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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health (Online First™)

Experimental exposure of healthy subjects with emissions from a gas metal arc welding process—part II: biomonitoring of chromium and nickel
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:34:03 -0000
Abstract Objectives  The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the external exposure dose of chromium and nickel caused by a metal active gas welding process with a solid high-alloyed steel welding wire and inner exposure of subjects. In order to perform welding fume exposure under controlled and standardized conditions, the investigations were conducted in the “Aachen Workplace Simulation Laboratory”. Methods  To perform biological monitoring of chromium and nickel, blood and urine samples of 12 healthy male non-smokers who never worked as welders were collected before and after a 6-h exposure to ambient air (0 mg/m3) and to welding fumes of a metal active gas welding process once with a concentration of the welding fume of 1 mg/m3 and once with a concentration of 2.5 mg/m3. Results  Although the internal exposure to chromium and nickel in this study was comparatively low, the subjects showed significantly increased concentrations of these metals in urine after exposure to welding fume compared to the values at baseline. Moreover, the observed increase was significantly dose dependent for both of the substances. Conclusion  For the biological monitoring of chromium and nickel in urine of subjects exposed to welding fumes, a dependency on exposure dose was seen under standardized conditions after a single exposure over a period of 6 h. Thus, this study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between ambient and biological exposures from welding fumes and provides a good basis for evaluating future biological threshold values for these metals in welding occupation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0738-8Authors Monika Gube, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyPeter Brand, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyThomas Schettgen, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyJens Bertram, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyKerstin Gerards, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyUwe Reisgen, ISF—Welding and Joining Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Pontstraße 49, 52062 Aachen, GermanyThomas Kraus, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Exposure of healthy subjects with emissions from a gas metal arc welding process: part 3—biological effect markers and lung function
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:34:02 -0000
Abstract Background  Metal active gas welding (MAG) is a widely-used welding technique resulting in high emissions of welding fume particles. This study investigated whether short-term exposure to these fume particles results in changes in lung function and early stages of inflammatory reactions. Methods  Twelve healthy, young male subjects were exposed to MAG fumes for 6 h with three different exposure concentrations in a three-fold cross-over study design. Exposure was performed in the “Aachen Workplace Simulation Laboratory” under controlled conditions with constant fume concentration. Fume concentrations were 0, 1, and 2.5 mg m−3 in randomized order. Before and after each exposure, spirometry, and impulse oscillometry were performed and breath condensate samples were collected in order to quantify inflammatory markers like Nitrate, Nitrite, Nitrotyrosine, Hydroxyprolin and Malondialdehyde. Results  A significant dependency on the exposure concentration could not be established for any of the endpoint parameters. Conclusion  In healthy, young subjects neither changes in spirometry nor changes in inflammatory markers measured in exhaled breath condensate could be detected after short-term exposure. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0740-1Authors P. Brand, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyK. Bischof, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyL. Siry, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyJ. Bertram, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyT. Schettgen, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyU. Reisgen, ISF—Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstraße 49, 52062 Aachen, GermanyT. Kraus, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyM. Gube, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Exposure of healthy subjects with emissions from a gas metal arc welding process: part 1—exposure technique and external exposure
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:34:02 -0000
Abstract Background  Studies concerning welding fume–related adverse health effects in welders are hampered by the heterogeneity of workplace situations, resulting in complex and non-standardized exposure conditions. Methods  In order to carry out welding fume exposure studies under controlled and standardized conditions, the Aachen Workplace Simulation Laboratory was developed. This laboratory consists of an emission room, in which welding fume is produced, and an exposure room in which human subjects are exposed to these fumes. Both rooms are connected by a ventilation system which allows the welding fume concentration to be regulated. Particle mass concentration was measured with a TEOM microbalance and the particle number-size distribution using a Grimm SMPS device. Results  In a study, which is the subject of this paper, it has been shown that welding fume concentration can easily be regulated between 1 and about 3 mg m−3. The chosen concentration can be kept constant for more than 8 h. However, transport of the particles from the emission room into the exposure room leads to a change in particle size distribution, which is probably due to coagulation of the fraction of smallest particles. Conclusion  The Aachen Workplace Simulation Laboratory is suitable for controlled exposure studies with human subjects. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0739-7Authors P. Brand, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyP. Havlicek, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyM. Steiners, ISF, Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstraße 49, 52062 Aachen, GermanyK. Holzinger, ISF, Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstraße 49, 52062 Aachen, GermanyU. Reisgen, ISF, Welding and Joining Institute, Aachen University of Technology, Pontstraße 49, 52062 Aachen, GermanyT. Kraus, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, GermanyM. Gube, Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Comparison between the first and second versions of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire: psychosocial risk factors for a high need for recovery after work
Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:54 -0000
Abstract Purpose  The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ I) was developed as a tool to assess a broad range of psychosocial work environment factors and was recently revised (COPSOQ II). The research question in this study was: Do COPSOQ II-scales predict a high need for recovery (NFR) after work better than COPSOQ I-scales? Methods  A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in 990 subjects (84.5% response), employed in the public sector. Psychosocial factors were assessed by COPSOQ I and COPSOQ II. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios for the presence of a high NFR, controlled for gender, age, physical workload and other relevant occupational and non-occupational factors. Analyses were performed for COPSOQ I and COPSOQ II separately. Results  In both COPSOQ versions, ‘quantitative demands’ (p < 0.001) and ‘job insecurity’ (p < 0.005) were significantly associated with a high NFR. Additionally, in the COPSOQ I model, ‘demands for hiding emotions’ (p < 0.05) and ‘degrees of freedom’ (p < 0.05), and in the COPSOQ II model ‘emotional demands’ (p < 0.05) and ‘commitment to the workplace’ (p < 0.005) were significant as well. ‘Degrees of freedom’ was omitted by the developers in the revised COPSOQ II. Reintroducing it into the COPSOQ II model did not alter the existing associations, but pointed out ‘degrees of freedom’ to be an additional important dimension (p < 0.05). The COPSOQ II model with ‘degrees of freedom’ included also had the best data fit. Conclusions  The results suggested the COPSOQ II to be better predictive than COPSOQ I for a high NFR, but also indicated that ‘degrees of freedom’ should be included into the COPSOQ II when studying the NFR as outcome parameter. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0741-0Authors Philippe Kiss, Securex, Occupational Health Service, Brouwerijstraat 1, 9031 Ghent, Drongen, BelgiumMarc De Meester, Securex, Occupational Health Service, Brouwerijstraat 1, 9031 Ghent, Drongen, BelgiumAndré Kruse, Securex, Occupational Health Service, Brouwerijstraat 1, 9031 Ghent, Drongen, BelgiumBrigitte Chavée, Securex, Occupational Health Service, Brouwerijstraat 1, 9031 Ghent, Drongen, BelgiumLutgart Braeckman, Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Lung function decline and blood lead among residents nearby to industrial complex
Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:00 -0000
Abstract Purpose  This study was to ascertain the risk factors of pulmonary function decline (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC]) among those exposed to lead in the vicinity of industrial complex. Methods  In total, 263 men and women, aged over 30, were recruited from two cities during a 2-year follow-up. Spirometry testing was conducted first at baseline and then after 2-years of follow-up. The change in FVC and FEV1 during the study period was analyzed according to blood lead (BPb), urinary cotinine, and 1-hydroxypyrene, after controlling for sex, height, baseline FVC or FEV1, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Results  With increase in age, both FEV1 and FVC declined. More marked decline in FVC was noted for men than for women (p < 0.05), while the decline in FEV1 was not. Biological variables, especially height (p < 0.05) and pulmonary status (p < 0.0001), were associated with the decline in both FEV1 and FVC. Even after controlling these other variables, blood lead level was also significantly associated with the decline of FVC. Conclusions  Even though the decline in FEV1 and FVC with aging was within a normal range, people with smaller height were more vulnerable to the decline of both FEV1 and FVC and especially higher level of BPb was accompanied with larger decline of FVC. Oxidative stress in relation to lead accumulation in adult may contribute to rapid aging of pulmonary function. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0743-yAuthors Yun-Suk Pak, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-742 KoreaAeri Oh, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-742 KoreaYoung Lim Kho, School of Human and Environmental Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, KoreaDomyung Paek, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-742 Korea Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Sickness presenteeism is more than an alternative to sickness absence: results from the population-based SLOSH study
Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:33:04 -0000
Abstract Purpose  Sickness presenteeism, defined as ‘going to work despite judging that one should have reported in sick’, is usually considered to be a complementary alternative to sickness absence. Nonetheless, several studies have reported a positive association between sickness absence and sickness presenteeism. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the contemporaneous positive association between sickness absence and sickness presenteeism can be explained by illness, work incapacity, and/or work environment. Methods  A cross-sectional study based on answers to a comprehensive questionnaire from 8,304 working women and men, those in the second wave of the nationally representative Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between sickness presenteeism and sickness absence. Results  Sickness absence was strongly associated with sickness presenteeism. Sickness absence of 1–7 days during a 12-month period more than doubled the odds of also having sickness presenteeism of more than 8 days during the same 12-month period (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.79–2.49). Adjusting for age and sex did not attenuate the association; further adjustment for work environment, self-rated health, chronic diseases, and work capacity reduced the odds somewhat, but they remained highly significant (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.56–2.25). Conclusions  The results suggest that sickness presenteeism is not, as earlier hypothesised, just an alternative to sickness absence, given a certain level of health or work incapacity. Other, so far unknown explanations for both sickness absence and sickness presenteeism must be sought. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00420-012-0735-yAuthors Constanze Leineweber, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, SwedenHugo Westerlund, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, SwedenJan Hagberg, The Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, SwedenPia Svedberg, Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, SwedenKristina Alexanderson, Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131

Occupational Medicine - current issue

In this issue of Occupational Medicine
Mounstephen, A. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:24:47 -0800

Gustave Caillebotte The House Painters 1877
McKiernan, M. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:24:47 -0800

Health and safety of the older worker
Farrow, A., Reynolds, F. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:24:47 -0800
Background In the UK, increasing numbers of paid employees are over 60 years with further increases expected as the state pension age rises. Some concern surrounds possible increased work-related illness and accidents for people working beyond the age of 60. Aims To identify the available evidence for health and safety risks of workers over age 60 years with respect to factors associated with injuries and accidents. Methods Databases searched included PUBMED, OSHUpdate, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSHTIC-2), SafetyLit, the UK The Health and Safety Executive (HSELINE) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety until December 2009. Inclusion criteria were workers aged over 60 years. Findings were grouped into occupational accidents and injuries and individual and workplace factors that may have influenced risk of injury to the over-60s. Results Very little direct evidence was found concerning safety practices and health risks of workers over age 60. Some safety risks were associated with specific physical declines such as age-related hearing loss. Overall, these workers had fewer accidents and injuries but these were more likely to be serious or fatal when they occurred. There was no strong evidence that work patterns, including shift work or overtime, affected safety. Protective, compensatory strategies or experience may maintain safe working practices. Conclusions Implications for health and safety risks cannot be assessed without longitudinal research on workforces with substantial numbers of workers over age 60 in order to address the healthy worker effect.

pubmed: 0355-3140

Bullying at work and onset of a major depressive episode among Danish female eldercare workers.
Rugulies R, Madsen IE, Hjarsbech PU, Hogh A, Borg V, Carneiro IG, Aust B Bullying at work and onset of a major depressive episode among Danish female eldercare workers. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2012 Feb 2; Authors: Rugulies R, Madsen IE, Hjarsbech PU, Hogh A, Borg V, Carneiro IG, Aust B Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze whether exposure to workplace bullying among 5701 female employees in the Danish eldercare sector increases the risk of onset of a major depressive episode (MDE). METHODS: Participants received questionnaires in 2004-2005 and again in 2006-2007. MDE was assessed with the Major Depression Inventory. We examined baseline bullying as a predictor of onset of MDE at follow-up using multiple logistic regression. We further conducted a cross-sectional analysis at the time of follow-up among participants who at baseline were free of bullying, MDE, and signs of reduced psychological health. Finally, we analyzed reciprocal effects, by using baseline bullying and baseline MDE as predictors for bullying and MDE at follow-up. RESULTS: Onset rates of MDE in the groups of no, occasional, and frequent bullying were 1.5%, 3.4%, and 11.3%, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) for onset of MDE were 2.22 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31-3.76] for occasional bullying and OR 8.45 (95% CI 4.04-17.70) for frequent bullying, after adjustment for covariates. In the cross-sectional analysis, OR were 6.29 (95% CI 2.52-15.68) for occasional bullying and 20.96 (95% CI 5.80-75.80) for frequent bullying. In the analyses on reciprocal effects, both baseline bullying [occasional: OR 2.12 (95% CI 1.29-3.48) and frequent: OR 6.39 (95% CI 3.10-13.17)] and baseline MDE [OR 7.18 (95% CI 3.60-14.30] predicted MDE at follow-up. However, only baseline bullying [occasional: OR 7.44 (95% CI 5.94-9.31) and frequent: OR 11.91 (95% CI 7.56-18.77)] but not baseline MDE [OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.47-1.84)] predicted bullying at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace bullying increased the risk of MDE among female eldercare workers. MDE did not predict risk of bullying. Eliminating bullying at work may be an important contribution to the prevention of MDE. PMID: 22298126 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Annals of Occupational Hygiene - current issue

Harmonization of Measurement Strategies for Exposure to Manufactured Nano-Objects; Report of a Workshop
Brouwer, D., Berges, M., Virji, M. A., Fransman, W., Bello, D., Hodson, L., Gabriel, S., Tielemans, E. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:20 -0800
The present paper summarizes the outcome of the discussions at the First International Scientific Workshop on Harmonization of Strategies to Measure and Analyze Exposure to (Manufactured) Nano-objects in Workplace Air that was organized and hosted by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) (Zeist, The Netherlands, December 2010). It reflects the discussions by 25 international participants in the area of occupational (nano) exposure assessment from Europe, USA, Japan, and Korea on nano-specific issues related to the three identified topics: (i) measurement strategies; (ii) analyzing, evaluating, and reporting of exposure data; and (iii) core information for (exposure) data storage. Preliminary recommendations were achieved with respect to (i) a multimetric approach to exposure assessment, a minimal set of data to be collected, and basic data analysis and reporting as well as (ii) a minimum set of contextual information to be collected and reported. Other issues that have been identified and are of great interest include (i) the need for guidance on statistical approaches to analyze time-series data and on electron microscopy analysis and its reporting and (ii) the need for and possible structure of a (joint) database to store and merge data. To make progress in the process of harmonization, it was concluded that achieving agreement among researchers on the preliminary recommendations of the workshop is urgent.
Does Daily Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration and Mechanical Shock Relate to the Prevalence of Low Back and Neck Pain in a Rural Workforce?
Milosavljevic, S., Bagheri, N., Vasiljev, R. M., Mcbride, D. I., Rehn, B. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:20 -0800
Objectives: To determine whether whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock exposure from quad bike use are associated with the prevalence of neck and low back pain (LBP) in New Zealand farmers and rural workers. Methods: Full-day WBV and mechanical shock exposures were gathered from 130 farmers and rural workers. Participants were surveyed for a history of neck or LBP in the past 7 days and in the past 12 months. Anthropometric, personal, and workplace data were also gathered. Results: Physical exposures (mechanical shocks), employee status, and low levels of workplace satisfaction are all significantly associated with the 12-month prevalence of LBP in this rural workforce that regularly use quad bikes. Both vibration and mechanical shock exposure were strongly associated with 12-month prevalence of neck pain. The 7-day prevalence of neck pain showed a non-significant association with mechanical shock and vibration. Conclusions: Knowledge of these findings will be valuable information for those who teach and advise on safe driving techniques for such vehicles in the rural workplace where reduction of physical exposures and injury rates is of high importance.
Electric and Magnetic Field Measurements in a High Voltage Center
Safigianni, A. S., Spyridopoulos, A. I., Kanas, V. L. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:20 -0800
This paper investigates the electric and magnetic fields inside a large high voltage center constituted both of 400/150 and 150/20 kV substation areas. Results of previous field measurements and calculations in substations, made by the authors of this paper or other researchers, are presented first. The basic data distinguishing the examined center from previously examined substations follow. The main results of the field measurements in the areas of the above-mentioned center are presented in relevant diagrams. General conclusions arising from the comparison of the measured field values with relevant reference levels in force for safe public and occupational exposure as well as with the results of previous research are finally given.
Exposure to Grain Dust in Great Britain
Spankie, S., Cherrie, J. W. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:20 -0800
Airborne grain dust is a complex mixture of fragments of organic material from grain, plus mineral matter from soil, and possible insect, fungal, or bacterial contamination or their toxic products, such as endotoxin. In the 1990s, grain workers in Britain were frequently exposed to inhalable dust >10 mg.m–3 (8 h), with particularly high exposures being found at terminals where grain was imported or exported and in drying operations (personal exposure typically ~20 mg.m–3). Since then, the industry has made substantial progress in improving the control of airborne dust through better-designed processes, increased automation, and an improved focus on product quality. We have used information from the published scientific literature and a small survey of industry representatives to estimate current exposure levels. These data suggest that current long-term exposure to inhalable dust for most workers is on average less than ~3 mg.m–3, with perhaps 15–20% of individual personal exposures being >10 mg.m–3. There are no published data from Britain on short-term exposure during cleaning and other tasks. We have estimated average levels for a range of tasks and judge that the highest levels, for example during some cleaning activities and certain process tasks such as loading and packing, are probably ~10 mg.m–3. Endotoxin levels were judged likely to be <104 EU m–3 throughout the industry provided inhalable dust levels are <10 mg.m–3. There are no published exposure data on mycotoxin, respirable crystalline silica, and mite contamination but these are not considered to present widespread problems in the British industry. Further research should be carried out to confirm these findings.
Assessment of Exposure to PCDD/F, PCB, and PAH at a Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) and an Iron Ore Sintering Plant in the UK
Jackson, K., Aries, E., Fisher, R., Anderson, D. R., Parris, A. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:20 -0800
An assessment was carried out at a UK integrated steelworks to investigate the exposure of workers via inhalation to dioxins [polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD/F)], polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) including benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Investigations focused on a basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) plant and an iron ore sintering plant. The highest concentrations of PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB were found at the BOS vessels and sinter strand area at the BOS and sinter plant, respectively. A risk assessment was carried out by comparing the daily intake of PCDD/F and PCB via inhalation with the recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). For the most exposed category of worker in this study (i.e. sinter plant workers inside the strand area), the estimated daily intake via inhalation was estimated to be 0.25 pg WHO-toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQ) kg–1 body weight (bw). Considering that the average UK adult exposure to PCDD/F from the diet is 1.8 pg WHO-TEQ kg–1 bw day–1, the results indicated that the estimated daily intake of PCDD/F and PCB via inhalation for sinter plant workers would not result in the recommended range of the TDI (1–4 pg WHO-TEQ kg–1 bw day–1) being exceeded. Cancer risks for a 40-year occupational exposure period were determined by multiplying the estimated intake by the inhalation cancer potency factor for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. For the most exposed category of worker, cancer risks from exposure to PCDD/F and PCB ranged from 2.5 x 10–6 to 5.2 x 10–5. Under most regulatory programmes, excess cancer risks between 1.0 x 10–6 and 1.0 x 10–4 indicate an acceptable range of cancer risk, suggesting a limited risk from PCDD/F and PCB exposure for workers in the sinter plant. With regard to PAH, B[a]P concentrations were typically <10 ng m–3 at all locations at both the sinter plant and the BOS plant. In several cases, particularly at the sinter plant, B[a]P concentrations were well below or only marginally above the target value of 1 ng m–3 specified in ambient air by the European Commission in the fourth ‘Daughter’ Directive of the Air Quality Framework Directive suggesting a very low risk of exposure for workers. For PAH, excess cancer risks ranged from 2.4 x 10–6 to 7.3 x 10–6 for BOS plant workers and from for 5.3 x 10–7 to 1.5 x 10–5 for sinter plant workers, well within the acceptable range proposed by the US EPA.
Asbestos Exposure During Uncontrolled Removal of Sprayed-on Asbestos
Dumortier, P., De Vuyst, P. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:20 -0800
Asbestos-containing materials in place in buildings, especially sprayed-on asbestos, are still an important health threat. Clearance of these materials has to Subscribe to Occupational_Medicine RSS feed