Conducting the EI

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Once the EI team has an approved protocol and OMB approval, they are ready to start the EI. They will complete the following steps:

  • Use recruitment materials, questionnaires, and consent forms provided in the EI protocol.
  • Collect and analyze data according to the methods outlined in the protocol.
  • Send letters to notify participants of their results.
  • Prepare the EI report using the data collected and share the EI findings with the participants and community in a community meeting.

The sections below will further explain the steps to conduct an EI.

Recruiting EI Participants

To achieve the sampling goals of the EI, the EI team will recruit individuals expected to have the highest exposure to contaminants. They should do this with the help of local partners and community members.

Engaging the Community in the EI Process

The following are general tips for engaging and recruiting community members for the EI:

  • Get to know the community. Learn about their demographics, culture, social networks, norms, values, history, risk perceptions, strengths, and needs.
  • Communicate effectively. Communicate openly and honestly with community members.
  • Tailor outreach and community activities. Choose appropriate communication channels (for example, in-person meetings, written materials, social media activities, e-mails, and letters).
  • Work with informal and formal community leaders and organizations. Choose those that are knowledgeable of the community and its health concerns.
Conducting the Sampling and Data Analysis

Once the EI Team has recruited community members expected to be the most highly exposed, environmental and/or biological samples are collected.

  • All sampling will be conducted using methods outlined in the protocol.
  • Participants will sign a consent form and fill out a questionnaire (some environmental EIs may not use questionnaires).
  • Samples will be analyzed according to the protocol.
  • Data will be verified and validated before use.
Biological Monitoring as Part of the EI

To identify if an individual has been exposed, the EI team uses biological monitoring, measuring a biomarker (a chemical or its metabolite) in a sample such as blood or urine.

Biological monitoring has some disadvantages:

  • Testing for chemicals with short biological half-lives is limited to people’s recent exposures.
  • Testing cannot identify the source of exposures.
  • The health significance of some biomarkers is uncertain.
Examples of Biological Monitoring

These are examples of biological monitoring that could be conducted if a data gap is present and exposure is suspected:

  • Testing blood lead levels in children and pregnant women living in a community where lead was released to water and soil from industrial activities
  • Testing urine for arsenic in community members living next to a hazardous waste site
  • Testing blood and urine for per-or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in areas where PFAS has been found in residents’ drinking water
Environmental Sampling as Part of the EI
The EI team may sample environmental media, such as soil, water, air, or biota (plants and animals) to characterize contamination present in the environment where people live, spend time, or play.
Examples of Environmental Sampling

These are examples of environmental sampling that may occur if a data gap is present and exposure is suspected:

  • Testing private well water in homes located downgradient of a former dry cleaner that used trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Testing soil for contaminants associated with a fuel spill
  • Testing sediment, surface water, and fish for contaminants associated with a PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) spill
  • Testing ambient air for hydrogen sulfide in a community adjacent to a construction and demolition debris landfill

Let’s go to the next section to learn about the EI report and following up with the EI’s participants and the community.

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