Annals Of Work Exposures and Health最新文献

Two approaches were used to evaluate the performance of the reticulated metal foams used to size select and collect dust generated in the dustiness rotating drum tester according to the EN 15051-2 standard "Workplace exposure-Measurement of the dustiness of bulk materials-Rotating drum test". Firstly, the detailed performance of the metal foams was measured in a calm air chamber using a polydisperse aerosol of glass particles and assessed against the respirable conventions described in the EN 481 standard "Workplace atmospheres-Size fraction definitions for measurement of airborne particles". Secondly, the performance of the EN 15051-2 metal foam size selection for the respirable fraction was compared using the rotating drum dustiness test, with that of a cyclone set-up, using 4 polydisperse glass powders of different size distribution and dustiness potential. The research discusses further improvements to the EN 15051-2 standard and an approach to more closely match the EN 481 convention. In general, for the respirable fraction, the tests in this study demonstrated a conservative oversampling by the current EN 15051-2 metal foam set-up in comparison with the EN 481 convention. Calculations and tests showed an improved fit was achieved by reducing the inner diameter of the flanges separating the metal foams and the filter. This study also showed the importance of sealing the circumference of the metal foams when testing highly dusty powders. A direct comparison of the respirable dustiness fraction, measured by the current EN 15051-2 metal foams set-up and by a cyclone set-up, showed broad agreement. However, for extremely dusty powders, the metal foams can clog, and dust can accumulate between the 20 and 80 pores per inch foams.

Increased focus on renovating and maintaining the existing building stock is an integral part of the circular economy, however this might pose challenges to workers health. The aim of this study was to assess the renovation workers' exposure to inhalable dust, thoracic dust, respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Personal aerosol samples were collected as full shift samples from 92 workers to a total of 407 samples. Fourteen locations around Oslo, Norway was visited for multiple days with repeated measurements of the same individual. Particulate matter from 3 aerosol fractions, respirable, thoracic, and inhalable, were analyzed gravimetrically, and the respirable fraction was analyzed for RCS by NIOSH 7500 method for X-ray diffraction (XRD) with low temperature plasma ashing sample preparation. The total measured concentrations of respirable dust (n = 192) had a geometric mean (GM) of 0.88 mg/m3, RCS concentrations (n = 182) had a GM of 0.040 mg/m3, thoracic dust (n = 131) had GM 2.4 mg/m3, and inhalable dust (n = 84) had a GM of 8.5 mg/m3. The maximum measured concentrations were 29 mg/m3, 3.2 mg/m3, 65 mg/m3, and 163 mg/m3, respectively. Workdays involving tasks such as mechanical demolition and clearing out demolished materials led to the highest exposure levels of both dust and RCS. However, other workers at the renovation sites were indirectly exposed to a considerable amount of RCS. This study revealed substantial exposure to both RCS and dust during renovation, and protective measures are warranted to reduce exposure levels in the industry.

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) are leading functional materials with superior strength and low mass density compared to metal. Our previous factory site analyses found that CFRP processing generates fibrous debris and fine micro/nano-sized particles of various shapes. The present interventional study was conducted at a factory located in Japan and evaluated debris consisting of various-sized particles generated during the industrial processing of CFRP, such as cutting, grinding, and turning of CFRP pipes, using real-time particle monitoring devices of the following: PM4 Digital Dust Monitor (DDM), handled Optical Particle Counter (OPC), Condensation Particle Counter (CPC), and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). In addition, personal exposure of workers was evaluated using a novel wearable PM2.5-compatible device (P-sensor). First, we confirmed the presence of micro/nano particles in the dust generated during industrial processing of CFRP. Finer CFRP-generated particles were detected by the nanoparticle-compatible devices; CPC and SMPS, but not by OPC or DDM. The dynamic detection pattern of the P-sensor resembled that recorded by the nanoparticle-compatible devices. The novel wearable P-sensor can be used to measure finer particles generated by CFRP processing in occupational settings. Second, the exposure assessment was conducted twice and the levels of the micro/nano particles in the second survey were significantly (less than half) lower than that in the first survey. By avoiding immediate power-off of the exhaust system after operations, the scattering of particles was effectively reduced. Our results indicate that effective use of local exhaust ventilation system improves the workplace environment for particle exposure.

The use of peracetic acid (PAA) as a general disinfectant has seen increasing usage in recent years, and although it is a strong irritant, exposure monitoring for PAA may often be difficult due to relatively high costs and the potential for interferences by other co-occurring chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide. These issues with exposure monitoring make modeling a potentially useful tool in exposure assessment of PAA if model parameters can be accurately determined. This study estimates the time-varying mass emission rate of PAA for use in exposure modeling by using the small spill model and examines the effect of various environmental conditions on the PAA evaporation rate, including surface roughness/substrate, general ventilation rate, and local wind speed. The relatively high evaporation rate constant (1.18 min-1) determined did not vary significantly with these parameters, suggesting it is applicable across a wide range of common environmental conditions. In addition, in a controlled chamber setting, the first-order decay rate constant for PAA in air was determined to be 0.5 h-1. The corresponding half-life of 83 min is approximately 4 times longer than previous estimates. This decay rate should be accounted for in future modeling and exposure assessments. To evaluate the estimated evaporation rate, trials were conducted in a highly controlled exposure chamber using conditions similar to those found in healthcare settings to compare predicted modeled concentrations to those made by a real-time detection instrument, SafeCide 2.0 (ChemDAQ, Inc.). The results of the trials indicate that the evaporation rate constant and well-mixed room model perform well in predicting the concentration of PAA over a range of conditions. Moreover, the modeling results and measured concentrations across all trials indicate a high potential for overexposure to PAA. Therefore, exposure controls must be adequate when considering the use of PAA as a general disinfectant.

Desktop three-dimensional (3D) printers are used in businesses, schools, and colleges, and are generally of an unenclosed design which may give rise to injuries or inhalation exposure to emissions of small particles (<1 µm) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The aim of this work was to explore the health risks related to the use of desktop 3D printers in workplaces in the United Kingdom. A digital survey on the use of desktop 3D printers was completed voluntarily and anonymously between February and June 2023, receiving 146 responses. The most common technology and material used for printing were "filament deposition" and "polylactic acid," respectively. The median number of printers an organisation had in use in one room was 2. A median of 10 people could be in the room during printer operation. A range of finishing techniques were reportedly applied to the printed object including the use of hand tools and solvents. General room ventilation was the most common exposure control measure stated. Measurements of airborne particles and VOCs were taken at 2 sites: a university and an engineering workshop. Airborne particle number concentrations (<1 µm) did not significantly increase above background levels when the printers were operating at either site. At the university, where there was the largest number of printers in operation, some VOCs could be attributed to the printing process; however, concentrations remained low. Evidence of associated respiratory symptoms was gathered by asking volunteers at the 2 sites visited to complete a questionnaire. Seventeen volunteers across the 2 sites completed the survey. None stated that they had ever experienced acute symptoms from working with 3D printers. However, they did report symptoms which included tiredness, dry/cracked skin, headache, itchy/runny nose, and a cough, with some stating that these improved on their days off. Overall, limited evidence from published literature and this study suggests that exposure to desktop 3D printing emissions could be associated with short-term respiratory health symptoms. However, static measurements in 2 workplaces where multiple desktop 3D printers were in use did not show airborne particle number concentrations in the room rising above background levels and concentrations of measured VOCs were all low. These findings may be due to effective ventilation and other control measures which over half of the workplaces surveyed stated that they had in place.

This article describes the development of a Safe-by-Design (SbD) module and its integration into an easy-to-use tool, named the Nano Exposure Quantifier-Safe-by-Design (NEQ-SbD) tool. The NEQ-SbD tool guides its user to lower the exposure to nanomaterials at the worksite where nanomaterials are manipulated or handled during a wide range of activities. This allows the tool user with an informed decision to assess airborne exposure and to select, compare, and identify appropriate risk management measures (RMM). The SbD module was developed using various information sources that can support and guide the SbD process, including the (i) RMM effectiveness based on analyses of an Exposure Control Efficacy Library (ECEL), (ii) RMM performance using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, (iii) e-cards based on a qualitative analysis of RMM information sources, and (iv) guidance for SbD strategy using an exposure directionality assessment. This information has been integrated in the user interface of the SbD module and NEQ-SbD tool to facilitate the SbD decision-making process. The SbD concept applied in the integrated NEQ-SbD tool introduces a comparison between a baseline exposure assessment and an (improved) SbD exposure assessment. The integrated NEQ-SbD tool consists of 4 modules including (i) a baseline exposure assessment, (ii) baseline results, (iii) SbD assessment, and (iv) SbD comparative results. The main purpose of the SbD module lies in guiding the user to the most sensitive (exposure) parameters and allowing a side-by-side comparison of potentially suitable RMMs. The integrated NEQ-SbD tool also offers a tiered approach and seamlessly shifts from a tier-1 to tier-2 uncertainty of an exposure assessment. The SbD module is illustrated using a worked example for the transfer of nano powders, showing the possibility of identifying SbD solutions for both safe-by-process and safe-by-material design purposes. The NEQ-SbD tool is a valuable tool for the SbD of nanomaterials and as a decision-making tool to support SbD risk management strategies that lead to minimizing health risks associated with occupational exposures.

Objectives: Exposure to microorganisms is a known contributor to occupational disease. This study assessed drilling waste workers' health status and investigated the potential of inhalable bioaerosols to elicit an immune response in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: Venous blood and self-reported health data were collected from 56 and 73 Norwegian drilling waste workers, respectively. Immunological effects were assessed as Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation potential of personal air samples in vitro and biomarker expression in workers' plasma samples in vivo. Parameters, such as BMI, sex, and smoking habits, were considered along with factors such as purification technology of drilling waste when biomarker expression was interpreted. Symptom prevalence among exposed workers was compared to an unexposed control group.

Results: Personal air samples activated TLR signalling in vitro in 90% of all cases. The activation potential correlated significantly with work exposure to microbial agents and total dust. Significant differences in biomarker expression and symptom prevalence were identified between purification technologies and exposure groups. Drilling waste workers had significantly increased OR of skin irritation and respiratory symptoms compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Exposure to microorganisms during the treatment of offshore drilling waste is an occupational health concern.

Recycling demands are increasing and new biowaste plants are established. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about occupational hygiene in biowaste pretreatment plants. At 6 plants, bioaerosol exposure, hand hygiene, and bioaerosol concentrations in work areas were investigated repeatedly. The total inflammatory potential (TIP) of exposures was measured using the human HL-60 cell line. Exposure to airborne bacteria, bacteria able to grow anaerobic, fungi(37°C), endotoxin, and TIP differed between plants and was lowest in a plant transporting waste in closed pipes compared to plants where waste was delivered on the receiving hall floor. Conversely, high exposures were measured in a plant that also processes compost. All microbial components had an impact on TIP of workers' exposure with main effects of fungi and endotoxin. Seasonality was found for several exposures and TIP, and they were lowest in the winter. Concentrations of bacteria and fungi on workers' hands at the end of the workday were 15 times higher for production than for nonproduction workers. In work areas, the concentrations of airborne fungi were highest in the waste-receiving area. Bacteria (3.2 µm) and anaerobic bacteria (4.0 µm) were present as larger airborne particles than fungi (2.8 µm), and bacteria were largest in the waste-receiving area. The microbial community compositions of exposures and work areas differed between plants and work areas. In conclusion, measures to reduce exposure should focus on the waste-receiving area and on the production workers. Differences in exposures and community compositions were found between seasons, work areas, work groups, and plants.

Objectives: A Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) workplace outbreak is a risk to the health of workers and business continuity. To minimise this risk, companies have implemented risk management measures (RMMs) designed to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission within the workforce. The objective of this work was to gather insights into the application of RMMs in non-healthcare workplaces and to improve understanding of the practical barriers to their implementation.

Methods: Data were collected using a pre-designed framework from 12 volunteer workplaces through discussions with staff responsible for site safety and during site visits to observe the RMMs and work processes. To evaluate ventilation effectiveness, measurements for carbon dioxide (CO2) were taken during the site visit and logged over an extended period in selected occupied areas.

Results: RMMs that were implemented well included working at home for office and other non-production staff, provision, and use of face coverings, provision for hand hygiene, and as methods became commonly available, carrying out testing for infected people. However, maintaining adequate physical distancing in many production areas proved difficult because established factory layouts cannot be easily changed and there is often a need for workers to be close to each other to communicate. A major shortcoming identified was the understanding and application of measures to improve workplace ventilation. Rapidly installing and/or upgrading mechanical ventilation systems during a pandemic may not be practical and ideally should be considered in building design. Measuring CO2 in occupied workspaces proved to be a useful tool for identifying areas with potentially inadequate ventilation.

Conclusions: Preventing workplace attendance by identifying infected individuals is challenging, making effective RMMs crucial to mitigating virus transmission. The effectiveness of individual RMMs can be uncertain; therefore, it is necessary to adopt multilayered RMMs. Successful implementation relies on measures that are specific to individual workplaces, identified by accurate risk assessment, regularly reviewed for effectiveness, and worker compliance. Establishing suitable risk mitigation policies and providing staff supervision are vital to ensure the sustained and effective implementation of RMMs. For RMMs that require technical understanding, such as workplace ventilation systems, specialist support may be necessary to ensure effective implementation.

Introduction: Despite world-leading measures in place to protect employees from second-hand smoke exposure in workplaces in the United Kingdom, workers who deliver health and social care in private homes remain unprotected legally in this setting from second-hand smoke exposure (SHS).

Methods: Fourteen individuals took part in either an in-depth telephone interview (n = 11) or an online focus group discussion (n = 3), including home-care workers (n = 5) and managers (n = 5) based in Lanarkshire (Scotland) and local/national policy makers (n = 4). Participants were asked about the extent to which exposure to SHS is an issue during home visits and possible additional measures that could be put in place to eliminate exposure.

Results: Participants highlighted the difficulties in balancing the provision of care in a person's own home with the right of workers to be able to breathe clean air and be protected from SHS. Current strategies to reduce staff exposure to SHS during home visits were often reported as inadequate with SHS not a hazard considered by managers beyond protecting pregnant staff or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Simple respiratory protective equipment (as used during the COVID-19 pandemic) was rightly identified as being ineffective. Methods such as nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes were identified as potential ways to help people who smoke achieve temporary asbstinence prior to a home visit.

Conclusion: Implementing appropriate and proportionate measures to protect home-care workers from the harms posed by SHS should be a priority to help protect the health of this often overlooked occupational group.