Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practice Exam

Biological monitoring is essential for evaluating long-term worker exposure to hazardous substances because it involves the measurement of substances or their metabolites in biological specimens such as blood, urine, or tissues. This form of monitoring provides direct evidence of how much of a hazardous substance has been absorbed into the body, which can reflect the potential health impact on workers over time.

Individuals who may work in environments where they are exposed to chemicals, heavy metals, or other hazardous materials can benefit from biological monitoring. It helps identify not only the levels of exposure but can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace controls and preventive measures. This data can be critical for establishing trends in exposure levels and making informed decisions about worker safety and health initiatives.

Other types of monitoring, while important in their own ways, do not directly measure the impact of exposure on an individual's body and thus may not provide comprehensive insight into long-term health risks associated with hazardous substances.