Identification of High Risk Occupational Groups and Industrial Processes Using RTECS/NOHS (Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances/National Occupational Hazard Survey) Data

摘要

Algorithms were developed which enable data to be combined from two NIOSH data files which contain information pertinent to worker exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace. These two files were the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) and the National Occupational Hazard Survey (NOHS). Data in the RTECS database indicate only the degree of toxicity of individual chemicals. Data in the NOHS database indicate only the extent to which workers are exposed to chemicals and to other potential hazards. The algorithm developed not only allows the data contained in each of the databases to be merged, but it also permits the production of five indexes. The Hazard Risk Index lists chemicals common to both original databases ranked by the toxicological risk they pose. The Adjusted Hazard Risk Index lists the chemicals common to both ranked by their toxicological risk and the extent of worker exposure. The Industry Risk Index lists industries at the two, three, and four digit Standard Industrial Classification levels covered in the NOHS data base, ranked by the potential risk due to chemical exposure of workers in each industry.