Exposure Models for the Prior Distribution in Bayesian Decision Analysis for Occupational Hygiene Decision Making

Overview

Journal J Occup Environ Hyg

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialties Environmental Health
Occupational Medicine

Date 2012 Dec 21

PMID 23252451

Citations 2

Authors

Eun Gyung Lee

Seung Won Kim

Charles E Feigley

Martin Harper

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study introduces two semi-quantitative methods, Structured Subjective Assessment (SSA) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Essentials, in conjunction with two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations for determining prior probabilities. Prior distribution using expert judgment was included for comparison. Practical applications of the proposed methods were demonstrated using personal exposure measurements of isoamyl acetate in an electronics manufacturing facility and of isopropanol in a printing shop. Applicability of these methods in real workplaces was discussed based on the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Although these methods could not be completely independent of expert judgments, this study demonstrated a methodological improvement in the estimation of the prior distribution for the Bayesian decision analysis tool. The proposed methods provide a logical basis for the decision process by considering determinants of worker exposure.

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