a a a | Display options

Validation of models for the initial estimation of occupational exposure (Tier 1) in the chemical safety assessment under REACH

Validation of models for the initial estimation of occupational exposure (Tier 1) in the chemical safety assessment under REACH The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) legislation was introduced on 1stJune 2007 and aims to control human and environmental risk from exposure to chemicals across the European Union. The first phase of registration of chemical agents was completed in December 2010. Due to the paucity of exposure data, a tiered approach is used to determine the risk of exposure to chemicals, with a great reliance on conservative screening models for exposure assessment. Several 1st tier exposure models are recommended by ECHA for estimating occupational exposure; however, to date, none of these models has been extensively evaluated and compared.

BAuA, the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.baua.de/en) have commissioned the IOM and the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM) to evaluate the various tier 1 models detailed in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) REACH guidance. These models include ECETOC TRA, MEASE, Stoffenmanager, RISKOFDERM and the EMKG- Expo-Tool.

The E-TEAM (Evaluation of Tier 1 Exposure Assessment Models) project will consist of the following activities:

  • We will first carry out a critical evaluation of each of the model's underlying conceptual bases and background data, followed by a comparison of the models' predicted exposure levels with real-life exposure data, using a bespoke database populated from a range of European and IOM data sources.
  • The user friendliness of the models will be assessed using questionnaires and workshops, with the emphasis on the effectiveness of the system-user interface. In addition, we will investigate the within- and between-user reliability of the models.
  • Finally, we will compare the models in terms of uncertainty, suitability and range of application, with the aim of generating clear guidance to users about the most appropriate model for their requirements.

In addition to the project sponsor BAuA, the study will be overseen by an international Advisory Board (E-TEAM), comprising representatives from a number of regulatory, government and industry groups.

In addition to providing measurement data, the group will bring objective, scientific governance to the project. The Advisory Board includes the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), the Austrian Workers' Compensation Board (AUVA), EBRC Consulting GmbH, Arbo Unie and the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC).

At the end of the 18 month project, we will be able to give model users more confidence about the accuracy, precision, reliability and range of applicability of their chosen approach. This will help to improve manufacturers' and suppliers' exposure assessments, allow further development of the models and provide a knowledge source for future modifications to ECHA guidance documents.

We are keen to gather as much exposure data from as many industries as possible to allow the formation of a comprehensive project database. If you are interested in providing data on a confidential basis, or if you would like further information about the project, please contact Martie van Tongeren or Judith Lamb.