Risk assessment for occupational exposure to chemicals. A review of current methodology (IUPAC technical report)

This paper reviews the methodology available for risk assessment of exposur e to substances in the workplace. Assessment starts with the identification and classification of hazard, which must be related to the dose-effect and dose-response information available for the hazards identified. Once the p otential for exposure has been characterized, it should be quantified and c ompared with an established safe exposure level. The degree to which it exc eeds that level is a measure of the risk. Even if the assessed risk is rega rded as acceptable, there is the possibility that the situation will change with time, so it is important to monitor potentially harmful exposures. Fa ctors relevant to effective monitoring are reviewed. Addresses of Internet sites where further information may be obtained are listed along with furth er reading.