ORGANOCHLORINE EXPOSURE ESTIMATION IN THE STUDY OF CANCER ETIOLOGY

This paper discusses sampling and design considerations relevant to th e estimation of exposure to organochlorine compounds in epidemiologica l studies. We consider exposures measured directly via biomarkers of e xposure in the body. It is critical for the design, implementation, an d evaluation of studies that epidemiologists and biostatisticians be f amiliar with methodological issues relevant to the direct measure of e xposure. Etiologic, toxicokinetic, quality control and quality assuran ce, and statistical sampling are discussed. Finally, the limitations o f these studies and the need for complete reporting of methods are dis cussed. (C) 1994 Academic Press,Inc.