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Mater G, Sauvé JF, Sarazin P, Lavoué J. Exposure Determinants in the French Database COLCHIC (1987-2019): Statistical Modeling across 77 Chemicals. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 66:563-579. [PMID: 35051995 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COLCHIC database contains workplace exposure results of chemical samples collected by the French prevention network since 1987. We aimed to investigate potential associations between exposure levels and ancillary variables in COLCHIC across a broad range of chemical agents in order to provide insight into how to best interpret and exploit the information in this national database. METHODS We selected personal and area measurements in COLCHIC and collected outside respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE), restricted to chemical agents that had at least 1000 samples available. We used Tobit models to estimate associations between exposure concentrations and sample year, sampling duration, PPE, workforce size, collective protective equipment, origin of request, and reason for request for each chemical agent for the period 1987-2019. Models for period 2002-2019 also included type of process (open/closed) and exposure frequency. We used separate models for each combination of agent, period, and personal or area samples. We then applied Bayesian meta-analytical methods to assess average effects and effect heterogeneity of exposure factors across agents. RESULTS COLCHIC contained 720 282 exposure results (62% personal and 38% area samples) to 77 agents, including 346 766 results for the more recent period 2002-2019 (67% personal and 33% area samples). Sample year and duration, PPE, and process type had the strongest and most consistent associations with exposure levels across agents. Personal and area exposure levels decreased yearly (6% for the entire period and 9% since 2002), and 30-min samples were approximately twice as high as 240-min samples. Workers wearing PPE were exposed to levels 1.7 times higher on average than those without PPE for both area and personal samples. Personal exposure levels associated with enclosed or semi-enclosed processes were approximately 20-30% lower compared with open processes. The associations for the other exposure variables were weaker and more inconsistent between agents. Between-agent heterogeneity of estimated effects, based on 80% prediction intervals, was lowest for sampling duration, time trends, and the presence of PPE. CONCLUSIONS Sampling duration, time trends, and the presence of PPE are important factors to take into account when analyzing COLCHIC and had similar associations with exposure levels across agents. Other variables generally showed weaker associations or variable effects. These results will be used to adjust exposure estimates for the French working population from measurements stored in COLCHIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Mater
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Pollutants Metrology Department, 1 rue du Morvan, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Sauvé
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Pollutants Metrology Department, 1 rue du Morvan, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | - Jérôme Lavoué
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Olsson A, Kromhout H. Occupational cancer burden: the contribution of exposure to process-generated substances at the workplace. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:753-763. [PMID: 33544948 PMCID: PMC7931128 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Respirable crystalline silica in mineral dust, wood dust, diesel engine exhaust emissions and welding fumes are among the most common process-generated substances to which millions of workers are exposed daily. The composition of process-generated substances can vary substantially, depending on the parameters of the underlying processes; for example, the composition and intensity of diesel motor emissions differs among the various generations of diesel engines and working environments (e.g. surface or underground mining). We illustrate how common these occupational exposures are and discuss challenges in estimating their global prevalence and their contribution to the burden of occupational cancer. Estimates of the number and proportion of workers exposed in most countries and on a global scale are generally scarce. A remarkable exception is based on the proactive bottom-up estimates generated within the European Network for Silica. Actions to reduce exposures and research to fill gaps in knowledge adapted to local settings are warranted to mitigate the occupational cancer burden, especially in under-researched settings including low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Olsson
- International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC)World Health Organization (WHO)LyonFrance
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment SciencesUtrecht UniversityThe Netherlands
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Vila J, Bowman JD, Figuerola J, Moriña D, Kincl L, Richardson L, Cardis E. Development of a source-exposure matrix for occupational exposure assessment of electromagnetic fields in the INTEROCC study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:398-408. [PMID: 27827378 PMCID: PMC5573206 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To estimate occupational exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMF) for the INTEROCC study, a database of source-based measurements extracted from published and unpublished literature resources had been previously constructed. The aim of the current work was to summarize these measurements into a source-exposure matrix (SEM), accounting for their quality and relevance. A novel methodology for combining available measurements was developed, based on order statistics and log-normal distribution characteristics. Arithmetic and geometric means, and estimates of variability and maximum exposure were calculated by EMF source, frequency band and dosimetry type. The mean estimates were weighted by our confidence in the pooled measurements. The SEM contains confidence-weighted mean and maximum estimates for 312 EMF exposure sources (from 0 Hz to 300 GHz). Operator position geometric mean electric field levels for radiofrequency (RF) sources ranged between 0.8 V/m (plasma etcher) and 320 V/m (RF sealer), while magnetic fields ranged from 0.02 A/m (speed radar) to 0.6 A/m (microwave heating). For extremely low frequency sources, electric fields ranged between 0.2 V/m (electric forklift) and 11,700 V/m (high-voltage transmission line-hotsticks), whereas magnetic fields ranged between 0.14 μT (visual display terminals) and 17 μT (tungsten inert gas welding). The methodology developed allowed the construction of the first EMF-SEM and may be used to summarize similar exposure data for other physical or chemical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Vila
- ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joseph D Bowman
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Ohio, USA
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Moriña
- ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laurel Kincl
- Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Lesley Richardson
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
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Locke SJ, Deziel NC, Koh DH, Graubard BI, Purdue MP, Friesen MC. Evaluating predictors of lead exposure for activities disturbing materials painted with or containing lead using historic published data from U.S. workplaces. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:189-197. [PMID: 28079279 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated predictors of differences in published occupational lead concentrations for activities disturbing material painted with or containing lead in U.S. workplaces to aid historical exposure reconstruction. METHODS For the aforementioned tasks, 221 air and 113 blood lead summary results (1960-2010) were extracted from a previously developed database. Differences in the natural log-transformed geometric mean (GM) for year, industry, job, and other ancillary variables were evaluated in meta-regression models that weighted each summary result by its inverse variance and sample size. RESULTS Air and blood lead GMs declined 5%/year and 6%/year, respectively, in most industries. Exposure contrast in the GMs across the nine jobs and five industries was higher based on air versus blood concentrations. For welding activities, blood lead GMs were 1.7 times higher in worst-case versus non-worst case scenarios. CONCLUSIONS Job, industry, and time-specific exposure differences were identified; other determinants were too sparse or collinear to characterize. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:189-197, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Locke
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
| | - Dong-Hee Koh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; International St. Mary's Hospital; Catholic Kwandong University; Incheon Korea
| | - Barry I. Graubard
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Biostatistics Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Mark P. Purdue
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Melissa C. Friesen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
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Sarazin P, Burstyn I, Kincl L, Lavoué J. Trends in OSHA Compliance Monitoring Data 1979–2011: Statistical Modeling of Ancillary Information across 77 Chemicals. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:432-52. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Sauvé JF. Historical and emerging workplaces affected by silica exposure since the 1930 Johannesburg conference on Silicosis, with special reference to construction. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58 Suppl 1:S67-71. [PMID: 26509755 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the time of the 1930 International Labour Office Conference on silicosis in Johannesburg, mining was the main sector affected by silicosis; however, other industries would later emerge as areas of concern. METHODS A search of the occupational hygiene and epidemiological literature was conducted to retrieve historical and current documents pertaining to silica exposure and associated hazards. RESULTS The potential risk of silicosis in construction became evident starting in the 1960s, and the body of literature including case reports, sampling surveys, and medical surveillance continues to grow to this day. Among non-construction activities, hydraulic fracturing and engineered countertop manufacturing have recently appeared as industries with a potential for overexposure, while mining remains the industrial sector with the highest prevalence of exposure. CONCLUSIONS The risk of developing this "ancient disease" remains a current issue in many workplaces, and requires ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Sauvé
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health; Université de Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
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Orlowski E, Audignon-Durand S, Goldberg M, Imbernon E, Brochard P. EV@LUTIL: An open access database on occupational exposures to asbestos and man-made mineral fibres. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:1059-74. [PMID: 26179317 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of Evalutil is to document occupational exposure to asbestos and man-made mineral fibers. METHODS These databases provide grouped descriptive and metrological data from observed situations of occupational exposure, collected through the analysis of scientific articles and technical reports by industrial hygienists. RESULTS Over 5,000 measurements were collected. We describe the occupations, economic activities, fiber-containing products, and operations on them that have been documented most often. Graphical measurement syntheses of these data show that the situations presented for asbestos and RCF, except mineral wools, report fiber concentrations mainly above historical occupational exposure limits. CONCLUSION Free access to these data in French and in English on the Internet (https://ssl2.isped.u-bordeaux2.fr/eva_003/) helps public health and prevention professionals to identify and characterize occupational exposures to fibers. Extended recently to nanoscale particles, Evalutil continues to contribute to the improvement of knowledge about exposure to inhaled particles and the health risks associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Orlowski
- Département santé travail; Institut de veille sanitaire; Saint-Maurice France
| | - Sabyne Audignon-Durand
- Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement; Inserm U 897, Équipe associée en santé travail; Bordeaux France
| | - Marcel Goldberg
- Inserm, Population-based Epidemiologic Cohorts Unit, UMS 011; Villejuif France
| | - Ellen Imbernon
- Département santé tavail; Institut de veille sanitaire; Equipe associée en santé travail; Saint Maurice France
| | - Patrick Brochard
- Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement; Inserm U 897, Équipe associée en santé travail; Bordeaux France
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Scarselli A, Corfiati M, Marzio DD, Iavicoli S. Evaluation of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2014; 20:301-7. [PMID: 25078346 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crystalline silica is a human carcinogen and its use is widespread among construction, mining, foundries, and other manufacturing industries. PURPOSE To evaluate occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Italy. METHODS Data were collected from exposure registries and descriptive statistics were calculated for exposure-related variables. The number of potentially exposed workers was estimated in a subset of industrial sectors. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to determine factors affecting the exposure level. RESULTS We found 1387 cases of crystalline silica exposure between 1996 and 2012. Exposure was most common in construction work (AM = 0·057 mg/m(3), N = 505), and among miners and quarry workers (AM = 0·048 mg/m(3), N = 238). We estimated that 41 643 workers were at risk of exposure in the selected industrial sectors during the same period. CONCLUSIONS This study identified high-risk sectors for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which can help guide targeted dust control interventions and health promotion campaigns in the workplace.
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Oude Hengel KM, van Deurssen E, Meijster T, Tielemans E, Heederik D, Pronk A. 'Relieved Working' study: systematic development and design of an intervention to decrease occupational quartz exposure at construction worksites. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:760. [PMID: 25069393 PMCID: PMC4133610 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational quartz exposure continues to be a serious hazard in the construction industry. Until now, evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing quartz exposure are scarce. The aim of this study was to systematically develop an intervention and to describe the study to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods/Design The intervention was developed according to the principles of the Intervention Mapping protocol, meaning that evidence from the literature was combined with information collected from stakeholders (e.g., construction workers, managers and researchers). The intervention aimed to integrate technical, behavioural and organizational factors. The intervention consists of two plenary meetings for all employers within the company, and individual visits at construction worksites, including specific intervention materials. Additionally, a demonstration session regarding control measures was organized for all managers. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial among eight construction companies, with measurements at baseline and follow-up. Outcome measures are personal respirable dust and quartz exposure by means of exposure assessment, and behavioural and organizational determinants which will be assessed by means of questionnaires. Additionally, a process evaluation will shed light on whether the intervention (does not) works, and, if so, the reasons for this. Discussion Applying Intervention Mapping in the development of an intervention to reduce occupational quartz exposure was useful, as different stakeholders provided input for the intervention as well as the implementation strategy. Therefore, the feasibility of the intervention has been enhanced, as it appeals to construction workers and managers and will not unduly interfere with the ongoing construction work. Trial registration number NTR4586 (May 7th 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Oude Hengel
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, P,O, Box 718, 2130 AS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.
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Healy CB, Coggins MA, Van Tongeren M, MacCalman L, McGowan P. Determinants of respirable crystalline silica exposure among stoneworkers involved in stone restoration work. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 58:6-18. [PMID: 23997236 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/met045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Crystalline silica occurs as a significant component of many traditional materials used in restoration stonework, and stoneworkers who work with these materials are potentially exposed to stone dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure to RCS can result in the development of a range of adverse health effects, including silicosis and lung cancer. An understanding of the determinants of RCS exposure is important for selecting appropriate exposure controls and in preventing occupational diseases. The objectives of this study were to quantify the RCS exposure of stoneworkers involved in the restoration and maintenance of heritage properties and to identify the main determinants of RCS exposure among this occupational group. METHODS An exposure assessment was carried out over a 3-year period amongst a group of stonemasons and stone cutters involved in the restoration and maintenance of heritage buildings in Ireland. Personal air samples (n = 103) with corresponding contextual information were collected. Exposure data were analysed using mixed-effects modelling to investigate determinants of RCS exposure and their contribution to the individual's mean exposure. Between-depot, between-worker, and within-worker variance components were also investigated. RESULTS The geometric mean (GM) RCS exposure concentrations for all tasks measured ranged from <0.02 to 0.70mg m(-3). GM RCS exposure concentrations for work involving limestone and lime mortar were <0.02-0.01mg m(-3), tasks involving granite were 0.01-0.06mg m(-3), and tasks involving sandstone were <0.02-0.70mg m(-3). Sixty-seven percent of the 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) exposure measurements for tasks involving sandstone exceeded the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits recommended occupational exposure limit value of 0.05mg m(-3). Highest RCS exposure values were recorded for the tasks of grinding (GM = 0.70mg m(-3)) and cutting (GM = 0.70mg m(-3)) sandstone. In the mixed-effects analyses, task was found to be significantly associated with RCS exposure, with the tasks of grinding and cutting resulting in average exposures of between 32 and 70 times the exposures recorded for the task of stone decorating. The between-depot, between-worker, and within-worker variance components were reduced by 46, 89, and 49%, respectively, after including task in the mixed effects model. CONCLUSIONS Restoration stoneworkers are regularly overexposed (compared with 0.1 and 0.05mg m(-3) 8-h TWA) to RCS dust when working with sandstone. The results indicate that the tasks of cutting and grinding sandstone are predictors of increased exposure to RCS dust. In order to decrease exposure to RCS, efforts should be focused on developing and implementing interventions which focus on these high-risk tasks.
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Sauvé JF, Beaudry C, Bégin D, Dion C, Gérin M, Lavoué J. Silica exposure during construction activities: statistical modeling of task-based measurements from the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 57:432-43. [PMID: 23223272 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mes089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Many construction activities can put workers at risk of breathing silica containing dusts, and there is an important body of literature documenting exposure levels using a task-based strategy. In this study, statistical modeling was used to analyze a data set containing 1466 task-based, personal respirable crystalline silica (RCS) measurements gathered from 46 sources to estimate exposure levels during construction tasks and the effects of determinants of exposure. Monte-Carlo simulation was used to recreate individual exposures from summary parameters, and the statistical modeling involved multimodel inference with Tobit models containing combinations of the following exposure variables: sampling year, sampling duration, construction sector, project type, workspace, ventilation, and controls. Exposure levels by task were predicted based on the median reported duration by activity, the year 1998, absence of source control methods, and an equal distribution of the other determinants of exposure. The model containing all the variables explained 60% of the variability and was identified as the best approximating model. Of the 27 tasks contained in the data set, abrasive blasting, masonry chipping, scabbling concrete, tuck pointing, and tunnel boring had estimated geometric means above 0.1mg m(-3) based on the exposure scenario developed. Water-fed tools and local exhaust ventilation were associated with a reduction of 71 and 69% in exposure levels compared with no controls, respectively. The predictive model developed can be used to estimate RCS concentrations for many construction activities in a wide range of circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Sauvé
- Université de Montréal, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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