Respiratory Protective Equipment Research Articles

Respiratory Health among Pesticide Sprayers at Flower Farms in Ethiopia.

Background: Pesticide use in Ethiopia has become a common practice in which large-scale flower farms are the main consumers. Workers on flower farms might be exposed to pesticides while spraying or while performing other tasks related to pesticide use and management. It is unclear whether working as a flower farm sprayer is associated with respiratory health problems. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare respiratory symptoms and lung function indices between pesticide sprayers and non-spraying workers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 flower farms, involving all-male sprayers as the pesticide-exposed group and all other male workers as a control group. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire for respiratory symptoms developed by the British Medical Research Council and the American Thoracic Society. Lung function tests were performed to determine forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), mid 50 expiratory flow, and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC. Chi-squared tests and Poisson regression analyses were used to compare respiratory symptoms between the two working groups. General linear regression models were used to compare lung function test indices between spraying and non-spraying working groups. The significance level was set to 0.05. Results: A total of 285 male workers participated (152 sprayers and 133 non-spraying workers). The mean age of the workers was 25 years for sprayers and 24 years for non-sprayers. The proportions of cough, cough with sputum, breathlessness, and wheezing were similar in the two groups, while chest tightness was significantly high in the non-spraying group. Sprayers had significantly higher FVC and FEV1 than the non-spraying group. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms were not different between the sprayers and non-spraying workers except that the non-spraying workers had increased chest tightness. FVC and FEV1 were significantly higher among sprayers relative to non-sprayers. The results must be interpreted with caution, as the sprayers used respiratory protective equipment, which probably reduced their exposure to the pesticides. Also, the workers were young, and a healthy worker effect might be present among the sprayers.

Features of direct measurements for evaluation of the volume activity of radionuclides in the air of the working area

OBJECT. To consider problematic issues related to measurements of radionuclides in the air of the working area released during repackaging of bulk solid radioactive waste during decommissioning of nuclear energy facilities. To develop a method of direct measurements for operational control of the concentration of radioactive aerosols in the air of the working area, ensuring that the control level is not exceeded by the annual effective dose of personnel.METHODS. To solve this problem, the method of calculating the maximum possible number of alpha particles on the selected sample of the analytical filter AFA-RSP20 was used.RESULTS. A method of operational control of the radiation situation in the workplaces of personnel using direct measurements by portable radiation monitoring devices of the alpha particle flux density from the exposed AFA-RSP20 filter is proposed. The use of this method makes it possible to provide control in cases where the use of standard installations for measuring the volumetric activity of radioactive aerosols is unavailable or impossible. The article describes the relevance of the topic, the calculation of the reference level of the alpha particle flux density from the surface of the AFA-RSP20 filter is given.CONCLUSIONS. Passport characteristics of personal respiratory protection equipment do not provide convincing data on the operation of the filter with a specific pollutant. For the correct decision-making on the use of certain types of personal respiratory protection by personnel working with radioactive waste containing transuranium radionuclides, it is necessary to control the volumetric activity of radionuclides in the air. Based on calculations and direct measurements, it is shown that the use of an operational method for measuring the alpha particle flux density from an exposed AFA-RSP20 filter makes it possible to monitor the radiation situation at personnel workplaces during decommissioning of nuclear energy facilities.

High-quality and easy-to-regenerate personal filter.

Proper respiratory tract protection is the key factor to limiting the rate of COVID-19 spread and providing a safe environment for health care workers. Traditional N95 (FFP2) respirators are not easy to regenerate and thus create certain financial and ecological burdens; moreover, their quality may vary significantly. A solution that would overcome these disadvantages is desirable. In this study a commercially available knit polyester fleece fabric was selected as the filter material, and a total of 25 filters of different areas and thicknesses were prepared. Then, the size-resolved filtration efficiency (40-400 nm) and pressure drop were evaluated at a volumetric flow rate of 95 L/min. We showed the excellent synergistic effect of expanding the filtration area and increasing the number of filtering layers on the filtration efficiency; a filter cartridge with 8 layers of knit polyester fabric with a surface area of 900 cm2 and sized 25 × 14 × 8 cm achieved filtration efficiencies of 98% at 95 L/min and 99.5% at 30 L/min. The assembled filter kit consists of a filter cartridge (14 Pa) carried in a small backpack connected to a half mask with a total pressure drop of 84 Pa at 95 L/min. In addition, it is reusable, and the filter material can be regenerated at least ten times by simple methods, such as boiling. We have demonstrated a novel approach for creating high-quality and easy-to-breathe-through respiratory protective equipment that reduces operating costs and is a green solution because it is easy to regenerate.

The Challenges of Biomedical Waste Management During the Ongoing Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Pandemic: The Current Scenario

: The novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that has emerged and spread throughout the world causing CoV disease-19 (COVID-19) has since its discovery affected not only humans and animals but also the environment. Because of the highly infectious nature of the virus, and the respiratory aerosol transmission route, face masks and personal protective equipment have become mandatory for public and healthcare workers, respectively. Also, the complex nature of the pathogenicity of the virus, wherein, it has been associated with mild, moderate, and severe life-threatening infections, has warranted increased laboratory testing and placing the infected people in isolation and under constant observation in quarantine centers or at dedicated hospitals. Some infected people, who are generally healthy, and do not show symptoms have been placed in home quarantines. At this juncture, there has been increased amount of Biomedical Waste (BMW), and infectious general waste along with plastic disposable recyclable and non-recyclable waste. The increased BMW along with the potentially hazardous plastic waste collection, segregation, transport, and disposal has assumed increased significance during the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, this review attempts to investigate the current scenario of BMW management and strategies to minimize BMW and prevent potential environmental pollution.

Research and fabrication of toxic filter materials from Tra Bac coconut shell activated carbon applied in the manufacture of personal respiratory protection devices

This paper presents the results of research on making materials to adsorb toxic acidic gases, organic substances from Tra Bac coconut shell activated carbon, and combined with chemical treatment on the laboratory scale. Methods were used for this study consisting of SEM, EDS; BET, and DPC5 (kinetic adsorbent). The results showed that the fabricated filter material has a surface area of 664 m2/g, calculated according to BET, has a protection time with benzene vapor (L= 5 cm, Co(vapor) = 18 mg/L) of 56 minutes; protection time with HCl acid vapor (L= 5 cm, Co (vapor) = 1.1 mg/L) is 280 minutes. The results of the study have exhibited a good ability to filter benzene vapor and HCl vapor. This material has the potential for use in the manufacture of personal respiratory protective equipment.

Akıllı ve Güç Destekli Anti Enfeksiyon Yüz Maskesi Geliştirilmesi

The COVID-19 virus, which emerged at the end of 2019 had affected the whole world and had different effects in many areas. One of these areas was respiratory protective equipment technologies. In normal, masks are products that are mostly used in environments where there is a factor such as gas, smoke, or dust that threatens to breathe. Due to the airborne transmission of the COVID-19 virus, masks were used in all areas of human interaction during the epidemic period. As the use of masks became widespread, there was feedback about the products and it was revealed that these products had deficiencies and aspects to be improved. In this study, the deficiencies of the mask products that came to light during the COVID-19 epidemic period and the aspects that can be improved were examined and a smart and powered respiratory protective half-face mask was developed that can be a solution to these problems. The mask produced has two electronic fans and can be controlled via the mobile application by Bluetooth connection. In this way, the user can supplement the filtered clean air into the mask when necessary. In addition, the air evacuated outside the mask is filtered and then given to the environment. As a result, the problems related to mask products that emerged during the COVID-19 epidemic were resolved with the developed mask.

Akıllı ve Güç Destekli Anti Enfeksiyon Yüz Maskesi Geliştirilmesi

The COVID-19 virus, which emerged at the end of 2019 had affected the whole world and had different effects in many areas. One of these areas was respiratory protective equipment technologies. In normal, masks are products that are mostly used in environments where there is a factor such as gas, smoke, or dust that threatens to breathe. Due to the airborne transmission of the COVID-19 virus, masks were used in all areas of human interaction during the epidemic period. As the use of masks became widespread, there was feedback about the products and it was revealed that these products had deficiencies and aspects to be improved. In this study, the deficiencies of the mask products that came to light during the COVID-19 epidemic period and the aspects that can be improved were examined and a smart and powered respiratory protective half-face mask was developed that can be a solution to these problems. The mask produced has two electronic fans and can be controlled via the mobile application by Bluetooth connection. In this way, the user can supplement the filtered clean air into the mask when necessary. In addition, the air evacuated outside the mask is filtered and then given to the environment. As a result, the problems related to mask products that emerged during the COVID-19 epidemic were resolved with the developed mask.

Hygienic Assessment of Personal Protective Equipment for Workers Exposed to Engineering Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review

Background: The production and use of nanomaterials keeps demonstrating a significant annual increase leading to enhanced health risks for humans and especially those exposed to nanoparticles at workplaces. While the knowledge of potential toxicity related to nanotechnologies is still evolving and other more sophisticated risk management strategies are being developed, evaluated and put into practice, personal protective equipment for those handling nanoparticles should be available immediately. Objective: To summarize and systematize information about personal protective equipment already used and recommended for use by workers exposed to nanoparticles in the occupational setting. Materials and methods: We used data analysis methods based on review and generalization of contemporary research data found in Medline, PubMed, and Scopus abstract and citation databases and on information portals as of January 2022. The article selection criterion was availability of information about hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment for workers occupationally exposed to nanoparticles; having reviewed over 528 original articles, we chose 39 full-text publications. Results: We established that the principles of certification of filters and their further use for protection against nanoparticles under industrial conditions are not always observed in the production of filters, especially in terms of their pore size. Data on the use of special protective clothing is very limited and shows that available protective equipment may not ensure the required level of protection. Conclusion: This literature review has revealed problems in the regulatory framework and practical hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment against nanoparticles, one of which is the discrepancy between real working conditions and processes simulated in the laboratory. We have established that particle diameter, charge and shape, air flow rate and humidity, as well as the model and type of filters determine the efficiency of respiratory protective equipment used to protect workers against nanoparticles in the workplace air.

MONO- AND BIFUNCTIONAL IMPREGNATED FIBER CHEMOSORBENTS FOR RESPIRATORY PURPOSE

This paper summarizes the data on the development of import-substituting impregnated This paper summarizes the data on the development of import-substituting impregnated fibrous chemisorbents (IFCS) intended for equipping gas cleaning equipment and personal respiratory protection equipment against gaseous toxicants of various chemical nature. To obtain IFCS of the basic gases (ammonia, organic amines), aqueous solutions of polybasic acids (citric, tartaric and hydroxyethylenediphosphonic) are used as impregnating reagents. IFCS absorb toxicants due to neutralization reactions. The absorption of ammonia and amines of IFCS obtained by impregnation of fibrous carriers (FC) with aqueous solutions of 3d-metals (Ni2+, Co2+ and Cu2+) salts occurs due to complex formation reactions. To obtain IFCS of acidic gases, aqueous solutions of sodium carbonate and urotropine (HMTA) containing structuring additives were used. Impregnating aqueous solutions based on monoethanolamine (MEA) and polyethylenepolyamine (PEPA) have also been developed using their non-volatile derivatives with a higher molar mass. A significant improvement of the IFCS protective characteristics was achieved by introducing of various modifying additives – promoters into the composition of these solutions. Single-layer IFCS -ampholytes (IFCS-A) for respiratory purposes have been developed, which depending on the circumstances are able to absorb both acidic and basic gases (vapours), for example SO2 and NH3. Impregnation solutions include complex compounds of 3d-metals (Ni2+, Co2+ and Cu2+) with MEA, ethylenediamine, HMTA and PEPA at various molar ratios of components or buffer mixtures based on polybasic acids and organic bases (MEA and PEPA) of medium strength salts. Chemisorbents for acidic and/or basic gases (IFCS-I, IFCS-AI) have been developed, the moment of “response” of the dynamic absorption capacity of which can be visually determined by the change in color of the gas mask elements during the “breakthrough” of the sorbate, obtained by impregnating of FC with solutions containing acid-base indicators.

Activated carbon from pumpkin seeds: Production by simultaneous carbonization activation for occupational respiratory protection

Activated carbon materials are derived from carbonaceous sources and used as a technological element for various industrial purposes. These materials are present in most filters (cartridges) in personal respiratory protective equipment. Due to this context and to enhance sustainability concepts and human health in the production of materials, this study aimed to produce activated carbon from an abundant agricultural waste in the northeast Brazil through a route that not only favors its simultaneous carbonization and activation but also its thermal neutralization. The precursor biomass was characterized by particle size analysis, a standard testing method for moisture and ash content which were characterized by FRX, CHN, and thermal analysis. The produced activated carbon was characterized by potential of hydrogen (pH), XRD, BET, SEM, TPD by ammonia and UV-Vis analysis. The activated carbons showed yields�between 73 and 78%. The morphology varied in function of the biomass interaction with the type and concentration of acid used. The produced samples showed adsorption capacity and selectivity to ammonia gas.

Activated carbon from pumpkin seeds: Production by simultaneous carbonization activation for occupational respiratory protection

Activated carbon materials are derived from carbonaceous sources and used as a technological element for various industrial purposes. These materials are present in most filters (cartridges) in personal respiratory protective equipment. Due to this context and to enhance sustainability concepts and human health in the production of materials, this study aimed to produce activated carbon from an abundant agricultural waste in the northeast Brazil through a route that not only favors its simultaneous carbonization and activation but also its thermal neutralization. The precursor biomass was characterized by particle size analysis, a standard testing method for moisture and ash content which were characterized by FRX, CHN, and thermal analysis. The produced activated carbon was characterized by potential of hydrogen (pH), XRD, BET, SEM, TPD by ammonia and UV-Vis analysis. The activated carbons showed yields�between 73 and 78%. The morphology varied in function of the biomass interaction with the type and concentration of acid used. The produced samples showed adsorption capacity and selectivity to ammonia gas.

Improvement of performance and function in respiratory protection equipment using nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology has become one of key areas for the current development and research. Nanotechnology focuses on matter at the nanoscale and is capable of using different approaches to produce nanomaterials, structures, devices, and systems. One of the concerns that have to be addressed is the adverse effects of exposure to pathogens and pollutants in different workplaces and environments. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is one of the personal protective equipment (PPE) utilized to reduce the risk of exposure to environmental or occupational respiratory hazards. Thus, various studies have been conducted for improving the functional properties of sorbents or filters in different kinds of RPE. Different categories of nanomaterials have been reported as effective agents for achieving this goal. The application of these nanomaterials in mask layers or respirators’ cartridge could significantly increase the filtration efficiency, breathing comfort, and antibacterial/antiviral properties of the masks and respirators. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the nanomaterials used in different types of face RPE with emphasis on various properties of the utilized nanomaterials. The study also aimed to show an applied perspective for future research on this important subject.Graphical abstract

Microbial Aerosols Generated from Standard Microbiological Laboratory Procedures.

Background:Modern microbiology laboratories are designed to protect workers and the environment from microbial aerosols produced during microbiological procedures and accidents. However, there is only limited data available on the aerosols generated from common microbiology procedures.Methods:A series of common microbiological procedures were undertaken with high concentration spore suspensions while air samplers were operated to sample the aerosols generated. Surface contamination from droplets was visualized using sodium fluorescein within the suspension. A total of 36 procedures were studied using different sample volumes (0.1–10 mL) and two spore suspension titers (107 and 109 colony forming units [cfu]/mL).Results:The aerosol concentrations generated varied from 0 to 13,000 cfu/m3. There was evidence to suggest that titer, volume, and poor use of equipment were significant factors in increased aerosol generation from some of the procedures. A risk assessment undertaken using the data showed that any aerosol generated from these processes would be contained within a correctly operating biological safety cabinet. Therefore, with these procedures, the operator and the environment would not require any additional protective measures such as respiratory protective equipment or a negative pressure laboratory to prevent aerosol exposure or release.Conclusions:Aerosol generation from common laboratory processes can be minimized by reducing sample volumes and concentrations if possible. Training laboratory staff in good microbiological techniques would further mitigate aerosols generated from common laboratory processes.

Occupational Exposure to Manganese Among Welders: Association Between Airborne Manganese Concentration and Blood Manganese Levels

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for the human body, but it can cause adverse effects on the Central Nervous System at high doses. Exposure to manganese fumes during welding can harm welders' health. Objectives: The current study aimed to measure manganese produced by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) in the breathing zone air and blood of welders and investigate the relationship between manganese concentrations in air and blood. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 35 welders were enrolled as the exposed group and 40 office workers as the control group. Manganese concentration in air was measured according to NIOSH method 7301. Air and blood sample analyses were carried out by ICP-OES. Statistical analysis was performed with MINITAB 17. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, one-sample t-test, paired t-test, and logistic regression. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Result: The mean concentration of welding respirable particles and manganese fumes were 9.56 ± 1.67 and 0.45 ± 0.08 mg/m3, three and 22 times the exposure limit recommended by ACGIH, respectively. Average manganese was significantly higher in the welders’ blood (0.16 ± 0.02 µg/mL) than in the controls’ blood (0.04 ± 0.002 µg/mL). There were strong and significant correlations between the welding respirable particles and manganese concentration in welders’ breathing zone and blood manganese levels. Also, with each year of work experience, the manganese concentration in the welders’ blood increased by 1.5%. Conclusions: Welders are at risk of contamination with manganese. Manganese exposure reduction through more efficient ventilation systems, reducing welder’s exposure time, staff training, and appropriate respiratory protection equipment should be applied to reduce manganese exposure among welders and prevent health complications.

Advances in respiratory protective equipment: practical experiences of CleanSpace® HALO™ by healthcare workers

Personal protective equipment (PPE) offers protection from infections and hazardous materials. Advances in technology have seen rapid improvement of respiratory PPEs but real-world evaluations are needed to understand whether newer devices offer greater usability and overcome common barriers to correct use. To survey the user experiences of a new PPE device, CleanSpace® HALO™, in comparison to existing masks and respirators to determine advantages and disadvantages. Frontline healthcare workers of a large healthcare provider cluster in Singapore with practical experience of using respiratory PPE, including the CleanSpace® HALO™, were surveyed. Ease of communication, comfort, usability, ability to provide care, perceived effectiveness, barriers, and enablers to respiratory PPE use were investigated. A total of 93 respondents were included in the analysis. CleanSpace® HALO™ was rated highly in terms of perceived safety (92%), comfort (40%), and ease of donning and doffing (53%). CleanSpace® HALO™ was less disruptive to patient care (8%), although the ability to communicate effectively remained an obstacle (22%). Respondents also noted the incomplete facial protection provided by CleanSpace® HALO™. Respiratory protective devices are integral to effective infection control protocols, but their usefulness is limited by their impact on care delivery and incorrect use. The CleanSpace® HALO™ demonstrated advantages over existing powered air purifying respirator devices but some issues remain. Future iterations must strive to overcome communication challenges and address common side-effects. Better education is also needed to improve user confidence with CleanSpace® HALO™.

Assessment of the Chemical Composition of Respiratory and Dermal Protective Equipment Used by the Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The use of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the majority of the global population. The use of face masks has been proven to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 by 53 % and to be an effective means of prevention, both separately and in combination with other non-pharmaceutical measures. Wearing of face masks and gloves was mandated in different regions of the Russian Federation depending on the epidemiological situation, and it is still required in certain areas and workplaces at high risk of this severe infectious disease. Our literature review has shown that the prolonged mask and gloves use has adverse health effects including headaches, difficulty breathing, and various skin reactions. Objective: To analyze chemicals contained in commercially available face masks and protective gloves as one of the stages of hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment and to assess whether the established chemical composition can pose a risk of adverse health outcomes. Materials and methods: In 2021, four types of commercial face masks and protective gloves were analyzed in an accredited testing laboratory center to establish concentrations of chemicals after modeling their release into the aquatic and air environment. Results: We established that, in all types of masks, the levels of detected chemicals did not exceed their appropriate permissible values. Formaldehyde was found in cotton and latex coated cotton gloves in concentrations exceeding the permissible ones by 1.48 and 1.16 times, respectively. A 1.17-fold excess of the acceptable limit was also registered for zinc in latex coated cotton gloves. Conclusions: Increased levels of formaldehyde and zinc were found in cotton and latex coated cotton gloves. Formaldehyde can induce adverse skin reactions. Stricter control over production of respiratory and dermal protective equipment and a comprehensive hygienic assessment of PPE are required.

Determination of tightness of the filtering half-mask adhesion to a user’s face

Purpose. To determine the correlation between adhesion tightness of filtering half-masks and anthropometric indices of employees faces. Methodology. To study tightness of the half-mask adhesion to a users face, a coefficient of NaCl aerosol test was determined in accordance with the requirements by DSTU EN 149:2017 (EN 149:2001+A1:2009, IDT). Volunteers took part in the testing selected in keeping with the parametric table divided into 12 settings along the face length and across its width. The tests were carried out using Respi and Standart respirators produced in lots by SPE Standart ltd. Findings. It has been identified that the tested filtering half-masks correspond to the standards by DSTU EN 149:2017 (EN 149:2001+A1:2009, IDT) and provide adequate protection of respiratory organs of users against harmful aerosols. It has been demonstrated that the required half-mask adhesion to a face depends upon the obturator design, half-mask geometry, and stretching force of a headband. It has been proved that employees with small faces require the instrumental verification of the preferred half-mask while selecting respiratory protective equipment. In turn, for users with large faces quality control is quite sufficient by means of any suitable method described by DSTU EN 529:2006 (EN 529:2005, IDT). Individuals with large faces have demonstrated the greatest values of the tightness coefficient of filtering half-mask adhesion. Originality. It is represented by the scientific substantiation of the tightness coefficient of filtering half-mask adhesion upon the length and width of users faces. Practical value. Mathematical expressions have been derived making it possible to calculate the tightness coefficient of the half-mask adhesion relying upon the face size. The abovementioned will help assess preliminarily protective characteristics of respirators without specific laboratory equipment.

Respirator cartridge change schedule (literature review)

Introduction. A necessary condition for protecting an employee from gases with the help of filtering personal respiratory protection equipment (PPE) is the timely replacement of filters. Previously, the reaction of the sense organs to the ingress of gas into the mask was used for this. Due to unreliability, this method has been completely banned in all developed countries, since filter life is estimated under the worst expected conditions for scheduling filter replacement. Materials and methods. We prepared the article using publications NIOSH, OSHA, Taylor & Francis, Springer, Journal of the ISRP, legal requirements of developed countries for the use of respirators, and other available publications. Results. The article describes problems and ways to solve them during scheduling, using mathematical modeling of the service life (single use of the filter), taking into account its advantages and disadvantages and problems in assessing the safety of reuse of cartridges. Conclusion. The article contains an analysis of the sources of risk for workers using gas masks in Russian Federation; recommendations for its reduction are given.

Urinary Metals as a Marker of Exposure in Men and Women in the Welding and Electrical Trades: A Canadian Cohort Study.

Men and women working in the welding trades undergo the same apprenticeship training but it is unknown whether, once in the trade, their exposures differ. Comparison of urinary metal concentrations, having adjusted for estimated airborne exposure, may provide an answer. Men and women were recruited to a cohort study of workers in the welding and electrical trades (the Workers Health in Apprenticeship Trades-Metal working and Electrical [WHAT-ME study]). They completed a recruitment questionnaire and further questionnaires every 6 months for up to 5 years. At each follow-up, they gave details on employment and, if welding, answered trade-specific questionnaires. Urine samples were collected by mail. Welding exposure matrices were developed to estimate metal exposures from welding process, base metal, and consumables. Urinary metal concentrations, determined by ICP-MS, were compared by trade (welding or electrical). Within welding, the relation of urinary concentrations to estimated airborne exposure was examined, with adjustment for potential confounders including sex, use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and time spent outdoors. Natural logarithms were taken of exposure estimates and urinary concentrations, to reduce skew. All regression analyses included creatinine concentration. Urinary metal concentrations were analysed for 12 metals in 794 samples. Antimony, arsenic, lead, and mercury had a high proportion of samples with no metal detected and were not considered further. The urinary concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc were compared for welders (434 samples) and electrical workers (360). After adjustment for potential confounders, welders had higher urinary concentrations for aluminum (β = 0.13 95%CI 0.03-0.24) and chromium (β = 0.66 95%CI 0.55-0.77). Of 434 welder urines, 334 could be matched securely to detailed information about the most recent day welding. For these, an estimate of airborne exposure was made for aluminum, chromium, manganese, and nickel. Male welders were estimated to have higher airborne exposure to chromium and nickel than women welders. No difference was seen in the estimated exposures for aluminum or manganese (or total dust). Regression analyses of the relation of urinary metals to estimated exposure showed a good concordance for aluminum (β = 0.09 95%CI 0.04-0.15 (P < 0.001) and chromium (β = 0.11 95%CI 0.05-0.17 P < 0.001). The concordance for manganese and nickel was positive, but much weaker. Urinary concentrations of aluminum and nickel were somewhat lower with increasing time wearing RPE and, for chromium and nickel, with time working outdoors. Having adjusted for estimated exposure, creatinine and other confounders, male welders had lower urine concentrations of aluminum (β = -0.35 95%CI -0.51 to -0.19 P < 0.001) chromium (β = -0.38 95%CI -0.57 to -0.19 P < 0.001) and manganese (β = -0.36 95%CI -0.49 to -0.23 P < 0.001) than female welders. Welders had higher urinary concentrations of aluminum and chromium than electrical workers. Exposure estimates of aluminum and chromium for welders were a valid representation of the airborne exposures to these metals. Although male welders were estimated to have higher exposures of chrome and nickel than female welders, the higher urinary metal concentrations in women welders is of concern, particularly for women who may conceive while in the trade.

Smart mask – Wearable IoT solution for improved protection and personal health

The use of face masks is an important way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we envision the Smart Mask, an IoT supported platform and ecosystem aiming to prevent and control the spreading of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. The integration of sensing, materials, AI, wireless, IoT, and software will help the gathering of health data and health-related event detection in real time from the user as well as from their environment. In the larger scale, with the help of AI-based analysis for health data it is possible to predict and decrease medical costs with accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, where the comparison of personal data to large-scale public data enables drawing up a personal health trajectory, for example. Key research problems for smart respiratory protective equipment are identified in addition to future research directions. A Smart Mask prototype was developed with accompanying user application, backend and heath AI to study the concept.