Hierarchical Model Building, Fitting, and Checking: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Bayesian Analysis of Arsenic Exposure Pathways - Comment on Article by Craigmile et al

We congratulate the authors on their development of Bayesian hierarchical models that simultaneously overcome many of the challenges inherent to analyzing exposure pathways to Arsenic. Drs. Craigmile, Calder, Li, Paul and Cressie (herein referenced by CCLPC) address a range of obstacles with a sound mix of sophisticated models, useful plots and common sense. Their paper is well written throughout, making important illustrative, methodological and applied contributions. We thank the editor for inviting us to discuss this stimulating paper, and will begin by calling special attention to some particular highlights of the analysis by CCLPC. After which, we will mention a few aspects we believe can be further improved.