ESIG has funded the development of an on-line searchable database of human exposure data for solvent end-use applications. This work has been completed in collaboration with IOM, Edinburgh.

The tool originates from a database initially developed in MS Access by Caldwell et al (2000)* to store human exposure information related to selected solvent end-use applications from the literature published between 1961 to 1998. A further review of the literature published during 1998 -2005 was undertaken, with the relevant data being extracted and stored using the original database structure. To ensure consistency with the earlier work undertaken by Caldwell and colleagues, similar search methodology and quality criteria approaches were used.

To bring the contents of the database up to date, a further review of the literature published between 2006 and 2019, has been carried out. Whilst the previous reviews had focused on occupational exposure, the most recent one also included consumer and experimental / simulation studies. In addition, the structure of the database has also been reviewed, updated and standardized in order to improve “database normalisation”, reduce data redundancy, potential inconsistencies in data and help speeding-up database operations. For instance, additional fields, look-up codes / variables have been were added to improve data consistency and integrity. To facilitate greater visibility and access, the MS Access database application has also been transferred into a web-based system to allow users access (following registration) via their internet browser. A further review of the literature published between 2020 and 2021 has been carried out, with relevant data being extracted and stored in the database.

The current on-line version of the database contains data extracted from 310 publications.

Before using the database, it is important to draw users’ attention to the following points:

• Data stored in the original MS Access database structure from literature published between 1961-2005 has been migrated into the new database structure. However, these original records have not been reviewed and aligned with the new coding structure that has been applied to the 2006-2019 data. Also, additional fields were included in the new database design which will not have been populated for these older records and so there may be gaps.
• The 1961-2005 records relate to only occupational exposure whereas the 2006-2019 records also may contain information from studies reporting exposure in consumer or experimental / simulation settings.
• In the original Caldwell et al (2000) database a data quality criteria was assigned which included consideration of whether the article contained information on sampling and analytical method, sample duration, details of application, industry and task for which measurements were taken. Pre-2006 publications were assigned as being Good, Poor or Fair. For data from articles published 2006-2019, the original quality code classification was used, along with individual quality assessments for the following variables: activity, engineering control, RPE, measurement and analytical method, sampling duration, representativeness, reported exposure data, with a further overall quality criteria being assigned based on the outcomes of these.
• Whilst quality criteria assessments have been provided it is down to the individual users to assess for themselves the quality and the relevance of the data for their intended purpose.

Before using the database, it is also important to draw users’ attention to the following disclaimers:

• ESIG and IOM are not responsible for any use of Data retrieved via the ESIG human exposure database directly or indirectly.
• ESIG and IOM does not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness or availability of the data contained with the ESIG human exposure database.
• ESIG and IOM are not responsible for the use and any issues arising from the use of any data obtained from the database.
• ESIG and IOM makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the database. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

* Caldwell DJ, Armstrong TW, Barone NJ, Suder JA, Evans MJ. Hydrocarbon solvent exposure data: compilation and analysis of the literature. AIHAJ. 2000 Nov-Dec;61(6):881-94. doi: 10.1080/15298660008984602. PMID: 11192224.