Total Dust Levels Research Articles

Gambaran Kadar Debu Total Dan Gangguan Fungsi Paru Pada Tenaga Kerja Di Unit Pengantongan Semen PT. Semen Tonasa Gudang Arang Kota Ambon

Dust is solid particles caused by natural or mechanical forces such as processing, crushing, softening, rapid packing, blasting, etc. from organic or inorganic materials.Many solid particles are produced by various industries, one of which is the cement industry which has an impact on air pollution by dust. The aim of this research is to determine the description of total dust levels and lung function disorders in workers in the cement Packagingunit at PT.CementTonasa Gudang Arang, Ambon City. This type of research is analytical observation,using a cross sectional study design method that is each object is only observed once and measurements are carried out simultaneously. The research results were obtained from measuring dust levels at three points, namely the packing room.21.7, loading space 20.5 and loading and unloading space 17.4, which is already exceeding the threshold value. And the results of lung function examinations on workers showed that 10 workers had disorders in the mild restrictive category, 6 workers had mild obstructive disorders, and 2 combined and 14 workers had no disorders in the normal category. The results of this study showed that dust levels had exceededthreshold value, it is known that the highest dust content is in the packing room at 21.7 mg/Nm3 and the lowest is in the loading and unloading room at 17.4 mg/Nm3. The lung function capacity of the workforce shows that 10 workers have lung function disorders in the restrictive category, 6 workers have obstructive, 2 combined and 14 workers have no disorders (normal).

90 Bioaerosol Exposure in Automated and Traditional Waste Sorting Plants

Abstract The waste management sector takes a central part in the transition towards circular economy and is subject to technological progress and the implementation of new work operations. Traditional waste collection and processing systems are characterized by numerous tasks that favour waste workers’ exposure to bioaerosols, whereas exposure in modern automated waste sorting plants remains elusive. Moreover, there is still a lack of health-risk based exposure limits for most components contained in bioaerosols. We investigated occupational exposure to bioaerosols in traditional and automated waste sorting plants. The results revealed significant differences in various exposure levels, such as total dust (GM automated: 0.34 mg/m3, GM manual: 0.66 mg/m3), endotoxins (GM automated: 51 EU/m3, GM manual: 32 EU/m3) and microorganisms between and within type of plant. An assessment of the composition of air-borne fungal particles (FESEM based immunodetection method) showed significantly increased levels of fungal spores at automated waste sorting plants (GM automated: 1.2 × 105 spores/m3, GM manual: 2.1 × 104 spores/m3). Elevated total dust levels and concentrations of submicronic fungal fragments were significantly correlated to the occurrence of symptoms of the extrathoracic region, such as congested nose, in exposed workers. The results of this study showed high variation in exposure levels between and within type of waste sorting plant, as well as seasonal variation for some parameters, such as total dust and endotoxins. This indicates that Norwegian waste workers are potentially exposed to high levels of dust and microorganisms that may cause adverse health effects in receptible individuals.

Respiratory symptoms and dust exposure among cement processing factory workers,Tanzania

Background: Cement manufacturing is among the growing industry in Tanzania. It involves processes from blending, kiln burning, clinker, grinding and cement final production. All of these cement manufacturing processes generates cement dust which contain silica and other toxic materials which can potentially affect respiratory system of exposed workers. Methods: This cross sectional comparative study design was conducted at cement processing factory and Ndanda mineral water processing factory as control, all of these factories are located in Mtwara region in Tanzania. A total of 398 workers were selected randomly from these two factories. Data were collected using structured questionnaires for respiratory health symptoms, Checklists was used for the observational parameters. Dust sampling was done using Side Kick Casella (SKC) pumps and PVC filter on IOM cassettes was used to determine dust exposures. The analysis was done by SPSS program vers 20. The significant association between the dependent variable and the factors was registered when Pvalue was less the 0.05. Results: Packing and cleaner were the sections with higher total cement dust concentrations above Occupational Exposure Limit which were 33.24 and 15.39 mg/m3 respectively. Workers in cement processing factory were exposed to higher levels of total dust with AM 14.1033 mg/m3 (SD 4.357) than in mineral water processing factory AM 0.0867 mg/m3 (SD 0.035). The Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among workers in cement processing factory (45.7%) than in mineral water processing factory (25%), this was statistically significant. Conclusion: Exposure to cement dust in a working environment causes the increase in work related respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. A control measure to decrease the dust exposure level among cement workers in line with periodic medical examination is highly needed.

Exposure Assessment at a Pullet Barn - A Case Study

ABSTRACT Poultry production is an integral part of agriculture and of the U.S. economy, accounting for millions of eggs and chicken products consumed annually. Most ubiquitous to the poultry industry from farm production to research are broiler and layer poultry operations, with pullet operations at the forefront. Although essential to the cycles of production, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the occupational exposure risks of pullet production. The aim of this case study was to measure total dust and ammonia levels during the growth cycle of pullets. Ammonia and total dust concentrations were measured as single day measurements at three different points of time during the 16.5-week growth cycle of pullet flocks using two fixed sampling stations configured to represent the breathing zone height of poultry workers. As birds grew from chicks to hens, concentrations of total dust and ammonia increased. Notably, from 3 weeks-of-age to 9 weeks-of-age concentrations of total dust increased from 1.1–1.2 mg/m3 to 16.0–18.0 mg/m3; and from 9 weeks-of-age to 15 weeks-of-age, dust concentrations reached 43.0–50.0 mg/m3. Concentrations of ammonia also increased from 9 weeks to 15 weeks from 1.1–2.7 ppm to 22.0–30.0 ppm. Both levels of ammonia and total dust reached levels that have the potential to induce adverse health effects among farmers raising pullets.

Respiratory symptoms, lung function and dust exposure among workers in grain milling industries in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Background: Workers in grain milling industries are exposed to grain dust released during milling processes. Exposure to grain dust is associated to various respiratory symptoms such as phlegm, breathlessness, and cough and wheezing and it also leads reduced lung function. This study aimed at determining grain dust exposure levels and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and Lung function among grain mill workers Dar es Salaam. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was used to collect information on Respiratory symptoms among 264 grain mill workers and 100 controls by using a Questionnaire. Lung function tests were carried out on 180 grain mill workers and 68 controls by using an easy one spirometer while Personal dust exposure was measured on 30 grain mill workers and 5 controls by using PVC filters of 8µm pore size on two piece filter cassette mounted on Sidekick Casella (SKC) pump. P value of less than 0.05 was used as criteria for significant association. Ethical clearance was approved by the ethical clearance board of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences research and publication Committee. Results: Grain workers were exposed to higher levels of total dust with GM 12.15mg/m3 (GSD 1.53) than the control GM mg/m3 (GSD). Most of the workers in grain milling industries 66.7% were exposed to dust concentrations above the OEL (10mg/m3). The Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among grain mill workers, (51.1%, 41.3%, 33.7%, 17%and 9.8% for cough, phlegm, breathlessness, tightness and wheezing respectively than in controls (28%, 19%, 21%, 8% and 5% for cough, phlegm, breathlessness, tightness and wheezing respectively. 26% and 21% of Grain workers were exposed to higher levels of total dust with GM 12.15 mg/m3(GSD 1.53) than control GM 0.17 mg/m3 (GSD 0.35). Conclusion: Exposure to grain dust in a working environment causes the increase in work related respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. This study recommends the use of control measures to decrease dust exposure level among mill workers, also periodic medical examination should be conducted to assess workers health. A cohort study nationwide might give yield a more generalized outcome.

Assessment of dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in medium scale woodwork factories in Ethiopia; a cross sectional study

BackgroundWood dust in a form of inhalable particulates can penetrate the lung tissues and affect respiratory health. Woodwork factory workers are at a greater risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, associated factors, and concentration of personal total wood dust level among medium-scale woodwork factory workers.MethodsAn institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 woodwork factory workers. We selected study participants using a simple random sampling technique. We assessed chronic respiratory symptoms using the British Medical Research Council respiratory symptoms questionnaire with a few modifications. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors. Forty dust measurements were collected from 20 randomly selected workers using a closed-face cassette (CFC) personal sampler. We analyzed the dust samples gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale.ResultsWe recruited a random sample of 506 workers in the study with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among woodworkers was 69.8% with a prevalence of cough (54.6%), phlegm (52.2%), wheezing (44.6%), breathlessness (42.1%), and chest pain (42.9%). Past occupational dust exposure history (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI; 1.09–4.01), work experience > 5 years (AOR = 9.18, 95% CI; 5.27–16.00), using bio-fuel as energy for cooking (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI; 1.44–4.07), and having no occupational safety and health training (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI; 1.20–9.49) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among woodwork workers. The geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level among woodworkers was 10.27 mg/m3, which exceeded the limit of 10 mg/m3 set by the ACGIH.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was reported from woodwork factory workers. Increased work- experience, using bio-fuel as an energy source for cooking, past occupational dust exposure history, and having no occupational safety and health training were identified risk factors. The measured average personal wood dust exposure level was above the recommended occupational threshold limit value. Therefore, workers’ wood dust exposure reduction and control methods and respiratory health awareness programs should be implemented.

Risk assessment of farmers handling pelleted seeds containing crystalline silica and attapulgite.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the risk to farmers from handling pelleted seeds that include crystalline silica and attapulgite.MethodsWe measured personal exposure levels to respirable crystalline silica and attapulgite in the experimenter representing a farmer in a simulated workplace. From these values, the annual occupational exposure levels were estimated and compared with the established occupational exposure limits. To assess the toxicity of respirable crystalline silica and attapulgite, digital chest images of workers in a factory producing pelleted seeds were examined.ResultsThe personal exposure measurement results showed that the concentrations of total dust, respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica generated during work handling of pelleted seeds were 0.27, 0.06, and 0.00043 mg/m3, respectively. The estimated annual occupational exposure level to total dust, respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica in farmers was 103 to 104 times lower than established occupational exposure limits. Attapulgite was not detected by analysis of the pelleted seeds themselves or dust collected during the personal exposure measurements. No pulmonary parenchymal or pleural lesions were detected in the digital chest images of the factory workers.ConclusionWe found that farmers handling pelleted seeds would not be exposed to levels of total dust, respirable dust, respirable crystalline silica, and attapulgite derived from pelleted seeds exceeding occupational exposure limits. These results suggest that the risk to farmers of handling pelleted seeds is negligible.

Air Quality Characteristics in Junior High School Classroom with Natural Ventilation in Pangkep Regency

The indoor air quality room has turned out to be a major concern due to its adverse effects on human health. This is related to the level of activity of human spend almost 90 percent of their time indoors. This study aims to identify the characteristics of air quality in classrooms with natural ventilation systems in three different schools which vary in topography and the surrounding environment, namely coastal areas, lowlands, and mountains. Air quality measurement focuses on CO, CO2 concentration, total dust content, temperature, humidity, and airflow velocity. The statistical results showed significantly different (p <0.05) in air quality parameters among those three schools. The CO and CO2 concentrations in the three schools are below the recommendations required by DOSH and ASHRAE. This clarifies that a well-used of a natural ventilation system is able to maintain the air quality in the classroom. The measurement of total dust levels was above the threshold required by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No.1405/MENKES/SK/XI/2002. In addition, there was a significant relationship (p <0.05) between air pollutants and meteorological factors such as temperature and air humidity in the classroom. The study found that there was an influence of human activity level and the surrounding environment on the amount of pollutants concentration in the classroom.

Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Silica Dust in Mining Workers in Eastern Iran

Background and Objective: Silica dust is present in almost all mining operations and can cause various health problems such as silicosis in workers. The present study aimed to determine the total and respirable dust levels and the crystalline silica content of the soil in the breathing zone of workers in Iranian mines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016-2017 on six Iranian silica mines. Dust sampling was performed according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method No. 0600. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers at 114 stations in different units of the mines. The silica content was measured using the standard NIOSH method No. 7601. The crystalline silica content in bulk samples collected from the soil was determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy method. Results: The highest concentration of crystalline silica dust was 2.81±0.49 mg/m3 and was observed in the air of crushing unit of mine no. 6, and the lowest was 0.08±0.208 mg/m3 and was measured in the management/administration unit of mine no.1. The mean silica content in the solid surface of the mines was 91%. The total and respirable dust levels in all units of the mines except management/administration were higher than the permissible limit. The free silica content of all collected samples was substantially higher than the permissible limits, and in some cases, it was as much as 100 times above the standard level, which reflects the extremely high risk of working in these mines. Conclusion: Exposure of workers with crystalline silica dust in all units was higher than the standard recommended limits. It is imperative to adopt immediate measures based on technical, managerial, and personal protection solutions to reduce the exposure of workers to silica.

Reducing Lead and Silica Dust Exposures in Small-Scale Mining in Northern Nigeria.

An ongoing health crisis across a large area of Northern Nigeria has resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of cases of lead poisoning from artisanal small-scale gold mining. Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have formed a partnership to conduct a pilot project to introduce safer mining practices in selected communities. The primary objective was to reduce lead exposures among artisanal small-scale miners and minimize take home exposures by reducing dust contamination on clothing and body surfaces. Personal air samples were collected from miners and ore processors before and after the introduction of wet spray misting in mine processing activities to crush and grind gold ore. We measured reductions in total airborne lead and respirable silica dust levels. A total of 44 air samples were collected for airborne lead using NIOSH method 7082 and 29 air samples for respirable silica dust with NIOSH method 7500. Low-cost interventions to convert dry ore processing to wet methods with spray misting were effective at reducing arithmetic mean airborne lead levels by 95%. Mean airborne respirable silica (quartz) was reduced by 80% following the introduction of wet spray misting. Differences in geometric means between wet and dry ore processing methods were statistically significant for both airborne lead and respirable silica. This pilot project has been successful in working cooperatively with miners to provide them with the necessary information and tools to reduce exposures in mining and processing, and minimize off-site contamination. As silica dust is a significant risk factor for silicosis and tuberculosis (TB), this intervention could provide public health benefits to small-scale mining communities even in areas without significant lead concentrations in the ore. Significant reductions in respirable silica and lead exposures are feasible in low-resource, small-scale mining communities.

Biomarkers for Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis and Lung Ventilation Function in Chinese Occupational Refractory Ceramic Fibers-Exposed Workers.

Refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs) can cause adverse health effects on workers’ respiratory system, yet no proper biomarkers have been used to detect early pulmonary injury of RCFs-exposed workers. This study assessed the levels of two biomarkers that are related to respiratory injury in RCFs-exposed workers, and explored their relations with lung function. The exposure levels of total dust and respirable fibers were measured simultaneously in RCFs factories. The levels of TGF-β1 and ceruloplasmin (CP) increased with the RCFs exposure level (p < 0.05), and significantly increased in workers with high exposure level (1.21 ± 0.49 ng/mL, 115.25 ± 32.44 U/L) when compared with the control group (0.99 ± 0.29 ng/mL, 97.90 ± 35.01 U/L) (p < 0.05). The levels of FVC and FEV1 were significantly decreased in RCFs exposure group (p < 0.05). Negative relations were found between the concentrations of CP and FVC (B = −0.423, p = 0.025), or FEV1 (B = −0.494, p = 0.014). The concentration of TGF-β1 (B = 0.103, p = 0.001) and CP (B = 8.027, p = 0.007) were associated with respirable fiber exposure level. Occupational exposure to RCFs can impair lung ventilation function and may have the potential to cause pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. TGF-β1 and CP might be used as sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers to detect lung injury in occupational RCFs-exposed workers. Respirable fiber concentration can better reflect occupational RCFs exposure and related respiratory injuries.

Altered immune responses in broiler chicken husbandry workers and their association with endotoxin exposure.

Exposure to bioaerosols in indoor animal farms associates with respiratory illnesses, but little is known about the immune modulation to chicken farmers. This study aimed to compare the general immunity of chicken farmers with those of control subjects with non-agricultural jobs. Blood taken from the farmers and controls was subjected to plasma IgE and IgG subclass measurements. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated and cytokine production was measured. Indoor total and respirable dust levels and their endotoxin (LPS) and aflatoxin (AF) levels in the farms were measured. In total, 29 chicken farmers on 19 farms and 14 age- and sex-matched office workers participated. Hematological differences were not observed. The farmers tended to have higher serum IgE and IgG subclass levels with significance for IgG1. The cytokines released by PBMC from farmers indicated skewing toward Type-2 helper T-cell responses: interferon (IFN)-γ:interleukin (IL)-4 and IFNγ:IL-13 ratios were significantly lower than for control PBMC. The farms had 707.1 EU/m3 LPS in total dust, and 15.8 EU/m3 LPS in respirable dust. Farmers exhibited immune skewing towards allergic immune responses that correlated with the LPS levels on their farms. Chicken farmers may be at risk of respiratory allergies due to occupational endotoxin exposure.

Prevalence of lung function impairment among Greek cement production workers: a cross-sectional study.

Greece is a significant cement producing country. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of lung function impairment among Greek cement workers. One hundred thirty- seven cement production workers participated in this study. In addition, 110 employees not exposed to cement dust comprised the control group. The concentration of cement total dust at workplace varied from 1.1 to 11.6 mg/m3. In only one of the measurements, the Threshold Limit Level of 10 mg/m3 has been exceeded. Cement production workers presented a higher prevalence of FEV1<80% in comparison to controls (13.9% vs. 2.7%; Chi-Square Test; p=0.002). Multivariate analysis has shown that cement production workers have recorded an almost 5 fold risk of low lung function, as expressed by FEV1<80%, in comparison to the reference population OR=4.92; 95% C.I.=1.22–12.62). Current smoking was associated with an almost 4- fold increased risk of FEV1<80% (OR=3.91;95% C.I.=1.32–11.56). In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of impaired lung function among Greek cement production workers, despite the fact that total and inhalable dust levels were below the occupational exposure limits.

Elemental properties of coal slag and measured airborne exposures at two coal slag processing facilities

ABSTRACTIn 1974, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended a ban on the use of silica sand abrasives containing >1% silica due to the risk of silicosis. This gave rise to substitutes including coal slag. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation in 2010 uncovered a case cluster of suspected pneumoconiosis in four former workers at a coal slag processing facility in Illinois, possibly attributable to occupational exposure to coal slag dust. This article presents the results from a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health industrial hygiene survey at the same coal slag processing facility and a second facility. The industrial hygiene survey consisted of the collection of: (a) bulk samples of unprocessed coal slag, finished granule product, and settled dust for metals and silica; (b) full-shift area air samples for dust, metals, and crystalline silica; and (c) full-shift personal air samples for dust, metals, and crystalline silica.Bulk samples consisted mainly of iron, manganese, titanium, and vanadium. Some samples had detectable levels of arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, and cobalt. Unprocessed coal slags from Illinois and Kentucky contained 0.43–0.48% (4,300–4,800 mg/kg) silica. Full-shift area air samples identified elevated total dust levels in the screen (2–38 mg/m3) and bag house (21 mg/m3) areas. Full-shift area air samples identified beryllium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, manganese, and vanadium. Overall, personal air samples for total and respirable dust (0.1–6.6 mg/m3 total; and 0.1–0.4 mg/m3 respirable) were lower than area air samples. All full-shift personal air samples for metals and silica were below published occupational exposure limits. All bulk samples of finished product granules contained less than 1% silica, supporting the claim coal slag may present less risk for silicosis than silica sand. We note that the results presented here are solely from two coal slag processing facilities, and more in-depth air monitoring is needed to better characterize occupational exposure to coal slag dust, metals, and silica at similar facilities.

Air Quality in Norwegian Horse Stables at Low Outdoor Temperatures

Many horse stables have mechanical-fan ventilation systems but still try to regulate ventilation manually by closing doors and windows on a cold winter night. The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in air quality in Norwegian horse stables with different ventilation systems on days with low outdoor air temperatures. A total of 19 insulated, mechanically ventilated stables with horses kept inside during the night were included in the study. Almost all fans were operated during the night (n = 18), but inlets for fresh air were highly variable in design and management leading to potential for ineffectiveness of ventilation functions. In four of the stables, there were no specific air inlet systems, and in five stables, the exit door was used as the only air inlet. The air exchange rate was sufficient in all the stables with an automated temperature thermostat for ventilation control. Mean level of carbon dioxide (CO2) was 1,800 ppm and in one stable CO2 exceeded 3,000 ppm. Mean inside ammonia (NH3) was 1.3 ppm, and only in one stable the level of NH3 exceeded 5 ppm. The total dust concentration was 0.69 ± 0.19 mg/m3, and in two stables, the dust concentration exceeded 1.0 mg/m3. Total and respirable dust levels were higher in stables with ventilation rate below recommended level. Half of the stables visited had a lower calculated air exchanges rate than recommended, and the majority of the stables regulated the ventilation manually by closing doors and inlets during night. This indicates a general lack of knowledge among the stable managers of climatic demand in horses and how to operate mechanical ventilation. Still, the majority of the stables maintained acceptable air quality, with NH3 and dust levels within recommended levels, although most stables had elevated humidity.

Analisis Kualitas Udara di Kamar Gelap yang Menggunakan Pengolahan Film Secara Manual dan Otomatis

Backgroun: Dark room is the room where the film is being processed as the final stage of the radiographic process, beside its function as a place of handling film and film storage. According to the MSDS, chemical liquid used in film processing can affect human health. It’s spill can cause irritation and burns on skin and eyes, irritation and injury to the digestive tract, while its mist or dried residue can cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Good dark room air circulation is required.Methods: The study was observational study with measurement data retrieval techniques in the darkroom of four hospitals. The collected data then compared to the air quality requirement according Kepmenkes RI No.1204/Menkes/SK/X/2004 and No.1405/Menkes/SK/XI/2002.Result: The results showed that the physical air quality including temperature and humidity in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th darkroom was higher than the standards. The average air flow in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd darkroom were up to standards, but there was no airflow in the 4th darkroom. Results of ambient air quality measurements in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th including CO, NO2, SO2 and T.VOC did not meet the standards, while the presence of H2S and NH3 were not detected.Conclusion: Total dust levels in the 1st, 3rd and 4th darkroom did not exceed the maximum concentration in indoor air ( 0.15 mg/m3), while the 2nd darkroom exceed the standard ( 0, 15 mg/m3). Using of air-conditioning and a dehumidifier with periodic maintenance is needed to resolve the discrepancy physical air quality, beside periodic cleaning and indoor air excahnge maintenance to resolve high levels of dust and gas pollutants.

Cross-shift Reduction in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide among Cement Workers

Objective: Assessment of changes in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) across the shift was performed among cement production workers and controls. FENO was used as a possible marker of eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. In addition, the relations between personal total dust exposure and FENO changes across the work shift were examined. Methods: Pre-and post-shift FENO levels were determined among 55 non-smoking dust exposed cement production workers and among 31 non-smoking mineral water factory workers as controls. The FENO levels were examined for three consecutive days among the exposed and two consecutive days among controls. Personal total dust levels were collected in the breathing zone of each participant using cellulose acetate filters on the first day of FENO examination. A three-piece Millipore cassette was used to place the filters and the cassette was connected to a Side Kick Cassela pump at a flow rate of 2 l/minute. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in FENO levels among exposed workers, but not among controls. The reduction in FENO levels among the exposed was observed on each day of FENO examination. The cross-shift reduction in FENO levels among the exposed did not show possible associations with personal total dust exposure levels (r=-0.175, 95% CI: -0.36, 0.04). The geometrical mean for total dust exposure were 8.3 mg/m3 and 0.28 mg/m3, among exposed workers and controls, respectively. Conclusion: The results show a cross-shift reduction of FENO among cement workers and indicate that dust exposure is not associated with this finding. The reason for the reduction in FENO across the shift is unknown. Researchers in this field should be aware of potential unknown confounders when performing future studies.

Personal Exposure to Dust and Endotoxin in Robusta and Arabica Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania

Introduction:Endotoxin exposure associated with organic dust exposure has been studied in several industries. Coffee cherries that are dried directly after harvest may differ in dust and endotoxin emissions to those that are peeled and washed before drying. The aim of this study was to measure personal total dust and endotoxin levels and to evaluate their determinants of exposure in coffee processing factories.Methods:Using Sidekick Casella pumps at a flow rate of 2l/min, total dust levels were measured in the workers’ breathing zone throughout the shift. Endotoxin was analyzed using the kinetic chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Separate linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate exposure determinants for dust and endotoxin.Results:Total dust and endotoxin exposure were significantly higher in Robusta than in Arabica coffee factories (geometric mean 3.41mg/m3 and 10 800 EU/m3 versus 2.10mg/m3 and 1400 EU/m3, respectively). Dry pre-processed coffee and differences in work tasks explained 30% of the total variance for total dust and 71% of the variance for endotoxin exposure. High exposure in Robusta processing is associated with the dry pre-processing method used after harvest.Conclusions:Dust and endotoxin exposure is high, in particular when processing dry pre-processed coffee. Minimization of dust emissions and use of efficient dust exhaust systems are important to prevent the development of respiratory system impairment in workers.

Respiratory Inflammation Among Workers Exposed to Airborne Dust With Endotoxins in a Coffee Curing Factory

To study dust exposure and inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract among coffee curing workers in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tanzanian coffee curing factory. Coffee workers (n = 15) were compared with unexposed controls (n = 18); all workers were nonsmokers. Exhaled nitric oxide was examined using an electrochemistry-based NIOX MINO device. Personal air samples were analyzed for total dust and endotoxins, using gravimetric analysis and the chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate endpoint assay, respectively. Total dust levels ranged from 0.2 to 27.9 mg/m, and endotoxin levels ranged from 42 to 75,083 endotoxin units/m. Concentrations of exhaled nitric oxide, analyzed by linear regression and adjusted for age (β = 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 1.06; P = 0.02), was higher among coffee workers than among the control group. The results indicate a relationship between the coffee dust and signs of respiratory inflammation.

Dust Exposure and Respiratory Symptoms among Cement Factory Workers in the United Arab Emirates

This study was conducted in a cement factory in the United Arab Emirates to assess cement dust exposure and its relationship to respiratory symptoms among workers. A total of 149 exposed and 78 unexposed workers participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on demographic and respiratory symptoms was collected by questionnaire. Personal total dust levels were determined by the gravimetric method. Concentration of the total dust ranged between 4.20 mg/m(3) in the crushers and 15.20 mg/m(3) in the packaging areas, and exceeded the exposure limit in the packaging and raw mill areas. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among the exposed workers, but the difference from that of unexposed workers was statistically significant only for cough (19.5%; OR=4.5; 95%CI=1.5-13.2), and phlegm (14.8%; OR=13.3; 95%CI=1.8-100.9). Cough and phlegm were found to be related to exposure to dust, cumulative dust and smoking habit, while chronic bronchitis was related to smoking habit. The few factory workers (19.5%) who used masks all the time had a lower prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms than those not using them. High dust level was the only variable that influenced the workers to use the mask all the time. It is recommended that control measures be adopted to reduce the dust and workers should be encouraged to use respiratory protection devices during their working time.