Associations Between County-Level Vape-Free Air Law Coverage and E-Cigarette Use Behaviors Among U.S. Adolescents in Monitoring the Future.

Objective: To establish an atomic fluorescence detection method for bismuth and bismuth telluride (Bi(2)Te(3)) in the air of workplaces. Methods: In March 2024, the acetate-fiber filter material was digested by ultrawave and detected by atomic fluorescence spectrometry to obtain the content of bismuth and Bi(2)Te(3) in the air of the workplace. Results: The correlation coefficients of standard curve were above 0.9990, The detection limit of bismuth was 0.02 μg/L, the minimum detection concentration was 0.02 μg/m(3), the minimum quantitation concentration was 0.06 μg/m(3), the minimum detection concentration and the minimum quantitation concentration of Bi(2)Te(3) was 0.03 μg/m(3) and 0.09 μg/m(3) respectively. The digestion efficiency ranged from 98.6% to 102 %, the RSDs of intra-batch and inter-batch were below 1.3% and 4.0% respectively. The samples were stable within 7 days, and interference elements of 1.0 mg/L (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn, Zr) do not affect the detection of bismuth. Conclusion: This method is simple, fast, accurate, and highly sensitive, and can meet the requirements of the determination of bismuth and bismuth telluride in the air of working place.

ABSTRACT Volatile organic compounds such as toluene pose serious health and environmental hazards due to their toxicity and widespread presence in industrial emissions. In this study, silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide (AgNPs – GO) nanocatalysts were synthesised using a modified Hummers method for the efficient catalytic oxidation of toluene in air. Structural characterisations by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX confirmed the successful formation and uniform dispersion of crystalline Ag nanoparticles – averaging approximately 42 nm in size – anchored on GO sheets. Catalytic tests revealed excellent performance, achieving 90% (T₉₀) and 50% (T₅₀) toluene conversion at only 110°C and 50°C, respectively, which are markedly lower than those reported for comparable systems. The nanocatalyst maintained high efficiency under low to moderate pollutant concentrations and flow rates; however, increased humidity, space velocity, and pollutant loading led to reduced conversion due to competitive water adsorption on active sites, rapid site saturation, and shorter contact time. Thermal pretreatment at 300°C significantly enhanced surface activity, while stability evaluations showed over 60% sustained efficiency after 2.5 hours of continuous operation. The outstanding low-temperature activity, durability, and regeneration potential of AgNPs – GO underscore its suitability as an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient catalyst for volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement and workplace air purification.

Introduction. As of today, lead is one of the most common metals found in production facilities of developing industrial countries, both as a primary and secondary product released into the workplace air during various technological processes, including in the form of nanoparticles (NPs). The effect of NPs at the cellular level is associated with the development of a cytotoxic responses. In the context of this work, the cytotoxic effect of exposure to lead oxide (PbO) NPs was reduced by components of a bioprophylactic complex (BPC) that increase the natural resistance to hazards.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on female albino rats that were exposed to PbO NPs in the nose-only inhalation exposure system for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks, while half of the animals received the BPC with feed and drink throughout the entire exposure period. After cessation of exposure, we assessed hematological indices, cytological and biochemical indices of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the rats. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test.Results. Inhalation exposure to PbO NPs induced adverse changes in some blood indices, BALF cytological and biochemical indices in the experimental rats, which were leveled out by the use of BPC, as evidenced by their comparability to those ​​in the control group.Limitations. Laboratory rodents of the same biological species and sex were used for the experiment. A single dose of the toxicant was used. The study was limited to establishing the main indices of the cytotoxic effect.Conclusion. This experimental study shows the positive impact of BPC components aimed at mitigating the cytotoxic effect of exposure to lead oxide nanoparticles in rats.Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers (protocol No. 5 of October 16, 2023).Contribution: Minigalieva I.A. – study conception and design, scientific editing; Tazhigulova A.V. – data processing, draft manuscript preparation, editing; Sutunkova M.P. – study conception and design, scientific editing; Shabardina L.V. – experiment, data collection and analysis; Nikogosyan K.M. – experiment, data collection and analysis; Bateneva V.A. – draft manuscript preparation. All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of its final version.Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Funding. The study had no sponsorship.Received: June 9, 2025 / Accepted: September 19, 2025 / Published: October 20, 2025

This study investigates the relationship between temperature, humidity, and air quality in small industrial areas. The research aims to determine how these environmental factors influence air pollutant concentrations, particularly CO2 levels, and whether optimal temperature and humidity ranges can be identified to improve air quality. Data was collected using the PCE-AQD 50 air quality monitor, measuring temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and other pollutants. The study employed a quantitative approach, analysing real-time atmospheric data from a small industrial setting. The results indicate a strong correlation between temperature, humidity, and air quality. Higher temperatures were associated with increased CO2 levels, while humidity variations affected pollutant dispersion. An optimal range of temperature and humidity was identified, where air quality remained within acceptable limits. The findings provide valuable insights for environmental monitoring and industrial air quality management. By understanding how atmospheric conditions impact pollutant levels, industries can implement strategies to improve workplace air quality and comply with regulatory standards. Further research is recommended to explore these relationships across different industrial environments.

Introduction. Upgrading of nickel production technologies, in this case the transition from electrolytic to more modern electroextractive refining, is not always accompanied by an improvement in the working conditions in the employees involved. The aim of the study. To analyze working conditions and occupational respiratory diseases in workers at electrolytic and electroextractive nickel production. Materials and methods. We studied the data of industrial control at nickel industry enterprises and the Murmansk regional register of occupational diseases for 2004–2023. Results. A comparative analysis of hygienic data revealed a 2.4-3.5-fold decrease in the concentration of nickel hydroaerosols at the electrolytic bath operator workplaces and a 4.4–31.4-fold increase in chlorine concentrations in the workplace air of the hydrometallurgical department during the transition to electroextractive refining. Clinical studies have shown the transition to electroextraction method to be accompanied by a decline in the number and in the proportion of workers with occupational respiratory diseases (p=0.002–0.003), a 24.5% decrease in the level of occupational morbidity (from 56.12 cases to 42.35 cases per 10,000 workers), a decrease in the risk of developing respiratory occupational diseases (OR=1.89; 95% CI 1.31–2.73). Over 10 years, only one case of acute chlorine poisoning was registered. Conclusion. We have no found adverse impact of elevated chlorine concentrations on the development of occupational respiratory diseases in workers engaged in electrowinning nickel refining. However, further improvement of nickel electrowinning technology is necessary to reduce the concentration of nickel and chlorine salt hydroaerosols, as well as more effective personal respiratory protection equipment is needed. The impact of working conditions on workers’ health during electrowinning nickel refining requires a longer study.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the sanitary and hygienic working conditions at a mining and processing complex (MPC) in the Karaganda region and the associated occupational morbidity. The main occupational risk factors—dust, gas contamination, noise, vibration, and microclimate—were studied across four production units (Gold Recovery Plant – GRP Phase 3, Gold Recovery Plant – GRP Phase 1, open-pit mine, and auxiliary sections). Concentrations of harmful substances in the workplace air, as well as equivalent levels of noise and vibration, were determined. It was found that dust concentration at GRP Phase 1 (8.0 mg/m³ versus the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of 4.0 mg/m³) and hydrogen cyanide vapors (0.46–2.75 mg/m³ versus the standard of 0.3 mg/m³) significantly exceed permissible limits. The average equivalent noise level at GRP Phase 1 was 92 dBA, at GRP Phase 3-88 dBA, and in the open-pit mine – 82 dBA, with heavy dump truck noise levels reaching up to 88 dBA. Exceedances in whole-body vibration levels were recorded at open-pit workstations (adjusted level: 120.5 dB). The calculation of permissible work duration based on dust exposure showed significant limitations in highly dusty areas (less than 30 years of service). Analysis of temporary disability morbidity in 2023 revealed a predominance of respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and injuries: at GRP Phase 3, respiratory diseases ranked first (4.8 cases and 33.3 lost workdays per 100 employees), followed by injuries (2.5 cases and 39.5 lost workdays). Statistically significant differences were identified between production units: the incidence rate at GRP Phase 1 was significantly higher than at GRP Phase 3 (χ² = 9.83, p = 0.0017). Based on the findings, a risk management model and recommendations for reducing occupational risks were developed (improving ventilation, regulating noise exposure, limiting service duration, etc.).

This article analyzes the current standard methods for detecting occupational hazards of pesticides in the air of workplaces in China, including sampling, pre-treatment, laboratory analysis, as well as the matching status between the minimum quantitative concentration of methods and occupational exposure limits. Among the 46 pesticide occupational hazard factors with occupational exposure limits, only 25 are supported by current valid standard detection methods. The minimum quantitation concentrations given in only 7 standard detection methods are lower than 10% of the occupational exposure limits, which meet the requirements for classified control.This study discusses the problems existing in the current standard methods for detecting pesticide and provides reference for further improving the standard methods.

Objective: To establish a solvent elution-liquid chromatography method for the determination of trichloroaniline concentration in the air of the workplace. Methods: From December 2023 to January 2024, 2, 4, 5-trichloroaniline, 2, 4, 6-trichloroaniline, and 3, 4, 5-trichloroaniline in the air were collected using glass fiber filter membranes. After elution with acetonitrile and filtration with a 0.22 μm mixed cellulose filter membrane, isometric elution with acetonitrile and water (volume ratio 55∶45) was performed using a C8 column (250 mm×4.6 mm×5 μm) , and detection was carried out using a photo-diode array (PDA) detector. The detection limit, precision and other indicators of the method were analyzed. Results: The separation and determination of trichloroaniline isomers were completed within 9 minutes by the solvent elution-liquid chromatography method. The linear range was 0.1-30 μg/ml, the detection limit of the method was 0.005 μg/ml, the recoveries were 88%-98%, and the relative standard deviation was 0.3%-3.2%. Conclusion: The solvent elution-liquid chromatography method for the determination of trichloroaniline is simple and efficient. Both the recovery and precision meet the standard requirements for the determination of toxic substances in the workplace, and it is suitable for the detection of trichloroaniline in the workplace.

Determining the composition of air environments (workplace air, atmospheric air, industrial emissions into the atmosphere) is important for environmental safety. Measuring their composition indicators in automatic mode is a priority direction in the activities of enterprises. However, measuring the content of metals in automatic mode is currently a complex, time-consuming and expensive task. The first step to eliminating these shortcomings may be an analysis of the capabilities of available measurement methods and reference materials. The authors of the review article described a comprehensive approach to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the measurement results of metal content in air environments, implemented using methods and reference materials developed at the UNIIM – Affiliated Branch of the D. I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology. The bibliographic is based on regulatory documents in the field of monitoring the state of air environments, in particular, RF Government Resolution No. 1847, GOST R 8.960-2019, GOST R 70803–2023, GOST R ISO 15202-1-2023, GOST 12.1.005–88 and others (27 sources in total). An array of relevant methodological recommendations was analyzed, for example, PND F 12.1.1–99, MU No. 4574–88 and others. Separately, the methods for measuring metal content in air environments developed by the UNIIM based on the most available measurement methods for most laboratories – photometric, titrimetric. The article provides a clear idea of the comprehensive approach to ensuring the quality of measurements of metal contents in air environments. The review article is structured as a combination of actions: development of measurement methods and their certification, development of reference materials for certification of measurement methods and quality control of the measurement results, conducting tests to approve types of reference materials, conducting interlaboratory comparison tests to control the quality of sampling procedures and quality control of the measurement results of metal contents in air environments. The article is addressed to testing laboratories , including industrial enterprises and environmental monitoring. Detailed explanations provide an idea of the fact that the measurement methods developed by the UNIIM can be used to determine the content of metals (components) in various air environments: workplace air, atmospheric air, industrial emissions into the atmosphere. Users of the specified methods will be able to vary the measurement parameters taking into account the technical capabilities of the laboratory without deviating from the provisions of GOST 12.1.005–88, PND F 12.1.1–99.

Introduction. The enrichment of polymetallic ores at the present stage requires the introduction of new technologies for more complete extraction of metals from minerals, which may be accompanied by the release of concentrations of chemicals exceeding permissible levels into the air environment of industrial premises. The study aims to carry out a hygienic assessment of the air of industrial premises during cobalt refining. Materials and methods. The air environment was characterized at the workplaces of metallurgists engaged in pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical refining of cobalt at one of the metallurgical enterprises of the Murmansk region. The authors have conducted studies on the hygienic assessment of workplace air in a standard way using individual samplers during 75.0% of the work shift time. The metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Results. At all stages of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processing of polymetallic ore, the presence of a complex of harmful substances of complex composition has been established, where the most significant are water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds of cobalt and nickel. Water-soluble cobalt and nickel compounds in the air of the production rooms of the extraction department were determined at concentrations of 0.110 and 0.011 mg/m3, exceeding the MPC by 11.0 and 2.3 times. In the air of the industrial premises of the department of electrical extraction — 0.029 and 0.005 mg/m3, exceeding the maximum permissible concentration by 2.9 and 1.03 times. The detected compounds of copper, lead, cadmium, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum and zinc in the air of industrial premises at all stages of processing copper-nickel ore did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration. Limitations. The study is limited to 342 samples of industrial premises air. Conclusion. Cobalt production, when switching to modern technology, can pose a real threat to the health of workers in this production. The need to develop a special methodology for the hygienic rationing of toxic metal compounds (nickel, cobalt, copper) in inhaled aerosol fractions of workplace air in enclosed industrial premises requires the use of correct models to assess and manage the risks of their harmful effects. Ethics. The study does not require the submission of a conclusion from the biomedical Ethics Committee or other documents.

Objective: To conduct an occupational hygiene investigation and simulated sampling and testing on welding positions in a company in a certain province, and to perform a simulated analysis of the concentration of occupational hazard factors in workers suspected of occupational asthma. Methods: In November 2023, the investigation and analysis of workers' exposure to occupational hazard factors were carried out through occupational hygiene surveys, laboratory simulated sampling and testing, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative detection methods. Results: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) was present in the workplace air of the employer. TDI was detected in the raw materials provided by the workers. Laboratory simulations of the production process and working conditions at the position were conducted with sampling at different distances, revealing a maximum TDI concentration of 0.49 mg/m(3) and a minimum concentration of 0.01 mg/m(3). The results showed that the closer the sampling distance was to the breathing zone, the more significantly the TDI concentration increased. The laboratory simulated sampling and testing results were highly consistent with the on-site sampling and testing results from a testing agency in Beijing. Conclusion: The occupational hazard factor TDI is present in the workers' workplace, and TDI may be the cause of the suspected occupational asthma in the workers.

BackgroundOccupational biomass pollutant exposure as observed in charcoal workers may have significant cardiovascular effects. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension and high pulse pressure (HPP), a marker of arterial stiffness, in charcoal workers compared with a control group of agricultural workers from the Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods and ResultsThe charcoal worker and agricultural worker groups (n=485; median age, 35–40 years) were composed of male charcoal producers (n=229), charcoal saleswomen (n=72), male farmers (n=118), and vegetable saleswomen (n=66). We assessed workplace air pollution, sociodemographic parameters, self‐reported physical activity, body composition, exhaled air carbon monoxide, and blood pressure. Hypertension and HPP prevalences were determined. Logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables was used to identify the risk factors. Charcoal workplaces were more polluted than agricultural workplaces (P<0.01). Charcoal producers performed higher levels of physical activity (P=0.018) and demonstrated higher levels of exhaled air carbon monoxide (P<0.0001) and pulse pressure (P=0.006), and higher prevalence of grade 1 hypertension (P=0.007), isolated systolic hypertension (P=0.04), and HPP (P=0.02) than farmers. Overall, hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 11.76 [95% CI, 6.26–22.13]), level of particulate matter <10 μm pollutants (aOR, 1.001 [95% CI, 1.0002–1.0017]), smoking (aOR, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.15–4.24]) and low education (aOR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.10–4.17]) were independently associated with HPP. The level of particulate matter <1.0 μm pollutants (aOR, 1.0009 [95% CI, 1.0002–1.0015]), male sex (aOR, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.21–3.64]), and job seniority (aOR, 1.022 [95% CI, 1.004–1.044]) were independently associated with isolated systolic hypertension.ConclusionsCharcoal producers appear to develop isolated systolic hypertension and HPP more, both indices of cardiovascular events in which occupational biomass particles seem to play an early significant role.

Various hazardous and harmful factors have an impact on personnel of potash mines during mining operations of mineral extraction, including highly dispersive dust, intensive noise, general vibration, insufficient illumination, and microclimate, that depending on their intensity and duration of impact cause the decrease of operability and the development of general and occupational illnesses. The study is dedicated to the problem of dust control during the development of potash fields. Potash mines that are a key part of the production of mineral fertilizers encounter a serious environmental and production challenge, which is the increase in dust formation. The dust generated during the production, transportation, and refinement of potash salts is a threat to the health of employees, the stability of workflows, and the environment. The increased dust content in the air of workplaces significantly exceeds the hygienic standards and varies within wide ranges. The highest indices of dust average concentrations per shift are registered at workplaces of drillers, tunnellers, and cutter-loader operators. To ensure permissible working conditions, a comprehensive solution for dust control is required at all stages of mineral production, including technical solutions (a correct choice of ventilation schemes in underground excavations, the use of efficient aspiration and ventilation systems, effective control over dust emission into the atmosphere, such as dust capture and humidification using wetting-binding additives), organizational measures providing both the automated dust concentration monitoring and the automation of dust control intrumentss, control over the compulsory use of efficient personal protective equipment for respiratory organs and skin. To reduce dust content and the average concentrations of potash aerosol at workplaces of miners of the main occupations during mining operations of mineral preparation and extraction, as well as to reduce the risk of professional illnesses, the authors of the study have proposed a new method of dust suppression during mining operations in potash mines. A technical solution has been proposed, and the results of industrial tests of the pneumatic hydro-spraying system in locations of potash dust intensive emission using a concentrated water solution of potassium salt as a working fluid have been provided. In order to increase the efficiency of fluid spraying, an improved nozzle design ensuring equal distribution of fluid drops in the flare and the dispersion reduction has been developed and tested.

Introduction. Pollution of the air environment of aluminum production with highly toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) necessitates the identification and assessment of the hazard of the entire spectrum of priority PAHs. Materials and methods. The content of specific PAHs in the air of electrolysis workshops with different aluminum production technologies was analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a mass-selective detector. Hygienic indices, total toxicity, and hazard PAHs level were calculated. Results. The content of 13 priority PAHs with different carcinogenic activity was detected in the air of workplaces in electrolysis workshops. The highest concentrations of specific and total PAHs were observed in the working area of anode operators in the workshop with traditional technology and among crane operators in the workshop with new aluminum production technology. The PAHs composition was dominated by hazardous high-molecular 5–6 ring structures of PAH compounds. The benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) content in the air exceeded the MAC by 1.1–5.8 times. The total toxicity of the detected PAHs, expressed through the equivalent amount of B(a)P, was higher than the MAC of B(a)P by 1.7–7.3 times. The contribution of other PAHs to the total toxicity, expressed through B(a)P equivalents, was 17.6–80.3%. Limitations. The studies of PAH content were conducted in the working area of the main occupations, in which air sampling was possible according to safety requirements. Conclusion. For effective monitoring and risk-oriented control of the danger of PAH pollution of the air at the working area of aluminum production, it is recommended to detect the content of the full spectrum of PAHs with high concentrations and equivalent toxicity coefficients.

The aim of the analysis was to evaluate the concentrations of radioactive radon in the air in workplaces located in various regions of Poland and to identify areas at risk of elevated radon levels. The study analyzed the number of instances where the reference level of 300 Bq/m³ (becquerel - Bq) was exceeded, as well as the observed differences in radon concentrations across different buildings. The analysis was based on the results of commercial measurements carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź in 2022-2023. Measurements were taken in 6 provinces, across workplaces associated with various types of activities. The measurements were conducted during the heating season October-March. Track detectors were placed in dosimetric cassettes and sent to the clients with instructions for use. The returned dosimeters were subjected to chemical processing, followed by reading the track density using an automated image analysis system, in accordance with the accredited procedure. The majority of measurements were conducted in the Świętokrzyskie and Dolnośląskie voivodeships. The highest average radon concentrations were found in buildings located in spa areas, while the lowest levels were recorded in production halls. The results confirm the need for ongoing monitoring of radon concentrations in Poland and highlight the importance of further studies on the factors influencing its levels. The study also proposes preventive strategies for areas with the highest radon exposure. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(1):31-40.

Environmental and biological measurements of the anesthetic isoflurane and its possible toxic effects in veterinarians.

The use of CNC machines for woodworking is becoming increasingly widespread due to advancing technology. In this study, while 3D processing is performed on wood materials using a CNC machine, the aim is to determine wood dust emissions (PM2.5, PM10) according to processing parameters and wood species. Yellow pine, spruce, chestnut, sapelli, and beech are wood species frequently preferred in furniture businesses. Utilizing a CNC machine equipped with 2 mm and 10 mm diameter cutting tools, the wooden material was machined at a spindle speed of 18,000 RPM, a plunge rate of 4000 mm/min, and a cutting speed of 8000 mm/min. For the study, a 3D-modeled motif with curved lines was selected and applied to wooden prisms measuring 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 mm (width, length, thickness).In conclusion, Yellow pine, with its high hardness and dense structure, generates significantly more dust than spruce during CNC machining. This result reveals that different wood species exhibit different levels of environmental impact during CNC processing. This underscores the urgent need for appropriate air filtration and emission control systems, particularly for woods that produce high emissions. Fine cutting edges effectively reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, enhancing workplace air quality. By reducing exposure to wood dust, which is harmful to human health, this study plays a crucial role in addressing this pressing issue and allows for the implementation of suitable arrangements with minimal chip removal for CNC parameters.

This study reviews the impact of workplace air quality on employee health and productivity. Poor air quality in work environments is linked to various health issues, including respiratory diseases, fatigue, and decreased concentration, which subsequently affect work efficiency. The review explores existing studies on air pollution exposure, workplace ventilation, and their effects on employee performance. It also highlights mitigation strategies such as air filtration systems and proper ventilation to improve workplace conditions. The findings suggest that improving air quality can significantly enhance employee well-being and productivity.

It is crucial to understand perceptions on exposure to air pollution for designing targeted interventions, raising awareness, and fostering measures to mitigate occupational health risk and improve the overall health outcomes. This study aims at understanding the perception of the practitioners of various occupations vis-à-vis the general public on occupational exposure to air pollution (OEAP). The four-step assessment we carried out involved recording perceptions via Google forms and in-person surveys, conducting statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, regression analyses and tests of significance), analyses using Odds Ratio (OR) and comparing the results with risk perception theories. 712 respondents across the country participated in the survey and 57% of them perceived that they work in a moderately healthy environment. Test of significance showed that gender and age do not significantly affect the perception. However, factors like education, income level, locality, and location of the job significantly influenced the perception. Linear regression analysis showed that ambient air quality is a significant predictor of workplace air quality perception. The OR indicated strong dependence of workers' perception on the actual OEAP. Regarding the exposure associated with a profession, the perception of the practitioners of that profession and the public matched for those professions where the exposures were expected to be high but deviated significantly when the profession had relatively lower exposure to pollution. The perception of risks compared to actual risks will serve as the foundation for developing awareness and sensitization programmes focused on occupational risk.