Exposure Dose Reconstruction Assessment

Litigation of environmental, safety and workplace exposure cases is increasingly costly, time consuming and complex. In the past, many toxic tort, environmental contamination, occupational health and safety, cost recovery and other cases were decided on emotion and the jury's opinion of the credibility of opposing experts. Today, decisions are often dependent on the clear and concise presentation of site and exposure data, current research, and general scientific/technical principals. Successful expert support weaves together the diverse and complex technical information into a coherent illustration that is understandable to a nontechnical audience. The risk of an adverse health outcome after exposure to environmental agents is a function of the type, magnitude, duration, and pattern of exposure as well as, individual susceptibility to the exposure. Where it exists, quantitative workplace monitoring data over long periods can provide a definitive benchmark for determining exposure dose assessment. In cases where exposures in the environment can not be fully characterized based on available data, default values based on reasonable scientific assumptions, and supported by peer reviewed documentation are used as substitutes. As in most liability, enforcement, and cost recovery cases today, much of the information needed to determine exposure dose can be reconstruct using the subjective and qualitative information provided in deposition, workplace history, employment history and/or other relevant exposure information. A rigorous methodology is then required to “piece the puzzle” together providing for a reasonable and scientifically based picture of the facts. GZA’s professional scientists are well versed in exposure dose reconstruction assessment methods and are leaders in the exposure assessment field. We provide our clients with the expertise and guidance to effectively support their epidemiological, human risk assessment, compliance and legal liability issues.