Exposure to Chemicals and Dust

The environment we live and work in exposes people to a mixture of chemicals and dust; exposure can be toxic with adverse short and long-term health effects. Research into chemical and dust exposure has led to the protection of people by improving the understanding of exposure risks and developing guidance to inform policy and regulation.

Our research spans both traditional industries like quarrying and coal mining and the emerging fields of nanomaterials and electronics.

Governments, corporations, and the public need help understanding potential adverse health outcomes.  To protect people from exposures to chemicals and dust, we apply expertise using:

  • exposure assessment investigations
  • standardisation of measuring methods
  • risk management and exposure scenario identification

We have been at the forefront of advancements in worker protection since IOM’s inception in 1969. The world has an increased understanding of dermal and inhalation exposure to chemicals and dust because of IOM developed and validated sampling and analytical methods.

We develop research to protect people from chemicals and dust for safer and healthier everyday living for all.

Key projects

  • Exposure to Grain Dust in Great Britain
  • Development of a Standardised Method for Measuring Manganese Exposure, Research Report
  • Occupational Dermal Exposure to Heavy Fuel Oils, Research Report

Sponsors we have worked for 

  • SCOEL
  • Concawe

1.3 million lives and 43 million disability-adjusted life-years were lost in 2012 due to exposures to selected chemicals. - Source: World Health Organization