Exposure Factors Research

Objective/Intended Use

The purpose of this task is to direct exposure factors research to assist in filling data gaps that were identified during the preparation of the EPA Exposure Factors Handbook (EFH).

Abstract

The Exposure Factors Handbook provides a summary of the available statistical data on various factors used in assessing human exposure including drinking water consumption, soil ingestion rates, inhalation rates, dermal factors including skin area and soil adherence factors, consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish, meats, dairy products, homegrown foods, breast milk intake, human activity factors, consumer product use, and residential characteristics. The development of the Exposure Factors Handbook (EPA/600/P-95/002Fa-Fc) has brought to light the importance of the availability of the most up-to-date and accurate data on exposure factors used in assessing exposure to contaminants in the environment. During the preparation of the Exposure Factors Handbook, many data gaps were identified. In order to fulfill those data gaps further research is being conducted. Results from this research will assist in keeping the Handbook updated.

There are 8 tasks under this project area.
1. Analysis of food consumption using 1994-96 CSFII USDA food consumption survey to update food consumption chapter in the EFH.
2. Chemical and statistical analysis of data from a soil ingestion study in Washington state to develop better estimates of soil ingestion by both adults and children.
3. Develop methodology to fit distributions to the data for selected factors in the Exposure Factors Handbook to be used in probabilistic assessments.
4. Conduct analysis of fat intake data using the 1994-96 CSFII data.
5. Conduct analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on food consumption.
6. Develop methodology to account for correlations among exposure factors.
7. Analysis of fish consumption data from the Squaxin and Tulalip Tribes.
8. Individual's Diet Composition Study - analysis of CSFII 94-96 diet composition of individuals.

Project Status

1. Analysis of food consumption using 1994-96 CSFII USDA food consumption survey to update food consumption chapter in the EFH. Start July 1999. Final expected May 2003.
2. Chemical and statistical analysis of data from a soil ingestion study in Washington state. Chemical analysis - start June 2002. Coop initiated with FHCRC for statistical analysis expected Sept. 2003.
3. Develop methodology to fit distributions to the data for selected factors in the EFH. Final report published in both paper copy and NCEA homepage. Start June 1997; completed July 2000.
4. Conduct analysis of fat intake data using the 1994-96 CSFII data. Start Sept. 2000. Analysis completed; external peer review completed Aug. 2002; final report July 2003.
5. Conduct analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on food consumption. Start Sept. 2000. Analysis and draft report completed April 2001; peer review completed; final report expected July 2003.
6. Develop methodology to account for correlations among exposure factors. Start Jan. 2001. Preliminary Draft report completed May 2002; external peer review draft expected March. 2003; final expected Nov. 2004.
7. Native American Fish Consumption Data Analysis. Start June 2003; final expected May 2004.
8. Individual's Diet Composition Study. Start May 2003; final expected May 2004.

Project Start Date

06/30/1997

Project Completion Date (Actual/Projected)

11/30/2004

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