Case Study
Occupational Risk Assessment and Exposure Mitigation for Laser Device Emissions
By Kristian Fried, Ph.D., Dr. rer. nat., DABT, ERT, Senior Consultant
Patrick O. Gwinn, Principal, Toxicology, Health, and Ecological Sciences
OUR CHALLENGE
A laser apparatus manufacturer sought an assessment of potential indoor air exposures resulting from the use of a laser-cutting device. The concern was whether emissions from the laser-cutting process could pose health risks to users due to airborne contaminants generated during operation. The challenge involved evaluating analytical data, estimating potential user exposures, and comparing those exposures to health-protective exposure limits. Additionally, the client required guidance on product stewardship to address potential consumer health impacts from emissions produced by at-home laser devices.
OUR APPROACH
Our team performed a comprehensive risk assessment and toxicological evaluation of the emissions generated by the laser-cutting device. Key actions included:
- Compiling and assessing existing emissions and user attribute data.
- Developing a conservative exposure model to estimate potential upper-end user exposures based on user and equipment attributes and emission data.
- Comparing modeled exposure concentrations to Occupational Safety and Health Administration- (OSHA-) permissible exposure limits and other health-protective standards.
- Conducting a material-specific emissions review for at-home laser devices to assess potential consumer health risks.
- Creating a product stewardship guide that outlined safety recommendations for minimizing user exposure to laser-generated airborne contaminants, based on modeled indoor air concentrations.
OUR IMPACT
Our risk assessment and product stewardship guidance provided the manufacturer with a clear understanding of the safety of their laser devices. Our exposure model and safety guidelines allowed the client to ensure that their products met health and safety standards. The manufacturer was equipped with data-driven recommendations to protect users from potential exposure to harmful contaminants, thus reinforcing their commitment to consumer safety.
