ABSTRACT
Seven risk assessment methodologies were evaluated as a preliminary means of developing a risk assessment methodology that can be applied to petroleum contaminated soils. By determining the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies, a stronger risk assessment process can be developed. The exposure analysis evaluates the means by which humans encounter chemicals originating from a contaminated site. Exposure routes may include air and dust inhalation, water ingestion, soil ingestion, dermal absorption, and ingestion of crops, livestock, or fish which have been exposed to a contaminant from the site. Weaknesses of the risk assessment methodology include the fact that exposures via soil ingestion or dermal absorption are not evaluated. In addition, there are no guidelines for assessment of complex mixtures of chemicals, such as petroleum products. Since every chemical in a complex mixture cannot be evaluated, a means of determining the most hazardous substances is necessary.
