Veille documentaire MTPH

Auteur Paul J Lioy
Résumé Background: The study of Human exposure to environmental toxicants has evolved as a scientific field over the past 30 years. Objectives: This review provides a historical perspective on the field’s growth with some emphasis on the results from the initial « observational » studies in obtaining information needed for generating hypotheses on significant human « contact » with environmental agents, testing the performance of models, and in reducing exposures to protect public health. Discussion: Advances in activity pattern and behavioral research that established a suite of variables needed to accurately define contact and factors which influence contact are also discussed. The identification and characterization of these factors have played a pivotal role in the growth of the field and in developing exposure reduction strategies. Answers to two key questions on the relevance and fundamental value of exposure science to the fields of environmental health and risk management are presented as a path forward: 1. What does one do with such (exposure) information? 2. What roles does Exposure Science play in situations beyond observational analyses and interpretation? Conclusions: The discussion identifies the need for more focused use of « observational studies » of exposure for epidemiological analyses. Further, the need to introduce and utilize new tools and approaches for hypothesis testing and that can improve the use of exposure science in prevention research for risk management is a necessity to impact the source to effect continuum. A major restructuring of the field is not required to achieve innovation. However, additional resources for training and education are required to ensure that the potential for exposure science to play a central role in reducing and preventing excess risk within environmental/occupational health is achieved.
Publication Environmental Health Perspectives
Date Mar 22, 2010
Abréviation de revue Environ Health Perspect