Underlying issues including approaches and information needs in risk assessment

Risk assessment requires a delicate consideration of the factors modifying exposure and effects. In this contribution a review is given of the qualitative and quantitative information needs that are essential for a proper risk assessment. The focus is on the details of metal exposure and exposure assessment, following the themes of environmental, physicochemical, and biological components that define exposure. Apart from a description of the principle processes and pathways, exposure assessment is placed in the context of risk assessment and its use in policy and regulatory decision making. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.