Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene最新文献

{"title":"Cotton undergarments as a tool for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons whole body dosimetry of firefighters.","authors":"Stephan Koslitz, Dirk Taeger, Birgit Heinrich, Daniel Köster, Tim Pelzl, Heiko Udo Käfferlein, Katrin Pitzke, Thomas Brüning, Thomas Behrens","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2421017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2421017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazardous substances during firefighting activities. Fire smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) some of which have been shown to cause cancer in humans. To assess dermal exposure of firefighters during real-life firefighting, a whole-body dosimetry method was applied to determine the PAH that settles on the skin despite firefighters wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). In total, 17 firefighters wore cotton undergarments (shirts, trousers, gloves, socks, and balaclavas) under their PPE during firefighting missions. After firefighting, fabric pieces were analyzed for 16 US-EPA PAHs and benzo[e]pyrene. Detailed information about the fire missions was solicited from firefighters via a questionnaire. Seventy percent of firefighters provided their undergarments and PAHs were analyzed in 309 punched-out fabric pieces. PAHs were quantified in 27 out of the 309 fabric pieces (8.7%). Generally, PAH concentrations were higher after firefighting in residential buildings compared to exposure levels after fighting vehicle or outdoor fires. Phenanthrene and pyrene were the predominant compounds and were observed up to 657 and 244 ng/g, respectively. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) was detected in 10 fabric pieces (3.2%) up to 103 ng/g, but all levels were below 1,000 ng/g, the threshold limit of B[a]P according to European Consumer Goods Regulation (European Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1513). It was demonstrated that firefighting PPE can be an effective shield against dermal exposure to carcinogenic substances. Thus, all measured PAH concentrations in the fabric pieces were below the threshold limit of 1,000 ng/g of each PAH, which is allowed in consumer goods in the European Union for clothing worn on the skin However, individual dermal exposures cannot be completely avoided during firefighting missions. The use of undergarments, gloves, socks, and balaclavas for whole-body dosimetry, which are worn under the PPE, can be useful in assessing whether hazardous substances penetrate the firefighters' PPE.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142921931","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":"Hazardous exposures and engineering controls in the landscaping services industry.","authors":"Barbara M Alexander, Pamela S Graydon, Mirle Pena, H Amy Feng, Bryan R Beamer","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2439810","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2439810","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Landscapers are exposed to noise, carbon monoxide (CO), respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) generated from the tools they use. Although engineering controls are available to reduce these exposures, no previous study has evaluated chronic exposures to landscapers in different work settings and compared exposures from landscaping tools with and without engineering controls. This field study of workers in the landscaping services industry documented the occupational exposures of 80 participants at 11 varied worksites to noise, CO, respirable dust, and RCS using personal breathing zone sampling. Results were analyzed using SAS/STAT 14.1. Analysis of variance was used for normally distributed data; otherwise, nonparametric methods were used. Most workers were overexposed to noise, with 94 of the 119 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposures at or above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 dBA. There were no statistically significant differences among different locations or occupations. No 8-hr TWA exposures to CO above the NIOSH REL were measured. Overexposures to RCS were measured at all locations where hardscaping (installing or maintaining non-living aspects of the landscape) was taking place. This is the first known field study of this type to include hardscapers. The use of engineering controls such as dust capture or wet methods would reduce RCS exposures, but respiratory protection may still be needed. Task-based analysis of noise and CO exposure revealed that the loudest landscaping tools used in this study were hardscaping table saws, gas chainsaws, gas leaf blowers, chipper/shredders, gas string trimmers, and fuel mowers. Workers were exposed to significantly more noise and CO when using fuel-powered versions compared to battery-powered versions of leaf blowers, string trimmers, and chainsaws.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142921935","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 risk-risk tradeoff approach for incorporating the public's risk perceptions into quantitative microbial risk assessment.","authors":"Amanda M Wilson, Irene Mussio, Marc P Verhougstraete, Yoonhee Jung, Ahamed Ashraf, Susan Chilton, Kerry A Hamilton","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2423756","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2423756","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In public health, risk experts often define acceptable risk targets without community input. We developed a novel method for applying behavioral microeconomics to integrate individuals' risk preferences into risk assessment. To demonstrate this methodology, we explored a risk-risk tradeoff case scenario: increased asthma risk from increased cleaning and disinfection (C&D) and increased infection risk from decreased C&D for healthcare staff. Utilizing a risk-risk tradeoff (RRTO) framework, two datasets were informed with RRTO survey data describing the risks individuals would accept for one outcome to offset risk in another (i.e., \"risk target\"). A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was deployed to output \"critical concentrations,\" viral concentrations on surfaces that yield risk targets for a single contaminated surface touch and a work shift. Critical concentrations were over four orders of magnitude larger for single-touch scenarios. Critical concentrations across risk target datasets were similar. Using the RRTO framework to inform QMRA advances the incorporation of individuals' risk preferences in risk analyses outside economics.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142921927","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":"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}