Industrial Hygiene Research Articles

Significant contribution of scientist David Silber to the development of domestic hygiene and pharmaceutical education

The essay is dedicated to Professor David Abelievich (or Aleksandrovich) Zilber, who made significant contributions to the development of educational activities at the Leningrad Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute. The foundation of this research is based on available archival materials, including family documents, which allowed for a deeper understanding of his multifaceted professional activity. The analysis of documentary sources and published works of D.A. Zilber reveals not only his organizational efforts but also his innovative scientific approaches in the field of occupational hygiene. His role in training specialists—engineers, chemists, and technologists—capable of successfully working in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry is hard to overestimate. The essay presents a brief historical and biographical study that recreates the image of a prominent scientist and a brilliant organizer of science. It briefly describes the scientist's activities at the 2nd Leningrad Medical Institute and the Leningrad Institute of Occupational Hygiene and Professional Diseases. It highlights not only David Zilber's professional achievements but also his personal qualities, such as determination, persistence, and dedication, which contributed to his success. Zilber's works and ideas continue to influence modern approaches to the hygienic education of pharmaceutical workers.

Antimicrobial Peptides from Frogs of the Glandirana Genus

Glandirana is a genus of frogs that includes G. rugosa, G. emeljanovi, G. minima, G. tientaiensis, G. susurra, G. nakamurai and G. reliquia. These frogs produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are endogenous antibiotics that possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-endotoxin activity and help keep the hosts free from infections. In these activities, microbial death is promoted by membranolytic mechanisms that are mediated by the cationic charge and amphiphilic α-helical structures of these peptides. In general, these peptides are selective for microbes, showing low levels of hemolytic and cytotoxic activity, as well as possessing other biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidative and insulinotrophic action. In this review, a brief overview of AMPs with a focus on those from amphibians is provided, along with the phylogeny and nomenclature of frogs and AMPs from the Glandirana genus. This review then provides a comprehensive, in-depth description of the antimicrobial and other biological activities of all AMPs produced by known frogs of the Glandirana for the period 1994 to 2024. This description includes a detailed discussion of the structure/function relationships and mechanisms involved in the membrane interactions that drive these biological activities, with comparisons between AMPs from the same frog and between frogs across the genus. Based on their biological properties, AMPs from frogs of the Glandirana genus have been proposed for investigation as potential therapeutic agents, such as in the treatment of cancers and diabetes, as well as antimicrobial agents in areas, including crop protection, the food industry and oral hygiene.

Expert-based assessment of chemical and physical exposures, and organizational factors, in past agricultural jobs

BackgroundLimited data document the spectrum of exposures in the agricultural environment. We describe here the wide range of chemical and physical agents, and organizational factors, encountered in agricultural jobs held in the past in Canada and abroad. MethodsWe used data from a population-based case-control study of prostate cancer including 3,925 male participants residing in Montreal, Canada in 2005-2012. Lifetime occupational histories and detailed job descriptions were collected in-person. Industrial hygienists and an agronomist conducted semi-quantitative evaluations of exposure, including intensity and reliability, to some 300 chemical and physical agents in each job held. Analyses focused on the 156 agricultural jobs ever held in the study population. Clusters of agricultural co-exposures were derived. ResultsAgricultural jobs had taken place in 1946-2012, 53% ending in 1970 or after. Jobs were often (43%) held in Quebec, Canada; 22% in Italy, Portugal or Greece, and 10% in Haiti. Jobs entailed exposure to an average of 10 chemical agents (± 7) and most were characterized by long working hours, high physical activity levels, and did not provoke stress or anxiety. Few involved early morning shifts. Exposure to 78 agents was assigned with probable or definite certainty. The most common definite or probable carcinogens were ultraviolet radiation (92% of jobs), environmental tobacco smoke (39%), diesel engine exhaust (23%), wood dust (20%), lubricating oils and greases (20%) and lead (15%). Pesticide exposure (as a group) occurred in 31% of jobs. Fifty-four percent of jobs entailed exposure to ≥ 2 recognized carcinogens. Exposure clusters varied according to countries and type of agricultural activities (general, animal, crops, horticulture, vineyards, etc.). ConclusionsFindings highlight the heterogeneity of exposure patterns in past agricultural environments based on their setting and activities involved. Studies on health-related effects of farming should account for numerous potential exposures, beyond their typical focus on pesticides.

Dosimetry as a Lagging Indicator of Occupational Exposure to Nitrous Oxide in Pediatric Sedation: A Collaborative Process Improvement Project With Industrial Hygiene.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is commonly used in pediatric procedural sedation. It is an attractive option to facilitate intravenous line placement, as it does not extend sedation recovery from subsequently administered agents. Although debate exists regarding health consequences of occupational exposure now that scavenging of exhaled gases is common, cooperation of pediatric patients to maximize engineering controls is not guaranteed and can contribute to repeated exposure over the course of a clinician's career. There is no global consensus on personal exposure limits, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health published U.S. guidelines. A dosimetry survey of our sedation team during a short N2O procedure for intravenous line placement exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 25 parts per million. We designed a process improvement initiative to reduce occupational exposure below the Recommended Exposure Limit on serial surveys. A continuous flow, titratable, full-face mask N2O delivery system with scavenging by a central vacuum connection was used. A retrospective chart review of N2O procedures performed before the initial dosimetry survey revealed practice trends in provider behavior during N2O administration. Initiation of N2O gas flow and maintenance of face mask seal on an uncooperative patient were identified as two sources of variability. Two-handed face-masking technique, initiation of N2O gas flow only after masking, and continued masking for 2 min of exhaled scavenging were standardized and socialized as best practices. Subsequent dosimetry surveys of the sedation team were coordinated by Industrial Hygiene. Pre- and post-intervention phases were 17 months each and included 92 and 201 N2O patients, respectively. Six dosimetry surveys occurred in the post phase. Intravenous line placement was the typical procedure surveyed. Dosimetry results for all team members during surveys 1-4 were below the REL, with 14 of 16 samples falling below the level of quantitation. Elevated dosimetry results in survey 5 prompted reevaluation of work practices and equipment. A loose component on the delivery system was discovered, corrected, and incorporated as a pre-procedure check. With no further changes to work practices, dosimetry results were below the REL for survey 6. We layered work practice changes atop engineering controls to reduce occupational exposure levels for medical team members. We utilized dosimetry as a lagging indicator, prompting frequent reassessments of our equipment and processes that we might not otherwise have performed. Pediatric sedation programs are encouraged to consider whether Industrial Hygiene resources might provide synergy to process improvement efforts with inhalational sedation agents.

Assessing lead exposure in special operations military police: contamination patterns from bulletproof vests and ammunition

This study investigated lead exposure in military police officers involved in “Special Operations”, focusing on lead contamination from bulletproof vests and ammunition. The study’s objective was to evaluate lead exposure among military police officers using different types of ammunition by analyzing lead levels in bulletproof vests and identifying contamination patterns. Methods: The methodology included lead level analysis in bulletproof vests and ammunition, using descriptive and cluster analyses to assess lead level distribution and grouping. Results: The findings revealed that all vests had lead levels exceeding the limits established by NR-15 and OSHA, indicating exposure to the toxic metal from firearm residue contact. The cluster analysis identified contamination patterns related to manufacturing and material differences. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need to review safety and occupational health practices within police forces. Recommendations included regular equipment cleaning and maintenance, vests replacement, and use of less toxic ammunition. Training on lead exposure risks and occupational hygiene measures was essential to reduce exposure. Protecting officers’ health was emphasized as crucial to ensure that protective measures do not become health hazards.

Occupational Noise Exposure and Incident Risk of Hypertension Among Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Occupational noise poses a significant health risk, particularly for blue-collar workers, with potential consequences ranging from hearing loss to cardiovascular diseases. This research addresses the growing concern of hypertension among male construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) due to occupational noise pollution, an issue exacerbated by the expected increase in construction industry employment. Hypertension, a major risk for cardiovascular diseases, is a common chronic condition with substantial societal implications. In Ontario, where 7.2% of the workforce is employed in construction, the need to understand and mitigate the impact of noise pollution on hypertension is urgent. This designed study, conducted over a 10-year period, will employ a cohort design, quantitatively measuring noise exposure levels using audio dosimeters by industrial hygienists and categorized into three levels: high, intermediate, and low. Annual physician evaluations will monitor incident cases of hypertension among male construction workers aged 16-65, comparing them to office workers in the same company. Existing research relies heavily on self-reported data and lacks longitudinal monitoring within the construction industry. By employing a rigorous quantitative approach, this study design aims to establish a clear association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension. The implications of the findings extend beyond individual health, impacting families, communities, and public health policies. The study's multidisciplinary approach ensures accessibility to a wide audience, emphasizing its relevance and potential to inform preventive strategies in addressing the global burden of hypertension among blue-collar workers.

Analysis of Factors Related to the Incidence of Dermatitis in Adolescents in Namo Buaya Village Sultan Daulat District

Introduction: Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin due to exposure to allergens or irritants that trigger an immune response and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. Objective: This study aims to determine the factors associated with contact dermatitis in Namo Buaya Village Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City in 2024. Based on data from the Sultan Daulat Health Center in January Until May 2024, 1 08 adolescent patients were recorded diagnosed with contact dermatitis. Method: This study was an analytical observational study with a case control design. The sample of this research was 194 respondents were divided into 97 case groups and 97 control groups (1:1 ratio). Data collection was conducted on June 3-8, 2024 using a questionnaire and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: Univariate results showed that (50%) of respondents suffered from dermatitis, (57.2%) had unqualified water, (50.5%) were exposed to chemicals, (55.7%) were female, (52.6%) had secondary education, (51%) were unemployed and (56.2%) had poor personal hygiene. Bivariate results showed that there was a relationship between water characteristics (p -value = 0.006, OR = 0.444), chemical exposure (p - value = 0.022, OR = 0.514), gender (p -value = 0.021, OR = 0.509), parental education (p -value = 0.028, OR = 0.570), occupation (p - value = 0.031, OR = 0.536), and personal hygiene (p -value = 0.002, OR = 0.409) with dermatitis. Conclusion: This study concludes that all variables have a relationship with dermatitis in Namo Buaya Village, Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City in 2024. It is hoped that health workers will provide education about dermatitis, water characteristics, exposure to chemicals, gender, education, occupation, personal hygiene, and the community maintains personal hygiene to prevent the disease.

Formation of a current concept of silicosis pathogenesis (on the 100th birthday anniversar y of RAS academician B. T. Velichkovskiy)

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Boris Tikhonovich Velichkovsky (October 6, 1923 — September 17, 2020) holds a special place among scientists of occupational pathologists and hygienists — Soviet and Russian scientist-hygienist, health organizer, full member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR (1988), Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, RAS (2013). Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor B. T. Velichkovsky was born in 1923 in the city of Orel, moved with his parents to Sverdlovsk. In August 1941, he volunteered for the army and was sent to the school of second lieutenants of infantry in Novosibirsk, but did not pass the mandatory commission. As a member of the construction company, he worked on In the Urals, he worked as a miner at the Degtyarsky copper mine and, after a spinal injury, as a grinder at the tool shop of the OCM plant in the city of Revda. He also had an open form of pulmonary tuberculosis.

A Socio-Ecological Approach to Work Performance: A pilot study among Workers with Chronic Skin Diseases

Abstract Objectives Chronic skin diseases (CSD) may lead to productivity losses. This mixed-methods study investigated symptom severity, social challenges, need for workplace accommodation, sick leave and their association with perceived impaired work performance (IWP) among workers with CSD. Methods Data were collected from April to June 2023. Participants (n = 102) completed an online questionnaire sent from the Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene and almost 20% were interviewed. The analyses included logistic regression and structural equation models and a thematic analysis. Results Of participants, 72.3% reported perceived IWP. The need for workplace accommodation and sick leave duration were directly associated with IWP. These findings were integrated with common themes based on a socioecological approach. Conclusions By working together to address personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal aspects associated with CSD, occupational physicians and stakeholders can alleviate perceived IWP.

Study on needle stick injuries during surgery and blunt needle use for reducing occupational exposure and hygiene benefits.

The conventional round suture needle poses a significant risk of needle stick injuries among surgical physicians, identified as a global occupational hazard by the World Health Organization, increasing hospital costs and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. While novel blunt suture needles have shown promise in reducing these risks, their adoption is limited domestically, prompting a study to compare their efficacy against traditional sharp needles in reducing needle stick injuries among surgical physicians. To investigate suture needle stick injuries among surgical doctors during operations and assess the application effectiveness of a novel blunt suture needle. A total of 106 surgical department physicians from March 2021 to February 2023 participated in the study. After completing a questionnaire survey on suture needle injuries during surgery, the participants were divided into two groups. Over a 6-month intervention period, the control group used regular round needles while the study group utilized novel blunt suture needles. Subsequently, suture needle injury incidence rates and economic hygiene benefits were compared between the two groups. The suture needle injury questionnaire survey showed that over the past 6 months, among 106 surgical department physicians, 20 needle stick injuries occurred, yielding an incidence rate of 18.87%. The highest incidence (65.00%) was during suturing incisions longer than 10 cm, primarily when visibility was poor (70.00%). Surgeons linked most injuries (60.00%) to prolonged surgical duration causing fatigue. Although 85.00% detected injuries within 1 minute, only 40.00% were reported, often due to perceived reporting complexity. Following intervention, the study group had significantly fewer injuries per surgery and lower occupational exposure costs compared to the control group (p< 0.05). Surgical department physicians commonly sustain suture needle injuries while suturing incisions of 5-10 cm length under poor visibility, exacerbated by prolonged surgical duration. Despite detecting most injuries within 1 minute, only 40% are reported. The implementation of novel blunt suture needles significantly decreases injury rates, resulting in reduced occupational exposure costs and favorable safety and economic hygiene outcomes.

Integrating an industrial hygienist into the infection prevention and control program.

Integrating an industrial hygienist into the infection prevention and control program.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATIVE AND SURGIRAL TREATMENT OF GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS

In the complex treatment of generalized periodontitis, special attention is paid to the correct combination of conservative and surgical methods of treatment, which reduce the activity of destructive processes in periodontal tissues and restore the lost anatomy [1-9]. However, despite various additions and modifications, conservative and surgical interventions on the periodontal itself do not create sufficient conditions for effective relief of pathological processes and restoration of periodontal tissues [10-18]. In some cases, the use of new technologies, including the use of occupational hygiene, dental splints and other conservative methods of treatment, does not lead to the stabilization of destructive processes in the alveolar process, and in some cases contributes to the further destruction of periodontal tissues and surrounding bone tissue with the formation of defects of various sizes. The problem of dental preservation in patients with generalized periodontitis of II-III severity is still relevant. The organizational inconsistency of dentists of different specialties, the lack of a real medical examination of patients with periodontal disease create prerequisites for the interruption of treatment at the level of conservative therapeutic agents and the active course of destruction of bone tissue of alveolar processes.

Improving Outdoor Thermal Comfort for Agricultural Workers: A Study of Heat Stress Relief Measures Using Sun Protection Lotions

The entire study was carried out on a group of 100 female farm workers at the CTAE university campus in Udaipur during the wheat crop harvesting season, with the aim of examining the effectiveness of various heat stress relief measures (sun protection lotion with different sun protection factors, SPF) in improving outdoor thermal comfort. The experiments were designed to assess the average skin temperature of Indian female farm workers under five fixed Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) conditions (28, 29, 30, 31, 32°C), all falling within the heat stress category as per American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standards. The mean skin temperature was determined using the Hardy du-bois 7-point model formula, which involved measuring the mean temperature of specific body parts of the 100 female farm workers. A variation of ± 0.5°C was considered due to the challenge of achieving precise thermal conditions in open field settings. The experiment aimed to evaluate the thermal and physiological responses of the participants. The findings revealed that the use of sun protection lotion alone resulted in increased cooling effect, thereby expanding the thermal comfort range. Additionally, the application of sun protection lotion alone reduced the mean skin temperature by 0.39, 0.38, 0.36, 0.30, 0.27°C by the end of the work period.

Evaluation of hand-arm vibration (HAV)exposure among groundskeepers in the southeastern United States.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate daily hand-arm vibration (HAV)exposure among groundskeepers, characterize power tools used, and estimate lifetime cumulative HAV exposure dose. Seventeen groundskeepers and ten office workers employed at two US southeasterrn institutions were recruited as a target exposure group and a reference group, respectively. A 6-dexposure assessment of HAV was scheduled, and vibration dosimeters were used to obtain daily vibration exposure value, A(8). Information on power tools used and corresponding operation duration was recorded to assign the real-time vibration data collected from the dosimeters for tool characterization in terms of vibration total value (ahv) and frequency. Lifetime cumulative exposure dose, ahv-lifetime, was determined using ahv for all tools used and lifetime exposure duration obtained through a questionnaire. The individual groundskeepers' average A(8) ranged from0.8 to 2.6 and from1.0 to 2.6 m/s2 for the right hand and left hands, respectively. Among 11 power tools used by the groundskeepers, grass trimmers contributed the most to the vibration exposure. The average ahv of the individual tools ranged from 8.0 (chainsaws) to 1.9 m/s2 (seating mowers and handheld blowers) for the right hand and from 6.4 (push mowers) to 1.4 m/s2 (backpack blowers) for the left hand. The highest acceleration peak of grass trimmers, edgers, backpack blowers, pole saws, riding blowers, and hedgers was observed between 100 and 200 Hz while riding mowers, seating mowers, push mowers, and chainsaws showed the highest acceleration peak at lower frequencies (≤63.5 Hz). The groundskeepers' average ahv-lifetime was 76,520.6 and 61,955.5 h m/s2 for the right and left hands, respectively. The average ahv-lifetime of office workers was 2,306.2 and 2,205.8 h m/s2 for the right and left hands, respectively, which was attributed to personal hobby activities. Three groundskeepers' average A(8) reached 2.5 m/s2, the Action Limit recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The highest contribution to the vibration exposure was observed during grass trimmer operations with a major acceleration peak at 100 Hz. The groundskeepers' ahv-lifetime was 33 and 28 times higher for the right and left hands, respectively, than the office workers.

Utopia of Safe Air: How Soviet Research Challenged Western Air Quality Norms, 1950s-1960s.

During the mid-twentieth century, the Soviet Union developed ambitious hygiene standards for clean air that were grounded in extremely sensitive methods of physiological research. As Western experts sought to develop universal standards for environmental regulation, Soviet hygiene research posed a challenge. This article examines the discussions surrounding the Soviet approach at international conferences on air pollution and industrial hygiene during the mid-twentieth century. The article shows that although the Soviet approach was rejected especially by United States experts, many of its qualities resonated with the ongoing discussions about environmental health in the US. The sensitive and holistic methods of the Soviets were compelling in the effort to reveal the most subtle effects environments had on human health. This article shows how the rejection of Soviet standards stemmed not from different scientific methods but from the differences in the overall ideals of environmental regulation. I argue that Soviet hygiene can be seen as an extreme version of technocratic expertise, and its failure highlights the limits of scientific expertise in managing environmental pollution.

Development and validation of an ICP-MS method and its application in assessing heavy metals in whole blood samples among occupationally exposed lead smelting plant workers.

Occupational exposure to heavy metals affects various organ systems and poses a significant health risk to workers. Consequently, its precise estimation is of clinical concern and warrants the need for an analytical method with reliable precision and accuracy. The current study aimed to develop an analytical method using inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect trace to elevated levels of potentially toxic elements in human blood. The sample preparation was optimized using a two-step ramp temperature microwave acid digestion program. The toxic elements were quantified using ICP-MS operating in kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode, adjusting the data acquisition parameters and instrumental settings. The analytical method was validated using standard performance parameters. Each validation parameter was aligned with the acceptable criteria outlined in standard guidelines. The method achieved optimal linearity (r2 > 0.99), recovery (85.60-112.00%), and precision (1.35-7.03%), was capable of detecting the lowest concentrations of 0.32, 0.28, 0.28, and 0.19µg/L, and was capable of quantifying trace levels of 1.01, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.62µg/L for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), respectively. Post-validation, the method was applied to estimate heavy metals in blood samples from 250 Pb-smelting plant workers, revealing potential health implications of occupational exposure. The cohort analysis revealed that demographic and employment factors were associated with elevated blood Pb levels, leading to symptoms and health risks. Clinical analysis revealed that 33.6% of the participants experienced hypertension. These findings highlight the significant health risks associated with elevated blood Pb levels. The weak but significant correlation with systolic blood pressure underscores the need for improved monitoring and workplace safety. This emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring, targeted interventions, and enhanced occupational hygiene to protect workers' well-being.

Comparative analyses of bacterial contamination and microbiome of broiler carcasses in wet market and industrial processing environments

The slaughtering environment is crucial for the food hygiene and safety of poultry products. Despite the global dominance of industrial processing, live bird slaughtering in wet markets persists due to cultural, religious, and economic reasons. This study aims to reveal the correlation between hygiene scales in wet markets and bacterial contamination levels on broiler carcasses, with a particular focus on pathobiont transmission risks and microbiome characteristics. Wet markets were categorized based on home-made ratings and the Hygiene and Biosecurity Assessment Tool (HABT). The study assessed total aerobic bacterial (TAB) levels, food spoilage and hygiene indicators (Pseudomonas and E. coli), foodborne pathogen Salmonella, and the microbiome of broiler carcasses, intestinal contents, and slaughtering facilities. Comparative analyses were conducted between market and industrial processing environments. TAB levels on broiler carcasses showed a significant negative correlation with hygiene scores, indicating that both HABT and home-made rating tools effectively assess and improve processing hygiene. Industrial processing consistently reduced bacterial contamination compared to wet markets. Although Salmonella spp. prevalence was lower in market-processed carcasses, the study identified significant cross-transmission of pathobionts and variations in bacterial composition with hygiene improvements. Notably, the microbiome analysis revealed overlaps in amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) between carcasses and contamination vectors, highlighting pathobiont transmission risks. The present study confirmed the scales of hygiene standards among wet markets reflect bacterial contamination on broiler carcasses. Enhancing slaughter practices to meet industrial hygiene standards is essential for reducing the transmission of foodborne pathogens and pathobionts, and improving food safety.

Evaluating sisal fibers as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative to cotton for the Moroccan absorbent hygiene and textile industries

The Moroccan textile and hygiene industries face challenges related to the cost and availability of imported cotton fibers, prompting the exploration of alternative and sustainable solutions. The goal was to replace cotton, which presented a significant challenge for the sector, while maintaining its quality properties. This study aimed to replace the imported cotton fibers in Morocco with sisal fibers, a locally available, cheaper, and durable product that exhibits satisfactory physicochemical properties. To achieve this, sisal fibers were treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chlorite (NaClO₂), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Optical Microscopy (OM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), were used to assess both sisal and commercial cotton fibers. Laboratory tests, such as pH measurements, water absorption, flammability, and degumming rate, were conducted to evaluate and compare their properties. Among the sisal samples analyzed, those treated with 10 % by weight (wt) NaOH and bleached with NaClO₂ showed satisfactory results. These fibers exhibited a compliant pH, a chemical structure similar to cotton, reduced fiber size, a type I crystal structure with a 0.36 crystallinity index, and improved thermal stability. Additionally, they presented a whitish appearance, softness similar to cotton, good fluid absorption capacity, and flame resistance. This study concluded that cotton fibers can be substituted with sisal fibers in the textile and hygiene industries. Further comprehensive analyses could expand the applicability of sisal fibers to additional sectors.

Standardization of Detailed Format of Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of the United Nations (UN)

This work was on the systematic standardization of SDS in the context of UN GHS. This research revolved around the problem of inconsistency in SDS formats and terminologies used worldwide, which may pose even bigger risks in terms of occupational health, environmental safety, industrial hygiene, regulatory compliance etc. Using the mixed-method, this paper assessed the current SDS practices, examined stakeholder perceptions, and proposed an all-inclusive parameter format that could be adapted to fit within established regulatory frameworks. Findings from the study indicated that a standardized SDS could improve clarity and usability, thus enabling better communication and safety practices across various industries.

A cross-sectional study on occupational hygiene in biowaste plants.

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