[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 248 (Monday, December 28, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 71465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34300]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-6210-6]
Benchmark Dose Software
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of availability of and request for public comment on
beta test version of Benchmark Dose Software (version 1.1b).
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing
the availability of, and requests public comment on, the beta test
version of Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) (version 1.1b). The BMDS
system is being developed as a tool to facilitate the application of a
benchmark dose (BMD) method to EPA risk assessments of hazardous
pollutants. The EPA Risk Assessment Forum has written guidelines for
the use of the BMD approach in the assessment of noncancer health risk
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995, EPA/630/R-94/007) and the
EPA Benchmark Dose Workgroup is in the process of drafting technical
guidance for the application of the BMD approach in cancer and
noncancer dose-response assessments. The use of BMD methods involves
fitting mathematical models to dose-response data and using the results
to select a BMD that is associated with a predetermined benchmark
response (BMR), such as a 10% increase in the incidence of a particular
health effect. The EPA BMDS facilitates these operations by providing
an easy-to-use interface to run up to sixteen (16) different models
that are appropriate for the analysis of dichotomous (quantal) data
(nine models: Gamma, Logistic, Log-Logisitic, Multistage, Probit, Log-
Probit, Quantal-Linear, Quantal-Quadratic, and Weibull), continuous
data (four models: Linear, Polynomial, Power, and Hybrid) and nested
developmental toxicology data (three models: NLogistic, NCTR, and Rai &
Van Ryzin). Results from these models include goodness-of-fit
information, the BMD, and the estimate of the lower-bound confidence
limit (the BMDL) on the BMD. Model results are presented in textual and
graphical output files which can be printed or saved and incorporated
into other documents.
In May-June 1997, a prior beta test version of the BMDS (version
1.0b) was reviewed by risk assessors and statisticians from within EPA
and from outside organizations. Comments received as a result of that
review were considered in preparing this latest beta test release
(version 1.1b) for public comment.
DATES: Comments on this software will be accepted until March 31, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be in writing and mailed to the Project
Manager for Benchmark Dose Software Development, National Center for
Environmental Assessment--RTP Office (MD-52), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 or sent by e-mail
to bmds.ncea@epa.gov by March 31, 1999. To obtain a copy of the beta
test version of Benchmark Dose Software (version 1.1b), direct your
internet browser to http://www.epa.gov/ncea/bmds.htm. You will be
instructed on how to download a self-extracting compressed file
(approximately eight megabytes in size) containing the entire BMDS
program. Windows 95 or Windows 98 and at least sixteen megabytes of RAM
are required to run this version of the BMDS.
Accessing a copy of the BMDS program via the internet is highly
recommended as the BMDS web site will be the official and most current
source of updates and notifications. However, those for whom internet
access is impractical may obtain a copy of the program via e-mail or
CD-Rom by contacting Ms. Diane H. Ray, National Center for
Environmental Assessment--RTP Office (MD-52), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: 919-
541-3637; facsimile: 919-541-1818; e-mail: ray.diane@epa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jeffrey S. Gift, National Center
for Environmental Assessment--RTP Office (MD-52), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: 919-
541-4828; facsimile: 919-541-1818; E-mail: gift.jeff@epa.gov.
Dated: November 23, 1998.
William H. Farland,
Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment.
[FR Doc. 98-34300 Filed 12-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
