Case Studies
Many of our research studies are developed as a result of a dialogue with the sponsor. Often there is a realisation that the organisation has an issue where the solution might come from an appropriately designed research investigation. Other studies arise following a wider invitation to tender. Here too, if successful, we aim to dialogue with the sponsor to improve the relevance of the proposal.
Semiconductors
For example, we undertake a number of investigations to help government better understand whether particular sets of exposures present a risk to workers or the public. We are currently working closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to undertake an epidemiological study in a semiconductor factory in Scotland. The project was initiated following an earlier HSE investigation (www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/nsukrept.pdf) that showed more deaths than expected from some kinds of cancer amongst the workers and former workers at the plant. Working closely with the HSE's own epidemiologists we have prepared a protocol for the work that has been extensively discussed with the main stakeholders. The protocol is publicly available from HSE's website. The study is scheduled to begin in 2006.
IOM has also undertaken a feasibility study on behalf of HSE to see whether it is possible to conduct a nation-wide study to look at possible cancer risks in the UK semiconductor industry. This work was done in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The report will be available on HSE's website later in 2006.
Dermal exposure
We are also actively working with industry to help them investigate problems and gather information. The European Union is actively reviewing the risks from the use of hazardous substances under the Existing Substances Regulations. For substances that may present a risk from skin contact the information available is generally quite poor. In such circumstances it is often necessary to rely on an exposure model known as EASE.
We have been helping the chemical industry collect information about dermal exposure to feed into Existing Substances reviews. We have completed a number of projects for the zinc industry and you can read our reports on this work on our Research Reports page.
In addition we have been helping HSE assess the reliability of the EASE model. EASE has provided exposure assessments that have helped the EU define safe uses of chemicals. Nevertheless we believe that the model can be improved to make it more reliable. We have published a number of reports and scientific papers on this topic, which are all available from our Library section of the website.
We are now actively working with scientists at TNO in the Netherlands and the Health and Safety Laboratory in the UK to build a consensus about the best way forward.