Modeling human exposure to hazardous-waste sites: A question of completeness
In risk analysis, we use human-exposure assessments to translate contaminant sources into quantitative estimates of the amount of contaminant that comes in contact with human-environment boundaries, that is, the lungs, the gastrointestinal tract, and the skin surface of individuals within a specified population. An assessment of intake requires that we determine how much crosses these boundaries. Exposure assessments often rely implicitly on the assumption that exposure can be linked by simple parameters to ambient concentrations in air, water, and soil. However, more realistic exposure models require that we abandon such simple assumptions. To link contaminant concentrations in water, air, or soil with potential human intakes, we construct pathway-exposure factors (PEFs). For each PEF we combine information on environmental partitioning as well as human anatomy, physiology, and behavior patterns into an algebraic term that converts concentrations of contaminants into a daily intake per unit body weight in mg/kg-d for a specific route of exposure such as inhalation, ingestion, or dermal uptake. Using examples involving human exposure to either a radionuclide (tritium, {sup 3}H) or a toxic organic chemical (tetrachloroethylene, PCE) in soil, water, and air, we illustrate the use of PEFs and consider the implications for risk assessment. 12 refs., 4 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5389808
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-105085; CONF-910508-1; ON: DE91016919
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Joint international symposium on the environmental consequences of different waste disposal practices, Stockholm (Sweden), 27-31 May 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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