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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022A dust generator was developed to disperse and maintain a desired concentration of airborne dust in a controlled environment chamber to study poultry physiological...
A dust generator was developed to disperse and maintain a desired concentration of airborne dust in a controlled environment chamber to study poultry physiological response to sustained elevated levels of particulate matter. The goal was to maintain an indicated PM10 concentration of 50 µg/m of airborne dust in a 3.7 m × 4.3 m × 2.4 m (12 ft × 14 ft × 8 ft) controlled environment chamber. The chamber had a 1.5 m/s (3200 cfm) filtered recirculation air handling system that regulated indoor temperature levels and a 0.06 m/s (130 cfm) exhaust fan that exchanged indoor air for fresh outdoor air. Dry powdered red oak wood dust that passed through an 80-mesh screen cloth was used for the experiment. The dust generator metered dust from a rectangular feed hopper with a flat bottom belt to a 0.02 m/s (46 cfm) centrifugal blower. A vibratory motor attached to the hopper ran only when the belt was operated to prevent bridging of powdered materials and to provide an even material feed rate. A laser particle counter was used to measure the concentration of airborne dust and provided feedback to an Arduino-based control system that operated the dust generator. The dust generator was operated using a duty cycle of one second on for every five seconds off to allow time for dispersed dust to mix with chamber air and reach the laser particle counter. The control system maintained an airborne PM10 dust concentration of 54.92 ± 6.42 µg/m in the controlled environment chamber during six weeks of continuous operation using red oak wood dust. An advantage of the automatically controlled dust generator was that it continued to operate to reach the setpoint concentration in response to changes in material flow due to humidity, partial blockages, and non-uniform composition of the material being dispersed. Challenges included dust being trapped by the recirculation filter and the exhaust fan removing airborne dust from the environmental chamber.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Particle Size; Particulate Matter; Powders
PubMed: 35746354
DOI: 10.3390/s22124574 -
Journal of the American Podiatric... 2022Debridement of toenails is a common procedure that leads to the production of nail dust aerosols in the work environment. Previous studies indicate that inhaled nail... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Debridement of toenails is a common procedure that leads to the production of nail dust aerosols in the work environment. Previous studies indicate that inhaled nail dust can cause respiratory distress and eye irritation. This comprehensive review aimed to assess the available literature on the effect of nail dust exposure and to evaluate nail dust as a potential occupational hazard for podiatric physicians.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Risks of bias of the collected studies were evaluated using various assessment tools to match the type of study design. A qualitative analysis of the included studies was performed, from which primary and secondary outcome measures were extracted: prevalence of symptoms and specific microorganisms in nail dust.
RESULTS
Of 403 articles screened, eight met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measure resulted in a pooled prevalence of eye-related symptoms being the most consistent symptom reported (41%-48%). The secondary outcome measure resulted in a pooled prevalence of Trichophyton rubrum (9.52%-38%) and Aspergillus (11.11%-35.48%) as the most common microorganisms present in nail dust.
CONCLUSIONS
From the included eight articles, we found that nail dust is a potential occupational hazard, especially for those exposed more often. Aspergillus and T rubrum are most commonly associated with nail dust leading to development of respiratory illness. It is important to take preventive measures in podiatric medical clinics by using improved and efficient personal protective equipment for workers exposed to nail dust. Detailed health safety guidelines can be developed to decrease respiratory symptoms and diseases from nail dust exposure.
Topics: Aerosols; Dust; Humans; Nails; Occupational Diseases; Podiatry
PubMed: 36251593
DOI: 10.7547/20-197 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2022This study compares select dust sampling apparatuses and monitoring methods by investigating fugitive tailings dust transport and deposition at an abandoned Zn-Pb-Cu...
This study compares select dust sampling apparatuses and monitoring methods by investigating fugitive tailings dust transport and deposition at an abandoned Zn-Pb-Cu mine located in eastern, Canada. The sampling apparatuses and monitoring methods are compared in terms of capturing seasonal trends and spatial extent, as well as the ability to evaluate impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Methods evaluated include satellite imagery, lichen tissue analysis, passive dry deposition collectors (Pas-DDs) with two different configurations, dust deposition gauges (DDGs) and a high volume total suspended particulate (Hi-Vol TSP) sampler. All methods utilized demonstrated benefits and challenges in relation to seasonal sampling and determining spatial extent of dust deposition. Results indicate that the polyurethane foam disk configuration of the Pas-DD sampler efficiently accumulates dust in comparison to the glass fiber filter configuration and DDGs which both likely underestimate dust deposition. Lichen and satellite imagery were shown to be effective tools for identifying areas of interest and extent of contamination. At the study site, it was observed that dust deposition was highest in the winter months and lowest in the summer months, likely due to increased erosion in winter weather conditions (higher wind speeds and/or freeze drying effect).
Topics: Air Pollutants; Dust; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Wind
PubMed: 35090929
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153409 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Aug 2021Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a wide range of products and have been found ubiquitously in our indoor environment, and there is evidence that...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a wide range of products and have been found ubiquitously in our indoor environment, and there is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse endocrine effects, such as thyroid hormone disruption. Pet cats have a high dust intake due to their grooming behavior and have been shown to be a suitable sentinel species for assessment of toddler's exposure. Here we used paired household dust (n=46) and cat serum (n=27) samples to establish whether dust is a relevant exposure pathway to PFASs. An analytical method for PFAS analysis was optimized using a low volume of cat serum samples, combining solid-phase extraction and online sample cleanup. Dust was extracted with methanol by sonication and cleaned up by addition of active carbon. In total, 27 PFASs were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The correlation between PFAS levels in dust and serum, serum lipids and thyroid hormone levels, and PFAS levels in dust between different rooms were statistically evaluated. PFOS and PFDA could be quantified in all cat serum samples (median 2300 pg/mL and 430 pg/mL, respectively), followed by PFOA (median 1100 pg/mL), quantified in 96% of the samples. The levels of 6:2 and 8:2 diPAPs were determined in 65% and 92% of the serum samples, respectively, and were an order of magnitude lower (1.4-160 pg/mL). Household dust on the other hand was dominated by 6:2 and 8:2 diPAPs, with a median of 65 ng/g dust and 49 ng/g dust, respectively. PFOS (median 13 ng/g dust) and PFOA (median 9 ng/g dust) were quantified in 93% of the dust samples. Only eight PFASs were detected (>LOD) in at least 50% of the samples of both matrices and could be paired. Significant correlations between cat serum and dust were found for PFOA (r=0.32, p<0.049) and PFUnDA (r=0.55, p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between serum total thyroxine (r=0.11, p<0.05) and PFNA and between serum cholesterol and PFHpA (r=0.46, p<0.01), PFUnDA (r=0.40, p<0.05), PFDoDA (r=0.44, p<0.01), and sum PFAS (r=0.48, p<0.01). In conclusion, this study confirmed that dust is a relevant exposure pathway for the ingestion of some PFASs for cats, and the serum levels of PFASs could be of relevance for the cat's health.
Topics: Alkanesulfonic Acids; Animals; Chromatography, Liquid; Dust; Environmental Pollutants; Fluorocarbons; Sweden
PubMed: 33745045
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13343-5 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2022The aim of this work is study of physical and chemical properties of dust of the Pre-Aral region of Uzbekistan such as Karakalpakstan and Khorezm that are located near...
The aim of this work is study of physical and chemical properties of dust of the Pre-Aral region of Uzbekistan such as Karakalpakstan and Khorezm that are located near the three deserts such as the Aralkum, Karakum, and Kyzylkum. The dust particles fell on glass have been collected in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm and studied systematically by employing wide range of methods. Particle volume vs size distribution has been measured with maximum around 600 nm and ~ 10 µm. The major and minor constituent materials present in the dust have been studied systematically by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Main characteristic absorption bands corresponding to Si-O, Si-O-Si bonding in quartz and Fe-O bonds in hematite FeO have been identified by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Quartz, hematite, lime, corundum, magnesia, and several other trace minerals have been identified in the dust particles. X-ray diffraction peaks corresponding to quartz, hematite, and corundum are sharp and are found to be more crystalline with some level of disorder. Analysis of the particle size and crystallinity on human being has been performed: disordered or crystalline quartz can create the lung disease; the particles in the size of 0.5-0.7 µm may produce diseases such as chronic silicosis, silicosis, and silica tuberculosis whereas hematite might create lung disease. Dust particles worsen optical transmittance of glass of the panels.
Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Dust; Humans; Particle Size; Quartz; Silicosis; Uzbekistan
PubMed: 35084677
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18827-6 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jan 2023This research is concerned with performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate the air flow and dust deposition behavior around a...
This research is concerned with performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate the air flow and dust deposition behavior around a ground-mounted solar PV panel. The discrete phase model (DPM) is adopted to model the gas-solid flow. The influence of the wind speed, the dust particle size, and the dust material on the dust deposition rate was investigated based on the environment of Cairo, Egypt. The wind speeds range between 1 and 11.5 m/s with an average of 3.7 m/s. It is found that increasing the wind speed decreases the dust deposition rate. For wind speeds higher than 2 m/s, it is found that increasing the dust particle diameter or the dust density increases the dust deposition rate. For wind speeds lower than 2 m/s, it is found that there is a critical particle size before which increasing the dust density causes dust deposition rate to increase and after which increasing the dust density decreases the dust deposition. The maximum percentage of deposition rate equals 10.8% and occurs for the dolomite dust material at a wind speed of 2 m/s and particles diameter of 150 μm.
Topics: Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Particle Size; Wind; Hydrodynamics
PubMed: 36109484
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22993-y -
Annals of Work Exposures and Health Jan 2022Paper dust has previously been linked to adverse health effects. However, a comprehensive dataset of paper dust exposures does not appear to have been published...
OBJECTIVES
Paper dust has previously been linked to adverse health effects. However, a comprehensive dataset of paper dust exposures does not appear to have been published previously. Our study was intended to address this need by describing a large dataset of measurements made in Swedish soft tissue paper mills.
METHODS
We compiled personal and area total dust exposure measurements collected from a range of operations by our research staff at four soft tissue paper mills in Sweden. We also compiled measurements made by the occupational health staff at each mill and the Swedish Work Environment Authority. We analyzed these measurements to describe patterns and trends in exposures and used mixed-effects regression models to identify measurement characteristics that predicted exposure levels.
RESULTS
We compiled 1578 measurements from 1971 to 2009, of which 1026 (65%) were personal samples. Statistically significant differences were found between measurements made by research, mill, and Swedish Work Environment Authority staff, as well as between personal and area measurements. The measurement data suggest that, beginning in the 1980s, exposures declined at three of the four mills, but that overexposures were still common at the end of the period. Papermaking and converting operations had the highest observed dust exposures. One mill had significantly lower exposures than the others. Type of measurement (personal versus area) and source of measurement (research staff, company, or regulatory agency) were not significant predictors of measured total dust exposure after controlling for mill, operation, and time.
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis of measured paper dust exposures may be useful for historical and contemporary exposure assessment in our own and other epidemiological studies. We have identified specific characteristics (i.e. papermaking operations and mill) and time trends that are important data features to consider, and documented continuing overexposure situations. Our results highlight the ongoing need for application of exposure controls to reduce paper dust exposures in the soft tissue paper industry.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Sweden
PubMed: 34409426
DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab063 -
Indoor Air Jan 2022Exposure to biocontaminants, such as dust mites, animal dander, bacteria, and mold, is associated with a range of health effects. This study identified household...
Exposure to biocontaminants, such as dust mites, animal dander, bacteria, and mold, is associated with a range of health effects. This study identified household characteristics associated with indoor biocontaminant loadings in four Canadian cities. Floor dust was collected in 290 Canadian homes in Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, and Windsor. The dust samples were analyzed for house dust mite allergens (Der f 1 and Der p 1), cat allergen (Fel d 1), cockroach allergen (Bla g 1), beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, and endotoxin. Household information was obtained through questionnaires and home inspections. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify household determinants of biocontaminant loadings and mold odor presence. We observed large regional variations for all biocontaminants, except for cockroach allergen. The ranges of the contaminants measured in loadings and concentrations were similar to that of previous Canadian studies. Household characteristics including presence of carpeting, low floor cleaning frequency, older home age, presence of pets, and indoor relative humidity above 45% were positively associated with the presence of multiple indoor biocontaminants. High floor cleaning frequency and use of dehumidifiers were negatively associated with the presence of multiple indoor biocontaminants. Mold odor was positively associated with older home age, past water damage, and visible mold growth.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Allergens; Animals; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; Canada; Cockroaches; Dust; Housing
PubMed: 34561903
DOI: 10.1111/ina.12933 -
International Archives of Occupational... Apr 2023Occupational exposure to dust has been recognised as a significant health hazard to mine workers. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to...
PURPOSE
Occupational exposure to dust has been recognised as a significant health hazard to mine workers. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to inhalable (INH) and respirable (RES) dust and respiratory health among mine workers in Western Australia using an industry-wide exposure database.
METHODS
The database comprised cross-sectional surveys conducted by mining companies for the period 2001-2012. The study population consisted of 12,797 workers who were monitored for exposure to INH and RES dust and undertook health assessments including a respiratory questionnaire and spirometry test.
RESULTS
Despite the general trend of declining exposure to both INH and RES dust observed over the 12 years period, mine workers reported a higher prevalence of phlegm and cough when exposed to elevated concentrations of INH and RES dust. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the positive association between INH dust exposure and the prevalence of phlegm with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.033 (95% CI 1.012-1.052). Overall, 6.3% of miners might have potential airway obstruction, and exposure to INH dust was associated with impaired lung function parameters.
CONCLUSION
Exposure levels of INH and RES dust particles among mine workers have reduced considerably and were well below currently legislated occupational exposure limits. However, given the reported higher prevalence of phlegm and cough among those with elevated dust concentrations, there is a continued need for effective dust exposure monitoring and control in the mineral mining industry.
Topics: Humans; Miners; Cough; Dust; Cross-Sectional Studies; Australia; Occupational Exposure; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 36089622
DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01922-z -
PloS One 2023The problem of dust pollution in the open-pit coal mine significantly impacts the health of staff, the regular operation of mining work, and the surrounding environment....
The problem of dust pollution in the open-pit coal mine significantly impacts the health of staff, the regular operation of mining work, and the surrounding environment. At the same time, the open-pit road is the largest dust source. Therefore, it analyzes the influencing factors of road dust concentration in the open-pit coal mine. It is of practical significance to establish a prediction model for scientific and effective prediction of road dust concentration in the open pit coal mine. The prediction model helps reduce dust hazards. This paper uses the hourly air quality and meteorological data of an open-pit coal mine in Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Create a CNN-BiLSTM-Attention multivariate hybrid model consisting of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network (BiLSTM), and an attention mechanism, Prediction of PM2.5 concentration in the next 24h. Establish prediction models of parallel and serial structures, and carry out many experiments according to the change period of the data to determine the optimal configuration and the input and output size. Then, a comparison of the proposed model and Lasso regression, SVR, XGBoost, LSTM, BiLSTM, CNN-LSTM, and CNN-BiLSTM models for short-term prediction (24h) and long-term prediction (48h, 72h, 96h, and 120h). The results show that the CNN-BiLSTM-Attention multivariate mixed model proposed in this paper has the best prediction performance. The mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2) of the short-term forecast (24h) are 6.957, 8.985, and 0.914, respectively. Evaluation indicators of long-term forecasts (48h, 72h, 96h, and 120h) are also superior to contrast models. Finally, we used field-measured data to verify, and the obtained evaluation indexes MAE, RMSE, and R2 are 3.127, 3.989, and 0.951, respectively. The model-fitting effect was good.
Topics: Humans; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Air Pollution; Mining; Coal
PubMed: 37099504
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284815