Setting occupational exposure limits in humans: contributions from the field of experimental psychology.
Psychophysical methods from the field of experimental psychology are evaluated for their utility in the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for volatile chemicals based on acute sensory irritation in humans. The lateralization threshold method, which involves the localization of trigeminal vapor to the stimulated nostril, is evaluated for its underlying assumptions, reliability and validity. Whole body exposures, on the other hand, which involve the controlled, ambient exposure of human subjects to the irritant at one or a series of concentrations for an extended period are also discussed. It is concluded that the single-organ psychophysical method is largely resistant to response bias is practical and economical. However, its reliability and validity need further assessment. Whole body exposures, while having enhanced ecological validity, are more prone to demand characteristics, response bias, and subject beliefs than the traditional psychophysical procedures. An approach that involves the exposure of only the most sensitive organs such as the eyes and nose, via a mask or facebox, could facilitate the administration and alternation of odorant/irritant stimuli over a wide range of concentrations while enhancing ecological validity.
Smeets
Monique A M
MA
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands. M.a.m.smeets@fss.uu.nl
Kroeze
Jan H A
JH
Dalton
Pamela H
PH
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000592:standards*; D009812:Odorants / Q000032:analysis; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D017603:Signal Detection, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D020711:Threshold Limit Values; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000502:physiology
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D007509:Irritants