A database of transfer efficiencies for dermal and ingestion exposure
Transfer efficiencies describe the amount of material that moves from one surface to another following contact. Transfer efficiencies from surfaces to the skin are of interest when estimating dermal exposure from contact with contaminated surfaces. Similarly, transfer efficiencies between the hands and the mouth are useful to help estimate exposure by inadvertent ingestion (hand/object to mouth contact).
Twenty-four studies reporting transfer efficiencies relevant to dermal and ingestion exposure were identified following a systematic review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature. The data reported in these studies have been collated into a database. This database is likely to be of interest to researchers, risk assessors, occupational hygienists and exposure assessment specialists.
This database includes data on transfer of powders, liquids, solids in solutions, and biological organisms (bacteria and viruses) from the following pathways:
- Surface to hand
- Surface to glove
- Surface to clothing
- Hand to mouth
- Hand to peri-oral area (the area surrounding the mouth)
- Object to mouth
- Object to peri-oral area
- Glove to peri-oral area
A draft version of the transfer efficiency database is available for download from this webpage. A users' guide to the database is also available.
The database is still in development and we are continuing to search for data to include. If you have access to any transfer efficiency data that is not included in the database, please contact Melanie Gorman Ng.
Version 1.1 of the database included a search tool that allows users to enter information about a transfer scenario and find a relevant transfer efficiency.
Version 1.11 adds information on which transfer efficiencies were reported directly in the cited reference and which were calculated by IOM based on data reported in the reference.
Database version 1.11 link