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Enhancing Exposure Estimates

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Current Research Tasks

Improving Estimates of Exposures in the Application of Human Exposure Models with Air Quality Model Output

This research involves application of exposure models using modeled air pollutant concentrations to better understand both urban- and local-scale features in exposure to air pollution. Existing air pollution dispersion models do not possess the spatial resolution necessary to estimate concentrations at spatial scales that are reflective of actual human exposures. Coupling air quality models with human exposure models will shrink the divide between sub-county level concentration estimates and exposures occurring at the neighborhood/household level. This is especially important for air pollutants that vary over spatial scales that may affect people differently, but where measurements are limited or altogether not available. This research will have a broad impact on air pollutant exposure assessments conducted by EPAs program offices (e.g., Office of Air and Radiation), EPAs Regions, and States by demonstrating where, when, and how there is value added with increased modeling complexity and scientific understanding of the impact of air pollutant sources on human exposure. Details of Improving Estimates of Exposures in the Application of Human Exposure Models with Air Quality Model Output

Improving Exposure Classification for Health Studies

Studies that relate air pollution to the occurrence of public health effects may be improved by accounting for the difference in the actual levels of air pollution that people breathe. Typically, fixed-site community monitors are used to represent the concentration of air pollutants to which people are exposed. Factors such as local sources may cause variable impacts not represented by a community monitor. Additionally, human activities are highly variable and residential housing characteristics can significantly affect the ability of air pollutants to penetrate indoors. The objective of this research is to identify the key factors affecting the relationship between community monitored air pollution and the air people breath. This information is used to develop improved models to accurately estimate people’s exposure to air pollution. These models will be especially useful in public health analyses linking human health effects to air pollution. Details of Improving Exposure Classification for Health Studies

Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences

Research & Development | National Exposure Research Laboratory

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