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EPA recently validated a new technology to guide the cleanup of soils contaminated with arsenic and lead. The new laboratory method, based on a “virtual stomach” that mimics human digestion, estimates the bioavailability of arsenic and lead in soils.  This method will increase the accuracy of Human Health Risk Assessments, potentially reducing remediation costs. “Bioavailability” refers to the amount of a substance that is absorbed by the body’s gastrointestinal system following exposure. The newly-validated method is sometimes called the “artificial stomach” because it mimics the human gastric system. Not all arsenic and lead present in soil are able to be absorbed into humans or animals and can cause harm. Certain forms of arsenic and lead are not bioavailable, meaning they are not fully absorbed by the human body. Scientists can now use the artificial stomach method to determine if arsenic and lead in contaminated soils are bioavailable and remove those specific sections o

A new email subscription program through the State of California will keep subscribers informed about vapor intrusion related to contaminated sites.  The new program will be available through the California State Water Board’s, Division of Water Quality, Site Cleanup Program.  Vapor intrusion is the migration of chemical vapors from below ground into buildings and is a frequent problem at contaminated sites. The Site Cleanup Program intends to disseminate information through this vapor intrusion email subscription, including a supplemental vapor intrusion guidance document currently being developed by the California Department of Toxic Substance Control and Water Boards.  This guidance document will likely be released to public in early winter of 2018.  More information  on how to subscribe is available at the following link:  https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/email_subscriptions/swrcb_subscribe.html Converse Consultants provides comprehensive environmental consulti