[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 53569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18521]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8470-6]


Research Plan for Dosimetric and Toxicologic Assessment of 
Amphibole Asbestos Fiber-Containing Materials From Libby, MI

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of Data Availability.

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SUMMARY: This action announces a plan for a series of research projects 
aimed at addressing the toxicological effects and dosimetry of 
amphibole asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby, Montana 
(referred to here as Libby amphibole). Although available human data 
establish the toxicity of asbestos, and preliminary dose response 
analyses for Libby amphibole have been developed, these estimates can 
be refined by addressing some of the key uncertainties that exist due 
to gaps in our understanding or lack of quantitative descriptions of 
internal dosimetry and toxicological effects. This planned set of 
projects is aimed at addressing these gaps and providing tools for 
quantitative characterization, including a comparative analysis of the 
toxicity of Libby amphibole relative to asbestos fibers and asbestos-
like mineral occurrences. Other key areas of research will also inform 
the risk assessment, including inherent toxicity of Libby amphibole 
relative to other forms of asbestos and differential susceptibility, 
including that of different life stages. EPA conducted an internal and 
external review of the research plan and has documented the responses 
to comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen H. Gavett, PhD, Pulmonary 
Toxicology Branch, Experimental Toxicology Division, National Health 
and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and 
Development (B143-01), Environmental Protection Agency, Research 
Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone number: 919-541-2555; fax number: 
919-541-0026; e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. How Can I Get Copies of the Research Plan and the Responses to Peer 
Review Comments?

    1. Electronic Access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the Federal Register 
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/ or http://www.epa.gov/region8/superfund/libby.

    Dated: September 13, 2007.
James Woolford,
Director, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation.
 [FR Doc. E7-18521 Filed 9-18-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P