Taking an exposure history

In each scenario, the clinician's pursuit of the exposure history led to discovery of toxic exposure for each of the three clients. In each case, the diagnosis and treatment might have been inappropriate without an exposure history. The process required only a few minutes of the clinician's time. Each history was focused as indicated by the client's reported symptoms. Using the exposure history in managing the clients' problems, as well as guiding the clients in appropriate preventive behaviors, is the practice of health promotion and disease prevention at its best. Consultation: Industrial hygienists, who are often employed by state health departments or industry, are a source of information to the clinician investigating a possible toxic exposure. Other specialists, such as clinicians specializing in occupational/environmental health, can be helpful in assessing whether a significant exposure has occurred. Occupational health nurses have expertise and experience that may be valuable to the clinician. Referral Resources: The AOEC is a network of clinics that provide professional training, community education, exposure and risk assessment, clinical evaluations, and consultative services. Educational Resource Centers (ERCs), established in academic centers by NIOSH to educate professionals in occupational health topics, offer training courses in occupational and environmental health topics.