Science and Policy Challenges of Atmospheric Modelling in Consideration of Health Effects

Abstract

Next generations of atmospheric models are required to provide a realistic assessment of different types of chronic and acute environmental conditions and forecast the consequences on population health. These tasks were carried out usually with epidemiological studies, which are not adequate to indicate health effects, or even worse, they might lead into the introduction of wrong solutions. In order to achieve this, models should be capable to carry out hazard identification, dose-response evaluations, population exposure assessment and risk characterization, especially for the realistic evaluation of adverse effects if a toxic substance is absorbed by a particular organism or population in urban areas where the population density is significantly high.

The present work examines in detail if sufficient limit values are set in exposure media; if exposure assessment is now possible by using compliance data; if health impact assessment possible, and finally, if tracing exposure back to sources is achievable.