Title: Professional exposure to biocides: a comparison of human exposure models for surface disinfectants

Authors: Raffaella Cresti, Renato Cabella, Leonello Attias, Maristella Rubbiani

Addresses: Istituto Superiore di Sanita, National Center for Chemicals, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. ' Istituto Superiore di Sanita, National Center for Chemicals, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. ' Istituto Superiore di Sanita, National Center for Chemicals, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. ' Istituto Superiore di Sanita, National Center for Chemicals, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy

Abstract: The assessment of occupational exposure following disinfection of hard surfaces with a biocidal product based on didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) was carried out for both spraying and wiping-off applications. Several human exposure models were used, and the results were compared, in order to figure out the differences and identify the most representative model. No risk management measurements were considered. For dermal exposure, models produced similar results except for ConsExpo 4.1 (|instant application| mode) and RISKOFDERM for spraying and wiping. As regards inhalation exposure, only some models take the inhalation route into account. In these cases, levels proved to be negligible or to contribute to the total systemic dose by ≤12%. None of the investigated models could be concluded to be the best candidate for the assessment of professional exposure to hard surface disinfectants. This paper highlights the necessity of additional monitoring studies for the measurement of the actual exposure for the investigated scenarios.

Keywords: professional exposure; occupational exposure; biocides; biocidal products; surface disinfectants; human exposure models; DDAC; didecyldimethylammonium chloride; hard surfaces; spraying; wiping off; dermal exposure; inhalation exposure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2011.041329

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2011 Vol.5 No.3, pp.221 - 245

Published online: 16 Jul 2011 *

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