A numerical model for quantifying exposure to natural and artificial light in human health research.

Various skin and ocular pathologies can result from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and blue light. Assessing the potential harm of exposure to these light sources requires quantifying the energy received to specific target tissue. Despite a well-established understanding of the light-disease relationship, the quantification of received energy in diverse lighting scenarios proves challenging due to the multitude of light sources and continuous variation in the orientation of receiving tissues (skin and eyes). This complexity makes the determination of health hazards associated with specific lighting conditions difficult. In this study, we present a solution to this challenge using a numerical approach. Through the implementation of algorithms applied to 3D geometries, we created and validated a numerical model that simulates skin and ocular exposure to both natural and artificial light sources. The resulting numerical model is a computational framework in which customizable exposure scenarios can be implemented. The ability to adapt simulations to different configurations for study makes this model a potential investigative method in human health research.

[Asbestos related cancers: burden and recognition as occupational diseases]. / Cancers liés à l'amiante : fardeau et reconnaissance comme maladies professionnelles.

Although asbestos has been banned in Switzerland since 1989, diseases caused by asbestos are still present and increasing today. In Switzerland, per year, occupational exposure to asbestos is responsible for approximately 135 deaths from mesothelioma and 930 deaths from lung cancer, though the latter is rarely recognized as an occupational disease. Taking an occupational history is essential for all such diagnosis, especially in smokers, whose risk of lung cancer increases due to the synergistic effect of asbestos and tobacco exposure. The medical practitioner can play an important role in occupational diseases being recognized as such, which is essential for the reimbursement of medical expenses by the accident insurance companies and the allocation of indemnities and pensions for the patient or their family.

Bien que l'amiante soit interdit en Suisse depuis 1989, les maladies provoquées par l'amiante sont aujourd'hui toujours présentes et en augmentation. En Suisse, par année, l'exposition professionnelle à l'amiante est responsable d'environ 135 décès par mésothéliome et 930 par cancer du poumon ­ rarement reconnu comme maladie professionnelle. Lors de tout diagnostic, il est essentiel d'effectuer une anamnèse professionnelle, en particulier chez les fumeurs, qui voient leur risque de cancer du poumon augmenter en raison de l'effet synergique amiante-tabac. Le médecin praticien peut jouer un rôle important pour faire reconnaître une maladie comme professionnelle, indispensable pour la prise en charge des frais médicaux par les assurances-accidents ainsi que l'allocation d'indemnités et de rente pour le patient, voire sa famille.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) soil contamination in Lausanne, Switzerland: Combining pollution mapping and human exposure assessment for targeted risk management.

In December 2020, high soil concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were discovered across large parts of Lausanne, Switzerland. Concentrations reached up to 640 ng TEQWHO-2005/kg dry weight. The most likely source was a former municipal waste incinerator. A three-step, multidisciplinary approach to human health risk assessment was conducted to determine the potential population exposure to PCDD/Fs and identify appropriate preventive measures. First, exposure scenarios were developed based on contaminated land uses. Second, the toxicological risks of different scenarios were evaluated using a toxicokinetic model estimating increases in blood serum PCDD/F concentrations over background concentrations from the general population's food consumption. Third, a detailed geostatistical mapping of PCDD/F soil contamination was performed. Stochastic simulations with an external drift and an anisotropic model of the variogram were generated to incorporate the effects of distance from emission source, topography, and main wind directions on the spatial distribution of PCDD/Fs in topsoil. Three main scenarios were assessed: i) direct ingestion of soil by children in playgrounds; ii) consumption of vegetables from private gardens by children and adults; and iii) consumption of food from livestock and poultry raised on contaminated soil. The worst exposure scenario involved the consumption of eggs from private hen houses, resulting in PCDD/F concentrations in serum an order of magnitude higher than might normally be expected. No relevant increases in serum concentrations were calculated for direct soil ingestion and vegetable consumption, except for cucurbitaceous vegetables. Combining mapping and exposure scenario assessment resulted in targeted protective measures for land users, especially concerning food consumption. The results also raised concerns about the potential unsafe consumption of products derived from animals raised on land with PCDD/F concentrations only moderately over environmental background levels.

[Risk assessment and management: between epidemiology and social acceptability]. / Évaluation et gestion des risques : entre épidémiologie et acceptabilité sociale.

Risk is a well-known concept in medicine and in epidemiology and its approach intend to be rational and measurable. Risk measurement makes it possible to communicate with a patient or a population the risk of occurrence of an event. However, it is often difficult to estimate accurately the probability of occurrence of an adverse event and there is therefore uncertainty. In addition, the notion of risk is not easy to grasp for most people. The same risk can be perceived very differently from one individual to another and this perception and understanding depends on psychological, social, cultural, historical and political factors. Understanding this social dimension of risk in clinical practice or in public health is essential to implement efficient risk management.

La notion de risque est bien connue en médecine et en épidémiologie et son approche se veut rationnelle et mesurable. Cette mesure du risque permet de communiquer à un patient ou à une population le risque de survenue d'un événement. Mais il est souvent difficile d'estimer avec précision la probabilité de survenue d'un événement et il existe donc de l'incertitude. De plus, la notion de risque n'est pas facile à appréhender pour la plupart des personnes. Un même risque pourra être perçu très différemment d'un individu à l'autre et ces perception et compréhension des risques dépendent de facteurs psychologiques, sociaux, culturels, historiques et politiques. Bien comprendre cette dimension sociale du risque est essentiel pour appréhender une gestion des risques, que ce soit en clinique ou en santé publique.

A proposed synergetic mechanism for metal fume fever involving ZnO and Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Metal fumes fever (MFF) is an inflammatory condition, whose mechanism is yet unclear, associated with the inhalation of metal fumes, particularly zinc. In this study we investigate experimentally the hypothesis of a two-step mechanism of MFF onset: (1) the photocatalytic production of airborne hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via ZnO and (2) the production of hydroxyl radicals (HOׄ) through Fenton reaction via magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. Photocatalysis and Fenton reaction products were measured using a multiscattering-enhanced absorbance device and assessing the degradation of bromophenol blue with microplate photometry, respectively. We observed that in the presence of UV, ZnO produces 3 to 4-times more H2O2 than UV alone or that non-UV irradiated ZnO. In the presence of biologically-relevant ligands, we also measured a Fenton reaction at physiological pH with either Fe(II), Fe(III) or Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Our results support the hypothesis of a two-step mechanism of MFF onset, in which the prior presence of Fe in the lungs exacerbates the oxidative stress, triggered by the photocatalysis of ZnO, a situation that could occurs when welding galvanized steel. More broadly, this raises the question of the role of the Fenton mechanism in respiratory exposure to metal particles and its possible contribution to other lung diseases.

Assessing Human Eye Exposure to UV Light: A Narrative Review.

Exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with several ocular pathologies. Understanding exposure levels and factors is therefore important from a medical and prevention perspective. A review of the current literature on ocular exposure to ultraviolet light is conducted in this study. It has been shown that ambient irradiance is not a good indicator of effective exposure and current tools for estimating dermal exposure have limitations for the ocular region. To address this, three methods have been developed: the use of anthropomorphic manikins, measurements through wearable sensors and numerical simulations. The specific objective, limitations, and results obtained for the three different methods are discussed.

Modeling the protective role of human eyelashes against ultraviolet light exposure.

The role of eyelashes in ocular radiation protection has been hypothesized for some time. There is however no quantitative knowledge of the shading they provide. The ocular protection provided by eyelashes is investigated in this study. A numerical model able to simulate an arbitrary source of light to illuminate a 3-dimensional head model with realistic details was used for this purpose. The eyelashes' filtering effect was studied for various light incidence angles, diameter and density of cilia. Using average values provided by literature to define their characteristics, we found that eyelashes reduce ultraviolet light received by the cornea of about 12-14%, with maximum values of 24%. These results suggest that the eyelashes can be an important element of the human eye protection system and their role should be further investigated.

Which strategy for using medical and community masks? A prospective analysis of their environmental impact.

INTRODUCTION: The use of personal protective equipment, especially medical masks, increased dramatically during the COVID-19 crisis. Medical masks are made of synthetic materials, mainly polypropylene, and a majority of them are produced in China and imported to the European market. The urgency of the need has so far prevailed over environmental considerations. OBJECTIVE: Assess the environmental impact of different strategies for the use of face mask. METHOD: A prospective analysis was conducted to assess the environmental impact of different strategies for the use of medical and community masks. Eight scenarios, differentiating the typologies of masks and the modes of reuse are compared using three environmental impact indicators: the Global Warming Potential (GWP100), the ecological scarcity (UBP method, from German 'Umweltbelastungpunkte') and the plastic leakage (PL). This study attempts to provide clear recommendations that consider both the environmental impact and the protective effectiveness of face masks used in the community. RESULTS: The environmental impact of single-use masks is the most unfavourable, with a GWP of 0.4-1.3 kg CO2 eq., depending on the transport scenario, and a PL of 1.8 g, for a 1 month protection against COVID-19. The use of home-made cotton masks and prolonged use of medical masks through wait-and-reuse are the scenarios with the lowest impact. CONCLUSION: The use of medical masks with a wait and reuse strategy seems to be the most appropriate when considering both environmental impact and effectiveness. Our results also highlight the need to develop procedures and the legal/operational framework to extend the use of protective equipment during a pandemic.

Probable aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a poorly ventilated courtroom.

There is increasing evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via aerosol; the number of cases of transmission via this route reported in the literature remains however limited. This study examines a case of clustering that occurred in a courtroom, in which 5 of the 10 participants were tested positive within days of the hearing. Ventilation loss rates and dispersion of fine aerosols were measured through CO2 injections and lactose aerosol generation. Emission rate and influencing parameters were then computed using a well-mixed dispersion model. The emission rate from the index case was estimated at 130 quanta h-1 (interquartile (97-155 quanta h-1 ). Measured lactose concentrations in the room were found relatively homogenous (n = 8, mean 336 µg m-3 , SD = 39 µg m-3 ). Air renewal was found to play an important role for event durations greater than 0.5 h and loss rate below 2-3 h-1 . The estimated emission rate suggests a high viral load in the index case and/or a high SARS-CoV-2 infection coefficient. High probabilities of infection in similar indoor situations are related to unfavorable conditions of ventilation, emission rate, and event durations. Source emission control appears essential to reduce aerosolized infection in events lasting longer than 0.5 h.

Skimmed Milk Applied as a Phytopharmaceutical Product: A Risk for Allergic Populations?

Milk allergy is among the most common food-related allergies. Milk-based products are recognized as plant protection products (PPPs) in several countries as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The potential health risk for allergic workers, as well as the general population, is yet to be assessed. An investigation was conducted in the Vaud Canton of Switzerland, where milk-based products are sprayed by helicopter over vineyards. Air lactose concentration was measured at 14 locations via 25 mm IOM Multidust samplers. Residual lactose concentration was measured on the surface of leaves over 7 days following spraying. Surface contamination downwind from the treated area was estimated through computer-based modeling using AgDRIFT® software. The average milk protein concentration inside and outside the vineyard was 0.47 and 0.16 µg/m3, respectively. Milk residues persisted on the leaf surface for an average of three days. Modelling results revealed an estimated order of magnitude of 0.1-0.5 µg/m3 in milk proteins within one hour after the treatment in the close vicinity of the treated area. Our results reveal that the potential exposure to milk proteins in and around helicopter-treated vineyards is not negligible and that prevention messages targeted to individuals with severe allergies should be considered.

Distribution of low quality filtering facepiece respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic: an independent analysis of the situation in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus. Transmission occurs by droplets, contact and aerosols. In medical settings, filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators are recommended for use by personnel exposed to aerosol-generating procedures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for FFP respirators exceeded their supply worldwide and low-quality products appeared on the market, potentially putting healthcare workers at risk. AIMS: To raise awareness about variations in quality of imported FFP respirators in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic, to draw attention to the current directives regulating the market launch of FFP respirators in Switzerland, to provide practical support in identifying suspicious products or documents and, finally, to offer strategies aimed at reducing the distribution of low-quality FFP respirators in the future. METHODS: Three Swiss laboratories, Spiez Laboratory and Unisanté in partnership with TOXpro SA individually set up testing procedures to evaluate aerosol penetration and fit testing of FFP respirators imported into Switzerland during COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Spiez Laboratory visually inspected the products, examined the certification documents and crosschecked the product information with international databases. RESULTS: Between 31 March and 15 June 2020, 151 FFP respirators were analysed. The initial assessment performed before testing allowed a reduction of up to 35% in the number of FFP respirators sent to Spiez Laboratory for evaluation, for which product information found to be faulty. After filtration efficiency evaluation and fit testing, 52% and 60% of all products tested by Spiez Laboratory and Unisanté-TOXpro SA, respectively, did not meet the minimum performance requirements established independently by the three Swiss laboratories. CONCLUSION: The demand for FFP respirators exceeded the supply capacity from established suppliers of the Swiss market. New production and import channels emerged, as did the number of poor-quality FFP respirators. FFP respirators remaining in stocks should be checked for conformity before being used, or eliminated and replaced if quality does not meet standards.

Skin Absorption of Bisphenol A and Its Alternatives in Thermal Paper.

OBJECTIVES: Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most used colour developer in thermal paper for cashiers receipts, labels, and tickets. BPA can migrate onto the skin and be absorbed when handling these papers. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and is therefore being replaced in thermal paper by some alternatives such as Bisphenol S (BPS), D-8, and Pergafast 201® (PF201). To our knowledge, no studies have characterized skin permeation of these BPA alternatives. METHODS: We measured/characterized skin absorption for BPA, BPS, D-8, and PF201 through ex vivo human skin using flow-through diffusion cells according to OECD guideline 428. Skin samples were 7-12 per test substance from three different skin donors. Skin metabolism was studied for BPA. Dermal absorption was expressed as the amount of the BPA alternatives in the receptor fluid over applied dose in percent (%). RESULTS: The absorbed dose after 24 h of exposure was 25% for BPA, 17% for D-8, 0.4% for BPS, and D-8 >> BPS > PF201. These results are in agreement with their log Kow and molecular weights. We provided here the necessary data to estimate the extent of skin absorption of BPA analogues, which is a necessary step in risk assessment, and ultimately evaluate public health risks posed by D-8, BPS, and PF201.

Developing a UV climatology for public health purposes using satellite data.

The effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on life on Earth differ greatly. While overexposure to UV rays is harmful, small amounts of exposure are necessary for the synthesis of Vitamin D and good health. To optimize individual exposure to solar UV, it is therefore crucial to use UV data sources representative for entire populations and realistically accounting for various influencing factors. A UV climatology for Switzerland based on satellite data has been developed to provide risk estimates at population level. An algorithm generating ground-based radiation estimate has been transformed from the visible to the UV wavelength domain by adapting both a clear-sky radiation transfer model and a cloud modification factor model using satellite imagery. The algorithm allows the computation of global UV erythemal irradiance at a spatial resolution of 1.5 - 2 km and an hourly temporal resolution over fifteen years. A validation, conducted with measurements from three meteorological stations over ten years, showed that the expanded uncertainty for low hourly UVI values (UVI < 3) is about ± 0.3, while for high hourly UVI values (UVI > 6) it can go up to ± 1.5. In clear-sky situation, the uncertainty is in the range of 10-15%. The climatology developed allows to visualise potential UV exposure at regional and national scale. National prevention intervention could use new strategies to better focus on populations at risk and better tailor available researches. The UV climatology allows a high versatility in adapting the data extraction to the goal of studies using it. Further tailored data extraction and analysis will be necessary to exploit this climatology in a wide range of environmental and occupational health applications. Its development was focused on Switzerland, but the techniques used can be extended globally.

Cumulative Occupational Exposures and Lung-Function Decline in Two Large General-Population Cohorts.

Rationale: Few longitudinal studies have assessed the relationship between occupational exposures and lung-function decline in the general population with a sufficiently long follow-up.Objectives: To examine the potential association in two large cohorts: the ECRHS (European Community Respiratory Health Survey) and the SAPALDIA (Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults).Methods: General-population samples of individuals aged 18 to 62 were randomly selected in 1991-1993 and followed up approximately 10 and 20 years later. Spirometry (without bronchodilation) was performed at each visit. Coded complete job histories during follow-up visits were linked to a job-exposure matrix, generating cumulative exposure estimates for 12 occupational exposures. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were jointly modeled in linear mixed-effects models, fitted in a Bayesian framework, taking into account age and smoking.Results: A total of 40,024 lung-function measurements from 17,833 study participants were analyzed. We found accelerated declines in FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio for exposure to biological dust, mineral dust, and metals (FEV1 = -15.1 ml, -14.4 ml, and -18.7 ml, respectively; and FEV1/FVC ratio = -0.52%, -0.43%, and -0.36%, respectively; per 25 intensity-years of exposure). These declines were comparable in magnitude with those associated with long-term smoking. No effect modification by sex or smoking status was identified. Findings were similar between the ECRHS and the SAPALDIA cohorts.Conclusions: Our results greatly strengthen the evidence base implicating occupation, independent of smoking, as a risk factor for lung-function decline. This highlights the need to prevent or control these exposures in the workplace.

[Principles of prevention and precaution†: some guidelines for understanding them]. / Principes de prévention et de précaution†: quelques repères pour leur compréhension.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, sometimes painfully, the stakes of decision-making in a context of significant uncertainty. Social distance, wearing a mask, confinement… difficult choices with significant health, social and economic impacts. To guide and justify our decisions, the principles of precaution and prevention have been used. Invoked like mantras to protect us from bad luck, are these two principles really a panacea for these situations ? Not sure… Beyond their intrinsic moral value and the rationality they bring to the decision-making process, their implementation suffers from serious limitations. Doesn't their use make us forget the essential ? The need to tackle the roots of the problem before ending up in an uncomfortable toss-up.

La pandémie de Covid-19 a mis en exergue, parfois douloureusement, les enjeux de la prise de décision dans un contexte d'incertitude importante. Distance sociale, port du masque, confinement… des choix difficiles dont les effets sanitaires, mais aussi sociaux et économiques sont conséquents. Pour guider et justifier nos décisions, les principes de précaution et de prévention ont été mis à contribution. Invoqués tels des mantras pour se protéger du mauvais sort, ces deux principes sont-ils réellement la panacée à ces situations ? Pas sûr… Au-delà de leur valeur morale intrinsèque et de la rationalité qu'ils apportent au processus décisionnel, leur mise en œuvre souffre de sérieuses limites. Leur usage ne nous fait-il pas oublier l'essentiel ? La nécessité de s'attaquer aux racines du problème avant de se retrouver dans un inconfortable pile ou face.

Reusability of filtering facepiece respirators after decontamination through drying and germicidal UV irradiation.

INTRODUCTION: During pandemics, such as the SARS-CoV-2, filtering facepiece respirators plays an essential role in protecting healthcare personnel. The recycling of respirators is possible in case of critical shortage, but it raises the question of the effectiveness of decontamination as well as the performance of the reused respirators. METHOD: Disposable respirators were subjected to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) treatment at single or successive doses of 60 mJ/cm2 after a short drying cycle (30 min, 70°C). The germicidal efficacy of this treatment was tested by spiking respirators with two staphylococcal bacteriophages (vB_HSa_2002 and P66 phages). The respirator performance was investigated by the following parameters: particle penetration (NaCl aerosol, 10-300 nm), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical tensile tests. RESULTS: No viable phage particles were recovered from any of the respirators after decontamination (log reduction in virus titre >3), and no reduction in chemical or physical properties (SEM, particle penetrations <5%-6%) were observed. Increasing the UVGI dose 10-fold led to chemical alterations of the respirator filtration media (FTIR) but did not affect the physical properties (particle penetration), which was unaltered even at 3000 mJ/cm2 (50 cycles). When respirators had been used by healthcare workers and undergone decontamination, they had particle penetration significantly greater than never donned respirators. CONCLUSION: This decontamination procedure is an attractive method for respirators in case of shortages during a SARS pandemic. A successful implementation requires a careful design and particle penetration performance control tests over the successive reuse cycles.

Estimation of Individual Exposure to Erythemal Weighted UVR by Multi-Sensor Measurements and Integral Calculation.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can be hazardous to humans, especially children, and is associated with sunburn, melanoma, and the risk of skin cancer. Understanding and estimating adults' and children's UVR exposure is critical to the design of effective interventions and the production of healthy UVR environments. Currently, there are limitations to the ways computer modeling and field measurements estimate individual UVR exposure in a given landscape. To address these limitations, this study developed an approach of integral calculation using six-directional (up, down, south, north, east, and west) field-measured UVR data and the estimated body exposure ratios (ER) for both children and adults. This approach showed high agreement when compared to a validated approach using ambient UVR and estimated ER data with a high r-square value (90.72% for child and adult models), and a low mean squared error (6.0% for child model and 5.1% for adult model) in an open area. This approach acting as a complementary tool between the climatology level and individual level can be used to estimate individual UVR exposure in a landscape with a complicated shady environment. In addition, measuring daily UVR data from six directions under open sky conditions confirmed that personal dosimeters underestimate actual individual UVR exposure.

TREXMO plus: an advanced self-learning model for occupational exposure assessment.

In Europe, several occupational exposure models have been developed and are recommended for regulatory exposure assessment. Only some information on the substance of interest (e.g., vapor pressure) and the workplace conditions (e.g., ventilation rate) is required in these models to predict an exposure value that will be later used to characterize the risk. However, it has been shown that models may differ in their predictions and that usually, one of the models best fits a given set of exposure conditions. Unfortunately, there are no clear rules on how to select the best model. In this study, we developed a new modeling approach that together uses the three most popular models, Advanced REACH Tool, Stoffenmanger, and ECETOC TRAv3, to obtain a unique exposure prediction. This approach is an extension of the TREXMO tool, and is called TREXMO+. TREXMO+ applies a machine-learning technique on a set of exposure data with the measured values to split them into smaller subsets, corresponding to exposure conditions sharing similar characteristics. For each subset, TREXMO+ then establishes a regression model with the three REACH tools used as the exposure predictors. The performance of the new model was tested and a comparison was made between the results obtained by TREXMO+ and those obtained by conventional tools. TREXMO+ model was found to be less biased and more accurate than the REACH models. Its prediction differs generally from measurements by a factor of 2-3 from measurements, whereas conventional models were found to differ by a factor 2-14. However, as the available test dataset is limited, its results will need to be confirmed by larger-scale tests.

Exposure to Amosite-Containing Ceiling Boards in a Public School in Switzerland: A Case Study.

The measurement of an airborne concentration in Amosite fibers above 5035 F/m3 in a school prompted a retrospective quantitative health risk assessment. Dose estimates were built using air measurements, laboratory experiments, previous exposure data, and interviews. A dose response model was adapted for amosite-only exposure and adjusted for the life expectancy and lung cancer incidence in the Swiss population. The average yearly concentrations found were 52-320 F/m3. The high concentration previously observed was not representative of the average exposure in the building. Overall, the risk estimates for the different populations of the school were low and in the range of 2 × 10-6 to 3 × 10-5 for mesothelioma and 4 × 10-7 to 8 × 10-6 for lung cancer. The results evidenced however that children have to be considered at higher risk when exposed to asbestos, and that the current reference method and target values are of limited use for amphibole-only exposures. This study confirmed that quantitative health risk assessments and participatory approaches are powerful tools to support public decisions and build constructive communication between exposed people, experts, and policy-makers.

Inter-assessor Agreement for TREXMO and Its Models Outside the Translation Framework.

Within the framework of Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of CHemicals (REACH), occupational exposure models are often used to predict the levels of exposure at a workplace. Poor inter-assessor agreement with their use poses a concern that may lead to different and dangerous risk conclusions. TREXMO (v1, 2016), a web tool providing parameter translations between six exposure models under REACH, is expected to improve the inter-assessor agreement. In this study, 18 assessors performed exposure assessment for six exposure situations within and outside the framework of this translation tool. In more than half of the evaluated cases, the results showed better agreement between assessors selecting the exposure parameters within the framework of TREXMO than when manually coding. The most affected were the parameters related to activity (such as "handling types" of Stoffenmanager) and exposure control (such as local controls). Furthermore, the agreement between the estimates calculated by different assessors was also improved when performing the translations between the models. For Stoffenmanager, for example, the relative standard deviation of 70-121%, obtained for vapors without applying the translation system, was 29-94% with the translations from ART. These findings showed a potential of TREXMO to impact the inter-assessor agreement. Because the study was limited to 18 assessors and only six exposure situations were assessed, further investigations are suggested.