Demographic and behavioral modifiers of arsenic exposure pathways: a Bayesian hierarchical analysis of NHEXAS data

Environ Sci Technol. 2008 Aug 1;42(15):5607-14. doi: 10.1021/es702338v.

Abstract

We introduce a Bayesian hierarchical statistical model that describes subpopulation-specific pathways of exposure to arsenic. Our model is fitted to data collected as part of the National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) and builds on the structural-equation-based analysis of the same data by Clayton et al. (Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology, 2002, 12, 29-43). Using demographic information (e.g., gender or age) and surrogates for environmental exposure (e.g., tobacco usage or the average number of minutes spent in an enclosed workshop), we identify subgroup differences in exposure routes. Missing and censored data, as well as uncertainty due to measurement error, are handled systematically in the Bayesian framework. Our analysis indicates that household size, amount of time spent at home, use of tapwater for drinking and cooking, number of glasses of water drunk, use of central air conditioning, and use of gas equipment significantly modify the arsenic exposure pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Arsenic / adverse effects
  • Arsenic / analysis*
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Body Burden
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Demography*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Environmental Monitoring* / methods
  • Environmental Monitoring* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Time Factors
  • United States
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • Water Supply*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Arsenic