beherenExposure

BeherenExposure is a coined term that denotes an integrated approach to managing exposure to hazards within a system or organization. It combines the Dutch verb beheren, meaning to manage or govern, with the English word exposure, signaling a management-oriented stance toward exposure assessment. The term is used in theoretical discussions and in some industry guides to emphasize governance and continuous improvement in exposure control rather than a one-shot measurement.

Definition and scope: BeherenExposure covers identification of exposure sources, quantification of exposure levels, assessment of risk, and implementation of controls. It treats exposure not as a static value but as a dynamic parameter that requires ongoing monitoring, data integration, and stakeholder communication.

Methodology: The process typically follows an iterative cycle: inventory sources of exposure (chemical, physical, digital, environmental), measure or model exposure levels, assess risk using predefined criteria, select and implement controls (engineering, administrative, or behavioral), monitor effectiveness, and adjust targets as new information becomes available.

Applications: Used in occupational safety programs, environmental health planning, urban and product safety assessments, and increasingly in data privacy and cybersecurity contexts where exposure to sensitive data must be controlled.

Criticisms: As a portmanteau, the term may lack standardized definition across industries, risking ambiguity. Critics argue it conjoins two distinct ideas—exposure assessment and governance—without clarifying responsibilities or metrics.