As a result of the combustion of organic substances, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous contaminant of our environment. Ambient air measurements in New Jersey indicate that localized sources are of great importance in influencing outdoor concentrations of this carcinogenic substance. A total human environmental exposure study (THEES) for BaP was initiated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). THEES will be carried out in two phases: (a) a microenvironmental survey of air, water, soil, and food BaP levels, and (b) a seasonal THEES. The study area will focus on a community impacted by a grey-iron foundry that utilizes coke in a cupola. Ten homes will be utilized in both the microenvironmental survey and the seasonal THEES, two of which will be in a nonimpact area (control). All homes will include indoor air measurements utilizing low volume PM10 samplers, while three outdoor PM10 high volume samplers will be operated simultaneously with the indoor samplers. Weekly composite food and water samples and individual home soil samples will also be taken. Each family will complete a daily activity questionnaire (AQ) to assist in the interpretation of the monitoring results. Information gathered during the microenvironmental survey will be used to fine-tune the THEES. The initial survey is important in the development of a THEES for trace contaminants, since sampling and analytical protocols may require modification pending the outcome of the microenvironmental investigations. Analysis of the results gathered by THEES will be utilized by DEP to apportion the contribution of various BaP exposure vectors to an individual's total exposure, thus playing a role in the development of cost-effective risk management options for trace contaminants in New Jersey.