Occupational Exposure Levels Research Articles

The Association of Airflow Obstruction with Occupational Exposures in a Sample of Rural Adults in Iowa

A recent article reported that occupational exposure to vapor-gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) was more common in a sample of rural adults than in a sample of adults in urban settings. In another study of the same urban adults, airflow obstruction (AO) was associated with occupational VGDF and the combination of smoking and occupational exposure. The goal of the current study was to determine if similar associations were evident in the sample of rural adults. We analyzed enrollment data from the Keokuk County Rural Health Study (KCRHS), which investigated the health of rural residents in Iowa. We used the same methods as the study of urban adults. A job-exposure matrix (JEM) assigned an occupational VGDF exposure level based on each participants’ last reported job. The health outcome was AO, defined as both the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio < lower limit of normal. Of the 1699 KCRHS participants, 436 (25.7%) had high total VGDF occupational exposure, 661 (38.9%) had ever smoked cigarettes, and 110 (6.5%) had AO. The crude frequency of AO increased across the joint categories of smoking (never, ever) and high exposure (no, yes) (p < 0.05 for linear trend). After adjusting for potential confounders, AO was associated with high total occupational VGDF exposure only among smokers (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.002 to 3.26). In conclusion, the association of AO with occupational exposure in the current study of rural adults was similar to what was previously observed among urban adults.

Preliminary study and selection of CFETR in-vessel component tritium dust decontamination method in hot cell

Abstract Decontamination is a necessary and effective way of radioactive contamination reduction in the IVC (In-Vessel Component) maintenance and decommissioning process for CFETR. Plasma unstable events that occur in the reactor produces a large amount of tritium dust in the vacuum vessel. Decontamination also plays an extremely important role in reducing the radioactive pollutants diffusion, cumulative radiation dose and staff occupational exposure level, controlling radioactive effluent of nuclear facilities and enhancing remote handling equipment life and reliability and even series environmental protection problems. In this study, we carry out selection and analysis of decontaminate method for CFETR hot cell, comparing to existing mature cleaning and decontamination methods for radioactive contaminated surface, with the comprehensive consideration of the characteristics of PFC (Plasma Facing Component) pollution and the limitation of hot cell remote handling operation, analyze the adaptability and requirements of the fusion facility, selecting the most suitable cleaning method satisfied with necessary requirements for CFETR hot cell. Establishment of PFC (Plasma Facing Component) decontamination method evaluation system provides technical support for the design of hot cell remote handling cleaning device.

Fluorouracil and doxorubicin - cardiotoxic cytostatics in the workplace

The aim of the study is to analyze the potential occupational hazards of fluorouracil (FU) and doxorubicin (DOX). The literature review was based on factual and bibliographic scientific databases of the available peer-reviewed journals and the so-called gray literature. In Poland, the process of determining the acceptable levels of occupational exposure for selected anticancer drugs has been underway since 2014, and the basis for determining the maximum allowable concentration values is usually the concentration equivalent to 0.1% of the lowest therapeutic dose found in the literature. In addition, uncertainty coefficients are used, which take into account the mechanism of action of the cytostatics, the dynamics of metabolism, the assessment of classification and labeling for carcinogenic, mutagenic, genotoxic, reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity, the ability to accumulate cytostatics, the assessment of cumulative effects with other cytostatics, the physicochemical form and data completeness. Where possible, the risk of additional cancer is estimated. Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work (the carcinogens and mutagens directive ‒ CMD) is a key legal solution in the field of public health in the European Union, focused on the issue of occupational cancer. These cytostatics, FU and DOX, are genotoxic and are classified as hazardous. Life-threatening heart damage is a serious side effect of both FU and DOX. The analysis has shown that the inclusion of dangerous drugs in the list of substances subject to the requirements of the CMD is completely justified. The cytostatics classification and labeling procedure should be harmonized throughout the European Union, which will ensure a reliable and credible risk management in this area. Med Pr. 2020;71(3):363-73.

The activity of the Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment in 2017-2019

In the fourth phase of the National Programme “Improvement of safety and working conditions”, 10 meetings of the Commission took place, during which the following items were discussed: – 37 documentations for recommended exposure limits of chemical substances prepared by the Expert Group for Chemical and Dust Agents – the position of the Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI regarding: smog, nitric oxide limit value in the underground mining and tunneling sector, binding value for 1,2-dichloroethane and the introduction of the „skin” label (absorption of the substance through the skin may be just as important, as if inhaled) – rules for determining occupational exposure limits of chemical and dust harmful to health in the working environment and for active substances of cytostatics – programmes for improving working conditions in KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. copper mines in order to limit exposure to nitric oxide at workstations to the value of 2.5 mg / m3 adopted in Directive 2017/164 / EU with a transitional period until August 21, 2023 (Official Journal of the EU L 27 of 1.2.2017, p. 115) – adaptation of the Polish list of MAC values to Directive 2017/164 / EU establishing the 4th list of indicative occupational exposure values, to the draft directive establishing the 5th list of indicative occupational exposure values and to directives 2017/2398 /EU, 2019/130 / EU and 2019/983 / EU amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work – the position of the Economic Chamber of Non-Ferrous Metals and Recycling regarding the reduction of the MAC value for cadmium and its compounds – the notations in the draft ordinance of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy amending the ordinance on maximum admissible concentrations and intensities of agents harmful to health in the working environment for wood dust and chromium (VI) compounds in relation to transitional measures included in Directive 2019/130 /EU of January 16, 2019. The Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI adopted 10 proposals and presented them to the minister responsible for work on a revision of the list of maximum admissible concentrations and intensity of agents harmful to health in the working environment in the following areas: – introduction to Annex 1 „Chemical substances” of records on dusts – the introduction of the „skin” notation for 195 chemicals – introduction to Annex No. 1 maximum admissible concentrations for 11 new chemicals and changes for 22 chemicals. The work carried out by the Interdepartmental Committee of MAC and MAI in 2017-2019 made it possible to adaptat to national law the EU directive in this field within the period provided for in the directives. Two ordinances of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy were prepared and published, including the provisions of the abovementioned directives and added concentration limits for 11 new chemical agents harmful to health in the working environment. The results of the Commission’s work in 2017-2019 were disseminated in 12 issues of Principles and Methods of Assessing the Working Environment, in which the following were published: 34 documents on occupational exposure levels for chemicals, 35 methods for determining the concentrations of chemicals in the working environment, 7 articles, an in-situ electromagnetic field measurement procedure and annual reports on the activities of the Commission. The results of the Commission’s activities in 2017-2019 were presented in 14 Polish publications, 7 presentations during Polish conferences as well as at workshops and training conferences as part of the European information campaign „Hazardous substances under control”. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Toxicity and occupational exposure assessment for hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) alternative jet fuels

ABSTRACTThe U.S. Air Force (USAF) has pursued development of alternative fuels to augment or replace petroleum-based jet fuels. Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) renewable jet fuel is certified for use in commercial and USAF aircraft. HEFA feedstocks include camelina seed oil (Camelina sativa, HEFA-C); rendered animal fat (tallow, HEFA-T); and mixed fats and oils (HEFA-F). The aim of this study was to examine potential toxic effects associated with HEFA fuels exposures. All 3 HEFA fuels were less dermally irritating to rabbits than petroleum-derived JP-8 currently in use. Inhalation studies using male and female Fischer-344 rats included acute (1 day, with and without an 11-day recovery), 5-, 10- or 90-day durations. Rats were exposed to 0, 200, 700 or 2000 mg/m3 HEFA-F (6 hr/day, 5 days/week). Acute, 5 – and 10-day responses included minor urinalysis effects. Kidney weight increases might be attributed to male rat specific hyaline droplet formation. Nasal cavity changes included olfactory epithelial degeneration at 2000 mg/m3. Alveolar inflammation was observed at ≥700 mg/m3. For the 90-day study using HEFA-C, no significant neurobehavioral effects were detected. Minimal histopathological effects at 2000 mg/m3 included nasal epithelium goblet cell hyperplasia and olfactory epithelium degeneration. A concurrent micronucleus test was negative for evidence of genotoxicity. All HEFA fuels were negative for mutagenicity (Ames test). Sensory irritation (RD50) values were determined to be 9578 mg/m3 for HEFA-C and greater than 10,000 mg/m3 for HEFA-T and HEFA-F in male Swiss-Webster mice. Overall, HEFA jet fuel was less toxic than JP-8. Occupational exposure levels of 200 mg/m3 for vapor and 5 mg/m3 for aerosol are recommended for HEFA-based jet fuels.

Relationship between occupational dust exposure levels and mental health symptoms among Korean workers.

Dust and fumes are complex mixtures of airborne gases and fine particles present in all environments inhabited by people. This study investigated the relationship between occupational dust exposure levels and mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia or sleep disturbance. We analyzed data from the third and fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) conducted by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency in 2011 and 2014. We performed chi-square tests to compare the different baseline and occupational characteristics and mental health status according to occupational dust exposure levels. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for mental health symptoms (fatigue, depression or anxiety, and insomnia or sleep disturbance) were calculated using adjusted multiple logistic regression models. A total of 78,512 participants (43,979 in men, 34,533 in women) were included in this study. Among them, 6,013 (7.7%) and 2,625 (3.3%) reported "moderate" and "severe" dust exposure, respectively. Among those who answered "yes" to depression or anxiety, fatigue, insomnia or sleep disturbance, 50 (4.6%), 961 (4.8%), and 123 (5.9%), respectively, demonstrated "severe" occupational dust exposure. Compared to "low" levels of dust exposure, "moderate" and "severe" exposure increased the risk of depression and anxiety (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.88-1.36; OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 0.87-1.58, per exposure respectively); however, this was not statistically significant. For fatigue, significance was observed for "moderate" 1.54 (1.46-1.64) and "severe" 1.65 (1.52-1.80) exposure levels. "Severe" levels increased the risk of insomnia or sleep disturbance (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.25-1.85). These results suggest that the "dust annoyance" concept of mental health, which may be explained by a neurocognitive mechanism, is plausible. Occupational "dust annoyance" has been linked to workers' mental health status, particularly in terms of fatigue and sleep disturbance; a dose-response relationship has been observed. Workers should be protected against dust to support their health and productivity.

Non-interventional study evaluating exposure to inhaled, low-dose methoxyflurane experienced by hospital emergency department personnel in France

ObjectivesLow-dose methoxyflurane is a non-opioid, inhaled analgesic administered via the Penthrox inhaler and was recently licensed in Europe for emergency relief of moderate-to-severe trauma-associated pain in conscious adults. This non-interventional...

Reconstruction of the asbestos exposure in a textile company producing sewing threads through the use of an unusual information source.

«Reconstruction of the asbestos exposure in a textile company producing sewing threads through the use of an unusual information source».Background:The Tuscan Regional Operating Center (ROC) of Malignant Mesotheliomas has identified a cluster of 11 cases of malignant mesothelioma occurred in a textile plant manufacturing sewing thread. Using the common research method, the ROC had not previously been able to identify the specific sources of asbestos exposure causing such a large cluster.Objectives:The ROC’s objective was to review all cases of the cluster and to better identify their occupational asbestos exposures.Methods:The cases’ occupational histories of asbestos exposure have been reviewed, using information deriving from the annual reports sent to the Tuscany Region since 1988 by all the asbestos removal companies according to the Law no. 257/1992, article 9, and from interviews to former employees of the plant.Results:The work cycle has been reconstructed and enriched with the new information about the asbestos presence and its uses in the plant. The eleven cases were all reclassified as “certainly occupational exposed” given that the new collected information depicted a widespread asbestos pollution of the workplace during the period of employment of all cases.Conclusions:Using different sources of information, in addition to those traditionally collected through questionnaires, to reconstruct past asbestos exposuresallowed us to clarify the existence of the cluster of mesothelioma cases and the highest level of occupational asbestos exposure was attributed to all cases with consequent activation of the medico-legal procedure.

Lowering the level of occupational exposure to noise in areas neighbouring compressor halls

A general problem in the vicinity of industrial compressors is the noise generated in the working environment by their operation. A large number of workers suffer from hearing problems caused by exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. Thus, legal provisions regulating occupational noise exposure aim to reduce the risk of hearing loss by reducing noise level, the most effective measures being those applied directly to the noise source combined with the use of hearing protection. Quantification of noise exposure level and mitigation of occupational hazards generated by it at each workplace is required in order to prevent accidents and occupational diseases. The current paper analyses how noise generated by industrial compressors influences worker’s activity. Prevention of noise exposure must be based on noise level measurements. In this sense, the purpose of the paper is to analyse noise measurements performed at a compressor hall and to compare the values obtained with limit values set by in force legislation, in order to apply the best technical organizational methods for lowering noise exposure and increasing acoustic comfort in order to improve working conditions of those working in the compressor hall.

Occupational Exposure to Contagion and the Spread of Covid-19 in Europe

Social contacts are a key transmission channel of infectious diseases spread by the respiratory or close-contact route, such as COVID-19. There is no evidence, however, on the question of whether the nature and the organisation of work affect the spread of COVID-19 in different countries. I have developed a methodology to measure country-specific levels of occupational exposure to contagion driven by social contacts. I combined six indicators based on Occupation Information Network (O*NET) and the European Working Condition Survey (EWCS) data. I then applied them to 26 European countries, and found substantial cross-country differences in levels of exposure to contagion in comparable occupations. The resulting country-level measures of levels of exposure to contagion (excluding health professions) predict the growth in COVID-19 cases, and the number of deaths from COVID-19 in the early stage of pandemic (up to four weeks after the 100th case). The relationship between levels of occupational exposure to contagion and the spread of COVID-19 is particularly strong for workers aged 45-64. I found that 20-25% of the cross-country variance in numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths can be attributed to cross-country differences in levels of occupational exposure to contagion in European countries. My findings are robust to controlling for the stringency of containment policies, such as lockdowns and school closures. They are also driven by country-specific patterns of social contacts at work, rather than by occupational structures. Thus, I conclude that measuring workplace interactions may help to predict the next waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare Workers Exposure Risk Assessment: A Survey among Frontline Workers in Designated COVID-19 Treatment Centers in Ghana.

Background:Healthcare workers (HCWs) are faced with an elevated risk of exposure to SARS-COV-2 due to the clinical procedures they perform on COVID-19 patients. However, data for frontline HCWs level of exposure and risk of COVID-19 virus infection are limited.Objective:We investigated the level of exposure and risk of COVID-19 virus infection among HCWs in COVID-19 treatment centers in Ghana.Methods:A cross-sectional study was utilized in this study and HCWs were invited by convenience to participate in the study, 408 HCWs in 4 COVID-19 treatment centers participated in the study. Adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were used to categorized HCWs as low or high risk of COVID-19 virus infection. The WHO COVID-19 risk assessment tool was used to collect quantitative data from the study participants.Results:There was a high (N = 328, 80.4%) level of occupational exposure to the COVID-19 virus. However, only 14.0% of the exposed HCWs were at high risk of COVID-19 virus infection. Healthcare workers who performed or were present during any aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) were 23.8 times more likely to be exposed compared to HCWs who did not perform or were absent during any AGP (AOR 23.83; 95% CI: 18.45, 39.20). High risk of COVID-19 virus infection was less likely among registered nurses (AOR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.60), HCWs who performed or were present during any AGP (AOR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.50) and HCWs with a master’s degree qualification (AOR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.63).Conclusion:Despite the high level of exposure to the COVID-19 virus among HCWs in the treatment centers, only 14.0% were at high risk of COVID-19 virus infection. To protect this group of HCWs, treatment centers and HCWs should continue to adhere to WHO and national IPC protocols in managing of COVID-19 cases.

Frequencies Rotation at High Sound Pressure Levels Toward Low Frequencies

Today, analyzing of sound pressure level and frequency is considered as an important index in human society. Sound experts believe that analyzing of these parameters can help us to better understanding of work environments. Sound measurements and frequency analysis did to fix the harmful frequency in all sections in Shiraz gas power plant with sound analyzer model BSWA 308. The sound pressure levels (LP) and the one and one-third octave band were continuously measured in A and C weighting networks and slow mode for time response. Excel 2013 and Minitab 18.1 software used for statistical calculations. Results analyzed by Minitab 18.1 software. The highest harmful frequency in Shiraz Gas Power Plant (SGPP) was 50 Hz with 115 dB. The sound pressure level (SPL) ranged from 45 dB to 120 dB in one-third octave band and weighting network C. The maximum sound pressure level was in Craft electricity generator with 105.3 dB and 67 Hz. Sound pressure level in surrounded environment was 120 dB. According to the results, in this industry the sound pressure level exceeded the Occupational Exposure Level of Iran (OEL). The value of sound pressure level were higher than the Standard of occupational health. SGPP consumes 47000 cubic meters of natural gas per hour to produce 100 MW (Mega Watt) of electricity. It is very high and it is not economical and cost effective. These numbers indicate that the power plant’s efficiency is low. It could be concluded that the noise pollution is an important issue in these industries. Moreover, SGPP produce noise with loss energy. Frequencies rotation at high sound pressure levels toward low frequencies were happened.

Results and analysis on individual dose level of occupation exposure in industrial application in China (2009-2013)

Objective: To understand and analyze the individual dose level of occupational external exposure of industrial workers in China from 2009 to 2013, and to provide basic data and scientific basis for radiation protection and radiation protection management. Methods: Since January 2009, the individual dose monitoring data of industrial workers were collected through the "National radiological health information platform-individual dose monitoring system". The methods of Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis of monitoring results for different occupational categories from 2009 to 2013. Results: From 2009 to 2013, a total of 151, 541 people were monitored for the number of industrial radioactive workers, showing a steady upward trend year by year. The average annual effective doses was 1.179 mSv/a. The average annual effective dose of industrial flaw detection, industrial irradiation, luminescent coatings, radioisotope production, logging, accelerator operation and other applications were 0.808, 1.429, 0.315, 1.074, 0.766, 0.576, and 1.510 mSv/a. There was a statistically significant difference in the average annual effective dose between the seven occupational categories (P<0.05) . The average annual effective doses of other application and industrial irradiation workers in 2013 were significantly higher than other occupational categories (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The average annual effective dose of industrial radiation workers meet the requirements of national standards. The exposure doses of industrial radiation and other application radiation workers are relatively high. The radiation protection workplace protection measures should be further improved and improved, and radiation protection knowledge training should be strengthened to protect their occupational health.

Concept of elaboration and operation of the united system for monitoring and recording of individual occupational exposure doses and the National Dose Registry of Ukraine

I n 2014–2018 within the frameworks of the “State social program for enhancement of the state of safety, occupational medicine and workplace environment for 2014-2018”, SE NRCRM had developed the methodological and organizational grounds of the United system for monitoring and registration of individual occupational exposure doses in Ukraine (the System), which were formulated in the respective Concept. The Concept includes the following chapters: the aim, the tasks, basic principles of the System elaboration, roadmaps and solutions, operational aspects of the functioning. The Concept envisages creation of the state (national) dose register, the coordination center, quality assurance program and present various aspects of the System functioning: interactions with data providers, data users, requirements to the scope and quality of the dosimetric data. Special attention is paid to possible risks for implementation, alternative options are considered. Elaboration and operation of the System that is based on the principles formulated in the Concept, will allow prompt accomplishment of the international standards in the area of ra-diation protection and safety. It would provide powerful tool for optimization of the levels of occupational exposure in Ukraine, and, ultimately, reduce negative impact of ionizing radiation on the population of our state Keywords: occupational exposure, radiation protection, doses, registry, occupational safety, dosimetric control. For citation: Chumak VV, Zimina OS, Bazyka DA. Concept of elaboration and operation of the united system for monitoring and recording of individual occupational exposure doses and the National Dose Registry of Ukraine. Journal of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. 2019;25(4):448–56.

Characterizing particle emissions from a direct energy deposition additive manufacturing process and associated occupational exposure to airborne particles

This study aims to characterize airborne particles emitted from a metal additive manufacturing machine and related levels of occupational exposure. To achieve this, a complete measurement methodology was deployed around a direct energy deposition machine. Different operating conditions were investigated, based on configurations of two materials and two injection nozzles. Two replicates were performed for each condition. Airborne particles emitted during repeated manufacturing cycles were measured simultaneously at the source, in the near field, in the far field and on the operator. Real-time instruments were used to characterize the machine emissions (10 nm–10 µm) associated with respirable and inhalable samplers and cascade impactors. Measurements were made during both the manufacturing process and transient operating phases. In parallel, personal exposure to hexavalent chromium was assessed. The number of particles measured for the different machining phases show that high levels of particles (> 5 × 105 # cm−3, 0.3–1.3 mg m−3 inhalable particles, 0.2–6 µg m−3 CrVI) were emitted in the machine enclosure. The size distributions indicate that more than 90% of the particles are smaller than 250 nm. Occupational exposure to CrVI was found to be below the LOQ of 0.098 µg m−3 for the two alloys investigated. During the machining process, near-field number and mass concentrations were ∼ 104 # cm−3, and below 0.04 mg m−3, respectively. Far-field number concentrations were also on the order of 104 # cm−3 throughout the whole monitoring period. The transient phase of door opening was found to result in high levels of exposure (> 105 # cm−3), which were also detected in the near-field, confirming the need to implement preventative actions. To address this issue, a collective protective measure, consisting of setting a time delay of about 8 min between the end of the manufacturing process and opening of the door, could be employed. This collective measure should also be accompanied by the wearing of personal protective equipment by the operator when an intervention in the machine enclosure is necessary.

Dosimetría personal y exposición ocupacional en Cardiología intervencionista

IntroductionIn the field of medicine, the cardiologists along with the interventional radiologists, are the professionals most exposed to ionising radiation due to their proximity to the patient and the X-ray equipment in the catheter or haemodynamics room. Although absorbed doses received by these professionals are less than those received by the patients, the accumulated dose throughout their career could be substantial and can increase the probability of inducing radiobiological effects such as eye cataracts and brain cancer.Monitoring patients and medical staff doses in interventional cardiology procedures is intended to assess the risk associated with radiation exposure and verify the radiological protection conditions implemented in the cath laboratories. ObjectiveTo perform a systematic literature review on occupational exposure levels and the methods employed in measuring personal doses in interventional cardiology. Materials and methodsThe PubMed and SciELO data bases were consulted in order to find articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese published between 2008 and 2018, which reported data on the levels of occupational exposure, the methods for measuring personal doses, and the regulatory guidelines in interventional cardiology and radiology. ConclusionsThe review of the literature showed that occupational doses in interventional cardiology may exceed the limits of effective dose and dose in the lens, if the individual radio-protection elements are not used correctly and the radiographic techniques used during the procedures are inadequate. The establishment of training programs in radiation protection that include actions such as dose reduction in patients, the proper use of radio-protection elements and personal dosimeters will lead to a reduction in radiological risk in this type of procedure.

Characterisation of Carbon Monoxide concentrations associated with biomass fuel cooking in two university canteen settings, Kigali Rwanda

TPS 722: Low and middle income countries: indoor air pollutants, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 28, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Biomass burning for cooking in occupational settings is widespread in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), but remains a neglected research area. Adverse health consequences are associated with acute and chronic exposure to elevated Carbon Monoxide levels (CO) from biomass burning. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has an Indoor Air Quality Guideline (IAQ) for mean 8-hour CO concentrations of 10 mg/m3 (8.7 ppm) (WHO, 2010). In this study, CO levels were recorded at 1-minute intervals over a 48-hour period using Electrochemical Lascar EL-USB-CO monitors, at respirable height (150 cm), within two biomass fuel (charcoal, wood) canteen settings (staff, student) at the Nyarugenge Campus, University of Rwanda. Measurements in both canteens were obtained from the kitchens and adjoining serving areas. Hourly average CO concentrations were calculated using the hourly median (IQR), along with 8-hour average concentrations, to represent potential staff shift exposure. Two diurnal peaks, coinciding with cooking activities were observed, with peak 1-minute concentrations of 255.5 ppm (student kitchen) and 208.5 ppm (staff kitchen). Peak average 1-hour concentrations of 76.3 ppm (IQR: 57.8 – 109 ppm) and 76.3 ppm (IQR: 52.5 – 114 ppm), occurred within the morning cooking session, in the student and staff kitchens respectively. Calculated 8-hour average concentrations were highest during the morning staff shift in both the student kitchen (40.7 ppm, SD: 40.0 ppm) and the staff kitchen (34.7 ppm, SD: 35.8). Below WHO IAQ limit values were observed within the two serving areas, with two diurnal peaks coinciding with cooking activity. The CO levels observed from charcoal and wood cooking in this occupational setting are hazardous to human health and in exceedance of WHO IAQ guidelines. Further research into occupational personal exposure levels and health impacts of CO exposure among kitchen and serving staff is needed, alongside development of a clean fuel switching initiative.

Inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds in the printing industry

ABSTRACTThis study reports on the occupational inhalation exposure to VOCs of workers in the Kuwaiti printing industry. Using the evacuated canister methodology, we targeted 72 VOCs in three printeries and compared the concentrations to previous reports and relevant occupational exposure levels (OELs). We found that recent efforts in the printing industry to reduce VOC usage had been successful, as concentrations of key hazardous VOCs were substantially lower than anticipated. On the other hand, nearly all target VOCs were found. Non-production areas were sampled along with the offset printing areas, another strength of this study, and revealed exposures to hazardous VOCs among administers and digital printer and CTP operators. Exposure to ototoxic VOCs amounted to 1–3% of the OEL, consisting mostly of ethylbenzene, which was likely in use in two of the study printeries. Exposure to carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic VOCs was 15–20% of the OEL at four locations across the three printeries, consisting mostly of vinyl chloride and benzyl chloride. Vinyl chloride VOC was partially sourced from outdoors, but was also likely used inside the study printeries. Interestingly, concentrations of vinyl chloride were similar in most sampling locations to that of CFC-114, a CFC banned by the Montreal Protocol and not commonly used as a refrigerant. This unexpected finding suggests further study is warranted to identify the use of these VOCs in printeries. Exposure to hazardous VOCs up to nearly 50% of the OEL, consisting largely of bromoform and vinyl chloride. Bromoform was found in all the study printeries, sourced partially from outdoor air. The higher concentrations found inside the study printeries likely resulted from the use of the desalinated water for washing. This finding raises of emissions from sources other than blanket washes, and inks, etc. adding to the total VOC load in printery indoor air.Implications: Results from this study indicate that efforts to reduce worker exposure to VOCs particularly dangerous to human health in recent years have been successful, but there is still much to be done to protect workers. Exposures to ototoxic and carcinogenic VOCs were identified, among both production and non-production workers. Unexpected findings included the apparent use in printing activities of the carcinogen vinyl chloride and CFC-114, banned under the Montreal Protocol. Observed lapses in safety procedures included failure to utilize ventilation systems and closing doors between work areas, indicating management and worker education should remain a priority.

Occupational exposure to formaldehyde and early biomarkers of cancer risk, immunotoxicity and susceptibility

Formaldehyde (FA) is a high-volume production chemical manufactured worldwide to which many people are exposed to both environmentally and occupationally. FA was recently reclassified as a human carcinogen. Several epidemiological studies have revealed an increased risk of cancer development among workers exposed to FA. Although FA genotoxicity was confirmed in a variety of experimental systems, data from human studies are conflicting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occupational exposure to FA in a multistage approach relating the exposure with different biomarkers (dose and effect) and individual susceptibility. Air monitoring was performed to estimate the level of exposure to FA during shift work. Eighty-five workers from hospital anatomy-pathology laboratories exposed to FA and 87 controls were tested for cytogenetic alterations in lymphocytes (micronucleus, MN; sister-chromatid exchange, SCE) and T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay. The frequency of MN in exfoliated buccal cells, a first contact tissue was also assessed. Percentages of different lymphocyte subpopulations were selected as immunotoxicity biomarkers. The level of formic acid in urine was investigated as a potential biomarker of internal dose. The effects of polymorphic genes of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes and DNA repair enzymes on the endpoints studied were determined. The mean level of FA exposure was 0.38 ± 0.03 ppm. MN (in lymphocytes and buccal cells) and SCE were significantly increased in FA-exposed workers compared to controls. MN frequency positively correlated with FA levels of exposure and duration. Significant alterations in the percentage of T cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells and B lymphocytes were found between groups. Polymorphisms in CYP2E1, GSTP1 and FANCA genes were associated with increased genetic damage in FA-exposed subjects. The obtained information may provide new important data to be used by health and safety care programs and by governmental agencies responsible for setting the acceptable levels for occupational exposure to FA.

Evaluation of Noise Exposure and the Relationship between Job Stress and Sleep Disturbance in Workers of an Iranian Construction Industry

Introduction: Noise is considered as a risk factor for a wide range of industrial environments, including construction industry. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of job stress caused by noise exposure with sleep disturbance.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out among 134 workers of an Iranian construction industry. To assess the individuals' noise exposure in accordance with the ISO 9612: 2009, the eight-hour occupational exposure level was measured. To assess the occupational stress, the Parker Job Stress Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index were applied. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was also used to assess the sleep disturbance. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation test, and multivariate regression in SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results: The results of Pearson correlation test and multivariate regression showed that noise can cause sleep disturbance by causing occupational stress in workers. Based on the results of this study, noise exposure, occupational stress, and sleep disturbance have a direct and positive relationship. In other words, increased noise exposure leads to occupational stress and sleep disturbance.&#x0D; Conclusion: Assessment of the noise exposure in workers of a construction industry showed that noise was a very important factor in the psychological problems of workers in this industry. In addition to the direct effects of noise on sleep disturbance, it can indirectly exacerbate the sleep disturbances.