ABSTRACT
There are different reasons to measure exposure to allergens and irritants. For instance, exposure can be measured (1) to compare air levels with existing exposure standards (compliance sampling); (2) in the context of prevention, surveillance, or monitoring programs; (3) for etiologic studies; and (4) as part of clinical evaluations, for instance, as part of challenge testing in a challenge room or in the work environment to observe specific responses or identify specific allergens responsible for the asthmatic response in an individual patient. The implications of the particular context for the exposure assessment strategy will be discussed.
