Modelling Exposure Heterogeneities

Abstract

Most scientists would agree if we describe models, by paraphrasing Picasso’s words, as “lies that help us to see the truth”. Models are incomplete representations of reality, but they help to reveal important features of natural and biological phenomena and, in certain cases, they lead to useful predictions. Successful models are based on physically meaningful concepts and adequate mathematical formulations. Reliable prediction requires accurate estimation of model parameters from the available information. The S/TRF model provides a flexible representation of environmental health processes that incorporates the natural and biological variabilities of such processes with mathematical power.