EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT

Outputs: Research to Practice

Historically, NIOSH has been a leader in applying research into workplace solutions that reduce injury and illness. Research to Practice (r2p) is a NIOSH initiative focused on the transfer and translation of research findings, technologies, and information into highly effective prevention practices and products which are adopted in the workplace.

The goal of r2p is to increase workplace use of effective NIOSH and NIOSH-funded research findings. NIOSH continues to work with our partners to focus research on ways to develop effective products, translate research findings into practice, target dissemination efforts, and evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of these efforts in improving worker health and safety.

Examples of specific of recent NIOSH r2p accomplishments in the area of exposure assessment include:

Laboratory and Field Performance of a Respirable Personal Dust Monitor

NIOSH recently prepared and sought public comment on a report addressing the laboratory and field testing of the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) for use in the mining industry. NIOSH developed the PDM through an informal partnership with industry, labor, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The dust monitor is an integral part of the cap lamp that miners normally carry to work and provides continuous information about the amount of respirable coal mine dust in the breathing zone of that individual. Development of the PDM was recognized by an R&D 100 Award as one of the top 100 research and development achievements of 2005.

Flavorings-Related Lung Disease

NIOSH has been the leading national and international resource for findings and recommendations for reducing the risk of severe obstructive lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans) associated with occupational exposures to flavorings. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a serious, irreversible lung disease whose symptoms include cough and shortness of breath on exertion. NIOSH’s extensive research into this occupational disease is described on the Flavorings-Related Lung Disease topic page. In addition to outlining the symptoms associated with and treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans, the topic page discusses recommended control measures for reducing job-related exposures to flavorings. An email address for providing feedback and receiving updates of information is flavorings@cdc.gov.