Workplace Air Research Articles

89 Improvements to a Method for the Determination of Hexavalent Chromium in Workplace Air

Abstract ISO 16740:2005 specifies an ion chromatographic method for the determination of the time-weighted average mass concentration of hexavalent chromium in workplace air and is applicable to the determination of masses of 0,01 micrograms to 10 micrograms of hexavalent chromium per sample, without dilution. For a nominal 1 cubic metre air sample, this equates to a measurement range of between approximately 0,01 micrograms per cubic metre to 10 micrograms per cubic metre, suitable for assessing exposures in plating or weld shops. However alkaline extractants, required to liberate insoluble chromates from air samples collected in paint shops, can be contaminated with trace levels of chromium thereby negating the inherent sensitivity of this method. Work to address this issue, by sourcing and testing cleaner reagents, will be presented.

83 Development of a New Xrd Method to Evaluate Exposure to Respirable TiO2 in Workplace Air

Abstract ECHA classified TiO2 particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm as carcinogen. Although the OELV for TiO2 is still related to inhalable particles in many jurisdictions, NIOSH recommended a REL of 2.4 mg/m3 for fine TiO2, and 0.3 mg/m3 for ultrafine TiO2. The latter implies the development of a more robust method for measuring TiO2 in workplace air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful laboratory method for quantifying crystalline matter and is frequently used to measure respirable crystalline silica in workplaces. Rutile and anatase powders were obtained from a commercial vendor and a size fraction smaller than 10 µm was separated from these powders and used to prepare a calibration series in a calm-air dust chamber. The methodology for quantifying the rutile or anatase is performed as described in ISO 16258-1:2015 for measuring respirable crystalline silica. The limit of detection and quantification (LOD/LOQ) were for rutile 0.8/1.4 µg and anatase 0.6/1.1 µg, respectively. From these measurements, we conclude that direct on filter XRD is a powerful method for analyzing respirable TiO2 samples. Further validation of the XRD method was performed by comparing the results of 177 respirable personal samples collected on 25 mm MCE filters using Casella-HD cyclone samplers at nine TiO2 production plants with ICP-MS data gained from the same samples. Excellent correlations were obtained between the XRD and ICP-MS data for each sampling site but observed consistent site-dependent deviations explained by differences in crystallinity of the TiO2 phases and the presence of titanium-containing minerals other than rutile and anatase.

30 Reference Materials for the Measurement of Metals in Workplace Air

Abstract For the production of filters coated with metal oxides an aqueous metal salt solution is injected into a hydrogen/oxygen flame of a particle generator leading to the pyrolysis of the metal salts into nano-scaled metal oxide dust. The particles are introduced into a large sampling chamber (20 m³) via a dust tunnel (20 m). So far, the system was tested for Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Ni, Mn and In but it should be suitable with all metals obtainable as soluble metal salts. For sample generation an eight-fold sampling system was developed for the GSP sampler. The constancy of the flow rate is assured by critical orifices. Up to fourteen of these systems can be operated to produce 112 samples in parallel. Nevertheless, for the production of a reference material a significantly higher number of samples will be needed. To achieve this aim the environmental conditions of the dust generation have to be stabilized for consecutive runs. The major problem was the temperature rise of the dust channel during the particle generation due to the heat of the flame. An additional heater was installed to work at a constant temperature of 30 °C. Three consecutive filter series were manufactured. The achieved temperature constancy of 30± 0.5 °C makes it possible to combine the successive filter series. The loadings of the combined series were Cobalt: 3.25±0.058 µg/filter, Nickel: 13.78±0.23 µg/filter, Lead: 109.5±3.0, Copper: 9.65 ±0.18 µg/filter and Zinc: 32.66±0.72 µg/filter.

70 Evaluation of High Efficiency Nebulisers to Increase the Sensitivity of the ICP-AES Technique Promulgated in ISO 15202

Abstract International Standard (ISO) 15202 describes methods for the determination of metals and metalloids in workplace air. Its development involved harnessing selected sample digestion procedures, promulgated in existing national standards, with additional method validation work carried out by HSE. In summary, requirements for air sampling (part 1); acid digestion procedures for dissolving air filter samples (part 2) and procedures for the analysis of digests (part 3) by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) are described. Exposure limit values for many metals/metalloids are now reducing and consequently more sensitive analytical techniques such as ICP-MS (promulgated in ISO 30011) may well be required in occupational hygiene laboratories. Boosting the sensitivity of the ICP-AES technique through the use of high efficiency sample introduction systems (nebulisers) is however possible as described in this presentation.

102 Application of Quantitative Mineralogy to Determine Sources of Airborne Particles at a European Copper Smelter

Abstract To ensure that regulatory compliance is maintained at mineral processing operations, worker exposure is regularly monitored. Determining the quantity and type of airborne particles permits the operation to identify the sources of dust, implement proper dust suppressant strategies, and ultimately, limit worker exposure. Conventional methods of analysis, such as chemical assay, are unable to rigorously differentiate between phases containing the same elements and may result in ambiguity related to identifying the source of airborne dust. A combination of Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscope (QEMSCAN) and chemical characterization has been used to evaluate personally taken size selective aerosol samples at key locations throughout a Cu smelter in Europe. Surface samples were also examined using higher resolution measurements. The Cu phases present in the workplace air samples are reflective of the activities performed at specific locations. Near the anode and electric furnace, the majority of Cu in the airborne dust is carried in metals and oxide phases (60-70%), and in the batch preparation area where Cu concentrate is received, significant amounts of Cu are carried in sulfide minerals (chalcocite, chalcopyrite/bornite, >40%). The results of the analysis will aid in the identification of the origin of emissions specific to location and activity, assist personnel in developing the appropriate mitigation strategies to limit workers exposure, and further understanding of the health risks associated with exposure. Additional metals of concern (e.g, Pb, As, and Cd) are also considered throughout this program. Speaker Biography Michelle Kelvin is a geoscientist and environmental mineralogist. She specializes in characterizing dust emissions that originate from industrial operations using modern geochemical methods and X-ray beam technologies.

74 Evaluation of the Performance of a Robotic System for Spiking Thermal Desorption Sorbent Tubes with Defined Masses of Organic Compounds

Abstract Thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography is a widely used analytical method for measuring airborne concentrations of (semi) volatile organic compounds ((S)VOCs) collected using sorbent tube samplers and is now widely used in the ambient, fence line, indoor and workplace air monitoring environments. Calibration and internal quality control check samples are prepared in end user laboratories by spiking individual TD sorbent tubes with microliter quantities of (S)VOCs in a carrier solvent such as methanol but this can be a laborious and error-prone step. Historically spiked sorbent certified reference materials were available from IRMM for confirmatory purposes but these stocks are now virtually exhausted. Hence new spiked tubes would be useful for quality control/assurance purposes. Previously HSE developed a system for the simultaneously spiking of 60 TD sorbent tubes with defined mases of VOCs from the gas-phase based upon requirements set out in ISO 6145 part 4[1]. With less volatile (S)VOCs however, spiking from the gas-phase presents challenges and hence an alternative spiking approach using liquid standards is proposed. The performance of a newly acquired automated robotic spiking system will be described. Reference [1] ISO 6145-4:2004. Gas Analysis-Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods-Part4: Continuous syringe injection method.

105 Workplace Air Standardisation Projects Related to Biological Agents at European Level : Recent History and Perspectives

Abstract As a significant portion of our time is spend in work places, the occupational exposure is of particular interest for maintaining human health. Within the Technical Committee CEN/TC 137 “Assessment of workplace exposure” the working group named WG5 “Biological Agents” is engaged in the standardization of strategies to assess workplace exposure to bioaerosols. The group already exists since the early 2000s in the European Committee of Standardization (CEN) and was reactivated in 2017 to continue on work items of prevailing interest. Between 2018 and 2021 three standards have been revised and newly published: EN 13098 (general guidelines for measurements), EN 14031 (measurement of airborne endotoxins) and EN 14583 (performance of sampling devices). As the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed, the work on bioaerosols is still important and many questions remain open. Recently, the work group drafted three new topics on which normative documents should be prepared in the future: “the measurement of airborne viruses”, “the measurement of airborne mycotoxins” and “the use of biomolecular methods for the measurement of airborne microorganisms”. As it is still a pressing topic, the work on the new preliminary work items has started with the preparation of a standard on virus measurement. The CEN/TC 137/WG5 has maintained its dynamic over the years and is also encouraging pre-normative researches and networking. The work of the group contributes to a unified approach at the European level on the issue of biological risks assessment and makes it possible to disseminate a better awareness of biological risks.

Polymorphism in ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961 gene in workers exposed to occupational chemical factors (exemplified by saturated hydrocarbons)

Introduction. Nowadays it has become especially vital to reveal basic regularities in workers’ health formation in order to provide early diagnostics and to reduce overall and occupational morbidity.
 The aim of the study was to examine polymorphism in ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961 gene in workers exposed to chemical occupational factors at their workplaces (exemplified by saturated hydrocarbons).
 Materials and methods. We examined workplace air and biological media (urine and buccal epithelium) of exposed workers from the test group (n=162) and workers who didn’t deal with any technological processes at their workplaces (the reference group, n=83); both groups were employed at a potash flotation factory.
 To assess exposure to saturated hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane) in workplace air, we performed laboratory-instrumental tests of air inside workshops (11) and in administrative rooms with GANK-4 gas analyzer. Biological media (urine) were examined to determine contents of saturated hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane) in them by analyzing vapor phase in equilibrium on "Kristall-5000" gas chromatographer according to methodical Guidelines MUK 4.1.764-99.
 We analyzed polymorphism in ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961 gene. Genetic typing was accomplished by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in real time mode through allele discrimination with using TaqMan-probes on CFX96 (Bio-Rad) system as well as oligonucleotide primers and probes synthesized by "Sintol" company (Moscow).
 We applied Student’s t-test and Fischer’s Z-test to estimate authenticity of differences in obtained results. Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2) was used to check normalcy of quantitative data. We also assessed whether frequencies of candidate gene genotypes conformed to Hardy–Weinburg equilibrium.
 Results. Hexane was detected in workplace air in concentrations within 14–68 mg/m3 range (0.1MPCworkplace) during the observation period; heptane, 20–84 mg/m3 (0.1MPCworkplace). We assessed contamination of workers’ urine with hexane and heptane depending on their working experience that involved occupational contacts with saturated hydrocarbons, from 1 year and up to longer than 10 years. The assessment revealed that hexane contents were by 1.5 times higher and heptane contents by 1.22 times higher in workers with their working experience being longer than 10 years against workers with shorter working experience (less than 10 years).
 The results of a comparative analysis of the features of genetic polymorphism in the workers of the observation group in relation to the comparison group allowed us to establish significant differences between the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the adducine gene ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961, characterized by an increase in the frequency of the wild GG genotype of the gene. The assessment of the odds ratio (OR) of the presence in the observation group of the variation of the genotype GG of the gene ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961 according to the multiplicative (for G allele inherited by dominant type OR=2.94; CI: 1.46–5.94; p<0.005) and general (for GG genotype, OR=3.14; CI: 1.44–6.86; p<0.005) inheritance models, as well as an assessment of the relative risk (for the G allele RR=1.38; CI: 1.23–1.53), allowed us to verify the reliable probability of the formation of genetically determined disorders associated with the development of arterial hypertension.
 Limitations. A limitation of the study is the study of the polymorphism of the ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961 adducin gene only when exposed to two saturated hydrocarbons, hexane and heptane.
 Conclusion. Our research revealed that workers with basic production occupations and with working experience at the factory that was longer than 10 years had authentically higher hexane and heptane contents in their urine, by 1.5 (р<0.01) and 1.22 (р<0.048) times accordingly, than workers with their working experience at the factory being shorter than 10 years.
 We established that detection of hexane in concentrations equal to 0.006±0.002 mg/dm3 in urine of workers with basic production occupations who contacted saturated hydrocarbons vapors corresponded to 81% of the variation of the ADD1 Gly460Trp rs4961 gene in the form of a wild GG genotype (p<0.05) corresponded, which in conditions of contamination with marginal hydrocarbons can form the risk of cardiovascular pathology.
 Ethics. The research was performed in full conformity with ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects stipulated by the Declaration of Helsinki issued by the World Medical Association (the latest edition); all the participants gave their informed voluntary consent to take part in the research.

Features of anemia syndrome in women with endometrial hyperplasia working under the influence of organic solvents and depending on obesity

Introduction. Organic solvents have a hematotoxic effect, which leads to the development of anemia. Endometrial hyperplasia may also be the cause of a decrease in blood hemoglobin levels. The phenotype of anemia in combination of these diseases is still insufficiently studied. Exposure to organic solvents is associated with a carcinogenic risk, while their role in the development of precancerous conditions is little known.
 The study aims to research the features of anemia in patients with endometrial hyperplasia under the influence of organic solvents and depending on the obesity factor.
 Materials and methods. The design of the study is a single–center, single-stage observational. The researchers formed 2 groups of women with endometrial hyperplasia confirmed by histological examination, who worked under conditions of exposure to organic solvents (n=140, the main group, 70 of them obese according to WHO criteria) or who had no health risks (n=140, the comparison group, 68 of them obese). The patients of the main group are painters at a machine-building enterprise. Organic solvents concentrations at the workplace air were 1.2–5.0 times above occupational exposure limits, length of service was 21.5 (18; 28) years.
 Results. Scientists have registered anemia in 72.9% of obese workers, 54.2% of non-obese workers, 33.8% and 25.0% of patients in the comparison group with obesity and normal body weight, respectively, χ2=8.2, p=0.008. In contact with organic solvents, 60.7% of patients had anemia normal- or macrocytic, normal- or hyperchromic, hyporegenerative. In the subgroup of obesity and atypical endometrial hyperplasia, we have watched the minimum values of hemoglobin — 95 (90; 105) g/l and reticulocytes — 1 (0.5; 2), the maximum values of the average erythrocyte volume — 98 (92; 107) fl and the average hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte — 35(34; 38) pg. The researchers have determined the association of this variant of anemia with atypical endometrial hyperplasia by logistic regression, OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.08–5.85, p=0.033. In comparison group, all patients had iron-deficiency anemia.
 Limitations. The limitations of the study are related to the recruitment of patients in one center.
 Conclusion. Anemia in women with endometrial hyperplasia in conditions of organic solvents exposure is normo- or hyperchormic, normo- or macrocytic, hyporegenerative, most prominent in patients with obesity, and associated with atypical histological type of the disease.
 Ethics. The authors have carried out the study in compliance with the Ethical principles of conducting scientific medical research with human participation, set out in the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association and in accordance with the Ethical norms and rules provided for by the Bulletin of the Higher Attestation Commission of the Ministry of Education of Russia No. 3 of 2002 "On the procedure for conducting biomedical research in humans". The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of the Russian Ministry of Health.

A Data-Driven Approach to Estimating Occupational Inhalation Exposure Using Workplace Compliance Data.

A growing list of chemicals are approved for production and use in the United States and elsewhere, and new approaches are needed to rapidly assess the potential exposure and health hazard posed by these substances. Here, we present a high-throughput, data-driven approach that will aid in estimating occupational exposure using a database of over 1.5 million observations of chemical concentrations in U.S. workplace air samples. We fit a Bayesian hierarchical model that uses industry type and the physicochemical properties of a substance to predict the distribution of workplace air concentrations. This model substantially outperforms a null model when predicting whether a substance will be detected in an air sample, and if so at what concentration, with 75.9% classification accuracy and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.00 log10 mg m-3 when applied to a held-out test set of substances. This modeling framework can be used to predict air concentration distributions for new substances, which we demonstrate by making predictions for 5587 new substance-by-workplace-type pairs reported in the US EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) industrial use database. It also allows for improved consideration of occupational exposure within the context of high-throughput, risk-based chemical prioritization efforts.

Assessment of occupational exposure to elemental carbon in plants using diesel machinery and equipment

This paper presents and discusses the results of the determination of elemental carbon emitted in diesel engine exhaust into the air of workplaces where machines and equipment with diesel engines are used. In order to assess occupational exposure to elemental carbon (EC) as a marker of exhaust gases emitted by diesel engines, 51 ground-based workplaces where people who operate or maintain equipment with this type of engine work were measured. Measurements were also carried out at 9 workplaces in non-coal mines. For air sampling at workplaces of diesel exhaust emitting machines and equipment located on the surface, a cartridge sampler without an impactor with a quartz filter was used for elemental carbon determination, while for measurements in non-coal mines the Higgins-Dewell Cyclone FH022 respirable fraction sampler was used. The thermo-optical carbon analysis method using a flame ionisation detector was used to determine elemental carbon. Analysis of the results of the determined elemental carbon concentrations at workplaces located on the ground, i.e., in car repair shops, and in the steelworks where combustion forklifts are operated, showed that the highest concentrations of elemental carbon were determined at the old forklift workplaces in the steelworks. The determined EC concentrations at these workstations were 353 μg/m3 and 78 μg/m3, respectively. In the non-coal mines, elemental carbon concentrations were in the range of 7.5-50 μg/m3. Exposure assessment at the surveyed workplace in the steelworks showed the highest 7-fold exceedance of the maximum admissible concentration (MAC) at the position of the combustion forklift operator. At the other surveyed workplaces in the car repair shop the marked concentrations were in the range of 0.1-0.5 MAC or <0.1 MAC. In non-coal mines, the determined concentrations ranged 0.12-1 times the MAC. Med Pr. 2023;74(2):93-102.

Method for the determination of tetrachloromethane, trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, and tetrachloroethene in the air at workplaces

Chemical substances from the halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons group are used in industry, e.g., as intermediates in syntheses, auxiliaries, solvents in degreasing processes, and laboratory tests. Due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment, their use is often banned or limited to certain industrial uses only. A sorbent tube containing 2 layers (100/50 mg) of coconut shell charcoal was used as a sampler for air sampling. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique and the use of HP-5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm), an oven temperature ramp program from 40°C to 250°C and selected ion monitoring mode were chosen for the determination. The established chromatographic conditions enable the simultaneous determination of tetrachloromethane, trichlorethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethene in the concentration range 2-100 μg/ml. The average desorption coefficients obtained were: 0.97 for tetrachloromethane, 0.96 for trichloroethene, 0.96 for 1,1,2-trichloroethane and 0.96 for tetrachloroethene. The calculation of the substance concentration in the analyzed air requires the determination of the amount of substances trapped by the sorbent tube, the desorption coefficient and the air sample volume. Adequate dilution of the extract makes it possible to determine tetrachloromethane, trichloroethene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and tetrachloroethene in ranges corresponding to 0.1-2 times the maximum admissible concentrations in the workplace air. This article discusses the issues occupational safety and health, which are the subject matter of health sciences and environmental engineering research. Med Pr. 2023;74(1):53-62.

Assessing neuropsychological disorders affecting pottery workers occupationally exposed to air pollutants

ObjectivePottery-related activities are characterized by the emission of multiple air pollutants in the form of particulate matter, gases, and organic compounds. These pollutants are associated with adverse neuropsychological effects. This study aimed at investigating the effect of occupational exposure to air pollutants on the neuropsychiatric health. MethodsA total of 180 male workers (90 exposed workers and 90 administrative employees) were recruited from pottery-making activities in the Fawakher region located in old Cairo (Misr Al-Kadema); the administrative employees were the control group. Personal, medical, and family histories, general and neurological clinical examination, and neuropsychological assessments were recorded. Serum levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal levels (4HNE) were measured by ELISA. Environmental measurement of workplace air pollutants was performed. ResultsEnvironmental monitoring of the workplace revealed that workers are exposed to high levels of SO2 and NO2 as these exceeded the national standard levels. Compared to the control group, the exposed workers’ group demonstrated a significant decrease in digit forwards score, digit backward score, and symbol digit score and a significant higher Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Benton Visual Retention score. The level of 4HNE was significantly increased among the exposed workers’ group compared to that of the control group. ConclusionOccupational exposure to air pollutants is associated with impairment in neuropsychological functions, with a corresponding increase in the serum level of 4HNE, which is a biomarker for oxidative stress among Egyptian pottery workers.

Some neurotoxic effects of lead nanoparticles on NMDA glutamate receptor gene expression and behavioral responses in Wistar rats

Introduction. Industrial pollution of the workplace air and the environment with lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO NPs) poses the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in workers of lead and copper smelters and the population living around these enterprises. Various studies showed the involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression in the mechanisms of lead toxicity. Materials and methods. During two months, outbred female rats were exposed to lead nanoparticles (PbO NPs) at a concentration of 0.2 mg/m3 in a “nose-only” inhalation exposure system. The behavioral responses of the rats were assessed using the open field and the elevated plus maze tests. Quantitative expression of the NMDA receptor genes (GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B) in the rat hippocampus was assessed using a real-time PCR. Statistical data analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results. The neurotoxic effect of PbO NPs manifested itself in the suppression of GRIN2A gene expression in the hippocampus of experimental rats. The expression of the GRIN1 gene also showed a tendency to decrease in rats under effect of PbO NPs, while the expression of the GRIN2B gene did not change. The results of the open field test did not reveal any differences between the experimental and control groups of rats. The elevated plus maze test revealed a significant decrease in the number of entries into the open arms of the maze in rats from the experimental group. Limitations. This work was performed on female Wistar rats and does not take into account possible inter-gender differences. Conclusion. The results of the experiment demonstrated the neurotoxic effect of PbO NPs including the reduced expression level of the GRIN2A gene of the NMDA receptor and a decrease in the proportion of time spent in the open arms in the elevated plus maze test.

ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATION FOR CHOOSING INDIVIDUAL RESPIRATORY PROTECTION MEANS

Objective. Develop a theoretical and methodological approach to economically justify the selection of individual respiratory protection means (IRPM) taking into account the risk of occupational respiratory organ diseases caused by workplace air pollution and the impact of respirators on employee productivity. Methods. The study uses analytical methods, probability theory methods, statistical data analysis of respiratory diseases in employees, and economic-mathematical modeling methods. Results. The proposed methodological approach for choosing IRPM for respiratory protective equipment for employees takes into account both the expenses for procurement and maintenance of respirators, as well as the losses associated with their use. This includes the economic impact of occupational diseases caused by dust exposure, reduced employee productivity when using IRPM, and accidents related to its use. Analytical dependencies are used to calculate the losses of various types of respirators, considering their protection class, breathing resistance, and usage conditions. These conditions include the difficulty of work, meteorological conditions, maximum single permissible dust concentration in the workplace air, and the duration of work in harmful conditions. The probability of occupational diseases caused by dust is assessed based on probability relationships.. Scientific novelty. The proposed methodological approach for selecting IRPM for respiratory organ protection is unique in its comprehensive consideration of procurement and maintenance costs and the losses associated with using or not using IRPM. This includes the economic consequences of events related to the occurrence of occupational diseases caused by dust, reduced employee productivity when using IRPM, and accidents related to IRPM use. Practical value. Implementing the proposed approach for selecting IRPM for individaul respiratory protection means will allow companies to justify their expenses for purchasing and maintaining respirators and reduce the risk of occupational diseases caused by dust exposure among employees working in harmful conditions. Keywords: risk, occupational diseases, harmful occupational factors, dust, working conditions, individual respiratory protection means, economic justification.

Occupational Exposure to Halogenated Anaesthetic Gases in Hospitals: A Systematic Review of Methods and Techniques to Assess Air Concentration Levels

Objective During the induction of gaseous anaesthesia, waste anaesthetic gases (WAGs) can be released into workplace air. Occupational exposure to high levels of halogenated WAGs may lead to adverse health effects; hence, it is important to measure WAGs concentration levels to perform risk assessment and for health protection purposes. Methods A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted on two different scientific databases (Scopus and PubMed). A total of 101 studies, focused on sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane exposures in hospitals, were included in this review. Key information was extracted to provide (1) a description of the study designs (e.g., monitoring methods, investigated occupational settings, anaesthetic gases in use); (2) an evaluation of time trends in the measured concentrations of considered WAGs; (3) a critical evaluation of the sampling strategies, monitoring methods and instruments used. Results Environmental monitoring was prevalent (68%) and mainly used for occupational exposure assessment during adult anaesthesia (84% of cases). Real-time techniques such as photoacoustic spectroscopy and infrared spectrophotometry were used in 58% of the studies, while off-line approaches such as active or passive sampling followed by GC-MS analysis were used less frequently (39%). Conclusions The combination of different instrumental techniques allowing the collection of data with different time resolutions was quite scarce (3%) despite the fact that this would give the opportunity to obtain reliable data for testing the compliance with 8 h occupational exposure limit values and at the same time to evaluate short-term exposures.

Evaluation and updates to the Leggett model for pharmacokinetic modeling of exposure to lead in the workplace – Part II adjustments to the adult exposure model, confirmation of Leggett+, and modeling of workplace exposure

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has updated the comprehensive age-specific model of lead metabolism in humans published by Richard W. Leggett in 1993. The updated model, called Leggett+, was introduced in a peer-reviewed report in 2013. The Leggett + model simulates the relationship between blood lead and exposure in the workplace. Leggett + includes a workplace exposure model comprising respiratory tract intake (workplace lead inhaled by a worker) and uptake (lead absorbed into the blood from the respiratory tract plus uptake from ambient air and diet). The latter is calculated as intake times an inhalation transfer coefficient plus background uptake. An adjusted adult systemic model describes the metabolism of the absorbed lead. This paper provides details about the workplace exposure and uptake elements of Leggett+, an updated approach to calibrating an inhalation transfer coefficient, confirmation of the model’s performance in predicting blood lead levels from workplace studies, and predictions of blood lead levels from simulated exposures to workplace airborne lead over a working lifetime. Blood lead relative to airborne lead concentrations in a standard workplace scenario predicted by Leggett + was similar to corresponding relationships from four published workplace studies. Leggett + predictions displayed a good fit to regression equations when other key factors were considered such as pre-employment blood lead and ongoing background intake of lead, workplace air concentration, lead aerosol characteristics, and worker activity levels. The comprehensive Leggett + model can simulate plausible workplace air–blood lead relationships from a broad range of worker exposures. The inhalation transfer coefficient of 0.30, derived from empirical data described in the 2013 report has been reexamined. The original estimate continues to represent a plausible mid-point for a coefficient derived from an expanded range of theoretical particle size distributions deposited in the upper and lower regions of the respiratory tract considering intake during sedentary and outdoor activity breathing scenarios. This coefficient is slightly lower than the value of 0.35 estimated for unknown forms of lead by Leggett in 1993.

Оценка риска нарушения состояния гепатобилиарной системы у работников производства бутилового каучука с учетом анализа полиморфного варианта rs1052133 гена OGG1

Contemporary petrochemical productions maintain strict control over contents of adverse chemicals in workplace air. Despite that, the chemical factor remains one of the major harmful occupational factors and can produce adverse effects on workers’ health by increasing, among other things, risks of general somatic diseases. Given that, prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in workers employed at chemical productions remains a vital challenge for occupational medicine. A way to tackle it is to timely detect risk groups relying on, among other things, analysis of workers’ genetic peculiarities. This article presents a study with 140 volunteers participating in it; they had basic occupations required at contemporary butyl rubber production. It was conducted within a periodical medical examination that involved using up-to-date hygienic, clinical-laboratory and genetic methods. The study included hygienic assessment of the chemical factor at the analyzed production, examination of hematologic and biochemical blood indicators, identification of workers’ genetic status as per the rs1052133 polymorphic variant of the OGG1 gene and the severity of DNA breaks. The study revealed adverse effects produced by the chemical factors on health of workers with basic occupations based on deviations in biochemical blood indicators obtained by tests that included indicator enzyme identification, and DNA damage. Following the study results, a risk group was created as per the state of the hepatobiliary system. To preserve workers’ health, it is necessary to implement certain preventive measures that include providing safe working conditions as regards the chemical factor, timely detection of risk groups and rehabilitation activities.

Assessing risks of functional disorders of hepatobiliary system in workers employed at butyl rubber production allowing for analysis of the ogg1 gene polymorphic variant rs1052133

Contemporary petrochemical productions maintain strict control over contents of adverse chemicals in workplace air. Despite that, the chemical factor remains one of the major harmful occupational factors and can produce adverse effects on workers’ health by increasing, among other things, risks of general somatic diseases. Given that, prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in workers employed at chemical productions remains a vital challenge for occupational medicine. A way to tackle it is to timely detect risk groups relying on, among other things, analysis of workers’ genetic peculiarities. This article presents a study with 140 volunteers participating in it; they had basic occupations required at contemporary butyl rubber production. It was conducted within a periodical medical examination that involved using up-to-date hygienic, clinical-laboratory and genetic methods. The study included hygienic assessment of the chemical factor at the analyzed production, examination of hematologic and biochemical blood indicators, identification of workers’ genetic status as per the rs1052133 polymorphic variant of the OGG1 gene and the severity of DNA breaks. The study revealed adverse effects produced by the chemical factors on health of workers with basic occupations based on deviations in biochemical blood indicators obtained by tests that included indicator enzyme identification, and DNA damage. Following the study results, a risk group was created as per the state of the hepatobiliary system. To preserve workers’ health, it is necessary to implement certain preventive measures that include providing safe working conditions as regards the chemical factor, timely detection of risk groups and rehabilitation activities.

Efficiency of Workplace Air Disinfection Using a Photocatalytic Recirculator

Introduction: Photocatalytic recirculators located along the natural movement of air disinfect and neutralize indoor air, promote its circulation, and fill the interior volume with purified air according to the “general” or “dispersing” scheme, thus reducing the levels of air pollutants. Yet, they are unable to provide adequate protection against severe pollution close to its source. Objective: To study the efficiency of disinfection of the workplace air using a specially developed forced and exhaust photocatalytic recirculator. Methods: Testing was carried out in the breathing zone of a laboratory assistant at the workplace without natural and artificial ventilation in the box of the Department of Clinical Microbiology. The efficiency of air disinfection was judged by a decrease in the total microbial count after ultraviolet and photocatalytic treatment using the recirculator. Results: In the chamber of the developed forced and exhaust photocatalytic recirculator, high energy illumination and exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the C spectrum are created, as well as high surface and volume density of bactericidal flux and bactericidal energy, corresponding to the experimental values of antimicrobial surface and volume doses at 95 % bacterial efficiency for Staphylococcus aureus. We established that the recirculator provided a 90.19 % air disinfection per cycle and supplied the air with 94.99 % and 95.53 % of microbes killed to the breathing zone of the laboratory assistant at distances of 1 m and 2 m at an acceptable velocity. It also disinfected the contaminated air by 96.55 % and 95.97 % at the workplace at distances of 1 m and 2 m by exhausting the air at an acceptable velocity compared to a serial photocatalytic recirculator. Conclusion: For effective air purification in the working space, it is advisable to use the developed photocatalytic recirculator equipped with additional air ducts, which ensures the exhaust of 96 % of contaminated air and the disinfection rate of 95 % at an acceptable speed.