Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene最新文献

{"title":"Lessons learned in establishing and sustaining elastomeric half mask respirator-based respiratory protection programs: An impact evaluation.","authors":"Emily J Haas, Mihili Edirisooriya","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2431227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2431227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Developing and overseeing Respiratory Protection Programs (RPPs) is crucial for ensuring effective respirator use among employees. To date, a gap exists in research that focuses on elastomeric half mask respirators (EHMRs) as the primary respirator in health delivery settings which would necessitate additional considerations in RPPs beyond the more common N95 filtering facepiece respirators. This paper presents lessons learned during a one-year impact evaluation with healthcare and first responder settings that received EHMRs from the Strategic National Stockpile in 2021 and 2022. The study explored the advantages and disadvantages associated with EHMRs and the challenges related to establishing, implementing, maintaining, and sustaining EHMR-based RPPs. Data was received from 42 organizations that participated in EHMR demonstration projects to address (1) the most important, perceived, elements and practices of an EHMR-based RPP to support a long-term program; and (2) differences in perceptions of the most important elements and practices based on organizational and company size (i.e., small, medium, and large). Sustaining an EHMR program was considered the most important area to focus future efforts (<i>M</i> = 2.94; SD = 1.12 on a 4-point scale), followed by daily maintenance of the program (<i>M</i> = 2.72; SD = 0.974), development and implementation of the program (<i>M</i> = 2.42; SD = 1.05), and access to EHMRs (<i>M</i> = 1.91; SD = 1.11), respectively. Findings also revealed statistically significant differences in perceptions based on organization size, particularly in access to EHMR models/designs. Results underscored the significance of user accountability, organizational support, and culture in EHMR-based RPPs to support emergency preparedness efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toward rapid silica analysis of CPDM samples: Deposition of recovered dust and analysis by FTIR.","authors":"August Greth, Emily Sarver","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2421008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2421008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The ongoing resurgence of severe Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis in the US has been linked to overexposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS, which is predominantly present as quartz and regulated as such). Capabilities that enable more frequent RCS monitoring are highly sought. Recent developments include field-based quartz analysis of traditional filter samples-collected on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters-using portable Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). However, most respirable dust samples in US coal mines are collected with a continuous personal dust monitor (CPDM) that enables real-time tracking of total respirable dust mass concentration. FTIR cannot directly analyze the collected dust sample due to the materials and construction of the sampling substrate. To address this issue, a simple three-step method was envisioned wherein the dust could be recovered into a suspension, redeposited onto a PVC filter using a syringe filter apparatus, and then analyzed by FTIR. The current study was conducted to develop the redeposition and analysis steps. It specifically considers the issues of the PVC filter size and deposition pattern yielded by typical filtration apparatuses and the FTIR scanning locations to establish a model that predicts quartz mass from the spectral data. Of the options tested here, the following combination was found to be optimal: 25-mm PVC filter with dust deposition using an inline syringe filter holder (which yields a \"wheel and spoke\" pattern), and FTIR analysis at four center-offset locations (90° apart, 8-mm from the center) from which the spectral data were averaged. Under these conditions, the predicted quartz mass on filters with respirable dust deposited from one of two geologic source materials (i.e., representing real coal mine silica sources) was observed to have a standard error of 0.011 mg (11 µg) for samples with an expected quartz mass of less than 0.150 mg (which equated to a total sample mass of less than about 1.5 mg). For samples with higher expected quartz masses, standard error increased, suggesting that dust deposition becomes less uniform with increasing total sample mass.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Removal efficiency of antineoplastic drug cyclophosphamide by hypochlorous acid.","authors":"Yusuke Iwasaki, Makoto Hiraide, Haruna Taguchi, Ryuya Iehisa, Hiroshi Akiyama, Kenichi Suzuki, Hisanori Shimizu, Masakazu Yamaguchi","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2423752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2423752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypochlorous acid (HClO), one of the major reactive oxygen species, is obtained by electrolyzing a sodium chloride solution. HClO is a safe and effective disinfectant and decomposing agent widely used as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of HClO generated by electrolyzing sodium chloride as a decontaminant. Cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was selected as the model drug, and various solvents (HClO, NaClO, etc.) were compared to identify the solvents that could react with and efficiently decompose CPA. To identify a solvent that efficiently decomposes CPA, the CPA concentration was measured using liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. When either NaClO or HClO was used, the CPA concentration decreased, and a peak corresponding to 3-chloro CPA, identified by mass spectrometry, was detected. Furthermore, to investigate the reversibility of the reaction between CPA and ClO^-, ClO^- was removed from the reaction solution using solid-phase extraction, resulting in the previously decreased CPA concentration returning to nearly its original level. Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs poses a significant risk to worker health. This study's results suggest that CPA can be replaced by 3-chloro CPA when HClO is used as the wiping solvent like NaClO, thereby reducing occupational exposure from wiping. Future studies should investigate the wiping and degradation efficiencies of other anti-cancer agents. Occupational exposure to anti-cancer drugs can be significantly reduced by integrating various mitigation measures, thereby contributing to a safer work environment for healthcare professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of the Tier 3 NIOSH occupational exposure banding process for the graphene family of nanomaterials: A case study.","authors":"Mamadou Niang, Nicole Barcellos, Melissa Edmondson, Lilia Chen, Seth McCormick, Matthew M Dahm","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2420998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2420998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Graphene is a class of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials composed of single or multiple layers of carbon atoms. To date, there are limited clinical data and no epidemiological research available to assess graphene toxicity in humans. Despite the growing amount of animal toxicity data, there are currently no occupational exposure limits (OELs) for any type of graphene nanomaterial published by international authoritative organizations to ensure their safe handling within workplaces. In the absence of consensus OELs for graphene, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) occupational exposure banding process was used to assign an occupational exposure band (OEB). The NIOSH banding process is organized into a three-tiered system and is a resource for occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals to guide risk management and exposure control decisions when OELs are not available. To the authors' knowledge, there are no Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) H-codes/statements available for graphene to conduct a Tier 1 analysis. Even though data were available from authoritative sources for three of nine health endpoints, the data were insufficient to support banding in a Tier 2 assessment. Therefore, a Tier 3 assessment using the NIOSH banding process was applied to the graphene family of nanomaterials (GFN) as a case study based on the specific physicochemical and toxicological properties with uncertainty factor adjustments. The band assignment was replicated by three individuals with advanced toxicology and industrial hygiene knowledge to ensure a consistent outcome. The results found that three of the six endpoints banded were \"E,\" representing an air concentration ≤0.01 mg/m³, while the other three ranged from \"A\" to \"C.\" This indicates that the graphene materials evaluated may have potential effects at low exposure concentrations (≤0.01 mg/m³). These findings suggest an OEB may be a suitable option for OSH professionals attempting to mitigate risk for GFN in the absence of an OEL and may provide a reasonable initial estimate for recommended workplace exposure and control measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caution with self-reported occupational noise exposures.","authors":"Abas Shkembi","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2422059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2422059","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response to the comments from Mr. Shkembi.","authors":"B Roberts, S Smith, M Vahora, E W Miller","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2422056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2422056","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A cough simulator constructed from off-the-shelf and 3D-printed components.","authors":"Lee Portnoff, Taekhee Lee","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2427090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2427090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of low-cost research equipment is crucial for enhancing accessibility in scientific research, particularly in the field of respiratory disease transmission. This study presents a novel, customizable cough simulator designed for ad-hoc studies that require precise control over ejection velocity and aerosol size. Constructed from off-the-shelf parts and 3D-printed components, this programmable, piston-driven simulator offers an affordable solution for researchers. Its performance has been validated, demonstrating suitability for evaluating fluid flow and monitoring ejected particles that correspond to the velocities of mouth breathing and coughing. Potential applications for this device include assessments of aerosol ventilation, disinfection, and the efficacy of personal protective equipment, all of which contribute to advancing scientific understanding and public health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142780370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterizing dynamic atmosphere generation system performance for analytical method development.","authors":"Amos Doepke, Robert P Streicher, Peter B Shaw, Ronnee N Andrews, Dawn R Farwick, Emily G Westbrook, Jennifer L Roberts, Paula F O'Connor, Angela L Stastny, Pramod S Kulkarni","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2423749","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2423749","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A significant portion of the work of developing and validating methods for volatile organic compound (VOC) sampling in workplace atmospheres involves the use of laboratory-generated atmospheres. The sample variability was evaluated from the dynamic atmosphere generation system used for VOC atmosphere generation and sampling. Characterization of the bias and variability of samples was done for a variety of atmospheres containing neat n-heptane and mixtures of VOCs sampled on activated coconut shell charcoal. Estimates of sampling variability ranged from 2% for neat n-heptane to 12% for a component in the 10 VOC mix. Sample variability increased for lower concentration samples and for mixtures of VOCs compared to single component atmospheres. This study can serve as a baseline for future atmosphere sampling experiments evaluating performance at lower concentrations and mixed VOC environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142780320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of interdigital pilonidal sinus in hair professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Hamdi Al Shenawi, Suhair Al Saad, Noor Al Shenawi, Noor Al Rumaihi, Zainab Salmeen, Noora Al Sadeh, Ali M Alfehaid, Musab Alshelali, Mohammed A Bin-Jabr, Hasheem A Alzeyadi, Rabbani M Daoud","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2420984","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2420984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interdigital Pilonidal Sinus (IPNS), also known as barber's disease, is a rare occupational disease that affects hairdressers and barbers. It develops when customers' hair penetrates the webspace between the fingers, causing a foreign body reaction. This cross-sectional study, conducted across all five governorates in Bahrain, aimed to investigate the prevalence of IPNS among hairdressers and barbers in Bahrain. A total of 479 participants (253 male and 226 female) from 384 hairdressing salons and barbershops were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Participants' age, hand dominance, nationality, smoking status, work experience, hygiene habits, and medical comorbidities were assessed through an interview-administered questionnaire. No cases of IPNS were identified in the study group; however, two male participants reported having Pilonidal Sinus (PNS) in the sacrococcygeal region. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when rigorous hygiene practices were likely adopted due to government-enforced regulations. The absence of IPNS observed in the study group could be attributed to enhanced hygiene practices. It is also plausible that the association between IPNS and barbering was more of an exaggerated assumption adopted over time, rather than a causal relationship. Despite the limitations of the cross-sectional design, this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of IPNS among hairdressers and barbers in Bahrain and underscores the importance of good hygiene practices in preventing infections. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to explore potential risk factors for IPNS in hair professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142780346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"2024 Subject Index.","authors":"","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2435782","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2435782","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":"21 12","pages":"928-941"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142829121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}