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Absorption
The process of taking in, as when a sponge takes up water. Chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream after breathing or swallowing. Chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and then transported to other organs. Not all of the chemical breathed, swallowed, or touched is always absorbed.
Marsh
A type of wetland that does not accumulate appreciable peat deposits and is dominated by herbaceous vegetation.Marshes may be either fresh or saltwater and tidal or non-tidal.(See: wetlands).
Exposure
Contact with a chemical by swallowing, by breathing or by direct contact (such as through the skin or eyes). Exposure may be either short term (acute) or long term (chronic).
Health registry
A record of people exposed to a specific substance (such as a heavy metal), or having a specific health condition (such as cancer or a communicable disease). New York State maintains several health registries.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
ATSDR is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As mandated by the federal superfund law, the agency assesses health risks from hazardous waste sites on the National Priority List.
HSWA
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (1984); amendments to RCRA establishing a timetable for landfill bans and more stringent UST requirements.
Exposure assessment
A process that estimates the amount of a chemical that enters or comes into contact with people or animals. An exposure assessment also describes how often and for how long an exposure occurred, and the nature and size of a population exposed to a chemical.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest (maximum) level of a contaminant allowed to go uncorrected by a public water system under federal or state regulations. Depending on the contaminant, allowable levels might be calculated as an average over time, or might be based on individual test results.
Detection limit
The smallest amount of substance that a laboratory test can reliably measure in a sample of air, water, soil or other medium.
HMTUSA
Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (1999); amendments to HMTA including requirements for performance-oriented packaging.
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