GExFRAME - A Web-Based Framework for Accessing Global Consumer Exposure Data, Scenarios, and Models

Consumer exposure simulation models are used to estimate route-specific exposures to chemicals released from the use of consumer products. Specific mathematical algorithms are used to generate exposures. The input requirements for the algorithms include product-specific parameters, parameters specific to chemicals in the products, product use profiles, characteristics of product use locations, and human receptor parameters. Based on the availability of inputs, it is possible to estimate exposures at different degrees of complexity (priority setting versus assessment). A simple approach could involve deterministic calculations that result in single value outputs whereas a complex approach could involve probabilistic calculations based on Monte Carlo sampling techniques that result in distributional outputs. Multiple approaches can be implemented in a framework to conduct exposure assessments in a tiered manner. GExFRAME is a web-based scientific data and model management framework that has been developed to accommodate exposure related information. The current version has three branches in its Explorer-type tree, i.e., Data, Models, and Scenarios. The Data branch contains a collection of exposure related databases and the Model branch contains a collection of individual pathway-specific exposure algorithms. The Scenarios branch contains a list of product-specific scenarios that have pre-assigned exposure pathway-specific algorithms already connected to accept appropriate inputs in a deterministic or a probabilistic simulation. The data and models contained in GExFRAME are truly global in nature. Algorithms present in models such as CONSEXPO (RIVM), CARES (CropLife America), PROMISE (ACC), and CEM (US EPA) have been included in GExFRAME. The framework in GExFRAME is being constructed to be compatible with data and tools developed as part of the European Union¿s regulatory framework for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) and the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD, 2001/95/EC). In this presentation, the design, development, and layout of the GExFRAME web-based exposure modeling tool will be presented. In addition, the product-oriented and scenario-based approaches will be highlighted.

KEPHALOPOULOS Stylianos;  ARVANITIS Athanasios;  PANDIAN Muhilan; 

2009-03-06

International Society for Environmental Epidemiology & International Society of Exposure Analysis

JRC50651

http://secure.awma.org/events/isee-isea/,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC50651,