A bioassessment battery for use in an industrial setting: a new management approach

As part of the process of risk evaluation for workplace health and environmental protection, a battery of biological assays and a management presentation format for the battery have been developed for use at EG & G Rocky Flats, Inc. The battery consists of four acute (two bacterial, one human cell, one nematode) and two genetic (bacterial and nematode) assays. The nematode assay also gives information on chronic toxicity and an overall fitness factor. The battery was shown to be effective in detecting toxicity of eight metals and phenol, substances that are used at this plant and that react through a variety of toxic mechanisms. The presentation format allows management to very quickly determine where the most serious toxicity problems are located and effectively monitor progress in the cleanup of these situations. In addition, the format can be used to monitor effects of procedural changes in development and production.