Assessment of occupational health risk during unusual workshifts: review of the needs and solutions for modifying environmental and biological limit values for volatile organic solvents.

Aspects of occupational health risk assessment for unusual workshifts are discussed in relation to the question of: 1) using a suitable model for adjusting occupational exposure limits, and 2) assessing the influence of altered work schedules on biological exposure limits. The relative importance of two separate approaches, i.e., mathematical and pharmacokinetic, for the adjustment of exposure limits is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for the exposure limits adjustments during prolonged work hours. The influence of prolonged work schedules on biological exposure limits is discussed and it is concluded that the latter do not have to be adjusted for unusual workshifts. Research needs arising as a result of unusual workshifts and pertaining to the practice of industrial hygiene and biological monitoring are suggested.