Exposure Pathways

This module describes how to clearly define, explain, and evaluate past, present, and future exposure pathways during the PHA process.

Woman holds hands with two children while looking at a factory that has two red and white smokestacks

Overview of the Exposure Pathway Evaluation

Exposure Pathway Categories

Element 1: Contamination Sources

Element 2: Environmental Fate and Transport

Element 3: Exposure Points

Element 4: Exposure Routes

Element 5: Potentially Exposed Populations

Tips for Conducting the Exposure Pathway Evaluation

ATSDR PHAT, Module 4

Circular diagram showing the 8 modules in the Public Health Assessment Training

Refer to Module 4, Exposure Pathway Evaluation, in ATSDR’s Public Health Assessment Training (PHAT) course. See case study examples, learn about evaluating exposure pathways for contaminants at hazardous waste sites, perform knowledge checks, and perform case study exercises. The link below will take you to the module’s registration page in CDC TRAIN.

Toolbox

Refer to the Site Information Checklist [PDF – 853 KB] for an overview of the types of information needed to conduct an exposure pathway evaluation.

Resources

Book open on a table with a laptop next to it

Find resources to help you gather information to inform the exposure pathway evaluation. For example, use ATSDR’s Exposure Pathways Checklist Table [PDF – 100 KB] to evaluate all possible exposure pathways and see those that apply to your site.