New York State's Comparative Risk Project Environmental Problem List
Stressors that are released into the environment, grouped into chemical categories (listed alphabetically)
1. Acidic and alkaline substances
This category includes substances that have a pH less than 2 or greater than 12.5. It does not include substances that react once in the environment to form acids or bases, or to cause acid rain.
2. Atmospheric gases (NOx, SO2, CO, CO2, and CH4)
This category includes nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, which are common by-products of combustion and which contribute to acid rain. They are also precursors to ambient ozone, which is considered in this category. Greenhouse gases, except for CFCs, are also included in this category. CO and CO2 are combustion by-products and CH4 is emitted from various sources, including landfills.
3. Halogens
This category includes elemental halogens, such as chlorine and bromine. Drinking water chlorination by-products and waste water disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes, are included in this category.
This category includes both elemental and organic forms of metals. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are the three that are most often cited as posing environmental risk. Other metals, such as silver, nickel, chromium, and manganese, have sometimes been implicated as causing harm and may be considered as well. In addition, cyanide will be considered here as well because of its similar properties. These substances enter the environment through a wide variety of sources, including combustion, wastewater discharges, and manufacturing facilities.
5. Non-volatile halogenated organic compounds
This category includes dioxin, certain pesticides, PCB's, and a variety of other compounds that are generally of high molecular weight and contain at least one halogen atom. These compounds are likely to be both highly bioaccumulative and toxic.
6. Non-volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds
This category includes phthalates, alkylphenols, and glycol ethers, among other compounds, that may produce harmful effects such as endocrine disruption. This category includes all non- and semi- volatile organic compounds that are not halogenated.
7. Nutrients
This category includes substances containing various elements, such as phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen, that act to promote the growth of certain unwanted aquatic species, often to the detriment of other beneficial species. These primarily reach the environment through non-point sources, including agricultural activities.
8. Particulates
This category includes dust, soot, and other small particles (PM-10) that become suspended in the air. Asbestos will be considered as well. Combustion is the primary source of particulates. Toxic substances that are associated with particulates, such as benzo(a)pyrene, are not included here.
9. Pesticides
This category includes all pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and others, that are not included in other categories on this list. Certain pesticides are found in the non-volatile halogenated organic compounds and heavy metals categories. This category includes carbamates and organophosphates.
This category includes petroleum product mixtures such as oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel. It does not include the substances that are released when these products are burned or the individual components such as benzene, toluene, and xylene which are considered in the VOC category.
11. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
This category includes aromatic compounds that contain three or more closed rings. A typical example is benzo(a)pyrene, which is a potent carcinogen. The primary source of these compounds in the environment is combustion. Styrene, a PAH, is also included in this category.
12. Radionuclides
This category includes radiation released by human activities, but not radon or other naturally-occurring radiation.
13. Suspended and settleable solids
This category includes non-toxic solid particles, such as silt, that have the ability to cause physical or mechanical damage to surface waters.
14. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
This category includes many low molecular weight solvents used in a variety of commercial processes, such as dry cleaning, degreasing, manufacturing, painting, and printing. Common solvents include perchloroethylene, TCE, and benzene.
Any comments or questions?
Contact us at: 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1750;
518-402-9469 (phone); 518-402-9168 (fax)
