Course Description:
Recorded at AIHce EXP 2023

Presentations
Use of New Ethylene Oxide Exposure Data to Inform Risk Management Practices

Ethylene oxide (EO) is the primary chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and supplies and is an essential intermediate in chemical manufacturing. The general population is exposed to EO through multiple pathways, including endogenously from metabolism of ethylene and via inhalation of EO from natural and unregulated anthropogenic sources (background) and/or from industrial facility emissions, which complicates any EO exposure assessment. This presentation will guide the audience through recently available EO monitoring data collected on multiple exposure pathways, which allows for the assessment of total and source-specific EO exposure. From this analysis, the development of alternative exposure metrics to evaluate the health significance of these exposures is possible and additional context for risk management practices can be developed.

Co-Authors
P. Sheehan, Exponent, Inc., Oakland, CA, USA
M. Yocke, Exponent, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA

Acknowledgements & References
none

Author
Pamela Dopart, PhD, CIH, Exponent Bowie, MD
United States of America

Exposure Risk Assessment During Building Design

As OHS professionals, how often do we find ourselves silently cursing the original designer of the building or space in which we're conducting an exposure risk assessment? Far too often, we find ourselves working within the constraints of inadequately designed buildings or spaces that can't (or can't easily) be upgraded to the standards we want to achieve.

Given this common frustration, when the opportunity arises to be involved in the design of new facilities, we must seize it. There are no second chances to get things right once building construction is complete.

This talk will focus on the process of collaborating directly with a facility design team, through the lens of a real-world evaluation of chemical and physical agent exposure risks in an industrial/laboratory environment. We will examine one possible strategy for conducting an exposure risk assessment to appropriately design/specify local exhaust and general dilution ventilation systems in a facility at the design stage. Challenges and limitations associated with evaluating risks in an building that doesn't actually exist will be discussed, and weighed against the benefits of doing so. Management and prioritization strategies for the enormous quantities of data that can be generated will also be discussed.

Co-Authors
None

Acknowledgements & References
None

Author
Craig Maunder, M.Sc., CIH, CSP, Stantec Consulting Ltd. Waterloo, Ontario
Canada

Contact Hours:
1

Presentation Date:
05/24/2023

Presenters:
Daniel Autenrieth, PhD, CIH, CSP
Pamela Dopart, PhD, CIH
Craig Maunder, M.Sc., CIH, CSP