[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 [email protected] 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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

    Dated: November 23, 1998.
William H. Farland,
Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment.
[FR Doc. 98-34300 Filed 12-24-98; 8:45 am]
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