C1a: Exposure to Organophosphate Esters in the Workplace

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a class of chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticizers in many products and industries. While research shows that OPE exposure is widespread in the general population, studies on the working population are scarce, despite their potential of being at higher risk of exposure proximity to the handling of OPE containing materials and products across their lifecycle.

Results from a recent Canadian study suggest widespread exposure to OPEs across three occupational groups: firefighters, paramedics and office workers, using measures of external exposure and biomonitoring. It is important that occupational hygienists are aware of OPEs as an occupational exposure of emerging interest.

F. Kooshki, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

Y. Zhang, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
J. Okeme, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
N. Rajaram, University of Toronto & Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Canada
R. Vermeulen, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
M.L. Diamond, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
P.A. Demers, Occupational Cancer Research Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
 

Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring

Biological Monitoring

Exposure Assessment