Methodology for assessment of exposure to environmental factors in application to epidemiological studies

Assessment of exposure to environmental factors is a crucial step in each study investigating the impact of these factors on health, and is an essential component of the risk assessment process. The methodology of exposure assessment is developing rapidly, creating new opportunities for environmental epidemiology. At the same time, the practical requirements of population studies impose several restrictions on the feasibility of measurement methods, and determine certain requirements related to the methodʹs validity. To evaluate existing exposure assessment methods in terms of their applicability to environmental epidemiology, the Consultation reviewed exposure assessment needs in studies of acute and delayed health effects, methods of assessing exposure through specific media or routes, and issues related to study design and exposure modelling. The recommendations refer to study design and conduct, methods of evaluation and publication, and to the policy issues and applications.