Use of sensors in occupational

exposure assessment

John Cherrie

Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK

No conflict of interest to declare

The HEALS project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 603946.

Summary…

• Direct-reading monitoring in the workplace

• Low-cost sensors

• Data management

• Use outside a research study

• Criteria for a good sensor system

Scopus.com “occupational exposure measurement”

Scopus.com … plus “biological monitoring” … plus “direct-reading”

Sensor packages…

https://smartcitizen.me/

Dylos…

• Dylos DC 1700

• Laser-based particle counter

• 1 min data logging capability more than 6 days

• Quiet

• Mains operated with battery for 6 hours

• Low cost - €300

Semple S, Apsley A, MacCalman L. An inexpensive particle monitor for smoker behaviour modification in homes. Tob Control. 2013 Sep;22(5):295-8.

Sidepak PM2.5 = 0.65 + 4.16 x 10-5[Dylos particles] + 1.57x10-11[Dylos particles]2

r2 =0.86

(n=25,301)

Activity…

• Data-logging activity monitors

– Fitbit

– Actigraph, etc.

• Latest versions measure

steps (distance), heart rate,

stairs climbed

• Day-time and night (sleep)

Location…• Advantage of Moves

is it’s ability to identify

locations and activity

and summarise the

data

• However…

– Need your phone

with you

– Activity data biased

http://www.moves-app.com

Time

Example: Moves v Paper log

www.sunbeat-uv.com

The technology is changing very fast

Will employers adopt these

technologies?

What about data security / privacy issues?

Criteria for a useful sensor…

• Unobtrusive

• Low-cost

• Able to collect, store and transmit real-time and

high temporal resolution data

• Usable by workers

• Meets specified QA criteria, e.g. sensitivity,

specificity, accuracy, precision and stability

• Low failure rate