IOM paper published on exposure models
09.01.2020Professor John Cherrie, Principal Scientist at IOM, has co-authored a paper entitled "Exposure Models for REACH and Occupational Safety and Health Regulations", which has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
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.
The full text of the paper is available here.