Assessing Human Exposure to Environmental Toxicants

Assessing exposure to environmental chemicals is a complex process. The tools available to assist in assessing exposure include ecologic information obtained from questionnaires, proximity to exposure sources, geographic information systems (GIS) or videotapes, environmental monitoring, biological monitoring, and exposure modeling. Each of these tools possesses various advantages and disadvantages, and very often, these vary depending on the target chemical or the exposure scenario. This article discusses the value of these exposure assessment tools in accurately assessing exposures, and their most appropriate use. It also provides examples of how one might best assess exposure with different target chemicals, exposure scenarios, and in different life stages.