Non-occupational Environment Research Articles

Indoor exposure levels of ammonia in residences, schools, and offices in China from 1980 to 2019: A systematic review.

Indoor ammonia (NH3 ) pollution has been paid more and more attention in view of its health risk. However, few studies have investigated the exposure level in the non-occupational environment in China. This study systematically reviewed the indoor ammonia exposure level in different regions, the equivalent exposure concentration of different populations, and the factors that influence indoor air ammonia in residences, offices, and schools in China. The literature published in 1980-2019 from main databases was searched and detailed screened, and finally, 56 related studies were selected. The results illustrated that the median concentration of indoor air ammonia in residences, offices, and school buildings was 0.21mg/m3 , 0.26mg/m3 , and 0.15mg/m3 . There were 46.4%, 71.4%, and 40% of these samples exceeding the NH3 standard, respectively. The national concentrations and the equivalent exposure levels of adults and children were calculated and found to be higher than 0.20mg/m3 . The concentration of ammonia varied greatly in different climate zones and economic development regions. Higher concentrations were found in the severe cold zone and the regions with higher economic level. This review reveals a high exposure risk of indoor air ammonia and the crucial impact of human emission, indoor air temperature, new concrete, and economic level, suggesting further investigation on indoor air ammonia evaluation and health effects.

Occurrence of acrylamide in selected food products.

Acrylamide is a toxic compound found in occupational and non-occupational environment. It originates from industrial use, technological processes in construction as well as food production, water purification, and laboratory use. Adverse effects including neurotoxicity, probably carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, teratogenicity, and reproductive toxicity were reported in many studies. Our study is focused on acrylamide content in selected food products in the Czech Republic. In this study, we determined acrylamide content in selected samples of commonly consumed food products (potato chips, biscuits, popcorn, corn flakes, breakfast cereals, and baked muesli). The concentration of acrylamide in most samples of potato chips, biscuits and popcorn exceeded the benchmark limits. The acrylamide content in samples of potato chips from one manufacturer in 4 cases out of 5 analysed samples exceeded benchmark limit. On the other hand, no corn flakes sample acrylamide content from the same manufacture exceeded the benchmark limit. With 20 of all analysed samples exceeding the benchmark levels for acrylamide, it can be concluded that 47.6% of samples did not comply with the benchmark level. Dietary intake of frequently consumed food products with the acrylamide content exceeding the recommended comparative value could have adverse effects on the human health. Our study confirmed high amount of acrylamide in some selected food samples. The reduction of dietary burden with acrylamide is possible by complying with the correct technological principles in food preparation.

Acrylic sculpting nails, an occupational hazard for contact dermatitis. Case reports and review of the literature

Abstract Acrylates are plastic materials formed by the polymerization of monomers, which are recognized as powerful sensitizers that may cause allergic contact dermatitis both in occupational and non-occupational environment. In the occupational setting, the most exposed workers are the dentists, dental technicians, prosthesis technicians, printers, painters, fiberglass workers and nail technicians. We describe four cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in nail technicians caused by acrylic compounds that illustrate numerous clinical manifestations. Clinical manifestations ranged from edema, erythema, scaling and fissuring fingertips to erythematous patches around the chin, mandible and abdomen. Patch testing results revealed positive reaction to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in all patients. Of the four patients, two changed jobs, one stopped exposure because of pregnancy and one patient continued working, showing no improvement, despite undergoing treatment. These cases underline the importance of improvement of preventive measures in the workplace.

Ambient monitoring of airborne asbestos in non-occupational environments in Tehran, Iran

Airborne asbestos fiber concentrations were monitored in the urban areas of Tehran, Iran during the period of 23 August to 21 September 2012. The airborne fiber concentrations of 110 air samples collected from 15 different sites in five regions of Tehran. The monitoring sites were located 2.5 m above ground nearby the main street and heavy traffic jam. The ambient air samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and phase-contrast optical microscopy (PCM). The geometric means of the airborne asbestos fiber concentrations in the outdoor living areas was 1.6 × 10−2 SEM f ml−1 (1.18 × 10−3 PCM f ml−1). This criteria is considerably higher than those reported for the levels of asbestos in outdoor living areas in the Europe and the non-occupational environment of the Korea. No clear correlation was found between asbestos fiber concentration and the relative humidity and temperature. The SEM and PLM analysis revealed that all samples examined contained only chrysotile asbestos. It can be concluded that several factor such as heavy traffic, cement sheet and pipe consumption of asbestos, and geographical conditions play an important role for the high airborne asbestos levels in the non-occupational environments.

Mould Sensitisation among Bakers and Farmers with Work-related Respiratory Symptoms

Fungi belong to common allergens, which can be found both in occupational and non-occupational environment. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with mould allergy among bakers and farmers reporting work-related respiratory symptoms. The study group comprised 117 bakers and 83 farmers reporting work-related respiratory symptoms. Skin prick tests (SPT) with common, fungal and occupational allergens, estimation of serum total IgE level, spirometry, histamine test and specific inhalative challenge test with occupational allergens were performed in all subjects. The prevalence of hypersensitivity to fungal species was higher among farmers (32.5%) than bakers (16.2%). Positive SPT with mould allergens were found among 10.8% farmers and 6.8% bakers with occupational allergy. The fungi allergens giving positive SPT results most frequently were Candida albicans, Levures mélanges, Aspergillus mix. and Charbons cerealiers in both groups. Among mould allergens, hypersensitivity to Aspergillus genus was the most common in farmers and bakers group, while among Saccharomyces - Candida albicans sensitization was the most frequently detected. Mould hypersensitivity is related to occupational respiratory allergy, especially to asthma and rhinitis in farmers, and occupational asthma in bakers. Although sensitization to Saccharomyces was more frequent, similar correlation was not observed.

Environmental asbestos pollution — Situation in Poland

Environmental exposure of the general population to asbestos in Poland is mainly due to degradation of very popular asbestos-cement products and the resultant release of the elementary asbestos fibres into the ambient air. Assessments of environmental pollution by asbestos were based on the volume of the raw material used, amount of manufactured asbestos products, and measuring the concentration of fibres in the air. Under the governmental program intended to remove asbestos, measurements of the concentration of asbestos fibres were performed in 2004-2010 in all provinces of Poland. Considering that potential sources of asbestos dust emissions were present in residential areas, 1634 sampling sites were designated. From 2 to 4 air samples were collected at each sampling site. A total of 5962 samples were collected during seven years. A single dose of air collected by 25 mm 0.8 μm pore Sartorius filter was 1,300 litres. The fibres were counted using optical microscopy with phase contrast (PCM) on a polarizing microscope (PLM) at a total magnification of 600×.; method was adapted to determine the concentration of asbestos fibres in non-occupational environment. Mean concentration of asbestos fibres was 492 f/m(3) (95% CI: 467-518). In 82% of the sampling sites, the mean concentrations did not exceed 800 f/m(3). As much as 25.8% of the samples were found to be below the detection limit of the method. Estimated mean concentrations of fibres in different provinces ranged from 146 (95% CI: 106-203) to 709 f/m(3) (95% CI: 591-851). In the areas affected by former asbestos-processing plants, mean concentration was 732 f/m(3) (95% CI: 527-1016) and was significantly higher than levels recorded in other areas of Poland. Asbestos consumption per capita and the recorded moderate levels of asbestos fibres concentration in atmospheric air point to a relatively low level of environmental asbestos pollution in Poland.

Toxicity and bioaccumulation of the insecticide “Raid” in Wister rats

Toxicity and bioaccumulation of the insecticide "Raid" was determined to assess total animal dietary exposures in a nonoccupational environment. The study focused primarily on dietary exposure concentrations (25-960 microg/g) of the ingredients of Raid administered to rats for 10 days. Tissue concentrations of the insecticide were determined by a high-pressure liquid chromatography method, whereas established methods were used to assess the tissue levels of glucose-6-phosphate and lactic acid dehydrogenase. Results show that animal mortality progressively increased with increasing concentrations while growth (in weight) decreased. Bioaccumulation of the insecticide in the tissues was in the order of lipid > muscle > liver > brain. The indices of toxicity showed no significant effect in brain, but significant reduction of glucose-6-phosphatase and lactic acid dehydrogenase levels were observed in muscle and liver. These results suggest an inhibition of some key metabolic enzymes resulting from accumulation of the insecticide components in the tissues.

Asthma and rhinitis induced by exposure to raw green beans and chards

Although the vast majority of IgE-mediated allergic reactions to foods occurs through ingestion, a few cases of unexpected allergic reactions to foods may occur through the exposure to airborne food allergen particles. Case reports. Skin prick tests and serum-specific IgE (CAP-FEIA) were used to identify specific IgE antibodies. Bronchial provocation tests were performed to determine the clinical relevance of inhaled exposure to raw and cooked green beans and raw chards. After demonstrating specific reactivity to them, SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting of raw and cooked green beans were carried out to identify relevant antigens. Three women developed bronchial asthma and rhinitis after exposure to raw green beans, and one of them also when exposed to raw chards. All women tolerated ingestion of green beans. Patients reported multiple episodes while handling these vegetables for cooking activities. Allergy to green beans and chards was demonstrated by skin testing and serum-specific IgE. Bronchial challenge test with these allergens showed positive responses to raw, but not cooked, green beans and chards. Oral food challenges with green beans (raw and cooked) and chards were negative in all patients. In order to further characterize the allergenic components of these extracts, SDS-PAGE and electroblotting studies were also performed. Immunoblots of raw and cooked green beans extract showed two IgE-binding bands with apparent molecular weights of 41.1 and 70.6 kD. Interestingly, a 47-kD IgE-binding protein was detected only in raw green bean extracts. We report three patients who developed asthma and rhinitis caused by exposure to raw, but not to cooked, green beans and chards in a non-occupational environment. Only minor differences of IgE reactivity between nitrocellulose-blotted raw and boiled green bean extract were found.

Potential risk factors for asbestos exposure amongst six-month-old infants living in the township of Soweto, South Africa

During recent years there has been increased attention paid to public exposure to asbestos in the non-occupational environment. As part of a longitudinal cohort study of urban child health and development (the Birth to Ten Project) undertaken in Soweto-Johannesburg, environment and health conditions were assessed, including the potential for exposure to asbestos in low-income housing settlements. Respondents from Soweto reported that 52% of a sample of 1488 six-month-old infants, were living in asbestos-roofed houses. Analyses in relation to the asbestos-roofed houses, showed that more than 63% were older than 20 years, and that ceilings were absent in 62% of such houses. Leaking roofs, water damage and flaking interior paint in 17%, 13% and 14% of asbestos-roofed houses, respectively, indicated considerable infrastructural decay. In 6% of houses, household members themselves had undertaken work involving cutting or sawing the asbestos roofs, during the six-month period prior to the interview. Only 10% of respondents thought that asbestos could adversely affect their health, or that of their children. The study indicated a need for vigilance in relation to the potential for current and future community exposure to asbestos in low-cost, ageing housing settlements in South Africa.

Non-occupational exposures to pesticides for residents of two U.S. cities.

The Non-Occupational Pesticide Exposure Study, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was designed to assess total human exposures to 32 pesticides and pesticide degradation products in the non-occupational environment; however, the study focused primarily on inhalation exposures. Two sites--Jacksonville, Florida (USA) and Springfield/Chicopee, Massachusetts (USA)--were studied during three seasons: Summer 1986 (Jacksonville only), Spring 1987, and Winter 1988. Probability samples of 49 to 72 persons participated in individual site/seasons. The primary environmental monitoring consisted of 24-hr indoor, personal, and outdoor air samples analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/electron capture detection. Indoor and personal air concentrations tended to be higher in Jacksonville than in Springfield/Chicopee. Concentrations tended to be highest in summer, lower in spring, and lowest in winter. Indoor and personal air concentrations were generally comparable and were usually much higher than outdoor air concentrations. Inhalation exposure exceeded dietary exposure for cyclodiene termiticides and for pesticides used mainly in the home. Dietary exposures were greater for many of the other pesticides. Inhalation risks were uncertain for termiticides (depending on rates of degradation) but were negligible for other pesticides. The data were insufficient to support risk assessments for food, dermal contact, or house dust exposures.

Report from the Working Group on Cancer and the Non‐Occupational Environment

Report from the Working Group on Cancer and the Non‐Occupational Environment

The ISO and Acgih Standardized Size Fractions and their Relation to Human Deposition Data

Abstract ISO and ACGIH have recently issued reports to establish particle-size selected exposure limit values. Both reports define an inspirable fraction, divided into sub-fractions corresponding to regions of the respiratory tract. Differences in basic approach are that all the ISO regional sub-fractions are constrained to add up to the inspirable fraction, so that one sampler can be used to collect all the fractions by sequential sub-division by aerodynamic diameter. The ACGIH sub-fractions in contrast are defined relative to the total ambient aerosol, and are not intended for sequential sub-division. The ISO report also considers the non-occupational environment, which is excluded from the ACGIH considerations. The ACGIH numerical recommendations for the inspirable fraction differ from the ISO above 30 μm, because the ACGIH used more recent data. Numerical differences for the other fractions occur mainly because the ACGIH values are defined relative to the total ambient aerosol. There are also differences of approach to determining whether an instrument matches the curves within acceptable error. As far as the fits to human deposition data are concerned, it is instructive to compare the recommended curves with the shapes of the deposition curves, as opposed to the absolute values. The chief conclusion is that the uncertainties in measured deposition curves are greater than the differences between the ACGIH and ISO recommendations.

Application of Fibre Retention and Carcinogenicity Curves to Fibre Size Distributions of Asbestos

Abstract The use of a direct method of sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis has allowed accurate measurement of airborne asbestos fibre size distributions. In this paper, a fibre size dependent model for the carcinogenic potency of fibres by POTT (1978) and another for lung retention by TIMBRELL (1982) have been applied to asbestos size distributions from the occupational and non-occupational environment. The results have been used to assess the effectiveness of current optical phase contrast microscope (PCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) procedures. A wide spread of values was found for airborne distributions, with the PCM analysis measuring about 70–80% of the potential carcinogenic hazard for amosite and 20–60% for chrysotile and crocidolite.

Asbestos and disease: an industrial hygienist's perspective.

I have traced a personal thirty year journey of involvement with asbestos in the workplace and the nonoccupational environment, one still in progress, in an attempt to extract selected lessons for the industrial hygienist. Lessons for other professions, namely medicine, law and management have been studiously avoided in the interests of the scope of this presentation and permissible time. There are certainly numerous other lessons to contemplate. The movement of asbestos from the occupational to the nonoccupational environment is a case study that will undoubtedly be followed in the future by other potentially toxic materials. We must determine our position as a profession with regard to the tools we utilize, the procedures we follow, and our understanding of our moral and legal obligations to prepare for the often scientifically and technically unsupportable positions assumed by others, including governmental agencies, in their zeal to bring about change. We must discourage the opportunistic distortion of professional practices in these matters, and must issue well considered statements as a profession, statements relevant to the way these matters are addressed by society. We have a responsibility to lend perspective to these issues, to not permit understandably emotional responses to documented past severe health effects in other areas, such as the case of asbestos in the workplace, to carry over into conditions of very low exposures in the public domain. We must remind people of the relevance of dose-response and toxicological principles to assessment of risk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessing the power and quality of epidemiologic studies of asbestos-exposed populations.

This paper briefly discusses criteria for evaluating epidemiologic studies for risk assessment purposes, using asbestos as an example. Asbestos is one of the few carcinogens for which substantial data exist on exposures to humans. However, there are major difficulties in using these data for conducting risk assessments. In particular, exposure data are often incomplete, and risk assessments usually involve extrapolating from the higher exposures of the occupational environments to the lower levels typically encountered in the nonoccupational environment. The term "asbestos" refers to the fibrous form of several minerals, and levels of exposures to these fibers are not easily assessed. Criteria for evaluating epidemiologic studies used in an Ontario Royal Commission report on asbestos are discussed. The importance of considering the statistical power of studies to detect an excess risk is examined using as examples major cohort studies of asbestos-exposed workers, as summarized in a report by the U.S. National Research Council.

Mass concentrations of airborne asbestos in the non-occupational environment--a preliminary report of U.K. measurements.

Prelevement d'air par depoussiereur electrique aux alentours de fabrique d'amiante, de decharge, de croisement de routes, et d'environs urbain et rural. Mesure du taux d'amiante par diffraction RX et microscopie electronique

Health effects of low-level exposure to formaldehyde.

Twenty-one subjects exposed to formaldehyde (at levels between 0.12 and 1.6 parts per million [ppm]) in two mobile trailers and the remaining 18 unexposed workers of the same workforce were examined by questionnaire and spirometry. Symptoms of eye and throat irritation and increased headache and fatigue were significantly more common among the exposed group than the comparison group. Irritation of the nose, chest tightness, and shortness of breath were also more common among the exposed. Spirometry revealed no decrease in ventilatory function among the exposed workers. The significant increase in frequency of individuals with symptoms indicated an adverse health effect from exposure to formaldehyde at levels between 0.12 and 1.6 ppm. This may have implications regarding the adequacy of the US permissible exposure limit value and suggests the need for further examination of the health effects of formaldehyde in the nonoccupational environment.

Animal experiments regarding a possible carcinogenic effect of phenacetin on the resting and proliferating urothelium stimulated by cyclophosphamide.

The present animal experiments were undertaken to clarify whether phenacetin (ph) exerts a complete solitary carcinogenic effect on the resting and rapidly proliferating urothelium of the lower urinary tract of the rat. Cyclophosphamide was repeatedly administered i.p. to stimulate proliferative activity of the urothelium in particular of the bladder. Phenacetin was either fed continuously or administered repeatedly by gavage at the time when cyclophosphamide-induced stimulation of proliferative activity was highest. After 16 months approximately one half of the surviving rats developed uni- and bilateral hyperplasias of the lining epithelium of the renal papilla which were characterised by an endophytic growth pattern and a urothelial differentiation. They were always associated with healed or-rarely-fresh micronecroses of the subjacent papillary tissue. The urothelial hyperplasia of the renal papilla cannot be considered as true preneoplastic, but rather as reactive proliferative lesion in the sense of a reparative hyperregeneration in response to the observed toxic micronecroses. The present experiments did not provide evidence for a solitary carcinogenic effect of ph in the entire lower urinary tract. It seems most likely that a metabolite of ph only plays a role as cocarcinogen with initiation-stimulating and/or initiation-promoting activity in multifactorial multistage carcinogenesis acting together with other causative factors. Thus, the assumption that ph represents a complete solitary carcinogen for the urothelium in man has to be reassessed. Prospective epidemiological investigations should not only consider the consumption of ph-containing analgesics alone, but also the entire occupational and non-occupational environment with its potential carcinogenic and cocarcinogenic hazards.

Carbon monoxide, a prevalent hazard indicated by detector tabs.

Carbon monoxide detector tabs were provided to Argonne National Laboratory personnel in conjunction with publication of a “Special Announcement” on the hazards of carbon monoxide. The tabs were found to be satisfactory, reliable, and quite useful. Several persons detected and corrected defects in automobiles and home heating units following use of the tabs. The prevalence of carbon monoxide in the nonoccupational environment was found to be relatively high—high enough to warrant concern by management as respects this aspect of both off-the-job and on-the-job safety. It was concluded that carbon monoxide exposure is a significant problem that warrants continued attention.