Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene最新文献

{"title":"Assessment and design of filters and masks against COVID-19 via modeling and simulations.","authors":"Lydia Zhang, Mohamed K Alshaikh, Constantina Lekakou","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2357089","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2357089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate and design masks against viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2 associated with COVID-19. A continuum filtration model was developed where the rate of particle deposition and \"sticking\" on the filter fibers is a critical term in the mass transfer, together with permeation velocity, filter porosity, tortuosity, and Brownian diffusion. CFD simulations of the airflow during respiration lead to the recommendation that the filter permeability should be above 4 × 10^-11 m² to direct the airflow for effectiveness against virus particles; otherwise, low filter permeabilities cause the unfiltered air to flow preferentially through the leak gaps between the mask and the headform. Different mask filters with microstructural and geometry data from the literature are assessed via filtration simulations for breathability and filtration efficiency. The results demonstrate that a surgical mask of 25% porosity, pore size of 150 µm and permeability of 4.4 × 10^-11 m² can achieve 100% minimum efficiency while demonstrating high breathability, complying with the criteria of FFP3, N95, and surgical Class II and IIR masks. Selected cotton and synthetic cloths as well as electrospun fiber layers are predicted to comply with FFP2, N95, and surgical mask Class II and IIR standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"576-590"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141600222","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":"\"The Action Level^®\".","authors":"J Thomas Pierce","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2374221","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2374221","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"D15-D16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141889524","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 glove stretch and storage temperature on fentanyl permeation: Implications for standard test methods and PPE recommendations.","authors":"Edward M Fisher, Rebecca T Streeter, Kent C Hofacre, Lee Ann Greenawald, N Katherine Yoon, Jhy-Charm Soo, Patrick H Keyes","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2346294","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2346294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the use of nitrile gloves with a minimum thickness of 5.0 ± 2.0 mil [0.127 ± 0.051 millimeters] in situations where it is suspected or known that fentanyl or other illicit drugs are present. However, there is limited data available on fentanyl permeation through gloves. Current test methods used to measure fentanyl permeation do not consider the effect of glove fit and flexion. Furthermore, first responders need to have PPE readily available in the field, and storage conditions may affect the protective performance of the gloves. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glove stretch and storage temperatures on glove durability and barrier performance against fentanyl. Nine nitrile glove models previously shown to be resistant to fentanyl permeation were selected for this investigation. These nine models were stretched 25% in one linear direction, to consider glove fit and flexion, and tested against fentanyl hydrochloride permeation. Additionally, four of the nine glove models were stored at 48 °C, 22 °C, and -20 °C, and evaluated for tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and puncture resistance after up to 16 wk of storage and fentanyl permeation after up to 8 wk of storage. At least one sample for six of the nine tested models had maximum permeation over the test method fail threshold when stretched. The tested storage temperatures showed no effect on glove tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and puncture resistance. The findings of this study can be used to inform PPE recommendations, with consideration to storage practices and proper sizing for first responders with potential exposure to fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The results of this study can be used to assess the need for new standard test methods to evaluate the barrier performance of gloves and shelf-life determination with consideration to glove fit.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"529-538"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141237461","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":"Vibrational spectroscopy characterization of impregnated activated carbon adsorption of H₂S.","authors":"Sari Katz, Alexander Pevzner, Tal Amitay-Rosen, Sharon Marx, Hadar Rotter, Yuval Ben-Shahar, Liat Aviram, Amir Lybman, Vladislav Shepelev, Ido Nir","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2357103","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2357103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Activated carbon filters are used for the removal of hazardous gases from the air. This research applied vibrational spectroscopy methods, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy to characterize hydrogen sulfide adsorption on impregnated carbon materials with metals having reactivity toward hydrogen sulfide. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results demonstrated the formation of a new chemical bond between the impregnating metals and the sulfur, indicated by the appearance of a new band at 618 cm^-1. The Raman spectra results showed that for the copper-impregnated activated carbon with the highest hydrogen sulfide adsorption capacity, a new vibrational band at 475 cm^-1 evolved, indicating a copper-sulfur bond. In addition, upshifts in the carbon D sub-bands were observed after efficient hydrogen sulfide adsorption, along with a larger area of the approximately 1500 cm^-1 band. Therefore, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy combination can potentially indicate H₂S adsorption on impregnated activated carbon filters.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"564-575"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141446397","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":"Reported exposures to respirable crystalline silica during construction tasks and guidance for harmonizing future research.","authors":"Neva F B Jacobs, Rachel E Zisook, Taylor A Tarpey","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2357715","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2357715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS) has been a widely recognized hazard in the United States for nearly 100 years, yet it continues to pose a risk to construction tradespersons, among others. RCS exposures vary widely depending on site conditions and tools and materials used. The proper use of engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls can effectively reduce exposure to RCS. Historically, others have reviewed available RCS exposure data among construction trades and reported that there were considerable data gaps and variability that needed to be addressed. This current assessment aimed to synthesize available peer-reviewed exposure studies to determine potential RCS exposures during the use of common construction materials and evaluate to what extent data gaps and variability persist. Twenty-eight studies were identified that reported RCS exposure during construction tasks. After conversion to the unit of µg/m³, reported measurements from samples collected for varying durations ranged from 6.0 to 75,500 µg/m³ for work with concrete, 80 to 4,240 µg/m³ for work with brick, <59 to 10,900 µg/m³ for work with mortar, 90 to 44,370 µg/m³ for work with engineered stone, and 70 to 380 µg/m³ for work with roof tile. To better facilitate pooling data across studies, future researchers should report their sample duration, clarify how time-weighted average (TWA) exposure data are calculated, report the silica content of the material being manipulated, and specify whether samples were collected while the task was performed in isolation or on a worksite where other silica-containing materials were also actively handled. When reporting results as respirable quartz, it is important to note whether any other polymorphic forms of silica were detected. It is ultimately the employer's responsibility to train employees and monitor and control RCS exposures on construction worksites. To do this effectively, it is important to have a clear understanding of the tasks, materials, and site conditions where intervention is most urgently needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"602-622"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141752005","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":"\"The Action Level^®\".","authors":"J Thomas Pierce","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2363168","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2363168","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"D13-D14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141446387","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":"Survey of occupational hygiene professional practice in Spanish-speaking countries.","authors":"Thomas P Fuller, Jennifer Peterson","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2343339","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2343339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Professional credentialing schemes based on experience and examination are used to clarify the scope and required competencies associated with the practice of a profession. National occupational hygiene (OH) credentials developed in 17 nations have been recognized by the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) to meet or exceed the requirements of a model certification program. To date, there is no credentialing or certification scheme for occupational hygienists in Spanish-speaking regions. To fill this void, a new credentialing body has been created named the Iberoamerican Board of Occupational Hygiene (JIHO). As a first step to the development of a certification exam for a profession, it is necessary to determine the interest in an occupational hygiene certification exam in Spanish and to clarify the most common work practices for those practicing the profession. To determine the proper exam weightings for occupational hygiene competencies needed to practice in Spanish-speaking regions JIHO conducted a comprehensive survey of professional practice of occupational hygiene in nations where Spanish is spoken as the primary language. Surveys were sent to 456 practicing occupational hygienists in nine different countries on a variety of topics. Results indicated that 79% of respondents felt the need for an OH certification exam in Spanish was very or extremely important. The most frequent and important technical competencies utilized in practice were (1) awareness about the health effects of hazardous agents to make decisions about workplace activities and exposures, (2) application of the hierarchy of controls, control banding, hazard communication, training of employees and other methods to reduce worker exposure and workplace risks, and (3) application of principles to recognize and control biohazards in the workplace. The study results have been used to guide the weighting and importance of various technical topics and rubrics on the JIHO exam. Data from this study can be used in the development of certification examinations, to improve international coherence in the profession, and the development of educational programs in OH.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"475-484"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140958134","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":"Quantification of suppressor effects on breech and action noise from AR-15 pattern firearms and its implications for the protection of human hearing.","authors":"Robert J Agnew, Aaron Alexander, Carla Goad, Nason Pace, Justin Beel, Yasir Alabaaltahin, Bo Denny","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2334288","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2334288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Noise from firearms is well known to be harmful to human hearing. This problem has been addressed by various military units through the use of muzzle suppressors. However, as suppressor technology has advanced, shooters report hearing the mechanical action of gas-operated semi-automatic rifles (ArmaLite Rifle Model 15 style aka AR-15) as being louder than the suppressed muzzle noise. This study aims to evaluate if harmful noise is present in the shooter's ear, even when impulse noise emanating from the muzzle is suppressed. To characterize the impulse noise of the firearm action caused by the reciprocation of the bolt carrier group (BCG) and subsequent impact when it returns to battery (the forward locked position), the muzzle of a rifle was placed through a constructed plywood wall, and the noise of the action/breech was measured independently from the muzzle noise. This research finds that the impact of the BCG returning to battery (132 dBZ) has the potential to be harmful to the shooter's hearing even when the noise from the muzzle is effectively suppressed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"455-474"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140859534","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":"Evaluation of flow controllers used with evacuated canisters to assess VOC exposures in occupational and non-occupational environments.","authors":"Alan Rossner, David P Wick, Ryan F LeBouf, Christopher Lutes, Marley Carroll","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2345150","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2345150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ideally, measuring exposures to volatile organic compounds should allow for modifying sampling duration without loss in sensitivity. Traditional sorbent-based sampling can vary sampling duration, but sensitivity may be affected when capturing shorter tasks. Diaphragm and capillary flow controllers allow for a range of flow rates and sampling durations for air sampling with evacuated canisters. The goal of this study was to evaluate the extent to which commercialized capillary flow controllers satisfy the bias (±10%) and accuracy (±25%) criteria for air sampling methods as established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) using the framework of ASTM D6246 <i>Standard Practice for Evaluating the Performance of Diffusive Samplers</i> to compare their performance with diaphragm flow controllers in a long-term field study. Phase 1 consisted of a series of laboratory tests to evaluate capillary flow controller flow rates with respect to variations in temperature (-15-24 °C). The results demonstrated a slight increase in flow rate with lower temperatures. In Phase 2, the capillary flow controller was evaluated utilizing a matrix of parameters, including time-weighted average concentration, peak concentration (50-100× base concentration), air velocity across the sampler inlet (0.41-0.5 m/s), relative humidity (20-80%), and temperature (10-32 °C). Comparison of challenge concentrations with reference concentrations revealed the aggregate bias and overall accuracy for four tested compounds to be within the range of criteria for both NIOSH and ASTM standards. Additionally, capillary flow controllers displayed lower variability in flow rate and measured concentration (RSD: 2.4% and 4.3%, respectively) when compared with diaphragm flow controllers (RSD: 6.9% and 7.2%, respectively) for 24-hr laboratory tests. Phase 3 involved further testing of flow rate variability for both diaphragm and capillary flow controllers in a field study. The capillary flow controller displayed a lower level of variability (RSD: 5.2%) than the diaphragm flow controller (RSD: 8.0%) with respect to flow rate, while allowing for longer durations of sampling.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"504-514"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141457501","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 scoping review to evaluate occupational controls and their effectiveness when handling engineered nanomaterials in workplaces.","authors":"Sriram Prasath, Kavitha Palaniappan, Sally Chan, Carole James","doi":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2339383","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15459624.2024.2339383","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research has shown that controlling worker exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) helps to reduce the exposure risk to employees in workplaces. This study aimed to identify the available evidence on the effectiveness of various control methods used in the workplace to reduce worker exposure to ENMs. The search was conducted in databases-Medline, OVID, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane and the gray literature published from January 2010 to December 2022. The search keywords included ENM controls and their efficiency in workplace environments. Of the 152 studies retrieved, 22 were included in the review. The control measures in the review included (1) substitution controls; (2) engineering measures (i.e., isolation, direct source extraction, and wetting technologies); (3) personal protective equipment; and (4) administrative and work practices. The study results indicate that the above-mentioned control measures were effective in reducing ENM exposures. This information can be used to help employers choose the most effective controls for their workplaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":16599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"515-528"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140958133","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}