bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
97 Constant Emitting Reference Material for Material Emissions Test Procedures
Authors: Grimmer Christoph , Musyanovych Anna , Strzelczyk Rebecca Skadi , Horn Wolfgang , Richter Matthias
Published: May 2023

In industrialised countries more than 80 % of the time is spent indoors. Products, such as building materials and furniture, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are therefore ubiquitous in indoor air. VOC in combination may, under certain environmental and occupational conditions, result in reported sensory irritation and health complaints. Emission concentrations can become further elevated in new or refurbished buildings where the rate of air exchange with fresh ambient air may be limited due to improved energy saving aspects. A healthy indoor environment can be achieved by controlling the sources and by eliminating or limiting the release of harmful substances into the air. One way is to use (building) materials proved to be low emitting. Meanwhile, a worldwide network of professional commercial and non-commercial laboratories performing emission tests for the evaluation of products for interior use has been established. Therefore, comparability of test results must be ensured. A laboratory’s proficiency can be proven by internal and external validation measures that both include the application of suitable emission reference materials (ERM). For the emission test chamber procedure according to EN 16516, no artificial ERM is commercially available. The EU-funded EMPIR project MetrIAQ aims to fill this gap by developing new and improved ERMs. The goal is to obtain a material with a reproducible and temporally constant compound release (less than 10 % variability over 14 days). Different approaches, such as the impregnation of porous materials, are being tested. The generation as well as results of the most promising materials will be presented.
98 Novel Stoffenmanager® Algorithms for Quantitative Estimation of Exposure to Respirable Dust and Quartz in Construction, Formulating and Metal Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Zilaout Hicham , Koppisch Dorothea , Arnone Mario , Heussen Henri
Published: May 2023

Stoffenmanager® is a well-established and widely accepted tool that is applied for regulatory risk assessments (e.g. REACH). This online-tool enables companies to identify hazardous chemicals, chemical risks and to control exposure to hazardous substances at the workplace. In the current version, however, Stoffenmanager® is not applicable to all areas of activity with solids in which dusty hazardous substances are used or may arise. Therefore, the aim of this project is to expand the applicability domain of Stoffenmanager® by developing three innovative algorithms: 1) respirable dust and quartz for tasks with dusty products, 2) respirable dust for metal-cutting manufacturing and 3) respirable dust and quartz for the mechanical processing of stone. To derive new quantitative regression models calibration and validation measurement datasets on hazardous substances are required. In this project, a total of approximately 6000 data points including comprehensive contextual information were extracted from the IFA Exposure database MEGA and MEGA variables were converted into Stoffenmanager® variables. Subsequently, the variables were divided into classes with scores on a logarithmic scale. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated, and in case of significant positive relationship between the Stoffenmanager® scores and the measurements statistical regression analyses were performed to calculate the regression equations. After the development of the new algorithms, exposure models were validated against exposure data from the MEGA database. Scatter plots and regression equations will be presented. The new algorithms serve to improve workers’ health by reducing occupational exposure to respirable dust and quartz which are known to be human carcinogens.
107 Abundance and Diversity of Microbial Community in Bioaerosol Samples Taken from a French Cheese Dairy
Authors: Alonso Lise , Loison Pauline , Dziurla Cécile , Coulais Catherine , Battais Patricia , Duquenne Philippe , Simon Xavier
Published: May 2023

Bioaerosol samples were taken at a cheese company producing about ten different products. The aims were (i) to investigate airborne microbial community (quantity/diversity) using molecular analytical methods and (ii) to appreciate how molecular methods improve the characterization of bioaerosols. Ambient bioaerosol samples were performed using 37-mm 3-pieces closed-face polypropylene cassettes equipped with 0.8 µm pore size polycarbonate membrane at 2 or 10 L.min-1, in several work areas during winter and summer seasons. Airborne bacteria and fungi were quantified by counting colonies on culture media and by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The microbial community was identified using 16SrRNA and ITS1 genes high-throughput sequencing with sequence analysis performed on the Galaxy Migale platform using the FROGS data processing pipeline. The results showed that ambient concentration levels were working area dependent. A massive emission of microorganisms into the air was found in areas in which a brushing task of cheeses was performed, leading to high concentrations of cultivable (up to 107 CFU/m3) and total (up to 1010 18SrRNA copies/m3) fungi. The correlation between cultivable and total mold is discussed and individual exposures are evoked. The microbial community was characterized by the predominance of the fungal genus Penicillium and their species composition depended on the type of cheese or season. This work has shed new light on these still poorly documented work situations and is essential to refine the diagnosis of the immunoallergic risks of the workers concerned. The presentation discusses the complementarity between culture-based and molecular-based methods for the assessment of bioaerosols.
121 Applying Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors for Characterizing Occupational Exposure; Findings from Field Studies in Different Industries
Authors: Ruiter Sander , Kuijpers Eelco , Bard Delphine , Saunders John , Snawder John , Warren Nick , Gorce Jean-Philippe , Cauda Emanuele , Pronk Anjoeka
Published: May 2023

Low-cost particulate matter sensors are a up-and-coming technology for monitoring occupational exposure to hazardous substances in high spatial and temporal resolutions. Low costs, small sizes and high measurement frequencies offer the potential to continuously, automatically and remotely measure dust exposure and emission in the workplace. However, much remains unknown about how these devices can be successfully applied in occupational settings. TNO (the Netherlands) has, in collaboration with HSE (UK) and NIOSH (US), performed field studies at seven companies in the bakery, woodworking and welding industry to explore the use of sensors. A total of 145 full / half-shift measurements were collected for 37 workers and 15 static positions. Measurement data was obtained using four types of sensor and conventional respirable gravimetric and high-resolution reference devices. High-resolution contextual information was collected using additional sensors, including an ultrasound-based indoor positioning system, to investigate how these can further characterize exposure situations. Sensor accuracy compared to reference measurements ranged up to R2-values of 0.92, but large variations were observed within and between industries. Overall, stationary measurements showed less variation in performance compared to personal measurements. Different types of sensor seemed more accurate for specific industries. Contextual measurements provided additional information on when and where exposure occurred, for example by dynamic hazard maps based on indoor location and personal sensor measurements. Although performance of sensors remains lower than conventional methods, they may provide accurate measurements in specific situations. Additionally, sensors can provide new types of information that cannot be captured by time-integrated measurements.
127 Collimate – Consortium For Developing Workplace Air Measurement Methods
Authors: Butler Owen
Published: May 2023

Workers, irrespective of their geographical location, are often exposed to the same workplace air pollutants and by extension national health and safety regulators have similar air measurement requirements. Typically, many nation state regulators produce their own national air measurement methods, some of whom then form the basis of international consensus standards published under the auspices of either ASTM, CEN or ISO. Developing and validating measurement methods however can be resource intensive and does take time. Furthermore, for a method to be fully validated ideally requires additional testing in other laboratories (i.e., via a collaborative trial) and to be tested in actual representative workplaces before adoption. In a proposed consortium: resources could be shared in developing measurement methods and undertaking required collaborative and field trials complimentary quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) initiatives could be developed and training and secondment opportunities initiated for early-career scientists. The aim of this presentation is to stimulate further conversations, initially amongst delegates at the conference, around this proposal.
139 Single Particle Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry: Exploring the Possibilities for Exposure Science
Authors: Morton Jackie , Leese Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Recent developments in the field of elemental spectroscopy suggest that the use of single particle inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (spICP-MS) might offer further information about exposure to a range of particles in the workplace. The technique detects individual elemental particles providing information about the size and number of particles present. There are many occupational settings where spICP-MS could be utilised to characterise exposure to particles better. It is possible to detect particles in a range of both environmental and biological samples and this could be especially useful where there are no well-established biological monitoring methods or where exposure is not fully understood. Results presented here will describe the spICP-MS method developed at HSE’s laboratory where it has been possible to determine workers exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The measurements have been undertaken in exhaled breath condensate samples collected from workers and controls. Using the recently optimised method it has been possible to detect silicon-containing particles, across a size range of 100-2000 nm, in a one minute acquisition. Findings from recent analysis where it has been possible to detect titanium-containing particles in bulk environmental samples will also be shown. Additionally, from some preliminary work undertaken it might also be possible to detect metal particles from welding activities to help better capture daily exposures. This analytical technique shows promise for a range of workplace activities and has the potential to inform about the efficacy of control measures in the workplace, as well as specific information about the elemental particle exposures.

© Crown Copyright (2022)
12 A Review of Factors Influencing Passive Sampler Performance in Outdoor Workplaces with a Focus on Benzene
Authors: Tuinman Ilse , Urbanus Jan
Published: May 2023

Passive or diffusion samplers have become standard tools for exposure and compliance testing despite their limited accuracy of 25-30%. Passive samplers have several advantages over active/pumped samplers, notably ease of use, low cost and inherent explosion safety. EN 838 advises their use for personal sampling at up to 4 m/s, but with a minimum of 0.1 m/s. Considerable underestimations were found in a set of passive sampler results compared to pumped samplers for BTEX. A literature review of laboratory and field studies was performed to investigate theoretical explanations for the discrepancies found. Based on results published in journals an underestimation of concentration by passive samplers is not uncommon, although usually the difference is within an acceptable range. Temperature and relative humidity have known, quantifiable effects, which are fairly small. High wind speed theoretically causes increased, not decreased, uptake due to smaller diffusion distances. This effect was confirmed experimentally, both in wind tunnels and in field studies, according to literature. Real-time monitoring in company operations shows that personal exposure in outdoor scenarios often fluctuates strongly with short peaks over periods of seconds rather than minutes. Theoretically this may influence uptake by diffusion samplers depending on their design and some researchers do report that passive samplers work less well under such conditions. Further research into passive sampler performance in fast fluctuating conditions as found in the field appears necessary.
17 What’s in the Air We Breathe? Chemical Fingerprinting of Organic Species in Pm2.5 By Td-Gc×Gc-Tof Ms
Authors: McGregor Laura , Calder Hannah , Smith Steve
Published: May 2023

The issue of urban air quality has received increased attention in recent years due to increased awareness of the potential health risks associated with particulate matter (PM) concentrations. Airborne particulate matter is composed of solid and/or liquid materials of various sizes, but the fine particles with diameters of <2.5 μm (so-called PM2.5) are of most concern, as long-term exposure to PM2.5 is thought to have the biggest impact on public health. PM2.5 consists of a wide range of components, from both primary emissions (e.g. vehicle exhausts or forest fires) and secondary reactions (i.e. compounds formed in the atmosphere by chemical reactions). It is important to have robust analysis of PM2.5 as the composition can give an indication of its source. PM2.5 is typically trapped onto quartz ﬁbre ﬁlters and the semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are extracted using a solvent. Direct thermal desorption (TD) of the filter avoids this time-consuming sample preparation, for simple, yet sensitive, analysis of particulate matter. However, their identification and quantitation remains a challenge due to sample complexity. Analysts may attempt to address this using longer columns and/or slower oven temperature ramps, but this inevitably leads to longer analysis times. In recent years, the complexity of such samples has been revealed using the improved separation of comprehensive two-dimensional GC coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF MS). Here, we demonstrate the enhanced performance of a TD-GC×GC–TOF MS through analysis of a number of real-world PM2.5 filters.
34 Monitoring with a Purpose: Using Biological Monitoring as Evidence for Reductions in Exposure and Risk
Authors: Jones Kate , Sams Craig , Morton Jackie , Leese Liz , Garner Fiona , Kenny Laura , Iqbal Shahwaiz
Published: May 2023

HSE operates the leading UK laboratory for biological monitoring. Samples come via HSE’s inspectors, hygienists and external occupational health professionals. Since 1996 all results have been stored in a database that now has over 950,000 results from >120,000 workers in more than 8000 companies. The database was searched for results for lead, mercury, benzene, and hexamethylene diisocyanate where there have been some regulatory drivers in recent years. The results were expressed as the 90th percentile values for each year. Since 1996, the laboratory analysed 900 - 2100 lead samples per year (Ʃ 37,474). The 90% value steadily decreased from 53 µg/dl in 1996 to 24 µg/dl in 2019. Reductions were also seen for, mercury (13.7 µmol/mol to 2.1 µmol/mol, Ʃ11,723), benzene (133.7 µmol SPMA/mol to 1.7 µmol SPMA/mol, Ʃ9188). Hexamethylene diisocyanate, used widely in the motor vehicle repair industry reduced from 2 µmol HDA/mol creatinine in 1996-2000 (prior to the national intervention study) to 0.7 in 2005-2010 but levels have since increased again to 1.0 (2016-2019), which may reflect the greater number of workers sampled and the turnover of workers since the intervention. Gradually reducing levels for lead, benzene and mercury show the impact of national, regional and global (Minamata) regulatory action, respectively. The results for HDI show that whilst interventions can reduce exposures significantly, if the controls require worker training or behaviour change then the initiatives may need to be refreshed at intervals to maintain the reductions in exposure.
67 Fipronil In Vitro Metabolism Revisited: Microsomal Incubations, Electrochemistry, and Their Relevance to Human Biomonitoring
Authors: Rodzaj Wojciech , Wielgomas Bartosz
Published: May 2023

Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide widely used in indoor pest control and treatment of flea and tick infestations in household pets. Its applications may act as a source of exposure and cause negative health effects to humans and environment. Biomonitoring is a crucial tool for assessment of actual chemical exposure. However, this approach requires a biomarker which reflects exposure to parent compound and, preferably, can be detected in urine. Despite the fact a few studies on metabolism and biomonitoring of fipronil were published, there is no consensus on optimal biomarker of fipronil exposure in humans. In this work we attempt to address this issue by investigating the metabolism of fipronil and its selected biotransformation products using microsomal incubations and a purely instrumental approach utilizing thin-layer electrochemical cell equipped with a glassy carbon or boron-doped diamond working electrode. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry experiments were conducted to elucidate the structure of generated metabolites. Moreover, samples from humans probably exposed to fipronil were analyzed as well. A comparison of products obtained using the two aforementioned in vitro approaches was drawn and relevance to in vivo results was discussed. The results presented here shed light on complexity of fipronil metabolism and highlight the possibilities associated with electrochemical studies. However, a large-scale human biomonitoring study is needed to confirm the results obtained in our work.
71 Comparison of Different Methods for Measuring Elemental Carbon as a Marker of Exposure to Diesel Fume
Authors: Forder James , Butler Owen , Mellor Jack , Dixon Joshua
Published: May 2023

Sampling of diesel fume particulates onto filters from workplace atmospheres with subsequent analysis for an elemental carbon marker using a laboratory-based combustion technique is well established with procedures codified in both European and American standard methods. However these procedures are operationally defined, that is, the elemental carbon result obtained depends upon which procedure is used. In this presentation the extent of such differences between standard methods - EN 16909, NIOSH 5040 and VDI 2465 - is explored via analysis of new diesel fume on filter reference materials.
73 Performance of Analytical Laboratories Undertaking Silica on Filter Analysis: What Proficiency Testing Data Tells Us
Authors: Butler Owen , Carswell Andrew , Mellor Jack , Musgrove Darren , Sharma Rita , Whetton Matthew
Published: May 2023

Silicosis, one of the oldest recorded occupational diseases, is a form of lung disease caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) within occupational settings such as quarrying, foundries, potteries and stone masonry. Hence worker exposure studies, involving sampling airborne dust onto a filter for subsequent silica analysis in the laboratory, are often conducted. Laboratories use either X-ray diffraction (XRD) or Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for measurements and follow validated procedures set out in either national regulatory methods or in international consensus standards. But how well do these published methods work in routine occupational hygiene laboratories? The AIR proficiency testing (PT) programme, a partnership between HSE and LGC Standards, offers test items where participants receive samples prepared through the aerosolisation of defined masses of quartz onto air filters. Are there differences between laboratories using direct on filter assays and those that use methods which require a sample preparatory step? Are instrumental measurements by XRD and FTIR comparable? In this presentation, we will attempt to answer these questions using returned PT data.
74 Evaluation of the Performance of a Robotic System for Spiking Thermal Desorption Sorbent Tubes with Defined Masses of Organic Compounds
Authors: Brown Veronica , Butler Owen , Carswell Andrew , Pengelly Ian
Published: May 2023

Thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography is a widely used analytical method for measuring airborne concentrations of (semi) volatile organic compounds ((S)VOCs) collected using sorbent tube samplers and is now widely used in the ambient, fence line, indoor and workplace air monitoring environments. Calibration and internal quality control check samples are prepared in end user laboratories by spiking individual TD sorbent tubes with microliter quantities of (S)VOCs in a carrier solvent such as methanol but this can be a laborious and error-prone step. Historically spiked sorbent certified reference materials were available from IRMM for confirmatory purposes but these stocks are now virtually exhausted. Hence new spiked tubes would be useful for quality control/assurance purposes. Previously HSE developed a system for the simultaneously spiking of 60 TD sorbent tubes with defined mases of VOCs from the gas-phase based upon requirements set out in ISO 6145 part 4[1]. With less volatile (S)VOCs however, spiking from the gas-phase presents challenges and hence an alternative spiking approach using liquid standards is proposed. The performance of a newly acquired automated robotic spiking system will be described.

Reference

[1] ISO 6145-4:2004. Gas Analysis-Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods-Part4: Continuous syringe injection method.
84 Effectiveness of Protective Measures—Diesel Exhaust in Garages of Fire Engines Vehicles and Rescue Services
Authors: Hebisch Ralph , Karmann Jörg , Prott Ulrich
Published: May 2023

Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of soot particles and many gaseous components. Meanwhile, occupational exposure limits (OEL) have been derived for many of these constituents in Europe. Normally, vehicles of fire brigades and rescue units are parked in garages. To ensure readiness for action, they are connected to the power supply system. If they vehicles move out or return to the garage employees may be exposed to diesel engine emission. We have performed measurements in 7 emergency rescue services and 5 fire-fighting stations to assess the exposure to hazardous substances and compare the effectiveness of protective measures.During the measuremnts the different exhaus emission standards and different type of technical protection measure have been compared. The results of the measurements show, that exposure of the employees should be considered as short-term exposure. The most critical substances are diesel soot particles and nitrogen oxides. Especially, for nitrogen monoxide exceedings of the short-term exposure limit value (STELV) have been measured. It was found, that exposure to diesel soot particles decreased from exhaust emission standard EURO 1 to EURO 6. On the other hand, exposure to nitrogen oxides increased for the newer emission standards. The most effective technical protective measure is a trailing extraction system, which should be applied when driving into tho garage, during parking up to moving out, when it should be removed automatically. Alternatively, a vertical transverse system may be effective, but should be assessed for each garage under worst case conditions.
102 Application of Quantitative Mineralogy to Determine Sources of Airborne Particles at a European Copper Smelter
Authors: Kelvin Michelle , Gopalapillai Yamini , Verpaele Steven , Leybourne Matthew , Layton-Matthews Daniel
Published: May 2023

To ensure that regulatory compliance is maintained at mineral processing operations, worker exposure is regularly monitored. Determining the quantity and type of airborne particles permits the operation to identify the sources of dust, implement proper dust suppressant strategies, and ultimately, limit worker exposure. Conventional methods of analysis, such as chemical assay, are unable to rigorously differentiate between phases containing the same elements and may result in ambiguity related to identifying the source of airborne dust. A combination of Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscope (QEMSCAN) and chemical characterization has been used to evaluate personally taken size selective aerosol samples at key locations throughout a Cu smelter in Europe. Surface samples were also examined using higher resolution measurements. The Cu phases present in the workplace air samples are reflective of the activities performed at specific locations. Near the anode and electric furnace, the majority of Cu in the airborne dust is carried in metals and oxide phases (60-70%), and in the batch preparation area where Cu concentrate is received, significant amounts of Cu are carried in sulfide minerals (chalcocite, chalcopyrite/bornite, >40%). The results of the analysis will aid in the identification of the origin of emissions specific to location and activity, assist personnel in developing the appropriate mitigation strategies to limit workers exposure, and further understanding of the health risks associated with exposure. Additional metals of concern (e.g, Pb, As, and Cd) are also considered throughout this program.

Speaker Biography

Michelle Kelvin is a geoscientist and environmental mineralogist. She specializes in characterizing dust emissions that originate from industrial operations using modern geochemical methods and X-ray beam technologies.
106 Investigation of Workplace Silica Exposures Using Novel Samplers and Methods
Authors: Hall Samantha , Bard Delphine , Hunwin Graeme , Leese Elizabeth , Morton Jackie
Published: May 2023

Scientists from the Health and Safety Executive visited a manufacturing workplace where coatings are prepared by loading powders, frit and water into various sized mills. The aim of the visit was to determine potential worker exposures to dust and respirable crystalline silica by static air monitoring and exhaled breath condensate. Low-cost particle monitors were deployed alongside more established scientific equipment. Airborne dust concentrations were measured at three site locations using two photometers, an optical particle counter (OPC) and a respirable cyclone. The size distribution was measured in real-time using a low-cost OPC and by offline analysis of a polycarbonate membrane filter housed inside an inhalable sampler. Pre and post shift samples of exhaled breath condensate were collected from 6 workers, with samples analysed by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure the number and size of silicon containing particles present. The real-time air monitoring data at all three locations showed peaks in airborne concentrations corresponding to the loading activities and indicating the tasks most likely to contribute to worker exposure. The average concentration of respirable dust measured closest to the process was 0.13 mg.m-3 for the 8-hour shift. The low-cost monitors provided good information about the changes in concentration over time relating to worker activities.
109 Improved Evaluation of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Exposure by Use of Index Compared to Time Weighted Average (TWA)
Authors: Austigard Åse Dalseth , von Svendsen Kristin Hirsch , Smedbold Hans Thore
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The acute effects of H2S levels are well known. The effect of low average exposure and short peaks are still debated. In 2018 we hypothesised that the peaks height and frequency are just as important as TWA, and we suggested an exposure index. It considers the number of peaks, peak height and time in different exposure intervals. We have tested how the index corresponds to TWA, and to exceedance of occupational exposure limit (OEL) and ceiling value (CV).

Method

An algorithm that makes this calculation from measurement data is published. The algorithm was adapted to data export format from logging gas alarm equipment MicroClipX3 from Honeywell Analytics. Data from more than 7000 workdays was collected among four groups with sewage related work: Sewerage network (including cesspools and septic tanks), plant, pumping stations and water distribution network. The index is compared to TWA and exceedance of OEL and CV.

Results

When the exposure appears to be strongly influenced by peaks, and of exceedance of ceiling value or short term exposure limits, the Index value gives a more differentiated picture of the complexity of the exposure compared to use of TWA. Correspondence between index and TWA decreases as peakiness increases.

Conclusions

Evaluation by index might be a good tool to evaluate exposure with multiple acute effects and a peaky appearance, such as H2S. This will give a more reliable risk evaluation and protection of water and wastewater workers.
110 Correlation of Measured Gas Concentrations in Four-Gas Alarm Equipment Data in Wastewater Related Work
Authors: Dalseth Austigard Åse , Smedbold Hans Thore , von Svendsen Kristin Hirsch
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Trondheim municipality uses four-gas alarm equipment as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE) in wastewater related work. Approximately 65 sensors are personal, and 60 of them are included in the study. 15 second recordings and alarm data for hydrogen sulphide (H2S), oxygen (O2), lower explosive limit (LEL) and carbon monoxide (CO) from more than 7000 workdays are presented. We have mainly studied H2S, but here we present data and correlation from all four sensors in the equipment. The sensor setup has been chosen to cover the most common gas exposure of the occupation: H2S and LEL (calibrated as methane, CH4) caused by biological degradation, CO from machinery and O2 deprivation, mainly thought to be caused by use (corrosion or burning) and/ or by displacement by other gases. Many workers still think use of a single sensor gas detector is enough for protection against all gases.

Method

An algorithm that makes this calculation from measurement data is published. The algorithm was adapted to data export format from logging gas alarm equipment MicroClipX3 from Honeywell Analytics. Data from more than 7000 workdays in sewage related work was collected.

Results

There were no obvious correlations between the measured gas concentrations.

Conclusions

All four gases are relevant to measure in wastewater related work. None of them can substitute each other.
112 Comparing Various Size Fractions Collected Using Dusttrak And Gravimetric Samples
Authors: Moazami Therese Nitter , Svendsen Kristin V Hirsch , Jørgensen Rikke Bramming , Hilt Bjørn
Published: May 2023

Occupational exposure concentrations are routinely collected using gravimetric samples. However, gravimetric samples typically require a long sampling time, especially when there are low exposure concentrations. While long sampling time may be appropriate to verify compliance with 8-h occupational limit values (OELs), they cannot address exposure's temporal and spatial heterogeneity or provide information on peak exposures present in the work environment. Real-time light scattering sensors enable the possibility of collecting high-resolution, low-cost measurements, quickly identifying peak and short-term concentrations, linking exposure to emission sources, and better understanding within-day variation. These technologies have become increasingly popular also for occupational monitoring purposes. In this presentation, the results of the dust samples collected for a randomized double-blinded controlled human exposure chamber study are presented. In six groups, 24 healthy volunteers were exposed to two common stone minerals, quartz diorite, and rhomb porphyry, in 4-h exposure sessions. To control the exposure in the chamber, personal gravimetric samples of respirable dust and stationary gravimetric samples of total dust, PM2.5, and respiratory dust were collected. Additionally, stationary real-time samples of total dust, respirable dust, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were collected continuously using DustTrak TSI model DRX 8533. Despite the many advantages of the real-time sensors, evaluating compliance with OELs should be done with caution. Except for the PM2.5 fraction, a significant difference was observed between the gravimetric and the DustTrak samples. While the DustTrak overestimated the PM2.5 concentrations, the total dust concatenations were underestimated by a factor of almost two compared to the gravimetric samples.
113 Nanoparticle Exposure Assessment
Authors: Jørgensen Rikke Bramming , Moazami Therese Nitter , Kero Ida Teresia , Heggseth Marit Nøst
Published: May 2023

Assessment of nanoparticle exposure is not an established routine among occupational hygienists. One of the discussions is about methods of quantification, if we should use number concentration, surface concentration or mass concentration for assessment, this is however also influenced by the access to proper measurement equipment. In this paper we discuss five available methods for exposure assessment. One is the Discmini from Testo, which has the advantage that it could be used for personal measurements, but on the other hand has some limitation according to measurement principles; used for Chimney sweepers. Another is the Nanoscan SMPS from TSI, which not is portable for personal measurements, but still is battery operated and could be moved around at a workplace, Nanoscan SMPS measure particle size distribution; this instrument have been used for logbook measurements among Ferrosilicon alloy workers. Number three is the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and the Fast mobility particle sizers from TSI , which is large, power demanding and only useable for stationary measurements, but on the other hand highly demandable for quantification. Number four is the Fast Mobility Particle Sizer, also from TSI, with the advantage of 1 second measurements, used in Ferroalloy industry and among Fire fighters. The fifth is the ELPI instrument from Dekati, which enable collection of samples for subsequent analysis on electron microscope, used in Ferroalloy industry. In this poster we compare type of results and discuss the advantages and disadvantages with the different methods and how useful they are for exposure assessment.
117 Optimization of the Measurement Method for Airborne Endotoxins in Workplace Atmospheres: a Laboratory and Field Study
Authors: Loison Pauline , Alonso Lise , Coulais Catherine , Dziurla Cécile , Albers Laureine , Witschger Olivier , Simon Xavier
Published: May 2023

Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides present in the outer membrane of most Gram-negative bacteria. They can become airborne by working tasks, techniques and processes that generate aerosols from materials contaminated by these microorganisms and can cause harmful effects on the health of workers by inhalation. Since 2005, INRS has been proposing a method for measuring endotoxins, which use a 2 L/min closed-face cassette sampling and an analysis by chromogenic LAL assay, mainly following EN 14031 standard. However, the evolution of knowledge and the lack of some validation data led to new experimental investigations in order to optimize this method: optimization of the sampling (filters type) and the extraction protocol (liquid volume, duration, methodology) as well as the influence of sample storage have been studied. A bubbler-type generator was used to produce a bioaerosol from a mixture of three bacteria to obtain controlled concentrations of 50 to 10000 EU/m3. These laboratory tests confirmed a better recovery of endotoxins when extraction is carried out directly in the cassette and let possible to fix the volume (5 mL) and the duration (20 min) of elution. PVC filters appear to result in lower endotoxins recovery compared to fiberglass, PTFE or PC filters. Additional field tests were done in different workplaces as livestock farm (pig, cow), grain processing, composting and wastewater treatment plants. Comparison of filters results in these occupational environments as well as the influence of samples storage at room temperature during 8 days will be discussed.
118 Performances of Low-Cost Sensors Exposed to Airborne NOAA Powders
Authors: Sutter Benjamin , Boivin Alexis , Payet Raphaël , Simon Xavier , Bau Sébastien , Witschger Olivier
Published: May 2023

Assessing occupational inhalation exposure to airborne nano-objects, their agglomerates and aggregates (NOAA) is a challenge due to the multiple possibilities to measure them in the absence of regulation. The size range of NOAA is very wide, from sub-100 nm nanoparticles to micron-sized agglomerates and aggregates. Consequently, a suite of middle to high costs direct-reading instruments are commonly used to determine airborne NOAA concentrations in workplaces. Due to the high cost of such devices, measurements with high spatial resolution are not feasible. New Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) have emerged since the last ten years, providing a high degree of compactness, a high time resolution and a reduced price (<200 €). Consequently, these sensors offer new possibilities to assess workers’ exposure during their activity. Since these sensors are typically calibrated for the measurement of ambient PM concentrations, their use in workplaces may be limited due to different particle properties or when faced with medium to high occupational mass concentrations. In order to study the applicability of LCS for NOAA dust concentration measurements in workplaces, a pre-normative research project has been initiated. Six different sensor types have been tested, namely Plantower PMS 7003, Nova Fitness SDS011, Alphasense OPC-R1, Sensirion SPS30 and Groupe Tera Next PM and Next PM-CR. 9 NOAA powders were involved to produce the test aerosols in a low-speed wind tunnel. The results show that sensors output vary strongly with the powder’s nature. In addition, the PM fractions from the LCS are correlated to the PM fractions measured by the reference method.
122 A New Dichotomic Personal Sampler for Semi-Volatile Aerosols Named “Ppas” for a Better Exposure Assessment of the Workers
Authors: Rekeb Noredine , Sutter Benjamin , Belut Emmanuel , Géhin Evelyne
Published: May 2023

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are airborne pollutants present as a mixture of airborne particles and their vapour. Evaluating the exposure of workers to SVOCs represents a major challenge to occupational hygienists due to different toxicological effects regarding the particles and the vapour phases on human health. Therefore, the exposure assessment requires sampling these phases separately. In this regard, several methods were proposed to separate the two phases. However, all these methods have biased measurements of the concentration of the particulate and vapour phases. As an alternative, we propose a new personal SVOCs sampler named PPAS for “Préleveur Personnel d’Aérosols Semi-volatils”. The PPAS was built on the virtual impactor concept but with an inverted ratio between the major and minor flow. The development of the PPAS was first carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and then using experiments to estimate the actual performances. A great attention was paid to reduce at their minimum the pressure drops between the inlet and the two exits to allow 8 hours samplings using personal pumps classically used for assessing the exposure of the workers in workplaces. The transmission efficiency η of the PPAS was evaluated by CFD calculations for particles size ranging between 0.05 and 20 µm and measured experimentally with mono-dispersed aerosols consisted of a mixture of glycerol and fluorescein particles of 0.15, 2, 3 and 4.5 µm. The aim of the presentation is to focus on the CFD and experimental tests that permit to develop the PPAS.
128 Contribution of a Multi-Exposure Measurement Strategy on the Documentation of Cheese Workers' Exposures to Biological and Chemical Agents
Authors: Duquenne Philippe , Battais Patricia , Alonso Lise , Loison Pauline , Galland Bruno , Lechene Sullivan , Simon Xavier
Published: May 2023

A large-scale measurement campaign (9 days, more than 400 measurements) was conducted to characterise the exposure of cheese workers involved in maturing and packaging. Airborne microbial and chemical agents were measured in a company producing different types of cheeses. Several air pollutants were investigated (culturable microorganisms, total particles, carbon dioxide, ammonia, VOCs etc.) by mean of ambient and personal measurements. A massive emission of particles into the air was found for tasks involving the brushing of a category of cheeses, with significant personal exposures to culturable fungi (up to 108 CFU/m3_filter cassettes_2L/min). Dominant fungi belonged to Penicillium species with allergenic potential. Ripening rooms can contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide and several tasks performed in them have shown high individual exposures levels (instantaneous concentration up to 10 000 ppmv_ToxiRAE Pro CO2 portable detector). High relative air humidity (> 95%) was also found in the ripening rooms. Real-time measurement of airborne particles (FIDAS Frog particle counter) and gases (FTIR Gasmet™ gas analyser) allowed the identification of events (ventilation, door opening, etc.) that could affect pollutant concentrations and flows. The observed exposure of cheese worker to funig represents an immuno-allergic risk and their exposure to carbon dioxide appeals attention. The multiple nature of exposure raises questions about the technical and organisational mitigation strategies to implement. The multi-exposure measurement strategy deployed in the company proved to be relevant and allowed for a more comprehensive risk assessment. It provided valuable information for formulating prevention recommendations appropriate to the situation. A study including several cheese companies is in course.
130 An Exposure Assessment of dust- and Respirable Quartz Levels During Indoor Renovations
Authors: Halvorsen Johanne Østereng , Ervik Torunn , Graff Pål , Hammer Stine Eriksen
Published: May 2023

Construction workers are exposed to a complex mix of inorganic dust and other components. Workers doing interior demolition and renovation work are particularly at risk as the work operations can produce large quantities of dust in areas with low ventilation. The aim of this work is to assess the dust- and respirable quartz levels that workers in the construction industry are exposed to. An additional goal with the study is to investigate the inorganic components present in the respirable dust fraction using Rietveld as a multicomponent analysis with XRD. Workers in the construction industry have been carrying personal respirable air samplers during work with concrete and building bricks. Quartz content in respirable air samples is determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) by using the NISOH 7500 method. Gravimetric analysis of 67 respirable dust samples gave a mean of 1.34 mg/m3 (min 0.028 mg/m3 to max 6.0 mg/m3). Initial determination of quartz content by XRD revealed a mean of 0.109 mg/m3 (n=52) respirable quartz, with a minimum, maximum and median of 0.0074 mg/m3, 0.60 mg/m3 and 0.045 mg/m3 respectively. The X-ray diffractograms show a complex mixture of inorganic components. These results show that construction workers may be exposed to levels above the current OEL for respirable quartz. It is therefore important to measure the quartz levels in this industry.
135 The Role of Passive Sampling in Environmental Monitoring – Theory & Recent Advancements
Authors: Cartmell David , Marshall Josh
Published: May 2023

Passive sampling is an established technique in the monitoring and characterisation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Employed across various fields such as personal exposure monitoring, large-scale environmental studies and indoor air monitoring. Passive sampling provides a cheap, convenient and reliable method of characterising a range of VOCs across several samples in large-scale air monitoring programmes. Passive sampling possesses several favourable qualities to alternative methods, such as no pump requirements and a non-invasive design. Further to this, early sorbent-based passive samplers were required to undergo solvent extraction as a preparation step before analysis. The solvent extraction limited air-speed effects at the surface of the badge, preventing the stable conditions required for passive sampling. Recent developments allow analytes to desorb from the sampler via thermal desorption (TD), improving sensitivity and accuracy that were unachievable through earlier sorbent-based sampling devices. Within this presentation I will detail the latest TD-compatible passive samplers, exploring axial and radial sampling technologies and how these technologies are advancing environmental monitoring.
138 Interpretation of Occupational Biomonitoring Data of 1,3-Butadiene Exposure in the Form of Urinary Markers and Estimation of Urinary Half-Lives
Authors: Boogaard Peter , Lacey Alexandra , de Carvalho Mary Freire , van Megroot Frans , Urbanus Jan
Published: May 2023

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is classified as a human carcinogen and occupational exposure should be minimized in industrial installations. During the clean-up and repair of a storage tank that contained BD-contaminated sludge, the effectiveness of personal protection was checked with urinary biomonitoring of 1,2-dihydroxy-4-(N-acetylcysteinyl)-butane (DHBMA) and isomers of hydroxy-1-(N-acetylcysteinyl)-3-butene (MHBMA), biomarkers of recent BD exposure. Correlations exist between airborne BD shift exposure and end-of-shift urinary concentrations. 65 workers involved in the tank operation provided repeat urine samples before and after the shift across consecutive days for a total of 1286 samples. Inhalation exposure monitoring was not conducted as the workers used respiratory protective equipment. Different conclusions emerged from the samples regarding limit value exceedance for the two biomarkers. This large, unique dataset was investigated for patterns and apparent urinary half-lives of DHBMA and MHBMA not published yet in the scientific literature. The pattern across consecutive days for DHBMA was consistent with a low-level exposure, well below the exposure limit of 1 ppm (8-hour average), with a small increase of the body burden, whereas the pattern for MHBMA remained uninterpretable. Using a sub-set of the data, the urinary half-lives were estimated at 18.9 ± 2.6 hr (MHBMA) and 11.1 ± 3.4 hr (DHBMA). DHBMA would be the preferred biomarker to apply in situations when it is known that exposure to BD might occur to check whether protective measures are sufficient.
162 Keynote: Adverse Outcome Pathways – a Framework for Designing Novel Approach Methods for Safety Assessment
Authors: Halappanavar Sabina
Published: May 2023

The fast evolving technologies, the search for new chemicals and synthesis of substitutes for the existing chemicals, are posing unprecedented challenges on regulatory agencies that have mainly relied on toxicity testing in laboratory animals to ensure safety of humans and the environment from potential exposure to these substances. In response, a new and well-intended trend to reduce, refine and replace animal testing that are both time and resource intensive with animal alternatives called the New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that are faster, cheaper, sensitive, and mechanisms-based, has been introduced and widely embraced by the scientific community. However, strategies that help identify and prioritize fit-for-purpose NAMs schemes involving test models, toxicity endpoints, and specific assays for the hazard assessment, as well as strategies that enable validation of their scientific relevance for the regulatory acceptance are lagging behind. As a consequence, the regulatory acceptance of NAMs in decision making is far from reality. This presentation will summarise the current status of NAMs in regulatory toxicology and the role of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) in the design and development of NAMs, with a specific focus on nanotoxicology.