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Fritschi L, Driscoll TR, Nguyen H, Abdallah K, Carey RN. Occupational exposure to welding fume in Australia: An online survey. Aust N Z J Public Health 2024:100165. [PMID: 39039010 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This survey aimed to investigate exposure to welding fume in Australian workplaces and the use of protective and control measures among workers. METHODS Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey of workers and employers involved in welding in Australia. Survey questions focused on the determinants of exposure to welding fume, welding experience and qualifications, and use of control measures. RESULTS There were 634 respondents to the survey across Australia of whom 577 (91%) were assessed as being exposed to welding fume, most at high levels. Welders undertook a wide range of types of welding, and higher-risk welding such as in confined and restricted spaces was common. Most workplaces did not have any form of mechanical ventilation, and use of air-supplied respiratory protection was poor even when ventilation was not used. CONCLUSION Welders in Australia are exposed to several carcinogens, particularly welding fume, hexavalent chromium (CrVI) and nickel, and the use of control measures is sub-optimal. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Higher-order controls are the best way to reduce exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. The lack of use of these controls by Australian welders is concerning and needs to be a focus of attention by regulators and companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fritschi
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy R Driscoll
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ha Nguyen
- Centre for Work Health and Safety, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kamil Abdallah
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Renee N Carey
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.
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Jiang Z, Schenk L, Assarsson E, Albin M, Bertilsson H, Dock E, Hagberg J, Karlsson LE, Kines P, Krais AM, Ljunggren S, Lundh T, Modig L, Möller R, Pineda D, Ricklund N, Saber AT, Storsjö T, Amir ET, Tinnerberg H, Tondel M, Vogel U, Wiebert P, Broberg K, Engfeldt M. Hexavalent chromium still a concern in Sweden - Evidence from a cross-sectional study within the SafeChrom project. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114298. [PMID: 38056371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is classified as a human carcinogen. Occupational Cr(VI) exposure can occur during different work processes, but the current exposure to Cr(VI) at Swedish workplaces is unknown. METHODS This cross-sectional study (SafeChrom) recruited non-smoking men and women from 14 companies with potential Cr(VI) exposure (n = 113) and controls from 6 companies without Cr(VI) exposure (n = 72). Inhalable Cr(VI) was measured by personal air sampling (outside of respiratory protection) in exposed workers. Total Cr was measured in urine (pre- and post-shift, density-adjusted) and red blood cells (RBC) (reflecting Cr(VI)) in exposed workers and controls. The Bayesian tool Expostats was used to assess risk and evaluate occupational exposure limit (OEL) compliance. RESULTS The exposed workers performed processing of metal products, steel production, welding, plating, and various chemical processes. The geometric mean concentration of inhalable Cr(VI) in exposed workers was 0.15 μg/m3 (95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.21). Eight of the 113 exposed workers (7%) exceeded the Swedish OEL of 5 μg/m3, and the Bayesian analysis estimated the share of OEL exceedances up to 19.6% for stainless steel welders. Median post-shift urinary (0.60 μg/L, 5th-95th percentile 0.10-3.20) and RBC concentrations (0.73 μg/L, 0.51-2.33) of Cr were significantly higher in the exposed group compared with the controls (urinary 0.10 μg/L, 0.06-0.56 and RBC 0.53 μg/L, 0.42-0.72). Inhalable Cr(VI) correlated with urinary Cr (rS = 0.64) and RBC-Cr (rS = 0.53). Workers within steel production showed the highest concentrations of inhalable, urinary and RBC Cr. Workers with inferred non-acceptable local exhaustion ventilation showed significantly higher inhalable Cr(VI), urinary and RBC Cr concentrations compared with those with inferred acceptable ventilation. Furthermore, workers with inferred correct use of respiratory protection were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of Cr(VI) in air and had higher levels of Cr in urine and RBC than those assessed with incorrect or no use. Based on the Swedish job-exposure-matrix, approximately 17 900 workers were estimated to be occupationally exposed to Cr(VI) today. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that some workers in Sweden are exposed to high levels of the non-threshold carcinogen Cr(VI). Employers and workers seem aware of Cr(VI) exposure, but more efficient exposure control strategies are required. National strategies aligned with the European strategies are needed in order to eliminate this cause of occupational cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheshun Jiang
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Linda Schenk
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Assarsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Bertilsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Dock
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jessika Hagberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lovisa E Karlsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Region Örebro County, Sweden
| | - Pete Kines
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette M Krais
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan Ljunggren
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center in Linköping, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Modig
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rickie Möller
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniela Pineda
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niklas Ricklund
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Region Örebro County, Sweden
| | - Anne T Saber
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias Storsjö
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Evana Taher Amir
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Tinnerberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Tondel
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernilla Wiebert
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Malin Engfeldt
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
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Santonen T, Louro H, Bocca B, Bousoumah R, Duca RC, Fucic A, Galea KS, Godderis L, Göen T, Iavicoli I, Janasik B, Jones K, Leese E, Leso V, Ndaw S, Poels K, Porras SP, Ruggieri F, Silva MJ, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Verdonck J, Wasowicz W, Tavares A, Sepai O, Scheepers PTJ, Viegas S. The HBM4EU chromates study - Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114099. [PMID: 36528954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Within the EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU), a targeted, multi-national study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was performed. Cr(VI) is currently regulated in EU under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and under occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. It has recently been subject to regulatory actions to improve its risk management in European workplaces. Analysis of the data obtained within the HBM4EU chromates study provides support both for the implementation of these regulatory actions and for national enforcement programs and may also contribute to the updating of occupational limit values (OELs) and biological limit values for Cr(VI). It also provides useful insights on the contribution of different risk management measures (RMMs) to further reduce the exposure to Cr(VI) and may support the evaluation of applications for authorisation under REACH. Findings on chrome platers' additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure highlight the need to also pay attention to this substance group in the metals sector. A survey performed to evaluate the policy relevance of the HBM4EU chromates study findings supports the usefulness of the study results. According to the responses received from the survey, the HBM4EU chromates study was able to demonstrate the added value of the human biomonitoring (HBM) approach in assessment and management of occupational exposure to Cr(VI). For future occupational studies, we emphasise the need for engagement of policy makers and regulators throughout the whole research process to ensure awareness, relevance and uptake of the results in future policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Henriqueta Louro
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P, and Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Beatrice Bocca
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Radia Bousoumah
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Department Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg; Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Fucic
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Beata Janasik
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive, Harpur Hill, Buxton, UK
| | | | - Veruscka Leso
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sophie Ndaw
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Katrien Poels
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simo P Porras
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria J Silva
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P, and Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Department Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg; Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelle Verdonck
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ana Tavares
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, I.P, and Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Paul T J Scheepers
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Viegas
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
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HBM4EU Chromates Study: Determinants of Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium in Plating, Welding and Other Occupational Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063683. [PMID: 35329370 PMCID: PMC8953290 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Work-related exposures in industrial processing of chromate (chrome plating, surface treatment and welding) raise concern regarding the health risk of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). In this study, performed under the HBM4EU project, we focused on better understanding the determinants of exposure and recognising how risk management measures (RMMs) contribute to a reduction in exposure. HBM and occupational hygiene data were collected from 399 workers and 203 controls recruited in nine European countries. Urinary total chromium (U-Cr), personal inhalable and respirable dust of Cr and Cr(VI) and Cr from hand wipes were collected. Data on the RMMs were collected by questionnaires. We studied the association between different exposure parameters and the use of RMMs. The relationship between exposure by inhalation and U-Cr in different worker groups was analysed using regression analysis and found a strong association. Automatisation of Cr electroplating dipping explained lower exposure levels in platers. The use of personal protective equipment resulted in lower U-Cr levels in welding, bath plating and painting. An effect of wearing gloves was observed in machining. An effect of local exhaust ventilation and training was observed in welding. Regression analyses showed that in platers, exposure to air level of 5 µg/m3 corresponds to U-Cr level of 7 µg/g creatinine. In welders, the same inhalation exposure resulted in lower U-Cr levels reflecting toxicokinetic differences of different chromium species.
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Quintana-Sosa M, León-Mejía G, Luna-Carrascal J, De Moya YS, Rodríguez IL, Acosta-Hoyos A, Anaya-Romero M, Trindade C, Narváez DM, Restrepo HGD, Dias J, Niekraszewicz L, Garcia ALH, Rohr P, da Silva J, Henriques JAP. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-CYT) assay biomarkers and telomere length analysis in relation to inorganic elements in individuals exposed to welding fumes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 212:111935. [PMID: 33578128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.111935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the welding activities many compounds are released, several of these cause oxidative stress and inflammation and some are considered carcinogenic, in fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer established that welding fumes are carcinogenic to humans. The aim of the present study was to analyze the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of exposure to welding fumes and to determine concentrations of metals in blood and urine of occupationally exposed workers. We included 98 welders and 100 non-exposed individuals. Our results show significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD) and necrotic cells (NECR) in cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay, as well as in the telomere length (TL) of the exposed individuals with respect to the non-exposed group. In the analysis of the concentrations of inorganic elements using PIXE method, were found higher concentrations of Cr, Fe and Cu in the urine, and Cr, Fe, Mg, Al, S, and Mn in the blood in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. A significant correlation was observed between MN and age and between NPB and years of exposure. Additionally, we found a significant correlation for TL in relation to MN, NPB, age and years of exposure in the exposed group. Interestingly, a significant correlation between MN and the increase in the concentration of Mg, S, Fe and Cu in blood samples of the exposed group, and between MN and Cr, Fe, Ni and Cu in urine. Thus, our findings may be associated with oxidative and inflammatory damage processes generated by the components contained in welding fumes, suggesting a high occupational risk in welding workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Quintana-Sosa
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Grethel León-Mejía
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia.
| | - Jaime Luna-Carrascal
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Yurina Sh De Moya
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Ibeth Luna Rodríguez
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Antonio Acosta-Hoyos
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Marco Anaya-Romero
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Cristiano Trindade
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | | | | | - Johnny Dias
- Laboratório de Implantação Iônica, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Liana Niekraszewicz
- Laboratório de Implantação Iônica, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Rohr
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Pêgas Henriques
- Departamento de Biofísica, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil.
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Brand P, Ebert B, Esser A, Sharma R. Direct Exposure of Welders to Welding Fumes and Effect of Fume Extraction Systems Under Controlled Conditions. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:490-502. [PMID: 34048382 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Welding fume exposure of welders occurs either directly from the welding process and sputters or from the fume background within the workshop. In this study the contribution of fume originating directly from the welding process was assessed. METHODS Exposure was quantified by measuring the time integral of fume mass concentration using a tapered element oscillating micro balance connected to a welder dummy. RESULTS Direct fume exposure was highest for welding processes with low fume emission rates and lowest for processes with high fume emission rates. CONCLUSIONS This finding is supposed to be due to the higher energy input of high emitting processes which stabilizes the thermic column and therefore eliminates fume particles from the welder's breathing zone. Exposure can be minimized by additionally optimizing workshop ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Brand
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen (Dr Brand, Dr Esser); and Welding and Joining Institute (Mr Ebert, Mr Sharma), RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Pesch B, Lehnert M, Weiss T, Kendzia B, Menne E, Lotz A, Heinze E, Behrens T, Gabriel S, Schneider W, Brüning T. Exposure to hexavalent chromium in welders: Results of the WELDOX II field study. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:351-361. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beate Pesch
- Center of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Lehnert
- Center of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Human Biomonitoring, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kendzia
- Center of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eleonore Menne
- Human Biomonitoring, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne Lotz
- Center of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Evelyn Heinze
- Center of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Behrens
- Center of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Gabriel
- Unit 1.3 Monitoring of Working Conditions, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstrasse, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schneider
- Unit 2.1 Metal Analysis, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstrasse , Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
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Botti L, Ferrari E, Mora C. Automated entry technologies for confined space work activities: A survey. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:271-284. [PMID: 27754794 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1250003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Work in confined spaces poses a significant risk to workers and rescuers involved in the emergency response when an accident occurs. Despite several standards and regulations define the safety requirements for such activities, injuries, and fatalities still occur. Furthermore, the on-site inspections after accidents often reveal that both employers and employees fail to implement safe entry procedures. Removing the risk is possible by avoiding the worker entry, but many activities require the presence of the operator inside the confined space to perform manual tasks. The following study investigates the available technologies for hazardous confined space work activities, e.g., cleaning, inspecting, and maintenance tasks. The aim is to provide a systematic review of the automated solutions for high-risk activities in confined spaces, considering the non-man entry as the most effective confined space safety strategy. Second, this survey aims to provide suggestions for future research addressing the design of new technologies. The survey consists of about 60 papers concerning innovative technologies for confined space work activities. The document review shows that several solutions have been developed and automation can replace the workers for a limited number of hazardous tasks. Several activities still require the manual intervention due to the complex characteristics of confined spaces, e.g., to remove the remains of the automatic cleaning process from the bottom of a tank. The results show that available technologies require more flexibility to adapt to such occupational environments and further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Botti
- a Department of Management and Engineering , University of Padua , Vicenza , Italy
| | - Emilio Ferrari
- b Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Cristina Mora
- b Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Peters S, Vermeulen R, Portengen L, Olsson A, Kendzia B, Vincent R, Savary B, Lavoué J, Cavallo D, Cattaneo A, Mirabelli D, Plato N, Fevotte J, Pesch B, Brüning T, Straif K, Kromhout H. SYN-JEM: A Quantitative Job-Exposure Matrix for Five Lung Carcinogens. THE ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:795-811. [PMID: 27286764 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mew034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of measurement data in occupational exposure assessment allows more quantitative analyses of possible exposure-response relations. We describe a quantitative exposure assessment approach for five lung carcinogens (i.e. asbestos, chromium-VI, nickel, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (by its proxy benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)) and respirable crystalline silica). A quantitative job-exposure matrix (JEM) was developed based on statistical modeling of large quantities of personal measurements. METHODS Empirical linear models were developed using personal occupational exposure measurements (n = 102306) from Europe and Canada, as well as auxiliary information like job (industry), year of sampling, region, an a priori exposure rating of each job (none, low, and high exposed), sampling and analytical methods, and sampling duration. The model outcomes were used to create a JEM with a quantitative estimate of the level of exposure by job, year, and region. RESULTS Decreasing time trends were observed for all agents between the 1970s and 2009, ranging from -1.2% per year for personal BaP and nickel exposures to -10.7% for asbestos (in the time period before an asbestos ban was implemented). Regional differences in exposure concentrations (adjusted for measured jobs, years of measurement, and sampling method and duration) varied by agent, ranging from a factor 3.3 for chromium-VI up to a factor 10.5 for asbestos. CONCLUSION We estimated time-, job-, and region-specific exposure levels for four (asbestos, chromium-VI, nickel, and RCS) out of five considered lung carcinogens. Through statistical modeling of large amounts of personal occupational exposure measurement data we were able to derive a quantitative JEM to be used in community-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Peters
- 1.Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; 2.Occupational Respiratory Epidemiology, School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia;
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- 1.Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; 3.Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lützen Portengen
- 1.Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Olsson
- 4.International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Kendzia
- 5.Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Rurh-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Raymond Vincent
- 6.Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France
| | - Barbara Savary
- 6.Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France
| | - Jérôme Lavoué
- 7.Research Centre of University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Canada
| | - Domenico Cavallo
- 8.Department of Science and High Technology, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- 8.Department of Science and High Technology, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Dario Mirabelli
- 9.Cancer Epidemiology Unit, CPO-Piemonte and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nils Plato
- 10.The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joelle Fevotte
- 11.Département santé travail, Institut de veille sanitaire, St Maurice, France
| | - Beate Pesch
- 5.Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Rurh-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- 5.Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Rurh-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kurt Straif
- 4.International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- 1.Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Pesch B, Kendzia B, Hauptmann K, Van Gelder R, Stamm R, Hahn JU, Zschiesche W, Behrens T, Weiss T, Siemiatycki J, Lavoué J, Jöckel KH, Brüning T. Airborne exposure to inhalable hexavalent chromium in welders and other occupations: Estimates from the German MEGA database. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2015; 218:500-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Occupational Exposure to Chrome VI Compounds in French Companies: Results of a National Campaign to Measure Exposure (2010–2013). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 59:41-51. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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12
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Stanislawska M, Janasik B, Wasowicz W. Application of high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC–ICP-MS) for determination of chromium compounds in the air at the workplace. Talanta 2013; 117:14-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.07.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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Levels and predictors of airborne and internal exposure to chromium and nickel among welders—Results of the WELDOX study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 216:175-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Local Exhaust Ventilation for the Control of Welding Fumes in the Construction Industry—A Literature Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 56:764-76. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mes018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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15
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Scarselli A, Binazzi A, Marzio DD, Marinaccio A, Iavicoli S. Hexavalent chromium compounds in the workplace: assessing the extent and magnitude of occupational exposure in Italy. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2012; 9:398-407. [PMID: 22577838 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2012.682216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds have been classified as carcinogenic to humans. This study evaluates the extent and magnitude of occupational exposures to Cr(VI) in Italy. Data were collected from exposure registries of companies compulsorily notified by the National Workers' Compensation Authority. Each measurement was characterized by economic activity sector, work force size, worker personal data, job description, year of measurement, and level of exposure. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out on the retrieved information. The number of workers potentially exposed was estimated for some industrial sectors. A mixed-effects model was adopted to evaluate the association between exposure variables and exposure concentrations. Over 8400 measurements of Cr(VI) exposures were selected from the database of registries for 1996-2009. Most exposures occurred in the manufacture of fabricated metal products (>50%), and the occupational group most frequently measured was metal finishing-, plating- and coating-machine operators (>52%). Measurements were associated with various Cr(VI) compounds, including chromium trioxide, potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate, strontium chromate, and zinc chromate. Cr(VI) exposure has decreased in more recent years, and the fixed-effects (Cr(VI) compound, activity sector, size and location of the facility, job category, and year of measurement of the final statistical model explained more than 70% of the variance in the observed exposure data. This study summarized data recorded in the Italian occupational exposure database and identified specific exposure patterns to Cr(VI). The mean level of exposure to Cr(VI) was 30.41 μg/m³, and 50,118 workers were estimated at exposure risk in the selected industrial sectors. Systematic recording of occupational exposures is a source of data that allows recognition of high risk situations and improvements in exposure assessment for epidemiologic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Scarselli
- Epidemiology Unit, Occupational Medicine Department, ex ISPESL Research Area, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority-INAIL, Rome, Italy.
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Wang J, Kalivoda M, Guan J, Theodore A, Sharby J, Wu CY, Paulson K, Es-Said O. Double shroud delivery of silica precursor for reducing hexavalent chromium in welding fume. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2012; 9:733-742. [PMID: 23113576 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2012.733576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The welding process yields a high concentration of nanoparticles loaded with hexavalent chromium (Cr(6+)), a known human carcinogen. Previous studies have demonstrated that using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as a shielding gas additive can significantly reduce the Cr(6+) concentration in welding fume particles. In this study, a novel insulated double shroud torch (IDST) was developed to further improve the reduction of airborne Cr(6+) concentration by separating the flows of the primary shielding gas and the TMS carrier gas. Welding fumes were collected from a welding chamber in the laboratory and from a fixed location near the welding arc in a welding facility. The Cr(6+) content was analyzed with ion chromatography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results from the chamber sampling demonstrated that the addition of 3.2 ≈ 5.1% of TMS carrier gas to the primary shielding gas resulted in more than a 90% reduction of airborne Cr(6+) under all shielding gas flow rates. The XPS result confirmed complete elimination of Cr(6+) inside the amorphous silica shell. Adding 100 ≈ 1000 ppm of nitric oxide or carbon monoxide to the shielding gas could also reduce Cr(6+) concentrations up to 57% and 35%, respectively; however, these reducing agents created potential hazards from the release of unreacted agents. Results of the field test showed that the addition of 1.6% of TMS carrier gas to the primary shielding gas reduced Cr(6+) concentration to the limitation of detection (1.1 μg/m(3)). In a worst-case scenario, if TMS vapor leaked into the environment without decomposition and ventilation, the estimated TMS concentration in the condition of field sampling would be a maximum 5.7 ppm, still well below its flammability limit (1%). Based on a previously developed cost model, the use of TMS increases the general cost by 3.8%. No visual deterioration of weld quality caused by TMS was found, although further mechanical testing is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6450, USA
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Evaluating chromosomal damage in workers exposed to hexavalent chromium and the modulating role of polymorphisms of DNA repair genes. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2011; 85:473-81. [PMID: 21858514 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-011-0684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Welders have been chronically exposed to hexavalent chromium with potential consequences on chromosomal integrity. Our study is focused on the extent of any such chromosomal aberrations with respect to chromium levels in the blood of welders as well as on the tentative modulating role of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes XPD Lys751Gln, XPG Asn114His, XPC Lys939Gln, hOGG1 Ser326Cys and XRCC1 Arg399Gln on chromosomal damage. METHODS The study was conducted on 144 individuals consisting of 73 welders exposed to chromium for 10.2 ± 1.67 years and 71 control individuals without known exposures. Chromosomal aberrations, their chromatid-type and chromosome-type aberrations were detected by conventional cytogenetic analysis. XPD, XPG, XPC, hOGG1 and XRCC1 gene polymorphisms were assayed for by Taqman SNP genotyping assay ("Assay-by-Demand") using Real-Time allelic discrimination on AB 7500 equipment. Chromium concentration in the blood was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS The level of chromium in the blood of welders ranged between 0.032 and 0.182 μmol l(-1) and was significantly higher than that in controls (0.07 ± 0.04 μmol l(-1) vs. 0.03 ± 0.007 μmol l(-1)). Parameters of chromosomal damage were similar in both the exposed and the control individuals (1.89% vs. 1.70% for total chromosomal aberrations, 0.97% vs. 0.88% for chromosome-type and 0.92% vs. 0.80% for chromatid-type, respectively). Chromatid-type of aberrations positively correlated with the level of chromium in the blood (r = 0.28; P = 0.02). Significantly higher total chromosomal aberrations were detected in individuals with homozygous variant polymorphism in XRCC1 Arg399Gln gene as compared to those with heterozygous and homozygous wild-type genotypes (2.20, 1.89 and 1.48%, respectively; P = 0.01). A similar tendency was found for chromatid-type aberrations (1.30% for homozygous variant genotype bearers, 0.94% for those with heterozygous genotype and 0.75% for carriers of homozygous wild-type genotype, respectively; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Although no apparent increase in chromosomal damage was recorded in chromium-exposed welders in comparison with controls, genetic make-up in DNA repair genes may increase susceptibility toward adverse effect of chromium.
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