A proposal for improving the role of exposure modeling in risk assessment.
This paper explores the adequacy of using currently available exposure assessment models for indoor air inhalation exposures in the context of the uncertainty that exists in both the dose-response assessment and the exposure assessment. A tiered system is proposed for implementing exposure assessments. Each tier involves additional research, but also would lead to reductions in uncertainty. The authors discuss a possible comprehensive research program that will permit the building of well-validated models for indoor air inhalation exposures among classes of chemicals, building types, and exposure scenarios. The authors believe that until such a research program is undertaken, modeling of exposures (and therefore risks) using the current, unvalidated modeling approaches provides little more than worst-case estimates that are useful primarily for making screening decisions about risks.
Jayjock
M A
MA
Rohm and Haas Company, Toxicology Research Laboratory, Spring House, PA 19477.
Hawkins
N C
NC
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors