Theoretical Background of Occupational-Exposure Models—Report of an Expert Workshop of the ISES Europe Working Group “Exposure Models”

Schlüter, Urs; Arnold, Susan; Borghi, Francesca; Cherrie, John W.; Fransman, Wouter; Heussen, G.A.H.; Jayjock, Michael A.; Jensen, Keld Alstrup; Koivisto, Antti Joonas; Koppisch, Dorothea; Meyer, Jessica; Spinazzè, Andrea; Tanarro, Celia; Verpaele, Steven; Goetz, Natalie von

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031234

Cited by 12 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 37 publications

(51 reference statements)

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“…Estimating the evaporation of disinfectants—or volatile chemicals in general—from a surface into indoor air using exposure models can be challenging. When using exposure models, it should be kept in mind that any exposure model is based on assumptions and has limitations in some cases [ 21 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two different approaches are commonly used for exposure modelling: The modifying-factor models based on multiplicative exposure-determining factors and the deterministic physico-chemical models based on mass-balances [ 19 – 21 ]. Examples include Stoffenmanager® [ 22 – 25 ] and ART (Advanced REACH Tool) [ 26 ] as modifying-factor models, and ConsExpo [ 27 ] as a deterministic model.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Examples include Stoffenmanager® [ 22 – 25 ] and ART (Advanced REACH Tool) [ 26 ] as modifying-factor models, and ConsExpo [ 27 ] as a deterministic model. To date, the various exposure models have not been sufficiently evaluated and validated, making it difficult to decide which model suites best for exposure assessment for a hazardous substance in a specific workplace [ 21 , 28 ]. Various analysis methods were used to learn more about the performance of the models, e.g., by comparing them with measured data in terms of accuracy or conservatism [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational inhalation exposure during surface disinfection—exposure assessment based on exposure models compared with measurement data

Anhäuser,

Piorr,

Arnone

et al. 2023

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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Background For healthcare workers, surface disinfections are daily routine tasks. An assessment of the inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case the disinfectant´s active ingredients, is necessary to ensure workers safety. However, deciding which exposure model is best for exposure assessment remains difficult. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of different exposure models for disinfection of small surfaces in healthcare settings. Methods Measurements of the air concentration of active ingredients in disinfectants (ethanol, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) together with other exposure parameters were recorded in a test chamber. The measurements were performed using personal and stationary air sampling. In addition, exposure modelling was performed using three deterministic models (unsteady 1-zone, ConsExpo and 2-component) and one modifying-factor model (Stoffenmanager®). Their estimates were compared with the measured values using various methods to assess model quality (like accuracy and level of conservatism). Results The deterministic models showed overestimation predominantly in the range of two- to fivefold relative to the measured data and high conservatism for all active ingredients of disinfectants with the exception of ethanol. With Stoffenmanager® an exposure distribution was estimated for ethanol, which was in good accordance with the measured data. Impact statement To date, workplace exposure assessments often involve expensive and time consuming air measurements. Reliable exposure models can be used to assess occupational inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case surface disinfectants. This study describes the applicability of three deterministic and one modifying-factor model for disinfection of small surfaces in healthcare settings, in direct comparison to measurements performed and will facilitate future exposure assessments at these workplaces.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational inhalation exposure during surface disinfection—exposure assessment based on exposure models compared with measurement data

Anhäuser,

Piorr,

Arnone

et al. 2023

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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“…In a virtual workshop on the “Theoretical Background of Occupational Exposure Models” [ 91 ], the participants recently discussed the needs regarding the enhancement of occupational exposure models. Some activities were identified that would improve the status quo, which will enable potential synergies and collaboration with other relevant scientific bodies (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030

Schlüter

Meyer

Ahrens³

et al. 2022

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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Exposure models are essential in almost all relevant contexts for exposure science. To address the numerous challenges and gaps that exist, exposure modelling is one of the priority areas of the European Exposure Science Strategy developed by the European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES Europe). A strategy was developed for the priority area of exposure modelling in Europe with four strategic objectives. These objectives are (1) improvement of models and tools, (2) development of new methodologies and support for understudied fields, (3) improvement of model use and (4) regulatory needs for modelling. In a bottom-up approach, exposure modellers from different European countries and institutions who are active in the fields of occupational, population and environmental exposure science pooled their expertise under the umbrella of the ISES Europe Working Group on exposure models. This working group assessed the state-of-the-art of exposure modelling in Europe by developing an inventory of exposure models used in Europe and reviewing the existing literature on pitfalls for exposure modelling, in order to identify crucial modelling-related strategy elements. Decisive actions were defined for ISES Europe stakeholders, including collecting available models and accompanying information in a living document curated and published by ISES Europe, as well as a long-term goal of developing a best-practices handbook. Alongside these actions, recommendations were developed and addressed to stakeholders outside of ISES Europe. Four strategic objectives were identified with an associated action plan and roadmap for the implementation of the European Exposure Science Strategy for exposure modelling. This strategic plan will foster a common understanding of modelling-related methodology, terminology and future research in Europe, and have a broader impact on strategic considerations globally.

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“…Especially the higher tier models require full details of the spraying process and the dispersion mechanisms, which are often not available. For this reason, simple model approaches and the improvement of existing spraying models are a valuable addition (6,7).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A generic approach to estimate airborne concentrations of substances released by indoor spray processes using a deterministic 2-box model

Hahn,

Schwarz,

Nowak

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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Sprays are used both in workplace and consumer settings. Although spraying has advantages, such as uniform distribution of substances on surfaces in a highly efficient manner, it is often associated with a high inhalation burden. For an adequate risk assessment, this exposure has to be reliably quantified. Exposure models of varying complexity are available, which are applicable to spray applications. However, a need for improvement has been identified. In this contribution, a simple 2-box approach is suggested for the assessment of the time-weighted averaged exposure concentration (TWA) using a minimum of input data. At the moment, the model is restricted to binary spray liquids composed of a non-volatile fraction and volatile solvents. The model output can be refined by introducing correction factors based on the classification and categorization of two key parameters, the droplet size class and the vapor pressure class of the solvent, or by using a data set of experimentally determined airborne release fractions related to the used spray equipment. A comparison of model results with measured data collected at real workplaces showed that this simple model based on readily available input parameters is very useful for screening purposes. The generic 2-box spray model without refinement overestimates the measurements of the considered scenarios in approximately 50% of the cases by more than a factor of 100. The generic 2-box model performs better for room spraying than for surface spraying, as the airborne fraction in the latter case is clearly overestimated. This conservatism of the prediction was significantly reduced when correction factors or experimentally determined airborne release fractions were used in addition to the generic input parameters. The resulting predictions still overestimate the exposure (ratio tool estimate to measured TWA > 10) or they are accurate (ratio 0.5–10). If the available information on boundary conditions (application type, equipment) does not justify the usage of airborne release fraction, room spraying should be used resulting in the highest exposure estimate. The model scope may be extended to (semi)volatile substances. However, acceptance may be compromised by the limited availability of measured data for this group of substances and thus may have limited potency to evaluate the model prediction.

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Theoretical Background of Occupational-Exposure Models—Report of an Expert Workshop of the ISES Europe Working Group “Exposure Models”

Cited by 12 publications

References 37 publications

Occupational inhalation exposure during surface disinfection—exposure assessment based on exposure models compared with measurement data

Occupational inhalation exposure during surface disinfection—exposure assessment based on exposure models compared with measurement data

Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030

A generic approach to estimate airborne concentrations of substances released by indoor spray processes using a deterministic 2-box model

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