Common summary measures of exposure
| Summary measure of exposure | Representative physiological processes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Description | Description | Example |
| Average exposure | Arithmetic or geometric mean of past exposures | Slowly or partially reversible effects | Pulmonary irritants and FEV1 |
| Cumulative exposure | Product of intensity and duration | Cumulative, irreversible effects | Silica and silicosis |
| Duration of exposure | Start of exposure to onset of disease | As for cumulative exposure | “High” noise exposure and hearing loss |
| Peak exposure | Various measures of short term, high exposure periods | Reversible, inflammatory processes | Strain on lower back and back pain |