New developments in exposure assessment: The impact on the practice of health risk assessment and epidemiological studies

摘要: The field of exposure assessment has matured significantly over the past 10-15 years. Dozens studies have measured concentrations numerous chemicals in many media to which humans are exposed. Others catalogued various pathways and identified typical values can be used calculations for general population such as amount water or soil ingested per day percent a chemical than pass through skin. In addition, duration tasks (e.g. showering, jogging, working office) been conducted allow more descriptions likely range exposures. All this information, well development new better models air dispersion groundwater models), estimates exposure. addition identifying factors, mathematical predicting aerial distribution chemicals, conduct simulation dose-reconstruction offer extraordinary opportunities filling data gaps regarding historical exposures critical improving power epidemiology studies. use probabilistic techniques Monte Carlo analysis Bayesian statistics revolutionized practice greatly enhanced quality risk characterization. Lastly, is about undergo sea change with respect component because each year environmental models, statistical biological monitoring being introduced. This paper reviews these discusses where additional research pay significant dividend. Exposure now available improve health vastly their usefulness. As quantitative components incorporated into studies, they identify safe levels using customary methodologies. Examples drawn from both occupational illustrating how understand specific chemicals. Some thoughts also presented on what lessons learned conducting assessments epidemiological