The Conceptual Framework for the U.S. EPAs National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) provides a foundation for addressing NERLs research mission and its scientific leadership goals. The document defines the domain of exposure science; describes the uses for exposure science within the EPA; and provides the principles for developing and implementing NERL research. NERLs mission is to conduct human health and ecological exposure research that provides the pertinent databases, predictive models, and analytical tools necessary for the EPA to carry out its mission. Fulfilling the EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment carries with it the challenge of understanding exposures for tens of thousands of chemical contaminants, a wide range of biological stressors, and many physical stressors. Exposure science provides the Agency with the fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to assess potential exposures for emerging environmental threats and to mitigate exposures to known contaminants and stressors. The Conceptual Framework articulates the importance of exposure science in both assessing and managing risks. Internally, the document creates our identity as the National Exposure Research Laboratory and provides a common understanding and a common language for exposure research and its applications. The document also communicates NERLs mission; organizational goals; and processes for strategic planning, communication and organizational development. Externally, the document is intended to define and advance the field of exposure science for both the EPA and the broader scientific community.

"EPA/600/R-09/003." Title from title screen (viewed May 8, 2009). "January 2009." Includes bibliographical references.

A Conceptual Framework for the U.S. EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory provides a foundation for addressing NERL's research mission and its scientific leadership goals. The document defines the domain of exposure science; describes the uses for exposure science within the EPA; and provides the principles for developing and implementing NERL research within the context of the conceptual framework.