RACER: dynamic use of environmental measurement data for decision making and communication

Abstract

To facilitate access to and use of environmental measurement data, Risk Assessment Corporation has developed a data management system as part of its Risk Analysis, Communication, Evaluation, and Reduction process. The concepts of data consistency are not new, but many data management applications are developed around managing the entire data life cycle, rather than on using the data to reach meaningful conclusions. The RACER process is specifically focused on the efficient use of available data to promote sound decision making. The RACER data management system provides a means of understanding trends in data, comparing data to frequently referenced comparison values, and organizing environmental measurement data for use by other components of the RACER process that evaluate human health impacts. Data transfers to the system can be automated to occur frequently for facilities collecting large volumes of data to achieve a dynamic point of access to measurement data that reflects the most recently available information. Because the RACER process is designed around the most common uses of data, its utility spans a broad range of potential applications, from routine monitoring and reporting to emergency response decision making based on potential human health impacts. Because it is portable and flexible, the elements of the system can be used in any situation where there is a need to efficiently access and interpret environmental measurement data. Its output and functions are equally relevant for small datasets with hundreds of measurements or large and complex datasets with millions of measurements.