[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 248 (Monday, December 28, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 71465] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-34300] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-6210-6] Benchmark Dose Software AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice of availability of and request for public comment on beta test version of Benchmark Dose Software (version 1.1b). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of, and requests public comment on, the beta test version of Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) (version 1.1b). The BMDS system is being developed as a tool to facilitate the application of a benchmark dose (BMD) method to EPA risk assessments of hazardous pollutants. The EPA Risk Assessment Forum has written guidelines for the use of the BMD approach in the assessment of noncancer health risk (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995, EPA/630/R-94/007) and the EPA Benchmark Dose Workgroup is in the process of drafting technical guidance for the application of the BMD approach in cancer and noncancer dose-response assessments. The use of BMD methods involves fitting mathematical models to dose-response data and using the results to select a BMD that is associated with a predetermined benchmark response (BMR), such as a 10% increase in the incidence of a particular health effect. The EPA BMDS facilitates these operations by providing an easy-to-use interface to run up to sixteen (16) different models that are appropriate for the analysis of dichotomous (quantal) data (nine models: Gamma, Logistic, Log-Logisitic, Multistage, Probit, Log- Probit, Quantal-Linear, Quantal-Quadratic, and Weibull), continuous data (four models: Linear, Polynomial, Power, and Hybrid) and nested developmental toxicology data (three models: NLogistic, NCTR, and Rai & Van Ryzin). Results from these models include goodness-of-fit information, the BMD, and the estimate of the lower-bound confidence limit (the BMDL) on the BMD. Model results are presented in textual and graphical output files which can be printed or saved and incorporated into other documents. In May-June 1997, a prior beta test version of the BMDS (version 1.0b) was reviewed by risk assessors and statisticians from within EPA and from outside organizations. Comments received as a result of that review were considered in preparing this latest beta test release (version 1.1b) for public comment. DATES: Comments on this software will be accepted until March 31, 1999. ADDRESSES: Comments should be in writing and mailed to the Project Manager for Benchmark Dose Software Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment--RTP Office (MD-52), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 or sent by e-mail to [email protected] by March 31, 1999. To obtain a copy of the beta test version of Benchmark Dose Software (version 1.1b), direct your internet browser to http://www.epa.gov/ncea/bmds.htm. You will be instructed on how to download a self-extracting compressed file (approximately eight megabytes in size) containing the entire BMDS program. Windows 95 or Windows 98 and at least sixteen megabytes of RAM are required to run this version of the BMDS. Accessing a copy of the BMDS program via the internet is highly recommended as the BMDS web site will be the official and most current source of updates and notifications. However, those for whom internet access is impractical may obtain a copy of the program via e-mail or CD-Rom by contacting Ms. Diane H. Ray, National Center for Environmental Assessment--RTP Office (MD-52), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: 919- 541-3637; facsimile: 919-541-1818; e-mail: [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jeffrey S. Gift, National Center for Environmental Assessment--RTP Office (MD-52), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone: 919- 541-4828; facsimile: 919-541-1818; E-mail: [email protected]. Dated: November 23, 1998. William H. Farland, Director, National Center for Environmental Assessment. [FR Doc. 98-34300 Filed 12-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P