I am a mathematician, Occupational and Environmental Health scientist, aerosol and inhaled particles researcher. More significantly, I am also a musician with a respectable number of compositions. In May 2017, I became a Professor Emeritus. Currently, I am devoting time to musical composition research in occupational and environmental health theory, such as reconstructing past exposures from theoretical models to be used in retrospective studies. These seminal efforts have been called Industrial archeologyin e
This presentation was given at the 2002 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition (AI... more This presentation was given at the 2002 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition (AIHce) meeting in San Diego, CA
Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1976
Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experime... more Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experiment for dustiness using a photometric method of measuring dust deposition and panel sampling techniques are reported. It was found that with maximum contrast a 0.2% effective area coverage (EAC) by dust can be perceived against a clean background. The minimum perceivable difference between varying gradations of shading was a change of 0.45% EAC. The results also revealed that a dust deposition level of 0.7% EAC was required before the object so covered was deemed unfit to use. A telephone survey indicated that the minimum tolerable interval between household dusting was every four days. Combination of the telephone survey information with the level of dust coverage found to be objectionable implies that a dustfall rate of less than 0.17% EAC/day would be tolerable for the population at large.
The use of cadmium sulfide solar cells was proposed in order to solve a very pressing problem of ... more The use of cadmium sulfide solar cells was proposed in order to solve a very pressing problem of the energy needs of this civilization. Extensive studies to ensure that the introduction of this new technology will not create environmental problems detrimental to the health and well being of the society have been undertaken. Cadmium is known to be a toxic substance and ought to be treated with respect. It is necessary to investigate first the possible routes of introduction of cadmium to the environment due to the development of the proposed technology. If cadmium is to be used in solar cells to a great extent, the first problem arises in the procurement and manufacturing operations.
Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 1998
The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic st... more The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic studies. In most cases, the researchers are faced with the difficult dilemma created by the scarcity of the exposure measurement data vis-à-vis the demands for refined quantification. The 4 industrial epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to acrylonitrile share many similarities to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the current exposure reconstruction methodologies. The analysis of the reported exposure reconstruction methods and comparative analysis of some of the results suggest that there is a certain degree of conformity in the results of the exposure reconstruction processes in these 4 studies. At the same time, the same analysis invokes some questions with respect to the interpretation of the exposure reconstruction results.
In the occupational hygiene component of occupational epidemiological studies, the goal is to ass... more In the occupational hygiene component of occupational epidemiological studies, the goal is to assign group average exposure levels that can be used to compute individual cumulative exposures. This task requires the availability of sufficient amounts of proper individual exposure level data. Typically, the required data are either sparse, completely lacking or happenstance data collected for purposes not suitable for the aims of the study. In the epidemiological study of mortality patterns among industrial workers exposed to chloroprene and other substances, we developed and used a process analysis and modeling based exposure reconstruction to augment, extrapolate, or interpolate the available exposure data. The models developed utilize equations based on the engineering principles and chemistry associated with the processes as determined from the process documentation and task performance habits as determined from interviews of knowledgeable personnel. The resulting equations are tractable and provide a general basis for calculating exposure levels for vapors. The validation of the results with available exposure measurements suggests that comprehensive process analysis and modeling may be used to reconstruct exposures or to evaluate exposure potential with scientifically defensible methods. Furthermore, even in the absence of validating data, the methodology developed has potentially very useful applications in predicting exposure levels to newly synthesized substances. Properly interpreted, the limitations of modelling can be minimized to obtain scientifically reasonable results.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 01 Jan 1998, 24 , 1998
Esmen NA1
Author information
Suppl 2:63-70
PMID: 9714514
Review
Share this article Share with ... more Esmen NA1 Author information Suppl 2:63-70 PMID: 9714514 Review
Share this article Share with emailShare with twitterShare with linkedinShare with facebook Abstract The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic studies. In most cases, the researchers are faced with the difficult dilemma created by the scarcity of the exposure measurement data vis-à-vis the demands for refined quantification. The 4 industrial epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to acrylonitrile share many similarities to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the current exposure reconstruction methodologies. The analysis of the reported exposure reconstruction methods and comparative analysis of some of the results suggest that there is a certain degree of conformity in the results of the exposure reconstruction processes in these 4 studies. At the same time, the same analysis invokes some questions with respect to the interpretation of the exposure reconstruction results
Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1976
Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experime... more Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experiment for dustiness using a photometric method of measuring dust deposition and panel sampling techniques are reported. It was found that with maximum contrast a 0.2% effective area coverage (EAC) by dust can be perceived against a clean background. The minimum perceivable difference between varying gradations of shading was a change of 0.45% EAC. The results also revealed that a dust deposition level of 0.7% EAC was required before the object so covered was deemed unfit to use. A telephone survey indicated that the minimum tolerable interval between household dusting was every four days. Combination of the telephone survey information with the level of dust coverage found to be objectionable implies that a dustfall rate of less than 0.17% EAC/day would be tolerable for the population at large.
developed by UK’s Health and Safety Executive to assess exposure. EASE computes estimated airborn... more developed by UK’s Health and Safety Executive to assess exposure. EASE computes estimated airborne concentrations based on a substance’s vapor pressure and the types of controls in the work area. Though EASE is intended only to make broad predictions of exposure from occupa-tional environments, some occupational hygienists might attempt to use EASE for individual exposure characterizations. This study investigated whether EASE would accurately predict actual sampling results from a chemical manufacturing process. Personal breathing zone time-weighted average (TWA) monitoring data for two volatile organic chemicals—a common solvent (toluene) and a specialty monomer (chloroprene)—present in this manufacturing process were compared to EASE-generated estimates. EASE-estimated concentrations for specific tasks were weighted by task durations reported in the monitoring record to yield TWA estimates from EASE that could be directly compared to the measured TWA data. Two hundred and six chl...
This presentation was given at the 2002 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition (AI... more This presentation was given at the 2002 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition (AIHce) meeting in San Diego, CA
Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1976
Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experime... more Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experiment for dustiness using a photometric method of measuring dust deposition and panel sampling techniques are reported. It was found that with maximum contrast a 0.2% effective area coverage (EAC) by dust can be perceived against a clean background. The minimum perceivable difference between varying gradations of shading was a change of 0.45% EAC. The results also revealed that a dust deposition level of 0.7% EAC was required before the object so covered was deemed unfit to use. A telephone survey indicated that the minimum tolerable interval between household dusting was every four days. Combination of the telephone survey information with the level of dust coverage found to be objectionable implies that a dustfall rate of less than 0.17% EAC/day would be tolerable for the population at large.
The use of cadmium sulfide solar cells was proposed in order to solve a very pressing problem of ... more The use of cadmium sulfide solar cells was proposed in order to solve a very pressing problem of the energy needs of this civilization. Extensive studies to ensure that the introduction of this new technology will not create environmental problems detrimental to the health and well being of the society have been undertaken. Cadmium is known to be a toxic substance and ought to be treated with respect. It is necessary to investigate first the possible routes of introduction of cadmium to the environment due to the development of the proposed technology. If cadmium is to be used in solar cells to a great extent, the first problem arises in the procurement and manufacturing operations.
Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 1998
The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic st... more The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic studies. In most cases, the researchers are faced with the difficult dilemma created by the scarcity of the exposure measurement data vis-à-vis the demands for refined quantification. The 4 industrial epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to acrylonitrile share many similarities to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the current exposure reconstruction methodologies. The analysis of the reported exposure reconstruction methods and comparative analysis of some of the results suggest that there is a certain degree of conformity in the results of the exposure reconstruction processes in these 4 studies. At the same time, the same analysis invokes some questions with respect to the interpretation of the exposure reconstruction results.
In the occupational hygiene component of occupational epidemiological studies, the goal is to ass... more In the occupational hygiene component of occupational epidemiological studies, the goal is to assign group average exposure levels that can be used to compute individual cumulative exposures. This task requires the availability of sufficient amounts of proper individual exposure level data. Typically, the required data are either sparse, completely lacking or happenstance data collected for purposes not suitable for the aims of the study. In the epidemiological study of mortality patterns among industrial workers exposed to chloroprene and other substances, we developed and used a process analysis and modeling based exposure reconstruction to augment, extrapolate, or interpolate the available exposure data. The models developed utilize equations based on the engineering principles and chemistry associated with the processes as determined from the process documentation and task performance habits as determined from interviews of knowledgeable personnel. The resulting equations are tractable and provide a general basis for calculating exposure levels for vapors. The validation of the results with available exposure measurements suggests that comprehensive process analysis and modeling may be used to reconstruct exposures or to evaluate exposure potential with scientifically defensible methods. Furthermore, even in the absence of validating data, the methodology developed has potentially very useful applications in predicting exposure levels to newly synthesized substances. Properly interpreted, the limitations of modelling can be minimized to obtain scientifically reasonable results.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 01 Jan 1998, 24 , 1998
Esmen NA1
Author information
Suppl 2:63-70
PMID: 9714514
Review
Share this article Share with ... more Esmen NA1 Author information Suppl 2:63-70 PMID: 9714514 Review
Share this article Share with emailShare with twitterShare with linkedinShare with facebook Abstract The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic studies. In most cases, the researchers are faced with the difficult dilemma created by the scarcity of the exposure measurement data vis-à-vis the demands for refined quantification. The 4 industrial epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to acrylonitrile share many similarities to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the current exposure reconstruction methodologies. The analysis of the reported exposure reconstruction methods and comparative analysis of some of the results suggest that there is a certain degree of conformity in the results of the exposure reconstruction processes in these 4 studies. At the same time, the same analysis invokes some questions with respect to the interpretation of the exposure reconstruction results
Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1976
Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experime... more Dustiness is a visually perceived phenomenon. In this paper, results of a quantification experiment for dustiness using a photometric method of measuring dust deposition and panel sampling techniques are reported. It was found that with maximum contrast a 0.2% effective area coverage (EAC) by dust can be perceived against a clean background. The minimum perceivable difference between varying gradations of shading was a change of 0.45% EAC. The results also revealed that a dust deposition level of 0.7% EAC was required before the object so covered was deemed unfit to use. A telephone survey indicated that the minimum tolerable interval between household dusting was every four days. Combination of the telephone survey information with the level of dust coverage found to be objectionable implies that a dustfall rate of less than 0.17% EAC/day would be tolerable for the population at large.
developed by UK’s Health and Safety Executive to assess exposure. EASE computes estimated airborn... more developed by UK’s Health and Safety Executive to assess exposure. EASE computes estimated airborne concentrations based on a substance’s vapor pressure and the types of controls in the work area. Though EASE is intended only to make broad predictions of exposure from occupa-tional environments, some occupational hygienists might attempt to use EASE for individual exposure characterizations. This study investigated whether EASE would accurately predict actual sampling results from a chemical manufacturing process. Personal breathing zone time-weighted average (TWA) monitoring data for two volatile organic chemicals—a common solvent (toluene) and a specialty monomer (chloroprene)—present in this manufacturing process were compared to EASE-generated estimates. EASE-estimated concentrations for specific tasks were weighted by task durations reported in the monitoring record to yield TWA estimates from EASE that could be directly compared to the measured TWA data. Two hundred and six chl...
Uploads
Papers by Nurtan A . Esmen
Author information
Suppl 2:63-70
PMID: 9714514
Review
Share this article Share with emailShare with twitterShare with linkedinShare with facebook
Abstract
The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic studies. In most cases, the researchers are faced with the difficult dilemma created by the scarcity of the exposure measurement data vis-à-vis the demands for refined quantification. The 4 industrial epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to acrylonitrile share many similarities to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the current exposure reconstruction methodologies. The analysis of the reported exposure reconstruction methods and comparative analysis of some of the results suggest that there is a certain degree of conformity in the results of the exposure reconstruction processes in these 4 studies. At the same time, the same analysis invokes some questions with respect to the interpretation of the exposure reconstruction results
0.2% effective area coverage (EAC) by dust can be perceived
against a clean background. The minimum perceivable difference
between varying gradations of shading was a change of 0.45%
EAC. The results also revealed that a dust deposition level of
0.7% EAC was required before the object so covered was
deemed unfit to use. A telephone survey indicated that the minimum tolerable interval between household dusting was every four
days. Combination of the telephone survey information with the
level of dust coverage found to be objectionable implies that a
dustfall rate of less than 0.17% EAC/day would be tolerable for
the population at large.
Author information
Suppl 2:63-70
PMID: 9714514
Review
Share this article Share with emailShare with twitterShare with linkedinShare with facebook
Abstract
The reconstruction of worker exposures has been the mainstay of modem industrial epidemiologic studies. In most cases, the researchers are faced with the difficult dilemma created by the scarcity of the exposure measurement data vis-à-vis the demands for refined quantification. The 4 industrial epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to acrylonitrile share many similarities to illustrate strengths and weaknesses of the current exposure reconstruction methodologies. The analysis of the reported exposure reconstruction methods and comparative analysis of some of the results suggest that there is a certain degree of conformity in the results of the exposure reconstruction processes in these 4 studies. At the same time, the same analysis invokes some questions with respect to the interpretation of the exposure reconstruction results
0.2% effective area coverage (EAC) by dust can be perceived
against a clean background. The minimum perceivable difference
between varying gradations of shading was a change of 0.45%
EAC. The results also revealed that a dust deposition level of
0.7% EAC was required before the object so covered was
deemed unfit to use. A telephone survey indicated that the minimum tolerable interval between household dusting was every four
days. Combination of the telephone survey information with the
level of dust coverage found to be objectionable implies that a
dustfall rate of less than 0.17% EAC/day would be tolerable for
the population at large.