Section of Biological Monitoring and Protection against Chemical Exposures

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan

On May 31, 2022, the "Order for Partial Amendment of Regulations on Labor Safety and Health" was promulgated, resulting in the revision of certain provisions of the regulations on occupational safety and health. In order to further prevent health disorders through the widespread adoption of autonomous chemical substance management, employers are now obliged to implement measures to reduce exposure levels and prevent biological exposure by using effective personal protective equipment. Therefore, Section of Biological Monitoring and Protection against Chemical Exposures aims to propose protection measures for personal protective equipment against chemical substances and exposure evaluation methods through the following research activities. We are conducting research on evaluating personal protective equipment effectiveness, developing biological monitoring methods, and examining the actual situation and effective strategy of chemical substance management in the workplace.

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  Developing evaluation methods for personal protective equipment
  We aim to develop evaluation methods for personal protective equipment, such as respiratory and eye protection, as well as clothing and gloves, in order to prevent chemical exposure in the workplace.

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  Developing biological monitoring techniques
  We focus on the internal dynamics and toxicity evaluation of chemical exposure in the workplace, including the identification of metabolites and exploration of biomarkers for biological monitoring.

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  Improving the management practices of chemical substances in the workplace
  We focus on understanding the management practices of chemical substances in the workplace, and exploring effective strategies for improvement.