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Couto Lopes AV, Teixeira CF, Vilela MB, de Lima ML. Time Trend of Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss in a Metallurgical Plant With a Hearing Conservation Program. Saf Health Work 2024; 15:181-186. [PMID: 39035796 PMCID: PMC11255947 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2024.04.001] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to analyze the trend of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) in Brazilian workers at a metallurgical plant with a hearing conservation program (HCP), which has been addressed in a previous study. Methods All 152 workers in this time series (20032018) participated in the HCP and used personal protective equipment. All annual audiometry records in the company's software were collected from the electronic database. The trend of ONIHL was analyzed with the joinpoint regression model. The hearing thresholds of ONIHL cases at the end of the series were compared with those found in a national reference study. Results The binaural mean hearing thresholds at 3, 4, and 6 kHz at the end of the series were higher for ages ≥50 years, exposures ≥85 dB (A), time since admission >20 years, and maintenance workers. Significance was found only in the group divided by age. There was an increasing time trend of ONIHL, though with a low percentage variation for the period (AAPC = 3.5%; p = 0.01). Hearing thresholds in this study differed from the reference one. Conclusion Despite the unmet expectation of a stationary trend in the study period, the time pace of ONIHL evolution did not follow what was expected for a population exposed to noise. These findings signal to the scientific community and public authorities that good ONIHL control is possible when HCP is well implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalva V. Couto Lopes
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Cleide F. Teixeira
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mirella B.R. Vilela
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria L.L.T. de Lima
- Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Abbasi M, Yazdanirad S, Dehdarirad H, Hughes D. Noise exposure and the risk of cancer: a comprehensive systematic review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:713-726. [PMID: 36064622 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The association between noise exposure and increased risk of cancer has received little attention in the field of research. Therefore, the goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the relationship between noise exposure and the incidence of cancer in humans. In this study, four electronic bibliographic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched up to 21 April 2022. All types of noise exposure were considered, including environmental noise, occupational noise, and leisure or recreational noise. Furthermore, all types of cancers were studied, regardless of the organs involved. In total, 1836 articles were excluded on the basis of containing exclusion criteria or lacking inclusion criteria, leaving 19 articles retained for this study. Five of nine case-control studies showed a significant relationship between occupational or leisure noise exposure and acoustic neuroma. Moreover, four of five case-control and cohort studies indicated statistically significant relationships between environmental noise exposure and breast cancer. Of other cancer types, two case-control studies highlighted the risk of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and two cohort studies identified an increased risk of colon cancer associated with environmental noise exposure. No relationship between road traffic and railway noise and the risk of prostate cancer was observed. In total, results showed that noise exposure, particularly prolonged and continuous exposure to loud noise, can lead to the incidence of some cancers. However, confirmation of this requires further epidemiological studies and exploration of the exact biological mechanism and pathway for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Abbasi
- Occupational Health Engineering, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Saeid Yazdanirad
- School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Dehdarirad
- Medical Library & Information Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Debra Hughes
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Beaver C, Schneider J. Evaluating the potential impact of ototoxicant exposure on worker health. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:520-535. [PMID: 37540204 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2240874] [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: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to ototoxicants, substances that can cause hearing loss alone or exacerbate hearing loss when exposure occurs in combination with noise, is a workplace hazard that is poorly understood. A review of existing research indicates that some solvents and heavy metals may be ototoxic, but few studies have attempted to estimate the impact of ototoxicant exposure on the United States worker population. Researchers examined trends in workplace exposure to ototoxicants among workers in the United States by comparing exposure data collected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against worker hearing loss data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2012-2019. The study found that the noise exposure data was strongly correlated to the hearing loss data using Pearson's correlation (p < .001), confirming that the exposure data collected by OSHA is predictive of the risk of occupational illness as reported by BLS. Chi-square analysis indicates that reported hearing loss was more common among industry subsectors with exposure to ototoxicants than those without exposure to ototoxicants. These findings suggest that workers with coexposure to ototoxicants and noise may be at a higher risk of experiencing hearing loss than those exposed to noise alone, and action should be taken to minimize this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Beaver
- Collaboratory for Resiliency and Recovery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Schneider
- Collaboratory for Resiliency and Recovery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
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Huang Q, Su S, Zhang X, Li X, Zhu J, Wang T, Wen C. Occupational health risk assessment of workplace solvents and noise in the electronics industry using three comprehensive risk assessment models. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1063488. [PMID: 37006568 PMCID: PMC10065190 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1063488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundOccupational hazards such as solvents and noise in the electronics industry are serious. Although various occupational health risk assessment models have been applied in the electronics industry, they have only been used to assess the risks of individual job positions. Few existing studies have focused on the total risk level of critical risk factors in enterprises.MethodsTen electronics enterprises were selected for this study. Information, air samples and physical factor measurements were collected from the selected enterprises through on-site investigation, and then the data were collated and samples were tested according to the requirements of Chinese standards. The Occupational Health Risk Classification and Assessment Model (referred to as the Classification Model), the Occupational Health Risk Grading and Assessment Model (referred to as the Grading Model), and the Occupational Disease Hazard Evaluation Model were used to assess the risks of the enterprises. The correlations and differences between the three models were analyzed, and the results of the models were validated by the average risk level of all of the hazard factors.ResultsHazards with concentrations exceeding the Chinese occupational exposure limits (OELs) were methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, and noise. The exposure time of workers ranged from 1 to 11 h per day and the frequency of exposure ranged from 5 to 6 times per week. The risk ratios (RRs) of the Classification Model, the Grading Model and the Occupational Disease Hazard Evaluation Model were 0.70 ± 0.10, 0.34 ± 0.13, and 0.65 ± 0.21, respectively. The RRs for the three risk assessment models were statistically different (P < 0.001), and there were no correlations between them (P > 0.05). The average risk level of all of the hazard factors was 0.38 ± 0.18, which did not differ from the RRs of the Grading Model (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe hazards of organic solvents and noise in the electronics industry are not negligible. The Grading Model offers a good reflection of the actual risk level of the electronics industry and has strong practicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifan Huang
- Institute of Occupational Health Assessment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shibiao Su
- Institute of Occupational Health Assessment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shibiao Su
| | - Xiaoshun Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Institute of Occupational Health Assessment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Institute of Occupational Health Assessment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianjian Wang
- Institute of Occupational Health Assessment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuiju Wen
- Department of Management of Research and Education, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
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Saraei M, Omidi R, Aminian O, Izadi N, Akbarpour S, Ebrahimi Meimand S. The Combined Effect of Noise and Solvent Exposure on Hearing Loss in the Tire Factory Workers. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:3887-3892. [PMID: 36742491 PMCID: PMC9895598 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02697-4] [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: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Noise and organic solvents are common in many industries and both of them affect hearing. In this study, we estimated the concurrent effect of them on hearing by evaluating the existence of notch in audiograms of workers. The number of 540 persons were enrolled in this study after eliminating workers who had the exclusion criteria. We divided them into 4 groups based on their exposure status; no exposure, exposure to noise, exposure to solvent, exposure to both of them. The presence of notch in left, right, or both ears were assessed through Coles model. The rates of notch presence in both ears in the groups of noise and organic solvents exposure, noise exposure only, solvents exposure only were 11.72, 4.49, 1.86 times higher than the control group and sole solvent exposure didn't affect hearing significantly. The same pattern was seen for notch presence in left or right ear and the solvent-noise exposure group had the highest rate of notch presence. This study aims to show the synergic effect of noise and organic solvents exposure on hearing loss. Hence, we recommend implementing a hearing protection program and a higher frequency of audiological assessments in the industries involved with concurrent exposure to noise and organic solvents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Saraei
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Omidi
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Aminian
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Izadi
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Akbarpour
- Occupational Sleep Research Center, Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pure Tone Audiometry Evaluation Method Effectiveness in Detecting Hearing Changes Due to Workplace Ototoxicant, Continuous Noise, and Impulse Noise Exposures. Ear Hear 2021; 43:1291-1299. [PMID: 34860718 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the relative risks (RR) of hearing impairment due to co-exposure of continuous noise, impulse noise, metal ototoxicants, and organic solvent ototoxicants using several pure tone audiometry (PTA) evaluation methods. DESIGN Noise and ototoxicant exposure and PTA records were extracted from a DoD longitudinal repository and were analyzed for U.S. Air Force personnel (n = 2372) at a depot-level aircraft maintenance activity at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma using an historical cohort study design. Eight similar exposure groups based on combinations of ototoxicant and noise exposure were created: (1) Continuous noise (reference group); (2) Continuous noise + Impulse noise; (3) Metal exposure + Continuous noise; (4) Metal exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise; (5) Solvent exposure + Continuous noise; (6) Solvent exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise; (7) Metal exposure + Solvent exposure + Continuous noise; and (8) Metal exposure + Solvent exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise. RR of hearing impairment compared to the Continuous noise-exposed reference group was assessed with five PTA evaluation methods including (1) U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Significant Threshold Shift (STS), (2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) age-adjusted STS, (3) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) STS, (4) NIOSH Material Hearing Impairment, and (5) All Frequency Threshold Average. RESULTS Hearing impairment was significantly worse for SEG (2) combined exposure to continuous noise and impulse noise only for the PTA evaluation method (2) OSHA Age Adjusted with an RR of 3.11, [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-8.31] and was nearly significantly different using PTA evaluation method (4) NIOSH Material Hearing Impairment with an RR of 3.16 (95% CI, 0.99-10.15). Despite no significant differences for SEGs with an ototoxicant exposure, PTA evaluation method (3) NIOSH STS was most sensitive in detecting hearing changes for SEG (8) Metal exposure + Solvent exposure + Continuous noise + Impulse noise as demonstrated by a RR of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.99-1.27). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that a single PTA evaluation technique may not be adequate in fully revealing hearing impairment risk due to all stressors and tailoring the PTA evaluation technique to the hazards present in the workplace could better detect hearing impairment. Additionally, results suggest that PTA may not be effective as the sole technique for evaluating hearing impairment due to ototoxicant exposure with continuous noise co-exposure.
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Hemmativaghef E. Exposure to lead, mercury, styrene, and toluene and hearing impairment: evaluation of dose-response relationships, regulations, and controls. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2020; 17:574-597. [PMID: 33275083 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2020.1842428] [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: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The risk of hearing loss from exposure to ototoxic chemicals is not reflected in occupational exposure limits and most jurisdictions. The aims of this research were to investigate dose-response relationships between exposure to lead, mercury, toluene, and styrene and hearing impairment based on current epidemiological evidence, conduct cross-jurisdictional comparisons, and investigate control measures for exposure to ototoxic chemicals. Ovid Medline and Ovid Embase databases were used to find relevant publications. A total of 86 epidemiological studies met the eligibility criteria for final evaluation. When significant associations between exposure and outcome were identified, exposure levels were evaluated to determine whether No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) could be identified. Cross-jurisdictional comparisons included the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia occupational health and safety legislations. The majority of lead (75%), styrene (74%), and toluene (77%) studies showed significantly increased risks of hearing loss from exposure to these substances, although numerous studies on toluene (70%) and styrene (16%) compared auditory function between "solvent mixture" or "noise and solvent mixture" exposed groups and controls and not necessarily on groups exposed to a single agent. Based on five studies, blood lead ranges of 1-1.99 μg/dL to 2.148-2.822 μg/dL were identified as NOAELs while blood lead levels of 2 μg/dL up to 2.823-26.507 μg/dL were identified as LOAELs for hearing loss. Except for general duty clauses, the U.S., Canadian, and Australian jurisdictions have set no enforceable regulations specific to ototoxic chemical exposures. A biological exposure index of 2 μg/dL is recommended for prevention of hearing impairment from lead exposure. Based on Safe Work Australia, noise exposure limits may be reduced to 80 dB(A) for 8 hr. Other recommendations include performing audiometric testing and controlling exposure through all routes of entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Hemmativaghef
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Cabello-López A, Chávez-Gómez NL, Torres-Valenzuela A, Aguilar-Madrid G, Trujillo-Reyes O, Madrigal-Esquivel C, Haro-García LC, Skjönsberg Å, Juárez-Pérez CA. Audiometric findings of printing press workers exposed to noise and organic solvents. Int J Audiol 2020; 60:8-15. [PMID: 32731779 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1795735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if exposure to organic solvents and noise is associated with audiometric results among workers from a printing press in Mexico City. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE One hundred and seventy-six male workers at a printing press in Mexico City exposed to noise and organic solvents, including xylene, and 103 non-exposed male workers as reference group. Hearing thresholds were assessed with pure-tone audiometry. RESULTS Poorer hearing thresholds were observed among printing workers than non-exposed controls, particularly among groups with over 5 years of exposure. Hearing thresholds differences were observed in the frequencies above 500 Hz, especially in 4000 Hz in all exposure groups compared to the reference. Adjusted models for age and previous exposure to noise and organic solvents showed worse hearing thresholds as years of seniority increased -β coefficients (95% CI): ≤5 years: 3.06 dB (0.01, 6.10); >5-10 years: 4.51 dB (1.13, 7.89); >10 years: 4.58 dB (1.20, 7.96). Further analyses showed no interaction between noise and organic solvents on hearing thresholds, considering both current and previous occupational exposures. CONCLUSION Exposure to noise levels that were below recommended exposure limits and organic solvents were associated with poorer hearing thresholds than those observed among non-exposed study participants. This suggests that workers exposed to solvents should be included in hearing conservation programmes, even when noise exposures are below 85 dB. If only noise levels were taken into consideration in the risk assessment of this worker population, the risk of hearing effects could have been overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabello-López
- Occupational Health Research Unit, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nancy Libertad Chávez-Gómez
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional "Adolfo López Mateos", Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Torres-Valenzuela
- Division of Audiology, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Aguilar-Madrid
- Division of Research and Postgraduate Education, Claustro Universitario de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Oscar Trujillo-Reyes
- Occupational Health Research Unit, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Madrigal-Esquivel
- Occupational Health Research Unit, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Åsa Skjönsberg
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Audiology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cuauhtémoc Arturo Juárez-Pérez
- Occupational Health Research Unit, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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Giorgianni C, Tanzariello M, De Pasquale D, Brecciaroli R, Spatari G. Equilibrium disorders in workers exposed to mixed solvents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2019; 25:583-586. [DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1416808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Banton MI, Bus JS, Collins JJ, Delzell E, Gelbke HP, Kester JE, Moore MM, Waites R, Sarang SS. Evaluation of potential health effects associated with occupational and environmental exposure to styrene - an update. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2019; 22:1-130. [PMID: 31284836 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2019.1633718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The potential chronic health risks of occupational and environmental exposure to styrene were evaluated to update health hazard and exposure information developed since the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis risk assessment for styrene was performed in 2002. The updated hazard assessment of styrene's health effects indicates human cancers and ototoxicity remain potential concerns. However, mechanistic research on mouse lung tumors demonstrates these tumors are mouse-specific and of low relevance to human cancer risk. The updated toxicity database supports toxicity reference levels of 20 ppm (equates to 400 mg urinary metabolites mandelic acid + phenylglyoxylic acid/g creatinine) for worker inhalation exposure and 3.7 ppm and 2.5 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, for general population inhalation and oral exposure. No cancer risk value estimates are proposed given the established lack of relevance of mouse lung tumors and inconsistent epidemiology evidence. The updated exposure assessment supports inhalation and ingestion routes as important. The updated risk assessment found estimated risks within acceptable ranges for all age groups of the general population and workers with occupational exposures in non-fiber-reinforced polymer composites industries and fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRP) workers using closed-mold operations or open-mold operations with respiratory protection. Only FRP workers using open-mold operations not using respiratory protection have risk exceedances for styrene and should be considered for risk management measures. In addition, given the reported interaction of styrene exposure with noise, noise reduction to sustain levels below 85 dB(A) needs be in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Banton
- a Gorge View Consulting LLC , Hood River , OR , USA
| | - J S Bus
- b Health Sciences , Exponent , Midland , MI , USA
| | - J J Collins
- c Health Sciences , Saginaw Valley State University , Saginaw , MI , USA
| | - E Delzell
- d Private consultant , Birmingham , AL , USA
| | | | - J E Kester
- f Kester Consulting LLC , Wentzville , MO , USA
| | | | - R Waites
- h Sabic , Innovative Plastics US LLC , Mount Vernon , IN , USA
| | - S S Sarang
- i Shell Health , Shell International , Houston , TX , USA
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Golmohammadi R, Darvishi E. The combined effects of occupational exposure to noise and other risk factors - a systematic review. Noise Health 2019; 21:125-141. [PMID: 32719300 PMCID: PMC7650855 DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_4_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Noise-induced health effects exacerbate by many other risk factors. This systematic review aims at shedding light on the combined effects of co-exposure to occupational noise and other factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS A literature search in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, with appropriate keywords on combined effects of occupational noise, and co-exposure to noise and other factors, revealed 7928 articles which were screened by two researchers. A total of 775 articles were reviewed in full text. We found 149 articles that were relevant and had sufficient quality for analysis. RESULTS We identified 16 risk factors that exacerbate occupational noise-induced health effects. These factors were classified into four groups: chemical (carbon monoxide (CO), solvents, heavy metals, and other chemicals), physical (lighting, heat, vibration, and cold), personal (age, gender, genetics, smoking, medication, contextual diseases) and occupational (workload and shift work). Hearing loss, hypertension, reduced performance, and cardiovascular strains, are the most important risk factors combined effects due to concurrent exposure to noise and other risk factors. CONCLUSION Evidences of combined effects of solvents, vibration, heavy metals, CO, smoking, chemicals, aging, heat, and shiftwork were respectively stronger than for other factors. Most of the studies have investigated only the combined effects of risk factors on hearing, and the evidence for non-auditory effects is still limited, and more studies are warranted. Therefore, in the Hearing Conservation Programs, besides noise, aggravating factors of noise effects should also be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rostam Golmohammadi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Darvishi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Nakhooda F, Sartorius B, Govender SM. The effects of combined exposure of solvents and noise on auditory function - A systematic review and meta-analysis. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2019; 66:e1-e11. [PMID: 31170785 PMCID: PMC6556967 DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v66i1.568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemical substances can negatively affect the auditory system. Chemical substances alone or combined with high-level noise have recently become a major concern as a cause of occupational hearing loss. OBJECTIVE To assess the combined effect of solvents and noise versus solvents only, or noise only, on the auditory function of workers. METHOD Published articles which included noise and/or solvent exposure or combined effects of solvents and noise, studies conducted on human beings only and the use of audiological tests on participants. RESULTS Thirteen papers were eligible for inclusion. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 68 years. Results revealed that 24.5% presented with hearing loss as a result of noise exposure only; 18% presented with hearing loss owing to solvent exposure only; and a total of 43.3% presented with hearing loss owing to combined noise and solvent exposure. Furthermore, the prevalence of hearing loss in the noise and solvent group was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the other groups in 10 out of the 13 studies analysed, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 2.754. Of the 178 participants (total of all participants exposed to solvents), a total of 32 participants presented with auditory pathology as a result of exposure to solvents only. There was a significantly higher pooled odds of hearing loss in noise and solvent-exposed group compared to solvent-only group (pooled OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.24-3.72, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION The findings revealed significantly higher odds of acquiring hearing loss when workers were exposed to a combination of solvents and noise as opposed to solvents only, motivating for its inclusion into hearing conservation programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faatima Nakhooda
- Discipline of Audiology, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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Silva TFD, Rodrigues DDRF, Coutinho GBF, Soares M, Almeida MSD, Sarcinelli PDN, Mattos RDCODC, Larentis AL, Matos GGDO. Ototoxicity of hydrocarbons present in gasoline: a literature review. REVISTA CEFAC 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-021620182015617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the toxicity effects of major hydrocarbons present in gasoline on the auditory system and the related mechanisms of action. Methods: a literature review between 2005 and 2015 was conducted using LILACS, MEDLINE and SciELO, by combining descriptors and their respective terms in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results: studies performed in humans and animals with hearing impairment, confirmed by morphological tests in rats, the influence of factors such as dose, duration, species and type of stimulus in hearing loss, and ineffective protection of workers by the threshold levels of exposure in the mixture of the compounds, were chosen. Conclusion: toluene is regarded as an ototoxic compound that damages outer hair cells in the middle region of the cochlea, with evidence of interaction with noise. Ethylbenzene and xylenes can be considered potentially ototoxic based on the results of animal studies. No sufficient data were found on benzene to form a conclusion.
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Schaal N, Slagley J, Zreiqat M, Paschold H. Effects of combined exposure to metals, solvents, and noise on permanent threshold shifts. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:227-238. [PMID: 28127780 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest metal and solvent exposure may damage hearing. This study evaluated the association between exposures classified as high for metals, solvents, and noise on permanent threshold shift (PTS) development. METHODS A total of 1,546 personnel at an industrial shipyard were divided into five exposure groups based on level of concentration: high noise, high metals/solvents, high metals/noise, high metals/solvents/noise, and a low metals/solvents/noise reference group. Hearing threshold changes were analyzed to identify development of a PTS. RESULTS Logistic regression indicated high metals/solvents and high metals/solvent/noise groups had significantly greater odds ratios of 2.4; 95%CI [1.02, 2.85] and 1.7; 95%CI [1.46, 3.94], respectively, compared to a reference group. Both groups were associated with PTSs while controlling for age, gender, and exposure duration. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous exposures classified as high for metals and solvents may damage hearing. Results suggest the need for expanding hearing conservation programs to consider combinations of exposures to metals, solvents, and noise. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:227-238, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Schaal
- Department of Industrial Hygiene; Department of the Navy; Naval Hospital Bremerton; Bremerton Washington
- Department of Safety Sciences; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Indiana Pennsylvania
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics; Division of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences; F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Bethesda Maryland
| | - Jeremy Slagley
- Department of Safety Sciences; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Indiana Pennsylvania
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management; Department of the Air Force; Air Force Institute of Technology; Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio
| | - Majed Zreiqat
- Department of Safety Sciences; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Indiana Pennsylvania
| | - Helmut Paschold
- Department of Safety Sciences; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Indiana Pennsylvania
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Fernandes R, Tsunemi MH, Zucki F. Perfil audiológico de motoristas agrícolas expostos: ruído e hidrocarbonetos. AUDIOLOGY: COMMUNICATION RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-6431-2014-1533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer o perfil audiológico de motoristas agrícolas expostos, simultaneamente, a ruído e hidrocarbonetos. Métodos: Foram analisados os prontuários de motoristas com queixas auditivas de uma empresa do ramo agrícola do município de Lençóis Paulista (SP), dentro do Programa de Prevenção de Riscos Ambientais (PPRA). As informações analisadas foram: idade, tempo de exposição combinada a ruído e hidrocarbonetos e exames de audiometria tonal liminar de referência. Para a análise da influência da idade e do tempo de exposição sobre os limiares auditivos, ajustaram-se modelos de sobrevivência para dados grupados (riscos proporcionais e logísticos). Resultados: Verificou-se que os efeitos da idade e do tempo de exposição combinada a ruído e hidrocarbonetos foram significativos na perda de audição, nos modelos de riscos proporcionais e logísticos. Conclusão: É fundamental o desenvolvimento de ações voltadas para a prevenção de perdas auditivas em motoristas agrícolas expostos aos agentes ruído e hidrocarbonetos.
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Liu Y, Wang H, Weng S, Su W, Wang X, Guo Y, Yu D, Du L, Zhou T, Chen W, Shi T. Occupational Hearing Loss among Chinese Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128719. [PMID: 26042421 PMCID: PMC4455999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational hearing loss is an increasingly prevalent occupational condition worldwide, and has been reported to occur in a wide range of workplaces; however, its prevalence among workers from municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLs) remains less clear. This study aimed to investigate the occupational hearing loss among Chinese MSWL workers. Methods A cross-sectional study of 247 workers from 4 Chinese MSWLs was conducted. Noise and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) levels at worksites were determined. We conducted hearing examinations to determine hearing thresholds. A worker was identified as having hearing loss if the mean threshold at 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz in either ear was equal to or greater than 25 dB. Prevalence of occupational hearing loss was then evaluated. Using unconditional Logistic regression models, we estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of MSWL work associated with hearing loss. Results According to the job title for each worker, the study subjects were divided into 3 groups, including group 1 of 63 workers without MSWL occupational hazards exposure (control group), group 2 of 84 workers with a few or short-period MSWL occupational hazards exposure, and group 3 of 100 workers with continuous MSWL occupational hazards exposure. Both noise and TVOCs levels were significantly higher at worksites for group 3. Significantly poorer hearing thresholds at frequencies of 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz were found in group 3, compared with that in group 1 and group 2. The overall prevalence rate of hearing loss was 23. 5%, with the highest in group 3 (36.0%). The OR of MSWL work associated with hearing loss was 3.39 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-8.96). Conclusion The results of this study suggest significantly higher prevalence of hearing loss among MSWL workers. Further studies are needed to explore possible exposure-response relationship between MSWL occupational hazards exposure and hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuewei Liu
- Institute of Health Surveillance, Analysis and Protection, Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shaofan Weng
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Wenjin Su
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yanfei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Lili Du
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- * E-mail: (TS); (WC)
| | - Tingming Shi
- Institute of Health Surveillance, Analysis and Protection, Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
- * E-mail: (TS); (WC)
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Basner M, Brink M, Bristow A, de Kluizenaar Y, Finegold L, Hong J, Janssen SA, Klaeboe R, Leroux T, Liebl A, Matsui T, Schwela D, Sliwinska-Kowalska M, Sörqvist P. ICBEN review of research on the biological effects of noise 2011-2014. Noise Health 2015; 17:57-82. [PMID: 25774609 PMCID: PMC4918662 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.153373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mandate of the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise (ICBEN) is to promote a high level of scientific research concerning all aspects of noise-induced effects on human beings and animals. In this review, ICBEN team chairs and co-chairs summarize relevant findings, publications, developments, and policies related to the biological effects of noise, with a focus on the period 2011-2014 and for the following topics: Noise-induced hearing loss; nonauditory effects of noise; effects of noise on performance and behavior; effects of noise on sleep; community response to noise; and interactions with other agents and contextual factors. Occupational settings and transport have been identified as the most prominent sources of noise that affect health. These reviews demonstrate that noise is a prevalent and often underestimated threat for both auditory and nonauditory health and that strategies for the prevention of noise and its associated negative health consequences are needed to promote public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Rapisarda V, Ledda C, Ferrante M, Fiore M, Cocuzza S, Bracci M, Fenga C. Blood pressure and occupational exposure to noise and lead (Pb): A cross-sectional study. Toxicol Ind Health 2015; 32:1729-36. [PMID: 25883097 DOI: 10.1177/0748233715576616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have explored the hypothesis that low blood lead (PbB) and high noise levels may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension. To assess the possible relationship between occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and noise and elevated blood pressure, we studied 105 workers (age: 41.27 ± 6.25 years and length of employment: 4.12 ± 5.33 years) employed in a Pb battery recycling plant by measuring A-weighted equivalent sound level, PbB, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Results showed that occupational exposure to higher ambient Pb and noise levels was related to slightly increased SBP and DBP. PbB values correlated significantly with SBP and DBP, whereas noise levels correlated neither with SBP nor with DBP. Furthermore, workers exposed to higher ambient Pb had higher PbB and ZPP and showed more decreased ALAD activity. Blood pressure does not correlate with noise exposure but only with PbB concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Fiore
- Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Occupational Medicine, Department of the Environment, Security, Territory, Food and Health Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Lake K, Zhu J, Wang H, Volckens J, Koehler KA. Effects of data sparsity and spatiotemporal variability on hazard maps of workplace noise. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12:256-265. [PMID: 25437137 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2014.963589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Personal sampling, considered a state-of-the-art technique to assess worker exposures to occupational hazards, is often conducted for the duration of a work shift so that time-weighted average (TWA) exposures may be evaluated relative to published occupational exposure limits (OELs). Such cross-shift measurements, however, provide little information on the spatial variability of exposures, except after a very large number of samples. Hazard maps, contour plots (or similar depiction) of hazard intensity throughout the workplace, have gained popularity as a way to locate sources and to visualize spatial variability of physical and chemical hazards within a facility. However, these maps are often generated from short duration measures and have little ability to assess temporal variability. To assess the potential bias that results from the use of short-duration measurements to represent the TWA in a hazard map, noise intensity measurements were collected at high spatial and temporal resolution in two facilities. Static monitors were distributed throughout the facility and used to capture the temporal variability at these locations. Roving monitors (typical of the hazard mapping process) captured spatial variability over multiple traverses through the facility. The differences in hazards maps generated with different sampling techniques were evaluated. Hazard maps produced from sparse, roving monitor data were in good agreement with the TWA hazard maps at the facility with low temporal variability. Estimated values were within 5 dB of the TWA over approximately 90% of the facility. However, at the facility with higher temporal variability, large differences between hazard maps were observed for different traverses through the facility. On the second day of sampling, estimates were at least 5 dB different than the TWA for more than half of the locations within the facility. The temporal variability of noise was found to have a greater influence on map accuracy than the spatial sampling resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk Lake
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
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