Concentrations of chemical substances and microorganisms are often averaged using geometric means. Argues that the arithmetic mean is a better choice for summarizing data because arithmetic means are unbiased, easier to calculate and understand, scientifically more meaningful, and more protective of public health. Results of a simulation study…

This article describes how a number of international organizations are tackling many different problems of toxic substances in the environment. (BB)

Integrated Exposure Assessment Monitoring is the coordination of environmental (air, water, land, and crops) monitoring networks to collect systematically pollutant exposure data for a specific receptor, usually man. (Author/BB)

Argues that the debate on whether to use performance-based versus prescriptive measurement approaches to environmental measurements is unnecessary. Believes that, as project managers gain more experience using data-quality objectives, the performance-based approach will become more popular. (MDH)

Reviews the environmental research of the California Institute of Technology. Caltech's environmental quality laboratory brings together scientists, engineers, and economists to tackle interdisciplinary problems that have implications for public policy. (Author/CO)

Examines the barriers within the environmental technology industry to adopting the use of field analytic instrumentation. Barriers are discussed in three main categories: legislative, regulatory, and institutional. A table lists the barriers and their impact on the adoption of new technologies. (MDH)

Discusses the role of scientific information in four areas: research management, distinctions between science issues and policy issues, criteria development and standard setting, and risk analysis. Recommends ways to improve the process by which scientific data are evaluated and incorporated into standard-setting actions by EPA decision makers.…