Expert review of toxicity in air for the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria
- Client Name
- Environment Protection Authority of Victoria
- Location
- Victoria, Australia
Challenge
The Environment Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA VIC) required an expert review of perchloroethylene (PCE) toxicity in air to support EPA’s regulatory and public health response in relation to PCE contamination and its subsequent volatilisation into breathable air.
Solution
PCE, sometimes called “dry-cleaning fluid” is a non-flammable, stable, colourless chlorinated solvent that has been widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics. The available human and animal data have demonstrated that the most sensitive targets for PCE toxicity are the central nervous and visual system (called toxic optic neuropathy). PCE-induced toxic optic neuropathy can result in reductions in visual contrast sensitivity (the ability to perceive sharp and clear outlines of very small objects and the ability to identify differences in the shadings and patterns), adverse changes in colour perception, and other effects on the visual system such as changes in visual evoked potentials (a measure of the ability of a visual stimulus to trigger activity in the visual areas of the brain).
SLR conducted a review of available data and literature to address and provide evidence-based conclusions around the following three key research questions:
- Are the toxic optic neuropathy health endpoints appropriate for setting criteria for PCE in air?
- Is there evidence of optic neuropathy health impacts leading to decreased quality of life?
- If toxic optic neuropathy health endpoints are appropriate for criteria setting, at what level is a public health response required and what response timeframes are necessary to protect human health?
SLR conducted a major systematic review of the literature on PCE, derived new toxicity reference vales, regulatory action levels and a vision screening plan that will enable EPA to protect the public from the effects of environmental PCE exposures on vision and the central nervous system.
Impact
Through our expert advice, we are helping support EPA to carry out their vision to proactively protect human health and the environment by reducing the harmful effects of pollution and waste.
