The national health and nutrition examination survey and measurement of human exposure and body burden

Abstract

The purposes and uses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, are briefly described relative to environmental concerns. Questions are posed that essentially define barriers to incorporating important environmental exposure and burden assessments in future NHANES programs. Actions to aid in overcoming the barriers are proposed.

Key words:

• Exposure assessment
• national data
• current methodologies
• research needs