FROM CROSS-TABULATIONS TO MULTIPURPOSE EXPOSURE INFORMATION-SYSTEMS -A NEW JOB-EXPOSURE MATRIX

Previous job-exposure matrices (JEM) have usually cross-tabulated clas sified exposure information by chemical agent and occupational class. A new Finnish job-exposure matrix (FINJEM) was constructed for exposur e assessment in large register-based studies. Unlike most other JEMs, FINJEM was designed to contain definitions, inferences, exposure data, and references. This documentation enables FINJEM to be applied also as a general exposure information system for hazard control, risk quan tification and hazard surveillance. The system includes, e.g., workfor ce data, and it provides information on the numbers of exposed workers in Finland by agent, occupation, and level of exposure. The exposures of FINJEM cover major-physical, chemical, microbiological, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors. The assessment period is 1945-1997, divided into several subperiods. Exposure is described by the prevalence of e xposure and the level of exposure among the exposed both estimated mai nly an continuous scales. The user may also define the final criteria of exposure, and thereby influence the magnitude of misclassification. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.