New and Old Occupational Exposures: Implications of Lower Exposure Limits and Emerging Knowledge on Toxicity

About this course

This course will focus on how new insights into toxicity, evolving societal demands—such as lowered occupational exposure limits (OELs)—and emerging labor markets, including the circular economy, influence risk assessment and exposure prevention for well-known occupational hazards. These hazards include hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), respirable crystalline silica (RCS), lead (Pb), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, and diesel engine exhaust.

In recent years, OELs for some of these compounds have been significantly reduced, while health-based documentation has been developed for others. Overall, data indicate rather low health-based OELs for these substances, affecting workplace risk assessment and exposure mitigation strategies. In addition to established occupations with known exposure risks, new job roles—such as those involved in the reuse of construction materials—may also pose emerging risks.

During this course, we will explore exposure assessment strategies, new knowledge on toxicity, and approaches to risk assessment. Through recent case studies on occupational exposure and risk mitigation, we will illustrate different strategies for exposure assessment, risk evaluation, and mitigation practices.

Course objectives

The overall objective is to provide participants with an overview of new knowledge on toxicity and the novel applications of well-known chemicals, as well as how these developments influence the requirements for risk assessment and management in various work settings. Participants will gain insights into:

• State-of-the-art toxicology for Pb, Cr(VI), RCS, asbestos, PCBs, diesel engine exhaust, and PAHs
• Occupational settings where exposure may occur
• Regulatory aspects, including new occupational exposure limits for these substances
• Exposure assessment methods and sampling strategies related to biomonitoring, exposure routes, and excretion kinetics
• Risk assessment and exposure mitigation strategies
• Challenges in monitoring and risk assessment, explored through case studies reflecting different scenarios

Main topics

• Lowered occupational exposure limits – updates and challenges
• Pb, respirable crystalline silica, asbestos, diesel exhaust, Cr(VI), PAHs, PCBs
• Exposure assessment
• Toxicology, including combination effects
• Risk assessment of the above-mentioned chemicals
• Preventive measures

Target groups

• Occupational health professionals
• Regulatory authorities
• Company OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) professionals
• Social partners
• Other occupational health stakeholders

Subject background

Pb, Cr(VI), RCS, asbestos, diesel engine exhaust, PAHs, and PCBs are long-established occupational exposures that continue to present challenges in the workplace. In recent years, occupational exposure limits (OELs) for some of these substances have been significantly lowered, while health-based documentation supporting OELs has been developed for others. Additionally, new insights into toxicity mechanisms—such as the relationship between particle exposure and cardiovascular disease—have emerged, leading to lower health-based OELs for certain substances. These new and reduced OELs further emphasize the need for improved exposure assessment and mitigation strategies.

During this course, we will explore various examples of these challenges and strategies in relation to Pb, Cr(VI), asbestos, diesel engine exhaust, PAHs, and PCBs.

General course fee and cancellation information

The courses and workshops vary in price. Please note that the course fee does not cover meals or accommodation. The course fee and day-package fee are invoiced after the registration deadline (you can also pay the course with credit card).

Travel arrangements

Please refrain from booking any travel tickets until we have confirmed the course. The confirmation, which will be sent at the latest after the registration deadline, will include detailed information on the payment of the course fee and day-packages, as well as information on practical arrangements. Please note that you are not insured by NIVA.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Our venues for organising courses have carefully considered accessibility to ensure they cater to the needs of all participants. For detailed information about the hotel’s accessibility features, please click here.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received by 1st of September 2026: full refund
Cancellations received by 2nd of September 2026 or later: no refund

The total price of the course will be invoiced after the registration deadline (you can also pay the course with credit card).

The price is subject to minor changes.

Contact persons

Course leaders

Ulla Vogel, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark
email: ubv@nf.dk

Karin Broberg, Professor, Avdelningen för arbets- och miljömedicin, Lund University, Sweden.
email: karin.broberg@med.lu.se

In practical matter, please contact

Nathalie Räihä, Project Manager at NIVA
email: nathalie.raiha@niva.org