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Maternal & Foetal Exposure Model

Assess MNP exposure to a developing foetus during pregnancy.

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Scientific Modeling Approach

1. Target Population Kinetics

Maternal/Fetal Vulnerability

Source: [Vethaak & Legler 2021 - Translocation potential]

A compromised gut barrier (e.g., IBD) amplifies the tiny fraction of particles (f_gut) that successfully enter the blood.

2. Ingestion Pathways

Water Concentration (C_water) [p/L]

Source: [Danopoulos et al. 2020]

Water Intake (IR_water) [L/day]

Source: [WHO Water Intake Guidelines]

Dietary MNP Load [particles/day]

Source: [Cox et al. 2019]
3. Inhalation & Mucociliary Clearance

Indoor Dust Conc. (C_dust) [p/m³]

Source: [Vianello et al. 2019]

Breathing Rate (IR_breath) [m³/hr]

Source: [EPA, Adult resting/light activity]

Oral Deposition Fraction (DF_oral)

Source: [ICRP Respiratory Tract Model]

Hours Indoors (Hours_in) [hr/day]

Source: [Klepeis et al. 2001 - NHAPS]
4. Translocation & Placental Transfer

Morphology & Size (Size Weighting)

Acts as an arbitrary multiplier applied to the total dose to emphasize the higher toxicity and translocation potential of smaller particles.

Placental Transfer Index (PTI)

A fixed, theoretical ratio of the maternal dose that reaches the foetus.

5. Hazard Characterization

Polymer & Chemical Profile

Source: [Lithner et al. 2011]
6. Risk Matrix Options

Exposure Thresholds

Source: [User Defined]