Global net on consumer exposure modelling : proceedings of the Workshop no. 2 on source characterization, transport and fate, 20-21 June 2005, Intra (Italy)

The purpose of the Global Net on "Consumer Exposure Modelling" Workshop no. 2 on "Source characterisation, transport and fate" took place on 20-21 June 2005 in Intra (Italy) was: 1. To survey and discuss the general state-of -the-science of physicochemical micro-environmental model development specifically in the areas of source characterization relative to strength, timecourse, and transport and fate of emissions from predominantly indoors sources. 2. Provide specific recommendations - consensus or clear majority opinion on the path forward concerning this research. The outcome of the Workshop is summarized below: 1. A complete taxonomy of indoor pollution sources and sinks that would have a major impact on indoor air, surface concentrations, exposure and subsequent risk to human health was developed. 2. A decision not to outline, characterize or explicitly build upon the currently available source submodels beyond the draft workshop report done before the meeting. Instead the workshop participants endeavored to build a framework for this body of scientific work from "the ground up". Existing models, where available, were mentioned or otherwise used to fill in this framework. 3. Identification of specific operational model elements in the above taxonomy in a progressive tiered approach for each comprising zero tier, first tier and n-tier mechanistic source models. 4. The same type of framework was outlined for transport and fate models. 5. It was anticipated that given this comprehensive framework, practitioners will be able to potentially match-up the elements of each with existing model tools; however, in many cases, the specific sub-models do not exist and will require focused research and development.