Towards further harmonization of a glossary for exposure science—an ISES Europe statement

Abstract

The use of aligned exposure science terminology is crucial for ease of comparison and appropriate interpretation of exposure information, regulatory reports, and scientific publications. Sometimes the use of different terminology in different contexts and areas of exposure science results in diverging interpretations of the same descriptor. During the development of the European strategy for exposure science, the need was identified to agree on a defined terminology requiring an evaluation of the commonly used terms, synonymous uses, and their relationships between each other. This paper presents the first steps in compiling the most important exposure-related terms from existing guidance documents and publications for exposure and risk assessment and adapting them to be useful for different contexts and areas. This initial step is intended to trigger discussion on terminology among exposure scientists around the globe and across regulatory and methodological silos. The glossary itself is intended as a living document to be hosted by the International Society for Exposure Science.

Enhancing Data Integration, Interoperability, and Reuse to Address Complex and Emerging Environmental Health Problems

“…Through their collaborations, SRP teams identified that researchers should work together to standardize terminologies and improve and expand existing ontologies to keep pace with the evolution and complexity of research. For example, on the exposure science side, groups are working to develop aligned terminology to support comparison and interpretation of exposure information that can be used, among other things, to better inform the application of regulatory guidelines across continents . Similarly, a new collaborative initiative advancing community development and application of a harmonized language for describing research within EHS is underway. , …”

“…For example, on the exposure science side, groups are working to develop aligned terminology to support comparison and interpretation of exposure information that can be used, among other things, to better inform the application of regulatory guidelines across continents. 48 Similarly, a new collaborative initiative advancing community development and application of a harmonized language for describing research within EHS is underway. 45,49 In parallel to ontologies, the knowledge graph is used to represent a collection of interlinked descriptions of entities that puts data in context while providing a framework for data integration, unification, analysis, and sharing.…”

Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030

“…• An exposure model (here "model") is a conceptual or mathematical representation of the exposure process [10,11]. As such it encompasses a concept, set of input parameters and mathematical equations that are defined based on a dataset or another source of past experience regarding exposure phenomena.…”

“…Standard exposure scenario. In the context of exposure modelling, a standard exposure scenario is defined as "a combination of facts, assumptions, and inferences that define a discrete situation where potential exposures may occur…" [10,11]. Exposure estimates depend decisively on the scenario, and since an unlimited number of different scenarios is imaginable, some regulatory settings (e.g.…”

Exposure Science in a Climate Change Scenario

“…Exposure science studies the contact between stressors and receptors and the associated exposure sources, exposure pathways, and processes potentially leading to impacts on human health and the natural and built environment. Stressors primarily refer to chemical, biological, and physical agents, and receptors range from molecules, cells, and organs to humans and other organisms [5]. Human exposure science is a critical component of the risk assessment process and is essential for establishing solid links in the environmental source-to-health outcome continuum and generating information that can be used to mitigate or prevent future adverse exposures [6, 7].…”