Integration of chemical health risk assessment (CHRA) and indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment: from a Malaysian perspective

• Published in: International Journal of Environmental Health Research
• Main Author: Abdullah F.; Jaafar M.H.; Ahmad M.I.; Ismail Z.S.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor and Francis Ltd. 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85166972123&doi=10.1080%2f09603123.2023.2243843&partnerID=40&md5=555378108bb21cf07ae5e4a86bb73d2d

In Malaysia, chemical management in workplaces is managed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. Hence, the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 has strengthened the chemical management level in workplaces, including higher academic institutions. The introduction of chemical health risk assessment through the regulation required management to conduct the assessment at workplaces. Poor levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in chemical laboratories may also cause discomfort among workers when there is sick building syndrome in laboratories. IAQ is managed through the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010. Although both are different in method and approach, both are meant to ensure the workers’ safety and comfort. This study is aimed to investigate the need to integrate both chemical health risk assessment and IAQ assessment in laboratories to ensure optimum safety levels among workers. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.