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Ahmadpour E, Debia M. Estimating airborne trichloramine levels in indoor swimming pools using the well-mixed box model. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38669683 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2024.2327370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to airborne disinfection by-products, especially trichloramine (TCA), could cause various occupational health effects in indoor swimming pools. However, TCA concentration measurements involve specialized analysis conducted in specific laboratories, which can result in significant costs and time constraints. As an alternative, modeling techniques for estimating exposures are promising in addressing these challenges. This study aims to predict airborne TCA concentrations in indoor swimming pools using a mathematical model, the well-mixed box model, found in the IHMOD tool, freely available on the American Industrial Hygiene Association website. The model's predictions are compared with TCA concentrations measured during various bather load scenarios. The research involved conducting 2-hr successive workplace measurements over 16- to 18-hr periods in four indoor swimming pools in Quebec, Canada. TCA concentrations were estimated using the well-mixed box model, assuming a homogeneous mixing of air within the swimming pool environment. A novel approach was developed to estimate the TCA generation rate from swimming pool water, incorporating the number of swimmers in the model. Average measured concentrations of TCA were 0.24, 0.26, 0.14, and 0.34 mg/m3 for swimming pools 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The ratio of these measured average concentrations to their corresponding predicted values ranged from 0.51 to 1.30, 0.67 to 1.04, 0.57 to 1.14, and 0.68 to 1.49 for the respective swimming pools. In a worst-case scenario simulating the swimming pool at full capacity (maximum bathers allowed), TCA concentrations were estimated as 0.23, 0.36, 0.14, and 0.37 mg/m3 for swimming pools 1, 2, 3, and 4. Recalculated concentrations by adjusting the number of swimmers so as not to exceed the recommended occupational limit concentration of 0.35 mg/m3 gives a maximum number of swimmers of 63 and 335 instead of currently 80 and 424 for swimming pools 2 and 4, respectively. Similarly, for swimming pools 1 and 3, the maximum number of swimmers could be 173 and 398 (instead of the current 160 and 225, respectively). These results demonstrated that the model could be used to estimate and anticipate airborne TCA levels in indoor swimming pools across various scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ahmadpour
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Le Centre de recherche en santé publique (CreSP), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Maximilien Debia
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Le Centre de recherche en santé publique (CreSP), Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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2
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Anhäuser L, Piorr B, Arnone M, Wegscheider W, Gerding J. Occupational inhalation exposure during surface disinfection-exposure assessment based on exposure models compared with measurement data. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:345-355. [PMID: 38145997 PMCID: PMC11142908 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For healthcare workers, surface disinfections are daily routine tasks. An assessment of the inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case the disinfectant´s active ingredients, is necessary to ensure workers safety. However, deciding which exposure model is best for exposure assessment remains difficult. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of different exposure models for disinfection of small surfaces in healthcare settings. METHODS Measurements of the air concentration of active ingredients in disinfectants (ethanol, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) together with other exposure parameters were recorded in a test chamber. The measurements were performed using personal and stationary air sampling. In addition, exposure modelling was performed using three deterministic models (unsteady 1-zone, ConsExpo and 2-component) and one modifying-factor model (Stoffenmanager®). Their estimates were compared with the measured values using various methods to assess model quality (like accuracy and level of conservatism). RESULTS The deterministic models showed overestimation predominantly in the range of two- to fivefold relative to the measured data and high conservatism for all active ingredients of disinfectants with the exception of ethanol. With Stoffenmanager® an exposure distribution was estimated for ethanol, which was in good accordance with the measured data. IMPACT STATEMENT To date, workplace exposure assessments often involve expensive and time consuming air measurements. Reliable exposure models can be used to assess occupational inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case surface disinfectants. This study describes the applicability of three deterministic and one modifying-factor model for disinfection of small surfaces in healthcare settings, in direct comparison to measurements performed and will facilitate future exposure assessments at these workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Anhäuser
- German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), Department for Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Public Health, Pappelallee 33/35/37, 22089, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Benedikt Piorr
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Unit Exposure Assessment Biocides, Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, 44149, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Mario Arnone
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Section Exposure Monitoring-MGU, Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53757, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wegscheider
- German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), Department for Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Public Health, Pappelallee 33/35/37, 22089, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Gerding
- German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), Department for Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Public Health, Pappelallee 33/35/37, 22089, Hamburg, Germany
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Sabic S, Bell D, Gasic B, Schmid K, Peter T, Marcolli C. Exposure assessment during paint spraying and drying using PTR-ToF-MS. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1327187. [PMID: 38283293 PMCID: PMC10811262 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1327187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Spraying is a common way to distribute occupational products, but it puts worker's health at risk by exposing them to potentially harmful particles and gases. The objective of this study is to use time-resolved measurements to gain an understanding of spray applications at the process level and to compare them to predictions of exposure models. We used proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) at 1-s time resolution to monitor the gas phase concentration of the solvents acetone, ethanol, butyl acetate, xylene and 1-methoxy-2-propy acetate during outdoor spraying and indoor drying of metal plate under various conditions of outdoor air supply. We found that during spraying, gas-phase exposure was dominated by the more volatile solvents acetone and ethanol, which exhibited strong concentration variations due to the outdoor winds. During drying, exposure strongly depended on the strength of ventilation. Under conditions with high supply of outdoor air, our measurements show a near-exponential decay of the solvent concentrations during drying. Conversely, under conditions without outdoor air supply, the drying process required hours, during which the less volatile solvents passed through a concentration maximum in the gas phase, so that the exposure during drying exceeded the exposure during spraying. The concentrations measured during spraying were then compared for each of the substances individually with the predictions of the exposure models ECETOC TRA, Stoffenmanager, and ART using TREXMO. For these conditions, ECETOC TRA and Stoffenmanager predicted exposures in the measured concentration range, albeit not conservative for all solvents and each application. In contrast, ART largely overestimated the exposure for the more volatile solvents acetone and ethanol and slightly underestimated exposure to 1M2PA for one spraying. ECETOC TRA and ART do not have options to predict exposure during drying. Stoffenmanager has the option to predict drying together with spraying, but not to predict the drying phase independently. Our study demonstrates the importance of considering both the spray cloud and solvent evaporation during the drying process. To improve workplace safety, there is a critical need for enhanced exposure models and comprehensive datasets for calibration and validation covering a broader range of exposure situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan Sabic
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Bell
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Bojan Gasic
- Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Chemicals and Occupational Health, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kaspar Schmid
- Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Chemicals and Occupational Health, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Peter
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Marcolli
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ribalta C, Jensen ACØ, Shandilya N, Delpivo C, Jensen KA, Fonseca AS. Use of the dustiness index in combination with the handling energy factor for exposure modelling of nanomaterials. NANOIMPACT 2024; 33:100493. [PMID: 38219948 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The use of modelling tools in the occupational hygiene community has increased in the last years to comply with the different existing regulations. However, limitations still exist mainly due to the difficulty to obtain certain key parameters such as the emission rate, which in the case of powder handling can be estimated using the dustiness index (DI). The goal of this work is to explore the applicability and usability of the DI for emission source characterization and occupational exposure prediction to particles during nanomaterial powder handling. Modelling of occupational exposure concentrations of 13 case scenarios was performed using a two-box model as well as three nano-specific tools (Stoffenmanager nano, NanoSafer and GUIDEnano). The improvement of modelling performance by using a derived handling energy factor (H) was explored. Results show the usability of the DI for emission source characterization and respirable mass exposure modelling of powder handling scenarios of nanomaterials. A clear improvement in modelling outcome was obtained when using derived quartile-3 H factors with, 1) Pearson correlations of 0.88 vs. 0.52 (not using H), and 2) ratio of modelled/measured concentrations ranging from 0.9 to 10 in 75% cases vs. 16.7% of the cases when not using H. Particle number concentrations were generally underpredicted. Using the most conservative H values, predictions with ratios modelled/measured concentrations of 0.4-3.6 were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ribalta
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), 10317 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexander C Ø Jensen
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Camilla Delpivo
- LEITAT Technological Centre, C/ de Pallars, 179 - 185, 08005 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Keld A Jensen
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ana Sofia Fonseca
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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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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6
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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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7
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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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8
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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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Schlüter U, Meyer J, Ahrens A, Borghi F, Clerc F, Delmaar C, Di Guardo A, Dudzina T, Fantke P, Fransman W, Hahn S, Heussen H, Jung C, Koivisto J, Koppisch D, Paini A, Savic N, Spinazzè A, Zare Jeddi M, von Goetz N. Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020-2030. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:499-512. [PMID: 35918394 PMCID: PMC9349043 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Exposure models are essential in almost all relevant contexts for exposure science. To address the numerous challenges and gaps that exist, exposure modelling is one of the priority areas of the European Exposure Science Strategy developed by the European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES Europe). A strategy was developed for the priority area of exposure modelling in Europe with four strategic objectives. These objectives are (1) improvement of models and tools, (2) development of new methodologies and support for understudied fields, (3) improvement of model use and (4) regulatory needs for modelling. In a bottom-up approach, exposure modellers from different European countries and institutions who are active in the fields of occupational, population and environmental exposure science pooled their expertise under the umbrella of the ISES Europe Working Group on exposure models. This working group assessed the state-of-the-art of exposure modelling in Europe by developing an inventory of exposure models used in Europe and reviewing the existing literature on pitfalls for exposure modelling, in order to identify crucial modelling-related strategy elements. Decisive actions were defined for ISES Europe stakeholders, including collecting available models and accompanying information in a living document curated and published by ISES Europe, as well as a long-term goal of developing a best-practices handbook. Alongside these actions, recommendations were developed and addressed to stakeholders outside of ISES Europe. Four strategic objectives were identified with an associated action plan and roadmap for the implementation of the European Exposure Science Strategy for exposure modelling. This strategic plan will foster a common understanding of modelling-related methodology, terminology and future research in Europe, and have a broader impact on strategic considerations globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Schlüter
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, D-44149, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Jessica Meyer
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, D-44149, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andreas Ahrens
- Exposure and Supply Chain Unit, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), P.O. Box 400, FI-00121, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Francesca Borghi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Frédéric Clerc
- National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), Pollutants Metrology Division, Nancy, France
| | - Christiaan Delmaar
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Di Guardo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Tatsiana Dudzina
- Exxon Mobil Petroleum and Chemical B.V., Hermeslaan 2, 1831, Machelen, Belgium
| | - Peter Fantke
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet 424, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Wouter Fransman
- TNO, Department Risk Analysis for Products in Development, P.O. Box 80015, 3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Hahn
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henri Heussen
- Cosanta BV, Stationsplein Noord-Oost 202, 1117 CJ, Schiphol-Oost, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Jung
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, D-10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joonas Koivisto
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki, PL 64, FI-00014, UHEL, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dorothea Koppisch
- Section 1.3 Exposure Monitoring-MGU, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstr. 111, 53757, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Alicia Paini
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Nenad Savic
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Unisanté, Route de la Corniche 2, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Spinazzè
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Maryam Zare Jeddi
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie von Goetz
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Rämistrasse 101, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), Schwarzenburgstrasse 157, 3003, Bern, Switzerland.
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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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11
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OUP accepted manuscript. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:543-549. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Koivisto AJ, Jayjock M, Hämeri KJ, Kulmala M, Van Sprang P, Yu M, Boor BE, Hussein T, Koponen IK, Löndahl J, Morawska L, Little JC, Arnold S. Evaluating the Theoretical Background of STOFFENMANAGER® and the Advanced REACH Tool. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 66:520-536. [PMID: 34365499 PMCID: PMC9030124 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STOFFENMANAGER® and the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) are recommended tools by the European Chemical Agency for regulatory chemical safety assessment. The models are widely used and accepted within the scientific community. STOFFENMANAGER® alone has more than 37 000 users globally and more than 310 000 risk assessment have been carried out by 2020. Regardless of their widespread use, this is the first study evaluating the theoretical backgrounds of each model. STOFFENMANAGER® and ART are based on a modified multiplicative model where an exposure base level (mg m−3) is replaced with a dimensionless intrinsic emission score and the exposure modifying factors are replaced with multipliers that are mainly based on subjective categories that are selected by using exposure taxonomy. The intrinsic emission is a unit of concentration to the substance emission potential that represents the concentration generated in a standardized task without local ventilation. Further information or scientific justification for this selection is not provided. The multipliers have mainly discrete values given in natural logarithm steps (…, 0.3, 1, 3, …) that are allocated by expert judgements. The multipliers scientific reasoning or link to physical quantities is not reported. The models calculate a subjective exposure score, which is then translated to an exposure level (mg m−3) by using a calibration factor. The calibration factor is assigned by comparing the measured personal exposure levels with the exposure score that is calculated for the respective exposure scenarios. A mixed effect regression model was used to calculate correlation factors for four exposure group [e.g. dusts, vapors, mists (low-volatiles), and solid object/abrasion] by using ~1000 measurements for STOFFENMANAGER® and 3000 measurements for ART. The measurement data for calibration are collected from different exposure groups. For example, for dusts the calibration data were pooled from exposure measurements sampled from pharmacies, bakeries, construction industry, and so on, which violates the empirical model basic principles. The calibration databases are not publicly available and thus their quality or subjective selections cannot be evaluated. STOFFENMANAGER® and ART can be classified as subjective categorization tools providing qualitative values as their outputs. By definition, STOFFENMANAGER® and ART cannot be classified as mechanistic models or empirical models. This modeling algorithm does not reflect the physical concept originally presented for the STOFFENMANAGER® and ART. A literature review showed that the models have been validated only at the ‘operational analysis’ level that describes the model usability. This review revealed that the accuracy of STOFFENMANAGER® is in the range of 100 000 and for ART 100. Calibration and validation studies have shown that typical log-transformed predicted exposure concentration and measured exposure levels often exhibit weak Pearson’s correlations (r is <0.6) for both STOFFENMANAGER® and ART. Based on these limitations and performance departure from regulatory criteria for risk assessment models, it is recommended that STOFFENMANAGER® and ART regulatory acceptance for chemical safety decision making should be explicitly qualified as to their current deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Joonas Koivisto
- ARCHE Consulting, Liefkensstraat 35D, B-9032 Wondelgem, Belgium.,Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki, PL 64, FI-00014 UHEL, Helsinki, Finland.,Air Pollution Management, Willemoesgade 16, st tv, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | | | - Kaarle J Hämeri
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki, PL 64, FI-00014 UHEL, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Kulmala
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki, PL 64, FI-00014 UHEL, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Mingzhou Yu
- Laboratory of Aerosol Science and Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Brandon E Boor
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, Center for High Performance Buildings, Purdue University, 177 South Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Tareq Hussein
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), University of Helsinki, PL 64, FI-00014 UHEL, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Physics, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | | | - Jakob Löndahl
- Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, PO Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - John C Little
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Susan Arnold
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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13
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Hahn S, Meyer J, Roitzsch M, Delmaar C, Koch W, Schwarz J, Heiland A, Schendel T, Jung C, Schlüter U. Modelling Exposure by Spraying Activities-Status and Future Needs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7737. [PMID: 34360034 PMCID: PMC8345348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Spray applications enable a uniform distribution of substances on surfaces in a highly efficient manner, and thus can be found at workplaces as well as in consumer environments. A systematic literature review on modelling exposure by spraying activities has been conducted and status and further needs have been discussed with experts at a symposium. This review summarizes the current knowledge about models and their level of conservatism and accuracy. We found that extraction of relevant information on model performance for spraying from published studies and interpretation of model accuracy proved to be challenging, as the studies often accounted for only a small part of potential spray applications. To achieve a better quality of exposure estimates in the future, more systematic evaluation of models is beneficial, taking into account a representative variety of spray equipment and application patterns. Model predictions could be improved by more accurate consideration of variation in spray equipment. Inter-model harmonization with regard to spray input parameters and appropriate grouping of spray exposure situations is recommended. From a user perspective, a platform or database with information on different spraying equipment and techniques and agreed standard parameters for specific spraying scenarios from different regulations may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hahn
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Jessica Meyer
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, 44149 Dortmund, Germany; (J.M.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (U.S.)
| | - Michael Roitzsch
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, 44149 Dortmund, Germany; (J.M.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (U.S.)
| | - Christiaan Delmaar
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM, PB 1, 3720 Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Wolfgang Koch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Janine Schwarz
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, 44149 Dortmund, Germany; (J.M.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (U.S.)
| | - Astrid Heiland
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment BfR, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (T.S.); (C.J.)
| | - Thomas Schendel
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment BfR, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (T.S.); (C.J.)
| | - Christian Jung
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment BfR, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8–10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (T.S.); (C.J.)
| | - Urs Schlüter
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, 44149 Dortmund, Germany; (J.M.); (M.R.); (J.S.); (U.S.)
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14
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Huang SZ, Chuang YC, Hung PC, Chen CY, Chiang SY, Wu KY. Incorporating Exposure Measurement Data from Similar Exposure Scenarios to Inform Exposure Modeling Estimates: A Demonstration Using Cluster Analysis and Bayesian Modeling. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:96-112. [PMID: 33313765 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing occupational health and safety concerns early in the design stage anticipates hazards and enables health professionals to recommend control measures that can best protect workers' health. This method is a well-established tool in public health. Importantly, its success depends on a comprehensive exposure assessment that incorporates previous exposure data and outcomes. Traditional methods for characterizing similar occupational exposure scenarios rely on expert judgment or qualitative descriptions of relevant exposure data, which often include undisclosed underlying assumptions about specific exposure conditions. Thus, improved methods for predicting exposure modeling estimates based on available data are needed. This study proposes that cluster analysis can be used to quantify the relevance of existing exposure scenarios that are similar to a new scenario. We demonstrate how this method improves exposure predictions. Exposure data and contextual information of the scenarios were collected from past exposure assessment reports. Prior distributions for the exposure distribution parameters were specified using Stoffenmanager® 8 predictions. Gower distance and k-Medoids clustering algorithm analyses grouped existing scenarios into clusters based on similarity. The information was used in a Bayesian model to specify the degree of correlation between similar scenarios and the scenarios to be assessed. Using the distance metric to characterize the degree of similarity, the performance of the Bayesian model was improved in terms of the average bias of model estimates and measured data, reducing from 0.77 (SD: 2.0) to 0.49 (SD: 1.8). Nevertheless, underestimation of exposures still occurred for some rare scenarios, which tended to be those with highly variable exposure data. In conclusion, the cluster analysis approach may enable transparent selection of similar exposure scenarios for factoring into design-phase assessments and thereby improve exposure modeling estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Zu Huang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Chuang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chen Hung
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yong Chen
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Yin Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Yuh Wu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Urbanus J, Henschel O, Li Q, Marsh D, Money C, Noij D, van de Sandt P, van Rooij J, Wormuth M. The ECETOC-Targeted Risk Assessment Tool for Worker Exposure Estimation in REACH Registration Dossiers of Chemical Substances-Current Developments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228443. [PMID: 33202685 PMCID: PMC7697447 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The ECETOC Targeted Risk Assessment (TRA) tool is widely used for estimation of worker exposure levels in the development of dossiers for REACH registration of manufactured or imported chemical substances in Europe. A number of studies have been published since 2010 in which the exposure estimates of the tool are compared with workplace exposure measurement results and in some instances an underestimation of exposure was reported. The quality and results of these studies are being reviewed by ECETOC. (2) Methods: Original exposure measurement data from published comparison studies for which six or more data points were available for each workplace scenario and a TRA estimate had been developed to create a curated database to examine under what conditions and for which applications the tool is valid or may need adaptation. (3) Results: The published studies have been reviewed for completeness and clarity and TRA estimates have been constructed based on the available information, following a set of rules. The full review findings are expected to be available in the course of 2021. (4) Conclusions: The ECETOC TRA tool developers periodically review the validity and limitations of their tool, in line with international recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Urbanus
- Shell Health Risk Science Team, Belgian Shell N.V., B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-497-515446
| | - Oliver Henschel
- Corporate Health Management, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany;
| | - Qiang Li
- Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH, 65843 Sulzbach am Taunus, Germany;
| | - Dave Marsh
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences Inc, ExxonMobil, Leatherhead KT22 8UX, UK;
| | - Chris Money
- Cynara Consulting, Brockenhurst SO42 7RX, UK;
| | - Dook Noij
- In Personal Capacity, Formerly Dow Global Industrial Hygiene Expertise Centre, 4531 EB Terneuzen, The Netherlands;
| | - Paul van de Sandt
- Shell Health Risk Science Team, Shell International B.V., 2596 HR The Hague, The Netherlands;
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16
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Giubilato E, Cazzagon V, Amorim MJB, Blosi M, Bouillard J, Bouwmeester H, Costa AL, Fadeel B, Fernandes TF, Fito C, Hauser M, Marcomini A, Nowack B, Pizzol L, Powell L, Prina-Mello A, Sarimveis H, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Semenzin E, Stahlmecke B, Stone V, Vignes A, Wilkins T, Zabeo A, Tran L, Hristozov D. Risk Management Framework for Nano-Biomaterials Used in Medical Devices and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E4532. [PMID: 33066064 PMCID: PMC7601697 DOI: 10.3390/ma13204532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The convergence of nanotechnology and biotechnology has led to substantial advancements in nano-biomaterials (NBMs) used in medical devices (MD) and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP). However, there are concerns that applications of NBMs for medical diagnostics, therapeutics and regenerative medicine could also pose health and/or environmental risks since the current understanding of their safety is incomplete. A scientific strategy is therefore needed to assess all risks emerging along the life cycles of these products. To address this need, an overarching risk management framework (RMF) for NBMs used in MD and ATMP is presented in this paper, as a result of a collaborative effort of a team of experts within the EU Project BIORIMA and with relevant inputs from external stakeholders. The framework, in line with current regulatory requirements, is designed according to state-of-the-art approaches to risk assessment and management of both nanomaterials and biomaterials. The collection/generation of data for NBMs safety assessment is based on innovative integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). The framework can support stakeholders (e.g., manufacturers, regulators, consultants) in systematically assessing not only patient safety but also occupational (including healthcare workers) and environmental risks along the life cycle of MD and ATMP. The outputs of the framework enable the user to identify suitable safe(r)-by-design alternatives and/or risk management measures and to compare the risks of NBMs to their (clinical) benefits, based on efficacy, quality and cost criteria, in order to inform robust risk management decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giubilato
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Virginia Cazzagon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Mónica J. B. Amorim
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Magda Blosi
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISTEC), Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Jacques Bouillard
- Institut National de l’Environnement industriel et des Risques, Parc Technologique ALATA, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; (J.B.); (A.V.)
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Anna Luisa Costa
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISTEC), Via Granarolo 64, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (M.B.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Teresa F. Fernandes
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Carlos Fito
- Instituto Tecnologico del Embalaje, Transporte y Logistica, 46980 Paterna-Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marina Hauser
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (M.H.); (B.N.)
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (M.H.); (B.N.)
| | - Lisa Pizzol
- GreenDecision Srl, Via delle Industrie, 21/8, 30175 Venice, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Leagh Powell
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (L.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland;
| | - Haralambos Sarimveis
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Elena Semenzin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
| | | | - Vicki Stone
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (L.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Alexis Vignes
- Institut National de l’Environnement industriel et des Risques, Parc Technologique ALATA, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France; (J.B.); (A.V.)
| | - Terry Wilkins
- Nanomanufacturing Institute, School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Alex Zabeo
- GreenDecision Srl, Via delle Industrie, 21/8, 30175 Venice, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Lang Tran
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK;
| | - Danail Hristozov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy; (E.G.); (V.C.); (A.M.); (E.S.)
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Schlueter U, Tischer M. Validity of Tier 1 Modelling Tools and Impacts on Exposure Assessments within REACH Registrations-ETEAM Project, Validation Studies and Consequences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4589. [PMID: 32604711 PMCID: PMC7344836 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, the evaluation and validation of exposure modelling tools for inhalation exposure assessment at workplaces received new and highly increased attention by different stakeholders. One important study in this regard is the ETEAM (Evaluation of Tier 1 Exposure Assessment Models) project that evaluated exposure assessment tools under the European REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), (but next to the ETEAM project-as a project publicly funded by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)-it is a rather new development that research groups from universities in Europe, but also internationally, investigated this issue. These other studies focused not only on REACH tier 1 tools but also investigated other tools and aspects of tool validity. This paper tries to summarise the major findings of studies that explored the different issues of tool validity by focusing on the scientific outcomes and the exposure on the science community. On the other hand, this publication aims to provide guidance on the choice and use of tools, addressing the needs of tool users. The consequences of different stakeholders under REACH are discussed from the results of the validation studies. The major stakeholders are: (1) REACH registrants or applicants for REACH authorisations, meaning those companies, consortia or associations who are subject to REACH; (2) Evaluating authorities within the scope of REACH, meaning the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) secretariat and committees, but also the competent authorities of the member states or the European Union; (3) Developers of the different models and tools; (4) Users of the different models and tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Schlueter
- BAuA: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Unit “Exposure Scenarios”, Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25, 44149 Dortmund, Germany;
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18
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Spinazzè A, Borghi F, Magni D, Rovida C, Locatelli M, Cattaneo A, Cavallo DM. Comparison between Communicated and Calculated Exposure Estimates Obtained through Three Modeling Tools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17114175. [PMID: 32545369 PMCID: PMC7312254 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the risk assessment approach of the REACH legislation in industrial chemical departments with a focus on the use of three models to calculate exposures, and discuss those factors that can determine a bias between the estimated exposure (and therefore the expected risk) in the extended safety data sheets (e-SDS) and the expected exposure for the actual scenario. To purse this goal, the exposure estimates and risk characterization ratios (RCRs) of registered exposure scenarios (ES; “communicated exposure” and “communicated RCR”) were compared with the exposure estimates and the corresponding RCRs calculated for the actual, observed ES, using recommended tools for the evaluation of exposure assessment and in particular the following tools: (i) the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals Targeted Risk Assessment v.3.1 (ECETOC TRA), (ii) STOFFENMANAGER® v.8.0 and (iii) the Advanced REACH Tool (ART). We evaluated 49 scenarios in three companies handling chemicals. Risk characterization ratios (RCRs) were calculated by dividing estimated exposures by derived no-effect levels (DNELs). Although the calculated exposure and RCRs generally were lower than communicated, the correlation between communicated and calculated exposures and RCRs was generally poor, indicating that the generic registered scenarios do not reflect actual working, exposure and risk conditions. Further, some observed scenarios resulted in calculated exposure values and RCR higher than those communicated through chemicals’ e-SDSs; thus ‘false safe’ scenarios (calculated RCRs > 1) were also observed. Overall, the obtained evidences contribute to doubt about whether the risk assessment should be performed using generic (communicated by suppliers) ES with insufficient detail of the specific scenario at all companies. Contrariwise, evidences suggested that it would be safer for downstream users to perform scenario-specific evaluations, by means of proper scaling approach, to achieve more representative estimates of chemical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Spinazzè
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (D.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesca Borghi
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (D.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Daniele Magni
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (D.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.C.)
| | - Costanza Rovida
- TEAM mastery S.r.l. Via Ferrari 14, 22100 Como, Italy; (C.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Monica Locatelli
- TEAM mastery S.r.l. Via Ferrari 14, 22100 Como, Italy; (C.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (D.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.C.)
| | - Domenico Maria Cavallo
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; (D.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.C.)
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19
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Exposure Models for REACH and Occupational Safety and Health Regulations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020383. [PMID: 31936022 PMCID: PMC7013818 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Model tools for estimating hazardous substance exposure are an accepted part of regulatory risk assessments in Europe, and models underpin control banding tools used to help manage chemicals in workplaces. Of necessity the models are simplified abstractions of real-life working situations that aim to capture the essence of the scenario to give estimates of actual exposures with an appropriate margin of safety. The basis for existing inhalation exposure assessment tools has recently been discussed by some scientists who have argued for the use of more complex models. In our opinion, the currently accepted tools are documented to be the most robust way for workplace health and safety practitioners and others to estimate inhalation exposure. However, we recognise that it is important to continue the scientific development of exposure modelling to further elaborate and improve the existing methodologies.
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