WHAT DO WE MEAN BY DATA IN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT

For the purposes of this document, the term data is defined broadly based on the description of exposure assessment detailed in IPCS (2004) and covers a wide variety of measurements, methods, modelling and survey information relevant to a given exposure assessment. The definition of data also includes the many elements of exposure assessment, from the development of exposure scenarios to the details of how they are modelled, to the selection of model input parameters and ultimately to how the results and their uncertainties are characterized and communicated to others (see text box for more detailed definitions). 

Exposure scenario a combination of facts, assumptions, and inferences that define a discrete situation where potential exposures may occur. These may include the source, the exposed population, the time frame of exposure, microenvironment(s), and activities. Scenarios are often created to aid exposure assessors in estimating exposure (IPCS, 2004). 

Exposure model a conceptual or mathematical representation of the exposure process (IPCS, 2004). The term model is used to describe exposure, including all the circumstances, the scenarios and their mathematical expressions. 

Parameter The term parameter has several different meanings, ranging from specific to general. In this document, it is used in a broad sense to include physical constants, calibration constants and other inputs to a model that may vary, such as over time, over space or among individuals in an exposed population (see Part 1 of this document). 

3 This definition of data is what the United States Office of Management and Budget (2002) Information Quality Guidelines refer to as information . 

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