Which method is most appropriate for assessing exposure?

Exposure can be assessed using indicator-based methods, such as creating buffer zones around a potential source of pollution. This technique is often used where only the source of the pollutant is known and no other data exist. Pollution source

Where emissions data exist, exposure can be assessed using dispersion models that simulate the transport of pollutants in the environment. Wind direction

Exposure can also be assessed by interpolating environmental monitoring data Air quality monitoring site

Micro-environmental (micro-media) monitoring can be used to monitor pollutants in particular buildings or sites. Monitoring sites are chosen based on the daily activity patterns of the population at risk. School Homes of children at risk Air quality monitoring site

A personal monitoring approach to assessing exposure often involves a sample of individuals at risk carrying portable monitoring devices School Child at risk X Portable monitoring device X 7am X 8am X 11am X 9, 10am

Which method is best for assessing exposure? For a given individual, personal monitoring is likely to provide a better estimate of exposure than the other methods. However, there are problems in scaling up the results of micro-media and personal monitoring from individuals to populations. It is often also difficult to assess long-term exposure using personal and micro-media monitoring. Low Indicator-based methods Dispersion models Accuracy of exposure for an individual Ambient pollution monitoring Micro-media monitoring Personal monitoring High