IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Use of modelling to quantify biological variation : Production of a guide to biological monitoring strategies

Abstract

Due to the few tools and sometimes limited knowledge available, it is often difficult for workplace professionals to establish sampling strategies and to interpret the results of biological monitoring, mainly relating to the effect of variability on exposure indicator values. The authors did an exhaustive review of the documentation, modeled the toxicokinetics of contaminants in the human body, and did simulations and statistical analyses. They were able to quantify the variability of an entire series of biological exposure indicators and to specify the main factors in question. They propose a biological monitoring application framework adapted to the Québec context, covering the 25 substances listed in the IRSST’s biological monitoring guide, which will be revised in relation to the results. It is hoped that the outcome will be a more judicious use of this type of workplace monitoring, as a complement to environmental monitoring.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0097-0990
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2003
Team:
  • Ginette Truchon (IRSST)
  • Robert Tardif (Université de Montréal)
  • Pierre-Olivier Droz (Université de Lausanne)
  • Daniel Drolet (IRSST)