Workplace Exposure Assessment Research Articles

Epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Purpose of review To assess the methodological approach to epidemiological research on musculoskeletal disorders and diseases based on current scientific position. Recent findings Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single primary cause of disability in most of the countries in the world. However, there is still a lack of comparable data because of different case definitions, which are split according to body region/specific disease. Traditionally related to physical overload, current evidence shows that MSDs might result from hereditary, congenital, or acquired pathologic processes. The term work-related MSDs (WRMSDs) is commonly used when reasonable association with occupational physical and psychosocial conditions is recognized. Summary After decades of research, we still find gaps in the literature on WRMSDs, especially concerning diagnostic criteria, workplace exposure assessment, and compensation. The impact of new technologies, flexible/remote work, new forms of employment, changes in the working environment as well as of sedentary work, is now emerging. Therefore, conventional forms of epidemiological research in MSD prevention, needs to be adapted. Together with ongoing harmonization policies, new perspectives for exposure and clinical assessment are required, as well as strategies for monitoring large cohorts of individuals along the working day and the lifespan. There is a need for new approaches for planning and promoting interventions to prevent MSDs and to support vulnerable groups.

Occupational Exposures to Engineered Nanomaterials: a Review of Workplace Exposure Assessment Methods.

The purpose of this review is to consolidate exposure assessment methods for occupational research on engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) published within the past 5years (2015-2020). The three ENMs that generated the highest volume of new research include titanium dioxide, graphene, and aluminum oxide. A multi-metric approach, using both online and offline instruments and analyses, has been found to be a useful method to characterize ENM workplace exposures and was commonly used in the recently published literature. Particle number concentration was the most common online exposure metric used, followed by the metrics of mass and surface area. There are currently no consensus methods for offline analyses of most ENMs. Researchers generally used gravimetric or elemental analyses for carbonaceous nanomaterials, titanium dioxide, and other nanometals, but there was little overlap between other ENM materials reviewed. Using biological markers of exposure, such as urinary oxidative stress biomarkers, as an indication of chronic exposure may also be useful for some ENMs and should be further researched. Generally, similar online instrumentation and offline electron microscopy methods were used for all ENMs. However, this consistency was not observed for offline mass analysis methods within specific ENMs. Consolidation of the most recent methods and results of exposure assessments within this broad material category can guide researchers toward future areas of study. Establishing consensus methods of exposure assessment for each individual ENM is crucial to characterizing workplace exposures, pooling data to fully understand their associated risks, and developing useful occupational exposure limits.

Occupational exposure to graphene and silica nanoparticles. Part II: pilot study to identify a panel of sensitive biomarkers of genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory effects on suitable biological matrices

The available biomonitoring studies on workers producing/handling nanomaterials (NMs) focused on potential effects on respiratory, immune and cardio-vascular system. Aim of this study was to identify a panel of sensitive biomarkers and suitable biological matrices to evaluate particularly genotoxic and oxidative effects induced on workers unintentionally exposed to graphene or silica nanoparticles during the production process. These nanomaterials have been chosen for ‘NanoKey’ project, integrating the workplace exposure assessment (reported in part I) with the biomonitoring of exposed workers reported in the present work. Simultaneously to workplace exposure characterization, we monitored the workers using: Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay, fpg-comet test (lymphocytes), oxidized DNA bases 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodGuo measurements (urine), analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), FENO measurement and cytokines release detection (serum). Since buccal cells are among the main targets of NM occupational exposure, particular attention was posed to the BMCyt assay that represents a noninvasive assay. This pilot study, performed on 12 workers vs.11 controls, demonstrates that BMCyt and fpg-comet assays are the most sensitive biomarkers of early, still reparable, genotoxic and oxidative effects. The findings suggest that these biomarkers could represent useful tools for the biomonitoring of workers exposed to nanoparticles, but they need to be confirmed on a high number of subjects. However, such biomarkers don’t discriminate the effects of NM from those due to other chemicals used in the NM production process. Therefore, they could be suitable for the biomonitoring of workers exposed to complex scenario, including nanoparticles exposure.

Criteria for diagnosis and attribution of an occupational musculoskeletal disease.

Background:Criteria for diagnosis and compensation of occupational musculoskeletal diseases varies widely between countries as demonstrated by the large differences between countries with comparable economics and social systems (for example, within the European Union). Several countries have a list of occupational diseases and sometimes these lists include diagnostic and attribution criteria, but these criteria are usually not very specific, and they may also be very different.Objectives:The aim of this paper is to explicitly define what are the information needed for an evidence-based diagnosis and attribution of an occupational musculoskeletal disease.Methods:Based on the general framework of evidence-based medicine, a review is presented of the information required to define: - when a musculoskeletal disease is present, according to the best available techniques; - how to define a relevant exposure to biomechanical risk factors, according to the best available techniques.Results:Criteria are presented to combine information regarding the diagnosis of a musculoskeletal disease and exposure to biomechanical risk factors for an evidence-based attribution of the disease to the occupational exposure. The criteria use a probabilistic model that combine epidemiologic and medical findings, workplace exposure assessment, and non-occupational factors evaluation.Discussion:The use of the proposed criteria may improve the process of diagnosis and attribution of an occupational musculoskeletal disease. In addition, it makes possible to associate a probability rank to the attribution and, ultimately, it may improve the overall quality of the decisional process of the occupational physician.

The CHARGE study: an assessment of parental occupational exposures and autism spectrum disorder

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to determine if parental occupational exposure to 16 agents is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).MethodsDemographic, health and parental occupational data were collected as...

Characterization and workplace exposure assessment of nanomaterial released from a carbon nanotube-enabled anti-corrosive coating

Improvement of methods to quantify the release and characterization of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) from nano-enabled products is essential to enhance the accuracy and usability of environmental health and safety evaluations. An anticorrosive coating containing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was analyzed for nano-scale material and workplace exposure potential. Worker breathing zone measurements for elemental carbon (EC) and electron-microscopy-based structure counts showed negligible MWCNT exposure to workers during laboratory and spray-painting operations over the course of two 8-hour shifts (arithmetic mean inhalable EC and electron microscopy structure count concentrations were 6.47 μg/m3 and 0.084 structures/cm3 respectively). UV weathering prior to abrasion testing increased the nano-size fraction of released material as measured by a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS) and visual inspection by SEM indicated increased presence of exposed MWCNTs embedded in the polymer matrix. However, no free MWCNTs were identified, despite evidence of MWCNTs embedded in airborne particles. TiO2, used as a pigment in the coating and not anticipated as a candidate for nano-specific scrutiny, contained a small fraction (3.5% in number) of nano-sized constituents (<100 nm). This work emphasizes need for rigorous characterization of additive materials to properly assess potential health hazards and to better our understanding of what qualifies as “nano”.

A New Approach Combining Analytical Methods for Workplace Exposure Assessment of Inhalable Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

To date there is no consensus about the most appropriate analytical method for measuring carbon nanotubes (CNTs), hampering the assessment and limiting the comparison of data. The goal of this study is to develop an approach for the assessment of the level and nature of inhalable multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs) in an actual workplace setting by optimizing and evaluating existing analytical methods. In a company commercially producing MWCNTs, personal breathing zone samples were collected for the inhalable size fraction with IOM samplers; which were analyzed with carbon analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Analytical methods were optimized for carbon analysis and SEM/EDX. More specifically, methods were applied and evaluated for background correction using carbon analyses and SEM/EDX, CNT structure count with SEM/EDX and subsequent mass conversion based on both carbon analyses and SEM/EDX. A moderate-to-high concordance correlation coefficient (RC) between carbon analyses and SEM/EDX was observed [RC = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.92] with an absolute mean difference of 59 µg m-3. A low RC between carbon analyses and ICP-MS (RC = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.07-0.67) with an absolute mean difference of 570 µg m-3 was observed. The large absolute difference between EC and metals is due to the presence of non-embedded inhalable catalyst particles, as a result of which MWCNT concentrations were overestimated. Combining carbon analysis and SEM/EDX is the most suitable for quantitative exposure assessment of MWCNTs in an actual workplace situation.

Minimum standards on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of occupational and work‐related skin diseases in Europe – position paper of the COST Action StanDerm (TD 1206)

Skin diseases constitute up to 40% of all notified occupational diseases in most European countries, predominantly comprising contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and skin cancer. While insufficient prevention of work-related skin diseases (WRSD) is a top-priority problem in Europe, common standards for prevention of these conditions are lacking. To develop common European standards on prevention and management of WRSD and occupational skin diseases (OSD). Consensus amongst experts within occupational dermatology was achieved with regard to the definition of minimum evidence-based standards on prevention and management of WRSD/OSD. By definition, WRSDs/OSDs are (partially or fully) caused by occupational exposure. The definition of OSD sensu stricto additionally includes diverging national legal requirements, with an impact on registration, prevention, management, and compensation. With the implementation of the classification of WRSD/OSD in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11th Revision in future, a valid surveillance and comparability across countries will be possible. Currently, WRDS and OSD are still under-reported. Depending on legislation and regulations, huge differences exist in notification procedures in Europe, although notification is crucial to prevent chronic and relapsing disease. Facilities for early diagnosis, essential for individual patient management, should be based on existing guidelines and include a multidisciplinary approach. Patch testing is essential if contact dermatitis persists or relapses. Workplace exposure assessment of WRSD/OSD requires full labelling of product ingredients on material safety data sheets helping to identify allergens, irritants and skin carcinogens. Comparable standards in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention must be established in Europe to reduce the burden of WRSD/OSD in Europe. The adoption of common European standards on prevention of WRSD/OSD will contribute to reduce the incidence of OSD and their socio-economic burden.

Estimation of heavy metal exposure in workplace and health risk exposure assessment in steel industries in Iran

Abstract Measuring air pollutants such as heavy metals in the workplace, usually takes a long time, equipment and budget and due to variation in concentration, the results of short term researches are not reliable. To assess the health risk of workers in the smelting unit of an alloy steel factory to long term exposure to heavy metals, a simple, fast and less expensive method was used for evaluation with the combination of suspended dust analysis and PM 10 measuring. The results showed that the highest and lowest concentration value was respectively recorded for Pb and Cd. Although, the average concentrations of heavy metals were lower than the recommended levels of occupational exposure, their occupational carcinogenic risks were different. The carcinogenic risk of Pb, Ni and Cd was low and acceptable, but was higher and unacceptable for Cr; therefore, using protective respiratory equipment and more efficient local ventilation was recommended.

What are the Driving Factors Influencing the Size Distribution of Airborne Synthetic Clay Particles Emitted from a Jet Milling Process?

In the field of workplace air quality, measuring and analyzing the size distribution of airborne particles to identify their sources and apportion their contribution has become widely accepted, however, the driving factors that influence this parameter, particularly for nanoparticles (< 100 nm), have not been thoroughly determined. Identification of driving factors, and in turn, general trends in size distribution of emitted particles would facilitate the prediction of nanoparticles’ emission behavior and significantly contribute to their exposure assessment. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the particle number size distribution data, with a particular focus on the ultrafine size range of synthetic clay particles emitted from a jet milling machine was conducted using the multi-lognormal fitting method. The results showed relatively high contribution of nanoparticles to the emissions in many of the tested cases, and also, that both surface treatment and feed rate of the machine are significant factors influencing the size distribution of the emitted particles of this size. In particular, applying surface treatments and increasing the machine feed rate have the similar effect of reducing the size of the particles, however, no general trend was found in variations of size distribution across different surface treatments and feed rates. The findings of our study demonstrate that for this process and other activities, where no general trend is found in the size distribution of the emitted airborne particles due to dissimilar effects of the driving factors, each case must be treated separately in terms of workplace exposure assessment and regulations.

Dose - response relationship between noise exposure and the risk of occupational injury.

Many workers worldwide experience fatality and disability caused by occupational injuries. This study examined the relationship between noise exposure and occupational injuries at factories in Korea. A total of 1790 factories located in northern Gyeonggi Province, Korea was evaluated. The time-weighted average levels of dust and noise exposure were taken from Workplace Exposure Assessment data. Apart occupational injuries, sports events, traffic accidents, and other accidents occurring outside workplaces were excluded. The incidences of occupational injury in each factory were calculated by data from the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Services. Workplaces were classified according to the incidence of any occupational injuries (incident or nonincident workplaces, respectively). Workplace dust exposure was classified as <1 or ≥1 mg/m3, and noise exposure as <80, 80-89, or >90 dB. Workplaces with high noise exposure were significantly associated with being incident workplaces, whereas workplaces with high dust exposure were not. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) derived from a logistic regression model were 1.68 (1.27-2.24) and 3.42 (2.26-5.17) at 80-89 dB and ≥90 dB versus <80 dB. These associations remained significant when in a separate analysis according to high or low dust exposure level. Noise exposure increases the risk of occupational injury in the workplace. Furthermore, the risk of occupational injury increases with noise exposure level in a dose-response relationship. Therefore, strategies for reducing noise exposure level are required to decrease the risk of occupational injury.

Carbon nanotube dosimetry: from workplace exposure assessment to inhalation toxicology

BackgroundDosimetry for toxicology studies involving carbon nanotubes (CNT) is challenging because of a lack of detailed occupational exposure assessments. Therefore, exposure assessment findings, measuring the mass concentration of elemental carbon from personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples, from 8 U.S.-based multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) manufacturers and users were extrapolated to results of an inhalation study in mice.ResultsUpon analysis, an inhalable elemental carbon mass concentration arithmetic mean of 10.6 μg/m3 (geometric mean 4.21 μg/m3) was found among workers exposed to MWCNT. The concentration equates to a deposited dose of approximately 4.07 μg/d in a human, equivalent to 2 ng/d in the mouse. For MWCNT inhalation, mice were exposed for 19 d with daily depositions of 1970 ng (equivalent to 1000 d of a human exposure; cumulative 76 yr), 197 ng (100 d; 7.6 yr), and 19.7 ng (10 d; 0.76 yr) and harvested at 0, 3, 28, and 84 d post-exposure to assess pulmonary toxicity. The high dose showed cytotoxicity and inflammation that persisted through 84 d after exposure. The middle dose had no polymorphonuclear cell influx with transient cytotoxicity. The low dose was associated with a low grade inflammatory response measured by changes in mRNA expression. Increased inflammatory proteins were present in the lavage fluid at the high and middle dose through 28 d post-exposure. Pathology, including epithelial hyperplasia and peribronchiolar inflammation, was only noted at the high dose.ConclusionThese findings showed a limited pulmonary inflammatory potential of MWCNT at levels corresponding to the average inhalable elemental carbon concentrations observed in U.S.-based CNT facilities and estimates suggest considerable years of exposure are necessary for significant pathology to occur at that level.

Workplace Concentrations and Exposure Assessment of Monoterpenes in Rosemary‐ and Lavender‐growing Greenhouses

Monoterpenes can positively or negatively affect human health depending on their concentrations. To assess the atmospheric risk for greenhouse workers, monoterpene concentrations and personal exposure in herb-growing greenhouses were measured. Monoterpene concentrations in a commercial greenhouse, where rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) were grown in pots, were measured every 4 hours on 11 days spread across a year. In a small experimental greenhouse, typical horticultural tasks were conducted to determine the factors increasing monoterpene concentrations. Concentrations of α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, limonene and cineole in the farmer's greenhouse were higher in winter than in summer because of longer ventilation periods of the greenhouse in summer. Further, the concentrations of these compounds were high (but <2 parts per billion in volume [ppbv]) when horticultural tasks were conducted inside the greenhouse. In a small experimental greenhouse, moving pots and cutting shoots increased ambient monoterpene concentrations to 10 ppbv. Spraying water also increased monoterpene concentrations but to a lesser extent. When performing tasks, greenhouse workers were exposed to monoterpene concentrations 2-3 times higher than the concentration in the ambient greenhouse air. Our measurement results reveal that monoterpene emissions are stimulated by horticultural tasks, even by spraying water. Our calculation result suggests that if ventilation is limited, the concentrations can reach levels high enough to cause sensory irritation in greenhouse workers. Greenhouse workers should be cautious when performing tasks for hours in tightly closed herb-growing greenhouses.

Characterization of occupational exposures to cleaning products used for common cleaning tasks--a pilot study of hospital cleaners.

BackgroundIn recent years, cleaning has been identified as an occupational risk because of an increased incidence of reported respiratory effects, such as asthma and asthma-like symptoms among cleaning workers. Due to the lack of systematic occupational hygiene analyses and workplace exposure data, it is not clear which cleaning-related exposures induce or aggravate asthma and other respiratory effects. Currently, there is a need for systematic evaluation of cleaning products ingredients and their exposures in the workplace. The objectives of this work were to: a) identify cleaning products' ingredients of concern with respect to respiratory and skin irritation and sensitization; and b) assess the potential for inhalation and dermal exposures to these ingredients during common cleaning tasks.MethodsWe prioritized ingredients of concern in cleaning products commonly used in several hospitals in Massachusetts. Methods included workplace interviews, reviews of product Materials Safety Data Sheets and the scientific literature on adverse health effects to humans, reviews of physico-chemical properties of cleaning ingredients, and occupational hygiene observational analyses. Furthermore, the potential for exposure in the workplace was assessed by conducting qualitative assessment of airborne exposures and semi-quantitative assessment of dermal exposures.ResultsCleaning products used for common cleaning tasks were mixtures of many chemicals, including respiratory and dermal irritants and sensitizers. Examples of ingredients of concern include quaternary ammonium compounds, 2-butoxyethanol, and ethanolamines. Cleaning workers are at risk of acute and chronic inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOC) vapors and aerosols generated from product spraying, and dermal exposures mostly through hands.ConclusionCleaning products are mixtures of many chemical ingredients that may impact workers' health through air and dermal exposures. Because cleaning exposures are a function of product formulations and product application procedures, a combination of product evaluation with workplace exposure assessment is critical in developing strategies for protecting workers from cleaning hazards. Our task based assessment methods allowed classification of tasks in different exposure categories, a strategy that can be employed by epidemiological investigations related to cleaning. The methods presented here can be used by occupational and environmental health practitioners to identify intervention strategies.

Effects of vibration on grip and push force-recall performance

Comprehensive assessments of health risks associated with the operation of vibratory tools should include evaluations of hand–tool coupling forces. The use of hand-force instrumentation in field applications can be difficult and expensive. A previous study (McDowell, T.W., Wiker, S.F., Dong, R.G., Welcome, D.E., Schopper, A.W., 2006. Evaluation of psychometric estimates of vibratory hand–tool grip and push forces. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 36(2), 119–128.) examined various combinations of handle vibration frequencies and grip and push force levels upon one's ability to recall those forces using psychophysical methods. The results of that study were promising. The present study is a follow-up experiment that further investigated the potential for using psychophysical force-recall methods to estimate grip and push forces when operating powered hand tools. In this experiment, 20 subjects (10 male, 10 female) grasped and pushed an instrumented handle for 45 s at one of three force levels while it vibrated sinusoidally at one of four frequencies (16, 31.5, 63, or 125 Hz) or with no vibration. Unlike the first study, two levels of vibration magnitude were examined along with gender differences. This study further clarifies relationships between vibration exposure characteristics and their effects on grip and push force-recall performance. Vibration exposure conditions and other influential factors can be accounted for in enhanced force-recall methodologies that can be incorporated into a variety of workplace exposure assessment applications. Relevance to industry Workers who are repeatedly exposed to intense hand-transmitted vibration are at risk of developing health problems. To better assess these health risks, hand–tool coupling forces should be evaluated. A refined psychophysical force-recall technique may be a practical alternative to expensive or fragile instrumentation. Before such a method is proposed for laboratory or field applications, an understanding of vibration effects upon force-recall performance must first be explored.

Performance of deterministic workplace exposure assessment models for various contaminant source, air inlet, and exhaust locations.

Contaminant concentration estimates from simple models were compared with concentration fields obtained by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations for various room and source configurations under steady-state conditions. Airflow and contaminant distributions in a 10 x 3 x 7-m room with a single contaminant source on a 1-m high table were simulated using CFD for steady, isothermal conditions. For a high wall jet inlet, simulations were performed for nine room air exhaust locations and eight source locations. For a ceiling diffuser inlet the impact of two exhaust locations and eight source locations were investigated. Because CFD treats determinants of contaminant transport explicitly and agreed well with experimental results, it was used as the standard for comparison. Parameters of the one- and two-zone completely mixed models (CM-1 and CM-2) and the uniform turbulent diffusivity model (UD) were determined from CFD simulation results. Concentration estimates from these were compared with CFD results in the breathing zone (BZ) plane (1.5 m above the floor) for the entire BZ, the source "near field," and the source "far field." In the near field the mean percentage difference between the model concentration estimates and the CFD results for all room configurations were -21.9, 32.3, and 126% for the CM-1, CM-2, and UD models, respectively, with standard deviations of 26.8, 111, and 103%. In the far field the mean percentage difference between the model estimates and CFD results were -4.8, -2.3, and -36.3%. The CM-1 model had generally the best performance for applications such as occupational epidemiology for the conditions and configurations studied. However, CM-1 tended to underestimate the near field concentration; thus, CM-2 was judged to be better in the near field when underestimation is undesirable, such as when determining compliance with occupational exposure limits. The agreement of CM-2 estimates with CFD results in the near field was more variable than that of the CM-1. The UD model performed poorly on average in both near and far fields, and the difficulty in accurately estimating the turbulent diffusivity presents a significant impediment to UD model use for exposure estimation.

Validation of the Workplace Exposure Assessment Expert System (WORKBOOK)

A validation study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of the workplace exposure assessment expert system WORKBOOK (Version 1.0), a software system for evaluating and controlling occupational health risks. The application was developed to assist qualified people in performing exposure assessments under the guidance of professional hygienists. Fifty assessments were conducted, representing a wide variety of operations and involving technical staff at five U.S. and international facilities that conduct pharmaceutical research and development, manufacture bulk drug substances and dosage products, and produce medical devices. Important issues examined by the study include (1) assessing the competency and comprehension of users, (2) implementing exposure assessments, (3) examining the accuracy and reliability of WORKBOOK'S conclusions and recommendations, (4) improving the exposure assessment model and software, and (5) providing training and support services. Despite its original intention, WORKBOOK is a system for professional hygienists, rather than other technical professionals. Users need education and training as a professional hygienist, with at least 3 to 5 years of field experience. Although the exposure assessment model is valid and useful, its hygiene terminology and software features should be simplified and automated to make it more useful to technical professionals. Practical experiences from the validation study are directing WORKBOOK'S future development. However, employee training and technical support are essential to promote effective exposure assessment activities. Management support is required in the United States to shift from the traditional regulatory paradigm of exposure monitoring to more systematic, comprehensive exposure assessment strategies.

Validation of the Workplace Exposure Assessment Expert System (WORKBOOK)

A validation study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of the workplace exposure assessment expert system WORKBOOK (Version 1.0), a software system for evaluating and controlling occupational health risks. The application was developed to assist qualified people in performing exposure assessments under the guidance of professional hygienists. Fifty assessments were conducted, representing a wide variety of operations and involving technical staff at five U.S. and international facilities that conduct pharmaceutical research and development, manufacture bulk drug substances and dosage products, and produce medical devices. Important issues examined by the study include (1) assessing the competency and comprehension of users, (2) implementing exposure assessments, (3) examining the accuracy and reliability of WORKBOOK'S conclusions and recommendations, (4) improving the exposure assessment model and software, and (5) providing training and support services. Despite its ori...

Workplace Exposure Assessment Workshop: An Integrated Approach for the ʼ90s

Workplace Exposure Assessment Workshop: An Integrated Approach for the ʼ90s

The Workplace Exposure Assessment Workbook (WORKBOOK)

Abstract Workplace exposure assessment models assist knowledgeable, qualified people (e.g., safety and health professionals, chemists, and engineers) to evaluate employee exposures under the review of a professional hygienist. The Workplace Exposure Assessment Workbook (WORKBOOK) is a qualitative logic model that provides a systematic means for directing industrial hygiene decisions and actions. It has several fundamental functions: compiling an initial characterization of the facility, defining Homogeneous Exposure Groups (HEGs), performing Workplace Exposure Assessments (WEAs), performing Appropriate Monitoring Programs (AMPs), implementing the “hierarchy of controls,” verifying workplace controls, and determining periodic reviews. WORKBOOK can be used in conjunction with other exposure assessment tools such as numerical models, monitoring programs, and statistical methods. Tait, K. The Workplace Exposure Assessment Workbook (WORKBOOK). Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 8(1):55-68; 1993.