About Effects Screening Levels (ESLs)
Guidelines to Develop Toxicity Factors: A New Public Comment Period Has Begun!!!!
The Toxicology Division is accepting toxicity information!!
- Guidelines for Developing ESLs, ReVs, and URFs
(RG-442) - What are Effects Screening Levels?
-
Download the Latest ESL List (updated 3/22/12) - Download Previous ESL Lists
What are Effects Screening Levels?
Effects Screening Levels are screening levels used in TCEQ’s air permitting process to evaluate air dispersion modeling’s predicted impacts. They are used to evaluate the potential for effects to occur as a result of exposure to concentrations of constituents in the air. ESLs are based on data concerning health effects, the potential for odors to be a nuisance, and effects on vegetation. They are not ambient air standards. If predicted airborne levels of a constituent do not exceed the screening level, adverse health or welfare effects are not expected. If predicted ambient levels of constituents in air exceed the screening levels, it does not necessarily indicate a problem but rather triggers a review in more depth.
Both short- and long-term ESLs are listed on the ESL List. “Short-term” generally indicates a one-hour averaging period. Exceptions are noted parenthetically after a constituent name. “Long-term” indicates an annual averaging period.
Sign Up to Receive ESL List, AMCV List, and Other Related Toxicology Announcements
To join the Toxicology Announcement List, please e-mail:
join-tox@listserv.tceq.state.tx.us.
Do not put any information in either the subject or message body.
You will automatically receive an acknowledgment by e-mail informing you that your request has been received; however, you must confirm you want to be placed on the list. To make the confirmation, reply to the message.
Once the list administrator has admitted your email address to the list, you will receive a “welcome” document.
