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Tian W, Li K, Jiang Z, Guo P, Chai Q. Health damage assessment of reconstruction dust from old industrial buildings under multi-process. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:58716-58730. [PMID: 36995506 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26535-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The regeneration of old industrial buildings produces considerable construction dust, thereby seriously threatening the occupational health of construction workers. The existing articles concerning the exposure and health impacts of reconstruction dust in enclosed spaces are limited, but this research field has received increasing attention. In this study, multi-process during the demolition and reinforcement stages of a reconstruction project were monitored to determine the respirable dust concentration distribution. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain the exposure parameters of reconstruction workers. Moreover, a health damage assessment system for the reconstruction process of old industrial buildings was established by applying the disability-adjusted life year and human capital method to explore the health damage caused by the generated dust at different stages to the construction personnel. The assessment system was applied to the reconstruction stage of an old industrial building regeneration project in Beijing to obtain dust health damage values for different work types and to conduct comparative analysis. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the dust concentration and health damage at different stages. During the demolition stage, the manual demolition of concrete structures has the highest dust concentration, reaching 0.96 mg/m3. This exceeds the acceptable concentration by 37%, and the health damage cost is 0.58 yuan per person per day. In the reinforcement stage, the dust concentration generated by mortar/concrete mixing is the highest, but the risk level is acceptable. The health damage cost of concrete grinding, which is 0.98 yuan per person per day, is the highest. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the protective facilities and improve the reconstruction technology to reduce dust pollution. The results of this study can help in improving the existing dust pollution control measures at construction sites to reduce the risk of dust hazards during reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tian
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Keyun Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Zhihao Jiang
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Ping Guo
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China.
| | - Qing Chai
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
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2
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Peruzzi CP, Brucker N, Bubols G, Cestonaro L, Moreira R, Domingues D, Arbo M, Olivo Neto P, Knorst MM, Garcia SC. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica and peripheral biomarkers: An update. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:87-102. [PMID: 34128557 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4212] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral biomarkers are important tools for detecting occupational exposures to prevent the onset and/or progression of diseases. Studies that reveal early peripheral biomarkers are highly important to preserve the health of workers and can potentially contribute to diagnosing and/or prognosing occupational pathologies. Exposure to crystalline silica is a problem in several workplaces because it increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis, clinically defined as silicosis. Silicosis is diagnosed by chest radiography and/or lung tomography in advanced stages when there is a severe loss of lung function. Peripheral biomarkers can help in diagnosing early changes prior to silicosis and represent a highly important technical-scientific advance that is minimally invasive. This review aimed to investigate the biomarkers studied for evaluating occupational exposure to crystalline silica and to understand the recent advances in this area. Potential oxidative, inflammatory, and immunological biomarkers were reviewed, as well as routine biomarkers such as biochemical parameters. It was found that biomarkers of effect such as serum CC16 and l-selectin levels could represent promising alternatives. Additionally, studies have shown that neopterin levels in urine and serum can be used to monitor worker exposure. However, further studies are needed that include a greater number of participants, different times of exposure to crystalline silica, and a combination of silicosis patients and healthy volunteers. Evaluating the concentration of crystalline silica in occupational environments, its impact on biomarkers of effect, and alterations in lung function could contribute to revealing early health alterations in workers in a more robust manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Portela Peruzzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natália Brucker
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bubols
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Larissa Cestonaro
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moreira
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daiane Domingues
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Arbo
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro Olivo Neto
- Graduate Program in Pneumological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marli Maria Knorst
- Graduate Program in Pneumological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Division of Pulmonology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Garcia
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analysis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Davies HW, Gorman-Ng M. Development of a Web-Based Tool for Risk Assessment and Exposure Control Planning of Silica-Producing Tasks in the Construction Sector. Front Public Health 2020; 8:371. [PMID: 32850594 PMCID: PMC7419426 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the development and implementation of a novel, on-line risk assessment tool for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure for use in the construction sector. It was motivated by the introduction of new OHS regulation in British Columbia that allowed for the substitution of exposure measurement data with "objective air monitoring data" collected at "equivalent work operations." This allowance encouraged the introduction of quantitative risk assessment in a notoriously challenging work environment but it was concluded that without assistance, the typical construction employer would struggle to identify, extract, and interpret validate objective data. The tool described here was based on a continually-updatable RCS exposure database, and a predictive regression model based on the database to generate exposure risk estimates. The model was embedded in an adaptive web-based application that can be run on common platforms. The design followed standard web conventions and features so that no specialized training is required for its use. It was designed to be usable by end-users with varying expertise, including non-OHS experts. Users describe the RCS-dust generating task they will perform, and associated control measures. The tool estimates both uncontrolled and controlled task-based exposure concentrations. Using additional information entered by the user, the on-line tool generates an "exposure control plan" or ECP, a legally regulated document for those undertaking work potentially exposing workers to RCS particulate. The development of the tool was a community-based, tri-partite effort of the local OHS regulator, construction employers, and exposure scientists. In addition to being a practical risk assessment tool, the designers wanted it to function as an educational tool, and that it should explore novel methods for exposure data collection and use. The strengths of this approach include the publicly shared updateable database that encourages continuous improvement and illustrates best practices; and the timely and cost effective collection and sharing of exposure data in a value-added manner. It is however limited to a single task per ECP, and only considers exposure to task operators, and not adjacent workers. Currently in BC, users generate up to 3,900 ECP's per year with the tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh W Davies
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melanie Gorman-Ng
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance, New Westminster, BC, Canada
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Keramydas D, Bakakos P, Alchanatis M, Papalexis P, Konstantakopoulos I, Tavernaraki K, Dracopoulos V, Papadakis A, Pantazi E, Chelidonis G, Chaidoutis E, Constantinidis TC, Tsitsimpikou C, Kavantzas N, Patsouris E, Tsarouhas K, Spandidos DA, Lazaris AC. Investigation of the health effects on workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica during outdoor and underground construction projects. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:882-889. [PMID: 32742330 PMCID: PMC7388242 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure of workers to powder containing crystalline silica (Silicon dioxide; SiO2) can lead to chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, silicosis, etc.). Aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of Greek construction workers to SiO2 and describe their pulmonary function. The study involved 86 outdoor and underground workers. Medical and professional history was obtained, and breath samples were collected at morning hours through a mask for the determination of SiO2 levels. Pulmonary function tests, radiological examination and evaluation of radiographs were also performed. Pulmonary function examination showed that the majority of the workers were within normal range (61.4%) while the rest were diagnosed with mild (26.5%) and more severe impairment (7.24%). Working conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of pulmonary function (P=0.038). During radiological examination, the type of working activity/ conditions (underground-outdoor) were statistically significantly related to the categorization of these findings (P=0.044). Of the 69 employees, 52 did not present findings (75.4%) and 5 were diagnosed with findings specific to occupational diseases (7.23%). Environmental exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) was detected at 0.0125 mg/m3 in the workplace, which is not beyond the legal limits. Underground workers with more than 15 years of exposure to SiO2 are more likely to present chronic silicosis compared to the workers of outdoor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Keramydas
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- 1st Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Manos Alchanatis
- 1st Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Konstantakopoulos
- Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, National Focal Point of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), 10110 Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Tavernaraki
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Dracopoulos
- Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (ELINYAE), 10445 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eugenia Pantazi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Chelidonis
- National Actuarial Authority, 10559 Athens, Greece, Ministry of Interior, 10563 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Theodoros C. Constantinidis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Democritus University of Thrace, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Kavantzas
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios Patsouris
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andreas Ch. Lazaris
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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5
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Bello A, Mugford C, Murray A, Shepherd S, Woskie SR. Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:34-44. [PMID: 30379992 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD) were investigated during demolition, crushing, and chipping at several Massachusetts construction sites. Methods Personal breathing zone samples (n = 51) were collected on operating engineers working at demolition and crushing sites, laborers performing miscellaneous tasks at demolition sites, crushing machine tenders at crushing sites, and chipping workers at substructure bridge repair sites. Area samples (n = 33) were collected at the perimeter of demolition and crushing sites to assess potential bystanders' exposures. Exposures 'with' and 'without' the use of dust suppression methods were compared when possible. RD samples were analyzed for crystalline silica content with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FT-IR) according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7602. Statistical analyses of the exposure data were performed in SAS version 9.4. Results Chipping workers had the highest exposure levels [the geometric mean (GM) time-weighted average (TWA) for RCS was 527 µg/m3 and the GM for RD was 4750 µg/m3]. The next highest exposures were among crushing machine tenders (RCS GM of 93.3 µg/m3 and RD GM of 737.6 µg/m3), while laborers and operating engineers had the lowest exposures (RCS GM of 17.0 and 6.2 µg/m3, respectively). Personal 8-h TWA RCS exposures were higher than the new OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 for 80% of samples collected on chipping workers (n = 31) and 50% of samples collected on crushing machine tenders (n = 8). Operating engineers (n = 9) and laborers (n = 3) had RCS exposures lower than OSHA PEL. The highest concentrations measured would have exceeded the PEL within 15 min chipping and within 2 h of crushing with no further exposure. Chipping workers' RCS exposures were higher than OSHA PEL even when they were adjusted to account for the assigned protection factor of the half-face N95 cartridge respirators used during chipping. Exposures of crushing tenders were reduced to levels under the OSHA PEL when a water spraying system in crushing machines was utilized, but not when a water cannon machine was used. Area samples at demolition and crushing sites indicate overall lower exposures than the PEL, however, bystander workers at crushing sites could be exposed to higher levels compared to demolition sites. Real-time dust monitoring during demolition indicate very high short-term peak exposures. Conclusions Controlling or reducing crystalline silica exposures to levels under the new OSHA PEL of 50 µg/m3 remains challenging for chipping workers and crushing machine tenders. Even with the use of dust suppression controls, respiratory protection may be required for various tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anila Bello
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | | | - Amanda Murray
- United States Navy, Board of Inspection and Survey, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Susan Shepherd
- On-Site Consultation Program, MA Department of Labor Standards, Lawrence, MA, USA
| | - Susan R Woskie
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
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6
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Kootbodien T, Wilson K, Tlotleng N, Ntlebi V, Made F, Rees D, Naicker N. Tuberculosis Mortality by Occupation in South Africa, 2011⁻2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122756. [PMID: 30563175 PMCID: PMC6313633 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Work-related tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. The use of vital registration data for monitoring TB deaths by occupation has been unexplored in South Africa. Using underlying cause of death and occupation data for 2011 to 2015 from Statistics South Africa, age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated for all persons of working age (15 to 64 years) by the direct method using the World Health Organization (WHO) standard population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate mortality odds ratios (MORs) for occupation groups, adjusting for age, sex, year of death, province of death, and smoking status. Of the 221,058 deaths recorded with occupation data, 13% were due to TB. ASMR for TB mortality decreased from 165.9 to 88.8 per 100,000 population from 2011 to 2015. An increased risk of death by TB was observed among elementary occupations: agricultural labourers (MORadj = 3.58, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.96⁻4.32), cleaners (MORadj = 3.44, 95% CI 2.91⁻4.09), and refuse workers (MORadj = 3.41, 95% CI 2.88⁻4.03); among workers exposed to silica dust (MORadj = 3.37, 95% CI 2.83⁻4.02); and among skilled agricultural workers (MORadj = 3.31, 95% CI 2.65⁻4.19). High-risk TB occupations can be identified from mortality data. Therefore, TB prevention and treatment policies should be prioritised in these occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Kootbodien
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
| | - Kerry Wilson
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand 2193, South Africa.
| | - Nonhlanhla Tlotleng
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
| | - Vusi Ntlebi
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
| | - Felix Made
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
| | - David Rees
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand 2193, South Africa.
| | - Nisha Naicker
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand 2193, South Africa.
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa.
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Locke SJ, Deziel NC, Koh DH, Graubard BI, Purdue MP, Friesen MC. Evaluating predictors of lead exposure for activities disturbing materials painted with or containing lead using historic published data from U.S. workplaces. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:189-197. [PMID: 28079279 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated predictors of differences in published occupational lead concentrations for activities disturbing material painted with or containing lead in U.S. workplaces to aid historical exposure reconstruction. METHODS For the aforementioned tasks, 221 air and 113 blood lead summary results (1960-2010) were extracted from a previously developed database. Differences in the natural log-transformed geometric mean (GM) for year, industry, job, and other ancillary variables were evaluated in meta-regression models that weighted each summary result by its inverse variance and sample size. RESULTS Air and blood lead GMs declined 5%/year and 6%/year, respectively, in most industries. Exposure contrast in the GMs across the nine jobs and five industries was higher based on air versus blood concentrations. For welding activities, blood lead GMs were 1.7 times higher in worst-case versus non-worst case scenarios. CONCLUSIONS Job, industry, and time-specific exposure differences were identified; other determinants were too sparse or collinear to characterize. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:189-197, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Locke
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Yale School of Public Health; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
| | - Dong-Hee Koh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; International St. Mary's Hospital; Catholic Kwandong University; Incheon Korea
| | - Barry I. Graubard
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Biostatistics Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Mark P. Purdue
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Melissa C. Friesen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch; National Cancer Institute; Bethesda Maryland
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Mischler SE, Cauda EG, Di Giuseppe M, McWilliams LJ, St Croix C, Sun M, Franks J, Ortiz LA. Differential activation of RAW 264.7 macrophages by size-segregated crystalline silica. J Occup Med Toxicol 2016; 11:57. [PMID: 28018477 PMCID: PMC5159951 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-016-0145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational exposure to crystalline silica is a well-established occupational hazard. Once in the lung, crystalline silica particles can result in the activation of alveolar macrophages (AM), potentially leading to silicosis, a fibrotic lung disease. Because the activation of alveolar macrophages is the beginning step in a complicated inflammatory cascade, it is necessary to define the particle characteristics resulting in this activation. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of the size of crystalline silica particles on the activation of macrophages. Methods RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to four different sizes of crystalline silica and their activation was measured using electron microscopy, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by mitochondria, and cytokine expression. Results These data identified differences in particle uptake and formation of subcellular organelles based on particle size. In addition, these data show that the smallest particles, with a geometric mean of 0.3 μm, significantly increase the generation of mitochondrial ROS and the expression of cytokines when compared to larger crystalline silica particles, with a geometric mean of 4.1 μm. Conclusion In summary, this study presents novel data showing that crystalline silica particles with a geometric mean of 0.3 μm enhance the activation of AM when compared to larger silica particles usually represented in in vitro and in vivo research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Mischler
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 USA
| | - Emanuele G Cauda
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 USA
| | - Michelangelo Di Giuseppe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Linda J McWilliams
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 USA
| | - Claudette St Croix
- Center for Biological Imaging, Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Biological Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jonathan Franks
- Center for Biological Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Luis A Ortiz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Mater G, Paris C, Lavoué J. Descriptive analysis and comparison of two French occupational exposure databases: COLCHIC and SCOLA. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:379-91. [PMID: 26901238 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several countries have built databases of occupational hygiene measurements. In France, COLCHIC and SCOLA co-exist, started in 1987 and 2007, respectively. METHODS A descriptive comparison of the content of the two databases was carried out during the period 1987-2012, including variables, workplaces and agents, as well as exposure levels. RESULTS COLCHIC and SCOLA contain, respectively, 841,682 (670 chemicals) and 152,486 records (70). They cover similar industries and occupations, and contain the same ancillary information. Across 17 common agents with >500 samples, the ratio of the median concentration in COLCHIC to the median concentration in SCOLA was 3.45 [1.03-14.3] during 2007-2012. This pattern remained when stratified by industry, task, and occupation, but was attenuated when restricted to similar sampling duration. CONCLUSIONS COLCHIC and SCOLA represent a considerable source of information, but result from different purposes (prevention, regulatory). Potential differences due to strategies should evaluated when interpreting data from these databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Mater
- Department of Pollutants Metrology; Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS); Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - Christophe Paris
- Department of Occupational Diseases-INGRES EA7298; Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy (CHRU); Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - Jérôme Lavoué
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health; Université de Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
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10
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Sarazin P, Burstyn I, Kincl L, Lavoué J. Trends in OSHA Compliance Monitoring Data 1979–2011: Statistical Modeling of Ancillary Information across 77 Chemicals. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:432-52. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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11
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Sauvé JF. Historical and emerging workplaces affected by silica exposure since the 1930 Johannesburg conference on Silicosis, with special reference to construction. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58 Suppl 1:S67-71. [PMID: 26509755 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the time of the 1930 International Labour Office Conference on silicosis in Johannesburg, mining was the main sector affected by silicosis; however, other industries would later emerge as areas of concern. METHODS A search of the occupational hygiene and epidemiological literature was conducted to retrieve historical and current documents pertaining to silica exposure and associated hazards. RESULTS The potential risk of silicosis in construction became evident starting in the 1960s, and the body of literature including case reports, sampling surveys, and medical surveillance continues to grow to this day. Among non-construction activities, hydraulic fracturing and engineered countertop manufacturing have recently appeared as industries with a potential for overexposure, while mining remains the industrial sector with the highest prevalence of exposure. CONCLUSIONS The risk of developing this "ancient disease" remains a current issue in many workplaces, and requires ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Sauvé
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health; Université de Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
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van Deurssen E, Meijster T, Oude Hengel KM, Boessen R, Spaan S, Tielemans E, Heederik D, Pronk A. Effectiveness of a Multidimensional Randomized Control Intervention to Reduce Quartz Exposure Among Construction Workers. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 59:959-71. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Oude Hengel KM, van Deurssen E, Meijster T, Tielemans E, Heederik D, Pronk A. 'Relieved Working' study: systematic development and design of an intervention to decrease occupational quartz exposure at construction worksites. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:760. [PMID: 25069393 PMCID: PMC4133610 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational quartz exposure continues to be a serious hazard in the construction industry. Until now, evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing quartz exposure are scarce. The aim of this study was to systematically develop an intervention and to describe the study to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods/Design The intervention was developed according to the principles of the Intervention Mapping protocol, meaning that evidence from the literature was combined with information collected from stakeholders (e.g., construction workers, managers and researchers). The intervention aimed to integrate technical, behavioural and organizational factors. The intervention consists of two plenary meetings for all employers within the company, and individual visits at construction worksites, including specific intervention materials. Additionally, a demonstration session regarding control measures was organized for all managers. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial among eight construction companies, with measurements at baseline and follow-up. Outcome measures are personal respirable dust and quartz exposure by means of exposure assessment, and behavioural and organizational determinants which will be assessed by means of questionnaires. Additionally, a process evaluation will shed light on whether the intervention (does not) works, and, if so, the reasons for this. Discussion Applying Intervention Mapping in the development of an intervention to reduce occupational quartz exposure was useful, as different stakeholders provided input for the intervention as well as the implementation strategy. Therefore, the feasibility of the intervention has been enhanced, as it appeals to construction workers and managers and will not unduly interfere with the ongoing construction work. Trial registration number NTR4586 (May 7th 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Oude Hengel
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, P,O, Box 718, 2130 AS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.
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Bakke B, Ulvestad B, Thomassen Y, Woldbaek T, Ellingsen DG. Characterization of occupational exposure to air contaminants in modern tunnelling operations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:818-29. [PMID: 24902863 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Personal air measurements of aerosols and gases among tunnel construction workers were performed as part of a 11-day follow-up study on the relationship between exposure to aerosols and gases and cardiovascular and respiratory effects. METHODS Ninety tunnel construction workers employed at 11 available construction sites participated in the exposure study. The workers were divided into seven job groups according to tasks performed. Exposure measurements were carried out on 2 consecutive working days prior to the day of health examination. Summary statistics were computed using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and the procedure NLMIXED and LIFEREG in SAS was used to perform MLE for repeated measures data subject to left censoring and for calculation of within- and between-worker variance components. RESULTS The geometric mean (GM) air concentrations for the thoracic mass aerosol sub-fraction, α-quartz, oil mist, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) for all workers were 561, 63, 210, 146, and 35.2 μg m(-3), respectively. Statistical differences of air concentrations between job groups were observed for all contaminants, except for OC, EC, and ammonia (P > 0.05). The shaft drillers, injection workers, and shotcreting operators were exposed to the highest GM levels of thoracic dust (7061, 1087, and 865 μg m(-) (3), respectively). The shaft drillers and the support workers were exposed to the highest GM levels of α-quartz (GM = 844 and 118 μg m(-3), respectively). Overall, the exposure to nitrogen dioxide and ammonia was low (GM = 120 and 251 μg m(-) (3), respectively). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study show significant differences between job groups with shaft drilling as the highest exposed job to air concentrations for all measured contaminants. Technical interventions in this job should be implemented to reduce exposure levels. Overall, diesel exhaust air concentrations seem to be lower than previously assessed (as EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Bakke
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Woldbaek
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Monumental Hazards. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2013; 58:2-5. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/met073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Gómez-Puerta JA, Gedmintas L, Costenbader KH. The association between silica exposure and development of ANCA-associated vasculitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Autoimmun Rev 2013; 12:1129-35. [PMID: 23820041 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crystalline silica is among the environmental exposures associated with increased risk of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Silica exposure has also been related to the development of ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV), but past studies appear to conflict as to the presence and magnitude of the associated risks of disease. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the existing studies and meta-analysis of their results. METHODS We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE and international scientific conference abstract databases for studies examining the association of silica exposure with AAV. Studies in English, French, or Spanish were included and those examining the association of silica with ANCA-positivity alone were excluded. We assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We meta-analyzed the results using random effects models and tested for heterogeneity. We performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses, examining studies that adjusted for smoking and occupational risk factors as well as studies that analyzed by subtypes of AAV. RESULTS We identified 158 potential manuscripts and 3 abstracts related to silica exposure and risk of AAV. 147 were excluded after abstract review and 14 underwent detailed evaluation of full manuscript/abstract. After further application of exclusion criteria, 6 studies (all cases-controls) remained. The studies had moderate heterogeneity in selection of cases and controls, exposure assessment, disease definition and controlling for potential confounders. We found an overall significant summary effect estimate of silica "ever exposure" with development of AAV (summary OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.51-4.36), with moderate heterogeneity (I(2)=48.40%). ORs were similar for studies examining only MPA (OR 3.95, CI 95% 1.89-8.24), compared to those only studying GPA (OR 3.56, CI 95% 1.85-6.82). CONCLUSION Despite moderate heterogeneity among studies, the totality of the evidence after meta-analysis points to an association between silica exposure and risk for developing AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Gómez-Puerta
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
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