Integration of the oral bioaccessibility of trace elements in the human exposure and risk assessment of contaminated soils

Abstract : Bioaccessibility and bioavailability are often mentioned as parameters that might greatly improve the accuracy of human health risk assessment of contaminated sites. The objective of this paper is to give some insights into the implemention of using the bioaccessibility concept, focusing on the French methodology. In this framework, the assessment of the exposure media and the more classical human health risk assessment method are the two methodologies defined by the regulatory guidelines. The advantages and limits of integrating the bioaccessibility concept are developed. Bottlenecks are also identified to promote the utilization of such parameters more extensively in the management of contaminated sites.