From the editor – A special topic issue on real-time detection systems studies

Is our old paradigm of conducting integrated industrial hygiene sampling and waiting two weeks for results on the way out? Will we transition to low-cost sensors and the Internet-of-Things to obtain real-time concentration information, with programmed feedback providing management and workers information on occupational exposures and their risks? In the past decade, manufacturing processes and industries have experienced rapid changes in operations and technology, and whether you knew it or not, we are now a part of the fourth industrial revolution (aka, Industry 4.0). The transformations of industry and the associated work environment during these times necessitate a shift in our approaches to monitoring occupational health. For example, new technologies, in particular wearable monitors, have been adopted globally by consumers and are finding their way into the workplace. However, this is not without concerns of Orwellian monitoring of job performance, data privacy, and how to interpret the vast amount of data generated from new, inexpensive technologies. The topics of sensor technology are not new to the JOEH, as we have reported on low-cost gas (AfsharMohajer et al. 2018; Johannessen et al. 2020), particle (Zuidema et al. 2019) and noise (Hallett et al. 2018) monitors, as well as a recent commentary on wearable inertial sensors (Schall et al. 2022) and their use (Thompson et al. 2018). We want to know from exposure scientists where we are with new technologies, what guidance can they provide to our practitioners on selection and use decisions, and what caution and guidance can they provide to growing public and worker concerns regarding real-time sensors. Over the past several years, I have been in communication with members of AIHA technical committees who are looking at real-time detection systems and are thinking about these same issues. We identified a need to capture research and state of knowledge on these systems. In 2022, we announced requests for studies investigating low-cost sensor systems, wearable technology, benefits of sensor systems and how to analyze data to assess exposures, and ethical and legal hurdles to the implementation of aspects of these systems. The Real-Time Detection Committee volunteers and researchers around the country have prepared manuscripts to address a variety of topics related to real-time detection instruments. This issue of JOEH compiles reviews, commentaries, and research papers on this broad topic. We have assembled an interesting collection of relevant papers to begin the discussion, but we still are left with more questions on how to adapt exposure assessment to new technologies. I hope your reading these papers gives you ideas about adapting new sensor technologies in your organizations. I look forward to reading future research that answers other questions, including barriers to adoption, best-use practices, and data algorithms for big data decision-making.