Personalized Exposure Assessment: Promising Approaches for Human Environmental Health ResearchBrett TunnoEnvironmental ExposureDecember 1, 2009Introduction Complex interactions between genes and environment Environmental factors are a nice target Hypothesis: Newer, improved technology will lead to better health researchExposure Assessment Exposure metric – estimate for each individual Biologic sample or environmental monitoring Defining markers of genetic variation = important Lack reliable, cost-effective approachesTechnology A “toolbox” of methods External exposures Environmental sensors and GIS Internal exposures Biologic sensors, toxicogenomics, body burden assaysEnvironment-sensing devices Industrial effluents to household environments Personal dosimeters monitor CO “Lab-on-a-chip” sensing device Personal monitors – global positioningGIS Technology Spatial and temporal data display Predict contaminant fate and transport, identify pathways and exposure routes Future = spatially integrate behavioral patternsBiologic sensors Measure motion, temperature, heart rate Contain biological sensing agent Measure continuously, so reduce uncertainty Future = global sensing networksToxicogenomics Genes, mRNA transcripts, and proteins Classify exposures to chemicals and drugs Challenge = predictive markers More realistic view by incorporating multiple exposures at onceBody burden assays Heavy metals and phthalates Quantify chemicals in blood/urine samples Limits: specificity, background data Newer = chromatography and mass spectrometryWhy these approaches? Identify priority of diseases, environmental factors, and genetic determinants Identify target study population Genotyping can aid in process Targeted exposure assessment is necessaryFuture studies New methods can: Provide sensitivity areas Develop baseline data on exposure factors Improve exposure-model simulations Personal genetic information necessary? Ethical? Technology can lead to better health