Methodology monitoring worker exposure

The first pesticide exposure study was reported by Griffiths et al. (1951). Parathion was trapped on respirator filter discs during application to citrus trees. Batchelor and Walker (1954) expanded exposure monitoring to include the estimation of potential dermal exposure using pads attached to workers clothing. Durham and Wolfe (1962), in their classic review of worker exposure methodologies, also provided some experimental validation for the best available methods. 

The chemical profession and the federal government have attempted to minimize worker exposure to compounds or reactions that result in an acute or chronic biological response. The American Chemical Society has sponsored several symposia during the past few years in which chemists have discussed potentially hazardous compounds. However, to assess the extent of hazardous exposure in the workplace, new demands have been made on analytical chemistry. The analytical chemist has responded by producing and developing new methodologies and instrumentation that permit the detection and monitoring of extremely low level concentrations of hazardous substances. 

So far only acute adverse effects which could be readily associated with excessive lead exposure have been considered. However, studies on lead workers have elicited symptoms of lassitude, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, constipation, insomnia, irritability, pallor and anaemia - complaints which are common in the general population. The recent development of environmental and biological monitoring procedures, and of epidemiological methodology, now enables us to investigate non-specific and subclinical effects in relation to lead exposure with greater precision. 

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