bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
97 Constant Emitting Reference Material for Material Emissions Test Procedures
Authors: Grimmer Christoph , Musyanovych Anna , Strzelczyk Rebecca Skadi , Horn Wolfgang , Richter Matthias 
Published: May 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract
Recent developments in the field of elemental spectroscopy suggest that the use of single particle inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (spICP-MS) might offer further information about exposure to a range of particles in the workplace. The technique detects individual elemental particles providing information about the size and number of particles present. There are many occupational settings where spICP-MS could be utilised to characterise exposure to particles better. It is possible to detect particles in a range of both environmental and biological samples and this could be especially useful where there are no well-established biological monitoring methods or where exposure is not fully understood. Results presented here will describe the spICP-MS method developed at HSE’s laboratory where it has been possible to determine workers exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The measurements have been undertaken in exhaled breath condensate samples collected from workers and controls. Using the recently optimised method it has been possible to detect silicon-containing particles, across a size range of 100-2000 nm, in a one minute acquisition. Findings from recent analysis where it has been possible to detect titanium-containing particles in bulk environmental samples will also be shown. Additionally, from some preliminary work undertaken it might also be possible to detect metal particles from welding activities to help better capture daily exposures. This analytical technique shows promise for a range of workplace activities and has the potential to inform about the efficacy of control measures in the workplace, as well as specific information about the elemental particle exposures.
© Crown Copyright (2022)
12 A Review of Factors Influencing Passive Sampler Performance in Outdoor Workplaces with a Focus on Benzene
Authors: Tuinman Ilse , Urbanus Jan 
Published: May 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract
Thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography is a widely used analytical method for measuring airborne concentrations of (semi) volatile organic compounds ((S)VOCs) collected using sorbent tube samplers and is now widely used in the ambient, fence line, indoor and workplace air monitoring environments. Calibration and internal quality control check samples are prepared in end user laboratories by spiking individual TD sorbent tubes with microliter quantities of (S)VOCs in a carrier solvent such as methanol but this can be a laborious and error-prone step. Historically spiked sorbent certified reference materials were available from IRMM for confirmatory purposes but these stocks are now virtually exhausted. Hence new spiked tubes would be useful for quality control/assurance purposes. Previously HSE developed a system for the simultaneously spiking of 60 TD sorbent tubes with defined mases of VOCs from the gas-phase based upon requirements set out in ISO 6145 part 4[1]. With less volatile (S)VOCs however, spiking from the gas-phase presents challenges and hence an alternative spiking approach using liquid standards is proposed. The performance of a newly acquired automated robotic spiking system will be described.
Reference
[1] ISO 6145-4:2004. Gas Analysis-Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods-Part4: Continuous syringe injection method.
84 Effectiveness of Protective Measures—Diesel Exhaust in Garages of Fire Engines Vehicles and Rescue Services
Authors: Hebisch Ralph , Karmann Jörg , Prott Ulrich 
Published: May 2023

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