TRI - Toxic Release Inventory - Resources for Your Community - Information About EPCRA and Community-Right-to-Know / Release Reporting - Free

TRI - Toxic Release Inventory - Resources for Your Community - Information About EPCRA and Community-Right-to-Know / Release Reporting - Free

TRI Resources in Your Community

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

ATSDR is a federal public health agency designated to prevent or mitigate adverse health effects and diminished quality of life resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. To accomplish its mission, ATSDR conducts public health assessments and sponsors and conducts research to increase scientific knowledge in this area. Health-care providers, state and local agencies, and the public are provided information and education opportunities that address the effects of hazardous substances. Call ATSDR at (404) 639-0727 or write to: ATSDR, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E., (E-28), Atlanta, GA 30333.

Academic Institutions

The TRI is available in the collections of all Federal Deposit Libraries, many of which are located at academic institutions across the country. Universities may also employ physical chemists and biochemists who can describe the properties and uses of hazardous chemicals. Universities with public health curricula would likely have faculty who are familiar with risk assessment procedures. Academic institutions, in general, are good resources for basic information about chemicals and toxigenic properties.

Emergency Management Agencies

Every state and most counties have emergency management agencies that are responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness planning and response. At the local level this task is often delegated to the police, fire, or medical service department. Many of these agencies have access to computerized emergency information bases, including TRI. These agencies are good resources for basic information about known potential chemical hazards in your community.

Environmental and Public Interest Groups

Many groups with an environmental or community health focus are knowledgeable about the TRI. These organizations may be able to assist you with your personal concerns about health issues, or they may be able to refer you to a particular source. Many of the larger organizations have local chapters and active grassroots organizations.

Fire Departments

Fire departments are a good source of information about the hazardous chemicals used by facilities within their jurisdiction. Since fire departments are often the first to respond to a chemical emergency, they receive materials safety data sheets (MSDS) or lists of MSDS chemicals and hazardous chemical inventory forms that provide information about the properties and effects of a specific chemical.

Facilities

Each business or facility that reports chemical releases to the Toxic Release Inventory is required to designate an individual to serve as the public contact for inquiries about TRI. The name and phone number for the contact in included on the actual reporting form (Form R) submitted by the facility.

Libraries

TRI has been distributed in one or more formats to over 3,000 public libraries and Federal depository libraries across the nation. Also, libraries can be an invaluable source for other information about chemicals and their health and environmental effects. Ask your local librarian to assist you in identifying community resources which can provide additional assistance.

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)

EPCRA also required the establishment of LEPCs, designated to develop emergency response plans to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. The LEPCs are a focal point in the community for information about hazardous substances, emergency planning, and health and environment risks. Contact your SERC or call your local emergency management agency to obtain information on your LEPC.

Poison Control Centers

Poison Control Centers are located in communities across the country to assist residents and the medical community in the handling of accidental poisonings. Toxicologists at these centers are knowledgeable about acute and chronic health effects that result from exposure to hazardous chemicals. They can also identify the chemical hazards that are most prevalent in the community and can describe preventive and remedial measures required to minimize health problems. Information on your local poison control center is listed in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.

State Emergency Response Commissions (SERC)

EPCRA required each state to designate a SERC, responsible for establishing Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and coordinating their activities. SERCs also develop procedures for receiving and processing public requests for information collected under EPCRA and review local emergency plans.

State and Local Agencies

Government agencies serving your area are a vital source of information. TRI reports are filed with the state, as well as with the Federal Government. Most states provide access to the data collected, and many publish analyses of the data. Many state have a counterpart to the U.S. EPA, as well as a state health department -- employing toxicologists, health and safety officers, environmental specialists, and others who can provide assistance. You can locate these agencies in the blue pages or government section of your telephone directory or you can call your EPA Regional Office.

Trade Associations

Health and medical associations, organizations of chemists and toxicologists, and associations of chemical manufacturers are good resources for assistance in interpreting the TRI data and for identifying people with expertise in your area of interest. For a listing of these organizations consult the Encyclopedia of Associations in the reference section of your library or check your local yellow pages.