bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
49 Case Study: Effectiveness of health protection program in reducing PM2.5 exposure at the office building during haze period
Authors: Moetiara Elisa , Ramdhan Doni Hikmat
Published: June 2024

Particulate matter (PM) exposure from wildfire smoke may increase the respiratory health risk to the population. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an administrative health protection program to reduce exposure to wildfire-generated PM2.5 in an office building. PM2.5 concentration during haze (generated by wildfire smoke) and non-haze periods were measured using direct reading DustTrakTM DRX 8533. Self-administered acute respiratory symptoms questionnaires from ATS-DLD-78 were collected. 168 occupant respondents worked consecutively in the office building during haze and non-haze periods. PM2.5 concentration and occupant’s subjective acute respiratory symptoms in the haze period were higher than in the non-haze period. During the haze period, PM2.5 concentration levels exceeded the WHO-recommended standard. In summary, PM2.5 in haze infiltrated the office work areas and exposed building occupants to wildfire smoke, which may affect the outcome of acute health symptoms. The administrative health program to protect workers from PM2.5 exposure at the office during the haze period was ineffective and needed to be improved, especially in reducing PM2.5 concentration.
56 Coffee production – An occupational setting where exposure to mycotoxins need to be recognized and prevented
Authors: Viegas Susana , Twarużek Magdalena , Kosicki Robert , Oliveira Filipe , Tavares Ednilton , Viegas Carla
Published: June 2024

Coffee production involves different processes until being available as beverage involving several workers worldwide. Mycotoxins exposure may occur in this occupational setting since coffee beans are frequently contaminated with these fungal secondary metabolites due the crop infection by toxigenic fungi that commonly infect the plant during the various production stages.

A study was developed in two milling industries located in Brazil aiming to evaluate workplace contamination with mycotoxins. Twenty samples of settled dust and respiratory protection equipment filters were collected. In addition, nineteen samples of the coffee beans processed were also collected in different workplaces. Samples were collected during August 2021, which is coffee harvest time in Brazil.

Settled dust samples presented contamination by 4 different mycotoxins: Fumonisin B1 (FB1), ochratoxin A (OTA) and B (OTB), mycophenolic acid (MA) and zearalenon (ZEA) with MA being present in all the samples with the higher concentrations. Filter samples also showed contamination by 4 mycotoxins namely FB1, FB2, OTA and MA. Also in these samples MA was the most prevalent mycotoxin but FB2 reached the higher concentration. In the case of coffee beans samples, 4 mycotoxins were also detected, namely Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), FB2, OTA and MA. Again MA was the most prevalent with higher concentrations.

As main conclusions: workplace environment is contaminated with multiple mycotoxins promoting workers exposure by inhalation, dermal absorption and even ingestion. Therefore, mycotoxins should be considered as a hazard present in this occupational setting deserving the adoption of risk management measures to prevent exposure and control the risk.
83 Sampling evaluation of bacteria on smart phone screen surface
Authors: Chang Yu-Nung , Fan Ching-Ying , Lai Chane-Yu
Published: June 2024

Smartphones is becoming an indispensable device, which is easily to carry and frequently to be used. Because of the convenience, it goes through various areas with the user, not only at home but also in the public. However, the environment may full of various microorganisms, the bacteria may colonize on the surface of the smartphone via fingers and becoming a vehicle for spreading.

This study swabbed the smartphone touchscreens from both hospital staffs (group A) and community workers (group B), the BD Phoenix-100 were used to identify the bacteria species and their characteristics of antibiotics-resistant. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to evaluate the behaviour of each recruited participant.

A total of 472 isolates from 196 samples were counted, 97% were Gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus (46%), Micrococcus (12%), Dermacoccus and Streptococcus (both 6%) were the predominant isolates in group A; and Staphylococcus (50%), Micrococcus and Bacillus (both 8%) and Streptococcus (6%) were detected in group B. Eighty-five % of sampled bacteria on all participant’s smartphone revealed antibiotic-resistant and 55% of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were multidrug resistant bacteria. In both groups, 80-90% sampled bacteria exhibited the character of antibiotic resistance if they never use the alcohol to disinfect the contamination of smartphone surface (p =0.002).

The staffs who working in the hospital did not use alcohol to disinfect their phones had higher rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria than community ones (p =0.003). Regular hand-washing and daily disinfection of smartphones shall be recommended, especially in healthcare-related institutions, and may consider add into their hygiene guideline.
100 Exposure to mineral dust from renovation – are we forgetting an exposed group?
Authors: Halvorsen Johanne Ø , Graff Pål , Gjengedal Elin Lovise Folven , Ervik Torunn
Published: June 2024

A growing focus on sustainability increases the need for renovation and repurposing of existing building stock to increase energy efficiency without material waste. Indoor demolition and renovation, rather than total demolition and rebuilding, produces an altered exposure situation for the workers involved. The outer shell of the building is often kept intact and protected, while the inner structure is being demolished and rebuilt, leading to an enclosed working environment.

In this study personal respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) samples were collected at 14 demolition sites. The samples were analyzed with X-ray diffraction using the NIOSH 7500 method for RCS. During the measurements workers did manual demolition and cleaning out silica containing materials. The exposure measurements showed that 18 % of the respirable samples and 57 % of the RCS samples were above the Norwegian occupational exposure limits (OELs) of 5 and 0.05 mg/m3, respectively.

In addition, an assessment was performed on indirectly exposed workers, working within the same buildings. These workers showed a substantial exposure to RCS with 15 % of samples being above the Norwegian OEL, despite not working with silica containing materials. Indirectly exposed workers are often overlooked in exposure assessments or regarded as unexposed since they are not producing or resuspending the pollutant. Furthermore, the workers themselves are less aware of the exposure and thereby less likely to use dust protection.
103 Occupational exposure to lead in French industries, 2013-2022
Authors: Sauve Jean-Francois , Humbert Audrey , Mater Gautier
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Approximately 200,000 French workers are estimated to be exposed to lead in the workplace. Historical analyses of measurement data recorded in the French Colchic database from 1987 to 1999 showed frequent overexposures in industries such as metallurgy and construction. We aimed to evaluate whether these observations remain by analyzing the last 10 years of measurements recoding in this database.

Methodology

We selected records corresponding to personal measurements of lead and its compounds, with a sampling duration ≥60 minutes and collected between 2013 and 2022. We assessed the proportion of samples by industry and by task above the 8-hours occupational exposure limit (OEL; 100 µg/m3).

Results

We identified a total of 1547 measurements, with 75th and 95th percentiles of 12 and 240 μg/m3, respectively, compared to 260 and 1560 μg/m3 for 1987-1999 based on 8353 samples. 9% of all samples exceeded the OEL. Specialized construction activities had the highest proportion of samples exceeding the OEL (22%), followed by remediation and other waste management (19%) and manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products (17%). For tasks, 12 of the 19 samples from abrasive blasting exceeded the OEL. Construction tasks associated with insulation (33% exceedance) and demolition (28% exceedance) also had frequent overexposure.

Conclusions

Despite the overall trend showing decreased exposure levels compared to the 1990s, several industries and tasks show a high potential for overexposure, notably those associated with construction and waste management, which require ongoing prevention efforts.
118 Human Biomonitoring (HBM) for emergency responders – Preparedness for exposure assessment after chemical incidents
Authors: Jäger, Thomas
Published: June 2024

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a versatile tool for exposure analysis and assessment, not only under routine conditions but also in the case of short-term exposure or after accidental release of hazardous substances. Due to the generally short half-lives of hazardous substances in the body, the reaction time between exposure and sampling is crucial for the success of HBM analyses. Therefore, a standardized HBM program after emergency operations with possible product contact was developed and implemented at a large chemical production site. Emergency responders can provide urine or blood samples after operations with contact to hazardous substances and hand them in at the HBM laboratory, together with a questionnaire about the general conditions of the operations: hazardous substances, duration of emergency works, proximity to the source of exposure, personal protective equipment, and time of sampling. In altogether 21 deployments in 2023, 205 urine samples of 123 emergency responders were collected and 508 single analyses were carried out. In 2 cases, the internal action value for the acrylonitrile metabolite 2-cyanoethyl mercapturic acid (75 μg/g creatinine) was exceeded (maximum: 106 μg/g creatinine). The results show a generally high level of personal safety of the emergency responders. The standardized and easy-to-access HBM program addresses critical aspects of HBM for emergency responders after chemical incidents. It provides feedback on the efficiency of health and safety measures, it enables the continued optimization of procedures, and it constitutes a central element of preparedness for exposure analysis and assessment in case of larger incidents.
123 Respirable crystalline silica exposure in the building materials production: monitoring data over the last 20 years
Authors: Martinelli Andrea , Salamon Fabiola , Carrieri Mariella
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a risk agent with known effects well correlated with exposure levels in the building sector. The aim of this work was to evaluate the trend in the last 20 years of RCS exposure levels in two companies operating in glass plate production and in cement production.

Methodology

The personal exposure data of 54 workers from a company producing glass plate and 76 workers from a company producing cement were analysed. The quantification of the SCR exposure levels was carried out by the respirable dust monitoring and the subsequent X-ray diffractometric analysis. The exposure levels were compared with the ACGIH, SCOEL and Italian occupational limit values.

Results

RCS exposure levels were in the range <0.004-0.074 mg/m3. Only two personal exposure levels (0.054 mg/m3 and 0.074 mg/m3), found at the glass plate production company were higher than ACGIH TLV-TWA and the SCOEL exposure limit. A reduction of personal RCS exposure was observed across the years in the glass plate production company, instead in the cement production company the personal RCS levels were almost constant. The tasks characterized by the highest levels of exposure to RCS were the oven maintenance workers in the glass plate production company and the grindings raw materials workers in the cement production company (mean 0.015 mg/m3 and 0.009 mg/m3 respectively).

Conclusions

This study revealed how exposure levels in the companies studied remained constant or decreased over time. In light of the most recent data, we underline the importance of carrying out periodic monitoring investigations in order to protect the health of workers.
133 Elevating worker health: safeguarding against reprotoxic substances exposure
Authors: Tranfo Giovanna , Caporossi Lidia , Papaleo Bruno , Pera Alessandra
Published: June 2024

The environmental contributors to reproductive health begin in utero and include the social, physical and nutritional environment, and physical and chemical agents. In the past 70 years, there has been a dramatic increase in human exposure to both natural and synthetic chemicals.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the hormonal system and thereby produce harmful effects in both humans and wildlife.

Under the European REACH regulation, endocrine disruptors are identified as substances of very high concern alongside chemicals known to cause cancer, mutations and toxicity to reproduction.

Similarly to carcinogens or mutagens, reprotoxic substances may have serious and irreversible effects also on workers’ health. Therefore, occupational exposure to reprotoxic substances should also be regulated under the same directive on the protection of workers from carcinogens or mutagens at work (Directive 2004/37/EC).

Occupational exposure limit values have been set for 12 widely used substances in the new directive 2022/431/EC, and therefore validated exposure assessment methods should be made available.

The health surveillance is requested for workers exposed to these substances, that is the assessment of the health status of an individual worker based on exposure to specific substances during work. Therefore, cooperation with obstetrician, gynaecologist and other reproductive health professionals is needed, for the assessment of male and female fertility status.

On the other side clinicians should always ask women of childbearing age about occupational exposures as legal exposure limits for most workplace chemicals are not designed to protect against harm to a pregnancy or the developing fetus.
139 Characteristic evaluation of bacteria in air and oral samples in surgical and medical intensive care units
Authors: Chen Pei-Yu , Yeh Yi-Chiao , Chang Yu-Nung , Kung Pan-Chin , Lai Chane-Yu
Published: June 2024

The characteristics of bacteria taxonomy, biodiversity, and human-associated bacteria (HAB) in patients’ mouths and indoor air were evaluated and compared in surgical and medical intensive care units (ICUs). A six-stage viable Andersen cascade impactor was used to collect bioaerosols and to determine their size distributions. The sterilized cotton swabs were used to collect oral samples from four randomly selected patient’s mouths. A BD Phoenix-100 automated interpretation system was used to identify the sampled bacteria species.

The results was showed Tatumella ptyseos, Staphylococcus scouri, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Moellerella wisconsensis, and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated from oral samples. Mannheimia spp. (28.5%), Staphylococcus spp. (19%), and Burkholderia spp. were the dominated bacteria which were isolated from the air samples. The proportion of HAB concentration in the oral sample was 6.3%, while the HAB concentration in the air was 19%. The low HAB rate indicated most of the cultured bacteria (non HAB) were possibly from the outside environment during work shifting or guest-visiting. Fifteen species of bacteria were collected in the air, and 2 species of them matched the bacteria collected from oral samples. The source of bacteria cultured from the patient’s mouth might be related to the distribution of bacteria in the air. However, the airborne bacteria might also come from the patient’s cough droplets. The phenomenon deserves further research in the future.

It is recommended that the patient’s mouth should be cleaned regularly with sterilized cotton swabs or covered with sterilized gauze to reduce infection.
145 Sampling Evaluation of Bacteria antibiotic-resistance from air and oral samples in surgical and medical intensive care units
Authors: Kung Pan-Chin , Yeh Yi-Chiao , Chen Pei-Yu , Chang Yo-Nong , Lai Chane-Yu
Published: June 2024

The antibiotic-resistance of bioaerosols and bacteria from patients’ mouth were evaluated in surgical and medical intensive care units (ICUs). A six-stage viable Andersen cascade impactor was used to collect bioaerosols. The sterilized cotton swabs were used to collect oral samples from four randomly selected patient’s mouths. Antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using a BD Phoenix-100 automated interpretation system. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the antimicrobial agents for these bacteria isolates were determined using the BD Phoenix-100 instrument.

A total of 199 bacterial isolates were tested for the AST, of which 92.8% were Gram-positive bacteria. The dominated bacteria was Staphylococcus spp. (71.3%), and the others were Micrococcus spp. (15%), Burkholderia spp. (3 %) and Bacillus spp. (2%). According to the AST, 75.9% of sampled airborne bacteria in medical and surgical ICUs were recognized as antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The results of oral samples showed that a total of 3 over 6 bacteria species revealed multidrug resistant to antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to resist 9 type of antibiotics, such as AM, SAM (Penicillin), CZ, CTX, CRO (cephalosporins), ET (carbapenem), MINO (Tetracycline TCs), TGCs (glycylcycline), and TMP-SMX (co-trimoxazole). Burkholderia cepacia and Ralstonia pickettii were found to resist 5 antibiotics: AM, SAM (Penicillin), CZ (cephalosporins), CL (Polypeptide), and ETPs (carbapenems).

The presence of antibiotic resistance in ICUs poses a potential risk to the health of medical staff and patients. Therefore, it is recommended that the ventilation design of ICUs should be evaluated to ensure the effectiveness of nosocomial control.
147 Association between mixed exposures to cleaning chemicals and asthma outcomes
Authors: Virji Mohammed Abbas , Groth Caroline , Liang Xiaoming , Henneberger Paul
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cleaning products are complex mixtures of chemicals and their use in healthcare is associated with elevated prevalence/odds of asthma outcomes in models with single exposure variables. To better represent workplace mixed exposures, we explored the use of Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) combined with prior toxicological knowledge on asthmagenic potential to understand the combined effect of correlated mixtures.

Methods

Healthcare workers from nine occupations completed a questionnaire with modules on cleaning and disinfecting tasks and product use. Quantitative exposure to total and eight specific volatile organic compounds were assessed at five different hospitals and were assigned to participants based on predictive statistical models and responses on questionnaires. Exposures were classified as asthmagens or non-classified based on toxicological evidence. A five-level asthma outcome variable was created by hierarchical clustering of 27 respiratory symptom/care variables. Exposure-response relationships for asthma clusters were explored using BKMR for mixed exposures. All models were adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking and allergic status.

Results

Group probability of inclusion was always higher for asthmagens compared to non-classified for all asthma clusters. Within asthmagens, acetone and chloroform had the higher probabilities of inclusion for several asthma clusters. Higher levels of acetone had the highest risk for all health clusters when evaluating the effect of mixed asthmagens. Among non-classified, BTEX chemicals and methyl-methacrylate had the higher probabilities of inclusion for several asthma clusters.

Conclusions

Multipollutant models combined with toxicological knowledge is a more realistic approach to model workplace mixed exposures although the effect of correlated variables cannot be entirely eliminated.
164 The aerosol emission characteristics and control strategies of flushing toilets
Authors: Hsu Shun Hao , Huang Sheng Hsiu , Lin Chih Wei , Chen Chih Chieh
Published: June 2024

A poorly designed toilet can be a flaw in epidemic prevention. Previous studies have confirmed that humans are easily infected by related bioaerosols generated from toilets, and these droplet particles also have been proven to have the ability to carry out bacteria or viruses. In other words, whether in public places or homes or even in health care agencies and isolation wards, it has been a long-neglected source of airborne pathogen production.

Three types of toilets were measured for aerosol emission characteristics, including the siphon toilet, washdown toilet, and siphon jet toilet. Two different commercial toilet cleaning products were added to the water tank to compare the effects on particle emissions under different surface tension. Then, the impact of different flushing conditions and the effectiveness of commercial toilet lids in preventing the escape of particles were compared.

Under the standard flush situation (6 L) the total count of particles was 5.5x105 #, the CMD was 0.2 μm and the GSD was about 1.8. Flush volume is positively correlated with the total particle count. However, other factors must also be considered between different types of toilets. The toilet cleaning products, while helping to clean the toilet surface, may lead to generate more particles. Then, the toilet lids can effectively reduce particle escape, but there is still a need for improvement in preventing particle escape.

Based on the existing data, these results will provide the basic techniques to reduce droplet particle generation. And it can be concluded that there is still a need for improvement in current toilets, particularly in epidemic prevention.
168 The impact of mask use and wearing methods on protection effectiveness
Authors: Lee Shu-An , Chang Feng-Ching
Published: June 2024

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical masks are recommended for the public and healthcare workers by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. To increase the use time and protection effectiveness of masks, many methods of using and wearing masks have been developed.

Methodology

A mannequin with artificial leakage was used to investigate the effects of washing frequency, the number of masks donned, the use of cloth masks, and the use of mask covers on the protection efficiency of medical masks.

Results

The results show that the filtration efficiency, protection factor, and pressure drop of masks decrease with increasing the number of washes. The filtration efficiency and pressure drop of masks increase with increasing the number of masks donned, but the protection factor is influenced by the number of masks donned and inhalation flow. Especially at low and moderate inhalation flows (16 and 32L/min), the protection factor decreases with increasing the number of masks donned. The filtration efficiency and pressure drop of medical masks with cloth masks are higher than when using medical masks alone, but the protection factor is influenced by the wearing conditions of cloth masks and the inhalation flow. Particularly at low and moderate inhalation flows, the protection factor of medical masks with cloth masks is smaller than when using medical masks alone.

Conclusions

This study concludes that increasing the number of mask washes, the number of masks donned, and using cloth masks do not increase the protection efficiency of medical masks. Precaution is needed when using these methods.
172 Experimental study on optimum CADR filter thickness of air purifiers
Authors: Tsai Pei Yao , Huang Sheng Hsiu , Chen Chih Chieh , Lin Chih Wei
Published: June 2024

People spend most of their time indoors. Additionally, concentrations of certain pollutants are sometimes higher indoors than outdoors. Therefore, there is a need to ensure good indoor air quality, and air purifiers can provide valuable assistance.

We constructed a system to compare the filtration efficiency of different air purifier filter media brands when stacked in multiple layers. In addition, the filtration efficiency was obtained by using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer to measure the aerosol number concentrations and size distributions upstream and downstream of the air purifier, and the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) was calculated by multiplying the filtration efficiency and the flow rate.

In particular, we show that the tested filter media thickness significantly affects the CADR. When the thickness of the filter material reaches a specific value, the filtration efficiency benefit brought by the increase of the filter material thickness is not enough to make up for the loss caused by the reduction of the air volume, and the CADR value begins to decrease as the thickness of the filter material increases. We find that the ideal filter thickness at 2.7 watts is approximately 12 mm for the blower and filter materials examined in this study. When using the MPPS as an indicator, the capture efficiency of the optimally thick filter material ranges from 7% to 35%.

In the follow-up, we further explore the influence of the combination of filter materials and blowers with different characteristics and the particulate matter load on designing the optimal CADR value.
201 Occupational exposure of workers manufacturing chrysotile asbestos cement products: a case study in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Kurzhunbaeva Zhyldyz , Spinazzè Andrea , Campagnolo Davide , Rovelli Sabrina , Fanti Giacomo , Kasymov Omor , Colosio Claudio , Cavallo Domenico Maria
Published: June 2024

Introduction

An increasing number of countries are banning the production and use of asbestos because of the 1986 Basel Convention and its reconsideration in 2022. Nevertheless, some countries, including central Asian ones (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), are still miners and consumers of asbestos. The main objective of the study is to assess the occupational exposure to asbestos of workers engaged in the production facility of asbestos-cement products in Kyrgyzstan.

Methodology

Samples were collected through personal sampling, by drawing a measured volume of air through a membrane filter, which was subsequently examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Individual fibres in a randomly selected area of the filter were then counted at a magnification of 2000× following ISO 14966:2019 criteria. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) was used to classify the fibres according to their chemical composition. Monitored workers (n = 18) were divided into three “Similar Exposure Groups” (SEGs; SEG-1: asbestos loading; SEG-2; asbestos-cement mixing; SEG-3: cutting of asbestos-cement sheets) according to EN 689 standard.

Results

Investigated workers resulted to be exposed to chrysotile fibres. Preliminary results (to be validated) outlined extremely high exposures for SEG-1 (average values > 2000 ff/L) and SEG-3 (average values > 4000 ff/L) and lower - but still relevant – exposure values for SEG-2 (average values > 500 ff/L).

Conclusions

The results obtained in this case study help document potentially critical situations of occupational exposure to asbestos that can still occur nowadays in low and middle-income countries where asbestos is still mined and processed.
204 Embracing tech for tomorrow workplace
Authors: Haszelina Hassan , Zulkarnaen Long Zainudin Long
Published: June 2024

In the era of digitalization and rapid evolution of technologies, the adoption of technologies must be at par with the latest trend to business to remain competitive without jeopardizing HSE areas. The selection of technology are based on the criteria for real online data, remote monitoring, reliability, safety enhancement and integration capability to support plant operations and potentially increase work productivity, quality and efficiency. Among current technology that the team is focusing on is deploying drone for confined space inspection, which can potentially eliminate confined space hazard such as asphyxiations and ergonomics hazards. Apart from that, we are also exploring utilisation of Radiography Test (RT) crawler to detect internal condition of insulation and minimize the risk of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). Lastly, Inspection fraternity is also focusing on non-destructive examination technology of performing Ultrasonic Test (UT) to measure material wall thickness for static equipment and piping. All these current technologies that we are focusing on relate with HSE aspect of Industrial Hygiene in term of identifying, evaluating and controlling potential workplace hazard from confined space hazard, ergonomics and radiation hazard. One of the technologies that is currently under field testing and utilized at site is online and remote gas monitoring inside the confined space. The benefit of this technology will not only change the future world of work but potentially impact the regulatory landscape in protecting worker’s health.
236 Occupational exposure to microorganisms and endotoxin during treatment of offshore drilling waste
Authors: Daae Hanne Line , Madsen Anne Mette , Graff Pål
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the occupational exposure to microorganisms and endotoxin, for workers employed in the recycling of offshore drilling waste. A pilot study on two treatment plants, showed presence of human bacterial- and fungal pathogens in the drilling waste and showed a need for this larger study.

Methodology

The study included 7 different plants across Norway, thus encompassing most of the industry. 435 personal full-shift analyses, 26 bulk samples and 123 stationary short-time samples of microorganisms were collected. Viable bacterial and fungal species were identified with MALDI-TOF, and bacterial and fungal DNA with ddPCR. The biofilm formation potential was also measured using an Epoch microplate spectrophotometer.

Results

Even though mean exposure was low, some workers were exposed to high levels of endotoxin (207 EU/m3), bacteria (3.8x104 CFU/m3 and 9.8x104 DNA copies/m3) or fungi (1.4x107 CFU/m3 and 3600 DNA copies/m3).

The drilling waste contained a high number of bacteria (102 to 1010 CFU of bacteria/mL) and pathogens in risk class 2 were found in all plants. The biofilm formation potential varied between the different plants.

Conclusions

Despite moderate exposure levels, certain work tasks, job titles, areas, and techniques, were associated with elevated levels of microorganisms and endotoxin.

Human pathogens were present in the drilling waste, the workers can be exposed via the air and potentially via splashes.
251 Insights of Portugal’s teaching staff microbial occupational exposure
Authors: Pena Pedro , Cervantes Renata , Gomes Bianca , Dias Marta , Viegas Carla
Published: June 2024

In the educational sector, EU strategies rely on risk factor awareness, to promote a safe and healthy environment for all the community. However, the promotion of health and safety is facing challenges among teaching staff due to the lack of adjusted policies. With the enrolment of the teaching community, these policies should address the assessment of many aspects, namely biohazards. Although it has already been proven that high levels of children’s microbial exposure are associated with chronic respiratory disease, immunosuppression, mutagenicity, or even death, teachers’ exposure remains unexplored. In schools, teachers may be exposed to bioaerosols (atmospheric particles composed of aggregated microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi) through inhalation and dermal contact, posing a risk to their health. Besides neglecting schools as a specific indoor environment, current guidelines and research mainly focus on children’s health, overlooking the occupational health of teaching staff. Nevertheless, a risk assessment is essential to ensure effective preventive measures and risk management actions. The aim of this study is to conduct a microbial assessment regarding teaching staff personal exposure to bacterial and fungal load. Active sampling methods were applied by collecting air through personal samples (Button Samplers) worn by teachers for 2h at a flow rate of 4L/min, and through a MAS-100 device collecting 400L at a flow rate of 200 L/min. With this approach, the invaluable obtained results aim to contribute to guidance for research and public health actions on behalf of occupational health and safety of teaching staff.
272 Development of job exposure matrix for construction workers based on experts’ judgment using the 60 consolidated occupations
Authors: Choi Sangjun , Lee Kwang Min , Park Hyunhee , Shim Gyu-Beom , Lee Sun Woo , Kim Yoon-Ji , Kim Youngki , Kang Dongmug , Kim Se-Yeong , Park Ju-Hyun
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to develop a new Korean Construction Job Exposure Matrix (KoConJEM) for the construction industry based on 60 occupations consolidated by the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association.

Methods

Evaluation of the probability, intensity, and prevalence of exposure as binary (Yes/No) or four categories (1–4) to 26 hazardous agents for 60 consolidated occupations was performed by 30 industrial hygiene experts. The risk score (1 to 16) was calculated by multiplying the exposure intensity by the prevalence of exposure. The JEM was expressed on a heatmap and a web-based dashboard to facilitate comparison of exposure characteristics according to each occupation and hazardous agent. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was applied for identification of similar patterns in exposure characteristics of different agents across occupations.

Results

Hazardous agents evaluated as exposure is probable by at least one or more experts in all occupations included awkward posture, heat/cold, heavy lifting, and noise. The hazardous agent with exposure in the smallest number of occupations (n = 5) was asphalt fumes. The highest risk value of 16 for awkward posture was observed for almost all occupations except safety officer. The results of HCA using risk values showed that the pattern for the welding-related occupational group differed the most from that of other occupational groups.

Conclusion

The KoConJEM provides information on the probability, intensity, and prevalence of exposure to harmful factors. It might be useful in the conduct of epidemiological studies on health risk assessment of construction workers.
280 Comparative ergonomic analysis of dental hygienists and tattoo artists
Authors: Christian Grieshaber D
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Tattooing is an increasingly popular art form around the world. Research on occupational risks for tattoo artists is sparse. Because tattooing uses needles to puncture the skin, there are some obvious safety concerns not only for the artist, but also the client. Many of the general hazards associated with tattooing, such as bloodborne pathogens and air quality have been addressed, one area that has thus far not received a lot of attention in the literature is the ergonomic risks that tattoo artists face on a daily basis. Tattoo artists are exposed to many of the same risks as occupations such as dentistry and cosmetology.

Methodology

Survey data from 103 tattoo artists in the US (Grieshaber, Marshall, Fuller, 2012; Keester, Sommerich, 2014) and electromyography analysis of ten artists (Keester, Sommerish, 2017) are compared to similar analyses of specialists in dentistry and cosmetology occupations (e.g., Åkesson, Balogh, and Hansson, 2012; Chen, Chang, Liu, and Chen, 2010; Thornton, L.J., Stuart-Buttle, C., Eyszynski, T.C., and Wilson, 2004). Postural analysis of the two occupations will be presented, highlighting the similarities in the neck, back, and upper extremities. A presentation of acceptable interventions for dental hygienists is presented for tattoo artists.

Discussion

This analysis highlights the complexities of tattooing and some of the difficulties that artists have using interventions designed for other occupations.
285 A case study on asbestos cement sheet abatement in India
Authors: Bandekar Adhiraj , Mehta Maharshi
Published: June 2024

More than 15000 sq feet of asbestos cement sheets were removed by workers, contractors, and building owners with no knowledge of asbestos health hazards and safe removal.

Limited asbestos abatement regulatory requirements exist in India.

Under the guidance and continuous supervision of a qualified OH, the removal work was carried out as per US EPA and HSE UK standards.

Workers and contractors were educated on the health hazards of asbestos and work practices to be followed to reduce to reduce potential asbestos health risk.

A respirator fit testing and training was conducted. Most critical was also fall protection training and controls.

Asbestos containment methods such wetting of surfaces, covering all areas of asbestos removal, HEPA filter vacuum cleaning was followed. Disposable coveralls and PPE were used, and operator and area decontamination was done.

Removed asbestos sheets were impregnated with encapsulants, double bagged, and disposed off at a regulated facility.

Personal, area, and clearance asbestos monitoring was conducted, and the samples were analyzed at AIHA accredited laboratory. All the results were below the asbestos occupational exposure limits and below the area clearance criteria.

Also, due to fall protection training, controls and work practices the removal work was carried out without any injury.

This case study demonstrated that without a regulatory requirement and with a passion to protect worker and environment, a safe asbestos removal work can be done without an injury.
331 Heat stress in outdoor workers: influence of climate variables on the individual cardiorespiratory response evaluated by innovative wearable devices
Authors: Sacino Gabriele , Schino Valentina , Stufano Angela , Bartolomeo Nicola , Ravallese Riccardo , De Maria Luigi , De Palma Giuseppe , Merli Stefano , Vimercati Luigi , Lovreglio Piero
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Heat stress could influence the health and wellbeing of outdoor workers. Despite the growing attention to the impacts of climate changes on work, the possibility of monitoring the individual response to heat stress has not previously investigated.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between heat stress parameters and individual cardio-respiratory response during outdoor working activities by innovative wearable devices.

Methods

Forty healthy workers employed in different outdoor contexts wore, during their entire work shift, a multiparametric wearable device integrating sensors measuring skin temperature, partial oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, position and movement of the worker. During the same shifts, measurements were taken of the climatic conditions in the working area.

Results

Climatic and cardiorespiratory parameters analysis showed a positive correlation between radiant temperature and both minimum skin temperature and heart rate (r 0.64 and 0.63 respectively, p<0.01), while a negative correlation was observed with maximum respiratory rate (r -0.7, p<0.01). In contrast, air temperature showed a significant positive correlation with mean skin temperature and with minimum heart rate (r 0.78 and 0.65 respectively, p<0.01).

Conclusions

The multiparametric devices made it possible to identify individual cardiorespiratory response to different climatic conditions and to assess the adaptation of workers to thermal stress, enabling a precision medicine approach.
284 Addressing occupational hygiene priorities globally
Authors: Mehta Maharshi , Johnson Dr Sharann , Mydin Norhazline , Salazar Dr Ana Maria , McClellan Nancy
Published: June 2024

This workshop will focus on the following priorities with an objective of options to address the priorities with speakers from Australia, Malaysia, the USA, and Chile. Each speaker will speak for a few minutes, followed by a discussion with workshop participants on their workable solutions. A white paper will be an outcome of the workshop.

Qualified OH Professional Gap

OHTA estimated that 45000 qualified OHs are needed against about 12000 available. <10% of the qualified available OHs are in emerging economies with enormous IH needs and limited resources. Applied approaches include IOHA-NAR accredited certifications, company-specific training, and university degree programs in Chile and Guatemala. Some of the IOHA Associations (e.g., MIHA) were effective in their efforts to bridge this gap.

Quality Assurance in OH Assessment

An experience at 200+ workplaces in 30+ countries has identified that more than 50% of the exposure monitoring results are not reproducible, representative, or reliable. The life of the working people depends on the exposure monitoring results OHs provide. Malaysia and Singapore regulatory agencies require OH practitioner certifications. Universally acceptable IOHA Code of Practice, EN 689, AIHA’s Principles of Good Practices are the most effective in defining minimum recommended QA guidelines that may be adopted by regulatory agencies.

Accredited laboratories emerging economies and related costs

Most of the accredited labs are located in the US and EU. Shipping of the OH monitoring samples and the analysis cost are significant concerns. A universally recognized Proficiency in Analytical Testing is one option.

Cost and Integrity of OH Consultants

BOHS Good Practice Guidance on Consultants is one of the options.
307 Using exposure assessment and health assessment tools for interactive education
Authors: Taylor Helen
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Ensuring that the workforce is educated, aware and informed of the things that will help ensure that workplace exposure does not result in a health effect can be a difficult task, particularly if we would like to make it interesting and engaging. By making education and training more than just a presentation it can make it more memorable and lasting and hopefully more effective in developing good habits to reduce exposure.

Aims & Objectives

This workshop will demonstrate some of the techniques available to make our training and awareness interesting and interactive. There will be a particular focus on techniques relating to skin exposure, but some of the techniques can be applied to other forms of exposure. There will be a range of techniques that can be used for glove training, awareness of the importance of selection and use of gloves, hand hygiene and skin care, sun awareness, surface contamination and understanding effectiveness of LEV. There will also be an opportunity to get hands on experience with some of the techniques being demonstrated.

Participants will gain a greater understanding of some of the ways in which we can make education and training more interactive, memorable and effective. Participants should also gain some practical experience of using some of the techniques.
46 Principles of industrial ventilation system design and operation
Authors: Grubb Gregg
Published: June 2024

This PDC provides the occupational hygienist with the fundamental principles pertinent to the effective and efficient use of industrial ventilation to control employee exposures to toxic substances or agents. Presented at an introductory-to-moderate level, the PDC will address the following topics:

•The occupational hygiene hierarchy of control measures applicable to protecting the health of employees in the workplace.

•The importance of understanding the properties of the air that will be captured, conveyed, and controlled by the industrial ventilation system.

•Types of industrial ventilation system records and documentation and their importance.

•Successful hood design to effectively capture and control the contaminant of interest.

•Energy-efficient duct components and industrial ventilation system design considerations.

•A basic understanding of air contaminant control devices and industrial fans.

•The relevance of industrial ventilation system exhaust stack design to the successful control of air contaminant exposures.

•“Goes-outas equals goes-intas,” or, the relevance of ensuring the appropriate amount of replacement air in workplaces where industrial ventilation systems are utilized.

•The value of validating industrial ventilation system performance and implementing a successful industrial ventilation system monitoring and preventative maintenance program.

The important connection between industrial ventilation systems and change management programs.
161 Creating a healthier world: occupational hygiene’s vital role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Hiddinga Andrea , Laszcz-Davis Chris
Published: June 2024

This PDC explores the crucial role of occupational hygiene within the broader context of sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Occupational hygiene, as a multidisciplinary field, contributes significantly to several SDGs, including those related to health and well-being, decent work, and responsible consumption and production. In this PDC we examine the intersections between occupational hygiene and various SDGs, and underscores the importance of viewing the SDGs as a dynamic and interconnected framework, where progress in one area can have ripple effects on others. Occupational hygiene is positioned at the nexus of these interrelated goals, offering insights and solutions that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. By adopting a systems-thinking approach and recognizing the complexity of the global challenges we face, stakeholders can work together to develop more effective and lasting solutions that benefit both society and the environment.

Join this PDC for:

Engaging discussions: Centered around real-world topics.

Global Relevance: Explore how SDGs align with real-world occupational hygiene scenarios, ensuring you’re equipped to make an impact on a global scale.

Practical Assignments: Apply your knowledge through hands-on assignments tackling actual workplace situations. From risk assessments to sustainable workplace strategies, you’ll gain practical and problem-solving skills that directly benefit your career.

Regional Focus: Tailored assignments will address regional concerns, so you can make a tangible difference while contributing to the broader SDGs.

Networking Opportunities: Build valuable connections with professionals who share your passion for sustainable, safe workplaces. Harness the power of a diverse network for ongoing support and inspiration.
176 Role of occupational hygienist in emergency response
Authors: Leblanc Rene
Published: June 2024

Occupational Hygienist plays an important role in planning and responding to Emergency Response. In this PDC, we will review basic concepts based on USA HAZWOPER course (HAZardous Waste OPeration and Emergency Response). Course will cover topics such as: hazard identification, risk analysis, monitoring, PPE, decon, respiratory protection and many other aspects of ER. The speaker has experience in Emergency Response focussing on chemical incidents. The3 hr course will give you enough resources and tools so that you know where to look for should an emergency situation occurs.