Exposure monitoring for the pharmaceutical industry
The pharmaceutical industry prides itself on a clean, safe image. This includes the proper protection of its employees, many of whom handle highly potent and toxic substances. In order to ensure that exposure to these substances is controlled to safe levels, it is desirable to undertake measurements of their concentrations in workplace air. For many of the “actives” handled, however, there are no recognised methods of sampling and analysis and no formal occupational exposure standards against which the results of workplace monitoring can be compared.
The IOM can help by:- Developing or helping to develop appropriate sampling and analysis methods - our lab has developed appropriate methods of collection and analysis for occupational hygiene samples, involving a range of pharmaceutical substances, that are capable of detecting to low microgram quantities on filter. We can take existing Quality Control assays for active compounds and develop them into validated occupational hygiene methods.
- Providing advice on the risks to health associated with workplace exposure to pharmaceuticals and occupational exposure limits. We have recommended exposure limits for about 100 different substances for various clients in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Advising on human health concerns following the accidental release of substances within the workplace or to the wider environment.
- Undertaking occupational hygiene surveys and providing advice on ventilation and containment.