American Conference Of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Research Articles

Early hematological and immunological alterations in gasoline station attendants exposed to benzene

IntroductionElucidation of effective biomarkers may provide tools for the early detection of biological alterations caused by benzene exposure and may contribute to the reduction of occupational diseases. This study aimed to assess early alterations on hematological and immunological systems of workers exposed to benzene. MethodsSixty gasoline station attendants (GSA group) and 28 control subjects were evaluated. Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene exposure was performed in blood and urine. The potential effect biomarkers evaluated were δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity, CD80 and CD86 expression in lymphocytes and monocytes, and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8). The influence of confounding factors and toluene co-exposure were considered. ResultsAlthough exposures were below ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) limits, reduced ALA-D activity, decreased CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes and increased IL-8 levels were found in the GSA group compared to the control subjects. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression analysis, benzene exposure was associated to a decrease in CD80 and CD86 expression in monocytes. ConclusionsThese findings suggest, for the first time, a potential effect of benzene exposure on ALA-D activity, CD80 and CD86 expression, IL-8 levels, which could be suggested as potential markers for the early detection of benzene-induced alterations.

Seasonal variation in exposure level of types a and B ultraviolet radiation: an environmental skin carcinogen.

Background:The main source of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the sun, affecting organs such as the skin, eyes, and immune system. According to American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) reports, the amount of UVR reaching the Earth's surface is increasing yearly and is responsible for an increase in solar radiation-related diseases.Aims:To investigate the amount of UVR reaching the Earth's surface and understand the risk of UVR on disease among outdoor laborers in one of the central provinces of Iran.Materials and Methods:Arak city was divided into two geographic areas, and the weekly measurement of UVR was done in three locations) asphalt, grass and rooftop). To measure UVR, Hanger UV spectrometer, standard deviation (SD8-A), and SD8-B detectors were used. Amounts of UVR for a consecutive year and varying weather conditions were measured. Finally, values obtained were compared to ACGIH standards.Results:The minimum and maximum levels of UV type A radiation occurred in April 1.27 (0.724) W/m2 and September 7.147 (4.128) W/m2, these figures for UV type B were in March–April 0.005 (0.003) and September 0.083 (0.077). The maximum UVR is received between 11 and 15 o’clock.Conclusions:In the central cities of Iran, the minimum and maximum UV type A and B is received in March–April and in September, respectively. Based on the results, the angular position of the sun in the sky, cloud cover, and height from ground level affected the amount of UVR received, but the geographic locations studied did not.

Control of workers' exposure to xylene in a pesticide production factory.

Acute and chronic exposure to xylene can result in a range of negative health effects. However, xylene is widely used and emitted in the air of workplaces. To evaluate xylene vapor concentrations to guide the design and evaluation of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to reduce exposure in a pesticide production factory. A real time volatile organic compound (VOC) monitor was used to determine the workers' time-weighted average (TWA) exposure. A LEV system was designed, and then, workers' exposure to xylene vapor was evaluated. We found that worker's exposure to xylene (4·7±5·5 ppm) was lower than the standards recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA). Despite the low TWA exposures, the short-term exposures for some workers were higher than STEL levels. Three canopy hoods were designed and installed with capture velocities of 0·508 m second(-1) and duct velocity of 10·16 m second(-1). We found that an exhaust ventilation system had a significantly reduced occupational exposure to xylene vapor.

Rating Locomotive Crew Diesel Emission Exposure Profiles Using Statistics and Bayesian Decision Analysis

For more than 20 years CSX Transportation (CSXT) has collected exposure measurements from locomotive engineers and conductors who are potentially exposed to diesel emissions. The database included measurements for elemental and total carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatics, aldehydes, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. This database was statistically analyzed and summarized, and the resulting statistics and exposure profiles were compared to relevant occupational exposure limits (OELs) using both parametric and non-parametric descriptive and compliance statistics. Exposure ratings, using the American Industrial Health Association (AIHA®) exposure categorization scheme, were determined using both the compliance statistics and Bayesian Decision Analysis (BDA).The statistical analysis of the elemental carbon data (a marker for diesel particulate) strongly suggests that the majority of levels in the cabs of the lead locomotives (n = 156) were less than the California guideline of 0.020 mg/m3. The sample 95th percentile was roughly half the guideline; resulting in an AIHA exposure rating of category 2/3 (determined using BDA). The elemental carbon (EC) levels in the trailing locomotives tended to be greater than those in the lead locomotive; however, locomotive crews rarely ride in the trailing locomotive. Lead locomotive EC levels were similar to those reported by other investigators studying locomotive crew exposures and to levels measured in urban areas. Lastly, both the EC sample mean and 95%UCL were less than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference concentration of 0.005 mg/m3.With the exception of nitrogen dioxide, the overwhelming majority of the measurements for total carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatics, aldehydes, and combustion gases in the cabs of CSXT locomotives were either non-detects or considerably less than the working OELs for the years represented in the database. When compared to the previous American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV®) of 3 ppm the nitrogen dioxide exposure profile merits an exposure rating of AIHA exposure category 1. However, using the newly adopted TLV of 0.2 ppm the exposure profile receives an exposure rating of category 4. Further evaluation is recommended to determine the current status of nitrogen dioxide exposures.[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: additional text on OELs, methods, results, and additional figures and tables.]

Evaluation of genotoxicity in workers exposed to benzene and atmospheric pollutants

Gas station attendants and taxi drivers are occupationally exposed to xenobiotics which may be harmful to their health. Atmospheric pollutants and benzene can lead to DNA damage. Genotoxicity and mutagenicity assays can be used to evaluate the effects of these pollutants. We have evaluated genotoxicity and mutagenicity in workers occupationally exposed to xenobiotics, by application of the 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), comet, and micronucleus (MN) assays. Biomarkers of benzene and carbon monoxyde exposure were also measured: urinary t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) in whole blood, respectively. The study groups comprised 43 gas station attendants (GSA), 34 taxi drivers (TD), and 22 persons without known occupational exposures (NE). Levels of t,t-MA in the GSA group were significantly elevated compared to the NE group (p<0.001), however these levels were below of levels established by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). COHb levels were not significantly different between the TD and NE groups (p>0.05). DNA damage index (DI) and 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher for both the GSA and TD groups, compared to the NE group (p<0.001), but MN frequencies were not elevated. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the frequency of MN was positively correlated with 8-OHdG. A positive correlation between DNA DI levels and 8-OHdG was also observed. In conclusion, our results indicated that low levels of occupational exposure to benzene and atmospheric pollutants may be linked to genotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage.

Validate of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Performance through Analytical, Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD): A Case Study Model

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system are a tools in engineering control stated in Occupational safety and health management system where to protect a workers from inhale the contaminant that will effected to their breathing system. To design, construct and applications of LEV are followed an international guidance such as American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH).A sample two inlet and outlet of LEV system are design based on ACGIH including hood, ducting branch, main ducting, elbow, y-tee, fan and stack. The design is based on ACGIH standard with assuming the contaminant are fumes with 2 inlet of 6 inches round duct and outlet is 8 inches round type. The result from calculation according to the size of branch duct size, main duct size, fan capacity and stack size. Other data contribute are velocity and pressure drop along the duct.LEV system are design by using Solid Work Software and export file to Ansys 14.0, where the simulation are used to compare the result of velocity and differentials of pressure before proceeds to construct the system as additional in design process as follow in ACGIH Standard. Finally result of this study indicated that no significant different of the result of velocity along the ducting between design, experimental and compare with the simulation results.Where the analysis shows different compare with analytical almost below 30% and further study on comparative different of static pressure should carry out.

Biological monitoring of petrochemical industry workers exposed to benzene, toluene, xylenes, methyl ethyl ketone, and phenol in Southern Iran

Received: July 2015, Accepted: August 2015 Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including carcinogens and toxic compounds, are produced in petrochemical industries. We undertook this study in order to study workers’ respiratory exposure to different VOC concentrations and compare the results with the urinary levels of its metabolites and study the correlation between them in petrochemical industries. Materials and Methods: Exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene isomers, phenol, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was evaluated in 104 male subjects using personal sampling pump and charcoal sorbent tube at the breathing zone and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The urine samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results: The mean concentration of urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA), was 1431 µg/g creatinine and hippuric acid, methyl hippuric acid, phenol, and MEK were, 0.394, 0.444, 0.098 g/g creatinine, and 0.15 mg/l. The mean concentration of benzene in the breathing zone was greater than the threshold limit value (TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Conclusions: In this study, a more significant relationship was found between benzene in breathing zone and urinary t,t-MA in those exposed to benzene in concentrations higher than 1 ppm (r 2 = 0.89) than lower than 1 ppm. Moreover, the same results were observed for other hydrocarbons and their level of urinary biological index. A more significant relationship was observed between phenol in breathing zone and urine through exposure to airborne phenol in concentrations of higher than 0.049 ppm than lower than 0.049 ppm (r 2 = 0.75). The relationship between MEK in breathing zone and urinary MEK was more significant in concentrations of higher than 0.1 ppm (r 2 = 0.79) than lower than 0.1 ppm.

Comparison of 2 Formaldehyde Exposure Assessment Devices in a Physical Therapy Education Program Anatomy Laboratory

INTRODUCTIONWhile formaldehyde (FA) has a long history as a preferred fixative in the preservation of human donors for medical education,1 it is also a known carcinogen.2,3 It is a harmful chemical that has been implicated in a number of cancers, as well as being an irritant to the nasal and lung epithelium.4'6 At room temperature, FA is a colorless gas, and while its odor can be detected at concentrations between 0.5 and 1.0 parts per million (ppm),68 it can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract at much lower levels (0.3 ppm).9BACKGROUNDMost medical schools utilize a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), an expert highly trained in chemical hygiene and air quality assessment, to manage FA levels in the human anatomy laboratory. However, many physical therapist (PT) education programs must rely solely on the anatomist for FA management.10 There are methods available to assess for and reduce FA exposure levels, but without access to a CIH in PT education programs, anatomists may not be aware of the hazard, and therefore not motivated to take action. Oftentimes anatomy instructors are not irritated by FA, placing them in an at-risk group for overexposure and potentially making them less likely to seek out FA monitoring and management strategies.10,11 Frequently, anatomists are unaware of FA safety (monitoring and management) unless laboratory air quality becomes problematic for their students or themselves. It would be useful for anatomists to have current FA safety regulations and recommendations summarized, along with access to a CIH who could provide at least annual FA monitoring and management, and a simple, cost-effective method to monitor personal FA exposure levels on a routine basis.Formaldehyde Regulations and RecommendationsThere is often confusion regarding FA safety, as there are both recommendations as well as regulations regarding exposure limits. Mirabelli and colleagues (2011) prepared a brief summary of current FA policies, as seen in Table l.11 While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the regulatory body for industry, has a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.75 ppm, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 0.08 ppm to control for all cancers.12'14 The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) acknowledges that the WHO limit cannot be met in certain settings (FA production plants, laboratories using FA), and recommends a threshold limit value of 0.3 ppm.14,15Factors Effecting Formaldehyde Exposure LevelsFormaldehyde exposure levels can be effected by the following variables in the anatomy laboratory: (1) temperature and humidity, (2) chemical makeup of the embalming and wetting solutions, (3) delivery system being used with the wetting solution, (4) number of donors being dissected, (5) regions of the body being dissected, (6) size of the laboratory, and (7) the ventilation system (turnover rate, uptake and exhaust duct placement, room pressure).16Formaldehyde Exposure MonitoringThe United States Department of Labor OSHA regulation standard 29 Code of Federal Regulations part 1910.1048(d)(2)(h) states that employers shall repeat FA monitoring each time there is a change in production, equipment, process, personnel, or control measures which may result in new or additional exposure to formaldehyde.1' Application of this OSHA regulation in the anatomy laboratory setting is typically interpreted to mean that complete FA assessments be conducted annually, as well as when conditions in the environment change (arrival of new human donors in the anatomy laboratory, or at the start of a new semester). A CIH determines FA exposure levels by assessing both ambient (room air) and personal FA exposure levels, temperature and humidity, and ventilation rates and airflow patterns. Ambient testing provides a snapshot of air quality in a laboratory, while personal FA exposure assessments provide accurate measures of individual FA exposure. …

Respirable Dust Exposure: Symptoms and Effect on Lung Function of Industrial Workers

Work environment factors such as air quality in the industry have become a public concern recently especially due to issues related to respirable dust. Most of industrial workers are exposed to dust during their daily work activities. A preliminary study was conducted at a paper based mill, palm oil mill and automotive plant in Malaysia to monitor the personal exposure of respirable dust. Personal sampling and questionnaires were administrated in purposed to determine the respiratory health symptoms and supported by a pulmonary lung function test. The result of the study showed most of the workers in paper based mill were exposed to respirable dust when the Time Weightage Average (TWA) result was above the permissible exposure limit which is 5 mg/m3 and 3 mg/m3 from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard respectively. From the survey feedbacks, out of 30 symptoms, there are only five symptoms that are significant with the year of exposure. For pulmonary lung function test, there were 81.81% workers are in normal of spiro status for paper based mill. Meanwhile, for palm oil mill and automotive plant, there were almost 53.33% and 65.63% workers in normal spiro status respectively. However, there was no significant relation with the variables noted. Therefore, for a better future for industrial workers, some engineering control and approach have been suggested to the safety and health team to control machines that are fully operated and consider looking into the dust concentration.

Exposure Assessment of Nano-CaCO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; Manufacturing Workplaces

Eight nanosized CaCO3 (nanoCaCO3) manufacturing workplaces in a plant were investigated for the possible exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). Personal sampling, area sampling, and real-time monitoring were performed using CPC (condensation particle counter) and OPC (optical particle counter) to characterize the mass exposure, particle size distribution, and particle number exposure. Only the mass concentration for area samplings in package and waste treatment workplaces were found to exceed the PNOS (particles not otherwise specified; 3 mg/m3) set by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), but lower than the OELs (occupational exposure levels, 4.0 mg/m3) set by the China Ministry of Health for CaCO3 fine, other workplaces were relatively lower than existing occupational exposure limits. The NPs and fine particles were most frequently released in package and waste treatment workplaces lacking of the engineering control. The mass concentration for area sampling in waste treatment workplace reached their highest values at 3.2647 mg/m3, while the number concentration in package workplace reached their highest values at 4.07×1011 pt/m3. So the workplaces of package and recovering particles in nanoCaCO3 handling progress were the major emission sources of NPs.

Asbestos Exposure among Construction Workers During Demolition of Old Houses in Tehran, Iran

Air quality in demolition practices has seldom been evaluated in Iran. Accordingly, we evaluated asbestos exposure among Tehran construction workers during the demolition of old houses. To identify possible sources of asbestos exposure, including thermal insulations, chimney pipes and cement sheets, were all sampled. This study also were taken the personal air samples to evaluate any asbestos exposure during the demolition. The asbestos fibers found in the samples were analyzed by phase-contrast optical microscopy (PCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and polarized light microscopy (PLM) methods. Personal monitoring of asbestos fiber levels indicated a range from 0.01 to 0.15 PCM f/ml (0.02–0.42 SEM f/ml). The geometric mean concentrations were 0.07 PCM f/ml (0.20 SEM f/ml), which is considerably higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) proposed by American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH), which is 0.1 f/ml. The analysis showed a presence in the bulk samples only chrysotile asbestos and an absence of the other type asbestos. Therefore, it might be expected that workers who worked in the demolition of old houses will suffer from negative effects of exposing to the asbestos fibers.

Determination of Crystalline Silica in Dust at Low Concentrations by Low-Temperature Infrared Spectrometry.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) accepted a lower threshold limit value (TLV) for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure of 25 μg/m3, half of the previous TLV. This change is problematic because the current standard sampling and measurement practices used by NIOSH, OSHA, and MSHA are not sensitive enough to allow an analyst to confidently determine samples acquired near the TLV. In response to this need for a more sensitive method to analyze respirable dust filter samples for crystalline silica, a modification of current NIOSH infrared spectrometric methods is being developed. The additional sensitivity is gained by performing the infrared absorbance measurements at 77 K where absorbance peaks are more intense by virtue of being narrower. A quick-change cryostat has been fabricated such that a sample can be introduced to the spectrometer and cooled to 77 K in 5 min, interrogated for 1 min, and removed and the cryostat readied for another sample in 2 min, for a turnaround time of 8 min per sample, which is brief compared to the time required to prepare and redeposit a sample. Therefore, samples can be acquired and interrogated with legacy samplers, filters, pumps, spectrometers, and sample preparation, the only modification being the addition of a cryostat to the spectrometer. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that the peak-to-background ratio of the quartz signature band near 800 cm-1 increases by approximately 50 % on cooling from room temperature to 77 K. The slopes of the calibration curve derived from standards interrogated at both room temperature and 77 K indicate that the low-temperature method is approximately 25 % more sensitive.

The Strain Index and ACGIH TLV for HAL

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between job physical exposure (JPE) and incidence of flexor tendon entrapment of the digits (FTED). FTED, commonly known as trigger digit, is associated with age, gender, and certain health disorders. Although JPE has been suggested as a risk factor for FTED, there are no prospective cohort studies. A cohort of 516 workers was enrolled from 10 diverse manufacturing facilities and followed monthly for 6 years. Worker demographics, medical history, and symptoms of FTED were assessed. JPE was individually measured using the Strain Index (SI) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value for hand activity level (TLV for HAL). Changes in JPE (assessed quarterly) and symptoms (assessed monthly) were recorded during follow-up. FTED was defined as demonstrated triggering on examination. Point prevalence of FTED at baseline was 3.6%. During follow-up there were 23 incident FTED cases (left and/or right hands). The incident rate for first occurrence of FTED from enrollment was 1.38 per 100 person-years. Risk factors were JPE, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, carpometacarpal osteoarthrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In multivariate models, the SI showed strong association with risk of FTED when treated as a continuous variable and marginal association when dichotomized (SI > 6.1). TLV for HAL showed a statistical trend of increasing risk of FTED using the ACGIH limits, but no association as a continuous variable. Both JPE and personal risk factors are associated with FTED development. The SI and TLV for HAL are useful tools for estimating JPE.

Genotoxicity and oxidative stress in gasoline station attendants

We evaluated genotoxic effects of exposure to low levels of benzene, a class I human carcinogen, among gasoline station attendants (GSA). Oxidative stress and the protective effects of antioxidants on DNA damage were also analyzed. Although exposures were below ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) limits, the GSA group presented higher DNA damage indices and micronucleus frequencies, increased oxidative protein damage, and decreased antioxidant capacity relative to the control group. Duration of benzene exposure was correlated with DNA and protein damage. The biomarkers evaluated in this work may provide early signals of damage in subjects occupationally exposed to benzene.

The effect of the use of NP305 masks in improving respiratory symptoms in workers exposed to sulfuric acid mists in plating and pickling units.

Background:Plating and pickling processes are the most effective ways for increasing the strength of metal structures, and workers in these units are exposed to various contaminants, including acid mists. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of protective masks in decreasing the respiratory symptoms and the aerobic capacity of workers that are exposed sulfuric acid mist.Methods:This interventional study was based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard 7903 in which silica gel tubes are used for sampling the air in plating and pickling units for eight hours. After the samples were acquired and prepared, they were analyzed by ion chromatography and were compared with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) exposure limits. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated among two sets of test subjects, i.e., those who used NP305 masks in the workplace and those who did not use the mask.Results:The results showed that the concentration of sulfuric acid mist in the plating units was greater than the exposure limits, and concentrations at this level can cause an increase in symptoms related to irritation of the airway and a slight decrease in respiratory capacity. In this study, smoking had no significant effect on the severity of pulmonary dysfunction.Conclusion:The results indicated that the use of an NP305 mask is effective for decreasing symptoms resulting from exposure to sulfuric acid mist and improving respiratory capacity.

Use of Direct Reading and Short Term Sampling of Indoor Air Quality in a Veterans Affairs Dental Clinic Laboratory for Select Air Contaminants

This screening survey was conducted to assess the concentrations of select airborne contaminants in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Dental Laboratory. Airborne concentrations were measured for the following contaminants: ni- trous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and airborne particles or particulate matter (PM). The PM was measured and classified by the aerodynamic diameter of the particulates; specifically as PM0.3, PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.0, PM5.0 and PM10.0.The gases were measured with a Miran Sapphire, portable infrared analyzer. The particulates were measured using the Fluke 983 Particle Counter. Using these instruments, area monitoring was conducted for concentra- tions of gases and aerosols as a result of releases from dental activities such as waxing and grinding of dental models. All area monitoring samples were collected within approximately one foot of the breathing zone of dental workers. The re- sults of this survey found the air quality in the dental laboratory was within the regulatory limits for these agents. How- ever, the concentration of SO2 was found to exceed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLV) on more than one occasion. This was potentially due to room ventilation inade- quacies. It is recommended that the dental laboratory's ventilation system be modified and operated to assure more effec- tive dilution and removal of air contaminants.

The impact of particle size selective sampling methods on occupational assessment of airborne beryllium particulates

In 2010, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) formally changed its Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for beryllium from a 'total' particulate sample to an inhalable particulate sample. This change may have important implications for workplace air sampling of beryllium. A history of particle size-selective sampling methods, with a special focus on beryllium, will be provided. The current state of the science on inhalable sampling will also be presented, including a look to the future at what new methods or technology may be on the horizon. This includes new sampling criteria focused on particle deposition in the lung, proposed changes to the existing inhalable convention, as well as how the issues facing beryllium sampling may help drive other changes in sampling technology.

Validation of the ACGIH TLV for hand activity level in the OCTOPUS cohort: a two-year longitudinal study of carpal tunnel syndrome

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders to the hand-wrist system. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) proposed threshold limit values (TLV©) based on hand activity level (HAL) and normalized peak force (PF). We validated ACGIH TLV© in OCTOPUS, a large cohort study on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Industrial and service workers were followed from 2000-2003. We classified subjects with respect to action limit (AL) and TLV. Case definitions were: (i) self-reported symptoms; and (ii) combination of symptoms and positive nerve conduction studies. Poisson regression models including age, gender, body mass index, and presence of predisposing pathologies were conducted to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) of CTS. There were 4097 eligible workers. Of these, 236 (5.8%) were non-responders, 2194 (53.6%) had a complete follow-up, 728 (17.8%) were lost after intermediate assessment, and 939 (22.9%) were lost after baseline. Among the 3860 subjects with complete information at baseline, 2599 (67.3%) were women [mean age 38.1 [standard deviation (SD) 9.5] years; mean body mass index (BMI) 23.8 (SD 3.9) kg/m2]. ACGIH TLV© classification predicted both CTS symptoms [IRR between AL and TLV 2.43 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.77-3.33]; above TLV 3.32 (95% CI 2.34-4.72)] and CTS confirmed by nerve conduction studies [IRR between AL and TLV 1.95 (95% CI 1.21-3.16); above TLV 2.70 (95% CI 1.48-4.91)]. We found a dose-response relationship between ACGIH TLV© classification and risk of CTS. The increased risk observed for workers exposed between AL and TLV suggests that the current AL and TLV might not be sufficiently protective.

Are the new Chinese chemicals regulations catching up with REACH?

This thesis focuses on exacerbating chemicals risk in workplaces under the background of rapid industrialization in developing countries. The overall aim is to investigate the development of regulatory tools which aim at minimizing the health risks from chemical substances in the workplace. The contents of the thesis are divided into three sections: the profile of occupational diseases in China (paper I), occupational exposure limits (paper II and III), and comparison between chemicals regulat ions in Europe and China (paper IV).Paper I presents an analysis of the development of occupational diseases in China between 2000 and 2010. The number of recorded cases of occupational diseases increased rapidly in China during this period and the majority of cases were attributable to dust and other chemicals exposures. Difficulties in diagnosis and inefficient surveillance are major impediments to the proper identification and mitigation of occupational diseases. Migrant workers are extremely vulnerable to occupational hazards.Paper II investigates the state of harmonization of OELs between twenty-five OEL systems in Europe and Asia. The majority of the investigated organizations declare themselves to have been influenced by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and in many cases this can be empirically confirmed. However, large international differences still exist in substance selection and in the level of OELs among organizations.Paper III explores the setting of risk-based OELs on non-threshold carcinogens. Relatively few agencies set risk-based OELs. Differences exist in policy, both regarding the magnitude of risk considered as tolerable or acceptable and whether a general risk level or case-by-case substance-specific risk levels are determined. In regards to the level of the OELs both differences in science and policy contribute, and it was not possible to determine which has the larger influence.Paper III explores the setting of risk-based OELs on non-threshold carcinogens. Relatively few agencies set risk-based OELs. Differences exist in policy, both regarding the magnitude of risk considered as tolerable or acceptable and whether a general risk level or case-by-case substance-specific risk levels are determined. In regards to the level of the OELs both differences in science and policy contribute, and it was not possible to determine which has the larger influence.Paper IV systematically compares the regulation systems for chemicals in the EU and China in terms of substances covered, requirement on information, risk assessment and risk management. It shows that the European and Chinese chemicals legislations are remarkably similar.The differences are larger in terms of substance coverage and data requirements than in terms of risk assessment and management. Substitution of hazardous substances is driven more by updates of the EU regulatory system than of the Chinese system.

Assessing Formaldehyde Exposure in Your Gross Lab: Occupational Exposure Limits and Best Practices

Anatomists’ formaldehyde exposures often exceed Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) set to minimize risks of cancer, allergy and irritation. OELs vary worldwide. The U.S. OSHA regulatory 8‐hour OEL is 0.75 ppm with an Action Level of 0.5 ppm. The 15‐minute Short Term Exposure Limit is 2 ppm. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends a lower Ceiling Limit of 0.3 ppm, which is in use by many countries and is designed to prevent eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Personal breathing zone air samples are preferred and are typically &gt;2 times higher than area samples. Short‐term sampling captures worst case exposures such as initial dissection of the cranium, abdomen and thoracic cavity. Passive, active and real‐time techniques each have benefit and will be discussed along with the value of using credentialed industrial/occupational hygienists, validated sampling methods and accredited laboratories where available. In the U.S., formaldehyde levels at or above the OSHA Action Level of 0.5 ppm trigger required signage, training, medical monitoring, and personal protective equipment. The challenges of formaldehyde respirator use in gross anatomy labs will be reviewed via a case study. Risk management of sensitive individuals due to pregnancy, asthma or formaldehyde allergy and unregulated individuals such as students and volunteers will also be addressed.