Advancing exposure data analytics and repositories as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020-2030.

High-quality and comprehensive exposure-related data are critical for different decision contexts, including environmental and human health monitoring, and chemicals risk assessment and management. However, exposure-related data are currently scattered, frequently of unclear quality and structure, not readily accessible, and stored in various-partly overlapping-data repositories, leading to inefficient and ineffective data usage in Europe and globally. We propose strategic guidance for an integrated European exposure data production and management framework for use in science and policy, building on current and future data analysis and digitalization trends. We map the existing exposure data landscape to requirements for data analytics and repositories across European policies and regulations. We further identify needs and ways forward for improving data generation, sharing, and usage, and translate identified needs into an operational action plan for European and global advancement of exposure data for policies and regulations. Identified key areas of action are to develop consistent exposure data standards and terminology for data production and reporting, increase data transparency and availability, enhance data storage and related infrastructure, boost automation in data management, increase data integration, and advance tools for innovative data analysis. Improving and streamlining exposure data generation and uptake into science and policy is crucial for the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and European Digital Strategy, in line with EU Data policies on data management and interoperability.

Indoor air monitoring: Sharing and accessing data via the Information Platform for chemical monitoring (IPCHEM).

BACKGROUND: The European Commission has developed and put in place the Information Platform for Chemical Monitoring Data (IPCHEM), to promote a more coherent approach to the generation, collection, storage and use of chemical monitoring data in relation to humans and the environment. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the specific development of the IPCHEM thematic module "Products and Indoor Air Data" which aims to facilitate the retrieval of and access to existing and future chemical monitoring data sources stemming from e.g. national monitoring programs of EU Member States and EU funded projects. The current development focusses on harmonised data and metadata templates and code lists related to indoor air monitoring data. METHODS: The extension and revision of the IPCHEM metadata and data collection templates for indoor air monitoring data was based on harmonisation and standardisation efforts on the development of indoor air monitoring protocols and guidelines for monitoring indoor pollution attributed to chemical and biological stressors, which were undertaken by European Commission Services, EU funded projects and research networks and EU Members States. RESULTS: A list of ten candidate data collections for potential integration were identified and prioritised. A different level of relevance was attributed to the enhanced metadata and data elements (mandatory, recommended, optional) to allow for their flexible applicability by end users. These elements should be provided for reaching the required quality in the data documentation as well as for ensuring a correct data traceability and interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed enhanced metadata and data models of the IPCHEM thematic module "Products and Indoor Air Data" can be used by data providers when planning and setting up their future indoor air monitoring campaigns, or to further mapping and harmonising data elements of their existing data collections for further integration into IPCHEM. This will boost the effective implementation of a coordinated approach for collecting, accessing and sharing existing and future indoor air monitoring data in support of policy making.