Exploring the utility of robots in exposure studies

Abstract

Obtaining valid, reliable quantitative exposure data can be a significant challenge for industrial hygienists, exposure scientists, and other health science professionals. In this proof-of-concept study, a robotic platform was programmed to perform a simple task as a plausible alternative to human subjects in exposure studies for generating exposure data. The use of robots offers several advantages over the use of humans. Research can be completed more efficiently and there is no need to recruit, screen, or train volunteers. In addition, robots can perform tasks repeatedly without getting tired allowing for collection of an unlimited number of measurements using different chemicals to assess exposure impacts from formulation changes and new product development. The use of robots also eliminates concerns with intentional human exposures while removing health research ethics review requirements which are time consuming. In this study, a humanoid robot was programmed to paint drywall, while volatile organic compounds were measured in air for comparison to model estimates. The measured air concentrations generally agreed with more advanced exposure model estimates. These findings suggest that robots have potential as a methodology for generating exposure measurements relevant to human activities, but without using human subjects.

An assessment of the ECETOC TRA Consumer tool performance as a screening level tool

“…Measured TRA orders of magnitude higher Cowan Ellsberry et al [ 9 ] TRA ConsExpo CEM PC3 air care instant PC8a coatings solvent rich PC35 liquid cleaner PC35 trigger spray cleaner See Figs. SI 7.4 – 7.6 Inhalation (in mg/kg/day): TRA highest Dermal (mg/kg/day): TRA highest Feld-Cook et al [ 8 ] TRA EGRET Well-Mixed-Box ConsExpo E-FAST ART (median) Data PC9 painting, latex See Fig. SI 7.7 Inhalation (mg/m 3 ): TRA predictions highest TRA exceeded measured concentrations by orders of magnitude Steiling et al [ 31 ] One Box Model, BAMA PC3 instant action air freshener, did not include TRA (added in here) See Fig.…”

“…Several studies have compared consumer exposure predictions by TRA and other models [7][8][9][10][11][12]. Generally, these papers have indicated the conservative nature of the TRA tool (i.e., TRA predictions exceed others) for most scenarios evaluated.…”

Cooperative and Bifunctional Adsorbent‐Catalyst Materials for In‐situ VOCs Capture‐Conversion

“…Some of the health effects of VOCs may include respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and in some cases, liver and kidney damage. [2] VOCs also play a role in the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. [3] When VOCs and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) from vehicle exhaust and other sources react in the presence of sunlight, they form ozone.…”

“…Long‐term exposure to some VOCs has been linked to cancer and other serious health effects. Some of the health effects of VOCs may include respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and in some cases, liver and kidney damage [2] . VOCs also play a role in the formation of ground‐level ozone, a harmful air pollutant [3] .…”