Case Studies
Many of our research studies are developed as a result of a dialogue with the sponsor. Often there is a realisation that the organisation has an issue where the solution might come from an appropriately designed research investigation. Other studies arise following a wider invitation to tender. Here too, if successful, we aim to dialogue with the sponsor to improve the relevance of the proposal.
Semiconductors
For example, we undertake a number of investigations to help government better understand whether particular sets of exposures present a risk to workers or the public. We are currently working closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to undertake an epidemiological study in a semiconductor factory in Scotland. The project was initiated following an earlier HSE investigation (www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/nsukrept.pdf) that showed more deaths than expected from some kinds of cancer amongst the workers and former workers at the plant. Working closely with the HSE's own epidemiologists we have prepared a protocol for the work that has been extensively discussed with the main stakeholders.
IOM has also undertaken a feasibility study on behalf of HSE to see whether it is possible to conduct a nation-wide study to look at possible cancer risks in the UK semiconductor industry. This work was done in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The report is available for download via this link to the HSE website.
Exposure modelling
Modelling tools for estimating chemical exposure for regulatory risk assessment, health impact assessment and epidemiology are becoming increasingly important. The IOM has been active, together with collaborators in Europe, in developing conceptual models, and subsequently predictive models for inhalation, dermal and ingestion exposure. The IOM has worked with colleagues at, amongst others, TNO and HSL to develop the Advanced REACH Tool(ART) (www.advancedreachtool.com), which is a freely available exposure assessment tool that combines the use of a mechanistic model with actual exposure data (using bayesian statistics) to predict inhalation exposure. This project was funded by a number of sponsors, including the HSE, the Dutch Government, AFSSET, CEFIC LRI, Shell, Eurometaux, GSK and the BOHS. Currently, ART can only be used for predicting inhalation exposure, but we are exploring possibilities for extending the tool to dermal exposure following on from previous work.
Finally, we are working with colleagues at TNO in The Netherlands and the NRCWU in Denmark to adapt the conceptual and ART model for inhalation exposure to estimate exposure to nanomaterials.