The Advanced REACH Tool (ART): Incorporation of an Exposure Measurement Database

Abstract

This article describes the structure, functionalities, and content of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) exposure database (version 1.5). The incorporation of the exposure database into ART allows users who do not have their own measurement data for their exposure scenario, to update the exposure estimates produced by the mechanistic model using analogous measurement series selected from the ART exposure measurement database. Depending on user input for substance category and activity (sub)classes, the system selects exposure measurement series from the exposure database. The comprehensive scenario descriptions and summary statistics assist the user in deciding if the measurement series are indeed fully analogous. After selecting one or more analogous data sets, the data are used by the Bayesian module of the ART system to update the mechanistically modeled exposure estimates. The 1944 exposure measurements currently stored in the ART exposure measurement database cover 9 exposure situations for handling solid objects (n = 65), 42 situations for handling powders, granules, or pelletized material (n = 488), 5 situations for handling low-volatility liquids (n = 88), 35 situations for handling volatile liquids (n = 870), and 26 situations for handling liquids in which powders are dissolved or dispersed (resulting in exposure to mist) (n = 433). These 117 measurement series form a good basis for supporting user exposure estimates. However, by increasing the diversity of exposure situations and the number of measurement series in the database, the usefulness of the ART system will be further improved. Suggestions to stimulate the process of sharing exposure measurement data both to increase the available data in the ART and for other purposes are made.

Respiratory health and silicosis in artisanal mine workers in southern Brazil

“…Furthermore, in the absence of measurements, it may be possible to use tools and models, such as the Advanced REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals) Tool (ART), to obtain estimates of worker exposure. 6,15 We carried out a study in southern Brazil to investigate the respiratory health of artisanal mining workers in relation to sociodemographic factors and occupational exposures.…”

How to Obtain a Reliable Estimate of Occupational Exposure? Review and Discussion of Models’ Reliability

“…The mechanistic model was found to be able to estimate GM exposure (90% confidence) of a scenario. Schinkel et al [58] described the structure functionalities and content of the ART exposure database. Spinazzè et al [2] evaluated the accuracy and the robustness of different exposure models (STOFFENMANAGER ® , ECETOC TRA, and ART), comparing measured data in occupational exposure scenarios involving the use of organic solvent and pesticides.…”

Advanced REACH Tool: A Bayesian Model for Occupational Exposure Assessment

“…The development of an exposure database (Schinkel et al , 2013) and the launch of version 1.5 of the ART are important recent developments; however, the ART does not currently support PA data. The conceptual basis for determining analogy is justified but is an unexplored field within Bayesian exposure assessment.…”

“…Where appropriate, concentration adjustments to the exposure measurements are applied [measurements are rescaled such that they are appropriate for use in a user’s assessment scenario (AS)]. The development of the database is described in Schinkel et al (2013) where at the point of publication the library consisted of 1944 measurements relating to 117 exposure scenarios. As with version 1.0, the software also accommodates measurements on the AS which are uploaded by users.…”