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An inventory of human exposure-related data bases
K Sexton1, D K Wagener, S G Selevan
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Health Research, Washington, District of Columbia 20460.
Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
A comprehensive inventory of federally funded databases for estimating human exposure to environmental agents was created. While many systems exist, critical data gaps remain regarding actual human contact and absorbed doses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Public Health Surveillance
- Toxicology
Background:
- Federal agencies compiled an inventory of 67 databases for estimating human exposure to environmental agents.
- Databases were selected based on large geographical coverage, accessibility, and federal funding.
Framework:
- Comparison of databases across exposure estimators, sample types, measured parameters, geographic scope, collection frequency, and location identifiers.
- Analysis of database origins, including regulatory compliance, research, and environmental monitoring.
Implementation:
- Databases vary widely in data quality, relevance, and availability.
- Established for diverse purposes such as regulatory compliance, research, and environmental monitoring.
Implications:
- Significant data gaps exist in quantifying human exposure to environmental agents.
- Lack of information on absorbed dose (internal exposure) hinders accurate risk assessment.