Hazard Ranking Research Articles

Fish cell lines as a tool for the ecotoxicity assessment and ranking of engineered nanomaterials

Risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is being hindered by the sheer production volume of these materials. In this regard, the grouping and ranking of ENMs appears as a promising strategy. Here we sought to evaluate the usefulness of in vitro systems based on fish cell lines for ranking a set of ENMs on the basis of their cytotoxicity. We used the topminnow (Poeciliopsis lucida) liver cell line (PLHC-1) and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fibroblast-like gonadal cell line (RTG-2). ENMs were obtained from the EU Joint Research Centre repository. The size frequency distribution of ENM suspensions in cell culture media was characterized. Cytotoxicity was evaluated after 24 h of exposure. PLHC-1 cells exhibited higher sensitivity to the ENMs than RTG-2 cells. ZnO-NM was found to exert toxicity mainly by altering lysosome function and metabolic activity, while multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) caused plasma membrane disruption at high concentrations. The hazard ranking for toxicity (ZnO-NM > MWCNT ≥ CeO2-NM = SiO2-NM) was inversely related to the ranking in size detected in culture medium. Our findings reveal the suitability of fish cell lines for establishing hazard rankings of ENMs in the framework of integrated approaches to testing and assessment.

Risk Prioritization in the Food Domain Using Deliberative and Survey Methods: Differences between Experts and Laypeople.

This study examined how experts and laypeople using both a deliberative and a survey method prioritized 28 hazards related to food and everyday items. To enable them to make deliberative decisions, participants received detailed descriptions of the hazards. The participants prioritized the hazards before and after a group discussion, in which the group's average prioritization was discussed. The rankings of the hazards before and after the group discussion were highly correlated. However, laypeople and experts differed significantly in their rankings for 18 of the 28 hazards. Trust and confidence were important predictors for laypeople's risk rankings. To test the influence of the deliberative method (e.g., providing detailed information about each hazard), data from a second group of laypeople were collected with a no-information survey. This group did not receive specific information about the hazards. The risk rankings of the laypeople who received information were highly correlated with the risk rankings of laypeople who did not receive information. Overall, the results suggest that deliberative methods of risk-ranking or no-information survey methods with no information about hazards provide similar results among laypeople. The conclusion is that government agencies should not only base their risk prioritization on evidence from risk assessments but also need to consider laypeople's hazard rankings. This procedure may result in an efficient and publicly accepted risk management strategy.

Cytotoxicity screening and cytokine profiling of nineteen nanomaterials enables hazard ranking and grouping based on inflammogenic potential

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being produced for an increasing number of applications. Therefore, it is important to assess and categorize ENMs on the basis of their hazard potential. The immune system is the foremost defence against foreign bodies. Here we performed cytokine profiling of a panel of nineteen representative ENMs procured from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and commercial sources. Physicochemical characterization was performed using dynamic light scattering. The ENMs were all shown to be endotoxin content free. The human macrophage-differentiated THP.1 cell line was employed for cytotoxicity screening and based on the calculated IC50 values, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), ZnO, Ag and SiO2 NMs were found to be the most cytotoxic while single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), TiO2, BaSO4 and CeO2 NMs, as well as the nanocellulose materials, were non-cytotoxic (at doses up to 100 µg/mL). Multiplex profiling of cytokine and chemokine secretion indicated that the TiO2, SiO2, BaSO4, CeO2 and nanocellulose materials induced potent inflammatory responses at sub-cytotoxic doses. Hierarchical clustering of cytokine responses coupled with pathway analysis demonstrated that the panel of ENMs could be segregated into two distinct groups characterized by activation and deactivation, respectively, of PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor)/LXR (liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor) nuclear receptor pathways (NRPs). Furthermore, using rosiglitazone, a selective PPAR-γ agonist, we could show that PPAR-γ played an important role in the activation of inflammatory responses in cells exposed to TiO2 and SiO2 NMs. These studies show that ENMs of diverse chemical compositions can be grouped according to their inflammatory potential.

Critical review of methods for risk ranking of food-related hazards, based on risks for human health

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to critically review methods for ranking risks related to food safety and dietary hazards on the basis of their anticipated human health impacts. A literature review was performed to identify and characterize methods for risk ranking from the fields of food, environmental science and socio-economic sciences. The review used a predefined search protocol, and covered the bibliographic databases Scopus, CAB s, Web of Sciences, and PubMed over the period 1993–2013.All references deemed relevant, on the basis of predefined evaluation criteria, were included in the review, and the risk ranking method characterized. The methods were then clustered—based on their characteristics—into eleven method categories. These categories included: risk assessment, comparative risk assessment, risk ratio method, scoring method, cost of illness, health adjusted life years (HALY), multi-criteria decision analysis, risk matrix, flow charts/decision trees, stated preference techniques and expert synthesis. Method categories were described by their characteristics, weaknesses and strengths, data resources, and fields of applications.It was concluded there is no single best method for risk ranking. The method to be used should be selected on the basis of risk manager/assessor requirements, data availability, and the characteristics of the method. Recommendations for future use and application are provided.

Limitations of experiments performed in artificially made OECD standard soils for predicting cadmium, lead and zinc toxicity towards organisms living in natural soils

Development of comparative toxicity potentials of cationic metals in soils for applications in hazard ranking and toxic impact assessment is currently jeopardized by the availability of experimental effect data. To compensate for this deficiency, data retrieved from experiments carried out in standardized artificial soils, like OECD soils, could potentially be tapped as a source of effect data. It is, however, unknown whether such data are applicable to natural soils where the variability in pore water concentrations of dissolved base cations is large, and where mass transfer limitations of metal uptake can occur. Here, free ion activity models (FIAM) and empirical regression models (ERM, with pH as a predictor) were derived from total metal EC50 values (concentration with effects in 50% of individuals) using speciation for experiments performed in artificial OECD soils measuring ecotoxicological endpoints for terrestrial earthworms, potworms, and springtails. The models were validated by predicting total metal based EC50 values using backward speciation employing an independent set of natural soils with missing information about ionic composition of pore water, as retrieved from a literature review. ERMs performed better than FIAMs. Pearson's r for log10-transformed total metal based EC50s values (ERM) ranged from 0.25 to 0.74, suggesting a general correlation between predicted and measured values. Yet, root-mean-square-error (RMSE) ranged from 0.16 to 0.87 and was either smaller or comparable with the variability of measured EC50 values, suggesting modest performance. This modest performance was mainly due to the omission of pore water concentrations of base cations during model development and their validation, as verified by comparisons with predictions of published terrestrial biotic ligand models. Thus, the usefulness of data from artificial OECD soils for global-scale assessment of terrestrial ecotoxic impacts of Cd, Pb and Zn in soils is limited due to relatively small variability of pore water concentrations of dissolved base cations in OECD soils, preventing their inclusion in development of predictive models. Our findings stress the importance of considering differences in ionic composition of soil pore water when characterizing terrestrial ecotoxicity of cationic metals in natural soils.

Bird use of grain fields and implications for habitat management at airports

Airport properties often include agricultural land cover that can attract wildlife species hazardous to aircraft, despite recommendations against row crops near air operations areas. However, few studies have directly quantified bird use of corn, wheat, and soybean fields relative to bird-aircraft collision (strike) hazard levels to support land cover recommendations. Therefore, we compared bird use among corn, wheat and soybean fields and predicted that corn and wheat would attract bird species recognized as hazardous to aviation. We also anticipated that soybeans would pose minimal attraction to such birds. Here, hazard ranking (low to extremely high) reflects the percentage of strikes involving a species that resulted in damage to aircraft. We investigated bird use among 22 corn, wheat, and soybean fields near Oak Harbor, OH, using approximately weekly point transects from 2013 to 2014. We used generalized distance sampling models and analysis of variance using distance matrices to determine bird abundance and community responses to row crop land coverages and crop height. We observed 4331 birds of 40 species, with most birds observed in wheat fields (n=2555 birds) and standing stubble (n=2409 birds). Large flocks occurred more in corn and wheat fields than soybean fields, but soybean fields harbored greater cumulative hazard scores than corn, likely due to consistent detections of small, non-flocking birds in soybean fields. Crop type and height had greater influence on medium- and high-hazard level bird species than other hazard levels. Density of medium- and high-hazard level birds increased with increasing crop height in soybean and wheat fields with wheat fields having slightly greater densities than soybeans. Corn fields also had the greatest bird densities in the tallest crop height categories. Categories of very and extremely high-hazard level bird species were rarely detected, but their abundance peaked in crops 0–15cm, similar to low-hazard level bird species. However, model selection results included null models for very and extremely high-hazard level bird species suggesting minimal effects. Overall, our results suggest that all three crop types can harbor birds hazardous to aircraft, and crop height can enhance bird use. Although not directly tested in our study, land management surrounding airports may benefit most from alternative land covers (e.g., biofuel crops), but additional research is necessary.

Hazard analysis approaches for certain small retail establishments in view of the application of their food safety management systems.

Under current European hygiene legislation, food businesses are obliged to develop and implement food safety management systems (FSMS) including prerequisite programme (PRP) activities and hazard analysis and critical control point principles. This requirement is especially challenging for small food retail establishments, where a lack of expertise and other resources may limit the development and implementation of effective FSMS. In this opinion, a simplified approach to food safety management is developed and presented based on a fundamental understanding of processing stages (flow diagram) and the activities contributing to increased occurrence of the hazards (biological, chemical (including allergens) or physical) that may occur. The need to understand and apply hazard or risk ranking within the hazard analysis is removed and control is achieved using PRP activities as recently described in the European Commission Notice 2016/C278, but with the addition of a PRP activity covering ‘product information and customer awareness’. Where required, critical limits, monitoring and record keeping are also included. Examples of the simplified approach are presented for five types of retail establishments: butcher, grocery, bakery, fish and ice cream shop.

Evaluating the environmental hazard of industrial chemicals from data collected during the REACH registration process

Registration dossiers for 11,678 industrial chemicals were retrieved from the database of the European Chemicals Agency, of which 3566 provided a numerical entry for the corresponding predicted no effect concentration for the freshwater environment (PNEC). A distribution-based examination of 2244 of these entries reveals that the average PNEC of an industrial chemical in Europe is 238nmol/L, covering a span of 9 orders of magnitude. A comparison with biocides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and WFD-priority pollutants reveals that, in average, industrial chemicals are least hazardous (hazard ranking: industrial chemicals≪pharmaceuticals<pesticides<Water Framework Directive priority pollutants<biocides). However, 280 industrial chemicals have a lower environmental threshold than the median pesticide and 73 have a lower environmental threshold than even the median biocide. Industrial chemicals produced and/or imported in higher tonnages have, on average, higher PNECs which most likely is due to the lower assessment factors used for the PNEC determination. This pattern indicates that the initial AF of 1000 comprises a measure of conservatism. The vast majority of PNEC values are driven by EC50 and NOEC data from tests with Daphnia magna. Tests with marine species are rarely provided for the hazard characterization of industrial chemicals.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro dosimetry of dispersed, engineered nanomaterials.

Evidence continues to grow of the importance of in vitro and in vivo dosimetry in the hazard assessment and ranking of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Accurate dose metrics are particularly important for in vitro cellular screening to assess the potential health risks or bioactivity of ENMs. To ensure meaningful and reproducible quantification of in vitro dose, with consistent measurement and reporting between laboratories, it is necessary to adopt standardized and integrated methodologies for (i) generation of stable ENM suspensions in cell culture media; (ii) colloidal characterization of suspended ENMs, particularly of properties that determine particle kinetics in an in vitro system (size distribution and formed agglomerate effective density); and (iii) robust numerical fate and transport modeling for accurate determination of the ENM dose delivered to cells over the course of the in vitro exposure. Here we present an integrated comprehensive protocol based on such a methodology for in vitro dosimetry, including detailed standardized procedures for each of these three critical aims. The entire protocol requires ∼6-12 h to complete.

Application of Bayesian networks for hazard ranking of nanomaterials to support human health risk assessment

In this study, a Bayesian Network (BN) was developed for the prediction of the hazard potential and biological effects with the focus on metal- and metal-oxide nanomaterials to support human health risk assessment. The developed BN captures the (inter) relationships between the exposure route, the nanomaterials physicochemical properties and the ultimate biological effects in a holistic manner and was based on international expert consultation and the scientific literature (e.g., in vitro/in vivo data). The BN was validated with independent data extracted from published studies and the accuracy of the prediction of the nanomaterials hazard potential was 72% and for the biological effect 71%, respectively. The application of the BN is shown with scenario studies for TiO2, SiO2, Ag, CeO2, ZnO nanomaterials. It is demonstrated that the BN may be used by different stakeholders at several stages in the risk assessment to predict certain properties of a nanomaterials of which little information is available or to prioritize nanomaterials for further screening.

An Integrated Data-Driven Strategy for Safe-by-Design Nanoparticles: The FP7 MODERN Project.

The development and implementation of safe-by-design strategies is key for the safe development of future generations of nanotechnology enabled products. The safety testing of the huge variety of nanomaterials that can be synthetized is unfeasible due to time and cost constraints. Computational modeling facilitates the implementation of alternative testing strategies in a time and cost effective way. The development of predictive nanotoxicology models requires the use of high quality experimental data on the structure, physicochemical properties and bioactivity of nanomaterials. The FP7 Project MODERN has developed and evaluated the main components of a computational framework for the evaluation of the environmental and health impacts of nanoparticles. This chapter describes each of the elements of the framework including aspects related to data generation, management and integration; development of nanodescriptors; establishment of nanostructure-activity relationships; identification of nanoparticle categories; hazard ranking and risk assessment.

HCF resistance of AlSi10Mg produced by SLM in relation to the presence of defects

Being able to predict the fatigue resistance of parts produced by additive manufacturing (AM) is a very actual and frequent open issue. The qualification of AM structural parts needs a very costly and time consuming series of fatigue tests, on both samples and full-scale parts. A proper control of the AM process allows obtaining comparable and even better fatigue resistance than standard manufacturing. Despite this, the experimental results often show a large scatter, mostly due to the presence of defects. In this framework, this work summarizes a research activity aiming at modelling the high cycle fatigue (HCF) resistance in presence of defects, focusing on AlSi10Mg produced by selective laser melting (SLM). Two batches of samples were investigated by computed tomography (CT) and tested. A lower bound resistance curve was obtained introducing artificial defects. A fatigue crack growth simulation model based on the maximum defect size is proposed, able to estimate both the life and the scatter of the data in the fully-elastic region. Moreover, knowing the size and position of all the defects inside the samples, it was possible to foresee the defect at the origin of fatigue failure and to draw a hazard ranking based on the applied stress intensity factor.

FLASH FLOOD HAZARD MAPPING OF WADI BABA BASIN, SOUTHWESTERN SINAI, EGYPT

Flash flood hazard in the mountainous area of Southwestern Sinai demands reliable and accurate information. Flash flood is the mainly dangerous hazard to spotlight on because it threats the life of people and retards any sustainable development planning in and around the rugged topography areas. The current study aims to applying GIS and remote sensing tools to construct flash flood hazards map based on geomorphometric parameters extracted from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and assess the flash flood hazard risk rank for W. Baba basin and its sub-basins. Wadi Baba is located in an arid region and is considered as a significant basin in Southwestern Sinai area (SWSA) that drains into the Gulf of Suez. The drainage networks and basin boundary were delineated and morphometric parameters of the drainage system were calculated. The flood intensity is controlled mainly by values of geomorphometric parameters, soil and geological characteristics, and the meteorological conditions. The analysis of the various morphometric parameters of the W. Baba shows that they have different impacts on the flash flood intensity. Depending on the statistically computed weights and mean values of the important geomorphometric parameters and then integrated by using GIS functions; the sub-basins of W. Baba are classified into three categorized risk wise, namely: high, moderate and low flash flood hazard. The sub-basins which have high flash flood hazard rank with low probability of ground water recharge are geospatially mapped.

A decision analysis framework for estimating the potential hazards for drinking water resources of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluids

Despite growing concerns over the potential for hydraulic fracturing to impact drinking water resources, there are limited data available to identify chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluids that may pose public health concerns. In an effort to explore these potential hazards, a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework was employed to analyze and rank selected subsets of these chemicals by integrating data on toxicity, frequency of use, and physicochemical properties that describe transport in water. Data used in this analysis were obtained from publicly available databases compiled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of a larger study on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. Starting with nationwide hydraulic fracturing chemical usage data from EPA's analysis of the FracFocus Chemical Disclosure Registry 1.0, MCDAs were performed on chemicals that had either noncancer toxicity values (n=37) or cancer-specific toxicity values (n=10). The noncancer MCDA was then repeated for subsets of chemicals reported in three representative states (Texas, n=31; Pennsylvania, n=18; and North Dakota, n=20). Within each MCDA, chemicals received scores based on relative toxicity, relative frequency of use, and physicochemical properties (mobility in water, volatility, persistence). Results show a relative ranking of these chemicals based on hazard potential, and provide preliminary insight into chemicals that may be more likely than others to impact drinking water resources. Comparison of nationwide versus state-specific analyses indicates regional differences in the chemicals that may be of more concern to drinking water resources, although many chemicals were commonly used and received similar overall hazard rankings. Several chemicals highlighted by these MCDAs have been reported in groundwater near areas of hydraulic fracturing activity. This approach is intended as a preliminary analysis, and represents one possible method for integrating data to explore potential public health impacts.

Multilaboratory evaluation of 15 bioassays for (eco)toxicity screening and hazard ranking of engineered nanomaterials: FP7 project NANOVALID

Within EU FP7 project NANOVALID, the (eco)toxicity of 7 well-characterized engineered nanomaterials (NMs) was evaluated by 15 bioassays in 4 laboratories. The highest tested nominal concentration of NMs was 100 mg/l. The panel of the bioassays yielded the following toxicity order: Ag > ZnO > CuO > TiO2 > MWCNTs > SiO2 > Au. Ag, ZnO and CuO proved very toxic in the majority of assays, assumingly due to dissolution. The latter was supported by the parallel analysis of the toxicity of respective soluble metal salts. The most sensitive tests/species were Daphnia magna (towards Ag NMs, 24-h EC50 = 0.003 mg Ag/l), algae Raphidocelis subcapitata (ZnO and CuO, 72-h EC50 = 0.14 mg Zn/l and 0.7 mg Cu/l, respectively) and murine fibroblasts BALB/3T3 (CuO, 48-h EC50 = 0.7 mg Cu/l). MWCNTs showed toxicity only towards rat alveolar macrophages (EC50 = 15.3 mg/l) assumingly due to high aspect ratio and TiO2 towards R. subcapitata (EC50 = 6.8 mg Ti/l) due to agglomeration of TiO2 and entrapment of algal cells. Finally, we constructed a decision tree to select the bioassays for hazard ranking of NMs. For NM testing, we recommend a multitrophic suite of 4 in vitro (eco)toxicity assays: 48-h D. magna immobilization (OECD202), 72-h R. subcapitata growth inhibition (OECD201), 30-min Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition (ISO2010) and 48-h murine fibroblast BALB/3T3 neutral red uptake in vitro (OECD129) representing crustaceans, algae, bacteria and mammalian cells, respectively. Notably, our results showed that these assays, standardized for toxicity evaluation of “regular” chemicals, proved efficient also for shortlisting of hazardous NMs. Additional assays are recommended for immunotoxicity evaluation of high aspect ratio NMs (such as MWCNTs).

Micropollutants in European rivers: A mode of action survey to support the development of effect-based tools for water monitoring.

Environmental quality monitoring of water resources is challenged with providing the basis for safeguarding the environment against adverse biological effects from exposure to anthropogenic chemicals originating from diffuse and point sources. Although current regulatory efforts focus on monitoring and assessing a few legacy chemicals, many more anthropogenic chemicals are and will become detected in aquatic resources as a result of progress in analytical techniques. Assessing this type of exposure information based on available standard approaches from prospective risk assessment for single chemicals inevitably leads to indication of risk in most surface water bodies. As an alternative to generic assessment approaches, effect-based monitoring approaches are suggested. This offers the advantage of reducing uncertainties of effect extrapolation and additionally accounts for mixture effects. To become a credible complement to chemical monitoring information, however, a better understanding of the capabilities and gaps of available effect-based tools is needed. The authors therefore undertook to 1) compile organic contaminants detected in freshwater monitoring studies, 2) provide a synopsis of the mode of action knowledge available for the detected compounds, 3) perform a hazard ranking to identify priority mixtures, and 4) reflect on the challenges to make bioassays fit for effect-based monitoring. The present Focus article shows that chemical occurrence in European freshwaters seems to be highly variable in composition and relative abundancies. Further, although the present mode of action knowledge remains limited, the authors already see the need for batteries of effect-based tools if a more comprehensive coverage of prevailing effect qualities for mixtures is to be targeted. Finally, they suggest a list of organic compounds that could serve as a reference list for effect-based tool validation studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1887-1899. © 2016 SETAC.

Determination of accident-prone road sections using quantile regression

The accurate identification of dangerous areas with high accident rates allowing governmental agencies responsible for improving road safety to properly allocate investment in critically accident prone road sections. Given this immediate need, this study aims to determine which segments are prone to accidents as well as the development of a hazard ranking of the accident prone road sections located within the city limits of Ocana, Colombia, through the use of quantile regression. Based on the estimated model corresponding to quantile 95, it was possible to establish causal relationships between the frequency of accidents and characteristics such as length of the road section, width of the roadway, number of lanes, number of intersections, average daily traffic and average speed. The results indicate a total of seven accident prone road sections, for which a hazard ranking was established.

Harmonizing and comparing single-type natural hazard risk estimations

&lt;p&gt;Single-type hazard and risk assessment is the usual framework followed by disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners. There is therefore a need to present and compare the results arising from different hazard and risk types. Here we describe a simple method for combining risk curves arising from different hazard types in order to gain a first impression of the total risk. We show how the resulting total (and individual) risk estimates can be examined and compared using so-called risk matrices, a format preferred by some DRR practitioners. We apply this approach to Cologne, Germany, which is subject to floods, windstorms and earthquakes. We then use a new series of risk calculations that consider epistemic uncertainty. The Mann-Whitney test is applied to determine if the losses arising from pairs of hazards are comparable for a given return period. This benefits decision makers as it allows a ranking of hazards with respect to expected damage. Such a comparison would assist planners in the allocation of resources towards the most efficient mitigation actions. However, the results are dependent upon the distribution of estimates (i.e., level of uncertainty), which is in turn a function of our state of knowledge.&lt;/p&gt;

Buoyant Nanoparticles: Implications for Nano-Biointeractions in Cellular Studies.

In the safety and efficacy assessment of novel nanomaterials, the role of nanoparticle (NP) kinetics in in vitro studies is often ignored although it has significant implications in dosimetry, hazard ranking, and nanomedicine efficacy. It is demonstrated here that certain nanoparticles are buoyant due to low effective densities of their formed agglomerates in culture media, which alters particle transport and deposition, dose-response relationships, and underestimates toxicity and bioactivity. To investigate this phenomenon, this study determines the size distribution, effective density, and assesses fate and transport for a test buoyant NP (polypropylene). To enable accurate dose-response assessment, an inverted 96-well cell culture platform is developed in which adherent cells are incubated above the buoyant particle suspension. The effect of buoyancy is assessed by comparing dose-toxicity responses in human macrophages after 24 h incubation in conventional and inverted culture systems. In the conventional culture system, no adverse effects are observed at any NP concentration tested (up to 250 μg mL(-1) ), whereas dose-dependent decreases in viability and increases in reactive oxygen species are observed in the inverted system. This work sheds light on an unknown issue that plays a significant role in vitro hazard screening and proposes a standardized methodology for buoyant NP assessments.

Hazard Ranking Methodology for Assessing Health Impacts of Unconventional Natural Gas Development and Production: The Maryland Case Study.

The recent growth of unconventional natural gas development and production (UNGDP) has outpaced research on the potential health impacts associated with the process. The Maryland Marcellus Shale Public Health Study was conducted to inform the Maryland Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative Advisory Commission, State legislators and the Governor about potential public health impacts associated with UNGDP so they could make an informed decision that considers the health and well-being of Marylanders. In this paper, we describe an impact assessment and hazard ranking methodology we used to assess the potential public health impacts for eight hazards associated with the UNGDP process. The hazard ranking included seven metrics: 1) presence of vulnerable populations (e.g. children under the age of 5, individuals over the age of 65, surface owners), 2) duration of exposure, 3) frequency of exposure, 4) likelihood of health effects, 5) magnitude/severity of health effects, 6) geographic extent, and 7) effectiveness of setbacks. Overall public health concern was determined by a color-coded ranking system (low, moderately high, and high) that was generated based on the overall sum of the scores for each hazard. We provide three illustrative examples of applying our methodology for air quality and health care infrastructure which were ranked as high concern and for water quality which was ranked moderately high concern. The hazard ranking was a valuable tool that allowed us to systematically evaluate each of the hazards and provide recommendations to minimize the hazards.