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EPA'S HUMAN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT PROGRAM
Citation:
Sheldon, L S. EPA'S HUMAN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT PROGRAM. Presented at American Chemistry Council Long-Range Research Initiative Annual Science Meeting, Herndon, VA, June 24-25, 2003.
Impact/Purpose:
1. Identify and evaluate the factors that affect children's exposures as a function of age (for age bins proposed by EPA's Risk Assessment Forum).
2. Determine the impact of microenvironment and macroactivity on children's exposure to current-use pesticides and selected phthalates in residences.
3. Determine temporal variability of multimedia concentrations of selected pesticides and phthalates in the residences of very young children (0 to 3 years of age).
4. Perform aggregate exposure estimates for current-use pesticides (soon after application) and phthalates for very young children.
5. Evaluate the relationship between concentrations of biomarkers of exposure measured in urine and aggregate exposure estimates derived from diet and environmental measurements for pesticides and phthalates using the algorithms and approaches specified in the Draft Protocol for Measuring Children's Non-Occupational Exposure to Pesticides by all Relevant Pathways.
6. Evaluate and apportion exposure pathways for pesticides and phthalates.
7. Collect data for selected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (brominated flame retardants) and perfluorinated chemicals (PFOS and PFOA) in the diet and in environmental samples collected in the residences to assess spatial and temporal variability and the potential for children's exposure.
8. Evaluate the utility of the draft standardized protocol for performing exposure assessments for young children.
9. Develop critical inputs for the human exposure models (SHEDS, CARES, Lifeline, Calendex, and others).
10. Collect preliminary data on environmental concentrations of selected metals found in the outdoor residential environment.
11. Evaluate the utility of standardized data collection methods for future large scale studies.
Description:
The goal of NERL's Exposure Research Program is to improve the scientific basis for conducting human exposure assessments that are part of the EPA's risk assessment, risk management and compliance process. Overall, we aim to address aggregate and cumulative exposures that pose the greatest risks to the American public. The program addresses exposures for the general population and susceptible subpopulations including children, asthmatics, and the elderly. A systemic approach is taken to planning and implementing our research. First, the highest priority regulatory needs for exposure data are identified. An iterative process between methods development, measurements, and modeling is then used to develop and conduct the research. Preliminary models are developed to identify key data gaps and uncertainties. Specific laboratory or field measurement studies are designed to:
1. Identify those chemicals, pathways, and activities that represent the highest potential exposures;
2. Systematically identify the data (exposure factors) required to estimate exposure by each route;
3. Develop approaches for generating the required data; and
4. Apply these approaches in field studies to develop data on exposures and the relevant exposure factors.
Currently, exposure measurement studies are addressing two critical areas: children's aggregate exposures to pesticides and inhalation exposure to PM, PM constituents, and air toxics. Outputs of current studies will be described. Details of new studies in both areas will also be provided.
This is an abstract of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy. The actual presentation has not been peer reviewed by EPA. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.