bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
127 Assessing fungal burden and its implications for health in an elderly care center: a comprehensive study
Authors: Cervantes Renata , Dias Marta , Pena Pedro , Gomes Bianca , Almeida-Silva Marina , Viegas Carla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The study aimed to assess fungal burden in an elderly care center and its implications for health for both workers and elderly, considering the recent release of the WHO Fungal priority pathogens list (WHOFPL).
Two sampling campaigns were conducted between 2022 and 2023. The results were obtained from air samples, and fungal contamination was characterized by culture-based methods, through the inoculation onto two different culture media: malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%) and dichloran-glycerol agar (DG18). The most prevalent species in both sampling campaigns were Cladosporium sp. followed by Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. Regarding Aspergillus sections, its diversity decrease on DG18 between sampling campaigns (2022: 5 sections on DG18) and (2023: 3 sections on DG18). The most prevalent sections in 2022 campaign were Flavi on MEA (62.5%) and Circumdati and Nidulantes on DG18 (41.67%), whereas in 2023 most prevalent section was Nigri on MEA (60%) and Aspergilli on DG18 (41.67%). Notably, Aspergillus section Fumigati, belonging to the High Priority Group, was found in the 2022 campaign (1.00×101 CFU.m-3), while Mucor sp. and Rhizopus sp., both belonging to the Critical Priority Group, were found in both campaigns (2022:1.00×101 CFU.m-3 and 2023: 2.00×101 CFU.m-3).
The presence of these priority fungal pathogens supports the importance of assessing the fungal burden in the elderly care centers and to maintain the surveillance needed in the scope of patient safety and occupational health.
202 Determinants of asphalt fumes and potential control measures to reduce occupational exposure
Authors: van Deurssen Erik 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
With the current alteration of the bitumen production process, it is not exactly known to which hazardous substances road pavers are exposed to. In an ongoing Dutch exposure survey ~70 exposure measurements are performed to
1.establish these components
2.find exposure determinants
3.evaluate the effect of control measures.
Personal and stationary exposure measurements (15 different mixtures) were performed for volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and asphalt fumes. Similar exposure groups identified were asphalt paving operator, engine driver and asphalt labourer. Furthermore, an experimental set-up was designed to evaluate the effect of ventilation system to extract bitumen fumes.
The results clarify that the exposure for some of the measured components cannot be classified as compliant according to the criteria mentioned in EN 689. Especially asphalt fumes, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde were found for both the personal and stationary measurements. The highest exposure levels were found for the asphalt paving operator and the engine driver (20-35% OEL).
Mixtures containing a higher percentage of newly added bitumen, high temperature asphalt, polymer modified bitumen and clear bitumen binders result in the highest exposure concentrations (factor 2-3 difference). Applying a ventilation unit to extract bitumen fumes results in a significant decrease at the surface where the asphalt is dispensed, but for personal exposure this reduction in exposure is not observed. More data will be available during the conference to provide data for optimizing technical control measures in order to reduce occupational exposure to carcinogenic asphalt fumes.
233 Establishing internal occupational exposure standards for elongate mineral particles
Authors: Korchevskiy Andrey , Rasmuson James 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Approaches to setting up occupational exposure standards for asbestos vary between different countries and agencies. Occupational health professionals working internationally face the need to establish internal target standards for asbestos exposure that would protect workers worldwide. It is especially important for the areas and workplaces where asbestos is present as a naturally occurring contaminant, or as a part of so called “legacy” asbestos, still present in buildings and other objects and products.
The talk will present several approaches to setting up the standards for occupational exposure to asbestos and other elongate mineral particles with consideration of the sources and characteristics of the fibrous minerals, size and habit of the fibers, and exposure scenarios. Based on the most recent epidemiological analysis, it will be shown that various exposure standards can be proposed for several major mineral types of asbestos, including chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, and tremolite. Several case studies will be reviewed to demonstrate the value of the internal occupational exposure standards.
The presentation will also cover the situation of setting up standards for emerging types of elongate mineral particles, e.g., erionite, fluoro-edenite, balangeroite, and other.
Examples of the exposure reduction programs to achieve the target levels of airborne asbestos concentrations will be presented and discussed.
237 Airborne trichloramine in Swedish indoor swimming pools
Authors: Johannesson Sandra , Eriksson Kåre , Wastensson Gunilla , Westerlund Jessica , Graff Pål 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Trichloramine is a disinfection by-product in chlorinated swimming pools, it can evaporate into air and cause irritation to eyes and airways. The aim of this study was to evaluate indoor air concentrations of trichloramine in different types of swimming pools across Sweden, and to investigate factors (determinants) that affect the levels. In total 72 swimming pools; 36 exercise-, 16 instruction-, 7 adventure-, and 13 rehabilitation pools were included. Stationary measurements were performed by the pool side using active sampling on quartz filters, analyzed using suppressed ion chromatography and conductivity detection. For public exercise pools the geometric mean concentration of trichloramine was 0.12 mg/m3 (range: 0.02-0.29 mg/m3). Geometric means for instruction- and adventure pools GM were 0.18 mg/m3 and 0.20 mg/m3, respectively. Trichloramine concentrations were statistically significantly lower in rehabilitation pools compared with the other pool types. For the exercise pools, a statistically significantly effect of time of the day for sampling was found, with higher levels during evenings compared with mornings and afternoons. Free but not combined chlorine in the pool water was associated with airborne trichloramine for exercise and rehabilitation pools while the opposite was found for the instruction pools. Number of swimmers in the pool during sampling was not identified as a significant determinant for airborne trichloramine, however, some of the highest concentrations were measured during intense pool activities. With repeated samplings the variability in measured concentrations could be estimated, and it was found that between- as well as within-pool variance contributed to the total variability of airborne trichloramine. The observed day-to-day variability encourages a repeated sampling strategy.
242 Case Study: The challenges of developing and implementing a global risk management programme
Authors: Laffey Tom 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The presentation uses a case study of an organisation’s development and implementation of a global Legionella risk management programme.
Internal audits concluded an inconsistent, unstructured approach to the management of the Legionella risk across facilities in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
The presentation will step through the journey from initial baseline of the organisations regional Legionella risk management programme, review of local regulatory requirements to the development of a global standard with flexibility to adapt to local requirements. The standard’s scope covered the risk management process from designing out risk, commissioning, operation, validation, and verification.
To support the new standard, an education programme was rolled out for employees and vendors that support local operations.
The Legionella standard established a consistent, structured risk management programme which enabled global baselining and the visibility of regional compliance providing a model for developing other health, safety and environmental improvement programmes.
266 The shifting landscape of occupational health - personal protective equipment considerations
Authors: McCullough Nikki , Tredinnick Jessica , Winspear Tracey 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Global trends are driving changes in the occupational health landscape. Climate change, social change, and workforce trends are changing the way and conditions in which we work, and even the definition of an occupational exposure.
Climate change is changing outdoor work – outdoor workers navigate extreme heat events and PM2.5 exposures due to inversions, wildfire smoke, and dust. Even indoor workers must travel to work – and so the lines blur between occupational exposure and personal exposure.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, entire populations of workers and their employers had to urgently, for the first time, navigate the tasks of hazard assessment, exposure assessment, and PPE selection. Lessons learned during the early days of the pandemic will be examined during this session – and, if acted upon, can help ensure greater resilience and continuity during future public health events.
Changes in workforces, including aging workforces and increasing diversity, are resulting in calls for PPE to fit an even wider range of workers, all while budgets for PPE are shrinking. Employers and manufacturers are challenged to provide training and instruction in more languages and more ways.
Responding to these changes is further complicated by often-shifting PPE recommendations due to evolving science, considerations of feasibility, and, at times, the politicization of these topics.
During this session, attendees will consider several current examples of PPE selection and use and how science, feasibility, and politics may impact recommendations for control methods including PPE selection and use.
283 The development of the Asbestos Removal Exposure Assessment Tool (AREAT), and its use for exposure assessment in a regulatory framework
Authors: Franken Remy , Schinkel Jody , Spaan Suzanne 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Exposure to asbestos fibres is linked to numerous adverse health effects, and the use of asbestos is currently banned in many countries. Still, asbestos is present in numerous buildings and installations, which need to be removed in the (near) future.
Exposure measurements give good insight in exposure levels, but collecting measurements for all possible situations is costly and time-consuming, as working conditions and materials vary greatly. Therefore, the mechanistic model Asbestos Removal Exposure Assessment Tool (AREAT) was developed to estimate exposure to respirable asbestos fibres released during asbestos abatement processes. The model was developed using scientific literature, an in-house dataset containing measurements of asbestos abatements in the Netherlands, and knowledge with regard to previously developed (generic) exposure models. The model consists of several exposure determinants such as substance emission potential, activity emission potential, control measures and dilution in air, taking into account near- and far-field sources of exposure. Through an algorithm, AREAT calculates dimensionless scores based on model inputs, which are translated to estimated fibre concentrations by a mixed effect model which was applied on the dataset. The model has also been validated against additional data.
The AREAT model is integrated in an assessment tool called SMART-NS, in which users describe the asbestos removal scenario based on a series of questions with regards to the asbestos containing material, removal method and controls in place. Exposure levels are then estimated based on either validated safe working procedures, available exposure measurements or modelled exposure levels by means of the AREAT model. Based on the estimated exposure level a control regime is prescribed.
291 Applying Lessons Learnt from potent compound safe handling in pharmaceutical industry to toxic chemical agents in general industry
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Kondragunta Prasanth 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Pharmaceutical industry presents unique challenges and opportunities with the need for safe handling of highly potent compounds, which not only requires use of some of the most complex controls and containment systems, but also requires stringent facility design measures to mitigate potential spread of contamination from contaminated areas to clean areas. While general industry handles highly toxic chemical agents with similar levels of low Occupational Exposure Limits (such as carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxins and sensitizers), similar level of containment/ controls and facility design elements, are often not utilized for mitigating employee exposures and spread of contamination. A few examples include machining of Beryllium containing alloys, handling of hexavalent chromium containing coating materials and weighing/ charging of sensitizers present as additives in bakeries and various other industries. The pharmaceutical industry has progressively adopted continually stringent measures to mitigate release of pharmaceutical ingredients in the environment through effective tools. A wide range of non-pharmaceutical industries can greatly benefit from learning about the challenges, solutions and the best practices adopted by pharmaceutical industries. The session intends to initiate the discussion with lessons learnt and case studies, and to raise a need for knowledge sharing between the industries, through set-up of working groups/committees and periodic meetings.
308 Containment/ Exposure Control for mainstream manufacturing - What can we learn from Pharma
Authors: Wilson Alex , Bhatt Pinky 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The Pharmaceutical sector for many years have established a robust containment and exposure control regime for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to make sure employees are protected when carrying out work on processes where these APIs are present. There is guidance and processes that exist but it is very pharma centric and cannot always be applied directly to mainstream chemical manufacturing.
With constant regulatory pressures and updates in occupational exposure limits (OELs) for a number of substances we are now seeing the level of containment and or exposure control required in the pharma sector in mainstream manufacturing. This is a fundamental step forwards in terms of understanding what can and cannot be done as equipment, processes and traditional views are very different to that of the pharma sector. We stand on the edge of change and this workshop will ask the question, “what can we do about making sure appropriate containment and exposure control options are in place”?
These options need to be:
•Identified through adequate risk assessment processes
•Can exposure potential be calculated to a suitable level of confidence
•How can best practices form Pharma be translated into mainstream manufacturing regarding equipment and controls
•Proving compliance through suitable and accurate acceptance testing and sensible surrogate materials
The scene will be set after which, however there will be ample opportunity for the audience to engage, feedback and suggest how we can develop a mainstream containment/ exposure control guide for chemical manufacturing taking the best parts of what we already know but making it relevant for largescale production.
88b - Compensation of substance related occupational diseases in the Netherlands
Authors: Verbist Koen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Exposure to hazardous substances at work is estimated to cause more than 3000 deaths per year in the Netherlands. An even larger number of workers develop substance-related occupational diseases (SROD), with serious medical, social and financial consequences. Workers seeking financial compensation for developing an occupational disease are often faced with a long and difficult legal process. To improve this situation, the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment introduced a new regulation in 2023 aimed at compensating substance-related occupational diseases. This regulation offers (ex)workers and (ex)self-employed professionals who have a substance-related occupational disease a one-time financial compensation as a form of recognition. The regulation started with three diseases: lung cancer from asbestos exposure, allergic occupational asthma and chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy. The number of occupational diseases to be included on the list will be extended in the years to come. In this session the specific key elements of the regulation will be presented with in-depth explanations of the diagnostic criteria, the ways (cumulative) exposure is assessed and the determination of the plausibility of the causality between exposure and the disease. In 2023 almost 300 workers applied for a compensation. Each application was reviewed by an independent panel of three specialists: an occupational physician, an occupational hygienist and a medical specialist. The results of the first year of this new regulation will be presented, together with important lessons learned.
132b - Risk prevention and training approaches for safety and health in graphene production processes
Authors: Boccuni Fabio , Ferrante Riccardo , Tombolini Francesca 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The growing development of nanomaterials (NMs) and advanced materials ask for a responsible approach to anticipate occupational health and safety (OSH) risks. After the introduction of the EC Directive 2019/1832 that rules the personal protective equipment use in the activities in which NMs exposure risk has been recognized, the need arises to support enterprises in the risk analysis process. Since knowledge gaps still remain about health effects and as long as occupational exposure limits will not be enforced by law, Prevention-through-Design (PtD) approach has been proposed to mitigate risks, taking into account OSH aspects starting from the design stages of NMs manufacturing processes. In the present study, different case studies of graphene based NMs production have been analysed. The PtD methodology has been applied by integration of the ISO/TS 12901-2:2014 Control Banding and the EN 17058 multi-metric and tiered strategy for exposure measurement. Mean and standard deviation background values of real-time particle number concentration (PNC) have been measured in order to calculate the significant levels (i.e. the PNC values beyond which NMs emission may be supposed). Evidences obtained by off-line electron microscopy techniques on airborne NMs sampled in the workplace allowed the proof that workers’ exposure can occur during graphene powders handling and cleaning/maintenance phases. Based on the data analysis, primary risk management measures are recommended for each production phase and specific training approaches have been identified addressed to the different OSH players, according to the PEROSH European guidance.
132c - Implications of the implementation of Safe and Sustainable by design on the occupational exposure assessment
Authors: Jiménez Araceli Sánchez , Makazaga Agurtzane Zugasti , Saavedra Ruth Jiménez 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The European Commission (EC) introduced in 2023 a voluntary framework for the implementation of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) in the chemical sector. The SSbD concept, is a key element of the EC Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and recommends industry to integrate safety and sustainability considerations as early as possible into the innovation process. As part of this framework step 2 requires data on occupational exposure to estimate the risk characterization ratio. When measured data is not available modelled data can be used. The assessment of occupational exposure to nanomaterials (NMs) and Advanced Materials (AdMa) is hampered by the complex monitoring strategy that requires the use of multiple and expensive equipment as well as the lack of binding Occupational Exposure Levels in the EU. As a result very few companies do routine monitoring. The use of quantitative models is also limited because the testing and validation of models has only been done for a few tasks (mostly powder handling). The introduction of AdMa with hybrid composition brings new challenges as both the whole entity and their components have to be evaluated. To promote the use of the SSbD there is a need for a simplified affordable strategy that allows routine monitoring where a number of representative measurements can be taken for comparison with indicative OEL in a similar manner to conventional chemicals. This data can be used to populate databases and allow grouping of scenarios and reading across from data rich scenarios to new emerging processes as well as validate existing models for a wider range of tasks.
132d Smart sensors for a healthy and safe working environment
Authors: Kuijpers Eelco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Occupational diseases are a huge burden on society. Despite significant control efforts, yearly thousands of (former) workers die from occupational exposures and even more are injured or suffer from health effects. To further prevent occupational diseases, we need a way to monitor our working environment more continuously and in (near) real-time. Until now, the prevention of occupational diseases has largely involved the use of traditional measuring methods. Generally speaking, readings are taken only a few times a year and results become available long after the exposures occur. New technologies, like sensors and new types of models, offer new solutions. That is why we at TNO have launched a Virtual Occupational Hygiene Assistant, or VOHA for short. This digital support tool measures the quantity of certain chemical substances, the amount of noise, and other aspects. It automatically analyses the information and gives feedback to various relevant end-users. Our vision for the future is that monitoring will be continuous, with the help of sensors integrated on work clothing, helmets, and equipment. In this presentation I look back at 10 years of research on sensors at the workplace. How we started with evaluating the value of these low-cost sensors, how we collaborate scientifically to generate guidelines for the right use of these sensors and how we move to implementation research with the end-users playing a central role in the development of solutions.
148b - Added values of (low cost) sensors in occupational hygiene practice
Authors: le Feber Maaike 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
One of the challenges occupational hygienists face is to propose effective control measures that substantially reduce exposure to dangerous substances to acceptable levels for all employees, while being cost-effective at the same time.
Conventional exposure measurement methods provide average exposure levels over the measurement period. Only detailed observations performed by the occupational hygienist may identify the prominent sources or activities that cause these average exposure levels. Besides that, conventional measurements are expensive and therefore in general a relatively low number of measurements is taken, capturing a relatively large variation in exposure, and results are only available after a long time; all together hampering direct and adequate exposure reduction measures.
(Low cost) sensors hold a promise to provide more and more informative data to feed into more effective control strategies. Even though sensors are not as accurate as conventional measurements, their high time resolution provides very useful insights. Together with a groups of occupational hygienists, we explored added values of (low cost) sensors to the current approaches and what they need to benefit from these added values.