INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT PROTECTING AND PROMOTING PUBLIC-HEALTH - RATIONALE FOR A NATIONAL HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT SURVEY

Accurate and reliable exposure-related information is essential for in formed decisions about protecting and promoting public health. The nee d for more and better data on population exposures to environmental ch emicals is discussed, with emphasis on the justification for collectin g baseline data on exposure distributions for the general population a nd for important population subgroups. A rationale is provided for und ertaking exposure surveillance in the U.S. population by means of a Na tional Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS). The knowledge and un derstanding generated by NHEXAS will. contribute to more informed and more credible decisions in three ways: (I) by establishing a core set of approaches, methods, and data that weill significantly advance the field of exposure analysis; (2) by developing a strong and direct conn ection between science (exposure research and surveillance) and policy (decisions about assessment, management, and communication of health risks), and (3) by creating a connected group of researchers and regul ators who share a mutual appreciation and understanding of the value o f exposure surveillance for well-reasoned decisions.