding the detection of benzene in certain fruit flavored soft drinks. As a public service, conducted a pro bono sampling program and risk analysis of a particular manufacturer's soft drinks. The results will appear in a peer reviewed journal.
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Asbestos, 2007, Assessment of asbestos exposure in pipe insulation. Consultant in a series of cases involving past exposure to asbestos in pipe insulation used in the railroad industry.
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PAHs, Lead, 2007, Management of Proposition 65 NSRL case on PAHs detected in food, as well as lead (Pb) levels in auto parts manufacturing.
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Metals, 2007, Analysis of particulate samples and critique of source apportionment (California). Provide expert testimony in area of source apportionment for defendant in state of California vs. Sierra Pacific Industries. Testimony included critique of source apportionment performed by the plaintiff’s expert, and discussion of principal components analysis (PCA) performed for defendant using plaintiff expert’s elemental data analyzed from particulate samples.
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2006
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Pharma, Med, Consumer, 2006, Assessment of airbag contents (azide and talc). Deposed in a case involving claims of health harm associated with exposure to airbag contents (azide and talc) following airbag deployment and failure.
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Arsenic, Methanol, 2006, Assessment of arsenic and methanol exposure in a semiconductor manufacturing facility. Researched potential health impacts of arsenic and methanol exposure in a large semiconductor (gallium arsenide wafer manufacturing) facility, and conducted a simulation study to assess near and far field methanol exposure in a quality assurance process.
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Other, 2006, Analysis of employer responsibility regarding product warnings and labeling under OSHA. Conducted an historical review regarding an employer's responsibility to protect its employees over time, and assessed employer, distributor, and manufacturer responsibilities in terms of product warning, labeling and communication according to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard.
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Dioxin, 2006, Analysis of PCDD/F and metal in soils collected outside of a major industrial facility (Southern Mississippi). Reviewed PCDD/F and metal analyses of soils collected outside of a major industrial facility in Southern Mississippi following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina to determine if these chemicals/metals posed any threat to human health and the environment.
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Benzene, 2006, Management of the benzene exposure reconstruction of refinery workers at a petroleum manufacturing company. Project involves multiple refineries and evaluating more than 40 years of industrial hygiene exposure measurements from each refinery. Benzene exposures to workers in various jobs/locations within the refineries will be quantified by evaluating short and long term exposures. Additionally, task specific exposures will also be quantified and used to determine cumulative exposure over time.
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Benzene, 2006, Evaluation of potential benzene exposure to workers using trace benzene containing products. Project involved a comprehensive search of the published and gray literature and quantification of exposures using measured data where available, and modeled exposure concentrations when studies involving specific solvent-based products were not available. Results of the project indicated that in most instances, workers using petroleum based solvents where the benzene content of the product is less than 0.1% have not been exposed to benzene at levels exceeding the OSHA PEL as an 8-hr TWA.
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Dioxin, 2006, Assessment of potential dioxin exposures from a former wood treating facility (Alabama). Evaluated collected environmental samples of soil, sediment, and house dust, and analyzed human blood for dioxin compounds.
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Formaldehyde, 2006, Assessment of potential exposures to formaldehyde in a residential setting. Project involved claims of alleged exposure to formaldehyde from kitchen cabinets and subsequent adverse health effects. Work involved evaluating an urban home setting and modeling indoor air formaldehyde from theoretical releases via off gassing from cabinets.
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TCE, 2006, Assessment of potential exposure to TCE in a school as a result of vapor intrusion from impacted groundwater. The assessment included evaluating indoor air monitoring data, analyzing TCE plume migration, and modeling groundwater and indoor air to predict future TCE concentrations.
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PAHs, 2006, Human health risk assessment of residential properties located near a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site. Evaluated environmental data related to the former site and residential areas, and conducted human health risk assessments of individual properties, including environmental fate and transport modeling of soil and groundwater contaminants. Provided support to legal counsel in expert deposition, and prepared expert reports for the defense.
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Dioxin, 2006, A pharmacokinetic analysis of dioxin and furan elimination in children. Between 2003 and 2006, conducted an extensive analysis of published and unpublished data on the biologic half-life of these persistent chemicals in young children and adolescents. In collaboration with researchers involved in the Seveso incident in Italy, a pharmacokinetic model was developed. Our resulting analyses could impact views about the hazard to children from eating dioxin contaminated soil. The analysis should appear in press in 2008.
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Various Chemicals, 2006, A proposed approach to characterizing the risks posed by airborne irritants in the work environment. In 2005 and 2006, conducted a pro bono analysis of current methods for assessing occupational irritants, and proposed a new approach to setting occupational exposure limits. We were invited to present our results at an international conference in Cologne, and the paper describing the work was published in 2006.
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Ethylene Oxide, 2006, Assessment of ethylene oxide emissions from a hospital sterilizer (Illinois). In 2005-2006, evaluated historical exposures to EO that may have occurred as a result of sterilizer use. There were some allegations that acute and chronic health effects were observed in former and current workers.
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NDMA, Perchlorate, 2006, Assessment of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and perchlorate in drinking water (California). During 1998-2006, evaluated the health risk to residents who might have ingested water containing various concentrations of dimethylnitrosamine and perchlorate. The assessment was conducted at a former rocket test site.
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Asbestos, 2006, Assessment of possible human exposure to asbestos resulting from handling and opening boxes that contained historical brake linings. Because of concerns about asbestos in the workplace, conducted a simulation study of workers who repeatedly handled boxes containing brake linings by measuring both the acute and chronic airborne concentrations in the breathing zone. The work was conducted in 2006, and the results have been submitted for publication.
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Dioxin, 2006, Assessment of the possible dioxin contribution to diet from ingesting wild and farm raised catfish. Questions have been raised about regional differences in the blood concentrations of dioxins in humans. In order to assess whether ingesting catfish might produce a typical fingerprint pattern and a typical contribution to diet, in 2006, farm and wild catfish were captured and assayed. The results will be submitted to a journal for publication. This work was funded by ChemRisk.
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Beryllium, 2006, Evaluation of recent data on worker sensitization to beryllium. In 2005-2006, conducted an evaluation of the past five years of industrial hygiene and biomonitoring data (e.g., BLPT data) at a large manufacturing complex. The results were published in a peer reviewed manuscript.
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Dioxin, 2006, State of art research regarding the bioavailability of dioxin/furans in soil. Building upon 20 years of research on bioavailability, designed and executed a study to understand the various parameters that influence the release of these chemicals. Work was conducted in 2005-2006, and was submitted for publication.
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Dioxin, 2006, Evaluation of PCDD/F contamination (Perdido Bay, FL). Applied chemical fingerprinting methods of cluster analysis and discriminant analysis to sediment concentration data to demonstrate that a pulp and paper mill was not the source of PCDD/F contamination in Perdido Bay, Florida. Evaluation demonstrated that sewage treatment effluent was the most likely source of the PCDD/Fs measured in the surface sediments of Perdido Bay. The PCDD/F sediment concentrations in terms of WHO 98 toxic equivalents (TEQs) were also compared to background sediment concentrations, and the resulting analysis showed the PCDD/F concentrations measured in the bay were below those expected under background conditions. Analyses were performed in support of litigation.
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Hexachlorobenzene, Arsenic, Chromium, PCBs, Dioxin, 2006, Re-evaluation of the baseline risk assessment for a site with soils contaminated by hexachlorobenzene, arsenic, chromium, PCBs and PCDD/Fs (Utah). This baseline risk assessment included a probabilistic exposure assessment, as well as the usual reasonable maximum exposure (RME) point estimate calculations. The re-evaluation of the baseline risk assessment included revising the exposure point concentration estimates, developing an exposure point concentration distribution, adding a meteorological factor, adding oral and dermal bioaccessibility factors, using skin surface area-to-body weight correlation in the probabilistic exposure assessment, and using an activity-specific soil-to-skin adherence factor distribution. This re-evaluation was used in negotiations with US EPA, and has lead to US EPA acceptance of additional site-specific evaluations of bioaccessibility and soil loading.
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Flame Retardants, 2006, Management of toxicity tests. Managed and conducted numerous environmental toxicity tests using bacteria, invertebrates, and fish on a wide variety of chemicals. Supported management of tiered physical chemical / environmental / and human health testing of phosphorus and bromine based compounds for such programs as TSCA, REACH, HPV, and VCCEP. Directly and indirectly managed toxicology consultants and contractors for environmental and health related toxicity testing of flame retardants, including placement of short term and long term studies (e.g., TK; DNT), and external expert critical reviews on science issues and independent risk analyses.
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Flame Retardants, 2006, Management of science aspect of negotiations with high level EPA administrators regarding draft IRIS assessment of DecaBDE. Served as science lead in negotiations regarding United Kingdom’s environmental and human health risk assessment of a brominated flame retardant. Supported state of science efforts on EU Risk assessments of various brominated flame retardants. Served as science lead in communications with Canada EPA regarding risk assessment of a brominated flame retardant.
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Flame Retardants, 2006, Management of Voluntary Children’s Chemical Evaluation Program tiered commitments for Decabromodiphenylether. Contributed to tiered submissions to EPA for DecaBDE’s exposure, hazard, risk, and data needs assessment documents, as well as iterative discussions with EPA on controversial issues, such as source characterization, exposure via house dust, degradation/debromination, and potential developmental neurotoxicity.
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Flame Retardants, 2006, Management of voluntary product stewardship initiative concerning brominated flame retardants, called “Voluntary Emission Control Action Program” (VECAP). Directed and managed a technical staff of scientists and provided strategic and operational leadership for global product stewardship (with manufacturing, customers/users, regulators, and trade groups).
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Mercury, 2006, Assessment of mercury exposure in a residential community. Developed a coupled activity pattern and indoor air quality model to reconstruct elemental mercury exposure after a large scale release throughout multiple residential communities. Time weighted average (TWA) and acute exposures to elemental mercury were assessed for over 40 individuals based on written summaries of exposure history. Microenvironments included the home, shops and schools (near and away from spilt mercury), outside playing or walking near mercury, and ambient air exposure.
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Other, 2006, Analysis of REACH compliance issues. Consulted for multiple clients on issues related to compliance with REACH, a new European chemicals policy. New legislation in the EU has altered the landscape for the chemicals industry. Responses were prepared to inquiries regarding potential REACH obligations for substances manufactured by clients, or in regard to potential outcomes related to manufactured articles.
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2005
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Dioxin, 2005, Estimation of fish and crab consumption rates (and associated risks) in a dioxin-contaminated waterway. Assisted in the development, implementation, and interpretation of a year-long creel-angler survey designed to accurately estimate the fish and crab consumption rates (and associated risks) in a dioxin-contaminated waterway
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Other, 2005, Serving as a state-of-the-art expert in warnings and labels in cases involving worker exposure to “draw fluids” during automobile manufacture.
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Other, 2005, Assessment of a petroleum solvent and benzene content. Assessed whether the manufacture of a petroleum solvent “had knowledge” that the use of the solvent might be associated with exposure to significant levels of benzene
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Pharma, Med, Consumer, 2005, Assessment of lead in detailing paint. Conducted an analysis of health risks associated with exposure to lead in detailing paint that contained up to 30% lead.
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Pathogens, 2005, Assessment of pathogen exposure (Los Angeles). Deposed as an exposure and risk assessment expert in EPA et al. v. City of Los Angeles. The EPA alleged that uncontrolled sewage spills had impacted Santa Monica Bay to such a degree that beach recreators were at great risk of developing pathogen-related diseases. Dr. Finley reviewed the monitoring data and developed a pathogen exposure and risk analysis. Dr. Finley testified that the pathogen levels in Santa Monica Bay were more likely due to surface runoff, and were not sufficient enough to cause disease in recreators. The case recently settled.
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PCBs, 2005, Assessment of endodioxins. Conducted (and published) a human exposure study designed to assess the degree to which naturally occurring dietary compounds (“endodioxins”) contribute to the overall TEQ dose in the general population
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Pharma, Med, Consumer, 2005, Assessment of rubber tire particles in the environment. Prepared a report and manuscript describing the possible health risks associated with exposure to rubber tire particles in the environment.
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Pharma, Med, Consumer, 2005, Assessment of formaldehyde emissions from kitchen cabinets. Currently serving as an exposure and risk assessment expert in a case involving formaldehyde emissions from kitchen cabinets.
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Slag, 2005, Assessment of residential exposure to arsenic in industrial slag. Served as principal-in-charge of a risk assessment involving residential exposure to arsenic-containing industrial slag.
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Plutonium, Uranium, Tritium, Radioactive lanthanum, Mixed fission products, Mixed activation products, Strontium, Methylene chloride, TNT, Tetrachloroethylene, Chlorodifluoromethane, Trichloroethylene , 2005, Assessment of community exposures to radioactive and non-radioactive compounds resulting from nuclear weapon production and testing. Researched and characterized historical environmental releases and community exposures to both non-radioactive and radioactive compounds as a result of nuclear weapons production and testing, ultimately to be incorporated into a large community dose reconstruction.
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Dioxins, Creosote, PCP, PAHs, 2005, Assessment of PAHs in a community surrounding a wood treatment facility. Quantitatively assessed theoretical exposure and associated cancer and non-cancer risk to dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a community surrounding a wood treatment facility.
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Chromium, 2005, Assessment of toxic responses in rats and mice exposed to hexavalent chromium in drinking water. Currently overseeing the design and implementation of a comprehensive research program designed to assess the mode of action underlying the toxic responses induced in rats and mice following exposure to hexavalent chromium in drinking water.
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Dioxin, 2005, Assessment of potential association between Type 2 diabetes and TCDD serum concentrations. Collaborated with the U.S. Air Force to analyze data collected as a part of the Air Force Health Study to assess the potential association between Type 2 diabetes and TCDD serum concentrations after adjusting for known risk factors such as age, race, BMI, and family history of disease.
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TCE, 2005, Management of historical exposure reconstruction of residents living near a former manufacturing facility (New York). Project conducted as part of litigation resulting from plaintiffs who claimed medical impairments due to presumed exposure to TCE via indoor vapor intrusion from impacted groundwater. The retrospective exposure analysis involved modeling likely historical groundwater concentrations and subsequent indoor vapor intrusion. The result was a bounding estimate of likely TCE exposures over time.
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Indoor Air Quality, 2005, Management of the evaluation of a building impacted by the collapse of the World Trade Center in September 2001 on behalf of an insurance company. Project was conducted as part of litigation brought by the building owner against their insurance company. The claim was predicated on the assumption that WTC dust had entered the building and impacted the interstitial wall cavities of all partition walls, thereby requiring a gut rehabilitation of the building. Work on this project involved analyzing more than 25,000 environmental samples with an associated 100,000 chemical analyses, assessing human health risks under a variety of scenarios, and developing an original WTC dust signature to determine the potential for WTC dust impacts throughout the building. Project was settled following formal mediation with the building owner.
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Various Chemicals, 2005, An epidemiology study of contaminated indoor air (California). In 2005, evaluated a concern by numerous employees in a large office building in San Francisco of a potential increased incidence of breast cancer in the workforce.
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Dioxin, 2005, Asbestos, dioxin, and other materials in dust from the World Trade Center (New York). In 2004-2005, conducted an analysis of how to determine whether WTC dust had entered a building and assessed the possible associated health risks (at the former 90 Church Street site). The fingerprinting analysis was published in a peer reviewed journal.
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Asbestos, 2005, Assessment of asbestos in brakes used in very heavy earthmoving equipment (various locations). In 2004-2005, evaluated the published and unpublished literature regarding the characteristics of brake wear debris, as well as the likelihood of exposure to mechanics, involved in repairing heavy equipment.
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Asbestos, 2005, Assessment of asbestos in phenolic thermosetting resins (National). In 2005, we were retained to assist a manufacturer in characterizing the exposure and risks posed by asbestos in thermosetting resins used to make Bakelite-like products. A simulation study was conducted, and the results were published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Benzene, 2005, Assessment of benzene exposure by shipworkers (various locations). In 2004-2005, conducted an exposure assessment of persons who loaded and unloaded fuel oils from ships. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Dioxin, 2005, Assessment of dioxin and furans in soils and sediments (Midland, Michigan). In 2001-2005, conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of dioxins surrounding a former incinerator at the Dow facility in Midland. In addition, provided advice on how to assess the human and ecological hazards associated with the presence of these chemicals in flood plains downstream of the facility.
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Asbestos, 2005, Assessment of historical exposure of craftsman in refineries to asbestos (various locations). In 2004-2005, conducted a thorough review of the literature regarding historical exposure of various tradesmen to asbestos in the petrochemical industry (and some others). The results were presented at two conferences, and then published in a peer reviewed manuscript in 2007.
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PAHs, 2005, Assessment of PAHs in soils at a former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) site (Chicago). In 2005, we were asked to help assess the current hazard of PAHs in soils to citizens living near a remediated MGP site. A risk assessment involving contaminated soils and vapor loss was conducted.
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Asbestos, 2005, Evaluation of asbestos release from gaskets (Nationwide). During 2003-2005, conducted a thorough review of the published literature regarding the possible release of asbestos during the handling and removal of gaskets from flanges, pumps, and autos. This work was published in a peer reviewed paper.
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Antimony, 2005, Evaluation of antimony concentrations in slag used as fill (Laredo, TX). Designed a statistically-based sampling plan to evaluate the antimony concentrations in slag that was used as fill material in locations throughout Laredo, Texas. Samples were collected in December, 2005 based on that sampling plan.
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Petroleum Hydrocarbons, 2005, Risk assessment of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and total chlorides in groundwater in support of litigation for a hydrocarbon storage facility (southern Louisiana). The risk assessment demonstrated that TPH and total chlorides did not pose a risk to human health and the environment. The results of the risk assessment resulted in a settlement favorable to the client.
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N-Propyl Bromide, 2005, Assessment of exposure to n-propyl bromide from degreasing applications. On behalf of an auto parts manufacturer, evaluated health risks related to potential environmental and occupational exposures to n-propyl bromide (n-PB) used in degreasing applications, including development of an OEL.
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N-Propyl Bromide, 2005, Evaluation of toxicology and environmental risks of n-propyl bromide. On behalf of a chemical manufacturer, managed toxicology (e.g., potential neurotoxicity and reprotoxicity) and environmental (e.g., ozone depletion potential) issues around nPB (n-propyl bromide).
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Other, 2005, Assessment of terrorism preparedness and vulnerability for an auto parts manufacturer. Served as terrorism preparedness and vulnerability assessment expert.
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PCDD/F, 2005, Analysis of dioxin and furan concentrations in house dust in order to understand potential past exposures. In conjunction with litigation, hazardous chemicals, dioxin and furan concentrations in house dust were measured by plaintiff’s experts. Analysis of sampling design, sample collection, background comparisons, and data interpretation revealed no credible evidence of historical exposure that could lead to adverse health outcomes.
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2004
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Chlorinated VOCs, 2004, Analysis of exposure to TCE and perchlorethylene in tapwater. Conducted and published a probabilistic analysis of household exposure to TCE and perchloroethylene in tapwater to demonstrate the health protectiveness of the EPA’s MCLs.
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Other, 2004, Assessment of lead-containing paint labeling under Propositon 65. Assisted counsel in determining whether labels and warnings on a lead-containing paint were adequate and appropriate under Proposition 65
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Pathogens, 2004, Analysis of various coliform bacteria present in tapwater. Interpreted pathogen content of tapwater samples following plaintiff’s assertion that ingestion had caused an array of autoimmune diseases. Dr. Finley determined that low levels of various coliform bacteria present in the tapwater could not have caused the alleged diseases.
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Pharma, Med, Consumer, 2004, Assessment of rug cleaner use and RADS. Prepared an expert report regarding likelihood of association between rug cleaner use and plaintiff’s alleged symptoms of RADS.
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Silica, 2004, Assessment of silica use in industrial operations. Conducted an historical state of the art assessment on silica use in industrial operations, its health effects, the setting of the occupational exposure limits, and the use and effectiveness of personal protective equipment.
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TCE, Perchlorate, NDMA, 2004, Assessment of TCE, perchlorate, and NDMA in drinking water. Conducted a quantitative and detailed assessment of the dose and health risk of several community members potentially exposed to TCE, perchlorate, and NDMA in their drinking water. This work involved modeling several exposure pathways associated with the use of potable water, and customizing the models for individuals based on their personal consumption and hygiene habits. Annual average daily doses and lifetime average daily doses were computed and compared to both state and federal risk criteria to assess each individual’s risk of cancer and non-cancerous health effects.
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Butadiene, 2004, Evaluation of new toxicological data for 1, 3-butadiene. Critically evaluated new toxicological data for 1, 3-butadiene, focusing specifically on reproductive and developmental data, as well as on data addressing the potential for carcinogenic risk associated with intermittent and short-term exposures.
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Consumer Products, 2004, Assessment of consumer and personal care products. Assessed potential developmental toxicity risks associated with exposure to several consumer and personal care products subject to warning requirements of California's Proposition 65.
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PBDEs, 2004, Management of USEPA's draft Toxicological Assessment for decaBDE. Oversaw the review and preparation of comments on the USEPA’s draft Toxicological Assessment for decaBDE.
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Dioxin, 2004, Development of End Product Standards. Contributed to a state environmental agency’s rulemaking governing the use of composted materials, including the development of health-based End Product Standards.
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Dioxin, 2004, Assessment of PAHs in creosote treated wood (Louisiana). In 2004, conducted an exposure and risk assessment of persons who handled treated wood, as well as an assessment of the dioxins released from this wood when burned in fireplaces.
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Benzene, 2004, Probabilistic exposure assessments of benzene exposure for two oil tanker workers. Two probabilistic exposure assessments were used to support expert witness testimony regading the magnitude of each plaintiff’s benzene exposure during his time working on the tanker.
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Benzene, PAHs, 2004, Exposure assessment of inhalation and dermal exposures to benzene and carcinogenic PAHs at a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site. Exposure assessment performed to support expert witness testimony regarding the magnitude of the plaintiff’s exposure while working at a yacht yard that was at the former MGP site. Vapor emissions and air concentrations were estimated based on several excavation scenarios using the Jury model and a method presented in the published literature. In addition, a comparison between the plaintiff’s exposures to benzene and carcinogenic PAHs at the site and exposures from smoking, living in an urban area, and eating grilled meat was performed.
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Chloroxylenol, 2004, Exposure assessment under Proposition 65 of waterless urinals containing chloroxylenol. Noncancer hazard quotients were estimated for maintenance and janitorial workers coming in contact with the urinals indoors, and were also estimated for adult and child swimmers and waders potentially exposed because of chloroxylenol releases from wastewater treatment plants. The exposure assessment demonstrated that the noncancer hazards, based on conservative assumptions, were several orders of magnitude below one.
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Mercury, 2004, Evaluation of health risks of mercury and lead containg materials for an auto parts manufacturer. On behalf of an auto parts manufacturer, evaluated health risks related to potential environmental, occupational, and aftermarket exposures to mercury and lead containing materials. Also investigated relative occupational hazards of manufacturing with hexavalent and trivalent chromium based coatings in auto parts manufacturing.
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Metals, Solvents, Other, 2004, Management of chemical risk assessment team for auto parts manufacturer. Managed technical staff of scientists to provide global support to plants, engineering, and senior management for risk assessment/risk management of hundreds of chemicals used in automotive/semiconductor and related manufacturing/ R&D (e.g., solvents, heavy/precious metals, stabilizers, coatings, plastics, activators, etc). Tasks included multi-media and international regulatory impact appraisal and compliance, raw material and product safety and acceptability, occupational risk analysis, industrial hygiene recommendations, and MSDS preparation and hazard communication.
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Palladium, Rhodium, 2004, Assessments of full life cycles for an auto parts manufacturer conducted using GaBi and TEAM software.
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TCE, PCE, 2004, Assessment of occupational exposure to PCE/TCE/degradants. Provided domestic and international support and management of fate and transport modeling, toxicology, exposure assessment, and risk assessment/communication issues for due diligence, site specific contamination and remediation (groundwater, soil, drinking water), vapor intrusion, and potential class action and toxic tort cases involving environmental and occupational exposure to PCE / TCE / degradants.
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Radionuclides, 2004, Advisement of reciept of radiactive materials for a company operating landfills. Providing consulting services to a company that operates landfills, to assist them in implementation of plans and procedures to ensure that radioactive materials are not received that would violate permits or result in unacceptable public or worker exposures.
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