Updated general exposure factors for risk assessment in the Korean population

Background There has been an increasing need to update the recommended values of Korean exposure factors for adults aged 19 and older, as using exposure factors developed over a decade ago could reduce risk assessment reliability. Objective Exposure factor data have been compiled and standardized using the latest national statistical reports and academic literature, as well as studies conducted from 2016 to 2018. Methods The updated data contained anthropometric parameters, inhalation rates, food and drinking water ingestion rates, and time-activity patterns and provided technical information on Koreans’ exposure factors classified by sex, age group, per capita and general population, and doer-only for various exposure assessments. Results Although the average life expectancy, body weight, body surface area, and inhalation rate increased slightly compared to the 2007 Korean Exposure Factor Handbook, differences various in food consumption were remarkable. Because of Asians’ similar food preferences, the intake rate of grain products and vegetables in Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese contributed much toward total intake. Koreans spent half their times outdoors compared to Americans and Chinese. Significance This study provided the currently updated exposure factor information for Koreans and could be compared with recommendations provided by exposure factor resources in various countries. Impact statement Exposure to environmental pollutants may significantly vary depending on the exposure factors related to human behaviors and characteristics. Therefore the exposure factors need to be continuously updated along with more extensive survey areas and improved measurement methods. We utilized the existing data with the aim to develop general exposure factors for risk assessment in Korean aged ≥19 years. Measurements and questionnaire surveys were also performed if there were no existing data. This study provided the currently updated exposure factor information for Koreans and could be compared to those of other countries.