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Published on: March 6, 2018
Biological exposure and/or effect limits, facts, fallacies, and uncertainties: practical aspects
1Coronel Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This article details biological monitoring (BM) and biological effect monitoring (BEM) in occupational health. It emphasizes that monitoring objectives and chemical kinetics guide strategy for accurate exposure and health risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Previous article discussed setting biological occupational exposure limits (BOEL) and effect limits (BOEEL).
- This article focuses on the practical application of biological monitoring (BM) and biological effect monitoring (BEM) in daily occupational health practice.
- Effective monitoring requires careful consideration of various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the implementation of biological monitoring (BM) and biological effect monitoring (BEM) in occupational health.
- To highlight the importance of specific objectives in determining measurement parameters for BM and BEM.
- To emphasize the need for appropriate reference values and updated protocols for valid exposure and health risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Discusses the influence of monitoring objectives on parameter selection for BM and BEM.
- Explains how working mechanisms and chemical kinetics inform measurement strategies.
- Highlights the necessity of appropriate reference values for evaluating internal exposure and health status.
- Stresses the importance of regularly updating BM and BEM protocols.
Main Results:
- The choice of parameters for BM and BEM is largely determined by specific monitoring objectives.
- Assessment strategies can range from simple to sophisticated based on the objective.
- An appropriate reference is crucial for valid evaluation of internal exposure, health risks, and health status.
- Measurement strategy is influenced by the chemical's working mechanism and kinetics.
- Different compounds of the same metal can present varying health risks.
- Urine dilution must be considered when correcting for chemical excretion.
Conclusions:
- Biological monitoring (BM) and biological effect monitoring (BEM) are essential components of occupational health practice.
- Tailoring monitoring strategies to specific objectives and chemical properties ensures accurate risk assessment.
- Regularly updated protocols and appropriate reference values are critical for effective health surveillance.
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