Qualitative assessment of inhalation exposures
Potential inhalation exposures to ingredients of concern
were assessed for each of the cleaning tasks identified.
That was done qualitatively by taking into account both
product formulations and task performance. Product formulation
impacts directly the exposure intensity, depending
on the volatility and concentration of ingredient in the
product. Data on ingredients' volatility and concentrations
were collected through literature searches and
MSDSs review, respectively. Volatile organic compounds
(VOC) were defined as compounds with boiling point
between 0 – 400°C [1]. Boiling points were used relatively
to assess the potential for inhalation exposures from different
products; for example products that contain volatile
ingredients with lower boiling points were considered to
generate higher VOC exposures relative to others. Data on
product application procedures (such as spraying vs.
mopping), task duration and frequency were collected
through workplace observations, videotaping and interviews
of workers. Qualitative categorization of exposure
intensity into low, medium and high, in combinations
with task duration and frequency allowed classification of
cleaning tasks in three potential inhalation exposure categories:
low, medium, and high.