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Sweeney LM, Sterner TR. Toxicity Reference Values (TRVs) for Force Health Protection: Gap Identification and TRV Prediction. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024:105685. [PMID: 39147262 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105685] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The mission of the Force Health Protection (FHP) program of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), sustaining the readiness of warfighters, relies on determinations of acceptable levels of exposure to a wide array of substances that USAF personnel may encounter. In many cases, exposure details are limited or authoritative toxicity reference values (TRVs) are unavailable. To address some of the TRV gaps, we are integrating several approaches to generate health protective exposure guidelines. Descriptions are provided for identification of chemicals of interest for USAF FHP (467 to date), synthesis of multiple TRVs to derive Operational Exposure Limits (OpELs), and strategies for identifying and developing candidate values for provisional OpELs when authoritative TRVs are lacking. Rodent bioassay-derived long-term Derived No Effect Levels (DNELs) for workers were available only for a minority of the substances with occupational TRV gaps (19 of 84). Additional occupational TRV estimation approaches were found to be straightforward to implement: Tier 1 Occupational Exposure Bands, cheminformatics approaches (multiple linear regression and novel nearest-neighbor approaches), and empirical adjustment of short term TRVs. Risk assessors working in similar contexts may benefit from application of the resources referenced and developed in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa R Sterner
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 2728 Q Street, Building 837, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433 USA
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2
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Lampi MA, Therkorn JH, Kung MH, Isola AL, Barter RA. Current frameworks for environmental and health assessment of hydrocarbon streams and products are flexible and ready for alternative non crude oil-based feeds. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae114. [PMID: 39086642 PMCID: PMC11289309 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hazard and risk assessment of complex petroleum-derived substances has been in a state of continuous improvement since the 1970s, with the development of approaches that continue to be applied and refined. Alternative feeds are defined here as those coming into a refinery or chemical plant that are not hydrocarbons from oil and gas extraction such as biologically derived oils, pyrolysis oil from biomass or other, and recycled materials. These feeds are increasingly being used for production of liquid hydrocarbon streams, and hence, there is a need to assess these alternatives, subsequent manufacturing and refining processes and end products for potential risk to humans and the environment. Here we propose a tiered, problem formulation-driven framework for assessing the safety of hydrocarbon streams and products derived from alternative feedstocks in use. The scope of this work is only focused on petrochemical safety assessment, though the principles may be applicable to other chemistries. The framework integrates combinations of analytical chemistry, in silico and in vitro tools, and targeted testing together with conservative assumptions/approaches to leverage existing health, environmental, and exposure data, where applicable. The framework enables the identification of scenarios where de novo hazard and/or exposure assessments may be needed and incorporates tiered approaches to do so. It can be applied to enable decisions efficiently and transparently and can encompass a wide range of compositional space in both feedstocks and finished products, with the objective of ensuring safety in manufacturing and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Lampi
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., 1545 US 22 East, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
| | - Jennifer H Therkorn
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., 1545 US 22 East, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
| | - Ming H Kung
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., 1545 US 22 East, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
| | - Allison L Isola
- ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company, Product Stewardship & Regulatory Affairs, 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring, TX 77389, United States
| | - Robert A Barter
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Research Organization, 1545 US 22 East, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
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3
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Pawlak M, Pobłocki K, Drzeżdżon J, Gawdzik B, Jacewicz D. "Isocyanates and isocyanides - life-threatening toxins or essential compounds?". THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173250. [PMID: 38761928 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Isocyanides and isocyanates are some of the most reactive compounds in organic chemistry, making them perceived as compounds with high potential for use in both the laboratory and industry. With their high reactivity also comes several disadvantages, most notably their potentially high toxicity. The following article is a collection of information on the toxic effects of the isocyanide group on the human body and the environment. Information on the mechanism of how these harmful substances affect living tissues and the environment, worldwide information on how to protect against these chemicals, current regulations, and exposure limits for specific countries is compiled. The latest research on the application uses of isocyanates and isocyanides is also outlined, as well as the latest safer and greener methods and techniques to work with these compounds. Additionally, the presented article can serve as a brief guide to the organic toxicity of a group of isocyanates and isocyanates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pawlak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Technology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Kacper Pobłocki
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Technology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Joanna Drzeżdżon
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Technology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawdzik
- Institute of Chemistry, Jan Kochanowski University, Uniwersytecka 7, 25-406 Kielce, Poland
| | - Dagmara Jacewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Technology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdansk, Poland.
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4
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Herren P, Dunn AM, Meyling NV, Savio C, Hesketh H. Effect of CO 2 Concentrations on Entomopathogen Fitness and Insect-Pathogen Interactions. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:34. [PMID: 38261023 PMCID: PMC10805855 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02347-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Numerous insect species and their associated microbial pathogens are exposed to elevated CO2 concentrations in both artificial and natural environments. However, the impacts of elevated CO2 on the fitness of these pathogens and the susceptibility of insects to pathogen infections are not well understood. The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, is commonly produced for food and feed purposes in mass-rearing systems, which increases risk of pathogen infections. Additionally, entomopathogens are used to control T. molitor, which is also a pest of stored grains. It is therefore important to understand how elevated CO2 may affect both the pathogen directly and impact on host-pathogen interactions. We demonstrate that elevated CO2 concentrations reduced the viability and persistence of the spores of the bacterial pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis. In contrast, conidia of the fungal pathogen Metarhizium brunneum germinated faster under elevated CO2. Pre-exposure of the two pathogens to elevated CO2 prior to host infection did not affect the survival probability of T. molitor larvae. However, larvae reared at elevated CO2 concentrations were less susceptible to both pathogens compared to larvae reared at ambient CO2 concentrations. Our findings indicate that whilst elevated CO2 concentrations may be beneficial in reducing host susceptibility in mass-rearing systems, they may potentially reduce the efficacy of the tested entomopathogens when used as biological control agents of T. molitor larvae. We conclude that CO2 concentrations should be carefully selected and monitored as an additional environmental factor in laboratory experiments investigating insect-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Herren
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Alison M Dunn
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nicolai V Meyling
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark
| | - Carlotta Savio
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Micalis Institute, Domaine de Vilvert, Jouy-en-Josas, AgroParisTech, 78350, France
- Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Helen Hesketh
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
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5
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Panko J, Mittal L, Franke K, Maberti S, Zollers S, Millison K, Youssef N, Erraguntla N. Industry-wide review of potential worker exposure to 1,3-butadiene during chemical manufacturing and processing as a reactant. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024; 21:13-23. [PMID: 37788445 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2264329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Among the first 20 high-priority chemical substances selected by USEPA to undergo risk evaluation as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act of 2016 is 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD). Because much of the literature related to occupational exposure to 1,3-BD is associated with the use of the substance in synthetic rubber production and few data have been published for exposures to 1,3-BD manufacturing workers, existing industrial hygiene data collected at facilities where the substance is manufactured or processed as a reactant were compiled and analyzed. The dataset was comprised of personal air samples collected between 2010 and 2019 at facilities located throughout the United States and was compiled into a single database using a uniform data collection template. Data designated by the companies as full-shift were stratified by job group and one of three operational conditions of the workplace: routine, turnaround, and non-routine. Data designated by the companies as short-term and task-level were stratified by task description, sample duration, and operational condition. The final aggregated database contained a total of 5,676 full-shift personal samples. Mean concentrations of 1,3-BD for the job groups ranged from 0.012 ppm to 0.16 ppm. High-end estimates of 1,3-BD air concentrations for the job groups under routine operations ranged from 0.014 ppm to 0.23 ppm. The aggregated database also included 1,063 short-term and task-level personal samples. For short-term samples (< =15 min), mean concentrations ranged from 0.49 ppm to 3.9 ppm, with the highest concentrations observed for the cleaning and maintaining equipment tasks. For task samples with durations greater than 15 min, mean concentrations ranged from 0.49 to 3.6 ppm, with the highest concentrations observed for the unloading and loading task. In addition to the personal air sampling records, information on the use of PPE during various tasks was compiled and analyzed. This data set provides robust quantitative air concentration data and exposure control information for which occupational exposures to 1,3-BD in the Manufacturing and Processing as a Reactant condition of use can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kara Franke
- ToxStrategies Inc, Asheville, North Carolina
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6
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Russell AJ, Vincent M, Buerger AN, Dotson S, Lotter J, Maier A. Establishing short-term occupational exposure limits (STELs) for sensory irritants using predictive and in silico respiratory rate depression (RD 50) models. Inhal Toxicol 2024; 36:13-25. [PMID: 38252504 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2023.2299867] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Sensory irritation is a health endpoint that serves as the critical effect basis for many occupational exposure limits (OELs). Schaper 1993 described a significant relationship with high correlation between the measured exposure concentration producing a 50% respiratory rate decrease (RD50) in a standard rodent assay and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®) as time-weighted averages (TWAs) for airborne chemical irritants. The results demonstrated the potential use of the RD50 values for deriving full-shift TWA OELs protective of irritant responses. However, there remains a need to develop a similar predictive model for deriving workplace short-term exposure limits (STELs) for sensory irritants. The aim of our study was to establish a model capable of correlating the relationship between RD50 values and published STELs to prospectively derive short-term exposure OELs for sensory irritants. A National Toxicology Program (NTP) database that included chemicals with both an RD50 and established STELs was used to fit several linear regression models. A strong correlation between RD50s and STELs was identified, with a predictive equation of ln (STEL) (ppm) = 0.86 * ln (RD50) (ppm) - 2.42 and an R2 value of 0.75. This model supports the use of RD50s to derive STELs for chemicals without existing exposure recommendations. Further, for data-poor sensory irritants, predicted RD50 values from in silico quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models can be used to derive STELs. Hence, in silico methods and statistical modeling can present a path forward for establishing reliable OELs and improving worker safety and health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Vincent
- Stantec (ChemRisk), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Tox Strategies, Ashville, NC, USA
| | - Amanda N Buerger
- Stantec (ChemRisk), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Tox Strategies, Ashville, NC, USA
| | - Scott Dotson
- Stantec (ChemRisk), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Insight Exposure and Risk Sciences Group, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jason Lotter
- Insight Exposure and Risk Sciences Group, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Stantec (ChemRisk), Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Maier
- Stantec (ChemRisk), Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Occupational Alliance for Risk Science, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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7
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Lucas L, Whittaker C, John Bailer A. Visualizing the NIOSH Pocket Guide: Open-source web application for accessing and exploring the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024; 21:47-57. [PMID: 37874933 PMCID: PMC10922582 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2267098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards is a trusted resource that displays key information for a collection of chemicals commonly encountered in the workplace. Entries contain chemical structures-occupational exposure limit information ranging from limits based on full-shift time-weighted averages to acute limits such as short-term exposure limits and immediately dangerous to life or health values, as well as a variety of other data such as chemical-physical properties and symptoms of exposure. The NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG) is available as a printed, hardcopy book, a PDF version, an electronic database, and a downloadable application for mobile phones. All formats of the NIOSH Pocket Guide allow users to access the data for each chemical separately, however, the guide does not support data analytics or visualization across chemicals. This project reformatted existing data in the NPG to make it searchable and compatible with exploration and analysis using a web application. The resulting application allows users to investigate the relationships between occupational exposure limits, the range and distribution of occupational exposure limits, and the specialized sorting of chemicals by health endpoint or to summarize information of particular interest. These tasks would have previously required manual extraction of the data and analysis. The usability of this application was evaluated among industrial hygienists and researchers and while the existing application seems most relevant to researchers, the open-source code and data are amenable to modification by users to increase customization.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn Lucas
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - A. John Bailer
- Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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8
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Beckett EM, Abelmann A, Roberts B, Lewis RC, Cheatham D, Miller EW, Hall E, Pierce JS. An updated evaluation of reported no-observed adverse effect levels for chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite asbestos for lung cancer and mesothelioma. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:611-657. [PMID: 38126124 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2283169] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This analysis updates two previous analyses that evaluated the exposure-response relationships for lung cancer and mesothelioma in chrysotile-exposed cohorts. We reviewed recently published studies, as well as updated information from previous studies. Based on the 16 studies considered for chrysotile (<10% amphibole), we identified the "no-observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) for lung cancer and/or mesothelioma; it should be noted that smoking or previous or concurrent occupational exposure to amphiboles (if it existed) was not controlled for. NOAEL values ranged from 2.3-<11.5 f/cc-years to 1600-3200 f/cc-years for lung cancer and from 100-<400 f/cc-years to 800-1599 f/cc-years for mesothelioma. The range of best-estimate NOAELs was estimated to be 97-175 f/cc-years for lung cancer and 250-379 f/cc-years for mesothelioma. None of the six cohorts of cement or friction product manufacturing workers exhibited an increased risk at any exposure level, while all but one of the six studies of textile workers reported an increased risk at one or more exposure levels. This is likely because friction and cement workers were exposed to much shorter chrysotile fibers. Only eight cases of peritoneal mesothelioma were reported in all studies on predominantly chrysotile-exposed cohorts combined. This analysis also proposed best-estimate amosite and crocidolite NOAELs for mesothelioma derived by the application of relative potency estimates to the best-estimate chrysotile NOAELs for mesothelioma and validated by epidemiology studies with exposure-response information. The best-estimate amosite and crocidolite NOAELs for mesothelioma were 2-5 f/cc-years and 0.6-1 f/cc-years, respectively. The rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in amosite- and crocidolite-exposed cohorts was between approximately 70- to 100-fold and several-hundred-fold higher than in chrysotile-exposed cohorts, respectively. These findings will help characterize potential worker and consumer health risks associated with historical and current chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ethan Hall
- Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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9
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Minucci JM, Purucker ST, Isaacs KK, Wambaugh JF, Phillips KA. A Data-Driven Approach to Estimating Occupational Inhalation Exposure Using Workplace Compliance Data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5947-5956. [PMID: 36995295 PMCID: PMC10100548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A growing list of chemicals are approved for production and use in the United States and elsewhere, and new approaches are needed to rapidly assess the potential exposure and health hazard posed by these substances. Here, we present a high-throughput, data-driven approach that will aid in estimating occupational exposure using a database of over 1.5 million observations of chemical concentrations in U.S. workplace air samples. We fit a Bayesian hierarchical model that uses industry type and the physicochemical properties of a substance to predict the distribution of workplace air concentrations. This model substantially outperforms a null model when predicting whether a substance will be detected in an air sample, and if so at what concentration, with 75.9% classification accuracy and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.00 log10 mg m-3 when applied to a held-out test set of substances. This modeling framework can be used to predict air concentration distributions for new substances, which we demonstrate by making predictions for 5587 new substance-by-workplace-type pairs reported in the US EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) industrial use database. It also allows for improved consideration of occupational exposure within the context of high-throughput, risk-based chemical prioritization efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Minucci
- Center
for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research
and Development, US Environmental Protection
Agency, 109 TW Alexander Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - S. Thomas Purucker
- Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and
Development, US Environmental Protection
Agency, 109 TW Alexander
Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Kristin K. Isaacs
- Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and
Development, US Environmental Protection
Agency, 109 TW Alexander
Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - John F. Wambaugh
- Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and
Development, US Environmental Protection
Agency, 109 TW Alexander
Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Katherine A. Phillips
- Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and
Development, US Environmental Protection
Agency, 109 TW Alexander
Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
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10
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Rahimpoor R, Sarvi F, Rahimnejad S, Ebrahimi SM. Occupational exposure to BTEX and styrene in West Asian countries: a brief review of current state and limits. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2022; 73:107-118. [PMID: 35792774 PMCID: PMC9287831 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2022-73-3634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of introducing occupational exposure limits (OELs) is to use them as a risk management tool in order to protect workers' health and well-being against harmful agents at the workplace. In this review we identify OELs for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), and styrene concentrations in air and assess occupational exposure to these compounds through a systematic literature search of publications published in West Asian countries from 1980 to 2021. OELs for BTEX and styrene have been set in Iran and Turkey to levels similar to those in European countries and the US. The search yielded 49 full-text articles that cover studies of exposure assessment in six countries, but most (n=40) regard Iran. Average occupational exposure to benzene of workers in oil-related industries is higher than recommended OEL, while average occupational exposure to other compounds is lower than local OELs (where they exist). Currently, information about levels of occupational exposure to BTEX and styrene is insufficient in West Asian countries, which should be remedied through OEL regulation and application. Furthermore, coherent research is also needed to determine actual levels of occupational exposure, dose-responses, and the economic and technical capacity of local industries to address current issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razzagh Rahimpoor
- Larestan University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Evaz Health, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sarvi
- Larestan University of Medical Sciences, School of Health, Department of Public Health, Larestan, Iran
| | - Samira Rahimnejad
- Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Health, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ebrahimi
- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Pharmacy School, Department of Toxicology, Ahvaz, Iran
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11
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Fukushima A, Hayashi T, Takeyoshi M. Acceptable Surface Limits (ASLs) of skin sensitizers derived from the local lymph node assay (LLNA): BrdU-ELISA EC1.6 values and their relationships to known sensitization potency information. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1723-1730. [PMID: 35580980 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4339] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Skin sensitization is an extremely important risk factor for occupational health and safety and it would be desirable to set Health-Based Exposure Limits (HBELs) for the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) based on the skin sensitizing potencies of chemical. We attempted to set Acceptable Surface Limits (ASLs) as HBELs for skin sensitizers in the workplace based on the local lymph node assay (LLNA): BrdU-ELISA EC1.6 values. To calculate the ASLs, a Safety Assessment Factor (SAF)interspecies value of 6, based on the EC1.6 values/Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) NOEL ratios, a SAFinter-individual value of 10, and a SAFfrequency/duration value of 3 were applied, referring to previous literatures on SAFs for skin sensitization QRA, and the composite SAF was calculated as 180. The ASLs (mg/100 cm2 ) derived thus for 33 chemicals ranged from 0.001 to 10.417. Comparison of the ranges with known human sensitization potency classes and GHS subcategories revealed that use of GHS Category 1A chemicals needs to be controlled to ensure surface residue levels of less than 1 mg/100 cm2 . To minimize sensitization risks, a quantitative sensitization risk assessment method for chemicals and appropriate risk management are necessary. This report provides a potentially useful ASL-based method of managing sensitization risk derived from LLNA: BrdU-ELISA EC1.6 values, comparison of the ASLs and known human sensitization potency data showed that GHS subcategorization results would be a primary information notifying ASL ranges to be required for minimizing the sensitization risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Fukushima
- Chemicals Assessment and Research Center, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tae Hayashi
- Chemicals Assessment and Research Center, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takeyoshi
- Chemicals Assessment and Research Center, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Schneider K, Dilger M, Drossard C, Ott H, Kaiser E. Derivation of occupational exposure limits: differences in methods and protection levels. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:913-926. [PMID: 35188277 PMCID: PMC9311441 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Frameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL‐analogue values (such as derived‐no‐effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and at national level in Germany were analysed. Reasons for differences between frameworks and possible means of improving transparency and harmonisation were identified. Differences between assessment factors used for deriving exposure limits proved to be one important reason for diverging numerical values. Distributions for exposure time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation were combined by probabilistic methods and compared with default values of assessment factors used in the various OEL frameworks in order to investigate protection levels. In a subchronic inhalation study showing local effects in the respiratory tract, the probability that assessment factors were sufficiently high to protect 99% and 95% of the target population (workers) from adverse effects varied considerably from 9% to 71% and 17% to 87%, respectively, between the frameworks. All steps of the derivation process, including the uncertainty associated with the point of departure (POD), were further analysed with two examples of full probabilistic assessments. It is proposed that benchmark modelling should be the method of choice for deriving PODs and that all OEL frameworks should provide detailed guidance documents and clearly define their protection goals by stating the proportion of the exposed population the OEL aims to cover and the probability with which they intend to provide protection from adverse effects. Harmonisation can be achieved by agreeing on the way to perform the methodological steps for deriving OELs and on common protection goals. The frameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL‐analogue values (such as derived‐no‐effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and at the national level in Germany were analysed. Distributions for exposure time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation were combined by probabilistic methods and compared with assessment factors used in the various OEL frameworks in order to investigate protection levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH Freiburg Germany
| | - Marco Dilger
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH Freiburg Germany
| | - Claudia Drossard
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dortmund Germany
| | - Heidi Ott
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dortmund Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH Freiburg Germany
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Dilger M, Schneider K, Drossard C, Ott H, Kaiser E. Distributions for time, inter‐ and intraspecies extrapolation for deriving occupational exposure limits. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:898-912. [PMID: 35187686 PMCID: PMC9314728 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This work aimed at improving the empirical database of time (i.e., exposure duration), interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation when deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs). For each extrapolation step, a distribution was derived, which can be used to model the associated uncertainties. For time and interspecies extrapolation, distributions of ratios of dose descriptors were derived from studies of different length or species. National Toxicology Program (NTP) study data were manually assessed, and data from REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) registration dossiers were evaluated semi‐automatically. Intraspecies extrapolation was investigated by compiling published studies on human toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic variability. A new database was established for toxicokinetic differences in interindividual susceptibility, including many inhalation studies. Using NTP data produced more reliable results than using REACH data. The geometric mean (GM) for time extrapolation subacute/chronic agreed with previous evaluations (GM = 4.11), whereas the GM for subchronic/chronic extrapolation was slightly higher (GM = 2.93) than the GMs found by others. No significant differences were observed between systemically and locally acting substances. Observed interspecies differences confirmed the suitability of allometric scaling, with the derived distribution describing remaining uncertainty. Distributions of intraspecies variability at the 1% and 5% incidence level had medians of 7.25 and 3.56, respectively. When compared with assessment factors (AFs) currently used in the EU, probabilities that these AFs are protective enough span a wide range from 10% to 95%, depending on the extrapolation step. These results help to select AFs in a transparent and informed way and, by allowing to compare protection levels achieved, to harmonise methods for deriving OELs. This work aimed at improving the empirical database of time (i.e., exposure duration), interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation. Distributions were derived, which can be used to model the associated uncertainties. When compared with assessment factors (AFs) currently used in the EU, probabilities that these AFs are protective enough span a wide range from 10% to 95%, depending on the extrapolation step. These results help to select AFs in a transparent and informed way and to harmonise methods for deriving OELs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dilger
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Claudia Drossard
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dortmund Germany
| | - Heidi Ott
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dortmund Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
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14
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Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics Related to Occupational and Environmental Risk Factors: An Integrated Risk Assessment Approach. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020318. [PMID: 35204408 PMCID: PMC8870864 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There are still many questions remaining about the etiopathogenesis of thyroid cancer, the most common type of endocrine neoplasia. Numerous occupational and environmental exposures have been shown to represent important risk factors that increase its incidence. Updated information about thyroid cancer diagnostics related to occupational and environmental risk factors is reviewed here, considering an integrated risk assessment approach; new data concerning thyroid cancer etiology and pathogenesis mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers and methodologies, and risk factors involved in its pathogenesis are presented. A special emphasis is dedicated to specific occupational risk factors and to the association between environmental risk agents and thyroid cancer development. The occupational environment is taken into consideration, i.e., the current workplace and previous jobs, as well as data regarding risk factors, e.g., age, gender, family history, lifestyle, use of chemicals, or radiation exposure outside the workplace. Finally, an integrative approach is presented, underlying the need for an accurate Risk Assessment Matrix based on a systematic questionnaire. We propose a complex experimental design that contains different inclusion and exclusion criteria for patient groups, detailed working protocols for achieving coherent and sustainable, well-defined research stages from sample collection to the identification of biomarkers, with correlations between specific oncometabolites integrated into the Risk Assessment Matrix.
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15
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Polvara E, Spinazzè A, Invernizzi M, Cattaneo A, Sironi S, Cavallo DM. Toxicological assessment method for evaluating the occupational risk of dynamic olfactometry assessors. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 125:105003. [PMID: 34265403 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.105003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The paper aims to propose a new method to evaluate the occupational exposure risk for examiners involved in dynamic olfactometry. Indeed, examiners are possibly exposed to hazardous pollutants potentially present in odorous samples. A standardized method to evaluate the examiners' occupational safety is not yet available and the existing models present some critical aspect if applied to real odorous samples (no uniform reference concentrations applied and presence of compounds for which no toxicity threshold is available). A deepening of assessment procedure to evaluate the occupation exposure risk for olfactometric assessors is necessary. This paper proposes a standardized approach for risk assessment in dynamic olfactometry. The proposed approach allows the quantification synthetic and conservative risk indices. In this model, the use of the hazard index for the odorous mixture was proposed to assess the non-carcinogenic risk; the calculation of the inhalation risk was applied to estimate the carcinogenic risk. Different databases can be used to retrieve proper occupational exposure limits, according to the proposed hierarchical basis. These implementations allow obtaining the complete characterization of real samples which can be used to calculate the minimum dilution factor for protecting the panellists' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Polvara
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Spinazzè
- Department of Science and High Technology DiSAT, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Como, Italy.
| | - Marzio Invernizzi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology DiSAT, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Selena Sironi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Domenico Maria Cavallo
- Department of Science and High Technology DiSAT, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Como, Italy
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16
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Barn P, Keefe AR, Slot N, Jardine KJ, Ziembicki S, Telfer J, Palmer AL, Peters CE. Canada Should Move Toward Adopting Harmonized Evidence-Based OELs to Consistently and Adequately Protect Workers. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:367-372. [PMID: 33336241 PMCID: PMC8091453 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the way occupational exposure limits (OELs) are set in Canada, workers across the country are not equally and adequately protected from harmful workplace exposures. This disparity is illustrated in the case of exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). Based on the findings of a recent pan-Canadian and international scan of OELs for DEE, we recommend that Canada overcome these current disparities by moving towards harmonized, evidence-based OELs. To achieve this, Canada should adopt a centralized framework for setting OELs that considers the most recent scientific evidence as well as feasibility of implementation in the Canadian context. We assert that harmonizing OELs across Canada would allow for expertise and resources to be consolidated and is a crucial step to ensuring that all workers are consistently protected from harmful workplace exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabjit Barn
- CAREX Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Harbour Center Campus, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Nicole Slot
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services - Cancer Care Alberta, Holy Cross Centre, Box ACB, SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Katherine J Jardine
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Ziembicki
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Health Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joanne Telfer
- CAREX Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Harbour Center Campus, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alison L Palmer
- CAREX Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Harbour Center Campus, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- CAREX Canada, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Harbour Center Campus, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services - Cancer Care Alberta, Holy Cross Centre, Box ACB, SW, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
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17
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Goyak KO, Lewis RJ. Application of adverse outcome pathway networks to integrate mechanistic data informing the choice of a point of departure for hydrogen sulfide exposure limits. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:193-208. [PMID: 33905294 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1897085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide initiates a series of hallmark biological effects that occur progressively at increasing exposure levels: odor perception, conjunctivitis, olfactory paralysis, "knockdown," pulmonary edema, and apnea. Although effects of exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are clear, effects associated with chronic, low-level exposure in humans is under debate, leading to uncertainty in the critical effect used in regulatory risk assessments addressing low dose exposures. This study integrates experimental animal, observational epidemiology, and occupational exposure evidence by applying a pathway-based approach. A hypothesized adverse outcome pathway (AOP) network was developed from 34 studies, composed of 4 AOPs sharing 1 molecular initiating events (MIE) and culminating in 4 adverse outcomes. A comparative assessment of effect levels and weight of evidence identified an AOP leading to a biologically-plausible, low-dose outcome relative to the other outcomes (nasal lesions, 30 ppm versus olfactory paralysis, >100 ppm; neurological effects, >80 ppm; pulmonary edema, >80 ppm). This AOP (i.e. AOP1) consists of the following key events: cytochrome oxidase inhibition (>10 ppm), neuronal cell loss (>30 ppm), and olfactory nasal lesions (defined as both neuronal cell loss and basal cell hyperplasia; >30 ppm) in rodents. The key event relationships in this pathway were supported by moderate empirical evidence and have high biological plausibility due to known mechanistic understanding and consistency in observations for diverse chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy O Goyak
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, NJ, USA
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18
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Schenk L, Johanson G. Management of bias and conflict of interest among occupational exposure limit expert groups. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 123:104929. [PMID: 33872741 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104929] [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: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate policies and procedures for management of conflict of interest (CoI) and other sources of bias, implemented in Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) expert groups. First, we compiled procedural criteria applicable to OEL-setting, based on literature on CoI and systematic reviews. Second, we identified 58 global OEL-sources and sought the underlying expert groups and operating procedures. We identified eleven active groups, of which five have documented CoI policies. In all five, CoI management is based on declarations of interests (DoIs) and removal of experts from decisions in which they have an interest. Notable differences include publication of DoIs (three of five groups), limitation of DoI to current interests (two groups), quantitative limits for financial interests (none specified to ≥€10,000 per interest), control procedures for undisclosed CoI (one group), and procedures in case of discovery of undisclosed CoI (three groups). Methods to evaluate study quality are described by three groups, while reproducible and comprehensive strategies to identify and select data receive less attention. We conclude that procedures to manage CoI and bias are not broadly implemented, or at least not openly and transparently communicated. This lack of visible procedures is remarkable, considering OEL's impact on health and economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schenk
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Philosophy and History, KTH- Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 76, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gunnar Johanson
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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19
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McCord TA, Legaspi MT, West EA, Yung PK, Larson DL, Paik SY, Zalk DM. Quantitative Validation of Control Bands Using Bayesian Statistical Analyses. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:63-83. [PMID: 32820323 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study presents a quantitative validation of 15 Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) that were derived via control bands inherent to the Risk Level Based Management System currently being used at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. For 93% of the SEGs that were evaluated, statistical analyses of personal exposure monitoring data, through Bayesian Decision Analysis (BDA), demonstrated that the controls implemented from the initial control bands assigned to these SEGs were at least as protective as the controls from the control band outcomes derived from the quantitative data. The BDA also demonstrated that for 40% of the SEGs, the controls from the initial control bands were overly protective, thus allowing controls to be downgraded, which resulted in a significant saving of environmental safety and health (ES&H) resources. Therefore, as a means to both confirm existing controls and to identify candidate SEGs for downgrading controls, efforts to continuously improve the accuracy of Control Banding (CB) strategies through the routine quantitative validation of SEGs are strongly encouraged. Targeted collaborative efforts across institutions and even countries for both the development of CB strategies and the validation of discreetly defined SEGs of commonly performed tasks will not only optimize limited ES&H resources but will also assist in providing a simplified process for essential risk communication at the worker level to the benefit of billions of workers around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A McCord
- Environmental Health and Safety Office, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Matthew T Legaspi
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, ES&H Directorate, East Avenue Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Elaine A West
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, ES&H Directorate, East Avenue Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Priscilla K Yung
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, ES&H Directorate, East Avenue Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Diana L Larson
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, ES&H Directorate, East Avenue Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Y Paik
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, ES&H Directorate, East Avenue Livermore, CA, USA
| | - David M Zalk
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, ES&H Directorate, East Avenue Livermore, CA, USA
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20
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Probabilistic pharmacokinetic modeling of airborne lead corresponding to toxicologically relevant blood lead levels in workers. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 122:104894. [PMID: 33587932 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DOD) commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the potential health effects associated with exposure of DOD personnel to lead (Pb) at firing ranges. In that report, NRC concluded that the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit and the blood lead levels (BLLs) on which it was based were not sufficiently protective of worker populations covered under the general industry standard. In support of future selection of an occupational exposure limit, the relationship of airborne Pb levels to BLLs is of interest to the DOD. A subset of the BLLs identified as relevant to the management of health risks of exposed workers was selected as targets for extrapolation to equivalent airborne Pb values. The existing O'Flaherty physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for Pb in humans was modified to facilitate probabilistic predictions of DOD worker population BLLs, including 95th percentile values, based on current worker characteristics. Workplace airborne Pb 8-h time-weighted average concentrations of 1.1, 4.0, 6.8, or 9.8 μg/m3 are anticipated to maintain BLLs below 5, 10, 15, or 20 μg/dl, respectively, in the vast majority of DOD workers exposed to Pb under full-time working lifetime occupational exposure.
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21
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Willhite CC, Karyakina NA, Nordheim E, Arnold I, Armstrong V, Momoli F, Shilnikova NS, Yenugadhati N, Krewski D. The REACH registration process: A case study of metallic aluminium, aluminium oxide and aluminium hydroxide. Neurotoxicology 2020; 83:166-178. [PMID: 33290785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The European Union's REACH Regulation requires determination of potential health and environmental effects of chemicals in commerce. The present case study examines the application of REACH guidance for health hazard assessments of three high production volume (HPV) aluminium (Al) substances: metallic aluminium, aluminium oxide, and aluminium hydroxide. Among the potential adverse health consequences of aluminium exposure, neurotoxicity is one of the most sensitive targets of Al toxicity and the most critical endpoint. This case study illustrates integration of data from multiple lines of evidence into REACH weight of evidence evaluations. This case study then explains how those results support regulatory decisions on classification and labelling. Challenges in the REACH appraisal of Al compounds include speciation, solubility and bioavailability, application of assessment factors, read-across rationale and differences with existing regulatory standards. Lessons learned from the present case study relate to identification and evaluation of toxicologic and epidemiologic data; assessing data relevance and reliability; development of derived no-effect levels (DNELs); addressing data gaps and preparation of chemical safety reports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nataliya A Karyakina
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | | | - Ian Arnold
- International Aluminium Institute, London, United Kingdom; Occupational Health Program, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Franco Momoli
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Natalia S Shilnikova
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nagarajkumar Yenugadhati
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Krewski
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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22
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Dotson GS, Lotter JT, Zisook RE, Gaffney SH, Maier A, Colvin J. Setting occupational exposure limits for antimicrobial agents: A case study based on a quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 36:619-633. [PMID: 33241765 PMCID: PMC7691478 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720970438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial agents have become an essential tool in controlling the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and guidelines on their use have been issued by various public health agencies. Through its Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides, the US Environmental Protection Agency has approved numerous surface disinfectant products for use against SARS-CoV-2. Despite their widespread use and range of associated health hazards, the majority of active ingredients in antimicrobial products, such as surface disinfectants, lack established occupational exposure limits (OELs) to assist occupational health professionals in characterizing risks from exposures to these chemicals. Based on established approaches from various organizations, a framework for deriving OELs specific to antimicrobial agents was developed that relies on a weight-of-evidence evaluation of the available data. This framework involves (1) a screening-level toxicological assessment based on a review of the existing literature and recommendations, (2) identification of the critical adverse effect(s) and dose-response relationship(s), (3) identification of alternative health-based exposure limits (HBELs), (4) derivation of potential OELs based on identified points of departure and uncertainty factors and/or modification of existing alternative HBELs, and (5) selection of an appropriate OEL. To demonstrate the use of this framework, a case study is described for selection of an OEL for a disinfectant product containing quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Three potential OELs were derived for this product based on irritation toxicity data, developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) data, and modification of an existing HBEL. The final selected OEL for the quats-containing product was 0.1 mg/m3, derived from modification of an existing HBEL. This value represented the lowest resulting value of the three approaches, and thus, was considered protective of irritation and potential DART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan Colvin
- Drug and Poison Information Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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23
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Zalk DM, Swuste P. Barrier Banding: A Concept for Safety Solutions Utilizing Control Banding Principles. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chas.9b00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Zalk
- ES&H Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, L-354, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Paul Swuste
- Safety Science Group, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5015, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
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24
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Sweeney LM. Impact of stressors in the aviation environment on xenobiotic dosimetry in humans: physiologically based prediction of the effect of barometric pressure or altitude. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2020; 83:302-312. [PMID: 32366185 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1755403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Standard health risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are generally interpreted at ambient environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a strategy for using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to compare known risks in the general population to calculated risks in pilots experiencing pressure-based stressors. PBPK models facilitate these comparisons by prediction of how target-tissue specific doses are altered when a stressor, such as high altitude, produces changes in physiological parameters. Cardiac output, regional blood flow, and alveolar ventilation rate following acute exposure to altitude ranging from moderate to extremely high were estimated from published data from 52 groups of human subjects. Scenarios where pilots might inhale toluene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (1,2,4-TMB), or cyclohexane during routine military flight training were simulated. At the recommended Threshold Limit Values (TLV), arterial blood concentrations were predicted to be higher for exposure at 15000 ft (4572 m) than at sea level. The differences were greater for toluene and TMB, which have higher blood: air and fat: blood partition coefficients than less lipophilic cyclohexane. In summary, quantitative approaches to internal dosimetry prediction that take advantage of existing knowledge of physiological changes induced by occupational stressors possess potential as tools in performing a human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Sweeney
- UES, Inc., Assigned to US Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing , Dayton, OH, USA
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25
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Overview of REACH: Issues Involved in the Registration of Metals. Neurotoxicology 2020; 83:186-198. [PMID: 32057950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
New European legislation known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) was introduced in 2007 to increase the speed at which the health and/or environmental risks of industrial chemicals were being assessed and managed (REACH (EC) No 1907/2006). REACH consolidated earlier chemicals-control statutes and placed the burden of assessing, and identifying the means to manage risks on industry. This paper details the REACH process for controlling and managing hazardous chemicals and challenges encountered in applying the provisions of REACH and the guidance documents available from European Chemical Agency. Special attention is paid to challenges in evaluating potential health risks of metals such as aluminum and aluminum compounds. Lessons learned from over a decade of experience with REACH legislation are also noted.
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26
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Rodríguez-Ibarra C, Déciga-Alcaraz A, Ispanixtlahuatl-Meráz O, Medina-Reyes EI, Delgado-Buenrostro NL, Chirino YI. International landscape of limits and recommendations for occupational exposure to engineered nanomaterials. Toxicol Lett 2020; 322:111-119. [PMID: 31981686 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing concern of possible adverse effects on human health derived from occupational engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) exposure is an issue addressed by entities related to provide guidelines and/or protocols for ENMs regulation. Here we analysed 17 entities from America, Europe and Asia, and some of these entities provide limits of exposure extrapolated from the non-nanosized counterparts of ENMs. The international landscape shows that recommendations are mostly made for metal oxide based ENMs and tonnage is one of the main criteria for ENMs registration, however, sub-nanometric ENMs are emerging and perhaps a novel category of ENMs will appear soon. We identify that besides the lack of epidemiological evidence of ENMs toxicity in humans and difficulties in analysing the toxicological data derived from experimental models, the lack of information on airborne concentrations of ENMs in occupational settings is an important limitation to improve the experimental designs. The development of regulations related to ENMs exposure would lead to provide safer work places for ENMs production without delaying the nanotechnology progress but will also help to protect the environment by taking opportune and correct measures for nanowaste, considering that this could be a great environmental problem in the coming future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rodríguez-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis y Toxicología, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, CP 54059, Estado de México, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Déciga-Alcaraz
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis y Toxicología, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, CP 54059, Estado de México, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Octavio Ispanixtlahuatl-Meráz
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis y Toxicología, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, CP 54059, Estado de México, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Estefany I Medina-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis y Toxicología, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, CP 54059, Estado de México, Mexico; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Norma L Delgado-Buenrostro
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis y Toxicología, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, CP 54059, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Yolanda I Chirino
- Laboratorio de Carcinogénesis y Toxicología, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, CP 54059, Estado de México, Mexico.
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Schenk L, Visser MJ, Palmen NGM. Industry Derived Occupational Exposure Limits: A Survey of Professionals on the Dutch System of Exposure Guidelines. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:1004-1012. [PMID: 31504142 PMCID: PMC6853705 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Netherlands’ system for occupational exposure limits (OELs) encompasses two kinds of OELs: public and private. Public OELs are set by the government. Private OELs are derived by industry and cover all substances without a public OEL. In parallel, the regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) has introduced an exposure guidance value similar to the OEL, namely the Derived No-Effect Level (DNEL) for workers’ inhalation exposure. This study aimed to investigate issues encountered by occupational health professionals regarding private OELs, and how they perceive the DNELs for workers in relation to private OELs. Towards this aim, we sent out a web-based questionnaire to the members of the Dutch professional organization for occupational hygienists (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Arbeidshygiëne [NVVA], n = 513) and to members of the Dutch professional organization for safety engineers (NVVK, n = 2916). Response rates were 27% (n = 139) and 7% (n = 198), respectively. More occupational hygienists (59%) than safety engineers (17%) reported to derive private OELs themselves. Our respondents reported several challenges with the derivation of private OELs. Fifty-one percent of the occupational hygienists and 20% of the safety engineers stated to see a role of REACH Registrants’ worker DNELs as private OELs. However, more than half of our respondents were undecided or unfamiliar with worker DNELs. In addition, stated opinions on where worker DNELs fit in the hierarchy of private OELs varied considerably. To conclude, both these professional groups derive private OELs and stated that they need more guidance for this. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity whether worker DNELs may qualify as private OELs, and where they would fit in the hierarchy of private OELs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schenk
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Philosophy and History, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maaike J Visser
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole G M Palmen
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Guidance for managing potential dermal exposures has historically been qualitative in nature, for example, in the form of a DSEN notation. We propose a method that can provide quantitative guidance on how to establish and use surface wipe limits for skin sensitizers. The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a validated test that not only identifies potential skin sensitizers but also provides an effective concentration (EC3) value. This provides quantitative dose-response information on induction of skin sensitization that permits estimates of sensitization thresholds and potency. Building upon the previously established correlation between LLNA EC3 values and human repeat insult patch testing no-effect levels, we present a quantitative method for setting surface wipe guidelines using the LLNA EC3. These limits can be used to assign compounds to occupational exposure bands and provide handling guidance for skin sensitizers of varying potency, supporting both exposure assessment and control strategies. A table is included that suggests a band of reasonable surface wipe limits (mg/100 cm2) for potentially all chemical sensitizers. When used in conjunction with a comprehensive industrial hygiene program that includes hazard communication, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment, skin exposure and consequent skin sensitization risks in the workplace can be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan F Arnold
- University of Minnesota, Division of Environmental Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Seaton MG, Maier A, Sachdeva S, Barton C, Ngai E, Lentz TJ, Rane PD, McKernan LT. A framework for integrating information resources for chemical emergency management and response. Am J Disaster Med 2019; 14:33-49. [PMID: 31441027 PMCID: PMC7594664 DOI: 10.5055/ajdm.2019.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Effective emergency management and response require appropriate utilization of various resources as an incident evolves. This manuscript describes the information resources used in chemical emergency management and operations and how their utility evolves from the initial response phase to recovery to event close out. The authors address chemical hazard guidance in the context of four different phases of emergency response: preparedness, emergency response (both initial and ongoing), recovery, and mitigation. Immediately following a chemical incident, during the initial response, responders often use readily available, broad-spectrum guidance to make rapid decisions in the face of uncertainties regarding potential exposure to physical and health hazards. Physical hazards are described as the hazards caused by chemicals that can cause harm with or without direct contact. Examples of physical hazards include explosives, flammables, and gases under pressure. This first line of resources may not be chemical-specific in nature, but it can provide guidance related to isolation distances, protective actions, and the most important physical and health threats. During the ongoing response phase, an array of resources can provide detailed information on physical and health hazards related to specific chemicals of concern. Consequently, risk management and mitigation actions evolve as well. When the incident stabilizes to a recovery phase, the types of information resources that facilitate safe and effective incident management evolve. Health and physical concerns transition from acute toxicity and immediate hazards to both immediate and latent health effects. Finally, the information inputs utilized during the preparedness phase include response evaluations of past events, emergency preparedness planning, and chemical-specific guidance about chemicals present. This manuscript details a framework for identifying the effective use of information resources at each phase and provides case study examples from chemical hazard emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa G Seaton
- Industrial Hygienist, Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Andrew Maier
- Senior Managing Health Scientist, Cardno ChemRisk, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sonny Sachdeva
- Principal Engineer Operations Safety, Covestro, Channelview, Texas
| | - Charles Barton
- Global Manager of Toxicology & Risk Assessment, The Valspar Corporation, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
| | - Eugene Ngai
- President, Chemically Speaking LLC, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
| | - Thomas J Lentz
- Branch Chief, Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Pranav D Rane
- Public Health Analyst, World Trade Center Health Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauralynn Taylor McKernan
- Associate Director of Science, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Will worker DNELs derived under the European REACH regulation extend the landscape of occupational exposure guidance values? Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:1187-1200. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Alasiri RA, Algarni HA, Alasiri RA. Ocular hazards of curing light units used in dental practice - A systematic review. Saudi Dent J 2019; 31:173-180. [PMID: 30983826 PMCID: PMC6445451 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2019.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the literature and summarize studies that describe the potential ocular hazards that are posed by different systems of light curing units mainly used in the dental clinics, to ensure the safety of the operator, patient and the auxiliary staff in the dental clinic. Methods This systematic review was reported and conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The online databases PubMed and Google Scholar were used for data search. MeSH terms were used for PubMed search. Randomized controlled clinical trials, original studies and in-vitro studies conducted up to 2018 in English language were included in the review. Eight articles were included in the study after application of eligibility criteria, all of which were in accordance to the review protocol. Results The total wavelength dose received can cause Ocular damage which suggest that light intensity is correlated to the duration required to cause a certain level of damage, and we can substitute the long light exposure by using of a lower intensity light. Conclusion This review concludes that blue light poses maximum risk to cause retinal degeneration based on the evaluated studies. Most of the studies recommend the use of protective eyewear in order to limit exposure of the patient, operator and assistant to the LCUs. It is not advisable to stare directly into the light source and the recommended safe exposure times and distances for patient, operator and assistant must be strictly adhered to in the dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reem A. Alasiri
- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author.
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Maitre A, Petit P, Marques M, Hervé C, Montlevier S, Persoons R, Bicout DJ. Exporisq-HAP database: 20 years of monitoring French occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures and identification of exposure determinants. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:334-346. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gkika D, Magafas L, Cool P, Braet J. Balancing nanotoxicity and returns in health applications: The Prisoner’s Dilemma. Toxicology 2018; 393:83-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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De Matteis S, Heederik D, Burdorf A, Colosio C, Cullinan P, Henneberger PK, Olsson A, Raynal A, Rooijackers J, Santonen T, Sastre J, Schlünssen V, van Tongeren M, Sigsgaard T. Current and new challenges in occupational lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev 2017; 26:170080. [PMID: 29141963 PMCID: PMC6033059 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0080-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational lung diseases are an important public health issue and are avoidable through preventive interventions in the workplace. Up-to-date knowledge about changes in exposure to occupational hazards as a result of technological and industrial developments is essential to the design and implementation of efficient and effective workplace preventive measures. New occupational agents with unknown respiratory health effects are constantly introduced to the market and require periodic health surveillance among exposed workers to detect early signs of adverse respiratory effects. In addition, the ageing workforce, many of whom have pre-existing respiratory conditions, poses new challenges in terms of the diagnosis and management of occupational lung diseases. Primary preventive interventions aimed to reduce exposure levels in the workplace remain pivotal for elimination of the occupational lung disease burden. To achieve this goal there is still a clear need for setting standard occupational exposure limits based on transparent evidence-based methodology, in particular for carcinogens and sensitising agents that expose large working populations to risk. The present overview, focused on the occupational lung disease burden in Europe, proposes directions for all parties involved in the prevention of occupational lung disease, from researchers and occupational and respiratory health professionals to workers and employers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara De Matteis
- Respiratory Epidemiology, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Burdorf
- Dept of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudio Colosio
- Dept of Health Sciences of the University of Milan and International Centre for Rural Health of the S. Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paul Cullinan
- Respiratory Epidemiology, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul K Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ann Olsson
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Raynal
- Occupational Medicine Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jos Rooijackers
- Netherlands Expertise Center for Occupational Respiratory Disorders, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joaquin Sastre
- Allergy Service, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Faculty of Medicine Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, CIBER of Respiratory Diseases, Ministry of Economy, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Dept of Public Health, Section of Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Research Center for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health; Centre for Epidemiology; Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Dept of Public Health, Section of Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Schulte PA, Cunningham TR, Nickels L, Felknor S, Guerin R, Blosser F, Chang CC, Check P, Eggerth D, Flynn M, Forrester C, Hard D, Hudson H, Lincoln J, McKernan LT, Pratap P, Stephenson CM, Van Bogaert D, Menger-Ogle L. Translation research in occupational safety and health: A proposed framework. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:1011-1022. [PMID: 28990211 PMCID: PMC5771485 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Translation research in occupational safety and health is the application of scientific investigative approaches to study how the outputs of basic and applied research can be effectively translated into practice and have an impact. This includes the study of the ways in which useful knowledge and interventions are disseminated, adopted, implemented, and institutionalized. In this paper, a 4-stage framework (Development, Testing, Institutionalization, and Evaluation) is presented. Translation research can be used to enhance the use and impact of occupational safety and health knowledge and interventions to protect workers. This type of research has not received much attention in the occupational safety and health field. However, in contemporary society, it is critical to know how to make an impact with the findings and outputs of basic and applied research. This paper provides a novel framework for consideration of how to advance and prioritize translation research for occupational safety and health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fred Blosser
- NIOSH Washington, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Pietra Check
- NIOSH Washington, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | | | - David Hard
- NIOSH Morgantown, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Drew NM, Kuempel ED, Pei Y, Yang F. A quantitative framework to group nanoscale and microscale particles by hazard potency to derive occupational exposure limits: Proof of concept evaluation. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 89:253-267. [PMID: 28789940 PMCID: PMC5875420 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The large and rapidly growing number of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) presents a challenge to assessing the potential occupational health risks. An initial database of 25 rodent studies including 1929 animals across various experimental designs and material types was constructed to identify materials that are similar with respect to their potency in eliciting neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation, a response relevant to workers. Doses were normalized across rodent species, strain, and sex as the estimated deposited particle mass dose per gram of lung. Doses associated with specific measures of pulmonary inflammation were estimated by modeling the continuous dose-response relationships using benchmark dose modeling. Hierarchical clustering was used to identify similar materials. The 18 nanoscale and microscale particles were classified into four potency groups, which varied by factors of approximately two to 100. Benchmark particles microscale TiO2 and crystalline silica were in the lowest and highest potency groups, respectively. Random forest methods were used to identify the important physicochemical predictors of pulmonary toxicity, and group assignments were correctly predicted for five of six new ENMs. Proof-of-concept was demonstrated for this framework. More comprehensive data are needed for further development and validation for use in deriving categorical occupational exposure limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M Drew
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
| | - Eileen D Kuempel
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Ying Pei
- West Virginia University, Department of Industrial and Management System Engineering, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Feng Yang
- West Virginia University, Department of Industrial and Management System Engineering, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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Sand S, Parham F, Portier CJ, Tice RR, Krewski D. Comparison of Points of Departure for Health Risk Assessment Based on High-Throughput Screening Data. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:623-633. [PMID: 27384688 PMCID: PMC5381992 DOI: 10.1289/ehp408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Research Council's vision for toxicity testing in the 21st century anticipates that points of departure (PODs) for establishing human exposure guidelines in future risk assessments will increasingly be based on in vitro high-throughput screening (HTS) data. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare different PODs for HTS data. Specifically, benchmark doses (BMDs) were compared to the signal-to-noise crossover dose (SNCD), which has been suggested as the lowest dose applicable as a POD. METHODS Hill models were fit to > 10,000 in vitro concentration-response curves, obtained for > 1,400 chemicals tested as part of the U.S. Tox21 Phase I effort. BMDs and lower confidence limits on the BMDs (BMDLs) corresponding to extra effects (i.e., changes in response relative to the maximum response) of 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% were estimated for > 8,000 curves, along with BMDs and BMDLs corresponding to additional effects (i.e., absolute changes in response) of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The SNCD, defined as the dose where the ratio between the additional effect and the difference between the upper and lower bounds of the two-sided 90% confidence interval on absolute effect was 1, 0.67, and 0.5, respectively, was also calculated and compared with the BMDLs. RESULTS The BMDL40, BMDL25, and BMDL18, defined in terms of extra effect, corresponded to the SNCD1.0, SNCD0.67, and SNCD0.5, respectively, at the median. Similarly, the BMDL25, BMDL17, and BMDL13, defined in terms of additional effect, corresponded to the SNCD1.0, SNCD0.67, and SNCD0.5, respectively, at the median. CONCLUSIONS The SNCD may serve as a reference level that guides the determination of standardized BMDs for risk assessment based on HTS concentration-response data. The SNCD may also have application as a POD for low-dose extrapolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomon Sand
- Department of Risk Benefit Assessment, National Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Address correspondence to S. Sand, National Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden. Phone: 46-18-17-5335. E-mail:
| | - Fred Parham
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Raymond R. Tice
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Krewski
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Vaughan NP, Rajan-Sithamparanadarajah R. An Assessment of the Robustness of the COSHH-Essentials (C-E) Target Airborne Concentration Ranges 15 Years on, and Their Usefulness for Determining Control Measures. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:270-283. [PMID: 28355421 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain (GB), in association with its stakeholders, developed the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)-Essentials (C-E) control banding tool in 1998. The objective was to provide a simple tool for employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to help select and apply appropriate measures for the adequate control of exposure to hazardous substances. The tool used hazard classification information (R-phrases) to assign substances to one of five health hazard groups, each with its respective 'target airborne concentration range'. The validity of the allocation of substances to a target airborne concentration range was demonstrated at the time using 111 substances that had a current health-based Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) in GB. The C-E control banding approach remains an important tool to complement exposure assessment/monitoring and the selection and use of suitable control measures for hazardous substances. These include engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). The C-E based control banding approach has been adopted around the world. This paper extends the original validation exercise, using a greater number of chemical substances, to establish whether the target airborne concentration ranges remain appropriate. This is of particular interest in light of the introduction of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classification, in which R-phrases have now been replaced by hazard-statements (H-statements). The validation exercise includes substances with OELs published by nine bodies internationally; and the Derived No-Effect Levels (DNELs) assigned by registrants under the European Union-Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulations. When compared against 8-hour TWA OELs for 850 substances drawn from nine bodies and a limited number of DNELS, the C-E target airborne concentration ranges remain valid. This comparative work also informs a wider consideration around the practicality and the applicability of the C-E generic approach to facilitate the implementation of good practice control for a wide range of substances (more than 95%) which do not have any recognized OEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Vaughan
- Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN, UK
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Mihalache R, Verbeek J, Graczyk H, Murashov V, van Broekhuizen P. Occupational exposure limits for manufactured nanomaterials, a systematic review. Nanotoxicology 2017; 11:7-19. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2016.1262920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Mihalache
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Cochrane Work Group, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jos Verbeek
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Cochrane Work Group, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Vladimir Murashov
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC, USA
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40
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Deveau M, Maier A, Krewski D. Application of a framework for the selection of an appropriate occupational exposure limit for manganese. Neurotoxicology 2017; 58:249-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mattison DR, Milton B, Krewski D, Levy L, Dorman DC, Aggett PJ, Roels HA, Andersen ME, Karyakina NA, Shilnikova N, Ramoju S, McGough D. Severity scoring of manganese health effects for categorical regression. Neurotoxicology 2016; 58:203-216. [PMID: 27637608 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Characterizing the U-shaped exposure response relationship for manganese (Mn) is necessary for estimating the risk of adverse health from Mn toxicity due to excess or deficiency. Categorical regression has emerged as a powerful tool for exposure-response analysis because of its ability to synthesize relevant information across multiple studies and species into a single integrated analysis of all relevant data. This paper documents the development of a database on Mn toxicity designed to support the application of categorical regression techniques. Specifically, we describe (i) the conduct of a systematic search of the literature on Mn toxicity to gather data appropriate for dose-response assessment; (ii) the establishment of inclusion/exclusion criteria for data to be included in the categorical regression modeling database; (iii) the development of a categorical severity scoring matrix for Mn health effects to permit the inclusion of diverse health outcomes in a single categorical regression analysis using the severity score as the outcome variable; and (iv) the convening of an international expert panel to both review the severity scoring matrix and assign severity scores to health outcomes observed in studies (including case reports, epidemiological investigations, and in vivo experimental studies) selected for inclusion in the categorical regression database. Exposure information including route, concentration, duration, health endpoint(s), and characteristics of the exposed population was abstracted from included studies and stored in a computerized manganese database (MnDB), providing a comprehensive repository of exposure-response information with the ability to support categorical regression modeling of oral exposure data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald R Mattison
- Risk Sciences International, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 700, K1P 6L5, Ottawa, Canada; R. Samuel McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 118-850 Peter Morand Drive, Canada.
| | - Brittany Milton
- Risk Sciences International, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 700, K1P 6L5, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- Risk Sciences International, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 700, K1P 6L5, Ottawa, Canada; R. Samuel McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 118-850 Peter Morand Drive, Canada
| | - Len Levy
- Institute of Environment and Health, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield MK43 0AL, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - David C Dorman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Peter J Aggett
- School of Medicine and Health, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Harry A Roels
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 53.02, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Melvin E Andersen
- ScitoVation, 6 Davis Drive, PO Box 110566, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2137, USA
| | - Nataliya A Karyakina
- Risk Sciences International, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 700, K1P 6L5, Ottawa, Canada; R. Samuel McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 118-850 Peter Morand Drive, Canada
| | - Natalia Shilnikova
- Risk Sciences International, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 700, K1P 6L5, Ottawa, Canada; R. Samuel McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 118-850 Peter Morand Drive, Canada
| | - Siva Ramoju
- Risk Sciences International, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 700, K1P 6L5, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Doreen McGough
- International Manganese Institute, 17 rue Duphot, 75001 Paris, France.
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Maier A, Lentz TJ, MacMahon KL, McKernan LT, Whittaker C, Schulte PA. State-of-the-Science: The Evolution of Occupational Exposure Limit Derivation and Application. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S4-S6. [PMID: 26110740 PMCID: PMC4654637 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1060329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Maier
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinatti, Ohio
| | - T. J. Lentz
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - K. L. MacMahon
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - L. T. McKernan
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - C. Whittaker
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - P. A. Schulte
- Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Dankovic DA, Naumann BD, Maier A, Dourson ML, Levy LS. The Scientific Basis of Uncertainty Factors Used in Setting Occupational Exposure Limits. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S55-68. [PMID: 26097979 PMCID: PMC4643360 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The uncertainty factor concept is integrated into health risk assessments for all aspects of public health practice, including by most organizations that derive occupational exposure limits. The use of uncertainty factors is predicated on the assumption that a sufficient reduction in exposure from those at the boundary for the onset of adverse effects will yield a safe exposure level for at least the great majority of the exposed population, including vulnerable subgroups. There are differences in the application of the uncertainty factor approach among groups that conduct occupational assessments; however, there are common areas of uncertainty which are considered by all or nearly all occupational exposure limit-setting organizations. Five key uncertainties that are often examined include interspecies variability in response when extrapolating from animal studies to humans, response variability in humans, uncertainty in estimating a no-effect level from a dose where effects were observed, extrapolation from shorter duration studies to a full life-time exposure, and other insufficiencies in the overall health effects database indicating that the most sensitive adverse effect may not have been evaluated. In addition, a modifying factor is used by some organizations to account for other remaining uncertainties-typically related to exposure scenarios or accounting for the interplay among the five areas noted above. Consideration of uncertainties in occupational exposure limit derivation is a systematic process whereby the factors applied are not arbitrary, although they are mathematically imprecise. As the scientific basis for uncertainty factor application has improved, default uncertainty factors are now used only in the absence of chemical-specific data, and the trend is to replace them with chemical-specific adjustment factors whenever possible. The increased application of scientific data in the development of uncertainty factors for individual chemicals also has the benefit of increasing the transparency of occupational exposure limit derivation. Improved characterization of the scientific basis for uncertainty factors has led to increasing rigor and transparency in their application as part of the overall occupational exposure limit derivation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Dankovic
- Education and Information Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - B. D. Naumann
- Global Safety and the Environment, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
| | - A. Maier
- University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - M. L. Dourson
- The Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment Center of the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - L. S. Levy
- Institute for Environment, Health, Risks and Futures, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire. United Kingdom
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Dotson GS, Maier A, Siegel PD, Anderson SE, Green BJ, Stefaniak AB, Codispoti CD, Kimber I. Setting Occupational Exposure Limits for Chemical Allergens--Understanding the Challenges. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S82-98. [PMID: 26583909 PMCID: PMC4685595 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1072277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemical allergens represent a significant health burden in the workplace. Exposures to such chemicals can cause the onset of a diverse group of adverse health effects triggered by immune-mediated responses. Common responses associated with workplace exposures to low molecular weight (LMW) chemical allergens range from allergic contact dermatitis to life-threatening cases of asthma. Establishing occupational exposure limits (OELs) for chemical allergens presents numerous difficulties for occupational hygiene professionals. Few OELs have been developed for LMW allergens because of the unique biological mechanisms that govern the immune-mediated responses. The purpose of this article is to explore the primary challenges confronting the establishment of OELs for LMW allergens. Specific topics include: (1) understanding the biology of LMW chemical allergies as it applies to setting OELs; (2) selecting the appropriate immune-mediated response (i.e., sensitization versus elicitation); (3) characterizing the dose (concentration)-response relationship of immune-mediated responses; (4) determining the impact of temporal exposure patterns (i.e., cumulative versus acute exposures); and (5) understanding the role of individual susceptibility and exposure route. Additional information is presented on the importance of using alternative exposure recommendations and risk management practices, including medical surveillance, to aid in protecting workers from exposures to LMW allergens when OELs cannot be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. S. Dotson
- Education and Information Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Address correspondence to G.S. Dotson, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Education and Information Division, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, MS C-32, CincinnatiOhio45226. E-mail:
| | - A. Maier
- Education and Information Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - P. D. Siegel
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - S. E. Anderson
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - B. J. Green
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - A. B. Stefaniak
- Respiratory Health Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - C. D. Codispoti
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - I. Kimber
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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