Introduction and Review of Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment of Chemicals in the Workplace by SQRA Method

Many people around the world are exposed to different chemicals in various occupations. Contact with chemicals can lead to numerous health effects. There is a growing need for risk assessment of hazardous chemicals and related processes that impact the health of individuals who are exposed to them. Chemical risk assessment enables us to make informed decisions regarding control measures and to safeguard employees from the adverse effects of chemicals. Health risk assessment methods are performed in two ways: qualitatively (using a risk assessment matrix) or quantitatively. Common methods used in the field of chemical exposure risk assessment include the semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA) method, United States-Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) method, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) method, Chemical Hazard Risk Management (CHARM) method, and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) method. Due to the lack of epidemiological data and the complexity of quantitative methods, some studies employ semi-qualitative methods, such as SQRA, for assessing the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals. In this review study, the SQRA method for semi-quantitative risk assessment of chemicals in the workplace will be introduced.