ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dermal risk assessment of exposure to chemicals is difficult due to the lack of standardisation of the methods used in exposure quantification; further limits concern the extent of skin contamination and especially dermal absorption of different substances. To solve these problems many authors proposed conceptual models founded on theoretical assumptions and experimental data, but their use in occupational settings revealed many difficulties. A possible alternative is the use of a check-list that permits evaluation of occupational dermal contamination hazards. AIMS: To propose a simplified method for dermal risk assessment. METHODS: Dermal contamination risk evaluation, chemical hazard quantification and duration of exposure are the basic features of the method. The first step assesses working conditions, use of protective devices, skin contamination directly observed, personal hygiene of workers: all information, collected by a trained observer, is scored according to literature data and/or to authors'personal experience. Chemical hazard quantfication is obtained from safety data sheet evaluation (R phrases classification and chemical-physical characteristics of the chemical in use). The method allows a preliminary dermal exposure assessment to be made, subdivided on hazard bands. RESULTS: The method permits a rapid dermal exposure assessment to be made and suggests intervention measures to decrease dermal risk. CONCLUSIONS: A check-list is proposed that can be a useful and easy method to assess dermal exposure to chemicals, particularly in small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Occupational/diagnosis , Occupational Exposure , Surveys and Questionnaires , Humans , Risk Assessment/methodsABSTRACT
The dermal risk assessment requires simplified methodologies to understand the role played by the skin. The conceptual models proposed to this aim are founded on theoretical assumptions and experimental data, but their use in occupational settings shows many difficulties. For this end we have drawn up a check-list that includes six sessions and allows to obtain a preliminary dermal exposure evaluation subdivided on hazard bands.
Subject(s)
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Exposure , Skin Diseases/epidemiology , Humans , Risk AssessmentSubject(s)
Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Occupational Exposure , Skin Diseases/chemically induced , Skin/drug effects , Gloves, Protective , Humans , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Occupations , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Skin Diseases/diagnosis , Skin Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: RISKOFDERM is a research project whose aim is to develop instruments to assess and manage occupational dermal exposure to chemical substances. METHODS: The research, funded by the European Commission, involves 15 Institutes from 10 member countries; it is a continuation of the Dermal Exposure Network experience and consists of four interrelated parts. The first phase (Qualitative survey) assumed that dermal exposure can be extrapolated from one compound to another when it is task-based: therefore six Dermal Exposure Operation units (DEOu) were defined that lead back to the variety of occupational dermal exposure conditions and an extensive Questionnaire was developed for on-site surveys to perform standard observations in selected working situations (scenarios). RESULTS: The Italian group, participating in the research, obtained a set of observations relating to two "scenarios" in different working sectors: asphalt, ceramic and pottery workers, spectacle decorators and paint production: the aim was to verify the validity of the methodology in assessing the risk of percutaneous absorption, time, frequency and extension of skin exposure. CONCLUSIONS: From the observations made it was shown that the perception of risk was poor; it is necessary to rationalise work organization, and train and inform the employees on the correct use of personal protection devices.
