Inhalation Dosimetry Applications for OEHS Professionals

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Inhalation dosimetry is used to model how airborne contaminants interact with, deposit in, and become absorbed systematically through the respiratory system, providing a link between external exposure and internal dose. Inhalation dosimetry models are commonly used for the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) but also have applications of relevance to OEHS practitioners, such as informing exposure assessment strategies. This poster presents a case study where the application of inhalation dosimetry can be used to characterize mixed-phase (vapor and aerosol) exposures to a workplace disinfectant. For certain chemicals, traditional sampling and analytical methods capture only the vapor phase, while OELs are based on combined vapor and aerosol exposures. Using a common inhalation dosimetry tool, the multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model, regional lung deposition of aerosol particles was simulated and combined with measured vapor data to estimate total internal dose. Results demonstrate that exposures may be judged acceptable when considering vapor exposures alone, but exceed the OEL once aerosol exposure is incorporated. This case study demonstrates how inhalation dosimetry provides a more comprehensive and biologically relevant basis for risk characterization, enabling OEHS professionals to refine sampling strategies, assess control needs, and communicate risk more effectively.

J. Lotter, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Chicago, IL, USA
A. Maier, Integral Consulting Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA 

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Exposure Assessment

Risk assessment and management

Toxicology