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Environmental Science & Technology May 2024Additive manufacturing (AM) offers a variety of material manufacturing techniques for a wide range of applications across many industries. Most efforts at process...
Additive manufacturing (AM) offers a variety of material manufacturing techniques for a wide range of applications across many industries. Most efforts at process optimization and exposure assessment for AM are centered around the manufacturing process. However, identifying the material allocation and potentially harmful exposures in end-of-life (EoL) management is equally crucial to mitigating environmental releases and occupational health impacts within the AM supply chain. This research tracks the allocation and potential releases of AM EoL materials within the US through a material flow analysis. Of the generated AM EoL materials, 58% are incinerated, 33% are landfilled, and 9% are recycled by weight. The generated data set was then used to examine the theoretical occupational hazards during AM EoL material management practices through generic exposure scenario assessment, highlighting the importance of ventilation and personal protective equipment at all stages of AM material management. This research identifies pollution sources, offering policymakers and stakeholders insights to shape pollution prevention and worker safety strategies within the US AM EoL management pathways.
Topics: Occupational Exposure; Humans; Recycling
PubMed: 38710661
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01562 -
Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing... Nov 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease. In recent years, the cumulative prevalence of COPD has been increasing. There are... (Review)
Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease. In recent years, the cumulative prevalence of COPD has been increasing. There are many etiologies and predisposing factors related to COPD, among which occupational risk factors play an important role. Recent studies have found an association between exposure to disinfectants and their products and airway inflammation, respiratory symptoms, and the development of COPD. During the period of COVID-19, disinfection has become an important link in the prevention and control of COVID-19, and the use rate of disinfectants has increased significantly. Therefore, this review summarizes the effects of disinfectants and their products on COPD, discusses the possible mechanisms, and puts forward suggestions for rational use of disinfectants according to the current situation and the development status of disinfectants.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Disinfectants; Occupational Exposure; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38073221
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20220825-00422 -
Archives of Environmental &... 2024Exposure to loud noise or chemical agents may cause hearing disorders such as tinnitus and recruitment, known as an increase in the perception of loudness in addition to...
Exposure to loud noise or chemical agents may cause hearing disorders such as tinnitus and recruitment, known as an increase in the perception of loudness in addition to hearing loss. Our study aims to evaluate the hearing abilities of hairdressers exposed to noise and chemical agents in the working environment. The study included one hundred hairdressers and one hundred participants who do not work as hairdressers or are nonworkers. The participants' demographic characteristics, working conditions, and auditory complaints were questioned, and each participant completed the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in speech perception, spatial perception, hearing quality, and general SSQ scores. Hairdressers' SSQ scores were significantly lower in all sub-dimensions and general scale scores ( < 0.001). The auditory complaints of the hairdressers and the low SSQ scores indicate that exposure to noise and chemical agents affects the hairdressers' hearing system.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Adult; Male; Noise, Occupational; Female; Middle Aged; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Young Adult; Occupational Diseases; Speech Perception
PubMed: 38265067
DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2024.2305803 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023It is of upmost importance to contribute to fill the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of the occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting...
INTRODUCTION
It is of upmost importance to contribute to fill the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of the occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (automated and manual sorting).
METHODS
This study intends to apply a comprehensive field sampling and laboratory protocol (culture based-methods and molecular tools), assess fungal azole resistance, as well as to elucidate on potential exposure related health effects (cytotoxicity analyses). Skin-biota samples (eSwabs) were performed on workers and controls to identify other exposure routes.
RESULTS
In personal filter samples the guidelines in one automated industry surpassed the guidelines for fungi. Seasonal influence on viable microbial contamination including fungi with reduced susceptibility to the tested azoles was observed, besides the observed reduced susceptibility of pathogens of critical priority (Mucorales and sp.). sections with potential toxigenic effect and with clinical relevance were also detected in all the sampling methods.
DISCUSSION
The results regarding skin-biota in both controls´ and workers´ hands claim attention for the possible exposure due to hand to face/mouth contact. This study allowed concluding that working in automated and manual waste sorting plants imply high exposure to microbial agents.
Topics: Humans; Environmental Monitoring; Occupational Exposure; Aspergillus; Norway
PubMed: 38179569
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1297725 -
International Archives of Occupational... Aug 2023The prevalence of occupational injuries among blue-collar workers is higher in the stone-crushing industries due to high-risk and iterant nature of the work. These...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The prevalence of occupational injuries among blue-collar workers is higher in the stone-crushing industries due to high-risk and iterant nature of the work. These occupational injuries, in turn, caused workers' ill health, as well as death, which eventually diminish the gross domestic product. We aimed at assessing the attributes of occupational injuries and the risk associated with the hazards in the stone-crushing industry.
METHODS
This study utilized a questionnaire base cross-sectional survey that was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020. Data were collected from 32 stone-crushing factories of Eastern Bangladesh and analyzed to show their relationship with different variables. The risk levels associated with the frequent hazardous events were measured using a Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment Matrix.
RESULTS
Most of the injuries were found to occur between 12:00 and 16:00 h. Nearly a fifth of the injuries were serious or critical in nature, caused the workers to be absent at least a week. Exposure to excessive dust, working without personal protective equipment (PPE), and improper lifting and handling techniques caused one-third of injuries. Wrist and hand/fingers, back and lower back, feet/toe, eye, knee, arm, neck and head, and ankle were found as most injured body parts. The primary cause of most injuries was the workers' failure to use PPE. All major hazardous events were found to possess a high-risk level.
CONCLUSION
Our finding suggests that stone crushing is one of the most hazardous industries and the practitioners must consider the findings when implementing a risk avoidance policy.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Injuries; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Assessment; Industry; Occupational Health; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37178233
DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01978-5 -
Medycyna Pracy Dec 2023Central register of data on exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes (CRCR) conducted by Nofer...
[Occupational carcinogens and mutagens in Poland - occurrence and workers' exposure in the years 2018-2021 based on the data from Central register of carcinogenic or mutagenic agents].
BACKGROUND
Central register of data on exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes (CRCR) conducted by Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) enables monitoring of such agents occurrence in working environment in Poland. The NIOM conducts CRCR based on the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 24 July 2012 on chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes with carcinogenic or mutagenic effects in the work environment. The work summarizes the information reported to CRCR in 2018-2021.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The data were extracted from CRCR, to which it was transferred by sanitary inspections. The data were extracted from CRCR. Data in this register is gathered based on employers' notifications to sanitary inspection. The study includes the number of reported agents (chemical substances and technological processes), the number of enterprises and the number of persons exposed to particular groups of agents (chemical substances, technological processes, ionizing radiation).
RESULTS
The number of substances notified to the CRCR increases, from 382 reported substances in 2018 to 444 in 2021. Significant increase in the number of enterprises reporting technological processes (from 981 in 2018 to 5422 in 2021) and the number of exposed persons results from the law amendments extending the list of carcinogenic or mutagenic processes.
CONCLUSIONS
The CRCR is a unique database on the occurrence and exposure to occupational carcinogens and mutagens, in which data from over 20 years has been collected. The increase in the number of reports to the register was mainly influenced by legislative changes regarding carcinogenic or mutagenic agents. Due to amount and complexity of data, they can be used for analysis in projects and programs aimed at raising awareness and reducing risk of occupational exposure to carcinogens and also during legislative works in Poland and in the EU. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(5):399-407.
Topics: Humans; Carcinogens; Mutagens; Poland; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38104340
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01459 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Formaldehyde, a known carcinogenic compound, is commonly used in various medical settings. The objective of this study was to assess the carcinogenic and...
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogenic compound, is commonly used in various medical settings. The objective of this study was to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with occupational exposure to formaldehyde. This study was conducted in the pathology labs of four hospitals in Tehran. Cancer and non-cancer risks were evaluated using the quantitative risk assessment method proposed by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA), along with its provided database known as the integrated risk information system (IRIS). Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American thoracic society (ATS) questionnaire. The results indicated that 91.23% of exposure levels in occupational groups exceed the NIOSH standard of 0.016 ppm. Regarding carcinogenic risk, 41.03% of all the studied subjects were in the definite carcinogenic risk range (LCR > 10), 23.08% were in the possible carcinogenic risk range (10 < LCR < 10), and 35.90% were in the negligible risk range (LCR < 10). The highest index of occupational carcinogenesis was observed in the group of lab technicians with a risk number of 3.7 × 10, followed by pathologists with a risk number of 1.7 × 10. Furthermore, 23.08% of the studied subjects were within the permitted health risk range (HQ < 1.0), while 76.92% were within the unhealthy risk range (HQ > 1.0). Overall, the findings revealed significantly higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks among lab technicians and pathologists. Therefore, it is imperative to implement control measures across various hospital departments to mitigate occupational formaldehyde exposure levels proactively. These findings can be valuable for policymakers in the health sector, aiding in the elimination or reduction of airborne formaldehyde exposure in work environments.
Topics: Formaldehyde; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Iran; Risk Assessment; Carcinogens; Male; Female; Adult; Hospitals; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Laboratories, Hospital
PubMed: 38796506
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62133-9 -
Annals of Work Exposures and Health Aug 2023Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is used as a high-level disinfectant for reusable medical devices in healthcare settings. The ACGIH recently adopted a Threshold Limit...
Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is used as a high-level disinfectant for reusable medical devices in healthcare settings. The ACGIH recently adopted a Threshold Limit Value-Surface Limit (TLV-SL; 25 µg/100 cm2) for OPA surface contamination to prevent induction of dermal and respiratory sensitization following dermal exposure. However, there is no current validated method to measure OPA surface contamination. This study aimed to develop a standardized approach for sample collection and quantitative determination of OPA from work surfaces for use in risk assessment practices. The reported method utilises readily available commercial wipes to collect surface samples coupled with direct detection of OPA via liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-ToF-MS). This approach avoided complex derivatization steps commonly required for the analysis of aldehydes. Method evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) surface sampling guidelines. Overall recoveries of 25 µg/100 cm2 of OPA from stainless steel and glass surfaces were 70% and 72%, respectively. The reported LOD for this method was 1.1 µg/sample and the LOQ was 3.7 µg/sample. OPA remained stable on the sampling medium for up to 10 days, when stored at 4 °C. The method was demonstrated in a workplace surface assessment at a local hospital sterilising unit, successfully detecting OPA on work surfaces. This method is intended to supplement airborne exposure assessment and provide a quantitative assessment tool for potential dermal exposure. When used in conjunction with a thorough occupational hygiene program that includes hazard communication, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment, skin exposure and consequent sensitization risks in the workplace can be minimized.
Topics: United States; Humans; o-Phthalaldehyde; Occupational Exposure; Disinfectants; Aldehydes; Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 37436000
DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad039 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... Mar 2024For healthcare workers, surface disinfections are daily routine tasks. An assessment of the inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case the disinfectant´s... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
For healthcare workers, surface disinfections are daily routine tasks. An assessment of the inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case the disinfectant´s active ingredients, is necessary to ensure workers safety. However, deciding which exposure model is best for exposure assessment remains difficult.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of different exposure models for disinfection of small surfaces in healthcare settings.
METHODS
Measurements of the air concentration of active ingredients in disinfectants (ethanol, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid) together with other exposure parameters were recorded in a test chamber. The measurements were performed using personal and stationary air sampling. In addition, exposure modelling was performed using three deterministic models (unsteady 1-zone, ConsExpo and 2-component) and one modifying-factor model (Stoffenmanager®). Their estimates were compared with the measured values using various methods to assess model quality (like accuracy and level of conservatism).
RESULTS
The deterministic models showed overestimation predominantly in the range of two- to fivefold relative to the measured data and high conservatism for all active ingredients of disinfectants with the exception of ethanol. With Stoffenmanager® an exposure distribution was estimated for ethanol, which was in good accordance with the measured data.
IMPACT STATEMENT
To date, workplace exposure assessments often involve expensive and time consuming air measurements. Reliable exposure models can be used to assess occupational inhalation exposure to hazardous substances, in this case surface disinfectants. This study describes the applicability of three deterministic and one modifying-factor model for disinfection of small surfaces in healthcare settings, in direct comparison to measurements performed and will facilitate future exposure assessments at these workplaces.
Topics: Occupational Exposure; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Disinfectants; Disinfection; Models, Theoretical; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38145997
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00633-y -
BMC Public Health May 2024This study aimed to analyze the trends and burden of occupational exposure to asbestos in the United States (U.S.) from 1990 to 2019, focusing on mortality rates,...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to analyze the trends and burden of occupational exposure to asbestos in the United States (U.S.) from 1990 to 2019, focusing on mortality rates, geographic distribution, age and sex patterns, and causes of death.
METHODS
Data on the number of deaths attributable to occupational exposure to asbestos were collected from 1990 to 2019 in the U.S. Joinpoint analysis was conducted to assess trends over time, and regression models were applied to calculate annual percentage changes (APC) and annual average percentage changes (AAPC). Geographic distribution was examined using mapping techniques. Age and sex patterns were analyzed, and causes of death were identified based on available data.
RESULTS
From 1990 to 2019, the overall number of deaths due to occupational exposure to asbestos in the U.S. increased by 20.2%. However, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates (ASDR) exhibited a decline over the same period. Geographic analysis revealed differences in the number of deaths across states in 2019, with California reporting the highest number of fatalities. Age-specific mortality and DALYs showed an increase with age, peaking in older age groups. Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer were the leading causes of death attributed to asbestos exposure, with increasing trends observed over the past five years.
CONCLUSION
The study highlights significant trends and burden in occupational exposure to asbestos in the U.S., including overall increases in mortality rates, declining ASMR and ASDR, geographic disparities, age and sex patterns, and shifts in causes of death. These findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate the burden of asbestos-related diseases.
Topics: Humans; United States; Asbestos; Male; Occupational Exposure; Female; Cause of Death; Middle Aged; Aged; Adult; Disability-Adjusted Life Years
PubMed: 38802850
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18919-7