Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work

Abstract

The authors are occupational hygienists—two academics and one practitioner all with well-established credentials. The title is largely intended for occupational hygienists although much of it is useful for a wider readership within the occupational medicine community. The book represents a significant change from previous editions as its layout is focussed into six key thematic areas rather than the highly practical ‘how to’ approach of earlier editions. These sections range from a general chapter on the principles of risk assessment to technical chapters on, for example, the quantification of inhalational exposure. For an occupational physician, some of the material, for instance on dermal exposure, may be too technical. However, the key principles are so clearly elucidated in the more general chapters (an excellent introduction, a risk assessment/communication section) as well as in the beginnings and ends of the more technical chapters that the book’s value is clear. The book fulfils its title well in bringing together all the appropriate elements of the monitoring process for health hazards at work. It is clearly written, comprehensive and up to date. It is realistic in recognizing both the value and downside of quantification within the wider spectrum of occupational health risk management although these authors’ own place in this spectrum is clearly well towards the quantification approach. The book is a very valuable resource for occupational physicians although largely for reference only. Occupational physicianswho are new to the specialty should, however, borrow it from the library so as to read the excellent aspects of the book dealing with general principles.