Human exposure variables (HEVs) available in France for quantitative health risk assessments (QHRAs)

In quantitative health risk assessment (QHRA), it is necessary, during the exposure characterization phase, to take into account, as much as possible, the specific characteristics of the population under study—including morphophysiological data, as well as consumption patterns, habits, and behaviors. These characteristics are referred to as human exposure variables (HEVs). Since it is often impossible to establish ad hoc HEVs (due to cost considerations, incompatibility with the desired turnaround time, or the inability to measure the parameters), health risk assessors need direct access to data tailored to the context and the study population. However, in the absence of a common French reference framework in this field, it is currently sometimes difficult to find the necessary information. Thus, this document lists the most recent and relevant French HEVs available in 2011 for the French population and usable in the EQRS. In France, when used in fields other than EQRS, certain VHE specific to the French population are readily accessible (body mass, dietary intake data, and nutritional intake), as well as habits and behaviors (space-time budget). Conversely, HEVs used exclusively (or almost exclusively) in EQRS are not well documented (body surface area, respiratory flow rate, unintentional dust ingestion, residence duration). When no data is available in France, the risk assessor can only rely on international data, while being aware of the uncertainties this entails. (R.A.)

Author(s): Tardy G, Kairo C, Dereumeaux C

Publishing year: 2013

Pages: 45 p.

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