Consumer exposure arises from a large diversity of products. These products may contain chemical compounds. Exposure depends on method and place of application.

To mathematically predict human exposure to consumer products RIVM has developed the software model ConsExpo. This program is designed for the use by expert exposure assessors only.

To enhance transparency and standardization, for a number of product categories, default parameter values have been compiled in so-called fact sheets.

For more information:

Please contact: consexpo@rivm.nl

Mathematical models are available for the exposure assessment of compounds in consumer products. Descriptive models have been developed within RIVM to be able to estimate and assess the exposure to substances from consumer products and the uptake of these by humans. These models are brought together in a computer program called ConsExpo. When a model is chosen in ConsExpo, and the required parameters are filled in, the program calculates the exposure to, and the uptake of, the substance involved.

ConsExpo is a set of coherent, general models that enables the estimation and assessment of the exposure to substances from consumer products and their uptake by humans. Data about the application of products and data from mathematical models are used to build up the program. The program is based on relatively simple exposure and uptake models. The starting point for these models is the route of exposure, i.e. the inhalatory, dermal or oral route. The most appropriate exposure scenario and uptake model is chosen for each route. The parameters needed for the exposure scenario and the uptake models are then filled in. It is possible that exposure and uptake occur simultaneously via different routes. In addition to data about the exposure and uptake, general scenario data is also needed, such as the frequency and body weight of the exposed person. Using the data mentioned above, ConsExpo calculates the exposure and uptake. For this purpose fact sheets are developed.

Using ConsExpo, it is possible to calculate the exposure to consumer products in a standardized way. ConsExpo can carry out not only calculations with point values but also calculations with distributions. Sensitivity analyses can be carried out as well. 

Current release: ConsExpo 4.1

Below you will find the latest version of ConsExpo, ConsExpo 4.1.
Included in this version is a defaults database for four products categories: "Cosmetics", "Pest Control Products", “Disinfectants” , and "Cleaning & Washing".

A list with the changes that have been implemented in the version 4.1 can be found here.
If you would like to be notified in the event of an update, please send us an email at ConsExpo@rivm.nl with the subject "consexpo mailing list".

If you encounter problems working with ConsExpo or have any suggestions on improvement of the program, please let us know!

ConsExpo 4.1

In order to set up ConsExpo 4.1, download the zip-file (available under the link ‘ConsExpo 4.1’) to your computer, unpack the zipped directory to a convenient location and run the Setup.exe application. The setup program will guide you through the installation of the program. 

Download draft ConsExpo 4.1 Manual (2715Kb)

Previous releases:   

Download ConsExpo 4.0 (3090Kb)  -  Download draft ConsExpo 4.0 Manual (3680Kb)

Download ConsExpo 3.0 (3383Kb)

Report ConsExpo 3.0 (http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/612810002.html)

Update of Fact Sheets for ConsExpo 4.1 available since September 2006

The fact sheets give information that is important for the consistent estimation and assessment of the exposure to, and the uptake of, substances from consumer products. In the fact sheets, information about exposure to chemical substances is bundled into certain product or exposure categories. These categories are chosen so that products with similar exposures can be combined. On the one hand, the fact sheet gives general background information, while on the other hand, it quantifies exposure parameters which, together with an exposure scenario, or a combination of the various exposure scenarios, produces a quantitative estimate of the exposure.

Due to the large number of consumer products currently on the market, it is not possible to determine exposure models and parameter values for each individual product. A limited number of main categories of similar products have therefore been defined. Examples of the main categories are paint, cosmetics, children's toys, cleaning products and pest control products. The relevant information with respect to the estimate of exposure to, and the uptake of, substances from consumer products is given in a fact sheet for each of the main categories. These fact sheets can be used to characterize and to standardize the exposure. They are set up to act as a source of data for the users of ConsExpo. The default-models and default-parameter values are available in the form of a database.

The fact sheets are ‘living’ documents. As new research becomes available or as perceptions change, so the parameter values may need to be changed. New models can also be developed within ConsExpo, describing a particular exposure better than using the currently used models. This too will require adaptations. We intend to produce updates of the published fact sheets, on a regular basis.

This fact sheet is principally aimed at exposure to the whole product and is, as such, independent of active ingredient. This means that the information about the chemical must be added later. This mainly concerns information about the concentration and the physico-chemical properties of the compound in question. 

Non-professional use only

The default values in the fact sheets have been put together for consumers (private or non-professional users). They are not applicable for people who work with products in a professional capacity. Using the models in ConsExpo and the default values for consumers presented here as background data, it is nonetheless possible to calculate the exposure and uptake of cleaning products by professional users. Of course, the differences in products and product use between the consumer and those using products professionally must be taken into account.

Download fact sheets 

General Fact Sheet 

Limiting conditions and reliability, ventilation, room size, body surface area

Updated version for ConsExpo 4

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320104002.pdf

H.J. Bremmer, L.C.H. Prud’homme de Lodder, J.G.M. van Engelen

N.B. This report is an update of report no. 612810009

In this fact sheet general information is presented that is needed for consumer exposure assessment in addition to the more specific information provided in the fact sheets on the different product groups. 

Information includes:

– the volume and surface area of rooms in Dutch dwellings,

– the air-change rate in various rooms in dwellings,

– the total body surface and surface of body parts of adults and children.

Also, general information on the fact sheets is given, such as a description the format of the fact sheets, the connection with the ConsExpo program and the boundary conditions under which the defaults in the factsheet are defined.

PestControl Products Fact Sheet

Updated version for ConsExpo 4

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320005002.pdf

H.J. Bremmer, W.M. Blom, P.H. van Hoeven-Arentzen, L.C.H. Prud’homme de Lodder,M.T.M. van Raaij, E.H.F.M. Straetmans,M.P. van Veen, J.G.M. van Engelen

RIVM report 320005002/2006

NB updated version of the fact sheet 613340003

This fact sheet covers the use of pest control products by consumers. In the fact sheet

eight product categories are described, including sprays, dusting powders, repellents,

electrical evaporators and baits. For products in these categories, default exposure models and input parameters for these models are suggested. 

Cosmetics Fact Sheet

To assess the risks for the consumer

Updated version for ConsExpo 4

H.J. Bremmer, L.C.H. Prud’homme de Lodder,

J.G.M. van Engelen

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320104001.pdf

RIVM report 320104001/2006

This fact sheet covers the use of cosmetics by consumers. In the fact sheet 35 product

categories are described, including shampoo, make-up, lipstick, deodorant and toothpaste. For products in these categories, default exposure models and input parameters for these models are suggested. 

Disinfectant Products Fact Sheet

L.C.H. Prud’homme de Lodder, H.J. Bremmer,

S.M.G.J. Pelgrom, M.V.D.Z. Park,

J.G.M. van Engelen

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320005003.pdf

RIVM report 320005003/2006

This fact sheet covers the use of disinfectant products by consumers. In the fact sheet nine product categories are described, including algae/green deposit removers, black mould removers, swimming pool disinfectants, veterinary hygiene biocidal products and disinfectants for drinking water, waterbeds, chemical toilets and for rubbish bins. 

For products in these categories, default exposure models and input parameters for these models are suggested. 

Cleaning Products Fact Sheet

L.C.H. Prud’homme de Lodder, H.J. Bremmer, J.G.M. van Engelen

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320104003.pdf

RIVM report 320104003/2006

This fact sheet covers the use of cleaning products by consumers. In the fact sheet 36 product categories are described including laundry detergents, dishwashing products, abrasives and toilet cleaners. For products in these categories, default exposure models and input parameters for these models are suggested.

Children's Toys Fact Sheet 

Bremmer HJ ; Veen MP van 
in English - 63 pp. - [ pdf 304kb ] - 2002 

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/612810012.pdf

This fact sheet supplies information on use of children's toys. The use of children's toys is described by classifying the ways in which children can be exposed. Representative examples are chosen for each way in which children can be exposed. Default models are chosen for these examples. The default parameter values are also filled in. Based on these representative example-defaults, it is possible to derive the default values for the exposure of any type of toy. 

Factsheet Verf  (not yet in English) 

Bremmer HJ ; Veen MP van 

http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/612810010.pdf

RIVM report 612810010

This fact sheet supplies information on the use of paint products by consumers. Product categories were developed with the use of default models and default values for several methods of paint application, several types of paints and several types of use. Default exposure assessments for the consumer's exposure to paints, including tool and hand cleaning, can be performed applying this fact sheet.