Chemical Specific Information Roadmap for Assessing Exposure Measurement Bias for Systematic Reviews
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We created a roadmap that helps to identify areas in which chemical-specific information or specialized expertise may be required to adequately assess bias in exposure measurements. We examined criteria for evaluating exposure measurement bias in several systematic review handbooks and tools commonly used in research and regulatory contexts. We also examined potential sources of bias in measurements of several chemicals (e.g., methylmercury, ethylbenzene, hexavalent chromium). We identified over 45 individual chemical specific items that have the potential to impact bias in epidemiology studies from exposure measurement error and we organized these items into 4 categories. In addition, we described strategies for operationalizing the roadmap for the collection of chemical specific information and use of the information to support assessing potential bias in epidemiology studies. The roadmap directs the user through the process of collecting and considering chemical-specific information needed to effectively evaluate bias in epidemiology studies from exposure measurement error. By gathering appropriate chemical-specific information early in the systematic review process, assessment of bias in individual studies included in the review can be conducted consistently and efficiently.