Step 1.5 Using Comparison Values

The health assessor organizes the environmental sampling data by media, air, soil, and water. The health assessor initially selects the lowest comparison value for the chemical in each media table and compares it to the highest level of the chemical found in that medium at the site. If the amount found in the sample is higher than the comparison value, the health assessor selects the chemical for further evaluation.

The assessor might use a different comparison value if exposure conditions warrant.

The assessor either selects the chemical for further evaluation or confers with toxicologists to develope a conservative comparison value.