Hotlines

The Hotlines listed below are phone numbers you can call to access EPA and other Federal agency staff who can provide technical assistance and answer questions on a variety of ecological and human health issues. Click on the links provided for information related to your area of interest.

• Air
• Water
• Pesticides
• Solid and Hazardous Wastes

Air

Acid Rain Hotline
202-564-9620
Fax: 202-564-9620 (then press 3)
The Acid Rain Hotline records questions and document requests covering all areas of the Acid Rain Program. These calls are forwarded to experienced EPA Acid Rain Division personnel, who review them and respond to the caller, typically within 24 hours.

Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) - Airs Quality Subsystem (AQS) - Hotline
1-800-334-2405
AIRS is an information management system, which is the national repository for data about airborne pollution in the United States and, to a limited extent, in various other countries. This hotline is dedicated to two subsystems:
AQS - Air Quality Subsystem- measurements of ambient concentrations of air pollutants and associated meteorological and monitoring site data.
GCS - Geo-Common Subsystem- reference information that is used with all of the AIRS subsystems. Reference information includes codes and code descriptions to identify places, pollutants, processes, geo-political entities, etc. The EPA compiles and maintains this information.

Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) - AIRS Facility Subsystem (AFS) - Helpline
1-800-367-1044
AIRS is an information management system which is the national repository for data about airborne pollution in the United States, and to a limited extent, in various other countries. The AIRS Facility Subsystem contains estimates of aerometric emissions, regulatory compliance data, and permit tracking data on point sources in the U.S.

Air Risk Information Center Hotline (Air RISC)
919-541-0888
Fax: 919-541-1818
The Air RISC provides technical assistance and information in areas of health, risk, and exposure assessment for toxic and criteria air pollutants. Services include: the hotline for direct access to EPA experts; detailed technical assistance for more in-depth evaluations or information; and general technical guidance in the form of documents, reports and training materials related to health, risk and exposure assessment.

Asthma No Attacks Hotline
1-866-NO-ATTACKS (1-866-622-8822)
To speak with an Asthma Information Specialist, please call (800) 315-8056 Monday through Friday, between 9am and 8pm EST.

Clean Air Technology Center (CATC) Infoline formerly Control Technology Center
919-541-0800 (English), 919-541-1800 (Spanish)
Fax: 919-541-0242
The CTC provides technical support and assistance to state and local agencies and others in evaluating air pollution problems and pollution prevention and control technology applications at stationary air pollution sources. Specifically, hotline assistance provides quick access and consultation with appropriate EPA staff on air pollution technology questions. It also provides information on EPA's RACT/BACT/ LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC), Federal Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP), and International Technical Information Center for Global Greenhouse Gases.

Clearinghouse for Inventories and Emission Factors (CHIEF) Help Desk
919-541-5285
email: info.chief@epa.gov
The Clearinghouse for Inventories and Emission Factors is a means of exchanging information regarding air pollutant emissions between state and local pollution control agencies, private citizens, universities, contractors, and foreign governments. It addresses criteria pollutants and toxic pollutants from both stationary and area sources. The Clearinghouse offers several electronic air emission estimation tools, including the Factor Information Retrieval (FIRE) database, TANKS database, and Air CHIEF CD-ROM.

Energy Star
1-888-STAR-YES, (1-888-782-7937), 202-775-6650 (Washington, DC Area Local)
email: energystar@optimuscorp.com
Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Call to receive helpful information regarding your household products.

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO)
1-800-438-4318
email: iaqinfo@aol.com
The IAQ INFO Clearinghouse provides access to public information on indoor environments through a range of services including: an operator-assisted hotline; distribution of relevant EPA publications at no charge; literature searches on a topic for further reference; referrals to appropriate government agencies, research, public interest, and industry representatives; and information about training courses and materials.

National Alternative Fuels Hotline
1-800-423-1363, 703-934-3069 (Washington, DC Area Local)
email: hotline@afdc.nrel.gov
Many alternative fuels are being used today in place of fossil fuels like oil. The U.S. Department of Energy classifies the following fuels as "alternatives" to gasoline: biodiesel, electric fuel, ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, propane, p-series, and solar fuel. This hotline, offered by DOE, provides information on these fuels, as well as other related resources with more detailed information.

National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Hotline
1-800-SALUD-12, (1-800-725-8312) (Spanish/English)
The National Hispanic Indoor Air Quality Hotline provides bilingual (Spanish/English) information about indoor air pollutants that consumers may find inside their homes, offices or schools. Consumers, health and human services professionals, outreach workers, and community leaders from across the United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico can call 1-800-SALUD-12 (1-800-725-8312), or, in Washington, DC, (202) 265-6388 to speak with a bilingual health information specialist (HIS) Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time. After business hours, consumers may leave a message and an HIS will return the call the next day during business hours.

The National Safety Council's Radon Hotline
1-800-SOS-Radon (1-800-767-7236)
The National Safety Council's Radon Hotline provides an information recording 24 hours a day. Through this automated system, callers can order a brochure on radon by leaving their name and address. The brochure contains information on order a low-cost, short-term test kit. In addition, callers are advised to call 1-800-55-RADON (1-800-557-2366) to speak with an information specialist. Information specialists are available to assist callers between 9:00 am and 5 pm EST on business days.

Ozone Protection Hotline
1-800-296-1996, 301-231-6377 (fax)
email: hotline@tidalwave.net
The Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline offers consultation on ozone protection regulations and requirements under Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990. Title VI covers the following key aspects of the production, use, and safe disposal of ozone-depleting chemicals: 1) production phaseout and controls; 2) servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners; 3) recycling and emission reduction; 4) technician and equipment certification; 5) approval of alternatives; 6) a ban of nonessential uses; 7) product labeling; and 8) federal procurement.

The Radon FIX-IT Program
1-800-644-6999
The Consumer Federation of American Foundation, a nonprofit consumer organization operates the Radon Fix-it Program which is free of charge. The Radon Fix-it line 1-800-644-6999 assists consumers with elevated radon levels of 4pCi/L or higher by providing information that will allow them to take the necessary steps toward fixing their homes. The Radon Fix-it Line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers with specific radon-related questions may leave a message for a counselor to call back.

Smoke-Free Home Pledge Hotline
1-866-SMOKE-FREE (1-866-766-5337)
Take the pledge online or call the toll-free Smoke-Free Home Pledge Hotline at 1-866-Smoke-Free (1-866-766-5337). Once you pledge, you can print out a certificate saying you made your home smoke-free and receive a Smoke-Free Home Kit by mail that includes the certificate plus:

• A congratulations letter from the EPA;
• Tips on keeping your home smoke free; and
• A smoke-free home magnet.

Tools for Schools Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Technical Assistance Hotline
1-866-837-3721
e-mail: tfs_help@epa.gov
A Technical assistance information hotline for users of the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit, the Tools for Schools Technical Assistance Hotline provides information and answers questions on topics including mechanical systems, ventilation, pollutant sources, and application of the Kit. The hotline can be accessed weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm central time through a toll-free telephone number, 1-866-837-3721.

Water

National Small Flows Clearinghouse Hotline
1-800-624-8301, 304-293-4191 (West Virginia Local)
Managed by West Virginia University, the National Small Flows Clearinghouse provides information and technical assistance to help small communities and homeowners reach practical, affordable solutions to their waste water treatment problems.

Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1-800-426-4791
Fax: 703-412-3333
e-mail: hotline-sdwa@epa.gov
The SDW Hotline provides information about EPA's drinking water regulations and other related drinking water and ground water topics to the regulated community, State and local officials, and the public. Specifically, the Hotline clarifies drinking water regulations, provides appropriate 40 CFR and Federal Register citations, explains EPA-provided policies and guidelines and gives update information on the status of regulations. The Hotline can also provide State and local contacts.

Storet Water Quality System Hotline
1-800-424-9067
email: STORET@epa.gov
The EPA maintains two data management systems containing water quality information: the Legacy Data Center (LDC) and STORET. STORET contains data collected beginning in 1999, along with older data that has been properly documents and migrated from the LDC. Both systems contain raw biological, chemical and physical data on surface and ground water collected by federal, state and local agencies, Indian Tribes, volunteer groups, academics, and other. All 50 States, territories, and jurisdictions of the US, along with portions of Canada and Mexico are represented in these systems.

Wetlands Information Hotline
1-800-832-7828, 202-566-1730 (Washington, DC Area Local), 202-566-1736 (fax)
email: wetlands.helpline@epa.gov
The EPA Wetlands Helpline is a contactor-operated, toll-free telephone service and e-mail correspondent, which answers requests for information about wetlands regulation, legislation and policy pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, wetlands values and functions, and wetlands agricultural issues.

Pesticides

Antimicrobial Information Hotline
1-703-308-0127, 703-308-6467(fax)
email: Info_Antimicrobial@epa.gov
The Antimicrobials Information Hotline provides direct answers to questions concerning current antimicrobial issues. Please call during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or leave a message after hours. The information provided can cover issues relevant to any or all antimicrobial pesticides including health & safety issues, registration and reregistration issues, as well as information on pesticide laws, rules, and regulations relating to antimicrobials.

Endangered Species Protection Program (Pesticides) Information Line
1-800-447-3813
email: opp-web-comments@epa.gov
This toll-free Information Line is maintained to aid people striving to protect endangered species from harm that may result from the use of some pesticides. Please call Monday - Friday during normal business hours (Eastern Time), or leave a message after hours. The web page, www.epa.gov/espp, provides an introduction to the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) and its goals: 1) to protect endangered species from harmful pesticides and 2) to minimize the impact of the program on pesticide users. Requests for publications for students and questions related to the ESPP and the Endangered Species Act may be directed to the email address above or telephoned to the Information Line.

National Pesticide Information Center
1-800-858-7378, 541-737-0761 (fax)
email: npic@ace.orst.edu
A cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the EPA, this hotline offers science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects and serves as a source of factual chemical, health, and environmental information about more than 600 pesticide active ingredients incorporated into over 50,000 different products registered for use in the United States since 1947.

Solid and Hazardous Wastes

Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) Hotline
1-800-424-9346, 703-412-9810 (Washington, DC Area Local), 1-800-553-7672 (TDD), 703-412-3323 (TDD)
This hotline provides information about the regulations and programs implemented for the following environmental statutes:

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, or Superfund)
• Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)/Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III This hotline also provides referrals for documents related to these programs. Translation is available for Spanish-speaking callers.

National Response Center Hotline
1-800-424-8802, 202-267-2675 (Washington, DC Area Local)
email: lst-nrcinfo@comdt.uscg.mil
The National Response Center is the federal government's national communications center, which is staffed 24 hours a day by U.S. Coast Guard officers and marine science technicians. The NRC receives all reports of releases involving hazardous substances and oil that trigger the federal notification requirements under several laws. Reports to the NRC activate the National Contingency Plan and the federal government's response capabilities.

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Helpline
1-888-EPA-PAYT, (1-888-372-7298)
email: canterbury.janice@epa.gov
In communities with pay-as-you-throw programs (also known as unit pricing or variable-rate pricing), residents are charged for the collection of municipal solid waste-ordinary household trash-based on the amount the throw away. This creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and to generate less waste. EPA supports this new approach to solid waste management because it encompasses environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and equity. The hotline provides information and tools to support this ongoing effort.

RCRA, Superfund, and EPCRA Hotline
1-800-424-9346, 703-412-9810 (Washington, DC Area Local), 1-800-553-7672 (TDD) , 703-412-3323 (Washington, DC Area Local TDD)
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was enacted in 1976 to address the issue of how to safely manage and dispose of the huge volumes of municipal and industrial waste generated nationwide. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) also known as SARA Title III, was enacted in November 1986. This law provides an infrastructure at the state and local levels to plan for chemical emergencies. This hotline is dedicated to providing information and fielding requests to the appropriate office.