Our expertise in exposure sciences is applied via simulation studies, chemical fate and transport modeling, retrospective dose reconstruction, and occupational and environmental exposure modeling. Our scientists are able to characterize the full range of possible exposures with increasing precision through computational approaches combined with advances in modeling and highly sensitive analytical techniques.
Project Example: Reconstruction of Refinery Worker Exposure to Benzene
Project Overview: Cardno ChemRisk was asked to characterize historical workplace benzene concentrations over a specific time frame.
Our Approach: Our scientists conducted a historical exposure assessment for airborne worker benzene exposures at four refineries (and their dock facilities) in the U.S., based on available industrial hygiene sample analyses collected since the 1970s. Over 20,000 samples were analyzed to quantify worker benzene exposures in various jobs, locations, and tasks within the refineries. We found that airborne benzene concentrations for most job and task levels were lower than contemporaneous industry-wide surveys, and decreased with time.
Our Value: Our work was the most comprehensive analysis of historical benzene data conducted for the client to date. Results were published in the peer-reviewed literature, and can be used to answer questions about potential health risks.