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Use Clusters Scoring System
What Does UCSS Do?-Identifies and screens clusters of chemicals ("use clusters") that are used to perform a particular task. A use cluster is a set of chemicals that may be substituted for one another in performing a given task.
-Identifies clusters of potential concern and provides an initial ranking of chemicals using human and environmental hazard and exposure data from a number of sources.
How does UCSS work?
-For each chemical in a cluster, allows user to enter data indicating the potential for human and ecological exposure and hazard, and the level of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) interest.
-Calculates health and ecological risk or toxicity rating scores for each chemical within a cluster using the information entered and preprogrammed scoring algorithms.
-Uses individual chemical scores to calculate an overall cluster score, which is an indicator of potential risk for the use cluster.
-Contains data on nearly 400 use clusters and 4,700 chemicals.
What Do I Need to Use UCSS?
-Chemical name or Chemical Abstracts Service Registry (CAS) number and/or specific industrial or commercial use of the chemical.
How Are UCSS Data Used?
-EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics uses risk scores generated by UCSS to prioritize chemicals and clusters for further investigation.
-Scientists and engineers can use the system as a preliminary decision-making tool in comparing the toxicity of similar chemicals used to perform a particular task.
-The system can assist public or private sector organizations in identifying clusters of potential concern.
-UCSS offers access to a variety of chemical data not previously available in one location. The system contains hazard and exposure data from such sources as the Toxics Release Inventory and the Integrated Risk Information System.
What Type of Computer System Do I Need?
-Hardware: IBM-compatible computer with a Pentium processor, 16 MB RAM, and 6 MB hard disk space.
What Is UCSS's Status and Availability?
-A beta version of the system is available in a Windows-based format.
-Peer review has been conducted according to the 1998 EPA Review Guidance.
Who Can I Call for More Information?
-Technical Contact: Jay Jon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. (7406M)
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202-564-8518
Fax: 202 564-8428
E-mail: Jay Jon