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Dröge J, Moussaoui IE, Klingelhöfer D, Held H, Groneberg DA, Verhoff MA, Plenzig S. Particulate matter emissions during autopsies: a method to reduce exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:60519-60530. [PMID: 35420344 PMCID: PMC9008663 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter emitted during autopsies can serve as a vector for numerous viruses or bacteria and can lead to infections. Reducing the exposure of those particles in indoor working environments is, therefore, an important issue. To assess the health risk for employees in forensic medicine, we measure particulate matter in the ambient air during autopsies by using an aerosol spectrometer. The autopsies were performed with either an ordinary oscillating saw or an adapted saw with a suction unit. The particle emissions from both saws were compared to each other in order to evaluate whether a technical adaption leads to a particle reduction. Furthermore, the particle exposure reduction by wearing a face mask and variations in the background concentration in the room were analyzed. High particle concentrations were measured while using the ordinary saw. By using the adapted saw or wearing a face mask, the particle exposure could mostly be avoided. On the majority of the working days, an increase in the background concentration could be observed. Based on this knowledge, the use of a proper suction unit and wearing a face mask during autopsies is necessary. Besides, it is important to have sufficient ventilation in the room so that long-lasting high background concentrations can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Dröge
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ibrahim El Moussaoui
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Doris Klingelhöfer
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hannelore Held
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marcel A Verhoff
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Plenzig
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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