An applied approach to epidemiology and toxicology for engineers

Abstract

"This study package was developed to provide the student with an introduction to the disciplines of epidemiology and toxicology, emphasizing topics of special relevance to the engineer. The first unit in the module introduced the participant to the basic concepts of epidemiology and demonstrated its relevance to engineering. Also discussed were the types of epidemiologic studies and the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. The second unit introduced the participant to the different types of analytical epidemiologic studies, when each should be used, the limits of epidemiologic investigations, and key questions to ask when assessing any epidemiologic study. Unit three introduced toxicology and demonstrated the utility of basic precepts of this discipline. The difference between exposure and dose was discussed. Unit four was a overview of the health concerns of persons working in wastewater treatment facilities and evaluated the effects of lead (7439921). An introduction was also provided in this unit to the use of control technologies in terms of moderating risks to workers. Unit five discussed the way in which hazardous waste problems have both an environmental and occupational focus. The need for an interdisciplinary team of specialists in addressing the resulting problems of hazard identification, risk management, and risk abatement was demonstrated in a case involving polychlorinated biphenyls." - NIOSHTIC-2"June 1993.""SHAPE: Safety/Health Awareness for Preventive Engineering"--Cover."NIOSH instructional module"--Cover.Shipping list no.: 95-0530-M."NIOSH Order no. 939342"--P. ii.Includes bibliographical references