The integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model for lead in children: Independent validation and verification

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employs a model, the integrated ex posure biokinetic (IEUBK) model for lead in children, for the assessment of risks to children posed by environmental lead at hazardous waste sites. Th is paper describes results of an effort to verify the consistency oi the do cumentation with the computer model and to rest the computer code using a g roup that is independent from those involved in the model development. This review concluded that the IEUBK model correctly calculates the equations s pecified in the IEUBK model theory documentation. However, several issues w ere identified on model documentation, model performance, and the C++ progr amming language code (i.e., IEUBK model source code) documentation. These i ssues affect the ability of an independent reviewer to understand the worki ngs oi the IEUBK model but not the model's reliability. As a result of thes e findings, recommendations have been provided for updating documentation t o the model as well as associated adjustments to the model documentation.