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Allen LH, Suder Egnot N, Allen H, Chan K, Marsh G. Exposure to MMVF in residential and commercial buildings: A literature review and quantitative synthesis. Toxicol Ind Health 2023; 39:528-536. [PMID: 37528749 PMCID: PMC10616987 DOI: 10.1177/07482337231187092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) are a class of inorganic fibrous materials that include glass and mineral wools, continuous glass filaments, and refractory ceramic fibers valued for their insulative properties in high temperature applications. Potential health effects from occupational exposure to MMVF have been investigated since the 1970s, with focus on incidence of respiratory tract cancer among MMVF-exposed production workers. The general population may experience exposure to MMVF in residential and/or commercial buildings due to deterioration, construction, or other disruption of materials containing these fibers. Numerous studies have characterized potential exposures that may occur during material disruption or installation; however, fewer have aimed to measure background MMVF concentrations in residential and commercial spaces (i.e., non-production settings) to which the general population may be exposed. In this study, we reviewed and synthesized peer-reviewed studies that evaluated respirable MMVF exposure levels in non-production, indoor environments. Among studies that analyzed airborne respirable MMVF concentrations, 110-fold and 1.5-fold differences in estimated concentrations were observed for those studies utilizing phase contrast optical microscopy (PCOM) versus transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. A positive correlation was observed between respirable air concentrations of MMVF and total surface concentrations of MMVF in seldom-cleaned areas. Ultimately, available evidence suggests that both ambient air and surface concentrations of MMVF in indoor environments are consistently lower than exposure limits developed to prevent negative health outcomes among sensitive populations.
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Teran K, Žibret G, Fanetti M. Impact of urbanization and steel mill emissions on elemental composition of street dust and corresponding particle characterization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 384:120963. [PMID: 31628063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Street Dust (SD) acts as a sink and source of atmospheric particles containing Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) and can pose a possible pathway of PTEs to human bodies. Comprehensive SD study, where 249 samples were collected from rural, urban and industrialized areas aimed to increase the understanding between sedimentation of atmospheric dust derived from anthropogenic activities and elemental composition of SD. Elemental composition for 53 elements (ICP-MS, aqua regia digestion) was determined on fraction <0.063 mm. Significantly increased levels of Sn-Cu-Sb-Bi-Ag-Ba-Mo-Pt-Pb and other elements have been detected in urban environments, compared to the rural ones. SEM/EDS investigation identified that main carriers of Ba, Cu and Sn are most likely particles derived from non-exhaust traffic emissions. Areas around steel mills show a strong enrichment with Cr, Mo, Ni and W, which exponentially decreases with the increased distance from the plant, reaching corresponding urban background 15 and 20 km from the source. SEM/EDS inspection identified spherical and melted irregular particles as the main carriers of the above-mentioned elements. City managers shall adapt measures to reduce amount of vehicular traffic and quantity of deposited SD on the public surfaces and encourage green city planning, while industrial emitters are encouraged to reduce their dust emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klemen Teran
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva 14, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gorazd Žibret
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva 14, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mattia Fanetti
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 11c, SI-5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia.
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Nynäs P, Vilpas S, Kankare E, Karjalainen J, Lehtimäki L, Numminen J, Tikkakoski A, Kleemola L, Uitti J. Observational cross-sectional study on Symptoms Associated to Moisture DAmage at Workplace: the SAMDAW study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026485. [PMID: 31243032 PMCID: PMC6597744 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moisture damage (MD) exposure at work has been shown to increase the risk of new onset asthma and exacerbation of asthma. However, most of the studies in this field have been questionnaire studies. A small proportion of MD-exposed workers are diagnosed with asthma. Many patients with MD exposure at work referred to secondary healthcare report intermittent hoarseness, loss of voice or difficulty to inhale, referring to functional or organic problems of the larynx. For accurate treatment, proper differential diagnostics is paramount. We present an ongoing observational study in which we describe the prevalence of respiratory, voice and other symptoms related to MD at work in patients referred to secondary healthcare. Case-control setting will be used to evaluate the frequencies of the background factors, bronchial hyperreactivity and laryngeal findings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study sample consists of patients with workplace MD exposure and associated respiratory tract and/or voice symptoms referred to Tampere University Hospital. The clinical tests conducted to the study patients included comprehensive lung function tests, laboratory and skin prick tests, imaging and clinical evaluation by specialists of respiratory medicine, oto-rhino-laryngology and phoniatrics. The exposure assessment was performed by an occupational physician. The study patients filled out a questionnaire on previous illnesses and other background factors, which for comparison was also sent to 1500 Finnish-speaking people in the same hospital district randomly selected by the Finnish Population Information System. To explore how common laryngeal disorders and voice symptoms are in general, a part of the tests will be conducted to 50 asymptomatic volunteers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The regional ethics committee of Tampere University Hospital approved the study. All study subjects gave their written informed consent, which is required also from the controls. The results will be communicated locally and internationally as conference papers and journal articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Nynäs
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sarkku Vilpas
- Department of Phoniatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elina Kankare
- Department of Phoniatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jussi Karjalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jura Numminen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Tikkakoski
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Leenamaija Kleemola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jukka Uitti
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Camacho I, Rajabi‐Estarabadi A, Eber AE, Griggs JW, Margaret SI, Nouri K, Tosti A. Fiberglass dermatitis: clinical presentations, prevention, and treatment – a review of literatures. Int J Dermatol 2019; 58:1107-1111. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Camacho
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Ali Rajabi‐Estarabadi
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Ariel E. Eber
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Jacob W. Griggs
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Sanchez I. Margaret
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Keyvan Nouri
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
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Probability of Abnormal Indoor Air Exposure Categories Compared with Occupants’ Symptoms, Health Information, and Psychosocial Work Environment. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app9010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air problems are complicated and need to be approached from many perspectives. In this research, we studied the association of four-level categorisation of the probability of abnormal indoor air (IA) exposure with the work environment-related symptoms, group-level health information and psychosocial work environment of employees. We also evaluated the multiprofessional IA group assessment of the current indoor air quality (IAQ) of the hospital premises. We found no statistical association between the four-level categorisation of the probability of abnormal IA exposure and the employees’ perceived symptoms, health information, and perceived psychosocial work environment. However, the results showed a statistical association between perceived symptoms and man-made vitreous fibre sources in ventilation. Furthermore, extensive impurity sources in the premises increased the employees’ contact with health services and their perceived symptoms. The employees perceived stress and symptoms in all categories of abnormal IA exposure, which may be related to IAQ or other factors affecting human experience. Prolonged process management may influence users’ experiences of IAQ. The results suggest that an extensive impurity source in premises does not always associate with the prevalence of perceived symptoms. We conclude that indoor air questionnaires alone cannot determine the urgency of the measures required.
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Wolkoff P. The mystery of dry indoor air - An overview. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:1058-1065. [PMID: 30389384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
"Dry air" is a major and abundant indoor air quality complaint in office-like environments. The causality of perceived "dry air" and associated respiratory effects continues to be debated, despite no clear definition of the complaint, yet, has been provided. The perception of "dry air" is semantically confusing without an associated receptor but mimics a proto-state of sensory irritation like a cooling sensation. "Dry air" may also be confused with another common indoor air quality complaint "stuffy air", which mimics the sense of no fresh air and of nasal congestion. Low indoor air humidity (IAH) was dismissed more than four decades ago as cause of "dry air" complaints, rather indoor pollutants was proposed as possible exacerbating causative agents during the cold season. Many studies, however, have shown adverse effects of low IAH and beneficial effects of elevated IAH. In this literature overview, we try to answer, "What is perceived "dry air" in indoor environments and its associated causalities. Many studies have shown that the perception is caused not only by extended exposure to low IAH, but also simultaneously with and possibly exacerbated by indoor air pollutants that aggravate the protective mucous layer in the airways and the eye tear film. Immanent diseases in the nose and airways in the general population may also contribute to the overall complaint rate and including other risk factors like age of the population, use of medication, and external factors like the local ambient humidity. Low IAH may be the single cause of perceived "dry air" in the elderly population, while certain indoor air pollutants may come into play among susceptible people, in addition to baseline contribution of nasal diseases. Thus, perceived "dry air" intercorrelates with dry eyes and throat, certain indoor air pollutants, ambient humidity, low IAH, and nasal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Tähtinen K, Lappalainen S, Karvala K, Remes J, Salonen H. Association between Four-Level Categorisation of Indoor Exposure and Perceived Indoor Air Quality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040679. [PMID: 29617335 PMCID: PMC5923721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and test a tool for assessing urgency of indoor air quality (IAQ) measures. The condition of the 27 buildings were investigated and results were categorized. Statistical test studied the differences between the categories and the employees’ complaints about their work environment. To study the employees’ experiences of the work premises, a validated indoor air (IA) questionnaire was used. This study reveals a multifaceted problem: many factors affecting IAQ may also affect perceived IAQ, making it difficult to separate the impurity sources and ventilation system deficiencies affecting to employee experiences. An examination of the relationship between the categories and perceived IAQ revealed an association between the mould odour perceived by employees and mould detected by the researcher. A weak link was also found between the assessed categories and environmental complaints. However, we cannot make far-reaching conclusions regarding the assessed probability of abnormal IA exposure in the building on the basis of employee experiences. According to the results, categorising tool can partly support the assessment of the urgency for repairs when several factors that affect IAQ are taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Tähtinen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Healthy Workspaces, P.O. Box 40, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland.
| | - Sanna Lappalainen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Healthy Workspaces, P.O. Box 40, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland.
| | - Kirsi Karvala
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Healthy Workspaces, P.O. Box 40, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland.
| | - Jouko Remes
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Healthy Workspaces, P.O. Box 40, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland.
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
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Wolkoff P. External eye symptoms in indoor environments. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:246-260. [PMID: 27444579 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Eye irritation, for example dry or irritated eyes, is generally among top three reported symptoms in office-like environments, in particular among workplaces with cognitive demanding visual display unit (VDU) work. The symptoms are especially among middle and advanced ages and particularly among women more than men. The symptoms are also among the most commonly reported complaints in the eye clinic. To be in a position to interpret the high prevalence of eye symptoms, a multidisciplinary and integrated approach is necessary that involves the external eye physiology (separate from internal eye effects), eye diseases (evaporative dry eye (DE), aqueous-deficient DE, and gland dysfunctions), and risk factors that aggravate the stability of precorneal tear film (PTF) resulting in hyperosmolarity and initiation of inflammatory reactions. Indoor environmental, occupational and personal risk factors may aggravate the PTF stability; factors such as age, contact lenses, cosmetics, diet, draft, gender, low humidity and high temperature, medication, outdoor and combustion pollutants, and VDU work. Psychological stressors may further influence the reporting behavior of eye symptoms. The impact of the risk factors may occur in a combined and exacerbating manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Mandin C, Trantallidi M, Cattaneo A, Canha N, Mihucz VG, Szigeti T, Mabilia R, Perreca E, Spinazzè A, Fossati S, De Kluizenaar Y, Cornelissen E, Sakellaris I, Saraga D, Hänninen O, De Oliveira Fernandes E, Ventura G, Wolkoff P, Carrer P, Bartzis J. Assessment of indoor air quality in office buildings across Europe - The OFFICAIR study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 579:169-178. [PMID: 27866741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The European project OFFICAIR aimed to broaden the existing knowledge regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) in modern office buildings, i.e., recently built or refurbished buildings. Thirty-seven office buildings participated in the summer campaign (2012), and thirty-five participated in the winter campaign (2012-2013). Four rooms were investigated per building. The target pollutants were twelve volatile organic compounds, seven aldehydes, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5μm (PM2.5). Compared to other studies in office buildings, the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene concentrations were lower in OFFICAIR buildings, while the α-pinene and d-limonene concentrations were higher, and the aldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 concentrations were of the same order of magnitude. When comparing summer and winter, significantly higher concentrations were measured in summer for formaldehyde and ozone, and in winter for benzene, α-pinene, d-limonene, and nitrogen dioxide. The terpene and 2-ethylhexanol concentrations showed heterogeneity within buildings regardless of the season. Considering the average of the summer and winter concentrations, the acetaldehyde and hexanal concentrations tended to increase by 4-5% on average with every floor level increase, and the nitrogen dioxide concentration tended to decrease by 3% on average with every floor level increase. A preliminary evaluation of IAQ in terms of potential irritative and respiratory health effects was performed. The 5-day median and maximum indoor air concentrations of formaldehyde and ozone did not exceed their respective WHO air quality guidelines, and those of acrolein, α-pinene, and d-limonene were lower than their estimated thresholds for irritative and respiratory effects. PM2.5 indoor concentrations were higher than the 24-h and annual WHO ambient air quality guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Mandin
- Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Marne-la-Vallée, France.
| | | | | | - Nuno Canha
- Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | | | | | - Rosanna Mabilia
- National Research Council, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Perreca
- National Research Council, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Yvonne De Kluizenaar
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Cornelissen
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Otto Hänninen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Gabriela Ventura
- Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management (INEGI), Porto, Portugal
| | - Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Hedmer M, Ludvigsson L, Isaxon C, Nilsson PT, Skaug V, Bohgard M, Pagels JH, Messing ME, Tinnerberg H. Detection of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanodiscs on Workplace Surfaces at a Small-Scale Producer. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 59:836-52. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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12
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Rapisarda V, Loreto C, Ledda C, Musumeci G, Bracci M, Santarelli L, Renis M, Ferrante M, Cardile V. Cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by glass fibers on human alveolar epithelial cell line A549. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:551-7. [PMID: 25620604 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Man-made vitreous fibers have been widely used as insulation material as asbestos substitutes; however their morphology and composition raises concerns. In 1988 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified fiberglass, rock wool, slag wool, and ceramic fibers as Group 2B, i.e. possibly carcinogenic to humans. In 2002 it reassigned fiberglass, rock and slag wool, and continuous glass filaments to Group 3, not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans. The aim of this study was to verify the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and oxidative stress production induced by in vitro exposure of human alveolar epithelial cells A549 to glass fibers with a predominant diameter <3 μm (97%) and length >5 μm (93%). A549 cells were incubated with 5, 50, or 100 μg/ml (2.1, 21, and 42 μg/cm(2), respectively) of glass fibers for 72 h. Cytotoxicity and DNA damage were tested by the MTT and the Comet assay, respectively. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by Western blotting, production of nitric oxide (NO) with Griess reagent, and concentration of reactive oxygen species by fluorescent quantitative analysis with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA). The results showed that glass fiber exposure significantly reduced cell viability and increased DNA damage and oxidative stress production in a concentration-dependent manner, demonstrating that glass fibers exert cytotoxic and genotoxic effects related to increased oxidative stress on the human alveolar cell line A549.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venerando Rapisarda
- Division of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, via Santa Sofia, 78 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, via S. Sofia, 87 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Hygiene and Public Health, Department of G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia, 87 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, via S. Sofia, 87 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Tronto 10/a, 60020 Torrette, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lory Santarelli
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Tronto 10/a, 60020 Torrette, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marcella Renis
- Department of Drug's Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, via S. Sofia, 87 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Ceballos DM, Tapp LC, Wiegand DM. Case studies: evaluation of cut-resistant sleeves and possible fiberglass fiber shedding at a steel mill. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2014; 11:D28-33. [PMID: 24369936 PMCID: PMC4525072 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.852283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Ceballos
- a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Cincinnati , Ohio
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Wolkoff P. Indoor air pollutants in office environments: assessment of comfort, health, and performance. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 216:371-94. [PMID: 22954455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in office environments are generally too low to cause sensory irritation in the eyes and airways on the basis of estimated thresholds for sensory irritation. Furthermore, effects in the lungs, e.g. inflammatory effects, have not been substantiated at indoor relevant concentrations. Some VOCs, including formaldehyde, in combination may under certain environmental and occupational conditions result in reported sensory irritation. The odour thresholds of several VOCs are low enough to influence the perceived air quality that result in a number of acute effects from reported sensory irritation in eyes and airways and deterioration of performance. The odour perception (air quality) depends on a number of factors that may influence the odour impact. There is neither clear indication that office dust particles may cause sensory effects, even not particles spiked with glucans, aldehydes or phthalates, nor lung effects; some inflammatory effects may be observed among asthmatics. Ozone-initiated terpene reaction products may be of concern in ozone-enriched environments (≥0.1mg/m(3)) and elevated limonene concentrations, partly due to the production of formaldehyde. Ambient particles may cause cardio-pulmonary effects, especially in susceptible people (e.g. elderly and sick people); even, short-term effects, e.g. from traffic emission and candle smoke may possibly have modulating and delayed effects on the heart, but otherwise adverse effects in the airways and lung functions have not been observed. Secondary organic aerosols generated in indoor ozone-initiated terpene reactions appear not to cause adverse effects in the airways; rather the gaseous products are relevant. Combined exposure to particles and ozone may evoke effects in subgroups of asthmatics. Based on an analysis of thresholds for odour and sensory irritation selected compounds are recommended for measurements to assess the indoor air quality and to minimize reports of irritation symptoms, deteriorated performance, and cardiovascular and pulmonary effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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[Schools, office buildings, leisure settings: diversity of indoor air quality issues. Global review on indoor air quality in these settings]. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2012; 70:204-12. [PMID: 22818262 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a global overview of indoor air quality issues in schools, office buildings and recreational settings. It presents the most recent scientific publications and the on-going work conducted in France in the frame of the indoor air quality Observatory. Monitoring campaigns on indoor air quality in schools have been carried out in the recent years in Europe. However, few studies have specifically addressed the role of exposure in these buildings on children's health. Indoor air quality in office buildings has been little studied so far. However, some specificities, such as emissions from electronic devices, frequent cleaning, impossibility to open windows in high-rise buildings, for example, should be examined and their role on the health and comfort studied. Finally, even if the time spent in recreational settings is short, the quality of indoor air should also be considered because of specific pollution. This is the case of indoor swimming pools (exposure to chlorination byproducts) and ice-rinks (exposure to exhaust from machines used to smooth the ice).
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