Occupational exposure.
Regarding the risk evaluation of mixtures in the workplace, the Working Group discussed whether there is a need to consider combination effects at the workplace and whether there is sufficient information on combination toxicology to suggest a scientific strategy for the evaluation of any mixture at the workplace. It was concluded that analytical definition of the mixture is a basic prerequisite for evaluation. The Working Group agreed that there is a special situation at the workplace because chemical compounds may be present at concentrations close to their effective threshold level; therefore, combination effects have to be taken into consideration, as shown by the data presented during the conference. Furthermore, observed-effect levels for individual substances have to be modified if the substances have the same mode of action or have the same target organs; no modification is necessary if the opposite has been shown. It was also concluded that the scientific database to date is insufficient for the proposal of a general approach. The assumption of additivity in all cases lacking data may more or less over-estimate the risk.
Sterzl-Eckert
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Institute of Toxicology, GSF-Research Center for Environment and Health, Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.
Greim
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D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005858:Germany; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000633:toxicity; D013552:Swine; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000633:toxicity
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D012997:Solvents; D015262:Xenobiotics