Assessing the animal associated environment

Although assessments of the animal associated environment remain largely at the stage of gross description, it is clear that more precise and comprehensive expressions of resulting exposure are desirable. Both the problems to be overcome and the means of addressing technical imperatives have been characterized, and it appears that interest in this area will soon enter a "log phase" of growth. As a result, we may hope soon to deal with animal allergens in quantitative terms of dose and response and to appreciate how indoor ecosystems modulate challenge. It is realistic to hope that allowable exposure limits may follow and that from these will emerge innovative strategies ensuring healthful human-animal interactions.