Exposure Assessment

At the end of this course students will be able to: 1. explain the concept of Exposure Assessment; 2. distinguish between biological and exposure monitoring; 3. state the purposes of designing a sound exposure assessment; 4. outline and explain the major steps in exposure assessment strategy; and 5. mention types of health hazard and administrative controls.

Introduction to the concept of Exposure Assessment. Purpose of designing a sound exposure assessment: (a) to assess potential health risks; differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable exposures; control unacceptable exposures; (b) determine needs and priority for health controls; (c) ensure and demonstrate compliance with governmental and other exposure guidelines; (d) establish and document historical record of exposure levels, communicate exposure monitoring results. Major steps in exposure assessment strategy. establish exposure assessment strategy; basic characterization; occupational exposure; exposure assessment; information gathering: exposure monitoring, exposure modelling, biological monitoring, epidemiological data generation; health hazard controls: engineer controls, administration control, and personal protection equipment. reassessment; communication and documentation.