Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene最新文献

{"title":"PFAS co-positivities identified in more than 10,000 serum/plasma samples.","authors":"Laura M Labay, Lee M Blum","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2601605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2025.2601605","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent chemicals to which nearly all humans have detectable exposure. Although clinical interpretation of PFAS biomonitoring data often focuses on individual analytes, emerging toxicological evidence indicates that PFAS mixtures may exert additive or synergistic effects relevant to health outcomes. To characterize PFAS co-positivity patterns, we evaluated PFAS combinations in 10,566 human serum/plasma samples analyzed by targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) between December 2023 and December 2024. Results from two different PFAS panels offered by the testing laboratory were evaluated: a 13-analyte panel (Panel 1, <i>n</i> = 10,478) and an 18-analyte panel (Panel 2, <i>n</i> = 88). Overall, 98.8% of samples (<i>n</i> = 10,436) contained at least one PFAS. Only 19 samples (0.18%) contained a single PFAS above the lower limit of quantification (0.1 ng/mL). In contrast, most samples showed complex mixtures: 58 unique PFAS combinations were identified in Panel 1 and 16 in Panel 2. Across both panels, the most common combination, PFHxS, linear PFOA, linear and branched PFOS, PFNA, and PFHpS, was detected in 2,754 samples (26.1%). Among the additional PFAS included in Panel 2, 9CI-PF3ONS, HFPO-DA, and PFOSA were not detected in any sample. ADONA was not detected in either panel. These findings reinforce that PFAS exposure in the U.S. population rarely occurs as isolated compounds. Instead, individuals typically carry body burdens comprising five or more PFAS with differing bioaccumulation properties and half-lives. The high prevalence and consistency of specific PFAS combinations highlight the importance of mixture-based interpretation in biomonitoring, particularly given PFAS' potential endocrine-disrupting activity and the possibility of additive or synergistic biological effects. This large dataset provides a practical reference for identifying prevalent PFAS co-positivity patterns and can inform the design of experimental mixture studies, risk-assessment strategies, and clinical guidance that better reflect PFAS chemical exposures. Continued evaluation of analytical scopes will be essential for characterizing PFAS mixtures as new analogs emerge.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774146","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":"Occupational exposures to illicit drugs in forensic science divisions.","authors":"Jennie Cox, Jacob Bartels, Mamadou Niang, Jessica Li, Kendra Broadwater, Sophia Chiu, Dallas Shi, Paro Sen, I-Chen Chen, Roy Gerona, Mikayla Gonzaga, Matthew Dahm","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2649752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2026.2649752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Forensic scientists from local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies analyze evidence daily in which unknown substances suspected of containing illicit drugs are handled, weighed, and chemically processed. To address concerns about potential occupational exposures to opioids like fentanyl and other illicit substances, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a multi-site exposure assessment among forensic laboratory personnel. NIOSH evaluated personal and area air samples, handwipe samples, area surface samples, and personal biomonitoring urine samples for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and other metabolites. Thirteen of the 91 personal air, time-weighted average (TWA) samples collected exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)^® Threshold Limit Value (TLV)^® for fentanyl of 100 ng/m³ (8 h TWA), with exceedances observed at 4 of 11 sites. The ACGIH Surface Limit (TLV-SL) of 10 ng/cm² for fentanyl was exceeded for 8 of 86 surface wipes taken in laboratories at 3 of 11 sites. Commonly touched surfaces found to be above the TLV-SL included laboratory scales, keyboards, return air vents, the top of a light fixture, and inside a laboratory hood. Similarly, there were detectable concentrations in air and surface samples for cocaine and methamphetamine. Eight of 11 sites had at least one person with some detectable level of an illicit drug or metabolite in a urine sample. Based on the results of the current study, safety thresholds for fentanyl were exceeded. For other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin, thresholds have not been established to protect these workers. Due to the unpredictable nature of the evidence being handled, prudent occupational safety calls for minimizing exposure to chronic low doses of illicit drugs, as the health effects are unknown. To minimize exposure risk, best practices were identified from the literature and provided to each laboratory. Since potential health hazards have not been clearly established for chronic low-dose exposures, more research could lead to a better understanding of the potential health effects, if any, on workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147690576","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":"Assessment of real-time measurements of respirable dust and crystalline silica concentrations.","authors":"M Gumulya, R N Carey, R Mead-Hunter","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2640000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2026.2640000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Real-time measurements of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) can significantly enhance the capability of workplaces in conducting timely risk assessment and monitoring. A new device has recently been launched (Trolex Air-XS, United Kingdom) for real-time monitoring of RCS based on light-scattering optical refractometry technology. This study aimed to examine its capability in determining concentrations of respirable particles in general and distinguishing RCS proportions from other particulates. Tests were carried out in a controlled environmental chamber using various dust samples with different RCS content, employing two other light-scattering-based devices (Fidas Frog (Palas GmbH, Germany) and TSI DustTrak DRX 8533 (Shoreview, Minnesota, USA)). The tests revealed that while Air-XS demonstrated strong temporal correlation to the particle concentration readings of Fidas, it tended to record significantly lower particle number concentrations, largely because it does not include the sub-1-micron particle range within its algorithm/sensor capabilities. This presents a significant limitation, as sub-1-micron-sized particles are significant determinants in the toxicity of respirable aerosols. This study also found that the Air-XS device was unable to distinguish crystalline silica from general particulate dusts, possibly due to the relatively low dust loading in the test environment. Some measurements with the Fidas and the DustTrak indicated environments that were nearing the Australian Workplace Exposure Standard concentration, suggesting further controlled testing is needed to thoroughly assess the Air-XS capability in detecting and measuring RCS. These findings indicate that while the Air-XS may serve as a real-time indicator of high concentrations of respirable particles, it is not a substitute for established RCS assessment methods. Further independent testing across various conditions is needed to confirm its accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147690531","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":"Validation of the Russian version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire.","authors":"Anna V Novikova, Vasiliy A Shirokov, Sergey V Kuzmin, Aleksandr A Novikov, Aleksandra S Perevezentseva","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2649753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2026.2649753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The digital transformation of the economy and rising labor demands have increased the relevance of psychosocial risk management. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) is a widely used international tool for assessing these risks. This study aimed to validate the Russian version of COPSOQ III (COPSOQ-RU) to ensure its reliability and applicability for assessing psychosocial risks in Russian workplaces. The questionnaire was translated, culturally adapted, and piloted with 290 participants. The main survey included 1,075 valid responses. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha (all dimensions > 0.60). Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which identified 22 factors explaining 65.9% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated excellent model fit (CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.056). Most dimensions demonstrated satisfactory reliability and exhibited valid factor structures. However, certain items required revision. Strong correlations were identified between psychosocial risk dimensions and outcomes such as burnout and job satisfaction. The COPSOQ-RU was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing psychosocial risks in Russian workplaces. Its implementation can support evidence-based occupational health interventions and contribute to improving employee well-being and working conditions in Russia.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147690722","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":"Developing PPE management tools for use in a pandemic.","authors":"Melissa Edmondson, Gurumurthy Ramachandran","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2639995","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2026.2639995","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In early 2020, facilities across the United States and the world struggled to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect their staff from COVID-19 during an international shortage. A sharp increase in PPE demand, coupled with dwindling supply, resulted in a need for strategies and tools to assist workplaces in calculating PPE burn rate and predicting future PPE needs. This study describes the development and potential use of a model-based approach for forecasting PPE demand for future pandemics or other disasters that require PPE. This simple-to-use modeling tool was developed to assist facilities that lack adequate PPE management systems, allowing users to track what PPE items they have on hand and how quickly their PPE supply is depleting. The modeling tool builds on previous efforts to understand PPE consumption, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Excel-based PPE Burn Rate Calculator and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) PPE Tracker Mobile Application. These tools were modifiable enough to use in a variety of settings, including healthcare, public safety, and correctional facilities, and were widely used for PPE management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The modeling approach described here can incorporate scenario-specific information into future PPE planning, rather than relying solely on historical consumption patterns. Hypothetical scenarios are presented to demonstrate the use of the tools. Results of this study indicate that PPE needs can be heavily influenced by local conditions. Predictive models for PPE needs may allow for increased efficiency, reduced waste, and improved worker protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147623282","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":"Special issue on firefighter safety and health.","authors":"Robert Agnew, Aurora Le","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2659543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2026.2659543","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":"23 4","pages":"D9-D10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774217","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":"Remediation of novel sources linked to an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in a manufacturing facility.","authors":"Kevin H Dunn, Jessica L Rinsky, Nancy Burton, Karl Feldmann, Alberto M Acosta, Hani M Mohamed, Lindsay Zielinski, Nakia S Clemmons, Chris Edens, Linda Bell, Jessica C Smith, Troy L Ritter, Melisa Willby, Rebecca Whisenhunt, Victoria Greer, Mitchell A Garber, Abdoulaye Diedhiou","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2589130","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2589130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In September 2022, public health officials identified a legionellosis outbreak among workers at a manufacturing facility. Upon recognition of the outbreak, public health officials and company management investigated to identify the source and prevent additional cases. Facility management assembled an inventory of potential water sources and worked with a consultant to conduct sampling. <i>Legionella</i> bacteria were cultured from bulk water samples collected from two water jet cutters and a floor scrubber. All other sampling locations had no <i>Legionella</i> identified by culture. Legionellosis cases were distributed throughout the facility. Floor scrubbers were used to clean up water that spilled from the water jet cutters and to clean the floors adjacent to employee work areas. After multiple cycles of cleaning and disinfection of the water jet cutters and floor scrubbers, repeat sampling revealed no <i>Legionella</i> detected. Company management returned the equipment to service in November 2022 with a maintenance, disinfection, and monitoring plan; no additional cases of legionellosis among employees have been reported. Evidence indicates that water jet cutters provided a conducive environment for <i>Legionella</i> growth, while floor scrubbers may have also contributed to employee exposure. This case study describes a remediation plan and illustrates the importance of identifying all potential <i>Legionella</i> sources and maintaining a comprehensive water management program to protect workers from <i>Legionella</i> and other waterborne pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"209-214"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12914729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction.","authors":"","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2659544","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2026.2659544","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147690591","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 BEI for adipate esters - ACGIH seeks health effects data.","authors":"Nancy B Hopf, Michael Bader, Lee M Blum, Jean Grassman, Kate Jones, Heiko U Käfferlein, Larry K Lowry, Leena A Nylander-French","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2595956","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2595956","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"215-218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146118990","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":"Occupational hearing impairment in coal mining across Asia-Pacific: Patterns, risks, and implications.","authors":"Kurnia Ardiansyah Akbar, Isa Ma'rufi, Anu Surach, Chakkrit Sela, Anita Dewi Prahastuti Sujoso, Ragil Ismi Hartanti, Ana Islamiyah Syamila","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2589135","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2025.2589135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coal miners are among the most vulnerable workers exposed to hazardous occupational noise, leading to a heightened risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the Asia-Pacific region, rapid industrial growth and variable enforcement of occupational health regulations pose additional challenges in preventing hearing impairment among miners. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the patterns, risk factors, and contextual challenges associated with occupational hearing impairment among coal miners in the Asia-Pacific region, with the goal of informing policy and guiding future interventions. A systematic review was conducted across five major databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2025 that examined occupational hearing loss in coal mining populations in the Asia-Pacific region. The quality of included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Twelve studies from China, Australia, Turkey, and India met the inclusion criteria, covering over 130,000 miners. Findings consistently revealed a high prevalence of NIHL and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), with exposure duration, job category, and age identified as key contributing factors. Workplace conditions, outdated machinery, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment further exacerbated hearing risks. In addition, hearing loss often co-occurred with other occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis and hypertension, suggesting a complex interplay of health risks in mining environments. Occupational hearing impairment remains a significant yet preventable health issue among coal miners in the Asia-Pacific. Strengthened hearing conservation programs, regulatory enforcement, and targeted research are urgently needed to reduce the burden of NIHL and promote long-term auditory health in this high-risk workforce.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"237-246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146018536","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}