Abstract
Innovations in science may require crossing traditional boundaries between industry, unions, government, and academia. While such collaborations have the potential to be highly beneficial and productive, opportunities for such collaborations are often missed due to some of the inherent challenges. This collaborative research effort demonstrates an example of how a successful partnership can optimize the ability to answer complicated scientific questions. Specifically, these researchers collaborated to investigate inhalation and dermal exposures to polycyclic aromatic compounds and related urinary metabolites in hot-mix asphalt paving workers. Reported here are details of the partnership process used to create the study design, the review processes, and details of the analytical methodologies employed to help attain the study goals related to the identification of the nature, source, pathway, and biological relevance of exposure during hot-mix asphalt paving operations. The actual results of the study are being prepared for future publications.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The partnership recognizes the contributions from Mathy Construction, E&B Paving, and Milestone Contractors LP and extends a special thanks to the workers for their cooperation with this study. The authors would like to thank Jerome P. Smith, Deborah L. Sammons, and Shirley A. Robertson for reviewing and providing input regarding information contained in the urine collection and storage section.
The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Mention of company names and/or products does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.