A Hierarchical Approach to Coding Chemical, Biological and Pharmaceutical Substances

Abstract

This hierarchical coding system is designed to classify substances into successively subordinate categories on the basis of chemical, physical and biological properties. Although initially developed for occupational cancer epidemiological studies, it is general in nature and can be used for other purposes where a systematic approach is needed to catalogue or analyze large numbers of substances and/or physical properties. The coding system incorporates a multi level approach, where substances can be coded both on the basis of function and composition. On the first level, a three digit code is assigned to each substance to indicate its primary use in the occupational environment (e.g. pesticide, catalyst, adhesive). Substances can then be coded using a ten digit code to indicate structure and composition (e.g. organic molecule, biomolecule, pharmaceutical). Depending on the complexity required, analysis can incorporate the three digit code, ten digit code, or a combination of both. The approach to coding both chemical and biological agents is modeled in part after conventional approaches used by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) and the International Union of Biochemists (IUB). Development of the coding system was initiated in the 1980's in response to a need for a system allowing analysis of individual agents as well classes or groups of substances. The project was undertaken as a collaborative venture between the BC Cancer Agency, Cancer Control Research program (then Division of Epidemiology) and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia.

Male bladder cancer risk and occupational exposure according to a job-exposure matrix—a case-control study in British Columbia, Canada

“…However a comparison of the jobexposure matrix specifically developed for the lead and zinc industry in British Columbia and that from the NOES-JEM showed good concordance overall (25).…”

Trans-Atlantic data harmonization in the classification of medicines and dietary supplements: A challenge for epidemiologic study and clinical research

“…Prior studies have used a variety of coding mechanisms to record data on drugs [3][4][5][6] and dietary supplements [7][8][9], including locally developed drug lists, as well as nationallyrepresentative commercial databases such as MediSpan, but there has not been consistency in research methodologies. Data standards at an international level are imperative not only for improved epidemiological research, but for other types of clinical research and patient care as well.…”