Airborne Samples Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Grass Pollen Dynamics in Urban and Rural Ireland: Identifying Key Sources and Optimizing Prediction Models

The Poaceae family, one of the most diverse and widespread angiosperms, is prevalent in various natural and urban environments and is a major cause of allergies, affecting over 20% of the population in Europe, specifically in Ireland. With extensive grasslands, Ireland supports numerous grass species, though pollen release varies due to the family’s complexity. The Hirst spore-trap is commonly used to sample airborne pollen, but the area of influence is debated and may differ by pollen type. This study compares grass pollen seasons between rural Carlow and urban Dublin, aiming to create forecast models for airborne pollen and identify key grass areas influencing the main pollen season (MPS). Two Hirst samplers were analyzed, using data up to 2020, and two threshold models (based on Swedish and Danish studies) were tested to find the best fit for Ireland. Airmass footprints were calculated using Hysplit and combined with grassland data to pinpoint major pollen sources. The results showed that Carlow had higher pollen concentrations but shorter seasons than Dublin. The Swedish threshold method was the most accurate for Ireland, with the Wicklow Mountains identified as a significant pollen source. These findings improve the understanding of pollen dynamics and support better public health and allergy management.

Bioaerosol sampling and bioanalysis: Applicability of the next generation impactor for quantifying Legionella pneumophila in droplet aerosols by flow cytometry

Bioaerosol generation, sampling, and cultivation-independent quantification of pathogenic bacteria play a crucial role in studying dose-response effects of Legionella pneumophila. Here, the Next Generation Impactor (NGI), initially created for pharmaceutical inhaling studies, was assessed for its potential to sample airborne bioaerosols and to separate size-dependent wet droplets by incrementally increasing the airflow speed. This stainless-steel sampler was shown in this study to be suitable for sampling prior to cultivation-independent analysis of pathogen-containing bioaerosols using washable cups. The applicability was studied by quantifying the total and intact cell count of L. pneumophila by flow cytometry after being dispersed into a droplet aerosol. Our results demonstrate a high total sampling efficiency of 95.5% ± 11.8% despite a lower biological sampling efficiency of 59.7% ± 16.5% for dry aerosols. However, by elevating the relative humidity (RH) to 100% in a liquid aerosolization unit, the biological sampling efficiency increased to over 90% for L. pneumophila. More than 50% of the cells were found in stage 1 using the liquid aerosolization unit. In comparison, 80% of the cells were sampled in stages 4–6 at 30% RH. Specifically, while at 100% RH, the droplet size mattered, at 30% RH, the size distribution of dry particles, in this case L. pneumophila, was relevant due to evaporation processes, which explains the size differences. These findings indicate the potential of the NGI for further exploration and application in studying other aerosol-borne pathogens, especially concerning the size distribution of wet droplets, viability, or effect-based bioanalysis.

Development of a methodology for studying microbiological contamination of office indoor air by analyzing air handling unit filters - Application to a low-energy building

Bioaerosols can alter the air quality, affecting differently people depending on their health status. Methods to sample bioaerosols are limited in terms of sampling time and air volumes. This study evaluated a new methodology to sample airborne microorganisms in buildings, using the air handling unit (AHU) filters and filtration media sampling discs (FMSD). Filtration media with FMSD of different natures were tested at the laboratory, and characterized by their air permeability, particle collection efficiency and the airflow distribution on their surface. Filtration media with FMSD of the same nature had best properties with a sampling particle efficiency of the FMSD of 50 %. This sampling methodology was applied on a building AHU, and FMSD were collected each month during one year. Airborne microorganisms collected by the FMSD were analyzed by culture and nucleic acids based methods (qPCR and Next-Generation sequencing). FMSD methodology gave results for all of those identification methods. Most of the bacteria orders identified by 16 S sequencing were Rhodobacterales (Paracoccus), Pseudomonadales and Cyanobacteria. For fungi, the most represented orders were Agaricales, Polyporales and Hymenochaetales. This sampling methodology has also made it possible to detect small size airborne microorganisms like viruses including two Coronaviruses. This study has shown the potential of using AHU filters to sample the airborne microorganisms in buildings.

Evaluation of airborne asbestos concentrations associated with the maintenance of brakes on an industrial overhead crane

Objectives To evaluate potential airborne asbestos exposures during brake maintenance and repair activities on a P&H overhead crane, and during subsequent handling of the mechanic’s clothing. Methods Personal (n = 27) and area (n = 61) airborne fiber concentrations were measured during brake tests, removal, hand sanding, compressed air use, removal and reattachment of chrysotile-containing brake linings, and reinstallation of the brake linings. The mechanic’s clothing was used to measure potential exposure during clothes handling. Results All brake linings contained between 19.9% to 52.4% chrysotile asbestos. No amphibole fibers were detected in any bulk or airborne samples. The average full-shift airborne chrysotile concentration was 0.035 f/cc (PCM-equivalent asbestos-specific fibers, or PCME). Average task-based personal air samples collected during brake maintenance, sanding, compressed air use, and brake lining removal tasks ranged from 0 to 0.48 f/cc (PCME). The calculated 30-minute time-weighted average (TWA) airborne chrysotile concentration associated with 5-15 minutes of clothes handling was 0–0.035 f/cc PCME. Conclusion The results indicated that personal and area TWA fiber concentrations measured during all crane brake maintenance and clothes handling tasks were below the current OSHA 8-h TWA Permissible Exposure Limit for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc. Further, no airborne asbestos fibers were measured during routine brake maintenance tasks following the manufacturer’s maintenance manual procedures. All short-term airborne chrysotile concentrations measured during non-routine tasks were below the current 30-minute OSHA excursion limit for asbestos of 1 f/cc. This study adds to the available data regarding chrysotile exposure potential during maintenance on overhead cranes.

Mineralogical investigation of asbestos contamination of soil near old vermiculite processing plant in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

From 1954 to 1983, a vermiculite processing facility operated near the Honolulu airport and processed raw material from the Libby, Montana mine, which is now well known for the high asbestos content of its clay deposits. The factory was closed in 1983 due to health hazard concerns, and remediation was performed in 2001 as part of the Libby mine superfund project. However, because of close proximity of the closed-down facility to residential areas of metropolitan Honolulu, some concerns remain regarding the possible environmental persistence of the harmful contaminant. To assess the dispersion of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite and explore the impact of trade winds on its distribution, air samples, and soil samples were collected from multiple locations near the former vermiculite plant. Polarized light microscopy was employed to identify elongated minerals, including potential asbestos. Quantitative mineralogical analysis utilizing X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement revealed an average content of approximately 7% vermiculite and 4% tremolite at the site. The asbestiform nature of tremolite was confirmed through X-ray micro-diffraction. Detailed analysis of airborne samples using transmission electron microscopy revealed no detectable levels of asbestos fibers in the vicinity of the former processing facilities, but the possibility of asbestos fibers becoming airborne due to mechanical disturbance during dry weather cannot be ruled out.

Airborne and surface contamination after rotational intraperitoneal pressurized aerosol chemotherapy using cisplatin.

We evaluated the occupational exposure levels of healthcare workers while conducting rotational pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (RIPAC) using cisplatin in a large animal model. We performed RIPAC using cisplatin in 6 female pigs and collected surface and air samples during the procedure. Surface samples were obtained from RIPAC devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) by wiping, and air samples were collected around the operating table. All samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to detect platinum. Among all surface samples (n=44), platinum was detected in 41 samples (93.2%) but not in all air samples (n=16). Among samples collected from RIPAC devices (n=23), minimum and maximum cisplatin levels of 0.08 and 235.09 ng/cm² were detected, mainly because of direct aerosol exposure in the abdominal cavity. Among samples collected from healthcare workers' PPE (n=21), 18 samples (85.7%) showed contamination levels below the detection limit, with a maximum of 0.23 ng/cm². There was no significant contamination among samples collected from masks, shoes, or gloves. During the RIPAC procedures, there is a potential risk of dermal exposure, as platinum, a surrogate material for cisplatin, was detected at low concentration levels in some surface samples. However, the respiratory exposure risk was not identified, as platinum was not detected in the airborne samples in this study.

Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario

The rising trend of plastic production in last years and the inadequate disposal of related waste has raised concerns regarding microplastic-related environmental issues. Microplastic particles disperse by means of transport and deposition processes to different ecosystems and enter food chains. In this paper, atmospheric deposition and foliage samples of two species (i.e., Hedera helix and Photinia glabra) were collected and analysed for the quantity and identity of microplastics (MPs). A preliminary methodology to treat foliage samples and subsequently identify MPs using a quantum cascade laser IR spectrophotometer is presented. The treatment of airborne samples involved filtration, mild digestion, concentration, and transfer onto reflective slides whereas that for foliage involved washing, concentration, and transference of putative MPs onto reflective slides. Fibers and fragments were differentiated according to their physical features (size, width, height, etc.) and calculating derived characteristics (namely, circularity and solidity). The preliminary results obtained suggest a good agreement between atmospheric-deposited and foliage-retained MPs, showing the capability of leaves to act as passive samplers for environmental monitoring.

Characterization of the Pollen Trapped by Populus L. Seeds during the Dispersion Season

Our study aimed to quantify the pollen trapped by the seeds and relate it with the airborne pollen concentrations. Individual Populus spp. tuft-like seeds were sampled while suspended twice a day in 2017 and 2018 during the seed dispersal season. The seeds were submitted to laboratory treatment for pollen extraction, which was quantified using an optical microscope. Airborne pollen was monitored using a seven-day Hirst-type volumetric spore sampler. A correlation analysis was performed between the airborne pollen, the pollen on the seeds, and the meteorological parameters. A total of 26 pollen grains/mg was counted in the airborne tuft-like seeds, with 26 different taxa being identified, compared with the 18 pollen taxa identified in the airborne samples. Quercus, Poaceae, Urticaceae, Pinus, and Platanus were the most frequent pollen found on the seeds, while in the atmosphere, pollen from Urticaceae, Quercus, and Cupressaceae were the most representative. A tendency of higher pollen concentrations found in the afternoon samples, both airborne and on the seeds, was observed. Correlations between the meteorological parameters and pollen concentration found airborne and in the seeds were overall not significant. Thus, airborne poplar tuft-like seeds can trap and transport pollen, most of which has been recognized to induce respiratory allergies.

Fog caused distinct diversity of airborne bacterial communities enriched with pathogens over central Indo-Gangetic plain in India

Fog causes enhancement of bacterial loading in the atmosphere. Current study represents the impact of occurrences of fog on the alteration of diversity of airborne bacteria and their network computed from metagenomic data of airborne samples collected at Arthauli (25.95°N, 85.10°E) situated at central Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) during 1–14 January 2021. A distinct bacterial diversity with a complex network is identified in foggy condition due to the enrichment of unique types of bacteria. Present investigation highlights a statistically significant enrichment of airborne pathogenic bacteria found in a unique ecosystem within air evolved due to the occurrences of fog over central IGP. In the foggy network, Cutibacterium, an opportunistic pathogen, is identified to be interacting maximum (21 edges) with other bacteria with statistically significant copresence relation, which are responsible for various infections for human beings. A 40–60% increase (p < 0.01) in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria for respiratory and skin diseases is noticed in fog period. Among the fog-enriched bacteria, Cutibacterium, Herbaspirillum, Paenibacillus, and Tsukamurella are examples of opportunistic bacteria causing various respiratory diseases, while Paenibacillus can even cause skin cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Source apportionment of methane emissions from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin using isotopic signatures

Abstract. Anthropogenic emissions are the primary source of the increase in atmospheric methane (CH4) levels. However, estimates of anthropogenic CH4 emissions still show large uncertainties at global and regional scales. Differences in CH4 isotopic source signatures δ13C and δ2H can help to constrain different source contributions (e.g., fossil, waste, agriculture). The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) represents one of the largest European CH4 emission regions, with more than 500 Gg CH4 yr−1 released from more than 50 coal mine ventilation shafts, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants. During the CoMet (Carbon Dioxide and Methane Mission) campaign in June 2018 methane observations were conducted from a variety of platforms including aircraft and cars to quantify these emissions. Besides the continuous sampling of atmospheric methane concentration, numerous air samples were taken from inside and around the ventilation shafts (1–2 km distance) and aboard the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO) and DLR Cessna Caravan aircraft, and they were analyzed in the laboratory for the isotopic composition of CH4. The airborne samples downwind of the USCB contained methane from the entire region and thus enabled determining the mean signature of the USCB accurately. This mean isotopic signature of methane emissions was -50.9±0.7 ‰ for δ13C and -226±9 ‰ for δ2H. This is in the range of previous USCB studies based on samples taken within the mines for δ13C but more depleted in δ2H than reported before. Signatures of methane enhancements sampled upwind of the mines and in the free troposphere clearly showed the influence of biogenic sources. We determined the source signatures of individual coal mine ventilation shafts using ground-based samples. These signatures displayed a considerable range between different mines and also varied for individual shafts from day to day. Different layers of the USCB coal contain thermogenic methane, isotopically similar to natural gas, and methane formed through biogenic carbonate reduction. The signatures vary depending on what layer of coal is mined at the time of sampling. Mean shaft signatures range from −60 ‰ to −42 ‰ for δ13C and from −200 ‰ to −160 ‰ for δ2H. A gradient in the signatures of subregions of the USCB is reflected both in the aircraft data and in the ground samples, with emissions from the southwest being most depleted in δ2H and emissions from the south being most depleted in δ13C, which is probably associated with the structural and lithostratigraphic history of the USCB and generation and migration processes of methane in the coal. The average signature of -49.8±5.7 ‰ in δ13C and -184±32 ‰ in δ2H from the ventilation shafts clearly differs from the USCB regional signature in δ2H. This makes a source attribution using δ2H signatures possible, which would not be possible with only the δ13C isotopic signatures. We assume that the USCB plume mainly contains fossil coal mine methane and biogenic methane from waste treatment, because the USCB is a highly industrialized region with few other possible methane sources. Assuming a biogenic methane signature between and −320 ‰ and −280 ‰ for δ2H, the biogenic methane emissions from the USCB account for 15 %–50 % of total emissions. The uncertainty range shows the need of comprehensive and extensive sampling from all possible source sectors for source apportionment. The share of anthropogenic–biogenic emissions of 0.4 %–14 % from this densely populated industrial region is underestimated in commonly used emission inventories. Generally, this study demonstrates the importance of δ2H-CH4 observations for methane source apportionment in regions with a mix of thermogenic and biogenic sources and, especially in our case, where the δ13C signature of the coal mine gas has a large variability.

1422. Surveillance for fungi in hospital environments housing high-risk hosts using culture and culture-independent methods

Abstract Background Nosocomial outbreaks of fungal infections are increasingly reported. There are scant data on fungal burdens in hospital environments. Standardized surveillance methods are lacking. Methods We developed culture and culture-independent (real-time PCR, reference to standard curve) methods for measuring airborne fungal burdens using SAS Super 100 and SASS 3100 Dry Air samplers. We performed serial surveillance in 7 units with high-risk, immunosuppressed patients in 2 hospitals and outside. Results Methods were optimized for multiple variables, including volume, duration, flow of air sampling; culturing techniques (direct impact plates, cultures at different stages of filter processing); filter DNA recovery (extraction protocols, stage of filter processing); PCR (targets, primers, PCR parameters). To date, we have surveyed each unit ≥4 times. Pathogenic moulds were cultured in &amp;gt;50% of outdoor and indoor air, including azole-resistant Aspergillus species [Figures 1A-B]. Fungal burdens were significantly greater outside than inside hospitals, by both positive culture % and DNA burden [Figure 2]. There was no correlation between outside and inside genome equivalents (GEs; R2&amp;lt; 0.06), nor were there significant differences in GEs within a given unit (nurses stations, patient rooms; all p &amp;gt;0.1). GEs were greater in culture-positive than culture-negative samples (Aspergillus, 2.4 vs. 1.5 log10; pan-fungal, 2.8 vs. 1.5 log10GE; p&amp;lt; 0.0001; best results with sonicated filters). Direct impact cultures were less sensitive than filter cultures. Conclusion We developed standardized methods for sampling airborne fungi in hospitals that yield reproducible results. Fungal burdens were significantly lower in hospitals than those immediately outside, but fungal DNA and viable Aspergillus and other moulds were commonly recovered from units housing high-risk patients. Outside fungal burdens could not be used to estimate relative burdens within hospitals. Direct impact cultures, commonly used in surveillance, lacked sensitivity for detecting viable fungi and did not correlate with DNA burdens. We are optimizing direct metagenomic sequencing from airborne samples. We will assess correlations between environmental surveillance data and nosocomial fungal infections. Disclosures Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, OpGen: Honoraria Graham M. Snyder, MD, SM, Infectious Diseases Connect: Advisor/Consultant

Cell toxicity assessment in co-treatment to metalworking fluids and vibration: an in vitro study of occupational exposure setting

ABSTRACT This study was designed to study dual risk of MWFs and vibration according to exposure simulation of selected industry. Air samples of two types MWFs were evaluated according to NIOSH 5026. Vibration acceleration exposure was assessed based on the ISO 8041:2005 standard. Cell treatment of both MWF air samples and vibration as the same as dual exposure to MWF airborne and vibration was assessed. There is a potency of nitrosamine formation in airborne samples of ethylamine containing MWF, while heterocyclic including bore is found in airborne bore containing MWF. DNA breaks caused by boron-containing MWF were higher than nitrosamine air samples. Oxidative stress production and chronic inflammation were highlighted in the response to cell treatments. The risk of cell toxicity in machining workers was evaluated at a level lower than the occupational exposure limit for MWFs and vibration.

Development of an Online Instrument for Continuous Gaseous PAH Quantification: Laboratory Evaluation and Comparison with The Offline Reference UHPLC-Fluorescence Method

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants formed during incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic material. The reliable quantification of PAH in airborne samples is still difficult, costly, and time-consuming due to the use of offline techniques, including long sampling on filters/adsorbents, laboratory extraction, purification, and concentration steps before analysis. To tackle these drawbacks, this work focused on the development of a fully automatic gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) and a sample preconcentration unit (PC) for gas sampling. This instrument was validated under laboratory-controlled conditions in the range 0–10 ng for 18 PAH. The chromatographic separation was rather satisfactory except for two PAH pairs, which were quantified together. For all compounds, the peak areas increased perfectly with the gaseous PAH concentration (R2 &gt; 0.98), without any significant memory effect between two consecutive analyses. Considering a gaseous sample volume of 1 L, the extrapolated limits of detections (LOD) were in the range 19.9–62.6 ng/m3, depending on the PAH. Its analytical performances were then compared to those of the offline reference UHPLC-fluorescence method, widely used for airborne PAH monitoring. This was also compared with the very few portable or continuously operating instruments.

The air and dust invisible mycobiome of urban domestic environments

Air and dust harbor a dynamic fungal biome that interacts with residential environment inhabitants usually with negative implications for human health. Fungal air and dust synthesis were investigated in houses across the Athens Metropolitan area. Active and passive culture dependent methods were employed to sample airborne and dustborne fungi for two sampling periods, one in winter and the other in summer. A core mycobiome was revealed both in air and dust constituted of the dominant Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and yeasts and accompanied by several common and rare components. Penicillium and Aspergillus diversity included 22 cosmopolitan species, except the rarely found Penicillium citreonigrum, P. corylophilum, P. pagulum and Talaromyces albobiverticillius which are reported for the first time from Greece. Fungal concentrations were significantly higher during summer for both air and dust. Excessive levels of inhalable aerosol constituted mainly by certain Penicillium species were associated with indoor emission sources as these species are household molds related to food commodities rot. The ambient air fungal profile is a determinant factor of indoor fungal aerosol which subsequently shapes dustborne mycobiota. Indoor fungi can be useful bioindicators for indoor environment quality and at the same time provide insight to indoor fungal ecology.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission with and without mask wearing or air cleaners in schools in Switzerland: A modeling study of epidemiological, environmental, and molecular data.

Growing evidence suggests an important contribution of airborne transmission to the overall spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in particular via smaller particles called aerosols. However, the contribution of school children to SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess transmission of airborne respiratory infections and the association with infection control measures in schools using a multiple-measurement approach. We collected epidemiological (cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)), environmental (CO2, aerosol and particle concentrations), and molecular data (bioaerosol and saliva samples) over 7 weeks from January to March 2022 (Omicron wave) in 2 secondary schools (n = 90, average 18 students/classroom) in Switzerland. We analyzed changes in environmental and molecular characteristics between different study conditions (no intervention, mask wearing, air cleaners). Analyses of environmental changes were adjusted for different ventilation, the number of students in class, school and weekday effects. We modeled disease transmission using a semi-mechanistic Bayesian hierarchical model, adjusting for absent students and community transmission. Molecular analysis of saliva (21/262 positive) and airborne samples (10/130) detected SARS-CoV-2 throughout the study (weekly average viral concentration 0.6 copies/L) and occasionally other respiratory viruses. Overall daily average CO2 levels were 1,064 ± 232 ppm (± standard deviation). Daily average aerosol number concentrations without interventions were 177 ± 109 1/cm3 and decreased by 69% (95% CrI 42% to 86%) with mask mandates and 39% (95% CrI 4% to 69%) with air cleaners. Compared to no intervention, the transmission risk was lower with mask mandates (adjusted odds ratio 0.19, 95% CrI 0.09 to 0.38) and comparable with air cleaners (1.00, 95% CrI 0.15 to 6.51). Study limitations include possible confounding by period as the number of susceptible students declined over time. Furthermore, airborne detection of pathogens document exposure but not necessarily transmission. Molecular detection of airborne and human SARS-CoV-2 indicated sustained transmission in schools. Mask mandates were associated with greater reductions in aerosol concentrations than air cleaners and with lower transmission. Our multiple-measurement approach could be used to continuously monitor transmission risk of respiratory infections and the effectiveness of infection control measures in schools and other congregate settings.

Using qPCR and microscopy to assess the impact of harvesting and weather conditions on the relationship between Alternaria alternata and Alternaria spp. spores in rural and urban atmospheres

Alternaria is a plant pathogen and human allergen. Alternaria alternata is one of the most abundant fungal spores in the air. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Alternaria spp. spore concentrations can be used to predict the abundance and spatio-temporal pattern of A. alternata spores in the air. This was investigated by testing the hypothesis that A. alternata dominates airborne Alternaria spp. spores and varies spatio-temporally. Secondarily, we aimed at investigating the relationship between airborne Alternaria spp. spores and the DNA profile of A. alternata spores between two proximate (~ 7 km apart) sites. These were examined by sampling Alternaria spp. spores using Burkard 7-day and cyclone samplers for the period 2016–2018 at Worcester and Lakeside campuses of the University of Worcester, UK. Daily Alternaria spp. spores from the Burkard traps were identified using optical microscopy whilst A. alternata from the cyclone samples was detected and quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that either A. alternata or other Alternaria species spores dominate the airborne Alternaria spore concentrations, generally depending on weather conditions. Furthermore, although Alternaria spp. spore concentrations were similar for the two proximate sites, A. alternata spore concentrations significantly varied for those sites and it is highly likely that the airborne samples contained large amounts of small fragments of A. alternata. Overall, the study shows that there is a higher abundance of airborne Alternaria allergen than reported by aerobiological networks and the majority is likely to be from spore and hyphal fragments.

88 Occupational Exposure to Metals Among Battery Recyclers in France: Biomonitoring and External Dose Measurements

Abstract In battery-recycling facilities, exposure to trace elements may occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or vapor emanating from the treatment processes. Thus, biomonitoring coupled with air measurements, appeared to be a relevant approach to assess exposure of battery recyclers. While lead exposure has been quite well covered in the literature, in contrast, data on exposure to other elements contained in batteries are lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize the exposure of French battery recyclers to multiple elements using biomonitoring and airborne measurements. Eighty-six workers participated in the study. Pre-shift and post-shift urine samples and personal airborne samples were collected during the working week. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze 7 trace elements in both type of sample: Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb. Results showed battery recyclers to be mostly exposed to Cd, Co, Li, Mn and Ni. Urinary sample analysis indicated exposure to Cd and Co, with levels measured at up to 27.6 and 3.34 µg/g of creatinine, respectively. Cd, Co, Li, Mn, and Ni were detected at high levels in air samples, especially near the treatment facilities, with airborne cadmium levels of up to 79.4 µg/m3. Administrative and sorting workers were exposed at lower levels than maintenance, treatment, and dismantling workers. The data presented provide valuable information on exposure to trace elements for battery recyclers. They also highlight the need to improve both collective and individual protective measures, which were not sufficient in the participating companies.

73 Performance of Analytical Laboratories Undertaking Silica on Filter Analysis: What Proficiency Testing Data Tells Us

Abstract Silicosis, one of the oldest recorded occupational diseases, is a form of lung disease caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) within occupational settings such as quarrying, foundries, potteries and stone masonry. Hence worker exposure studies, involving sampling airborne dust onto a filter for subsequent silica analysis in the laboratory, are often conducted. Laboratories use either X-ray diffraction (XRD) or Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for measurements and follow validated procedures set out in either national regulatory methods or in international consensus standards. But how well do these published methods work in routine occupational hygiene laboratories? The AIR proficiency testing (PT) programme, a partnership between HSE and LGC Standards, offers test items where participants receive samples prepared through the aerosolisation of defined masses of quartz onto air filters. Are there differences between laboratories using direct on filter assays and those that use methods which require a sample preparatory step? Are instrumental measurements by XRD and FTIR comparable? In this presentation, we will attempt to answer these questions using returned PT data.

Deep learning for asbestos counting

The PCM (phase contrast microscopy) method for asbestos counting needs special sample treatments, hence it is time consuming and rather expensive. As an alternative, we implemented a deep learning procedure on images directly acquired from the untreated airborne samples using standard Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) filters. Several samples with a mix of chrysotile and crocidolite with different concentration loads have been prepared. Using a 20x objective lens coupled with a backlight illumination system a number of 140 images were collected from these samples, which along with additional 13 highly fibre loaded artificial images constituted the database. About 7500 fibres were manually recognised and annotated following the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fibre counting Method 7400 as input for the training and validation of the model. The best trained model provides a total precision of 0.84 with F1-Score of 0.77 at a confidence of 0.64. A further post-detection refinement to ignore detected fibres < 5 µm in length improves the final precision. This method can be considered as a reliable and competent alternative to conventional PCM.

Occupational Exposure during Intraperitoneal Pressurized Aerosol Chemotherapy Using Doxorubicin in a Pig Model

BackgroundThis study evaluated occupational exposure levels of doxorubicin in healthcare workers performing rotational intraperitoneal pressurized aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedures. MethodsAll samples were collected during PIPAC procedures applying doxorubicin to an experimental animal model (pigs). All procedures were applied to seven pigs, each for approximately 44 min. Surface samples (n = 51) were obtained from substances contaminating the PIPAC devices, surrounding objects, and protective equipment. Airborne samples were also collected around the operating table (n = 39). All samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ResultsAmong the surface samples, doxorubicin was detected in only five samples (9.8%) that were directly exposed to antineoplastic drug aerosols in the abdominal cavity originating from PIPAC devices. The telescopes showed concentrations of 0.48–5.44 ng/cm2 and the trocar showed 0.98 ng/cm2 in the region where the spraying nozzles were inserted. The syringe line connector showed a maximum concentration of 181.07 ng/cm2, following a leakage. Contamination was not detected on the surgeons' gloves or shoes. Objects surrounding the operating table, including tables, operating lights, entrance doors, and trocar holders, were found to be uncontaminated. All air samples collected at locations where healthcare workers performed procedures were found to be uncontaminated. ConclusionsMost air and surface samples were uncontaminated or showed very low doxorubicin concentrations during PIPAC procedures. However, there remains a potential for leakage, in which case dermal exposure may occur. Safety protocols related to leakage accidents, selection of appropriate protective equipment, and the use of disposable devices are necessary to prevent occupational exposure.