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Barrett WM, Meyer DE, Smith RL, Takkellapati S, Gonzalez MA. Review of generic scenario environmental release and occupational exposure models used in chemical risk assessment. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:545-562. [PMID: 37526475 PMCID: PMC10822693 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2242896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is required to determine whether a new chemical substance poses an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment before the chemical is manufactured in or imported into the United States. This manuscript provides a review of the process used to evaluate the risk associated with a chemical based on the scenarios and models used in the evaluation. Specifically, the Generic Scenarios and Emission Scenario Documents developed by the USEPA were reviewed, along with background documentation prepared by USEPA to identify the core elements of the environmental release and occupational exposure scenarios used to assess the risk of the chemical being evaluated. Additionally, this contribution provides an overview of methods used to model occupational exposures and environmental releases as part of the chemical evaluation process used in other jurisdictions, along with work being performed to improve these models. Finally, the alternative methods to evaluate occupational exposures and environmental releases that may be used as part of the decision-making process regarding a chemical are identified. The contribution provides a path forward for reducing the time required and improving the chemical evaluation of the unreasonable risk determination regarding the manufacture or import of a chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Barrett
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Environmental Decision Analytics Branch, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David E Meyer
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Environmental Decision Analytics Branch, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Raymond L Smith
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Environmental Decision Analytics Branch, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sudhakar Takkellapati
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Environmental Decision Analytics Branch, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael A Gonzalez
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Environmental Decision Analytics Branch, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Schlüter U, Spinazzè A. Understanding the limitations and application of occupational exposure models in a REACH context. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:336-349. [PMID: 37159939 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2208188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure modeling plays a significant role for regulatory organizations, companies, and professionals involved in assessing and managing occupational health risks in workplaces. One context in which occupational exposure models are particularly relevant is the REACH Regulation in the European Union (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006). This commentary describes the models for the occupational inhalation exposure assessment of chemicals within the REACH framework, their theoretical background, applications, and limitations, as well as the latest developments and priorities for model improvement. Summing up the debate, despite its relevance and importance in the context of REACH not being in question, occupational exposure modeling needs to be improved in many respects. There is a need to reach a wide consensus on several key issues (e.g., the theoretical background and the reliability of modeling tools), to consolidate and monitor model performance and regulatory acceptance, and to align practices and policies regarding exposure modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Schlüter
- Unit "Exposure Assessment", Exposure Science, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-BAuA, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andrea Spinazzè
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
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McNally K. How Valuable Are Small Measurement Datasets in Supplementing Occupational Exposure Models? A Numerical Study Using the Advanced Reach Tool. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5386. [PMID: 37048000 PMCID: PMC10094536 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The Advanced REACH Tool (ART) is the most detailed exposure model currently available for estimating inhalation exposures to dusts, vapours, and aerosols under a broad range of exposure scenarios. The ART follows a Bayesian approach, making use of a calibrated source-receptor model to provide central estimates of exposures and information on exposure variability from meta-analyses in the literature. Uniquely amongst exposure models, the ART provides a facility to update the baseline estimates from the mechanistic model and variance components using measurement data collected on the exposure scenario; however, in practical use, this facility is little used. In this paper, the full capability of the ART tool is demonstrated using a small number of carefully chosen case studies that each had a sufficient breadth of personal exposure measurement data to support a measurement-led exposure assessment. In total, six cases studies are documented, three where the estimate from the source-receptor model of the ART was consistent with measurement data, and a further three case studies where the source-receptor model of the ART was inconsistent with measurement data, resulting in a prior-data conflict. A simulation study was designed that involved drawing subsets of between two and ten measurements from the available measurement dataset, with estimates of the geometric mean (GM) and 90th percentile of exposures from the posterior distribution of ART compared against measurement-based estimates of these summaries. Results from this work indicate that very substantial reductions in the uncertainty associated with estimates of the GM and 90th percentile could be achieved with as few as two measurements, with results in detail sensitive to both the measurements themselves and worker and company labels associated with the measurements. For case studies involving prior-data conflicts, the estimates of the GM and 90th percentile rapidly changed as measurement data were used to update the prior. However, results suggest that the current statistical model of the ART does not allow a complete resolution of a prior-data conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin McNally
- HSE Science and Research Centre, Health and Safety Executive, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
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Lee EG. Evaluation of Stoffenmanager® and ART for Estimating Occupational Inhalation Exposures to Volatile Liquids. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:402-413. [PMID: 36595023 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In practice, workers often handle the same chemical(s) of interest under different control measures (e.g. local ventilation, enclosed system) during a full shift. Stoffenmanager® allows users to predict either task-based or full-shift exposures. However, most previous studies evaluated the tool by comparing task-based exposures with measured exposures. Also, limited evaluation studies of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) with the Bayesian approach (ART+B) are available, requiring additional evaluation studies. The performance of Stoffenmanager® and ART with and without the Bayesian approach was evaluated with measured full-shift exposures to volatile liquids in terms of accuracy, precision, and conservatism. Forty-two exposure situation scenarios (including 251 exposures), developed based on job tasks and chemicals handled during tasks from workplaces, were used to generate full-shift estimates. The estimates were then compared with measured exposures using various comparison methods. Overall, Stoffenmanager® appeared to be the most accurate among the testing tools, while ART+B was the most precise. The percentage of measured exposures exceeding the tools' 90th percentile estimates (%M>T) demonstrated that Stoffenmanager® (16%M>T) and ART+B (13%M>T) were more conservative than ART (41%M>T). When the 90% upper confidence limit of the 90th percentile estimate was considered, the level of conservatism changed from low (41%M>T) to medium (17%M>T) for ART and from medium (13%M>T) to high (0.8%M>T) for ART+B. The findings of this study indicate that no single tool would work for all ESs. Thus, it is recommended that users select a tool based on the performance results of three components (i.e. accuracy, precision, and conservatism), not depending on one or two components. The strength of this study is that the required tools' input parameters were obtained during the sample collection to minimize assumptions for many input parameters. In addition, unlike other previous studies, multiple subtasks, which happen often in workplaces, were incorporated in this study. Nevertheless, the present study did not cover all activities listed in the tools and was limited to volatile liquids, suggesting further studies cover other exposure categories (e.g. solid, metal) and diverse activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Gyung Lee
- Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Mullins M, Himly M, Llopis IR, Furxhi I, Hofer S, Hofstätter N, Wick P, Romeo D, Küehnel D, Siivola K, Catalán J, Hund-Rinke K, Xiarchos I, Linehan S, Schuurbiers D, Bilbao AG, Barruetabeña L, Drobne D. (Re)Conceptualizing decision-making tools in a risk governance framework for emerging technologies-the case of nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS & DECISIONS 2022; 43:3-15. [PMID: 35912374 PMCID: PMC9309004 DOI: 10.1007/s10669-022-09870-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The utility of decision-making tools for the risk governance of nanotechnology is at the core of this paper. Those working in nanotechnology risk management have been prolific in creating such tools, many derived from European FP7 and H2020-funded projects. What is less clear is how such tools might assist the overarching ambition of creating a fair system of risk governance. In this paper, we reflect upon the role that tools might and should play in any system of risk governance. With many tools designed for the risk governance of this emerging technology falling into disuse, this paper provides an overview of extant tools and addresses their potential shortcomings. We also posit the need for a data readiness tool. With the EUs NMP13 family of research consortia about to report to the Commission on ways forward in terms of risk governance of this domain, this is a timely intervention on an important element of any risk governance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Mullins
- Transgero Limited, Cullinagh, Newcastle West, Co., Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Accounting and Finance, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Martin Himly
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Isabel Rodríguez Llopis
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, (BRTA) ES, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Irini Furxhi
- Transgero Limited, Cullinagh, Newcastle West, Co., Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Accounting and Finance, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sabine Hofer
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Norbert Hofstätter
- Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Wick
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Daina Romeo
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Dana Küehnel
- Department Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology (BIOTOX), Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kirsi Siivola
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, Box 40, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Catalán
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, Box 40, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Kerstin Hund-Rinke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Ioannis Xiarchos
- Research Lab of Advanced Composite, Nanomaterials, and Nanotechnology (R-NanoLab), School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechniou str, 15780 Zographos, Athens Greece
| | - Shona Linehan
- Management, Cairnes School of Business and Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Daan Schuurbiers
- De Proeffabriek Josef Israelslaan 63, NL-6813 JB Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Amaia García Bilbao
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, (BRTA) ES, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Leire Barruetabeña
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, (BRTA) ES, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Damjana Drobne
- Department Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Theoretical Background of Occupational-Exposure Models-Report of an Expert Workshop of the ISES Europe Working Group "Exposure Models". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031234. [PMID: 35162257 PMCID: PMC8834988 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
On 20 October 2020, the Working Group “Exposure Models” of the Europe Regional Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES Europe) organised an online workshop to discuss the theoretical background of models for the assessment of occupational exposure to chemicals. In this report, participants of the workshop with an active role before and during the workshop summarise the most relevant discussion points and conclusions of this well-attended workshop. ISES Europe has identified exposure modelling as one priority area for the strategic development of exposure science in Europe in the coming years. This specific workshop aimed to discuss the main challenges in developing, validating, and using occupational-exposure models for regulatory purposes. The theoretical background, application domain, and limitations of different modelling approaches were presented and discussed, focusing on empirical “modifying-factor” or “mass-balance-based” approaches. During the discussions, these approaches were compared and analysed. Possibilities to address the discussed challenges could be a validation study involving alternative modelling approaches. The wider discussion touched upon the close relationship between modelling and monitoring and the need for better linkage of the methods and the need for common monitoring databases that include data on model parameters.
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