ChemSTEER-Chemical Screening Tool for Exposures and Environmental Releases
On this page:
- Key characteristics
- Hardware and software requirements
- Download and install instructions
- Terms and conditions of use
- Generic scenarios documents for Occupational exposure and release assessment
About ChemSTEER
The Chemical Screening Tool for Exposures and Environmental Releases (ChemSTEER) is a computer-based software program that can be used to estimate workplace exposures and environmental releases for chemicals manufactured and used in industrial/commercial settings.
Key characteristics
- ChemSTEER was updated in 2016. The most recent version is Version 3.2.
- ChemSTEER includes mathematical models which were individually published in peer reviewed journals such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal (now Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health) in 1996. ChemSTEER also includes predefined emission scenarios based on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emission scenario documents, which undergo review by OECD member countries.
- Designed so users can “build” assessments by providing key inputs or use pre-loaded industry-specific generic scenarios, which contain industry-specific process descriptions, mass balance data, pre-defined release and/or exposure models, and default input parameters.
- Contains pre-defined scenarios which minimize effort required to prepare an assessment.
- Includes the following additional models: (a) EPA/OPPT Solids Transfer Dust Loss Model; and (b) EPA/OPPT Near-Field/Far-Field Inhalation Exposure Model.
Hardware and software requirements
- Operating system - Windows XP or above.
- Monitor resolution - 1024 x 768 or higher.
- Processor - minimum recommended for your version of Windows
- Memory - minimum recommended for your version of Windows
- Hard disk space - minimum recommended for your version of Windows
Download and install instructions
ChemSTEER is available free as a downloadable software program. The ChemSTEER installation program has been compressed into a single, self-extracting executable file. To install ChemSTEER on your system:
- Download the ChemSTEER Install File (EXE)(168 MB) to any directory of your choice.
- Before beginning the installation, shut down all other programs/ applications running on your computer.
- Run the installation file named "Install_ChemSTEERv3.2.exe" located in the directory that you chose and follow the user prompts throughout the setup process. Exit the installation.
- Run ChemSTEER by clicking the Windows Start button and choosing Programs, ChemSTEER v3.2, and clicking the ChemSTEER icon.
Additional information is provided in the ChemSTEER Quick Start Guide and User Guide.
Terms and conditions of use
- Permission is granted for individuals to download and use the software on their personal and business computers.
- Users may not alter, modify, merge, adapt, or prepare derivative works from the software.
- Professional judgment is needed to determine adequacy and applicability of the models and methods provided in ChemSTEER.
Generic scenarios documents for Occupational exposure and release assessment
Generic Scenarios are documents that present a generic approach for preparing screening-level estimates of worker exposure and environmental release for chemicals used in a particular industry category. They are based on readily available data and include the following key sections:
- Process Description
- General Facility Estimates
- Environmental Releases
- Occupational exposure
Uses of Generic Scenarios in EPA
The primary users of Generic Scenarios are the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics engineers and their contractors who use them to prepare reports for the Risk Evaluation of TSCA new and existing chemicals.
EPA Technical Contacts
Franklyn Hall, U.S. EPA (ChemSTEER)
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Risk Assessment Division
E-mail:Hall.Franklyn@epa.gov
Greg Macek, U.S. EPA (Generic Scenarios)
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Risk Assessment Division
E-mail:macek.greg@epa.gov