Quantifying exposure to respiratory hazards in sub-Saharan Africa: planning your study

Abstract

Quantification of exposure to respiratory hazards is important for those involved in public health, epidemiology and advocacy work in Africa. This guidance offers an introduction to the topic of exposure assessment for the non-expert and explores the many challenges to performing such work in resource-limited settings. Questions about which pollutants to measure, in what manner, among which population groups and for how long, are explored before consideration is also given to potential practical problems and logistical difficulties that can be experienced. Issues such as battery life, instrument range, the need for a physical sample and/or temporal resolution of exposure data, budget and instrument security are examined with reference to real-life examples. The importance of suitable methods of handling acquired data is also highlighted. While acknowledging the rapid pace of technological advance in instrumentation, a brief options appraisal of some frequently used instruments is also provided.