Benefits of New Sensor Technologies to Measure (Occupational) Exposures

Occupational exposure to hazardous substances is a significant cause of work-related illnesses and deaths. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 2.3 million people die each year from work-related accidents or diseases. Inhalation hazards are responsible for nearly half of these. Novel air quality sensors can play a crucial role in preventing these cases by providing real-time data on hazardous substances such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. However, more effort is needed for successful implementation of these devices and subsequently better protection of workers worldwide.

Call to action: When taking the burden of occupational diseases seriously, sensors are a valuable additional tool to current more traditional measurement methods. Acting now by integrating these methods more in current processes helps preventing occupational diseases.

Read more in our policy brief.