Health Risk Assessment of Chemicals: From Bulk to Nano

Soqrat Omari Shekaftik; Jamal Biganeh; Maedeh Hosseinzadeh; Hamidreza Jafari Nodoushan; Neda Mehrparvar

doi:10.18502/jhsw.v14i4.18331

Soqrat Omari Shekaftik Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Jamal Biganeh Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maedeh Hosseinzadeh Department of occupational health, school of public health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Hamidreza Jafari Nodoushan Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Neda Mehrparvar Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jhsw.v14i4.18331

Keywords: Health risk assessment, Chemicals, Nanomaterials, Control banding, Bulk

Abstract

Introduction: Workplaces often contain potential risks, such as exposure to toxic chemicals. Conducting a thorough health risk assessment helps employers recognize these dangers and implement necessary controls. In the 20th century, modern risk assessment frameworks began to be established with the rise of public health agencies.

Material and Methods: The present study is a narrative review. In order to obtain necessary information, Persian and English texts were searched in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SID and Magiran databases. Keywords such as “health risk assessment”, “chemicals” and “nanomaterials” were used in this study.

Results: Both quantitative and qualitative health risk assessments play critical roles in occupational health, with each method providing different levels of depth and accuracy depending on the situation. EPA Model, Monte-Carlo Simulation, Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling, Quantitative Structure- Activity Relationship (QSAR) Models, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), and Biologically Based Dose-Response (BBDR) Models, are among the most important quantitative methods for assessing the health risk of chemicals. COSHH Model, ICCT Model, ICMM Model, Australian Model, and Romanian Model, are the most important qualitative methods for health risk assessment of chemicals. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative methods, semi-quantitative methods like Singapore Model, LEC Method, and SEP Model, have also been proposed for assessing the health risk of chemicals. The preference for qualitative over quantitative methods in the risk assessment of activities involving nanomaterials stems from substantial uncertainties, limited data availability, and the unique and complex behaviors of nanomaterials in the workplaces.

Conclusion: Overall, the evolution of health risk assessment methods reflects a continuous drive towards greater accuracy, reliability, and relevance. As we continue to innovate and expand our knowledge, the field is well-positioned to address the complex and evolving landscape of chemical and material risks, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.