bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
102 Application of Quantitative Mineralogy to Determine Sources of Airborne Particles at a European Copper Smelter
Authors: Kelvin Michelle , Gopalapillai Yamini , Verpaele Steven , Leybourne Matthew , Layton-Matthews Daniel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
To ensure that regulatory compliance is maintained at mineral processing operations, worker exposure is regularly monitored. Determining the quantity and type of airborne particles permits the operation to identify the sources of dust, implement proper dust suppressant strategies, and ultimately, limit worker exposure. Conventional methods of analysis, such as chemical assay, are unable to rigorously differentiate between phases containing the same elements and may result in ambiguity related to identifying the source of airborne dust. A combination of Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscope (QEMSCAN) and chemical characterization has been used to evaluate personally taken size selective aerosol samples at key locations throughout a Cu smelter in Europe. Surface samples were also examined using higher resolution measurements. The Cu phases present in the workplace air samples are reflective of the activities performed at specific locations. Near the anode and electric furnace, the majority of Cu in the airborne dust is carried in metals and oxide phases (60-70%), and in the batch preparation area where Cu concentrate is received, significant amounts of Cu are carried in sulfide minerals (chalcocite, chalcopyrite/bornite, &gt;40%). The results of the analysis will aid in the identification of the origin of emissions specific to location and activity, assist personnel in developing the appropriate mitigation strategies to limit workers exposure, and further understanding of the health risks associated with exposure. Additional metals of concern (e.g, Pb, As, and Cd) are also considered throughout this program.
Speaker Biography
Michelle Kelvin is a geoscientist and environmental mineralogist. She specializes in characterizing dust emissions that originate from industrial operations using modern geochemical methods and X-ray beam technologies.
106 Investigation of Workplace Silica Exposures Using Novel Samplers and Methods
Authors: Hall Samantha , Bard Delphine , Hunwin Graeme , Leese Elizabeth , Morton Jackie 
Published: May 2023

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Results
There were no obvious correlations between the measured gas concentrations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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