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Unit Exposure Assessment and Exposure Standardisation
Exposure describes the contact between people and substances and micro-organisms. Intake can be via the mouth (oral), the skin (dermal) and the lungs (inhalational). It is estimated quantitatively by means of model calculations if it cannot be measured. The Unit standardises these estimates by the suitability and predictive accuracy (validation) of models, and the parameters used to characterise exposure (exposure scenarios). Together with data on toxic properties, quantitative risk characterisation is undertaken in co-operation with the competent expert departments. Various types of information is needed to carry out an exposure assessment like details on the use of the substances, the behaviour of the exposed persons (e.g. contact duration etc) and personal details (e.g. size, weight, age, disease, etc). These are the foundations for drawing up a model that depicts the translation of the scenario into a mathematical relationship. Modelling is done with the help of computer programs.
The Unit is involved in the planning, staging and evaluation of studies on data collection both in the chemicals and food areas (e.g. National Food Consumption Study - NVS).
Main areas of work
- Exposure assessments on the risk assessment of chemicals from the consumer angle
- Exposure assessments of the risk assessment of foods with regard to micro-organisms
- Ongoing scientific development of exposure assessment
- Probabilistic exposure modelling and model testing
- Inclusion of exposure modelling in statutory regulations
- EU activities on the new chemicals policy with a special focus on consumer exposure
- Data collection on exposure assessment
