bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1 Comparison of Ni Speciation Using Methods of Sequential Leaching and Quantitative Mineralogy for Workplace Aerosol at a Stainless Steel Plant
Authors: Verpaele Steven 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Based on epidemiological records of workers at Ni operations, regulatory guidelines often target specific Ni compounds for setting exposure limits. Thus, reliable methods of Ni speciation in airborne dust samples are required for effective monitoring of workplace exposure. In this study, Ni speciation of dust collected from a stainless steel operation was performed using a variety of methods: Zatka sequential leaching (original and modified protocols), soluble and insoluble Ni as described in ISO 15202, and quantitative mineralogy (QEMSCAN). Mineral characterization was also performed on bulk material collected from selected work areas at the plant. The quantitative mineralogical analysis determined that the Ni dust is composed of oxidic Ni (Ni in chromite and trevorite, &gt; 80 % of the Ni in most samples) and metallic Ni (Ni-Fe alloy), and the results were validated against chemical assays and alternate methods of mineral characterization (Electron Probe Microanalysis, EPMA). In contrast, the original Zatka method erroneously identified soluble Ni as a major Ni contributor, whereas the modified Zatka method identified sulfidic Ni. The mineralogy identified ambient dust and grain sizes and textures of individual Ni compounds as potential factors that can affect leaching selectivity. Improving methods of sequential leaching is important because the resolution of quantitative mineralogical techniques diminishes at &lt; 3 µm (respirable dust fraction). We recommend that quantitative mineralogy be performed in parallel with methods of sequential leaching to provide a robust system of characterization.
2 Low-Cost Pm Sensor Performance Testing
Authors: Kuo Yu-Mei , Weng Shin-Yu , Huang Sheng-Hsiu , Lin Chih-Wei , Chen Chih-Chieh 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Low-cost particulate matters sensors (LCPMS) are widely used in indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring. Previous studies have explored the accuracy and precision of sensors, showing that LCPMS were most accurate for PM with diameters below 1 μm, and they poorly measured PM in the 2.5–5 μm range. The study aimed to investigate the aspiration and transmission efficiency of LCPMS, to set up a standard aerosol mass concentration generation system, to further comprehend the performance characteristics of LCPMS, and to examine the effect of aerosol loading. Three models of Plantower sensors were tested in this work. An ultrasonic atomizing nozzle was used to generate micrometer-sized NaCl aerosol particles. A TSI aerodynamic particle sizer was used to measure the aerosol concentrations and size distributions upstream and downstream of the LCPMS, to determine the aspiration and transmission efficiency. The mass concentration, from 20 µg/m3 to 200 mg/m3, could be varied by controlling the solution feeding rate and the solution concentration. The high mass concentration was mainly designed for aerosol loading study. The results showed that the aspiration efficiencies of the tested LCPMS were all almost 100% for particle smaller than 5 µm. The transmission efficiency of these sensors was function of particle size and strongly dependent on sampling flow. All sensors tested showed significant performance degrading when challenged with high mass concentration. The orientation of the sensor also played a role affecting the aerosol loading. These sensors performed better when mass concentration is below 100 µg/m3.
15 Monoclonal Antibodies for 1-Hydroxypyrene Glucuronide (1-OHPyrG), Lateral Flow (LF) Tests and the Development of On-Site Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Biomonitoring
Authors: Ball Lathan , Baker Claire , Carter Harry , Porter Robert , Jones Kate 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective
Anti 1-OHPyrG sheep Mabs have been raised, characterised and employed in a sensitive and specific ELISA. The development of a LF test will enable the manufacture of a simple, rapid and cost-effective point of use test. On-site screening will allow employers to immediately confirm safe working practice and significantly increase the efficacy of biomonitoring.

Methods
A quantitative LF test has been developed which employs an anti-1-OHPyrG sMab to capture the PAH metabolite. The captured metabolite is visualised through a second Mab raised against the sMab-1-OHPyrG immune complex. This sandwich assay provides a positive correlation between the assay signal and biomarker concentration. The LF test can determine biomarker concentrations in non-occupationally exposed individuals and performance has been determined in a comparative study.

Results
A specific LF immunoassay, with a measuring range of 20-500pg/ml of 1-OHPyrG, can detect increasing levels of PAH metabolite in urine due to lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking and consumption of chargrilled food) in samples from non-occupationally exposed individuals. The LF determined concentrations compared well to literature values. Urines determined by LF and ELISA were in excellent agreement (R2=97, N=8).

Conclusions
Antibodies enable the development of quantitative LF tests, providing "real-time" analysis to occupational health professionals. On-site testing allows the immediate confirmation of safe working practice and provides immediate reassurance to those involved in potentially hazardous activities. An ‘app’ to support LF testing is now under development and a survey of potential industry end-users has highlighted the desired features.
18 Effects of Rome Lockdown During COVID-19 Pandemic on Urinary Exposure Biomarkers of Urban Pollutants
Authors: Tranfo Giovanna , Borra Francesca , Buonaurio Flavia , Pigini Daniela , Paci Enrico , Spagnoli Mariangela , Giampaoli Ottavia , Sciubba Fabio , Miccheli Alfredo , Ancona Carla 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The 2020 lockdown represented a natural experiment to measure the effects of traffic pollution on human health, due to the restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. In Rome a reduction of 36% of road traffic and of 40% of airborne benzene were observed. A biological monitoring campaign was carried out on Rome residents, aimed at identifying the biomarkers of exposure for the main urban pollutants, such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and biomarkers of oxidative stress to nucleic acids. A targeted analysis by liquid HPLC-MS/MS and an untargeted metabolomic analysis, with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were carried out on urine samples of 47 volunteers collected in 2020 and in 2021. The results show that urinary concentrations of the benzene metabolite (SPMA) and some PAHs are lower on average in 2020 than in 2021. Three oxidative stress analysed, 8- Hydroxyguanine, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanosine and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine are affected by the traffic reduction more than the dose biomarkers of the pollutants considered, suggesting an influence of the different lifestyle. The untargeted metabolomic analysis confirms the results of the targeted analysis, also highlighting an increase in succinic acid excretion in 2020 compared to 2021. The increase in urinary succinic acid concentration in 2020 is probably attributable to a different diet and a greater sedentary lifestyle during the lockdown period.
55 Validation of Diffusive Sampling Methods for Accurate Low-Dose Benzene Exposure Assessment, Inhalation Monitoring
Authors: Zaratin Laura , Boaretto Caterina , Schianca Riccardo Carnevale , Grignani Elena , Cottica Danilo , Pizzella Giulia , Gennart Jean-Philippe 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The present research project is aimed at providing an accurate low-dose benzene exposure assessment method, by validating diffusive monitoring techniques for benzene personal exposure measurements at workplaces where low benzene concentrations are expected. The experiments have been conducted following the EN 838:2010 standard in the range of 16 to 320 µg/m3 (0.005 to 0.1 ppm). The study is part of the Concawe project on “accurate low-dose benzene exposure assessment, dose-specific metabolism and potential early markers” aiming at developing a methodology to monitor benzene exposures at low levels in environments typical of the petroleum industry. Diffusive sampling offers a reliable alternative to pumped sampling methods, intrinsic safety in potentially explosive atmospheres, lightness and ease of use. The tested diffusive sampler is radiello™, two alternative configurations of the sampler can be used: RAD130, packed with activated charcoal, suitable for solvent desorption and analysis by HRGC-FID, and RAD145, packed with graphitised charcoal, suitable for thermal desorption and analysis by HRGC-MS. For both configurations the sampler performances have fulfilled all requisites of the EN 838:2010 standard, in particular: bias due to the selection of a non-ideal sorbent is lower than 10% (no significant back diffusion of benzene due to concentration change in the atmosphere); bias due to storage of samples for up to 2 months is lower than 10%; nominal uptake rate for benzene on RAD130 is 74.6 ml/min and on RAD145 is 32.3 ml/min; expanded uncertainty of the sampling and analytical method is 20.2% on RAD130 and 26.1% on RAD145.
57 High-Sensitivity Monitoring for Airborne Asbestos Fibres
Authors: Howie Robin , Watson Adrian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
On of the problems in the UK is that conventional sampling for asbestos for analysis by optical microscopy is of limited sensitivity. For example, for 480 litre samples and 200 fields counted on 25 mm diameter filters a count of 20 fibres give a Limit of Quantification of 0.01 fibres/ml: 10,000 fibres/m3. Given than an annual exposure of such concentration of amosite would generate a mesothelioma risk of about 450 per million for a new-born child with a life expectancy to age 100. To limit the risk of such child to the “acceptable” level of 1/million/year it is necessary to be able to quantify amosite concentrations of less than 2 fibres/m3. Using a combination of increased flow rates through reduced area filters, e.g. reducing the effective diameter of the filter to, say, 6 mm, counting more than 200 fields and adopting modified sample preparation, it has been found feasible to reduce the LoQ to 100 fibres/m3. It is anticipated that by adopting TEM with EDXA should further reduce the LoQ to about 10 asbestos fibres/m3. Assessment of improved analysis techniques are currently (March 2020) in hand.
69 S-Phenyl Mercapturic Acid as Urinary Biomarker of Indoor Exposure in Children
Authors: Radu - Corneliu Duca 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Indoor air quality is particularly important for children since they spend more than 90% of their time inside. If outdoor levels of hazardous hydrocarbons are principally traffic related, indoor levels also depend on a variety of sources such as heating and cooking systems, stored products and human behavior (e.g. smoking, cleaning). In this context, within the ENVIRONAGE cohort, was investigated the relationship between SPMA urinary concentration in 214 children (4 to 6-year-old), and indoor sources of air pollution like heating and cooking methods (gas based vs electric) and traffic related air pollution (focusing on NO2 and black carbon). The SPMA urinary concentration was determined developing a high-sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method (LOQ: 0.05 ng/mL). Parents of the children were asked, throughout questionnaire, information about sources of indoor air pollution, such as wood-burning stove, fireplace and gas-based methods of heating or as energy source for the cooking stove and their frequency of using. Interpolation techniques was used to model the regional background levels of NO2 and black carbon for each child's residential address. The use of gas based cooking methods in the residential home of the child was associated with a 74% increase in the mean SPMA concentration of the child (95% Cl: 1.07 to 2.83), correcting for sex, age, BMI, waist circumference, passive smoking, education level of the parents, and time of the day. Consequently, this finding indicates that urinary SPMA can be used as biomarker for looking at indoor determinants of hazard hydrocarbons exposure.
77 Trends in Variability of Respirable Dust and Quartz Concentrations in the European Industrial Minerals Sector Over a 17-Year Period (2002-2018)
Authors: Zilaout Hicham , Houba Remko , Kromhout Hans 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
More than two decades ago it was shown that temporal variability in exposure concentrations outweighed personal variability in exposure concentrations among workers performing similar jobs at the same location. Temporal variability appeared distinctly influenced by environmental and production factors. The IMA Europe Dust Monitoring Programme database contains more than 40.000 personal measurements of respirable dust and quartz and allows estimation of temporal and personal variability over 17-years. We compared variability of respirable dust and quartz concentrations and studied differences across jobs. In addition we correlated trends in exposure variability with temporal trends in median exposure concentrations. As expected temporal variability was considerably higher than variability in average personal exposures. Median fold-range in exposure concentrations from day-to-day amounted to a factor 10 for respirable dust and were almost twice as high for respirable quartz. Remarkably, median fold-ranges of differences between workers performing similar jobs at the same location were small (factor 1.3 and 1.8 respectively for respirable dust and quartz) and hardly changed over time. In contrast temporal variability did change considerably and followed temporal trends in median concentrations. We hypothesize that exposure to respirable quartz is harder to control than exposure to respirable dust. This could be due to quartz being present in smaller dust fractions which ae more difficult to contain. In addition, changes in task content and efficiency of control measures will result in less or more temporal variability, consequently leading to down- or upward trends in exposure levels. Increasing (temporal) variability in exposure concentrations should immediately trigger exposure control.
78 Application of End-of-Shift Respirable Crystalline Silica Monitoring to Construction
Authors: Harper Martin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Pilot project was conducted to determine the effect of common construction dusts as interferences in a new portable end-of-shift (EoS), direct-on-filter (DoF) sampling and analysis method for respirable crystalline silica (RCS), in this case quartz. The sampling and analysis system was developed by NIOSH (USA) for mineral dusts containing quartz in the mining environment. Construction dusts were prepared from plaster, drywall, cement and brick by grinding bulk materials to dust, aerosolizing the dust, and collecting the respirable fraction with high flow-rate respirable cyclones. Laboratory samples were generated by loading filters with different levels of Min-u-Sil 5 α-quartz, and different levels of the interfering dusts, singly and in combination. Samples were analyzed by the EoS-DoF FTIR procedure and some samples were sent for confirmatory XRD analysis. Good correlations were found between nominal quartz loading (0 µg, 25 µg, 50 µg, and 100 µg) adjusted for quartz in the interfering dust and FTIR absorbance alone and in the presence of all interfering dusts. In the important range of adjusted nominal quartz values (25-110 µg) the slopes of the correlations are similar. The presence of cement leads to lower quartz values and brick leads to higher values, but overall, 92% of the quartz contents predicted from the averaged calibration data agreed within 50% of the adjusted nominal loadings. This result is encouraging given the high levels of interfering dusts. Samples loaded with smaller amounts of all four dusts in combination gave even better results, with all nine results within 25% of the adjusted nominal loadings.
83 Development of a New Xrd Method to Evaluate Exposure to Respirable TiO2 in Workplace Air
Authors: Bertier Pieter , Verpaele Steven 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
ECHA classified TiO2 particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm as carcinogen. Although the OELV for TiO2 is still related to inhalable particles in many jurisdictions, NIOSH recommended a REL of 2.4 mg/m3 for fine TiO2, and 0.3 mg/m3 for ultrafine TiO2. The latter implies the development of a more robust method for measuring TiO2 in workplace air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful laboratory method for quantifying crystalline matter and is frequently used to measure respirable crystalline silica in workplaces. Rutile and anatase powders were obtained from a commercial vendor and a size fraction smaller than 10 µm was separated from these powders and used to prepare a calibration series in a calm-air dust chamber. The methodology for quantifying the rutile or anatase is performed as described in ISO 16258-1:2015 for measuring respirable crystalline silica. The limit of detection and quantification (LOD/LOQ) were for rutile 0.8/1.4 µg and anatase 0.6/1.1 µg, respectively. From these measurements, we conclude that direct on filter XRD is a powerful method for analyzing respirable TiO2 samples. Further validation of the XRD method was performed by comparing the results of 177 respirable personal samples collected on 25 mm MCE filters using Casella-HD cyclone samplers at nine TiO2 production plants with ICP-MS data gained from the same samples. Excellent correlations were obtained between the XRD and ICP-MS data for each sampling site but observed consistent site-dependent deviations explained by differences in crystallinity of the TiO2 phases and the presence of titanium-containing minerals other than rutile and anatase.
85 Workers’ Exposure to Respirable and Inhalable Particles During Filling of Containers with Bulk Material and Efficacy of Protective Measures
Authors: Hebisch Ralph , Karmann Jörg , Prott Ulrich , Woznica Anita 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Containers are filled with bulk material in many enterprises. To assess workers´ exposure to respirable and inhalable particles we have performed workplace measurements in ten enterprises. Beside personal air sampling stationary samplers were used in the filling zone at the exhaust ventilation and in the work area. Additionally, the PIMEX system with a direct reading light scattering photometer was used for visualisation of exposure. Workers filled containers with automatic and semi-automatic filling stations or manually using hand shovels. For all solids the dustiness for boths particle fraction has been determined using the continuous drop method (EN 15051). The estimated dustiness for both particle fractions shows a good correlation for their conversion using an exponential function. The results were splitted into two similar exposure groups: manual filling and semi-automatic/automatic filling. For personal air sampling, no correlation was found between airborne concentration of the respirable particle fraction and the corresponding dustiness. On the other hand, the measurement results for the inhalable particle fraction and dustiness correlate well for both SEGs. Therefore, the exposure potential may be categorised using dustiness of the inhalable particle fraction. Furthermore, for conversion of inhalable to respirable particle fraction a power function proved to be most suitable. This conversion is much better suited for more standardised activities such as automatic/semi-automatic filling compared to manual filling where workers´ individual behaviour is determining their exposure. Nine video clips have been produced showing the efficacy of protective measures. For visualisation, the videos are superimposed by signals of a light scattering photometer.
86 Fungi and Mycotoxins Occupational Exposure – Unveiling the Contamination in Different Settings from Portugal
Authors: Viegas Carla , Cervantes Renata , Dias Marta , Gomes Bianca , Pena Pedro , Carolino Elisabete , Twaruzek Magdalena , Kosicki Robert , Caetano Liliana Aranha , Viegas Susana 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study intends to present an overview from the assessments of fungal contamination and mycotoxins performed in three different occupational environments (Firefighters headquarters - FFH; Waste collection trucks – WCT and; Cemeteries - CM). Active sampling (impaction and impingement methods) and several passive sampling methods (swabs, settled dust, settled dust filters, electrostatic dust cloths – EDC, cleaning materials,…) were employed. Azole resistance screening, the molecular detection of Aspergillus sections, as well as mycotoxin analysis were also conducted. In FFH microbial contamination didn´t comply with Portuguese IAQ legal requirements in most of the FFH, the widespread of Aspergillus section Fumigati in all the FFH was observed, as well as a trend of multidrug resistance with focus on Fumigati isolates. Several mycotoxins (fumonisin B2, nivalenol, mycophenolic acid and sterigmatocystin) were detected. Concerning WCT Aspergillus sp. (4.18 %) was one of the most prevalent species. Aspergillus section Fumigati was detected in 5 samples. Mycotoxins were detected in filters (N=1) and in settled dust samples (N=16). The mycotoxin detected in the filter was fumonisin B1 and the most detected in settled dust was mycophenolic acid. In what concerns CM, Aspergillus sp. presented the highest counts in DG18 (18.38%) and it wasn´t observed in azole-supplemented SDA media. Mycophenolic acid was detected in one settled dust sample.Overall, our study reveals that a comprehensive sampling approach and combined analytic methods is an important asset in microbial exposure assessments. Furthermore, in all the three occupational environments mycotoxins were detected unveiling this occupational health threat.
96 Optimization of the Preparation of Cascade Impactors Collection Media for Airborne Metallic Ultrafine Particles Sampling
Authors: Matera Virginie , Gaudel Naima , Bau Sébastien 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
For some years, the characterization of workers' exposure to airborne metallic ultrafine particles (UFP) has been an increasing issue. Many industrial processes may generate UFP, which are characterized by constituent particle diameter less than 100 nm, and refer to nanosized particles not intentionally produced (welding, thermal spraying, 3D-printing ...). Thus, determining the size distribution of such an aerosol together with its chemical composition provide a real contribution to the understanding of UFP exposures and associated health effects. In the framework of proposing characterization methods adapted to occupational situations, the optimization of metallic aerosol sampling using cascade impactors is studied in order to improve the reproducibility of these samplings. Cascade impactors represent a valuable help since both the size distribution of an aerosol and its chemical characterization can be obtained from the samples collected. A welding fume bench was used to generate a highly reproducible test aerosol of metallic UFP (mass median aerodynamic diameter MMAD = 430 nm, ρeff = 0.55 g.cm-3). Four different cascade impactors were involved (DLPI+, MARPLE, SIOUTAS and Minimoudi 135-8). Our investigations allowed the lubrificating procedure of the collection supports (membranes, filters) to be optimized by determining the nature and the quantity of grease, which is of significative influence in the collection efficiency. Furthermore, under optimized conditions, the Minimoudi 135-8 (intended for personal sampling) leads to results very close to those stemming from the reference low pressure cascade impactor, DLPI+, thanks to its high resolution in terms of number of stages (8) and lowest cutoff diameter (180 nm).