Exposure Sciences

How is Exposure Science Testing Conducted?

Using our state-of-the-art Exposure Sciences Laboratory (ESL), RHP Risk Management assists clients in understanding exposure and risk based on sound, defensible, science. RHP’s scientifically accepted and recognized approaches in exposure modeling and quantification, dose response, benchmark dose modeling, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling address questions regarding risk profiles of chemicals, identifying safer and sustainable alternatives, enhancing the understanding of risk that leads to better decision making, and implementing risk management measures to effectively and efficiently reduce exposures for workers and consumers.

For clients, RHP professionals have extensive experience in resolving uncertainty and improving decision making through development of experimentally derived data, which is relevant, reliable, and reproducible.

RHP collaborates with chemical manufacturers, product manufacturers, and consumer good, pharmaceutical, and legal entities to help gain a better understanding of risk profiles, identify safer and sustainable alternatives, bolster decision making via use of robust scientific methods, and formulate economically and technically feasible risk management measures.

What Are The Current Exposure Science Measurement And Evaluation Practices? 

Analytics and Modeling of Human Health Risks from Testing and Sampling

Historical sampling techniques and analytical methods for measuring exposure may differ from modern approaches due to technological advancements as well as changes in anticipated concentrations. To answer modern questions about exposure intensity consistent with historical work activities, RHP expert scientists have designed studies to provide robust data analytics and evaluate correlations between time and task-activity. The analytical results can then be subjected to statistical analysis such as Monte Carlo analysis in preparation for mathematical modeling in order to fill data gaps and inform on the relative risks of historical work techniques.

Identification of “Known Unknown” Risks and Management of Existing “Known Known” Risks

“Known unknown” risks are risks that an organization may have awareness that the risk exists but is unaware of the size and effect of the risk. RHP’s exposure modeling and simulated product-use testing helps to fill data gaps and move “known unknown” risks to the category of “known known” risks which may then be managed. To manage known “known known” risks, an organization can ensure that it is ready for an expected impact by applying a risk management methodology, modifying business process workflows, or implementing management change.

Evaluation of Current Product Composition and Use and Compliance with Product Stewardship Regulations

RHP scientists have designed exposure assessment studies to measure airborne contaminant concentrations during application of a variety of consumer products. Because many existing regulatory limits do not apply directly to non-occupational exposures, a risk-based approach considering available toxicological and epidemiological literature can be utilized to evaluate the laboratory analytical results in comparison to the regulatory requirements, such as “no significant risk” at a level of 1 excess cancer in 100,000 individuals exposed over a 70-yr lifetime of product use as required under California Proposition 65, or other similar risk-based criteria.

Historical Exposure Dose Reconstruction

Development and Validation of Mathematical Models Which Characterize Human Inhalation or Dermal Exposures

In the absence of information collected at the time of a particular exposure to a chemical or mixture, an exposure reconstruction and the analysis of past exposure and dose can be accomplished through the application of mathematical models. Mathematical models refer to a description of the quantitative relationship between the amount of chemical emitted from a source, over a specific period of time, to the concentration of that chemical in the media of human exposure.

Simulation of Historic Product Use and Extrapolation of Measurements in Scenarios Not Readily Measurable

Historical product formulations may have included ingredients which were subsequently determined to present a potential health concern. The exposure intensity to ingredients-of-concern during use of such products may be poorly understood or undocumented in the published literature.

RHP scientists have experience in designing and conducting exposure simulation studies to measure the intensity of exposure for ingredients-of-concern and inform the time-and-motion for tasks and activities during use of these products. Using historical manufacturer formula cards or laboratory scale batches of materials, products can be remanufactured and subsequently utilized in an exposure simulation study designed to fill data gaps.

Additionally, RHP can assist clients with evaluating historical workplace, personnel, and regulatory agency records, forensic reconstruction, exposure research, review of historical and current literature and regulations, data mining, big data analysis, statistical analysis, and development of exposure categories and job hazard matrices.

Respirator Fit Capability Testing: ASTM Standard 3407-20, ASTM Standard F3407-21 & ASTM Standard F3502-21

RHP offers performance testing for Respirators and Face Masks to regulatory standards under ASTM Standard F3407-20, ASTM Standard F3407-21 and ASTM Standard F3502-21. These standards can be used by respiratory device manufacturers to design, develop, and produce better fitting respirators and face masks for general public use.