Reduction In Exposure Levels Research Articles

Seminal cadmium affects human sperm motility through stable binding to the cell membrane.

Environmental pollutants are claimed to be major factors involved in the progressive decline of the fertility rate worldwide. Exposure to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) has been associated with reproductive toxicity due to its ionic mimicry. However, the possible direct accumulation of Cd in human sperm cells has been poorly investigated. In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible direct effect of Cd exposure on sperm function through the analysis of its cell accumulation. Semen samples from 30 male subjects residing in high environmental impact areas and adhering to the "Exposoma e Plurifocalità nella Prevenzione Oncologica" campaign for testis cancer prevention were compared with semen samples from 15 males residing in low exposure areas. Semen levels and cell Cd content were quantified by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. Cell Cd distribution was assessed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The impact of Cd on sperm function was evaluated by the in vitro exposure to the heavy metal, whilst possible scavenging approaches/agents were assessed. In addition to higher values of semen Cd, exposed subjects showed a reduction in total motile sperm fraction compared to not-exposed controls (59.6% ± 13.6% vs. 66.3% ± 7.3%, p = 0.037). Semen Cd levels were also significantly correlated with SEM-EDS signals of Cd detected on the head and neck of sperm (respectively p = 0.738, p < 0.001 and ρ = 0.465, p < 0.001). A total of 2h of in vitro exposure to 0.5μM Cd was associated with a significant reduction of sperm progressive motility. Scavenging approaches with either hypo-osmotic swelling or 10μM reduced glutathione were ineffective in blunting cell Cd and restoring motility. The reduction of exposure levels appears to be the main approach to reducing the reproductive issues associated with Cd.

22 Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica in Processing of Artificial Stone

Abstract Introduction Clusters of silicosis cases related to the fabrication of quartz conglomerate products and accessories for the furnishing of kitchens and bathrooms are recently reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to airborne respirable dust and crystalline silica (RCS) in a company specialized in the production of quartz conglomerates countertops and to investigate the effectiveness of introduced preventive measures (wet finishing, increasing of exhaust ventilation, closing in cabins some of the sanding and finishing operations). Materials and Methods The study was carried out on 51 workers involved in cutting and finishing operations in four facilities. Exposure to respirable dust was evaluated using GS3 cyclones positioned at the breathing zone level for the entire duration of the work shift. RCS content was measured by X-ray diffractometric analysis. Results and Discussion Respirable dust levels were in the range 0.046-1.154 mg/m3 (mean 0.160 mg/m3) with RCS levels within the range &amp;lt;0.003-0.098 mg/m3 (mean 0.022 mg/m3). All RCS levels were lower than the Italian OEL of 0.100 mg/m3 and the 22% above the more restrictive ACGIH-TLV of 0.025 mg/m3. Statistically higher levels were found in correspondence with finishing operations than in cut operations (p&amp;lt;0.05) and during dry operations than in wet (p=0.02). RCS levels were lower than those found in the past before the introduction of preventive technical measures where RCS levels were up to 0.744 mg/m3. Although there was a decisive reduction in exposure levels compared to what was observed in the past, the data still showed a risk condition for some activities. Board of the Italian Association of Industrial Hygienists (AIDII). Her scientific activity is documented by over 80 printed publications both as articles in Journals and contributions to National Congresses.

Invited Perspective: The Potential of Potential Outcomes in Air Pollution Epidemiology.

Invited Perspective: The Potential of Potential Outcomes in Air Pollution Epidemiology.

Improving the Risk Assessment of Pesticides through the Integration of Human Biomonitoring and Food Monitoring Data: A Case Study for Chlorpyrifos.

The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in the area of food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes, which are supported by prospective risk assessments. These prospective assessments estimate the expected residue levels in food combining results from residue trials, resembling the pesticide use patterns, with food consumption patterns, according to internationally agreed procedures. In addition, jurisdictions such as the European Union (EU) have implemented large monitoring programs, measuring actual pesticide residue levels in food, and are supporting large-scale human biomonitoring programs for confirming the actual exposure levels and potential risk for consumers. The organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos offers an interesting case study, as in the last decade, its acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been reduced several times following risk assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This process has been linked to significant reductions in the use authorized in the EU, reducing consumers’ exposure progressively, until the final ban in 2020, accompanied by setting all EU maximum residue levels (MRL) in food at the default value of 0.01 mg/kg. We present a comparison of estimates of the consumer’s internal exposure to chlorpyrifos based on the urinary marker 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), using two sources of monitoring data: monitoring of the food chain from the EU program and biomonitoring of European citizens from the HB4EU project, supported by a literature search. Both methods confirmed a drastic reduction in exposure levels from 2016 onwards. The margin of exposure approach is then used for conducting retrospective risk assessments at different time points, considering the evolution of our understanding of chlorpyrifos toxicity, as well as of exposure levels in EU consumers following the regulatory decisions. Concerns are presented using a color code, and have been identified for almost all studies, particularly for the highest exposed group, but at different levels, reaching the maximum level, red code, for children in Cyprus and Israel. The assessment uncertainties are highlighted and integrated in the identification of levels of concern.

Controlling flour dust exposure by an intervention focused on working methods in Finnish bakeries: a case study in two bakeries

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of intervention strategies to control mass concentrations and peak exposures of flour dust in two Finnish bakeries. The effect of the intervention on the proportion of various particle size fractions of the total particulate matter was also investigated. Methods. Mass concentrations of flour dust were measured during three working days in a pre-intervention and post-intervention study in both an industrial and a traditional bakery. Gravimetric sampling and real-time measurements were performed. Relevant intervention strategies focused on working methods were planned in collaboration with the managers of the bakeries. Results. The average mass concentration of inhalable flour dust reduced in most of the stationary locations post intervention. The reductions in exposure levels were between 39 and 45%. However, the exposure levels increased 28–55% in the breathing zone. Real-time measurements showed reductions in the peak mass concentrations in the traditional bakery post intervention. In both bakeries, the total particulate matter size fraction consisted predominantly of particles with an aerodynamic diameter lower than 1 µm and greater than 10 µm. Conclusion. Further studies are needed to plan more effective intervention measures supplemented by technical control methods in both bakeries.

МЕТОДИЧЕСКИЕ ПОДХОДЫ К УСТАНОВЛЕНИЮ КОНТРОЛЬНЫХ УРОВНЕЙ ПАРАМЕТРОВ РАДИАЦИОННОЙ ОБСТАНОВКИ И ДОЗ ОБЛУЧЕНИЯ ПЕРСОНАЛА

Purpose: The aim of work is to substantiate methodological approaches in establishing the parameters of the radiation situation at the workplaces of staff and radiation doses.&#x0D; Results: Methodological approaches to establishing the following types of control levels (CL) are presented: &#x0D; - the maximum possible CL, established from the conditions of guaranteed not exceeding the permissible values of the parameters of the radiation situation and the limits of radiation doses;&#x0D; - CL, established from the condition of fixing the achieved values of the parameters of the radiation situation at a level below acceptable values;&#x0D; - CL, exceeding the permissible values of the parameters of the radiation environment, established in those cases when the time of radiation exposure is short, and the decrease in existing levels is associated with significant labor and dose costs.&#x0D; Regulatory documents of the sanitary-epidemiological standardization system require the establishment of CL for radiation facilities for all monitored parameters with the aim of operational monitoring of the radiation situation, preventing exceeding the basic dose limits for personnel and the public, fixing the achieved level of radiation safety and ensuring further reduction of exposure levels for personnel and the public. In this case, the interpretation of the results of radiation monitoring should be carried out taking into account the uncertainty of the measurement result of the parameters of the radiation situation and radiation doses.

Guidelines for radiation protection in dental radiographic examinations: a questionnaire-based summary

ABSTRACT We aimed to develop a dental radiation protection guideline for patients and dental personnel through a questionnaire on safety management in dentists, radiological technologists and dental hygienists at dental institutions. The survey of dental institutions was conducted and statistically assessed. In the image receptor system of intraoral radiograph, film-based type (11.3%), DR type (34.9%), and panoramic radiograph of film-based type (8.3%) and DR type (22.1%) were included. Genital protector (92.9%), thyroid gland protector (65.4%), lead gloves and lead glasses (95.4%), and shielding devices (0.7%) were not used. Based on the results of the study, exposure protection apparatus, patient’s image acquisition by licensed radiologists, and reduction of exposure levels by dental personnel are needed, in order to achieve safety in dental examinations. Radiation protection and safety management at dental institutions was insufficient, and dental personnel should utilize current radiation safety management guideline and continuing education to enable dose management.

Occupational Exposure to Flour Dust. Exposure Assessment and Effectiveness of Control Measures.

The adverse effects associated with exposure to flour dust have been known since the 1700s. The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to flour dust in Italian facilities, identify the activities characterized by the highest exposure, and provide information to reduce workers’ exposure. The study was performed in different facilities such as flourmills (n = 2), confectioneries (n = 2), bakeries (n = 24), and pizzerias (n = 2). Inhalable flour dust was assessed by personal and area samplings (n = 250) using IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine) samplers. The results showed personal occupational exposure to flour dust over the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene (ACGIH) and the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limit (SCOEL) occupational limits (mean 1.987 mg/m3; range 0.093–14.055 mg/m3). The levels were significantly higher for dough makers in comparison to the dough formers and packaging area subjects. In four bakeries the industrial hygiene surveys were re-performed after some control measures, such as installation of a sleeve to the end of pipeline, a lid on the mixer tub or local exhaust ventilation system, were installed. The exposure levels were significantly lower than those measured before the introduction of control measures. The exposure level reduction was observed not only in the dough making area but also in all bakeries locals.

Reduction in black carbon concentration and its exposure in rural settings of Northern India: An intervention analysis

The present study estimated the concentration of black carbon (BC10 and BC2.5) during cooking hours in three types of kitchen in ten households and two improved cookstoves (ICS) tested against traditional mud cookstoves (TCS) in the real field conditions. The study also used a community-engaged approach to involve the local public regarding the benefits of intervention. The results clearly revealed that personal BC concentration was highest in an enclosed kitchen (83 μg/m3) while using TCS compared to a semi-enclosed (25 μg/m3) and open kitchens (16 μg/m3), respectively. The results showed that deployment of ICS would help in reduction in personal BC concentration in all the households ranged from 36 to 84% and 33–89% in BC10 and BC2.5, respectively. The study measured the personal dose of BC concentration for women of all the selected households. The reduction in the exposure dose for personal BC10 and BC2.5 was 69% and 59%, respectively. The results showed that BC concentration during cooking greatly varies with time-activity pattern of users and which in turn affects the exposure levels of the participants. Thus, it is imperative to measure the exact time users spend near to the emission source to get actual exposure inhalation concentration. The results of the study also shared with the local communities to build their capacity for better understanding about the benefits of advanced cooking technologies, household design to improve the ventilation conditions in the kitchen areas and health benefits in terms of reduction in exposure levels especially for vulnerable group like women and children.

Evaluation of five steering input devices in terms of muscle activity, upper body kinematics and steering performance during heavy machine simulator driving

Work related upper body musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders constitute a major problem for operators of heavy machinery. Steering input devices mediate risk factors of upper body musculoskeletal disorders. Little research has been conducted to compare the multiple commercially available steering input devices in a multi-faceted approach. The present study evaluated five commonly used steering input devices (conventional steering wheel, fast steering wheel, miniature steering wheel, first-order joystick and second-order joystick) in terms of muscle activity, upper body kinematics and steering performance during heavy machine simulator driving. Fifteen healthy males novice to operation of heavy machinery completed five laps on a simulated track with each steering input device. Results showed a generally lower muscle activity when using the joysticks. The conventional and fast steering wheel increased mean wrist and shoulder flexion/extension angles and participants spent more time in wrist flexion/extension angles corresponding to moderate and poor comfort levels. An increased elbow protonation angle was found for the three steering wheels compared to the joysticks. The conventional steering wheel showed slowest track completion time and was subjectively ranked worst. The first-order joystick was ranked highest but also showed the highest amount of steering reversal rates, posing a risk of increased repetitiveness. Overall, the second-order joystick is considered superior ergonomically compared to the other steering input devices evaluated. However, all evaluated steering input devices exceeded muscle activity and/or joint angle recommendations.Relevance to the industry: Compared to steering wheels, joystick steering showed reduced muscular activity and less awkward joint postures, suggesting a reduced risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the long term. However, the results warrant efforts to further develop joystick steering resulting in a reduction of exposure level beyond the existing solutions.

Biological Monitoring and Health Effects in β -Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) Exposed Workers

Background: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers have been largely employed as pesticides during the 1960’s-1970’s, and included into the Stockholm Convention persistent organic pollutant list in 2009 with the aim to reach their global elimination. β -HCH isomer is characterized by a strong lipophilicity, bio-persistence and potential harmful properties for human health. Dispersion of industrial processes and uncontrolled waste storage caused a global environmental β-HCH contamination. This still represents a public and occupational health concern, not only for past-exposed subjects, but also for the populations that may still be exposed to highly polluted environmental matrices and food. Objective: To provide a critical overview of the existing evidence exploring β-HCH biomonitoring data and possible health effects in workers involved in the production and use of such compound. Methods: A systematic search and revision of available literature was performed in Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. Results: Conclusive evidence concerning the possible dose-response relationship in β-HCH occupational settings cannot be extrapolated due to the heterogeneity in explored contexts, and the lack of information on environmental conditions and levels of exposure. Nevertheless, biomonitoring data support the need for a deeper understanding of the toxico-kinetic and dynamic profile of the substance, once absorbed into the organism, and possible early alterations in endocrine signaling. Conclusion: The potential toxicity, bioaccumulation and bio-magnification properties of β-HCH make necessary to plan preventive actions aimed to manage the β-HCH risk, through the reduction of exposure levels and the definition of health surveillance programs, including biological monitoring investigations, for the general and occupational exposed populations. Keywords: β-Hexachlorocyclohexane, persistent organic pollutant, occupational exposure, biological monitoring, health effects, risk management.

Noise reduction of pile driving and unexploded ordinance detonations at offshore wind farm installation sites

Pile driving noise during the installation of monopile foundations for offshore wind farms can produce very high noise levels, and strict regulations on this underwater noise exist around the world. In addition, the controlled detonation of unexploded ordinance (UXO) at offshore wind farm installation sites in European waters is an additional challenge and reduction of this noise is a major challenge. This paper discusses a tunable acoustic resonance-based underwater noise abatement system for use on marine pile driving, controlled UXO detonations, and other applications. The system consists of arrays of underwater air-filled resonators, which surround the noise source and are tuned to optimally attenuate noise in a frequency band of interest. System demonstrations that were conducted at two offshore wind farm sites in the North Sea will be discussed, in which peak sound pressure level reduction of nearly 40 dB was measured, and almost 20 dB sound exposure level reduction was measured. Laboratory testing on noise generated by a combustive sound source, used to simulate UXO noise, will also be discussed. The method of deploying these resonator arrays in a simple collapsible framework, operational advantages of this approach, and future projects using this technology will be shared.

The burden of lung cancer mortality attributable to fine particles in China.

Although studies have examined the associations between fine particles (PM2.5) and lung cancer mortality in US and European countries, the evidence is still limited for China. In addition, no study has provided estimates of spatial variation in lung cancer mortality attributable to PM2.5 in China. In this study, we quantified the associations between lung cancer mortality and PM2.5, using a spatiotemporal model with observed data of lung cancer mortality from 75 communities from the National Cancer Registration of China from 1990 to 2009 and the annual concentrations of PM2.5 at 0.5°×0.5° spatial resolution. We also estimated lung cancer mortality burden attributable to PM2.5 in China, with predicted county level lung cancer deaths in 2005. We found that the PM2.5-lung cancer mortality associations were non-linear, with thresholds of 40μg/m3 overall, 45μg/m3 for male, 42μg/m3 for female, 45μg/m3 for those aged 30-64years, 48μg/m3 for those aged 65-74years, and 40μg/m3 for those aged 75years and more, above which the relative risks were 1.08 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.09), 1.07 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.08), 1.12 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.14), 1.05 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.07), 1.07 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.09), and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.16) respectively. There were 51,219 (95% CI: 45,745-56,512) lung cancer deaths attributed to PM2.5 in 2005, with attributable fractions of 13.7% (95% CI: 12.23-15.11%) overall, 10.01% (95% CI: 8.37-11.58%) for men, 18.06% (95% CI: 15.81-20.18%) for women, 8.35% (95% CI: 6.07-10.51%) for those aged 65-74years, 9.73% (95% CI: 7.6-11.75%) for those aged 65-74years, 21.7% (95% CI: 19.27-23.99%) for those aged 75years or more. In conclusion, assuming a causal relation a reduction in exposure levels of PM2.5 below thresholds would avert a substantial number of deaths from lung cancer in China.

Benefits of adopting good radiation practices in reducing the whole body radiation dose to the nuclear medicine personnel during (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging.

Introduction:Positron emission tomography has been established as an important imaging modality in the management of patients, especially in oncology. The higher gamma radiation energy of positron-emitting isotopes poses an additional radiation safety problem. Those working with this modality may likely to receive higher whole body doses than those working only in conventional nuclear medicine. The radiation exposure to the personnel occurs in dispensing the dose, administration of activity, patient positioning, and while removing the intravenous (i.v.) cannula. The estimation of radiation dose to Nuclear Medicine Physician (NMP) involved during administration of activity to the patient and technical staff assisting in these procedures in a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) facility was carried out.Materials and Methods:An i.v access was secured for the patient by putting the cannula and blood sugar was monitored. The activity was then dispensed and measured in the dose calibrator and administered to the patient by NMP. Personnel doses received by NMP and technical staff were measured using electronic pocket dosimeter. The radiation exposure levels at various working locations were assessed with the help of gamma survey meter.Results and Discussion:The radiation level at working distance while administering the radioactivity was found to be 106–170 μSv/h with a mean value of 126.5 ± 14.88 μSv/h which was reduced to 4.2–14.2 μSv/h with a mean value of 7.16 ± 2.29 μSv/h with introduction of L-bench for administration of radioactivity. This shows a mean exposure level reduction of 94.45 ± 1.03%. The radiation level at working distance, while removing the i.v. cannula postscanning was found to be 25–70 μSv/h with a mean value of 37.4 ± 13.16 μSv/h which was reduced to 1.0–5.0 μSv/h with a mean value of 2.77 ± 1.3 μSv/h with introduction of L-bench for removal of i.v cannula. This shows a mean exposure level reduction of 92.85 ± 1.78%.Conclusion:This study shows that good radiation practices are very helpful in reducing the personnel radiation doses. Use of radiation protection devices such as L-bench reduces exposure significantly. PET/CT staff members must use their personnel monitors diligently and should do so in a consistent manner so that comparisons of their doses are meaningful from one monitoring period to the next.

Estimating Benzene Exposure Level over Time and by Industry Type through a Review of Literature on Korea.

The major purpose of this study is to construct a retrospective exposure assessment for benzene through a review of literature on Korea. Airborne benzene measurements reported in 34 articles were reviewed. A total of 15,729 individual measurements were compiled. Weighted arithmetic means [AM(w)] and their variance calculated across studies were summarized according to 5-year period intervals (prior to the 1970s through the 2010s) and industry type. Industries were classified according to Korea Standard Industrial Classification (KSIC) using information provided in the literature. We estimated quantitative retrospective exposure to benzene for each cell in the matrix through a combination of time and KSIC. Analysis of the AM(w) indicated reductions in exposure levels over time, regardless of industry, with mean levels prior to the 1980–1984 period of 50.4 ppm (n = 2,289), which dropped to 2.8 ppm (n = 305) in the 1990–1994 period, and to 0.1 ppm (n = 294) in the 1995–1999 period. There has been no improvement since the 2000s, when the AM(w) of 4.3 ppm (n = 6,211) for the 2005–2009 period and 4.5 ppm (n = 3,358) for the 2010–2013 period were estimated. A comparison by industry found no consistent patterns in the measurement results. Our estimated benzene measurements can be used to determine not only the possibility of retrospective exposure to benzene, but also to estimate the level of quantitative or semiquantitative retrospective exposure to benzene.

International and national expert group evaluations: biological/health effects of radiofrequency fields.

The escalated use of various wireless communication devices, which emit non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) fields, have raised concerns among the general public regarding the potential adverse effects on human health. During the last six decades, researchers have used different parameters to investigate the effects of in vitro and in vivo exposures of animals and humans or their cells to RF fields. Data reported in peer-reviewed scientific publications were contradictory: some indicated effects while others did not. International organizations have considered all of these data as well as the observations reported in human epidemiological investigations to set-up the guidelines or standards (based on the quality of published studies and the “weight of scientific evidence” approach) for RF exposures in occupationally exposed individuals and the general public. Scientists with relevant expertise in various countries have also considered the published data to provide the required scientific information for policy-makers to develop and disseminate authoritative health information to the general public regarding RF exposures. This paper is a compilation of the conclusions, on the biological effects of RF exposures, from various national and international expert groups, based on their analyses. In general, the expert groups suggested a reduction in exposure levels, precautionary approach, and further research.

Dalcetrapib pharmacokinetics and metabolism in the cynomolgus monkey

The thioester dalcetrapib is undergoing Phase III clinical evaluation for the prevention and regression of atherosclerosis and the prevention of cardiovascular events through targeting cholesteryl ester transfer protein and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Dalcetrapib undergoes rapid hydrolysis to generate the pharmacologically active form (dalcetrapib-thiol), which undergoes extensive metabolism via glucuronic acid conjugation, methylation, and hydroxylation, predominately forming the pharmacologically inactive S-methyl (dalcetrapib-S-Me) and S-glucuronide (dalcetrapib-S-Glu) metabolites.The purpose of this study was to characterize the absorption and disposition of dalcetrapib-thiol and its primary metabolites in cynomolgus monkeys following first pass through the intestines and liver using an in vivo dual portal and peripheral vein cannulation.Results showed the high influence of glucuronidation of dalcetrapib-thiol on the first-pass effect. Following passage through the primate intestinal wall, area under the plasma concentration–time curve indicated a marked loss (by ~85%) of active compound and formation of dalcetrapib-S-Glu and dalcetrapib-S-Me.Based on time to maximum drug concentrations (Tmax) values in the portal vein, metabolism of dalcetrapib-thiol to dalcetrapib-S-Glu appears to occur almost instantly (median Tmax 6.0 and 5.5 h, respectively), whereas methylation to dalcetrapib-S-Me occurs much more slowly (median Tmax, 24 h). A relatively modest impact on systemic exposure followed hepatic first pass, with a further decrease in dalcetrapib-thiol exposure of 58% (AUC), a 3-fold reduction in exposure levels of dalcetrapib-S-Me and near-complete decrease in exposure of dalcetrapib-S-Glu. Passage of drug-related material through the intestinal wall and the liver results in an overall decrease of exposure to dalcetrapib-thiol of >90%.

Assessment and Prediction of Whole-body Vibration Exposure in Transport Truck Drivers

The European Directive 2002/44/EC on the minimum Health and Safety prescriptions regarding the exposure of workers to vibrations, was implemented in Italy through the Legislative Decree 187/2005, recently amended by the Legislative Decree 81/2008. The Decrees contain legal obligations and minimum requirements for the evaluation by direct measurement, which is the reference method, although not always appropriate or necessary, and by means of vibration data banks or information provided by equipment manufacturers. The values assessed must be representative of the actual working environment: in order to adapt assessed values to real working conditions it may be useful to adopt some statistical models. Statistically significant relationships were observed by means of a multiple linear regression on a limited set of measures on different models of trucks, in different operating conditions and settings: the relative influence of predictor variables was then assessed. Finally a short digression about the evolution of the suspension fitting has been made in order to briefly describe the historical context of WBV exposure level reduction and the state of the art of industrial vehicle comfort improvement technologies.

A Comprehensive Review of the Literature on Exposure to Metalworking Fluids

An extensive literature review was conducted of studies with exposure measurements to metalworking fluids (MWFs). A database of 155 arithmetic means based on 9379 aerosol measurements from published studies was compiled. Weighted arithmetic means (WAMs) and their variance calculated across studies were summarized based on decade (prior to 1970s through 2000s), industry (auto, auto parts, small job shops, and others), operation (grinding and machining), and fluid type (straight, soluble, synthetic, and semisynthetic). Total mass and total extractable mass measurements that were simultaneously collected were compared. Average concentrations by size fractions and mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) were also analyzed. Analysis of the WAMs indicated a reduction in exposure levels over time regardless of industry or type of operation or fluid, with mean levels prior to the 1970s of 5.4 mg/m3, which dropped to 2.5 mg/m3 in the 1970s, to 1.2 mg/m3 in the 1980s, and to 0.5 mg/m3 in the 1990s. No further reduction was seen in the 2000s. A comparison by industry, operation, and fluid type found no consistent patterns in the measurement results. The percent extractable mass in the total aerosol samples varied by fluid type, with an average 84% in straight fluids, 58% in synthetic fluids, 56% in soluble fluids, and 42% in the semisynthetic fluids. Exposure means from the thoracic fraction (0.3–0.5 mg/m3) were slightly less than those for total aerosol for both the 1990s and 2000s, the only decades for which thoracic data were available. Respirable means did not change from the 1980s to the 2000s (generally about 0.2–0.3 mg/m3). The MMADs of the MWF aerosols averaged 4–6 μm. These measurement data indicate a clear reduction of exposure levels over time. They will be used for the retrospective assessment of exposure levels to MWFs in a population-based, case-control study of bladder cancer.

Effect of an intervention aimed at reducing the risk of allergic respiratory disease in bakers: change in flour dust and fungal alpha-amylase levels

Introduction:We evaluated the effect on exposure of an intervention programme, which focused on risk education and providing information on good work practices. This intervention programme was enrolled as part of...