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Human exposure assessment resources on the World Wide Web
Dieter Schwela1, Pertti J Hakkinen
1Physical and Chemical Exposure Unit, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, TP 460, I-21020 Ispra (VA), Italy. dieter.schwela@jrc.it
Toxicology
|May 13, 2004
Summary
The internet offers valuable resources for human exposure assessment, addressing a key bottleneck in risk assessment. Utilizing online tools and data can significantly enhance exposure analysis and risk evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Risk Assessment
- Information Science
Background:
- Human exposure assessment is a critical but often underdeveloped component of the overall risk assessment process.
- The World Wide Web and Internet present significant opportunities to overcome limitations in accessing and exchanging exposure assessment information.
- Existing online resources include mailing lists, training websites, and specialized databases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of the internet and World Wide Web as valuable resources for human exposure assessment.
- To identify existing online platforms and information sources relevant to exposure assessment.
- To suggest avenues for expanding web-based exposure assessment information.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing internet resources, including mailing lists and websites.
- Identification of organizations and programs providing exposure assessment information and training (e.g., US EPA, US National Library of Medicine, Alliance for Chemical Awareness, International Society of Exposure Analysis).
- Analysis of current and potential future web-based data collection and dissemination strategies.
Main Results:
- Numerous online resources, such as mailing lists (e.g., RISKANAL) and websites from agencies like the US EPA and the US National Library of Medicine, offer training and information.
- Specialized websites provide data on direct/indirect human exposures, occupational exposures, ecological assessments, and exposure factors specific to the United States.
- European initiatives are underway to develop multi-country exposure factor collections and a centralized information system (EIS-ChemRisks).
Conclusions:
- The internet serves as a powerful tool to enhance human exposure assessment by providing accessible information and facilitating knowledge exchange.
- Expanding web-based resources to include region-specific exposure factors and task-based consumer information is a significant opportunity.
- Developing centralized, web-accessible information systems is crucial for advancing the science of exposure analysis globally.