REVIEW PAPER
Assessment of predictive dermal exposure to chemicals in the work environment
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Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Zakład Bezpieczeństwa Chemicznego / Department of Chemical Safety)
Online publication date: 2017-06-14
Corresponding author
Agnieszka Jankowska
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera,
Zakład Bezpieczeństwa Chemicznego, ul. św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2017;68(4):557-69
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ABSTRACT
Assessment of dermal exposure to chemicals in the work environment is problematic, mainly as a result of the lack of measurement
data on occupational exposure to chemicals. Due to common prevalence of occupational skin exposure and its health
consequences it is necessary to look for efficient solutions allowing for reliable exposure assessment. The aim of the study is to
present predictive models used to assess non-measured dermal exposure, as well as to acquaint Polish users with the principles
of the selected model functioning. This paper presents examples of models to assist the employer in the the assessment of occupational
exposure associated with the skin contact with chemicals, developed in European Union (EU) countries, as well as in
countries outside the EU. Based on the literature data dermal exposure models EASE (Estimation and Assessment of Substance
Exposure), COSHH Essentials (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), DREAM (Dermal Exposure Assessment
Method), Stoffenmanager , ECETOC TRA (European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals Targeted Risk Assessment),
MEASE (Metal’s EASE), PHED (Pesticide Handlers Exposure Database), DERM (Dermal Exposure Ranking Method)
and RISKOFDERM (Risk Assessment of Occupational Dermal Exposure to Chemicals) were briefly described. Moreover the
characteristics of RISKOFDERM, guidelines for its use, information on input and output data were further detailed. Problem of
full work shift dermal exposure assessment is described. An example of exposure assessment using RISKOFDERM and effectiveness
evaluation to date were also presented. When no measurements are available, RISKOFDERM allows dermal exposure assessment
and thus can improve the risk assessment quality and effectiveness of dermal risk management. Med Pr 2017;68(4):557–569