A Practical Guide to Qualitative Exposure Assessment
Q ualitative exposure assessment helps in determining the potential for human and environmental exposure to contaminants based on professional judgement, descriptive data, or observation rather than precise measurements. Qualitative exposure assessment plays a key role in detecting the high risks, guiding where more in-depth investigation may be necessary. How Does it Differ From Quantitative Assessment? Quantitative exposure assessment gives specific numbers and measurements, like estimated concentration levels, and compares them to occupational exposure limits to see if risks are well managed. On the contrary, the aspect of qualitative assessment uses descriptive words to measure and rate the risk levels without needing to estimate exact exposure concentrations. Initial risk screening helps identify and rank major hazards—whether chemical, physical, or biological—based on how likely they are to occur and their potential health impact. It also helps organisations prioritise their...