Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

Total Human Exposure Assessment Study (THEXAS - phys)

Objective

Specific Objectives:
1. To operate the travel standard of the European Reference Centre for UV Radiation Measurements (ECUV); 8 to 10 UV measurements stations in the Member States will be calibrated. First visits also to measurement stations in the accession countries are foreseen for 2003 (latest 2004);
2. To model UV radiation over Europe for the time period of 1984 to 2001;
3. To evaluate science and policy issues related to the impact of physical stressors to total human exposure;
4. To contribute to the harmonisation of methods and models for mapping the spatial distribution of noise e.g. from mobile and stationary sources. In the context of the HARMONOISE project an experimental campaign of noise & micrometeorological measurements will be performed in the region of Tuscany to collect data needed for the validation of the harmonised methods for noise under development. Anticipated milestones and schedule.
Planned Deliverables:
1. Report on the calibration of the European monitoring stations using the ECUV facility (European Reference Centre for UV Radiation Measurements);
2. Report on UV radiation maps for Europe 1984-2001;
3. Report on the evaluation of science and policy issues related to the impact of physical stressors to total human exposure;
4. Intermediate Report on the experimental campaign for noise & micrometeorological measurement in the context of the HARMONOISE project;
5. Organisation of a Workshop on "development of harmonised methodologies in EU to estimate human exposure to noise and associated health effects".
Summary of the Action:
The JRC will strive to accurately evaluate the risk for European citizens deriving from the overall exposure to physical agents occurring outdoors and in occupational environments. In the frame of the holistic approach to the total human exposure concept the health effect of physical stressors on human well being will be estimated and assessed as the basis for the development and implementation of: - common measurement methods and protocols - common exposure models and - exposure guidelines The work will be carried out in dedicated laboratories specialised in the different types of exposure pathways and stressors. These are being developed to act in their respective areas as Reference Laboratories at EU level to improve the currently achievable quality, representative ness and comparability of measured data related to consumer and occupational exposure.

Rationale:
One of the fundamental aims of the European Treaty is to ensure a high level of protection to the European citizens. Population exposure to environmental stressors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation and noise may strongly affect well being and possibly constitutes a significant health risk. In the last years both UV radiation and environmental noise have been the subject of critical discussions in the Member States, which shows the need for more information on possible health impacts and the development of European policies. For the development and efficient implementation of European policies to protect human health and the environment, the Commission needs sound scientific knowledge on occurrence, source strengths, distribution and on exposures of European citizens to these physical agents. This gives the JRC a clear mandate to accurately evaluate the risk for European citizens deriving from the overall exposure to physical agents occurring outdoors and in occupational environments.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

Institute for Health and Consumer Protection
EU contribution
No data
Address
Via E. Fermi 1
21020 Ispra
Italy

See on map

Total cost
No data