The EPA approached us with a critical concern: workers in industrial and janitorial settings could face significant health risks from exposure to antimicrobial solutions used during immersion, dip, and soak (IDS) tasks. These chemicals, essential for maintaining hygiene in high-risk environments, posed unknown risks when workers were exposed to them regularly. The client needed a comprehensive, real-world assessment to understand these exposure levels and their potential impact on worker health and to provide data-backed recommendations for safer practices.
Project Objectives and Data
Our primary objective was to quantify the levels of dermal and inhalation exposure workers experienced during IDS tasks, evaluate the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE), and determine any correlations between exposure and health outcomes. This required gathering both quantitative and qualitative data:
Exposure variables: concentration of antimicrobial agents in the air, residue on skin and clothing, and frequency and duration of worker exposure.
Health outcome data: records of respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, and other exposure-related health conditions among workers.
Environmental factors: details on ventilation, task duration, PPE usage, and the specific antimicrobial solution used.
Hypotheses and Analytical Approach
We hypothesized that higher exposure to antimicrobial chemicals would be linked to more significant health issues, especially respiratory and skin conditions. Another critical parameter we aimed to estimate was the efficacy of different types of PPE in mitigating these exposure risks.
Our analysis involved several steps. First, we used air sampling and surface residue analysis to measure chemical concentrations in natural work environments. We also assessed PPE to determine its effectiveness in reducing exposure levels. We applied regression models for data analysis to explore the relationships between exposure levels, PPE effectiveness, and health outcomes, controlling for factors like task duration and environmental conditions. We also used longitudinal analysis to observe trends over time and assess potential cumulative effects of exposure.
Findings
Our analysis provided significant insights. We found that workers with prolonged exposure or inadequate PPE were at a higher risk of respiratory and skin issues. Specific types of PPE, particularly those with higher filtration ratings and material durability, were more effective in reducing exposure. Additionally, we identified specific concentration thresholds above which health risks became more pronounced, which helped establish safe exposure limits.
Impact on the Client and Benefits
The EPA used our findings to enhance regulatory guidelines for antimicrobial solutions in industrial settings. The established exposure limits and PPE recommendations informed safer product labeling and guidelines, ensuring that employers could better protect their workers. This project also provided the EPA with data that reinforced their regulatory position on PPE requirements, making it easier to enforce safety standards across industries where these chemicals are commonly used.
Ultimately, the client benefited by gaining a scientifically validated foundation for setting exposure limits and PPE standards. This improved workplace safety and helped companies comply with regulations, reducing potential liabilities. The project’s success—completed on time and within budget—demonstrated our team’s ability to manage complex, high-stakes studies, building confidence in our approach for future collaborations.