Abstract

Biological monitoring is a first-line prevention tool that is available to physicians, hygienists and other health care professionals. To help workers in the occupational health field in Quebec apply the right strategy for collecting biological samples and correctly interpret the results of their analysis, the IRSST has been publishing the Biological Monitoring Guide – Sample Collection and Interpretation of Results for several years.

This guide is composed of individual data sheets that summarize scientific knowledge of the main chemical contaminants found in workplaces. The value for the biological index chemical, called the biological exposure index (BEI), is given for each contaminant.

However, various amendments to the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (RSST) since 2020 have resulted in changes in the exposure limit value (ELV) in the air for more than 200 chemical contaminants and, consequently, in the corresponding BEI for each of these contaminants.

The general aim of this research is to update the Biological Monitoring Guide – Sample Collection and Interpretation of Results, 8th Edition. The team intends to enhance the general procedure for determining a BEI and incorporate it into the guide. In addition, the team will adapt the corresponding BEI in relation to the ELV in the air for five chemical contaminants (chromium, cadmium, toluene, toluene diisocyanate and trichloroethylene) based on this enhanced procedure.