Dr. Williams has characterized the nature and extent of chemical exposures in community and occupational settings. For example, she has quantified historical benzene exposures for various job classifications in different workplaces, including a re-analysis of the so called “Pliofilm” workers using new data and more sophisticated data analysis techniques (i.e., Monte Carlo modeling) in order to better characterize the distribution of inhalation and dermal exposures likely experienced by this group of workers.

Williams, P.R.D. and D.J. Paustenbach. 2003. Reconstruction of benzene exposure for the Pliofilm cohort (1936-1976) using Monte Carlo techniques. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (Part A). 66:677-781.

In a recent exposure simulation study, Dr. Williams also measured the airborne concentrations of benzene associated with the historical use of some formulations of Liquid Wrench®. This original research study included evaluation of a range of product use scenarios in which the benzene content and base formulation, air exchange rate, and quantity of product used were varied. A total of 176 15-minute and 1-hr personal breathing zone (worker) and area (bystander) samples were collected during the 22 simulation tests.

Williams, P.R.D., Knutsen, J.S., Atkinson, C., Madl, A.K., and D.J. Paustenbach. 2007. Airborne concentrations of benzene associated with the historical use of some formulations of Liquid Wrench®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 4:547-561