ExpoKids

ExpoKids characterizes aggregate chemical exposure in childhood using R and oral exposure estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Exposure Factors Interactive Resource for Scenarios Tool (ExpoFIRST).

Key Features:

• R implementation: Implemented in R for data analysis and visualization.
• EPA ExpoFIRST integration: Uses oral exposure estimates generated by the US EPA Exposure Factors Interactive Resource for Scenarios Tool (ExpoFIRST).
• Aggregate exposure analysis: Analyzes combined exposures to single chemicals across multiple exposure pathways.
• Dose metrics: Calculates average daily dose (ADD) and lifetime average daily dose (LADD).
• Visualization across lifestages: Produces five graphs spanning seven postnatal childhood lifestages plus adult to display relative contributions of media and lifestages.
• Case studies: Applied to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), manganese, and endosulfan to illustrate analyses.
• Data sources: Integrates published literature and databases as input data.
• Supports risk assessment questions: Enables exploration of children's health risk assessment and management questions through aggregate exposure characterization.

Scientific Applications:

• Aggregate exposure characterization: Quantify aggregate chemical exposure across childhood lifestages using ADD and LADD.
• Media and lifestage contribution analysis: Identify relative contributions of exposure media and specific lifestages to total chemical exposure.
• Chemical-specific evaluations: Compare exposure profiles for chemicals such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), manganese, and endosulfan.
• Risk assessment and prioritization: Inform children's health risk assessment and prioritization of interventions based on aggregate exposure profiles.

Methodology:

Implemented in R; ingests oral exposure estimates from EPA ExpoFIRST; computes average daily dose (ADD) and lifetime average daily dose (LADD); and generates five graphs across seven postnatal lifestages plus adult to display media and lifestage contributions.