title: Role of exposure databases in epidemiology.
abstract: At present, exposure databases record data primarily for regulatory purposes; they have not focused on serving the needs of epidemiologists or public health. However, the modification of exposure databases could facilitate their use in epidemiology. Characteristics necessary to enhance the use of all databases include easy access by users; documentation of methods, sampling bias, error, and inconsistences; widespread coverage in time and space; and methods and measures for estimating exposure of individuals as well as populations. Also needed are exposure scenarios and models to estimate exposures for geographic areas and time intervals not currently sampled. Multidisciplinary teams are needed to examine current databases, to review strategies for improving data collection, and to suggest and help implement appropriate changes. A long-term goal is to develop and validate data from exposure scenarios and models using data on the relationship of exposure to doses measured in humans.
authors: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Matanoski
authors: S G
authors: SG
authors: Selevan
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Akland
authors: R L
authors: RL
authors: Bornschein
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Dockery
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Edmonds
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Greife
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Mehlman
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: Shaw
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Elliott
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004813:Epidemiology; D006801:Humans