PNNL

Abstract

Exposure assessment is a critical component in estimating health risk. The analysis of exhaled breath offers an ideal non-invasive matrix for measuring volatile biomarkers associated with the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of chemicals under a variety of environmental conditions. A real-time, field-portable system was developed to directly analyze undiluted exhaled air from experimental animals and humans. The exhaled breath data is evaluated using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to estimate total exposure, internal target tissue dosimetry, and to describe kinetic changes. To date, the system has been used to conduct occupational exposure assessments and dermal bioavailability studies.