Chemical Factors in Working Environment

The course will provide a basic understanding of how to conduct a risk assessment of chemicals and dust exposure in the workplace. There will be emphasis on chemical substances and dust that are relevant in today's business and will focus on what health effects they have on employees, and how the different agents work on humans. Furthermore, methods for characterization of air pollutants and skin exposure are teached and how to express the degree of risk associated with current exposure. Measurement methods will be discussed and demonstrated in the lab. attempt.

Position and function of the course in the study: The course is advanced course for those who choose the specialization occupational hygiene for students on study programs MHMS and MIHMS.
The course will provide knowledge about the following: General knowledge of toxicology and important factors regarding toxicokinetics and biotransformation, as well as mechanisms behind allergic reactions, carcinogenesis and reproductive effects. Specific knowledge of dust and chemical agents in the workplace and where these factors can be found in the working environment. Specific knowledge of industrial toxicology with emphasis on how dust and the various chemical substances effects humans, and the main mechanisms of the toxic effects of these agents. Specific knowledge about major toxicological concepts. Specific knowledge about methods of measurement of dust and chemical substances as well as some knowledge of analytical methods. Specific knowledge of the sources of information to chemical hazard. General knowledge of the rules, methods and guidelines that exist for the management and risk assessment for chemical exposure.

Other important learning outcomes: Students will, through a larger work, get training in doing risk assessment of chemical agents in companies, and learn to take written arguments about professional challenges.

Seminars, lectures, laboratory excercises and compulsory term paper. Portfolio assessment is the basis for the grade in the course. The portfolio includes an assignment (40%) and a written exam (60%). The results for the parts are given in %-scores, while the entire portfolio is assigned a letter grade. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.