Using human activity data in exposure models: Analysis of discriminating factors

Mccurdy, T; Graham, SE

HERO ID

2083145

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2003

Language

English

PMID

12923556

HERO ID 2083145
In Press No
Year 2003
Title Using human activity data in exposure models: Analysis of discriminating factors
Authors Mccurdy, T; Graham, SE
Journal Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology
Volume 13
Issue 4
Page Numbers 294-317
Abstract This paper tests factors thought to be important in explaining the choices people make in where they spend time. Three aggregate locations are analyzed: outdoors, indoors, and in-vehicles for two different sample groups: a year-long (longitudinal) sample of one individual and a cross-sectional sample of 169 individuals from the US Environmental Protection Agency's Consolidated Human Activity Database (CHAD). The cross-sectional sample consists of persons similar to the longitudinal subject in terms of age, work status, education, and residential type. The sample groups are remarkably similar in the time spent per day in the tested locations, although there are differences in participation rates: the percentage of days frequenting a particular location. Time spent outdoors exhibits the most relative variability of any location tested, with in-vehicle time being the next. The factors found to be most important in explaining daily time usage in both sample groups are: season of the year, season/temperature combinations, precipitation levels, and day-type (work/nonwork is the most distinct, but weekday/weekend is also significant). Season, season/temperature, and day-type are also important for explaining time spent indoors. None of the variables tested are consistent in explaining in-vehicle time in either the cross-sectional or longitudinal samples. Given these findings, we recommend that exposure modelers subdivide their population activity data into at least season/temperature, precipitation, and day-type "cohorts" as these factors are important discriminating variables affecting where people spend their time.
Doi 10.1038/sj.jea.7500281
Pmid 12923556
Wosid WOS:000184224200006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword cross-sectional data; exposure modeling; human activity data; indoor time; longitudinal data; outdoor time; motor vehicle time