Which Chemicals at a Site Are Considered in the Evaluation?

In the pathways analysis section, we discussed how health assessors use comparison values to select which chemicals at a site need further evaluation.

Comparison values are guidelines that specify levels of chemicals in different environmental media such as air, soil, and drinking water that are considered safe for human contact. Chemicals found at levels above comparison values are selected for further evaluation

It is important to remember that comparison values cannot be used to predict whether someone will become ill from contacting a chemical. Comparison values are only used to decide which chemicals need further review.

The Environmental Media Evaluation Guide (EMEG) is an example of a comparison value that can be used to select chemicals for further evaluation.