Occupational exposure assessment

Altieri A, Arendt J, AUSTIN CC, Baan R, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, Blair A, Blask D, Bouvard V, Bråtveit M, Brock T, Burgess J, Cherrie J, Cogliano V, Costa G, Davis S, Demers P, El Ghissassi F, Grosse Y, Hansen J, Haus E, Huici-Montagud A, Landrigan P, LeMasters G, Lévi F, Merletti F, Portier C, Pukkala E, Schernhammer E, Secretan B, Steenland K, Stevens R, Straif K, Vermeulen R, Zheng T (2010).

Introduction
The purpose of this study was to evaluate personal shields in radiation departments of hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods
First, the information related to 109 personal shields was recorded and evaluated by imaging equipment. Afterwards, the equivalent lead thickness (ELT) of 62 personal shields was assessed, using dosimeter and standard lead layers at 100 kVp.
Results
In this study, 109 personal shields were assessed in terms of tears, holes and cracks. The results showed that 18 shields were damaged. Moreover, ELT was evaluated in 62 shields. As the results indicated, ELT was unacceptable in 8 personal shields and lower than expected in 9 shields.
Conclusion
According to the results, 16.5% of personal shields had defects (tears, holes and cracks) and 13% of them were unacceptable in terms of ELT and needed to be replaced. Therefore, regular quality control of personal shields and evaluation of new shields are necessary at any radiation department.
Keywords: Occupational Exposure; Radiography; Shield

We measured the quartz content of 20 bulk settled dust and 200 respirable dust samples in a cross-sectional dust exposure assessment that is part of an epidemiological study to ascertain the risk of nonmalignant respiratory diseases among Zambian copper miners. Dust samples were collected from the copper mines of Mopani Copper Mine plc (Mufulira and Nkana Mines). Analytical measurements employed NIOSH Method 0600 for gravimetric analysis of respirable dust and NIOSH Method 7500 for quartz analysis in bulk and respirable dust samples. The measured quartz content of respirable dust showed that 59% and 26% of Mufulira and Nkana Mine samples, respectively, were above the calculated U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit. The mean intensities of respirable dust exposure at Mufulira and Nkana were 0.992 mg/m 3 (range 0-7.674) and 0.868 mg/m 3 (range 0-6.944), respectively while the mean intensities of respirable quartz at Mufulira and Nkana were 0.143 mg/m 3 (range 0-1.302) and 0.060 mg/m 3 (range 0-0.317), respectively. These results indicate weak dust monitoring at these mines which may increase the risk of nonmalignant disease in many miners. Since Zambian mining regulations do not have crystalline silica exposure limits, these results accord with the recommendation that Zambian mining houses and the government establish crystalline silica analysis laboratory capacity and adopt dust mass concentration occupational exposure limits for more protective dust monitoring of workers.

The present study is the first assessment of occupational risk associated with artisanal cashew nut roasting using exposure and effect biomarkers, as well as a characterization and dispersion analysis of the released particulate matter (PM). A real-time particle monitor was used to quantify PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10. Furthermore, the PM was sampled using a Handi-vol sampler, and the physicochemical characteristics were determined by SEM-EDS analysis. Trajectories, dispersion and deposition of the emitted material were calculated using the NOAA-HYSPLIT model. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels were analyzed by HPLC. DNA damage, chromosomal instability and cell death were measured by a buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt). The PM concentrations for all measurements in the exposed area were higher than in the non-exposed area. SEM-EDS analyses exhibited a wide variety of particles, and K, Cl, S and Ca biomass burning tracers were the major inorganic compounds. In addition, atmospheric modeling analysis suggested that these particles can reach regions farther away than 40 kilometers. Occupational polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure was confirmed by increases in 1-OHP levels in cashew nut workers. Frequencies of BMCyt biomarkers of genotoxicity (micronuclei and nuclear bud) and cytotoxicity (pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis and condensed chromatin) were higher in the exposed group compared with the controls. The influence of factors, such as age, on the micronuclei frequencies was demonstrated, and a correlation between 1-OHP and micronuclei was observed. To the best of our knowledge, no other study has demonstrated a correlation between these types of biomarkers. The use of exposure (1-OHP) and effect (BMCyt) biomarkers were therefore efficient in assessing the occupational risk associated with artisanal cashew nut roasting, and the high rates of PM2.5 are considered to be a potential contributor to this effect.

Human exposure assessment and the results of implementing ‘precautionary avoidance’ suggested a
relationship between a hairdresser’s neuropsychiatric symptoms and occupational exposure to potentially
hazardous chemicals. A variety of investigations in response to patient complaints of depression,
emotional instability and various physical symptoms revealed no objective abnormality; the CH2OPD2
mnemonic (community, home, hobbies, occupation, personal habits, diet and drugs) recommended by
the Ontario College of Family Physicians was used as a first-line screening tool to assess potential environmental
exposure to toxins. After occupational leave of absence, the patient reported cessation of
symptoms. Environmental causes for familiar medical problems are frequently undiagnosed; it is recommended
that, where appropriate, a screening tool for evaluation of environmental exposure to toxics
be incorporated into primary care assessment and management of patients. (J Am Board Fam Pract
2004;17:136–41.)

Introduction: Workers involved in the production of Cd/As-based photovoltaic modules may be routinely or accidentally exposed to As-or Cd-containing inorganic compounds. Methods: Workers' exposure to As and Cd was investigated by environmental monitoring following a worst-case approach and biological monitoring from the preparation of the working facility to its decommissioning. Workplace surface contamination was also evaluated through wipe-test sampling. Results: The highest mean airborne concentrations were found during maintenance activities (As = 0.0068 µg m −3 ; Cd = 7.66 µg m −3 ) and laboratory simulations (As = 0.0075 µg m −3 ; Cd = 11.2 µg m −3 ). These types of operations were conducted for a limited time during a typical work shift and only in specifically suited containment areas, where the highest surface concentrations were also found (laboratory: As = 2.94 µg m −2 , Cd = 167 µg m −2 ; powder containment booth: As = 4.35 µg m −2 , Cd = 1500 µg m −2 ). The As and Cd urinary levels (As_u; Cd_u) were not significantly different for exposed (As_u = 6.11 ± 1.74 µg l −1 ; Cd_u = 0.24 ± 2.36 µg g −1 creatinine) and unexposed workers (As_u = 6.11 ± 1.75 µg l −1 ; Cd_u = 0.22 ± 2.08 µg g −1 creatinine). Conclusion: Despite airborne arsenic and cadmium exposure well below the threshold limit value (TLV) when the operation is appropriately maintained in line, workers who are involved in various operations (maintenance, laboratory test) could potentially be at risk of significant exposure, well in excess of the TLV. Nevertheless, the biological monitoring data did not show significant occupationally related arsenic and cadmium intake in workers and no significant changes or differences in arsenic and cadmium urinary level among the exposed and unexposed workers were found.

People working with ionising radiation are receiving radiation coming from artificial and natural sources. In Spain, as in many other countries , there is a serious control by the national authorities, Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, of the dose the workers receive from artificial sources. However, until the publication of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive, 96/29/EURATOM, the old criteria referring to the " above natural background " were widely used. This directive was incorporated to the Spanish legislation in July 2001 (BOE 178); in its Title VII it recommends to evaluate the dose coming from natural sources and take it into account for establishing the safety criteria. It is noteworthy to assess the natural doses received at homes and the dose received by workers of radioactive installations subject to regulations, and to compare the two results. The social and economical implications of the results derived can be important in the practical application of the recommendations included in the above-mentioned BOE 178 Directive.

Introduction: Workers involved in the production of Cd/As-based photovoltaic modules may be routinely or accidentally exposed to As-or Cd-containing inorganic compounds. Methods: Workers' exposure to As and Cd was investigated by environmental monitoring following a worst-case approach and biological monitoring from the preparation of the working facility to its decommissioning. Workplace surface contamination was also evaluated through wipe-test sampling. Results: The highest mean airborne concentrations were found during maintenance activities (As = 0.0068 µg m −3 ; Cd = 7.66 µg m −3 ) and laboratory simulations (As = 0.0075 µg m −3 ; Cd = 11.2 µg m −3 ). These types of operations were conducted for a limited time during a typical work shift and only in specifically suited containment areas, where the highest surface concentrations were also found (laboratory: As = 2.94 µg m −2 , Cd = 167 µg m −2 ; powder containment booth: As = 4.35 µg m −2 , Cd = 1500 µg m −2 ). The As and Cd urinary levels (As_u; Cd_u) were not significantly different for exposed (As_u = 6.11 ± 1.74 µg l −1 ; Cd_u = 0.24 ± 2.36 µg g −1 creatinine) and unexposed workers (As_u = 6.11 ± 1.75 µg l −1 ; Cd_u = 0.22 ± 2.08 µg g −1 creatinine). Conclusion: Despite airborne arsenic and cadmium exposure well below the threshold limit value (TLV) when the operation is appropriately maintained in line, workers who are involved in various operations (maintenance, laboratory test) could potentially be at risk of significant exposure, well in excess of the TLV. Nevertheless, the biological monitoring data did not show significant occupationally related arsenic and cadmium intake in workers and no significant changes or differences in arsenic and cadmium urinary level among the exposed and unexposed workers were found.

A b s t r a c t People working with ionising radiation are receiving radiation coming from artificial and natural sources. In Spain, as in many other countries, there is a serious control by the national authorities, Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, of the dose the workers receive from artificial sources. However, until the publication of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive, 96/29/EURATOM, the old criteria referring to the "above natural background" were widely used. This directive was incorporated to the Spanish legislation in July 2001 (BOE 178); in its Title VII it recommends to evaluate the dose coming from natural sources and take it into account for establishing the safety criteria. It is noteworthy to assess the natural doses received at homes and the dose received by workers of radioactive installations subject to regulations, and to compare the two results. The social and economical implications of the results derived can be important in the practical application of the recommendations included in the above-mentioned BOE 178 Directive.

Human exposure assessment and the results of implementing 'precautionary avoidance' suggested a relationship between a hairdresser's neuropsychiatric symptoms and occupational exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. A variety of investigations in response to patient complaints of depression, emotional instability and various physical symptoms revealed no objective abnormality; the CH 2 OPD 2 mnemonic (community, home, hobbies, occupation, personal habits, diet and drugs) recommended by the Ontario College of Family Physicians was used as a first-line screening tool to assess potential environmental exposure to toxins. After occupational leave of absence, the patient reported cessation of symptoms. Environmental causes for familiar medical problems are frequently undiagnosed; it is recommended that, where appropriate, a screening tool for evaluation of environmental exposure to toxics be incorporated into primary care assessment and management of patients. (J Am Board Fam Pract 2004;17:136 -41.)

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate personal shields in radiation departments of hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods First, the information related to 109 personal shields was recorded and evaluated by imaging equipment. Afterwards, the equivalent lead thickness (ELT) of 62 personal shields was assessed, using dosimeter and standard lead layers at 100 kVp. Results In this study, 109 personal shields were assessed in terms of tears, holes and cracks. The results showed that 18 shields were damaged. Moreover, ELT was evaluated in 62 shields. As the results indicated, ELT was unacceptable in 8 personal shields and lower than expected in 9 shields. Conclusion According to the results, 16.5% of personal shields had defects (tears, holes and cracks) and 13% of them were unacceptable in terms of ELT and needed to be replaced. Therefore, regular quality control of personal shields and evaluation of new shields are necessar...

We measured the quartz content of 20 bulk settled dust and 200 respirable dust samples in a cross-sectional dust exposure assessment that is part of an epidemiological study to ascertain the risk of nonmalignant respiratory diseases among Zambian copper miners. Dust samples were collected from the copper mines of Mopani Copper Mine plc (Mufulira and Nkana Mines). Analytical measurements employed NIOSH Method 0600 for gravimetric analysis of respirable dust and NIOSH Method 7500 for quartz analysis in bulk and respirable dust samples. The measured quartz content of respirable dust showed that 59% and 26% of Mufulira and Nkana Mine samples, respectively, were above the calculated U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit. The mean intensities of respirable dust exposure at Mufulira and Nkana were 0.992 mg/m 3 (range 0-7.674) and 0.868 mg/m 3 (range 0-6.944), respectively while the mean intensities of respirable quartz at Mufulira and Nkana were 0.143 mg/m 3 (range 0-1.302) and 0.060 mg/m 3 (range 0-0.317), respectively. These results indicate weak dust monitoring at these mines which may increase the risk of nonmalignant disease in many miners. Since Zambian mining regulations do not have crystalline silica exposure limits, these results accord with the recommendation that Zambian mining houses and the government establish crystalline silica analysis laboratory capacity and adopt dust mass concentration occupational exposure limits for more protective dust monitoring of workers.