Retrospective analysis of the exposure assessment following chemical incidents

This article proposes an integrated exposure assessment approach to improve the identification of vulnerable groups by using spatial and temporal data during chemical incidents. A perspective view was proposed in the integrated approach. The exposure assessment was based on continuous and direct environmental monitoring. The exposure assessment was complemented by human biomonitoring measurements. A tired approach of environmental hazard, exposure level and exposure factors was used to identify vulnerable groups. Each step assessed the level of exposure, delineated areas and exposures were identified. This paper shows that the collection of direct measurements in the days following chemical incidents helps to monitor the evolution of the exposure. By performing continuous measurements in time and space, vulnerable groups within the general population can be identified in a timely manner. In conclusion, dynamic measurements in exposure assessment help to protect vulnerable groups with adapted public health recommendations. This integrated exposure assessment is adapted to different event contexts, such as industrial accidents, natural disasters or routine environmental monitoring, to determine soil contamination in order to prevent health impacts.