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Schenk L, Ho MR, Taxell P, Huuskonen P, Leite M, Martinsone I, Nordby KC, Paegle L, Strumylaite L. Occupational exposure limits for reproductive toxicants - A comparative analysis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108649. [PMID: 38942216 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the level of protection of reproductive and developmental toxicity offered through occupational exposure limits (OELs) and Derived No-Effect Levels for workers' inhalation exposure (wDNELs). We compared coverage of substances that have a harmonised classification as reproductive toxicant 1 A or 1B (Repr.1 A/B), numerical values and scientific basis of 12 lists of OELs and wDNELs from REACH Registrants' and the Committee for Risk Assessment. Across the 14 sources of OELs and wDNELs, 53 % of the Repr1A/B-substances had at least one exposure limit (counting groups of metals as one entry). Registrants' wDNELs covered the largest share, 40 %. The numerical values could be highly variable for the same substance across the lists. How often reproductive toxicity is identified as the critical effect varies between the examined lists, both due to different assessments of the same substance and different substance coverage. Reviewing the margin of safety to reproductive toxicity cited in the documents, we found that 15 % of safety margins were lower to reproductive toxicity than the critical effect. To conclude, neither the REACH nor work environment legislation supply wDNELs or OELs for a substantial share of known reproductive toxicants. EU OELs cover among the fewest substances in the range, and in many cases national OELs or wDNELs are set at more conservative levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schenk
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Meng-Rung Ho
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Piia Taxell
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pasi Huuskonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mimmi Leite
- National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inese Martinsone
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Linda Paegle
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Loreta Strumylaite
- Neuroscience Institute, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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2
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Goyak K, Holm S. Sensory irritation and use of the best available science in setting exposure limits: Issues raised by a scientific panel review of formaldehyde human research studies. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 148:105587. [PMID: 38395102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
As a high production volume chemical with recognized sensory irritation and widespread exposure, the human health risk potential of formaldehyde has been reviewed by many international regulatory agencies and scientific advisory bodies. A scientific panel, the Human Studies Review Board, under the auspices of the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) program recently reviewed the sensory irritation studies included in the 2022 Draft Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Formaldehyde Hazard Assessment in the context of their use in a weight of evidence evaluation of acute inhalation health effects. This panel issued a series of recommendations on the use of these studies for the purposes of calculating exposure limits (e.g., study design preferences; uncertainty adjustment). Considering that these recommendations might reflect topic areas with varying degrees of scientific consensus, this commentary reflects on commonalities and distinctions amongst international formaldehyde exposure limits based on sensory irritation. Notably, each review panel charged with an assessment of the science recommended that no adjustment was needed to account for either exposure duration or human variability. These areas of scientific consensus should be considered as the best available science for the purposes of setting exposure limits in the anticipated TSCA Risk Evaluation on formaldehyde.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Goyak
- Celanese Corporation, 222 W. Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX, USA.
| | - Stewart Holm
- American Forest & Paper Association American Wood Council, 1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC, USA
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Schneider K, Dilger M, Drossard C, Ott H, Kaiser E. Derivation of occupational exposure limits: differences in methods and protection levels. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:913-926. [PMID: 35188277 PMCID: PMC9311441 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Frameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL‐analogue values (such as derived‐no‐effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and at national level in Germany were analysed. Reasons for differences between frameworks and possible means of improving transparency and harmonisation were identified. Differences between assessment factors used for deriving exposure limits proved to be one important reason for diverging numerical values. Distributions for exposure time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation were combined by probabilistic methods and compared with default values of assessment factors used in the various OEL frameworks in order to investigate protection levels. In a subchronic inhalation study showing local effects in the respiratory tract, the probability that assessment factors were sufficiently high to protect 99% and 95% of the target population (workers) from adverse effects varied considerably from 9% to 71% and 17% to 87%, respectively, between the frameworks. All steps of the derivation process, including the uncertainty associated with the point of departure (POD), were further analysed with two examples of full probabilistic assessments. It is proposed that benchmark modelling should be the method of choice for deriving PODs and that all OEL frameworks should provide detailed guidance documents and clearly define their protection goals by stating the proportion of the exposed population the OEL aims to cover and the probability with which they intend to provide protection from adverse effects. Harmonisation can be achieved by agreeing on the way to perform the methodological steps for deriving OELs and on common protection goals. The frameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL‐analogue values (such as derived‐no‐effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and at the national level in Germany were analysed. Distributions for exposure time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation were combined by probabilistic methods and compared with assessment factors used in the various OEL frameworks in order to investigate protection levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH Freiburg Germany
| | - Marco Dilger
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH Freiburg Germany
| | - Claudia Drossard
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dortmund Germany
| | - Heidi Ott
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dortmund Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH Freiburg Germany
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Willhite CC, Karyakina NA, Nordheim E, Arnold I, Armstrong V, Momoli F, Shilnikova NS, Yenugadhati N, Krewski D. The REACH registration process: A case study of metallic aluminium, aluminium oxide and aluminium hydroxide. Neurotoxicology 2020; 83:166-178. [PMID: 33290785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The European Union's REACH Regulation requires determination of potential health and environmental effects of chemicals in commerce. The present case study examines the application of REACH guidance for health hazard assessments of three high production volume (HPV) aluminium (Al) substances: metallic aluminium, aluminium oxide, and aluminium hydroxide. Among the potential adverse health consequences of aluminium exposure, neurotoxicity is one of the most sensitive targets of Al toxicity and the most critical endpoint. This case study illustrates integration of data from multiple lines of evidence into REACH weight of evidence evaluations. This case study then explains how those results support regulatory decisions on classification and labelling. Challenges in the REACH appraisal of Al compounds include speciation, solubility and bioavailability, application of assessment factors, read-across rationale and differences with existing regulatory standards. Lessons learned from the present case study relate to identification and evaluation of toxicologic and epidemiologic data; assessing data relevance and reliability; development of derived no-effect levels (DNELs); addressing data gaps and preparation of chemical safety reports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nataliya A Karyakina
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | | | - Ian Arnold
- International Aluminium Institute, London, United Kingdom; Occupational Health Program, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Franco Momoli
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Natalia S Shilnikova
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nagarajkumar Yenugadhati
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Krewski
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Overview of REACH: Issues Involved in the Registration of Metals. Neurotoxicology 2020; 83:186-198. [PMID: 32057950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
New European legislation known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) was introduced in 2007 to increase the speed at which the health and/or environmental risks of industrial chemicals were being assessed and managed (REACH (EC) No 1907/2006). REACH consolidated earlier chemicals-control statutes and placed the burden of assessing, and identifying the means to manage risks on industry. This paper details the REACH process for controlling and managing hazardous chemicals and challenges encountered in applying the provisions of REACH and the guidance documents available from European Chemical Agency. Special attention is paid to challenges in evaluating potential health risks of metals such as aluminum and aluminum compounds. Lessons learned from over a decade of experience with REACH legislation are also noted.
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Schenk L, Visser MJ, Palmen NGM. Industry Derived Occupational Exposure Limits: A Survey of Professionals on the Dutch System of Exposure Guidelines. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:1004-1012. [PMID: 31504142 PMCID: PMC6853705 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Netherlands’ system for occupational exposure limits (OELs) encompasses two kinds of OELs: public and private. Public OELs are set by the government. Private OELs are derived by industry and cover all substances without a public OEL. In parallel, the regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) has introduced an exposure guidance value similar to the OEL, namely the Derived No-Effect Level (DNEL) for workers’ inhalation exposure. This study aimed to investigate issues encountered by occupational health professionals regarding private OELs, and how they perceive the DNELs for workers in relation to private OELs. Towards this aim, we sent out a web-based questionnaire to the members of the Dutch professional organization for occupational hygienists (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Arbeidshygiëne [NVVA], n = 513) and to members of the Dutch professional organization for safety engineers (NVVK, n = 2916). Response rates were 27% (n = 139) and 7% (n = 198), respectively. More occupational hygienists (59%) than safety engineers (17%) reported to derive private OELs themselves. Our respondents reported several challenges with the derivation of private OELs. Fifty-one percent of the occupational hygienists and 20% of the safety engineers stated to see a role of REACH Registrants’ worker DNELs as private OELs. However, more than half of our respondents were undecided or unfamiliar with worker DNELs. In addition, stated opinions on where worker DNELs fit in the hierarchy of private OELs varied considerably. To conclude, both these professional groups derive private OELs and stated that they need more guidance for this. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity whether worker DNELs may qualify as private OELs, and where they would fit in the hierarchy of private OELs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schenk
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Philosophy and History, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maaike J Visser
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole G M Palmen
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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7
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Will worker DNELs derived under the European REACH regulation extend the landscape of occupational exposure guidance values? Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:1187-1200. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Schenk L, Johanson G. Use of uncertainty factors by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits: a follow-up. Crit Rev Toxicol 2018; 48:513-521. [PMID: 29987986 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2018.1483891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Decision on the safety margin, for instance by using uncertainty factors (UFs), is a key aspect in setting Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs). We analyzed the UFs in 128 OEL recommendations from the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL). We investigated factors expected to potentially influence the UFs, as well as a selection of factors that might influence how expert groups perceive quality or reliability of key studies. We extracted UFs explicitly stated in the recommendations (EUFs) and, when EUFs were missing, calculated an implicit safety margin (ISM) by dividing the point of departure (PoD) by the OEL. EUFs and ISMs were lower for recommendations based on human data than those based on animal data. EUFs and ISMs were also lower for No-Observed Adverse Effect Concentrations (NOAECs) than Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Concentrations (LOAECs). We saw no differences based on local vs systemic critical effects. Acute data resulted in lower EUFs and ISMs than subchronic. We saw no influence from status of key study (publication status, performer or funder), but high tonnage substances (1,000,000+ tonnes) have lower EUFs and ISMs than substances currently not registered under REACH. Although SCOEL methodology stated that UF should be documented, only 65 out of 128 OEL recommendations included an EUF. Indeed, the ratio of EUFs to ISMs even decreased from 1991-2003 to 2004-2017. Additionally, EUFs were, on average, 1.8 times higher than ISMs. We conclude that a more articulate framework for using UFs could enhance consistency and transparency of the SCOEL recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schenk
- Work Environment Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Philosophy and History, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Johanson
- Work Environment Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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9
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Harrison P, Holmes P, Bevan R, Kamps K, Levy L, Greim H. Regulatory risk assessment approaches for synthetic mineral fibres. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 73:425-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Tynkkynen S, Santonen T, Stockmann-Juvala H. A comparison of REACH-derived no-effect levels for workers with EU indicative occupational exposure limit values and national limit values in Finland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 59:401-15. [PMID: 25638729 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of occupational exposure limits values (OELs) is to regulate exposure to chemicals and minimize the risk of health effects at work. National authorities are responsible for the setting and updating of national OELs. In addition, the EU sets indicative occupational exposure limit values (IOELVs), which have to be considered by the Member States. Under the new European legislation on chemicals (REACH), manufacturers and importers are obliged to establish derived no-effect levels (DNELs) for chemicals that are manufactured or imported in quantities >10 tonnes per year. Chemical safety data sheets must report both OELs and the DNEL values, if such have been set. This may cause confusion at workplaces, especially if the values differ from each other. In this study, we explored how EU IOELVs and Finnish national OELs [Haitallisiksi tunnetut pitoisuudet (HTP) values] correlate with worker inhalation DNELs for substances registered under REACH. The long-term DNEL value for workers (inhalation) was identical to the corresponding IOELV for the majority of the substances (64/87 cases). Comparison of DNELs with HTP values revealed that the values were identical or close to each other in 159 cases (49%), whereas the DNEL was considerably higher in 69 cases, and considerably lower in 87 cases. Examples of cases with high differences between Finnish national OELs and DNELs are given. However, as the DNELs were not systematically lower than the OELs, the default assessment factors suggested by REACH technical guidance had obviously not been used in many of the REACH registrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sallamari Tynkkynen
- Work Environment Development, Chemical Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Work Environment Development, Chemical Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helene Stockmann-Juvala
- Work Environment Development, Chemical Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
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Deveau M, Chen CP, Johanson G, Krewski D, Maier A, Niven KJ, Ripple S, Schulte PA, Silk J, Urbanus JH, Zalk DM, Niemeier RW. The Global Landscape of Occupational Exposure Limits--Implementation of Harmonization Principles to Guide Limit Selection. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S127-44. [PMID: 26099071 PMCID: PMC4654639 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1060327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) serve as health-based benchmarks against which measured or estimated workplace exposures can be compared. In the years since the introduction of OELs to public health practice, both developed and developing countries have established processes for deriving, setting, and using OELs to protect workers exposed to hazardous chemicals. These processes vary widely, however, and have thus resulted in a confusing international landscape for identifying and applying such limits in workplaces. The occupational hygienist will encounter significant overlap in coverage among organizations for many chemicals, while other important chemicals have OELs developed by few, if any, organizations. Where multiple organizations have published an OEL, the derived value often varies considerably-reflecting differences in both risk policy and risk assessment methodology as well as access to available pertinent data. This article explores the underlying reasons for variability in OELs, and recommends the harmonization of risk-based methods used by OEL-deriving organizations. A framework is also proposed for the identification and systematic evaluation of OEL resources, which occupational hygienists can use to support risk characterization and risk management decisions in situations where multiple potentially relevant OELs exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Deveau
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Address correspondence to M. Deveau, McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada. E-mail:
| | - C-P Chen
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - G. Johanson
- Work Environment Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D. Krewski
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - A. Maier
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - K. J. Niven
- Shell Health, Shell International B.V., The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - S. Ripple
- Global Industrial Hygiene Expertise Center, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan
| | - P. A. Schulte
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - J. Silk
- Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC (Retired)
| | - J. H. Urbanus
- Shell Health, Shell International B.V., The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - D. M. Zalk
- ES&H Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - R. W. Niemeier
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Schenk L, Deng U, Johanson G. Derived no-effect levels (DNELs) under the European chemicals regulation REACH--an analysis of long-term inhalation worker-DNELs presented by industry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 59:416-38. [PMID: 25471229 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The European REACH regulation places responsibility for providing safety information, including derived no-effect levels (DNELs), on chemicals and chemical products on 'industry', i.e. manufacturers and importers. We compared long-term inhalation worker-DNELs (wDNELs) presented by industry with the corresponding Swedish occupational exposure limits (OELs), and for a subset, with wDNELs derived by us. Our wDNELs were derived using toxicological evaluations published by the Swedish Criteria Group and our interpretation of the REACH Guidance. On average, industry's wDNELs were the same as the Swedish OELs (median of wDNEL-OEL ratios: 0.98, n = 235). However, the variation was huge, the extremes being up to 450 times higher, and up to 230 times lower than the corresponding OEL. Nearly one-fifth of the wDNELs were ≥2 times higher and one-third ≥2 times lower than the OEL. No time trend was seen in the wDNEL/OEL ratios, suggesting that older OELs were not systematically higher than the more recent ones. Industry's wDNELs varied widely and were generally higher (median 4.2 times, up to 435 times higher, down to 13 times lower, n = 23) also compared to our wDNELs. Only five industry wDNELs were equal to or lower than ours. The choices of key studies, dose descriptors, and assessment factors all seemed to contribute to the discrepancies. We conclude that although the REACH guidance is detailed, many choices that will influence the wDNEL lack firm instructions. A major problem is that little advice is given on when and how to depart from default assessment factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schenk
- 1.Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden 2.Department of Philosophy and History, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Uriell Deng
- 1.Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Johanson
- 1.Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Nielsen GD, Larsen ST, Hansen JS, Poulsen LK. Experiences from occupational exposure limits set on aerosols containing allergenic proteins. THE ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2012; 56:888-900. [PMID: 22843406 PMCID: PMC3471420 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mes035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) together with determined airborne exposures are used in risk assessment based managements of occupational exposures to prevent occupational diseases. In most countries, OELs have only been set for few protein-containing aerosols causing IgE-mediated allergies. They comprise aerosols of flour dust, grain dust, wood dust, natural rubber latex, and the subtilisins, which are proteolytic enzymes. These aerosols show dose-dependent effects and levels have been established, where nearly all workers may be exposed without adverse health effects, which are required for setting OELs. Our aim is to analyse prerequisites for setting OELs for the allergenic protein-containing aerosols. Opposite to the key effect of toxicological reactions, two thresholds, one for the sensitization phase and one for elicitation of IgE-mediated symptoms in sensitized individuals, are used in the OEL settings. For example, this was the case for flour dust, where OELs were based on dust levels due to linearity between flour dust and its allergen levels. The critical effects for flour and grain dust OELs were different, which indicates that conclusion by analogy (read-across) must be scientifically well founded. Except for subtilisins, no OEL have been set for other industrial enzymes, where many of which are high volume chemicals. For several of these, OELs have been proposed in the scientific literature during the last two decades. It is apparent that the scientific methodology is available for setting OELs for proteins and protein-containing aerosols where the critical effect is IgE sensitization and IgE-mediated airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar D Nielsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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14
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Occupational exposure limits in Europe and Asia – Continued divergence or global harmonization? Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 61:296-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Brosseau LM. Jeffrey S. Lee Lecture. Occupational exposure guidelines--why process is as important as science. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2011; 8:D109-D113. [PMID: 22011199 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2011.623224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Brosseau
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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