Does ATSDR have any suggestions for interior dust action levels?
ATSDR suggests that the action levels used for residential soil could also be used for interior dust. Soil constitutes a significant fraction of house dust. Furthermore, the EPA’s Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic model for lead assumes that the ratio of soil to dust ingestion is 45:55. Therefore, the same action level could apply to both media. Would an action level of 20 ppm arsenic in soil be protective of public health? An action level of 20 ppm arsenic in soil would be protective of public health for ingestion of soil. A higher action level may be justifiable depending on (1) the frequency, length, and extent of exposure and (2) the bioavailability of arsenic from soil (The EPA – Region 8 determined that the bioavailability of arsenic from mine tailings was about 50%). What levels of soil contaminants would be protective of domestic animals? Some residents of the area raise horses and other domestic animals. Grazing animals ingest substantial amounts of soil while grazing; the
