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Chemical Exposure
Research
Chemical Exposure Research is designed to reduce uncertainty in risk assessment by providing analytical methods to measure human exposure and provide data on human exposure. This research is conducted through a combination of intramural and complementary extramural programs.
EPA develops, improves and validates sensitive instrumental based analytical methodologies for measuring inorganic and volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile organic pollutants in aqueous and solid matrices to support exposure assessment and regulatory programs. State-of-the-art instrumentation is adapted, modified and applied to chemical exposure determination and indicator assessment. This leads to the development of reliable analytical methods which accurately identify and precisely measure chemical pollutants and their metabolites. Through this process, hazardous chemicals of emerging significance and interest can be identified.
Chemical Exposure Research includes interpretation and guidance concerning analytical methods to support a wide array of Agency programs and is the center of expertise for the development of dietary exposure methods, models and monitoring procedures to better understand and quantify human exposure from pollutants in foods and beverages, including drinking water.
These efforts complement those of EPA's exposure research program. Research is conducted to identify, evaluate and reduce exposures from the ingestion of foods and water caused by bioaccumulation of contaminants and interactions with other environmental media. This work includes adaptation of existing analytical methods to support special exposure monitoring programs, and the determination of organic and inorganic pollutants in water and food matrices through coordination of extramural programs and through the use of Chemical Exposure scientists for small-scale studies. EPA documents procedures and research results as standardized methods and in peer-reviewed publications.
Laboratory Methods
- Individual Online Chemical Methods
- Additional Methods Manuals
Ordering Information for eight drinking water Laboratory Analytical Chemistry Methods Manuals published by the EPA between 1988 and 1995 are available.
Software
- Dietary Exposure Potential Model Software
- Dietary Exposure Potential Model (DEPM) software is available for downloading. The DEPM correlates extant food information in a format for estimating dietary exposure.