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Exposure Factors Handbook (1997 Final Report)

Note: EPA has updated this document, but this version is provided as a courtesy to the public as a matter of public record.

Contact
Jacqueline Moya
by phone at:   703-347-8539
by email at:  moya.jacqueline@epa.gov
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The Exposure Factors Handbook provides a summary of the available statistical data on various factors used in assessing human exposure. This Handbook is addressed to exposure assessors inside the Agency as well as outside, who need to obtain data on standard factors to calculate human exposure to toxic chemicals. These factors include: drinking water consumption, soil ingestion, 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. Recommended values are for the general population and also for various segments of the population who may have characteristics different from the general population. NCEA has strived to include full discussions of the issues that assessors should consider in deciding how to use these data and recommendations.
Background
Cover of the Exposure Factors Handbook
The National Center for Environmental Assessment has prepared this handbook to address factors commonly used in exposure assessments. This handbook was first published in 1989 in response to requests from many EPA Program and Regional offices for additional guidance on how to select values for exposure assessments.

This document provides a summary of the available data on consumption of drinking water; consumption of fruits, vegetables, beef, dairy products, and fish; soil ingestion; inhalation rates; skin surface area; soil adherence; lifetime; activity patterns; body weight; consumer product use; and the reference residence.

Next Steps

This is the Final report.

However, in 2009-10, the handbook is being revised to incorporate new data available since the final released in 1997. This will undergo product review and the final report will be posted on the EPA/NCEA Web site.

Downloads/Related Links

Related Link(s)

Additional Information

NCEA has also produced a CD-ROM that contains an interactive version of the Exposure Factors Handbook. The CD-ROM has word search capabilities, downloadable tables, hypertext links to various chapters in the document, and key references. A limited number of paper copies and CD-ROM version of the Handbook are available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) in Cincinnati, Ohio (phone 1-800-490-9198; 513-489-8190; fax 513-489-8695). Please provide the title and EPA number when ordering from NSCEP. Documents may also be ordered on-line at www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ordering.htm. Paper copies may be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) in Springfield, VA (phone 1-800-553-NTIS[6847] or 703-605-6000; fax 703-321-8547). Please provide the following numbers when ordering from NTIS:
  • Vol. I PB98-124225
  • Vol. II PB98-124233
  • Vol. III PB98-124241
  • The Set PB98-124217
In an effort to keep the Handbook up-to-date, NCEA will incorporate new data as they become available in the published literature. Please submit comments, recommendations, suggested revisions, and corrections to Jacqueline Moya.

Citation

U.S. EPA. Exposure Factors Handbook (1997 Final Report). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/P-95/002F a-c, 1997.
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