Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene最新文献

Healthcare workers (HCWs) face significant risks when handling antineoplastic drugs (ANPD). This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pharmacists and nurses regarding safe handling of ANPD, identify influencing factors, and uncover the challenges and barriers associated with it. Eighty HCWs (56 nurses and 24 pharmacists) handling ANPD in Taif hospitals were recruited. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed KAP, and both closed and open-ended questions were used to address barriers to safe handling. Most participants were female (71.3%), with a mean age of 32.87 years. Notably, 70% of the participants were nurses, and 48.8% had received training on safe handling of ANPD. Common complaints due to ANPD exposure included dizziness (42.4%), skin irritation (27.3%), and headache (24.2%). Participants reported good knowledge (mean: 31.4 ± 3.23 out of 40), varied attitudes (mean: 5.90 ± 2.11 out of 8), and fair to good practices (mean: 28.94 ± 4.18 out of 40). Participants without training had lower knowledge scores (mean difference: -4.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -7.65 to -2.11) and lower practice scores (mean difference: -7.82; 95% CI: -10.75 to -4.89) compared to those with training. In the regression analysis, work experience (β = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.45), last training session (β = -0.34; 95% CI: -1.08 to -0.35), handling experience (β = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.38), and educational level (β = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.86) yielded effect estimates suggesting positive directional influence on knowledge scores except for last training session that's means as the increase of the period without training as lower knowledge score expected. For practice scores, only the knowledge score (β = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.43 to 1.72) yielded estimates consistent with a positive directional effect. Barriers to safe handling of ANPD included improper engineering controls, insufficient training and education, high workloads, and inadequate personal protective equipment.

The effectiveness of face coverings against respiratory viruses is crucial for public health but often lacks realistic performance assessments of protection and comfort. In this study, a system-level test method was developed using an animatronic headform to incorporate fit and dynamic wear into the assessment of total filtration efficacy of medical masks and barrier face coverings. Six commercially available products were evaluated, including an N95 respirator as the control. Total filtration efficacy was calculated from differential particle counts recorded inside and outside of face coverings each minute. The baseline method was able to statistically differentiate between products to a difference in means of 5% at a particle size of 0.3 μm optical diameter. The 16 and 28 L/min sinusoidal flow rates significantly impacted total filtration efficacy, as did the influence of headform movement and duration of wear for select products. There were statistical differences between operators at both flow rates for the KN95 and surgical style masks that were difficult to don consistently, highlighting the variability in performance due to fit. However, the product type remained the most significant cause of variance in the method at 66.10%, demonstrating that the headform test method was able to repeatedly and reproducibly evaluate the efficacy of various face coverings. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in filtration when the facepiece was not sealed properly due to poor fit. This highlights the importance of evaluating these source control devices, including barrier face coverings and public use of medical masks, as they are intended to be worn to incorporate their fit into the reported results.

In some states, the discovery of a building where methamphetamine (meth) has been manufactured (cooked) or used triggers a regulatory requirement to perform meth sampling, which may be costly due to the number of mandated samples. Less costly screening tests are sometimes conducted using fewer samples that are collected in a biased manner to minimize false negative (FN) results, but their accuracy has not been previously determined. In this study, results from two screening protocols used in Colorado were compared to results from the more comprehensive Colorado regulatory protocol. Using the results of the comprehensive protocol as the benchmark, the screening tests were evaluated for the frequency of false positive (FP) and FN results. The principal concern is a FN result, where a screening test indicates a lack of significant contamination and a comprehensive test indicates contamination above regulatory standards. Few FNs were found, and the degree of contamination above regulatory standards in those few cases was small. A threshold can be established for specific screening tests that trigger additional testing. Logistic regression was used to determine the FN rates for both screening tests with respect to a range of threshold concentrations. The analysis indicates that both screening tests had FN rates approaching 0% at a threshold lower than the regulatory standard. Location-specific and whole-house average meth concentrations were calculated to identify hotspots where meth concentrations tend to be higher than on other surfaces. Hotspots include kitchen fan/stove areas, bathroom exhaust fans, and furnace/ductwork systems, where concentrations exceed average house concentrations by 41-, 47-, and 17-fold, respectively. These data and analyses demonstrate that simplified and less costly sampling protocols can be a valid screening approach. A sampling protocol for meth screening tests is provided and includes aliquots from the hotspots with the highest concentrations.

Pressed powder makeup, such as foundation powder, blush, and eyeshadow, is frequently used by consumers worldwide. Due to the binding agents utilized in these products, authoritative bodies do not expect any potential significant inhalation exposures during the use of these products. However, due to the relatively short duration of the application process, detection of airborne particulates by traditional analytical methods is limited. To date, no study has investigated the non-asbestos particulate inhalation potential of pressed powders in real-world use conditions involving direct application by human users. This study utilized a light scattering photometer to quantify airborne particulate during the application of pressed powder makeup by regular cosmetic users in a controlled environment. The study found an average total dust level of 0.028 mg/m³ and an average respirable dust level of 0.002 mg/m³ during the combined application of foundation powder, blush, and eyeshadow. The average duration of application was 6.35 min, and the amount of product used, by mass, was consistent with that reported by authoritative bodies. Microscopic analysis of the bulk product found that the diameter of these products was consistent with the specifications for these products and what was observed through airborne measurements. Using a multidisciplinary approach across the fields of industrial hygiene, toxicology, microscopy, and epidemiology, and considering the magnitude and duration of exposures measured in this study, significant inhalation hazards would not be expected under normal use conditions.

The aim of this study was to completely disinfect the interior of an ambulance vehicle by hydrogen peroxide fumigation. This process was validated in three subsequent test runs to ensure that bacterial spores were inactivated. Thus, test carriers containing 1 × 10⁶ spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus as well as chemical indicators (strips showing a color change in the presence of hydrogen peroxide vapor) were placed in 20 different locations inside an ambulance vehicle. After testing different hydrogen peroxide fumigation protocols using a generator connected to the vehicle from the outside, we validated one protocol with a total running time of 4 hr and hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 300 to 380 ppm, which resulted in a reliable and complete inactivation of all spore carriers. Hydrogen peroxide fumigation was shown to be a suitable method to reliably disinfect an ambulance car with most of the equipment remaining inside. The results of this study suggest that hydrogen peroxide fumigation may be a feasible method to disinfect the interior of an ambulance vehicle after a biological risk situation.

Aircrew are exposed to in-cabin engine oil and hydraulic fumes during work. A wide spectrum of symptoms, referred to as Aerotoxic Syndrome (AS), has been described in case series and health surveys. In addition, epidemiological studies have consistently shown elevated risks for breast cancer in females and for melanoma in both male and female aircrew members. The concentrations of neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, and carcinogenic components of fumes have been too low to explain chronic health effects. Instead, ionizing radiation, elevated ozone levels, and disruption of circadian rhythms have been considered as occupational risk factors for certain cancers in aircrew. This review examines the significance of these factors in the context of AS and cancers. A literature search in MEDLINE was conducted (via PubMed and ScienceDirect) for studies published up to May 2025 on (1) neuro- or immunotoxicity of contaminated cabin air, (2) increased cancer rate of cabin crew, and (3) suspected contributing occupational risk factors. From 672 screened titles and abstracts, 162 relevant full-text papers were selected and grouped into these three categories. An association between organophosphate exposure and elevated levels of neuronal auto-antibodies has been demonstrated with presentation of neurological symptoms of autoimmunity. By-products of ozone degradation appear to be more toxic than ozone itself and are both carcinogenic and neurotoxic. Disruption of circadian rhythms (night shifts) has been shown to influence the immune status of aircrew, change the metabolic degradation of toxic compounds, disrupt hormones (melatonin, cortisol), and could contribute to the risk of breast cancer among female crew members. Exposure to cosmic radiation has a suspected link to breast cancer. Overall, chronic exposure of aircrew to a mixture of neurotoxic compounds in conjunction with auto-immune mechanisms and external factors appears etiologically relevant for increased breast cancer risks in aircrew as well as for symptoms associated with AS. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, exposure to elevated ozone levels, ionizing radiation, and night-shift work with the disturbed circadian rhythms are contributing factors.

Extensive training has been shown to improve the effectiveness of hearing protection devices (HPDs) in reducing noise exposure for workers. This study aimed to (1) assess the evidence for short- and long-term effectiveness of HPD fit testing paired with extensive instructions and (2) identify the type and frequency of refresher instruction associated with maintaining its effectiveness. A literature search was completed on February 5, 2025. The inclusion criteria focused on uncontrolled before-and-after (UBA) studies that reported personal attenuation ratings (PARs) provided by HPDs in the field. A total of 23 UBA studies involving 5,575 workers were included, meta-analyses were performed when multiple comparable studies were located. For earplugs, retesting immediately after extensive training increased the mean PAR by 12.88 dB (13 studies) compared with the pre-intervention PARs without instructions. The improvement decreased to 8.84 dB (2 studies) within 6 months and further reduced to 4.46 dB (2 studies) at 12 months. For earmuffs, only one study reported increase in PARs of 5, 2, and 3 dB for immediate, short-term, and long-term assessment, respectively. Introducing extensive refresher training within a 6-month interval increased the mean PAR from earplugs by 1.53 dB (2 studies) compared with the post-intervention PAR retested immediately after extensive training, with a further increase of 3.45 dB (1 study) following annual extensive instruction. Simple refresher instructions within a 6-month interval maintained the PAR values (1 study). However, without any refresher training, the PAR decreased by 2.64 dB (2 studies) within 6 months and 3.09 dB (2 studies) over 6 months or longer. Refresher training may increase the probability that workers receive efficient protection from their HPDs. However, more high-quality studies could help inform the optimal type and frequency of refresher training.