Variability in endotoxin exposure levels and consequences for exposure assessment

Objectives: Workers in many industries are exposed to endotoxins, which may cause adverse health effects. In exposure assessment, information about exposure variability is essential. However, variability in exposure has rarely been investigated for biological agents and more specifically for endotoxin. Therefore, variance components and...

The accuracy of DERM may be a self-fulfilling DREAM

Endotoxin: From database to measurement strategy

Endotoxin is a well-known toxin which has been associated with several health effects. Many factors influence airborne endotoxin exposure and can cause high variability in exposure between and within workers. Additionally, since the source of endotoxin exposure - gram-negative bacteria - grow and amplify, exposure variability is thought to be...

Quantitative self-assessment of exposure to solvents among shoe repair men

Self-assessment of exposure (SAE) refers to any exposure assessment methodology wherein the worker takes an active role in establishing his or her exposure status. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability and feasibility of SAE approaches among shoe repair workers collecting exposure data over a 3 month period. This study...

Modelling exposure in flour processing sectors in The Netherlands: A baseline measurement in the context of an intervention program

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that even low exposure levels to flour dust and related allergens can cause severe respiratory symptoms. In The Netherlands the Dutch government and responsible branch organizations [from bakeries (traditional & industrial), flour mills and bakery ingredient producers] signed a covenant to reduce exposure...

Classification of Dermal Exposure Modifiers and Assignment of Values for a Risk Assessment Toolkit

This paper describes how default dermal exposure values can be adjusted with modifier values for specific work situations. The work presented here is supplementary to a toolkit developed for the EU RISKOFDERM project. This toolkit is intended for the assessment and management of dermal risks in small and medium sized enterprises. Potential...