M507 – Health Effects of Hazardous Substances
BOHS Advanced Module – Occupational Hygiene
M507 develops a detailed understanding of how hazardous substances interact with the human body and the mechanisms by which workplace exposures lead to adverse health effects.
The course introduces core toxicological principles, the function and vulnerability of key target organs, and the interpretation of epidemiological evidence — equipping delegates with the knowledge required to make informed professional judgements in occupational hygiene practice.
This module strengthens the scientific foundation that underpins exposure assessment, control strategy, and risk communication.
Who Should Attend
- Occupational hygienists progressing toward the Certificate in Occupational Hygiene (CertOH)
- LEV and exposure specialists seeking deeper understanding of health impact
- Health & Safety professionals responsible for COSHH risk assessments
- Professionals involved in exposure monitoring and health risk interpretation
Course Duration
5 Days (including examination)
Delivered via Live Interactive Webinar or Face-to-Face training.
Course Overview
The programme provides structured coverage of:
- Fundamental principles of toxicology
- Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of hazardous substances
- Routes of exposure and factors influencing dose
- Target organs and system-specific toxic effects
- Interpretation of epidemiological studies
- Health effects associated with common industrial substances and processes
- Overview of biological agents (non-examined component)
Emphasis is placed on applying toxicological understanding to workplace risk assessment and professional decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Define and correctly apply key toxicological terminology
- Explain the principal routes by which hazardous substances enter the body
- Describe the processes of absorption, distribution, storage and elimination
- Identify the major target organs affected by workplace exposures
- Interpret basic epidemiological data and understand its limitations
- Relate toxicological principles to real-world occupational exposure scenarios
Assessment
The assessment comprises:
- Practical assessment conducted during the course
- Written examination (Open Book)
- 40 Short Answer Questions
- Duration: 2 hours
- Pass mark: 50%
Structured evening self-study and revision are required throughout the week.
Professional Progression
M507 is one of the core modules within the BOHS M500 series and forms part of the most common pathway toward the:
Certificate in Occupational Hygiene (CertOH)
Successful candidates progressing through the CertOH pathway may use the post-nominal letters CertOH.
This module is particularly valuable for professionals who wish to strengthen the scientific basis of their exposure assessments and enhance the credibility of their professional advice.
Pre-Requisites
There are no formal academic pre-requisites. Delegates are expected to have familiarity with COSHH requirements and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) interpretation.
Fees
£1795 + VAT
BOHS examination fee: £165 + VAT (reviewed annually by BOHS)
Invoices are issued approximately 5–6 weeks prior to the course start date.
Success with OXYL8
OXYL8 delivers BOHS Occupational Hygiene modules with a clear focus on professional competence — not simply examination preparation.
Our programmes are led by experienced practitioners with extensive industry, regulatory and technical expertise. We combine structured academic delivery with practical interpretation, ensuring delegates understand how to apply knowledge confidently within real workplace environments.
Delegates receive comprehensive course materials, structured revision guidance, and ongoing tutor support throughout the programme.
Optional one-to-one mentoring sessions are available following the course, providing additional support for revision, professional development planning, and progression toward CertOH or CoC pathways.



