Physiologically based toxicokinetic models in aggregate exposure: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Toxicology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Aggregate exposure (AE) assessment is vital for chemical risk assessment (CRA).
• Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) models offer a robust framework for AE evaluation.
• Existing literature on PBK model applications in AE assessment requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of PBK model applications in AE assessment.
• To identify chemical classes and exposure scenarios where PBK models are utilized.
• To explore the integration of human biomonitoring (HBM) data with PBK models for enhanced reliability.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across 1119 publications.
• Identification and selection of 40 relevant articles for review.
• Analysis of PBK model applications, chemical classes, exposure scenarios, and data sources.

Main Results:

• PBK models are widely applied in AE assessment, particularly for volatile organic compounds and plant protection products.
• Human populations are the primary focus, with HBM data frequently used to improve model accuracy.
• Studies support chemical risk assessment (CRA) and explore forward/reverse dosimetry for refined AE evaluations.

Conclusions:

• PBK models, especially when combined with HBM data, are essential for reliable AE and CRA.
• A broad interpretation of AE exists, necessitating standardized definitions.
• This review provides a foundation for future research in PBK modeling for Next-Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA).