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Airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS) has been a widely recognized hazard in the United States for nearly 100 years, yet it continues to pose a risk to construction tradespersons, among others. RCS exposures vary widely depending on site conditions and tools and materials used. The proper use of engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls can effectively reduce exposure to RCS. Historically, others have reviewed available RCS exposure data among construction trades and reported that there were considerable data gaps and variability that needed to be addressed. This current assessment aimed to synthesize available peer-reviewed exposure studies to determine potential RCS exposures during the use of common construction materials and evaluate to what extent data gaps and variability persist. Twenty-eight studies were identified that reported RCS exposure during construction tasks. After conversion to the unit of µg/m3, reported measurements from samples collected for varying durations ranged from 6.0 to 75,500 µg/m3 for work with concrete, 80 to 4,240 µg/m3 for work with brick, <59 to 10,900 µg/m3 for work with mortar, 90 to 44,370 µg/m3 for work with engineered stone, and 70 to 380 µg/m3 for work with roof tile. To better facilitate pooling data across studies, future researchers should report their sample duration, clarify how time-weighted average (TWA) exposure data are calculated, report the silica content of the material being manipulated, and specify whether samples were collected while the task was performed in isolation or on a worksite where other silica-containing materials were also actively handled. When reporting results as respirable quartz, it is important to note whether any other polymorphic forms of silica were detected. It is ultimately the employer's responsibility to train employees and monitor and control RCS exposures on construction worksites. To do this effectively, it is important to have a clear understanding of the tasks, materials, and site conditions where intervention is most urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate and design masks against viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2 associated with COVID-19. A continuum filtration model was developed where the rate of particle deposition and "sticking" on the filter fibers is a critical term in the mass transfer, together with permeation velocity, filter porosity, tortuosity, and Brownian diffusion. CFD simulations of the airflow during respiration lead to the recommendation that the filter permeability should be above 4 × 10−11 m2 to direct the airflow for effectiveness against virus particles; otherwise, low filter permeabilities cause the unfiltered air to flow preferentially through the leak gaps between the mask and the headform. Different mask filters with microstructural and geometry data from the literature are assessed via filtration simulations for breathability and filtration efficiency. The results demonstrate that a surgical mask of 25% porosity, pore size of 150 µm and permeability of 4.4 × 10−11 m2 can achieve 100% minimum efficiency while demonstrating high breathability, complying with the criteria of FFP3, N95, and surgical Class II and IIR masks. Selected cotton and synthetic cloths as well as electrospun fiber layers are predicted to comply with FFP2, N95, and surgical mask Class II and IIR standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the use of nitrile gloves with a minimum thickness of 5.0 ± 2.0 mil [0.127 ± 0.051 millimeters] in situations where it is suspected or known that fentanyl or other illicit drugs are present. However, there is limited data available on fentanyl permeation through gloves. Current test methods used to measure fentanyl permeation do not consider the effect of glove fit and flexion. Furthermore, first responders need to have PPE readily available in the field, and storage conditions may affect the protective performance of the gloves. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glove stretch and storage temperatures on glove durability and barrier performance against fentanyl. Nine nitrile glove models previously shown to be resistant to fentanyl permeation were selected for this investigation. These nine models were stretched 25% in one linear direction, to consider glove fit and flexion, and tested against fentanyl hydrochloride permeation. Additionally, four of the nine glove models were stored at 48 °C, 22 °C, and −20 °C, and evaluated for tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and puncture resistance after up to 16 wk of storage and fentanyl permeation after up to 8 wk of storage. At least one sample for six of the nine tested models had maximum permeation over the test method fail threshold when stretched. The tested storage temperatures showed no effect on glove tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and puncture resistance. The findings of this study can be used to inform PPE recommendations, with consideration to storage practices and proper sizing for first responders with potential exposure to fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The results of this study can be used to assess the need for new standard test methods to evaluate the barrier performance of gloves and shelf-life determination with consideration to glove fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to study the interaction of the components of a complex liquid mixture on the permeation parameters of its constituents. A firearm cleaning solvent, Hoppes No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner, was selected to challenge two varieties of disposable nitrile gloves, the thinnest (Kimberly-Clark Lavender) and thickest (Kimberly-Clark Blue), using the closed-loop ASTM F739 cell without recirculation and n-decane collection followed by quantitation of the permeated compounds using capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The thicker Blue glove resisted the permeation of Hoppe's relative to the thinner Lavender glove as shown by 3.2 times more mass permeated by the Lavender glove at 60 min despite the same standardized breakthrough times (7.5 ± 2.5 min). The kerosene fraction permeated faster at a much higher rate than expected. The Kimberly-Clark disposable nitrile glove chemical resistance guide lists a breakthrough time for kerosene of 82 min for Sterling disposable nitrile glove material. However, for Hoppe's the kerosene components appeared at the standardized breakthrough time. Mixture components that were reported by the glove manufacturer to quickly permeate the disposable nitrile material, such as ethanol, did not permeate at a rate slower than expected, indicative of a possible carrier function. A semiquantitative risk assessment confirmed the unacceptability of both gloves. Persons using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, may not be afforded the expected resistance to chemical permeation when chemicals are in a suitable mixture, hence enhancing the risk of exposure. More research is needed to produce better glove testing measures to ensure the safety of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideally, measuring exposures to volatile organic compounds should allow for modifying sampling duration without loss in sensitivity. Traditional sorbent-based sampling can vary sampling duration, but sensitivity may be affected when capturing shorter tasks. Diaphragm and capillary flow controllers allow for a range of flow rates and sampling durations for air sampling with evacuated canisters. The goal of this study was to evaluate the extent to which commercialized capillary flow controllers satisfy the bias (±10%) and accuracy (±25%) criteria for air sampling methods as established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) using the framework of ASTM D6246 Standard Practice for Evaluating the Performance of Diffusive Samplers to compare their performance with diaphragm flow controllers in a long-term field study. Phase 1 consisted of a series of laboratory tests to evaluate capillary flow controller flow rates with respect to variations in temperature (−15–24 °C). The results demonstrated a slight increase in flow rate with lower temperatures. In Phase 2, the capillary flow controller was evaluated utilizing a matrix of parameters, including time-weighted average concentration, peak concentration (50–100× base concentration), air velocity across the sampler inlet (0.41–0.5 m/s), relative humidity (20–80%), and temperature (10–32 °C). Comparison of challenge concentrations with reference concentrations revealed the aggregate bias and overall accuracy for four tested compounds to be within the range of criteria for both NIOSH and ASTM standards. Additionally, capillary flow controllers displayed lower variability in flow rate and measured concentration (RSD: 2.4% and 4.3%, respectively) when compared with diaphragm flow controllers (RSD: 6.9% and 7.2%, respectively) for 24-hr laboratory tests. Phase 3 involved further testing of flow rate variability for both diaphragm and capillary flow controllers in a field study. The capillary flow controller displayed a lower level of variability (RSD: 5.2%) than the diaphragm flow controller (RSD: 8.0%) with respect to flow rate, while allowing for longer durations of sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional credentialing schemes based on experience and examination are used to clarify the scope and required competencies associated with the practice of a profession. National occupational hygiene (OH) credentials developed in 17 nations have been recognized by the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) to meet or exceed the requirements of a model certification program. To date, there is no credentialing or certification scheme for occupational hygienists in Spanish-speaking regions. To fill this void, a new credentialing body has been created named the Iberoamerican Board of Occupational Hygiene (JIHO). As a first step to the development of a certification exam for a profession, it is necessary to determine the interest in an occupational hygiene certification exam in Spanish and to clarify the most common work practices for those practicing the profession. To determine the proper exam weightings for occupational hygiene competencies needed to practice in Spanish-speaking regions JIHO conducted a comprehensive survey of professional practice of occupational hygiene in nations where Spanish is spoken as the primary language. Surveys were sent to 456 practicing occupational hygienists in nine different countries on a variety of topics. Results indicated that 79% of respondents felt the need for an OH certification exam in Spanish was very or extremely important. The most frequent and important technical competencies utilized in practice were (1) awareness about the health effects of hazardous agents to make decisions about workplace activities and exposures, (2) application of the hierarchy of controls, control banding, hazard communication, training of employees and other methods to reduce worker exposure and workplace risks, and (3) application of principles to recognize and control biohazards in the workplace. The study results have been used to guide the weighting and importance of various technical topics and rubrics on the JIHO exam. Data from this study can be used in the development of certification examinations, to improve international coherence in the profession, and the development of educational programs in OH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents of long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to communicable diseases. Low-cost interventions to increase air exchange rates (AERs) may be useful in reducing the transmission of airborne communicable diseases between long-term care residents and staff. In this study, carbon dioxide gas was used as a tracer to evaluate the AER associated with the implementation of low-cost ventilation interventions. Under baseline conditions with the room's door closed, the mean AER was 0.67 ACH; while baseline conditions with the door open had a significantly higher mean AER of 3.87 ACH (p < 0.001). Subsequently opening a window with the door open increased mean AER by 1.49 ACH (p = 0.012) and adding a fan in the window further increased mean AER by 1.87 ACH (p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that the flow rate of air entering through the window, both passively and through the use of a fan, was significantly associated with an increase in AER (p < 0.001). These results indicate that low-cost interventions that pull outside air into resident rooms were effective in improving the air exchange rates in these facilities. While implementation of these interventions is dependent on facility rules and isolation requirements of residents with airborne communicable diseases, these interventions remain viable options for long-term care facilities to improve resident room ventilation without requiring costly ventilation system upgrades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to airborne disinfection by-products, especially trichloramine (TCA), could cause various occupational health effects in indoor swimming pools. However, TCA concentration measurements involve specialized analysis conducted in specific laboratories, which can result in significant costs and time constraints. As an alternative, modeling techniques for estimating exposures are promising in addressing these challenges. This study aims to predict airborne TCA concentrations in indoor swimming pools using a mathematical model, the well-mixed box model, found in the IHMOD tool, freely available on the American Industrial Hygiene Association website. The model's predictions are compared with TCA concentrations measured during various bather load scenarios. The research involved conducting 2-hr successive workplace measurements over 16- to 18-hr periods in four indoor swimming pools in Quebec, Canada. TCA concentrations were estimated using the well-mixed box model, assuming a homogeneous mixing of air within the swimming pool environment. A novel approach was developed to estimate the TCA generation rate from swimming pool water, incorporating the number of swimmers in the model. Average measured concentrations of TCA were 0.24, 0.26, 0.14, and 0.34 mg/m3 for swimming pools 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The ratio of these measured average concentrations to their corresponding predicted values ranged from 0.51 to 1.30, 0.67 to 1.04, 0.57 to 1.14, and 0.68 to 1.49 for the respective swimming pools. In a worst-case scenario simulating the swimming pool at full capacity (maximum bathers allowed), TCA concentrations were estimated as 0.23, 0.36, 0.14, and 0.37 mg/m3 for swimming pools 1, 2, 3, and 4. Recalculated concentrations by adjusting the number of swimmers so as not to exceed the recommended occupational limit concentration of 0.35 mg/m3 gives a maximum number of swimmers of 63 and 335 instead of currently 80 and 424 for swimming pools 2 and 4, respectively. Similarly, for swimming pools 1 and 3, the maximum number of swimmers could be 173 and 398 (instead of the current 160 and 225, respectively). These results demonstrated that the model could be used to estimate and anticipate airborne TCA levels in indoor swimming pools across various scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural firefighters are exposed to a complex set of contaminants and combustion byproducts, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, recent studies have found structural firefighters' skin may be exposed to multiple chemical compounds via permeation or penetration of chemical byproducts through or around personal protective equipment (PPE). This mannequin-based study evaluated the effectiveness of four different PPE conditions with varying contamination control measures (incorporating PPE interface design features and particulate blocking materials) to protect against ingress of several VOCs in a smoke exposure chamber. We also investigated the effectiveness of long-sleeve base layer clothing to provide additional protection against skin contamination. Outside gear air concentrations were measured from within the smoke exposure chamber at the breathing zone, abdomen, and thigh heights. Personal air concentrations were collected from mannequins under PPE at the same general heights and under the base layer at abdomen and thigh heights. Sampled contaminants included benzene, toluene, styrene, and naphthalene. Results suggest that VOCs can readily penetrate the ensembles. Workplace protection factors (WPFs) were near one for benzene and toluene and increased with increasing molecular weight of the contaminants. WPFs were generally lower under hoods and jackets compared to under pants. For all PPE conditions, the pants appeared to provide the greatest overall protection against ingress of VOCs, but this may be due in part to the lower air concentrations toward the floor (and cuffs of pants) relative to the thigh-height outside gear concentrations used in calculating the WPFs. Providing added interface control measures and adding particulate-blocking materials appeared to provide a protective benefit against less-volatile chemicals, like naphthalene and styrene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N95 respirators are the core equipment used by healthcare workers to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. The protective effect of N95 against infection spread depends on the fit of the N95 to the wearer, which is related to the wearer's facial dimensions. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between the fit of three types of N95 and facial dimensions. A total of 305 healthcare workers from ten hospitals in Beijing were recruited for this study. Facial dimensions of workers were measured using Intel RealSense Depth Camera D435. Fit testing was conducted on three types of N95 using the TSI-8038 Porta Count Pro + Respirator Fit Tester. Possible associations between the fit test results and facial dimension data were examined. A Porta Count reading of 100 was used as the criterion for an acceptable fit. The fit of the folding respirators was positively correlated with nose length (r = 0.13, p = 0.02), nose height (r = 0.14, p = 0.02), and face width (r = 0.12, p = 0.03), whereas that of flat respirators was correlated with nose width (r = 0.16, p < 0.01), chin length (r = 0.18, p < 0.01), and pro-face width (r = 0.13, p = 0.02), and that of arched respirators was correlated with the nose length (r = 0.13, p = 0.03). The fit of N95 for wearers depends on their facial features. The results of this study can provide advice for medical workers to choose the appropriate N95. Medical staff should fully consider their facial dimensions when choosing an appropriate N95 to improve the protective efficacy of respirators and to reduce the risk of infection by respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging and booming industry in Taiwan. Compared to traditional manufacturing, 3D printing has various advantages, such as advanced customization, additive manufacturing, reduced mold opening time, and reduced consumption of precursors. In this study, the real-time monitoring of particulate matter (PM) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) emissions from various filaments is investigated using fused deposition modeling with material extrusion technology, a liquid-crystal display, a stereolithography apparatus based on vat photopolymerization technology, and binder jetting for occupational settings. An exposure assessment for nearby workers using the 3D printing process was performed, and improvement measures were recommended. Nine 3D printing fields were measured. The generation rate of ultrafine particles ranged from 1.19 × 1010 to 4.90 × 1012 #/min, and the geometric mean particle size ranged from 30.91 to 55.50 nm. The average concentration of ultrafine particles ranged from 2.31 × 103 to 7.36 × 104 #/cm3, and the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in each field ranged from 0.74 ± 0.27 to 12.46 ± 5.61 μg/m3 and from 2.39 ± 0.60 to 30.65 ± 21.26 μg/m3, respectively. The TVOC concentration ranged from 0.127 ± 0.012 to 1.567 ± 0.172 ppm. The respiratory deposition (RDUFPs) dose ranged from 2.02 × 1013 to 5.54 × 1014 nm2/day. Depending on the operating conditions, appropriate control and protective measures should be employed to protect workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica (SiO2) has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, silicosis, cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory diseases. Relatively few studies have measured respirable dust and SiO2 concentrations among workers at brick kilns in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to measure personal breathing zone (PBZ) respirable dust and SiO2 concentrations among workers at one brick kiln in Bhaktapur, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 49 workers in five job categories: administration, fire master, green (unfired) brick hand molder, green brick machine molder, and top loader. PBZ air samples were collected from each worker following Methods 0600 (respirable dust) and 7500 (respirable crystalline SiO2: cristobalite, quartz, tridymite) of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) respirable dust and quartz concentrations were also calculated. SiO2 percentage was measured in one bulk sample each of wet clay, the release agent used by green brick hand molders, and top coat soil at the brick kiln. The geometric mean (GM) sample and TWA respirable dust concentrations were 0.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16, 0.27) and 0.12 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.16) mg/m3, respectively. GM sample and TWA quartz concentrations were 15.28 (95% CI: 11.11, 21.02) and 8.60 (95% CI: 5.99, 12.34) µg/m3, respectively. Job category was significantly associated with GM sample and TWA respirable dust and quartz concentrations (all p < 0.0001). Top loaders had the highest GM sample and TWA respirable dust concentrations of 1.49 and 0.99 mg/m3, respectively. Top loaders also had the highest GM sample and TWA quartz concentrations of 173.08 and 114.39 µg/m3, respectively. Quartz percentages in bulk samples were 16%-27%. Interventions including using wet methods to reduce dust generation, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, and education and training should be implemented to reduce brick kiln worker exposures to respirable dust and SiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental services (EVS) workers are essential to preventing the spread of disease in hospitals. However, their exposure to hazardous chemicals and drugs is understudied. This scoping review will synthesize literature on hazardous chemical exposures and adverse health outcomes among EVS workers to identify research gaps and trends for further investigation. The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure complete and accurate reporting. The scoping review included 25 studies on occupational exposure to chemicals among EVS workers in hospitals. Most studies focused on exposure to cleaning products, which led to dermal, respiratory, and ocular symptoms, oxidative stress, and inflammation. While personal protective equipment (PPE), training, education, and policies have the potential to enhance safety, further research is required to examine the long-term impacts of exposure and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. Future studies should utilize longitudinal approaches and self-reported data collection methods, such as diaries and interviews, to comprehensively assess exposure risks and develop effective interventions and policies. Future research is needed to understand the potential health risks faced by EVS workers from exposure to chemicals in hospitals. Longitudinal studies with objective exposure assessments and larger sample sizes should be conducted. Policies and interventions must be developed and implemented to improve safe work practices and reduce negative health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work-related deaths are a persistent occupational health issue that can be prevented. However, prevention opportunities can be hampered by a lack of adequate public health resources. The Western States Occupational Network (WestON) is a network of federal, state, and local occupational health professionals that includes a 19-state region of the United States. To encourage public health collaboration, WestON partners examined work-related fatalities within the region. Fatality counts (numerators) were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries restricted-access research files for all workers ages ≥15 years and fatally injured in WestON states from 2011 through 2017. Estimates of full-time equivalent hours worked (FTE) (denominators) were retrieved from the BLS Current Population Survey. Annual average fatality rates were calculated as number of fatalities per 100,000 FTE over the study period. Rates were stratified by state, select demographics, industry sector, and event/exposure types. Pearson chi-squared tests and rate ratios with 95% confidence probability limits were used to assess rate differences. All analyses were conducted using SAS v.9.4. From 2011 through 2017, the annual average overall occupational fatality rate for the WestON region was 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 FTE, comparable to the overall U.S. fatality rate. Male workers had a fatality rate almost 10 times higher than female workers in the region. Fatality rates increased with successive age groups. Alaska and New Mexico had significantly higher fatality rates for all racial/ethnic groups compared to respective regional rates. Wyoming, North Dakota, and Montana had the three highest occupational fatality rates among foreign-born workers. Agriculture/forestry/fishing, mining/oil/gas extraction, and transportation/warehousing/utilities were industry sector groups with the three highest fatality rates regionally. Transportation-related incidents were the most frequent event type associated with occupational fatalities for all 19 states. Work-related fatalities are a crosscutting occupational public health priority. This analysis can be an impetus for collaborative multistate initiatives among a dynamic and varied occupational public health network to better meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing protection device (HPD) fit-testing is a recommended best practice for hearing conservation programs as it yields a metric of the amount of attenuation an individual achieves with an HPD. This metric, the personal attenuation rating (PAR), provides hearing health care, safety, and occupational health personnel the data needed to select the optimal hearing protection for the occupational environment in which the HPD will be worn. Although commercial-off-the-shelf equipment allows the professional to complete HPD fit tests in the field, a standard test methodology does not exist across HPD fit-test systems. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of attenuation obtained using the "gold standard" laboratory test (i.e., real-ear attenuation at threshold [REAT]) and three commercially available HPD fit-test systems (i.e., Benson Computer Controlled Fit Test System [CCF-200] with narrowband noise stimuli, Benson CCF-200 with pure tone stimuli, and Michael and Associates FitCheck Solo). A total of 57 adults, aged 18 to 63, were enrolled in the study and tested up to seven earplugs each across all fit-test systems. Once fitted by a trained member of the research team, earplugs remained in the ear throughout testing across test systems. Results revealed a statistically significant difference in measured group noise attenuation between the laboratory and field HPD fit-test systems (p <.0001). The mean attenuation was statistically significantly different (Benson CCF-200 narrowband noise was +3.1 dB, Benson CCF-200 pure tone was +2.1 dB, and Michael and Associates FitCheck Solo was +2.5 dB) from the control laboratory method. However, the mean attenuation values across the three experimental HPD fit-test systems did not reach statistical significance and were within 1.0 dB of one another. These findings imply consistency across the evaluated HPD fit-test systems and agree with the control REAT test method. Therefore, the use of each is acceptable for obtaining individual PARs outside of a laboratory environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards is a trusted resource that displays key information for a collection of chemicals commonly encountered in the workplace. Entries contain chemical structures—occupational exposure limit information ranging from limits based on full-shift time-weighted averages to acute limits such as short-term exposure limits and immediately dangerous to life or health values, as well as a variety of other data such as chemical-physical properties and symptoms of exposure. The NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG) is available as a printed, hardcopy book, a PDF version, an electronic database, and a downloadable application for mobile phones. All formats of the NIOSH Pocket Guide allow users to access the data for each chemical separately, however, the guide does not support data analytics or visualization across chemicals. This project reformatted existing data in the NPG to make it searchable and compatible with exploration and analysis using a web application. The resulting application allows users to investigate the relationships between occupational exposure limits, the range and distribution of occupational exposure limits, and the specialized sorting of chemicals by health endpoint or to summarize information of particular interest. These tasks would have previously required manual extraction of the data and analysis. The usability of this application was evaluated among industrial hygienists and researchers and while the existing application seems most relevant to researchers, the open-source code and data are amenable to modification by users to increase customization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor workers perform tasks throughout the year that expose them to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and increase their risk of UVR-related adverse health effects. Multiple studies on occupational solar UVR exposures during summer have been published but similar investigations during other seasons are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess solar UVR exposure in an eastern North Carolina university setting during all four seasons (fall, winter, spring, and summer) to assess risk for outdoor workers, particularly groundskeepers, throughout the year. UVR effective irradiance (UVReff) was measured by area monitoring using a digital data-logging radiometer and a weatherproof UVR detector for 164 days from October 2020 to October 2021. Results showed that hourly and daily mean UVReff exceeded the 1-hr and 8-hr ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), respectively, in all months and seasons at varying degrees. Winter had the lowest mean UVReff (3.4 × 10−3 ± 1.7 × 10−3 mW/cm2), but 91.1% and 100% of the hourly and daily UVReff measurements, respectively, still exceeded the TLVs. This study demonstrates the risk of overexposure to solar UVR among outdoor workers during cold months and seasons and the importance of implementing UVR protection throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the first 20 high-priority chemical substances selected by USEPA to undergo risk evaluation as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act of 2016 is 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD). Because much of the literature related to occupational exposure to 1,3-BD is associated with the use of the substance in synthetic rubber production and few data have been published for exposures to 1,3-BD manufacturing workers, existing industrial hygiene data collected at facilities where the substance is manufactured or processed as a reactant were compiled and analyzed. The dataset was comprised of personal air samples collected between 2010 and 2019 at facilities located throughout the United States and was compiled into a single database using a uniform data collection template. Data designated by the companies as full-shift were stratified by job group and one of three operational conditions of the workplace: routine, turnaround, and non-routine. Data designated by the companies as short-term and task-level were stratified by task description, sample duration, and operational condition. The final aggregated database contained a total of 5,676 full-shift personal samples. Mean concentrations of 1,3-BD for the job groups ranged from 0.012 ppm to 0.16 ppm. High-end estimates of 1,3-BD air concentrations for the job groups under routine operations ranged from 0.014 ppm to 0.23 ppm. The aggregated database also included 1,063 short-term and task-level personal samples. For short-term samples (< =15 min), mean concentrations ranged from 0.49 ppm to 3.9 ppm, with the highest concentrations observed for the cleaning and maintaining equipment tasks. For task samples with durations greater than 15 min, mean concentrations ranged from 0.49 to 3.6 ppm, with the highest concentrations observed for the unloading and loading task. In addition to the personal air sampling records, information on the use of PPE during various tasks was compiled and analyzed. This data set provides robust quantitative air concentration data and exposure control information for which occupational exposures to 1,3-BD in the Manufacturing and Processing as a Reactant condition of use can be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian and Asian Americans (A/AA) are a group overlooked in general health outcomes but especially occupational safety and health outcomes. In the United States, the beauty service microbusiness industry (e.g., nail salons) predominantly employs immigrant Asian women who regularly encounter a plethora of occupational hazards (e.g., harmful chemical exposures -toluene, formaldehyde, bloodborne pathogens, fungi. However, due to the precariousness of beauty service jobs, cultural and linguistic barriers, and social determinants of health, A/AA beauty service workers face complex occupational safety and health challenges that require interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural competency to address. This commentary will discuss a multi-level approach including specific outreach partners that will offer the required diverse skillsets necessary for improving the occupational safety and health for this worker population in this microbusiness industry. Implications and suggestions for interventions and policy changes are also recommended utilizing the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities' Research Framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is about the ethical use of sensors to monitor occupational exposure to hazards. It considers whether the same or different, ethical measures apply to using sensors, compared to conventional hazard monitoring surveys. To undertake the review, subject experts developed a research question, identified suitable search terms, and set the scope of these searches. Candidate research papers dating from 2000 to mid-2022 that met inclusion criteria were identified and reviewed by each author. Ethical concerns were identified by the authors of studies in which sensors were used to monitor employee health and well-being, but most of the studies that used them to monitor employee exposure to hazards focused on the technical aspects of their deployment. These ethical concerns included questions about employee rights and privacy, the anonymity of the data collected with sensors, and how the security of this data is managed. The review considers ethical standards and codes of practice for occupational hygiene work and the ethical risks when sensors are used to gather data. Sensors may provide insight into occupational exposure to hazards, but their use is not always adequately explained to employees by those managing this monitoring work. The ethical concerns identified were relevant to many areas of industrial hygiene work, but more studies are required that consider the ethical use of sensors in workplaces. Studies that monitored employee health, well-being, and productivity, identified ethical risks in using sensors to monitor these endpoints. An ethical framework and checklist for hygienists are proposed including a set of questions that consider the risks of using sensors to monitor occupational hazards. Industrial hygiene professional bodies provide ethical codes of practice for their members but may also need to consider the implications of using sensors in workplaces. Ethical standards support the collection of industrial hygiene exposure data whilst maintaining the privacy rights of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of water consumption bolus volume and frequency on hydration biomarkers during work in the heat is unknown. In a randomized, crossover fashion, eight males consumed either 500 mL of water every 40 min or 237 mL of water every 20 min during 2 hr of continuous walking at 6.4 kph, 1.0% grade in a 34 °C/30% relative humidity environment, followed by 2 hr of rest. Hydration biomarkers and variables were assessed pre-work, post-work, and after the 2 hr recovery. There were no differences in body mass between trials at any time point (all p > 0.05). Percent change in plasma volume during work was not different when 237 mL of water was repeatedly consumed (−1.6 ± 8.2%) compared to 500 mL of water (−1.3 ± 3.0%, p = 0.92). Plasma osmolality was maintained over time (p = 0.55) with no difference between treatments (p = 0.21). When consuming 500 mL of water repeatedly, urine osmolality was lower at recovery (205 ± 108 mOsmo/L) compared to pre-work (589 ± 95 mOsmo/L, p < 0.01), different from repeatedly consuming 237 mL of water which maintained urine osmolality from pre-work (548 ± 144 mOsmo/L) through recovery (364 ± 261 mOsmo/L, p = 0.14). Free water clearance at recovery was greater with repeated consumption of 500 mL of water (1.2 ± 1.0 mL/min) compared to 237 mL of water (0.4 ± 0.8 mL/min, p = 0.02). Urine volume was not different between treatments post-work (p = 0.62), but greater after 2 hr of recovery when repeatedly consuming 500 mL of water compared to 237 mL (p = 0.01), leading to greater hydration efficiency upon recovery with repeated consumption of 237 mL of water (68 ± 12%) compared to 500 mL (63 ± 14%, p = 0.01). Thirst and total gastrointestinal symptom scores were not different between treatments at any time point (all p > 0.05). Body temperatures and heart rate were not different between treatments at any time point (all p > 0.05). Drinking larger, less frequent water boluses or drinking smaller, more frequent water boluses are both reasonable strategies to promote adequate hydration and limit changes in body mass in males completing heavy-intensity work in the heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the circumstances of chemical occupational eye exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center. During a 1-year prospective study, data were collected through a telephone survey of 132 victims of acute occupational eye exposure. Victims were often exposed to industrial products (35%) or cleaning products (27%). Most patients developed no or mild symptoms. Organizational factors (such as lack of work instructions (52%)), and personal factors (such as time pressure and fatigue (50%), and not adequately using personal protective equipment (PPE, 14%), were the main causes of occupational eye exposures. Exposure often occurred during cleaning activities (34%) and personal factors were reported more often during cleaning (67%) than during other work activities (41%). Data from Poison Control Centers are a valuable source of information, enabling the identification of risk factors for chemical occupational eye exposure. This study shows that personal factors like time pressure and fatigue play a significant role, although personal factors may be related to organizational issues such as poor communication. Therefore, risk mitigation strategies should focus on technical, organizational, and personal factors. The need to follow work instructions and proper use of PPE should also have a prominent place in the education and training of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, is an emerging technology with a wide range of industrial applications and process typologies. Although the release of metal nanoparticles as by-products could occur, occupational exposure limits and cogent safety standards are not currently available due to the novelty of the technology. To support the definition of benchmarks, this study aims to provide a preliminary comparison between the nanoparticle release patterns of laser metal deposition, adopting different feedstocks, namely, metal wire and metal powder. The monitored device is a university research setup, and the work presents the results of two different processes with AISI 316 L as a feedstock in powder and wired form, respectively. The monitoring confirmed the outcomes of previous studies, with a high release of nanoparticles from the powder head on the device (average 138,713 n/cm3 during printing, with maximum values exceeding 106 n/cm3). Moreover, the results show a significant concentration of nanoparticles with a wire head during the printing phase (average release of 628,156 n/cm3 with a maximum of 1,114,987 n/cm3) and pauses (average of 32,633 n/cm3 and a maximum of 733,779 n/cm3). The monitored values during pauses are particularly relevant since no personal protection equipment was used in the wire processes and the operators could access the printing room during pauses for device interventions, thus being exposed to significant nanoparticle concentrations. This study presents a preliminary evaluation of the potential exposure during laser metal deposition while implementing different technologies and provides evidence for defining effective operational safety procedures for the operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correctly fitting N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) have become increasingly important in health care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the hypothesis that personalized 3D-printed frames could improve N95 FFRs quantitative fit test pass rates and test scores in health care workers (HCWs). HCWs were recruited at a tertiary hospital in Adelaide, Australia (ACTRN 12622000388718). A mobile iPhone camera + app was used to produce 3D scans of volunteers' faces, which were then imported into a software program to produce personalized virtual scaffolds suited to each user's face and their unique anatomical features. These virtual scaffolds were printed on a commercially available 3D printer, producing plastic (and then silicone-coated, biocompatible) frames that can be fitted inside existing hospital supply N95 FFR. The primary endpoint was improved pass rates on quantitative fit testing, comparing participants wearing an N95 FFR alone (control 1) with participants wearing the frame + N95 FFR (intervention 1). The secondary endpoint was the fit factor (FF) in these groups, and R-COMFI respirator comfort and tolerability survey scores. N = 66 HCWs were recruited. The use of intervention 1 increased overall fit test pass rates to 62/66 (93.8%), compared to 27/66 (40.9%) for control s. (OR for pFF pass 20.89 (95%CI: 6.77, 64.48, p < 0.001.) Average FF increased, with the use of intervention 1–179.0 (95%CI: 164.3,193.7), compared to 85.2 (95%CI: 70.4,100.0) with control 1. Pass rates and FF were improved with intervention 1 compared to control 1 for all stages of the fit-test: bending, talking, side-to-side, and up-down motion. (p < 0.001 all stages). Tolerability and comfort of the frame were evaluated with the validated R-COMFI respirator comfort score, showing improvement with the frame compared to N95 FFR alone (p = 0.006). Personalized 3D-printed face frames decrease leakage, improve fit testing pass rates and FF, and provide improved comfort compared to the N95 FFR alone. Personalized 3D-printed face frames represent a rapidly scalable new technology to decrease FFR leakage in HCW and potentially the wider population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quiz about occupation and environmental hygiene is presented.

A quiz about occupation and environmental hygiene is presented.

The article focuses on "The Action Level," a self-study continuing education program for industrial hygiene, occupational, and environmental safety. Topics covered include certification maintenance credits for Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional professionals, quarterly quizzes in ACGIH's Talent Learning Management System, and enrollment details for both ACGIH members and nonmembers, highlighting benefits and costs.

The article focuses on "The Action Level," a self-study continuing education program for industrial hygiene, occupational, and environmental safety. Topics covered include certification maintenance credits for Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional professionals, quarterly quizzes in ACGIH's Talent Learning Management System, and enrollment details for both ACGIH members and nonmembers, highlighting benefits and costs.

Workers, particularly outdoor workers, are among the populations most disproportionately affected by climate-related hazards. However, scientific research and control actions to comprehensively address these hazards are notably absent. To assess this absence, a seven-category framework was developed in 2009 to characterize the scientific literature published from 1988–2008. Using this framework, a second assessment examined the literature published through 2014, and the current one examines literature from 2014–2021. The objectives were to present literature that updates the framework and related topics and increases awareness of the role of climate change in occupational safety and health. In general, there is substantial literature on worker hazards related to ambient temperatures, biological hazards, and extreme weather but less on air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, industrial transitions, and the built environment. There is growing literature on mental health and health equity issues related to climate change, but much more research is needed. The socioeconomic impacts of climate change also require more research. This study illustrates that workers are experiencing increased morbidity and mortality related to climate change. In all areas of climate-related worker risk, including geoengineering, research is needed on the causality and prevalence of hazards, along with surveillance to identify, and interventions for hazard prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, the reuse or reprocessing of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) may be required to mitigate exposure risk. Research gap: Only a few studies evaluated decontamination effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 that are practical for low-resource settings. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a relatively inexpensive ultraviolet germicidal irradiation chamber to decontaminate FFRs contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. A custom-designed UVGI chamber was constructed to determine the ability to decontaminate seven FFR models including N95s, KN95, and FFP2s inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. Vflex was excluded due to design folds/pleats and UVGI shadowing inside the chamber. Structural and functional integrity tolerated by each FFR model on repeated decontamination cycles was assessed. Twenty-seven participants were fit-tested over 30 cycles for each model and passed if the fit factor was ≥100. Of the FFR models included for testing, only the KN95 model failed filtration. The 3M™ 3M 1860 and Halyard™ duckbill 46727 (formerly Kimberly Clark) models performed better on fit testing than other models for both pre-and-post decontaminations. Fewer participants (0.3 and 0.7%, respectively) passed fit testing for Makrite 9500 N95 and Greenline 5200 FFP2 and only two for the KN95 model post decontamination. Fit testing appeared to be more affected by donning & doffing, as some passed with adjustment and repeat fit testing. A ≥ 3 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 was achieved for worn-in FFRs namely Greenline 5200 FFP2. Conclusion: The study showed that not all FFRs tested could withstand 30 cycles of UVGI decontamination without diminishing filtration efficiency or facial fit. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 log reduction varied across the FFRs, implying that the decontamination efficacy largely depends on the decontamination protocol and selection of FFRs. We demonstrated the effectiveness of a low-cost and scalable decontamination method for SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on fit testing using people instead of manikins. It is recognized that extensive experimental evidence for the reuse of decontaminated FFRs is lacking, and thus this study would be relevant and of interest in crisis-capacity settings, particularly in low-resource facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on "The Action Level" program, which provides a convenient and interesting opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge in industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and environmental safety and health. Topics include the program's approval by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals; the structure and enrollment details of the program; and the program's benefits for ACGIH members.

The article offers information on "The Action Level" program, which provides a convenient and interesting opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge in industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and environmental safety and health. Topics include the program's approval by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals; the structure and enrollment details of the program; and the program's benefits for ACGIH members.

The article presents the discussion on industrial hygiene (IH) becoming inseparable from exposure data analysis and management. Topics include evaluated using extremely large, highresolution data sets provided by the integration of advanced instruments and data systems; and increasing availability of exposure monitoring advances toward a point of intersection with decreasing cost.

With the advent of new sensing technologies and robust field-deployable analyzers, monitoring approaches can now generate valuable hazard information directly in the workplace. This is the case for monitoring respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica concentration levels. Estimating the quartz amount of a respirable dust sample by nondestructive analysis can be carried out using portable Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) units. Real-time respirable dust monitors, combined with small video cameras, allow advanced assessments using the Helmet-CAM methodology. These two field-based monitoring approaches, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), have been trialed in a sandstone quarry. Twenty-six Helmet-CAM sessions were conducted, and forty-one dust samples were collected around the quarry and analyzed on-site during two events. The generated data generated were used to characterize concentration levels for the monitored areas and workers, to identify good practices, and to illustrate activities that could be improved with additional engineered control technologies. Laboratory analysis of the collected samples complemented the field finding and provided an assessment of the performance of the field-based techniques. Only a fraction of the real-time respirable dust monitoring sessions data could be corrected with laboratory analysis. The average correction factor ratio was 5.0. Nevertheless, Helmet-CAM results provided valuable information for each session. The field-based quartz monitoring approach overestimated the concentration by a factor of 1.8, but it successfully assessed the quartz concentration trends in the quarry. The data collected could be used for the determination of a quarry calibration factor for future events. The quartz content in the dust was found to vary from 14% to 100%, and this indicates the need for multiple techniques in the characterization of respirable dust and quartz concentration and exposure. Overall, this study reports the importance of the adoption of field-based monitoring techniques when combined with a proper understanding and knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of each technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct reading instruments (DRIs) for aerosols have been used in industrial hygiene practice for many years, but their potential has not been fully realized by many occupational health and safety professionals. Although some DRIs quantify other metrics, this article will primarily focus on DRIs that measure aerosol number, size, or mass. This review addresses three applications of aerosol DRIs that occupational health and safety professionals can use to discern, characterize, and document exposure conditions and resolve aerosol-related problems in the workplace. The most common application of aerosol DRIs is the evaluation of engineering controls. Examples are provided for many types of workplaces and situations including construction, agriculture, mining, conventional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing (nanoparticle technology and additive manufacturing), and non-industrial sites. Aerosol DRIs can help identify the effectiveness of existing controls and, as needed, develop new strategies to reduce potential aerosol exposures. Aerosol concentration mapping (ACM) using DRI data can focus attention on emission sources in the workplace spatially illustrate the effectiveness of controls and constructively convey concerns to management and workers. Examples and good practices of ACM are included. Video Exposure Monitoring (VEM) is another useful technique in which video photography is synced with the concentration output of an aerosol DRI. This combination allows the occupational health and safety professional to see what tasks, environmental situations, and/or worker actions contribute to aerosol concentration and potential exposure. VEM can help identify factors responsible for temporal variations in concentration. VEM can assist with training, engage workers, convince managers about necessary remedial actions, and provide for continuous improvement of the workplace environment. Although using DRIs for control evaluation, ACM and VEM can be time-consuming, the resulting information can provide useful data to prompt needed action by employers and employees. Other barriers to adoption include privacy and security issues in some worksites. This review seeks to provide information so occupational health and safety professionals can better understand and effectively use these powerful applications of aerosol DRIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With advances in technology, there are an increasing number of direct-reading instruments available to occupational health and safety professionals to evaluate occupational aerosol exposures. Despite the wide array of direct-reading instruments available to professionals, the adoption of direct-reading technology to monitor workplace exposures has been limited, partly due to a lack of knowledge on how the instruments operate, how to select an appropriate instrument, and challenges in data analysis techniques. This paper presents a review of direct-reading aerosol instruments available to occupational health and safety professionals, describes the principles of operation, guides instrument selection based on the workplace and exposure, and discusses data analysis techniques to overcome these barriers to adoption. This paper does not cover all direct-reading instruments for aerosols but only those that an occupational health and safety professional could use in a workplace to evaluate exposures. Therefore, this paper focuses on instruments that have the most potential for workplace use due to their robustness, past workplace use, and price with regard to return on investment. The instruments covered in this paper include those that measure aerosol number concentration, mass concentration, and aerosol size distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world and caused a supply shortage of personal protection equipment, especially filtering facepiece respirators (FFP). This has increased the risk of many healthcare workers contracting SARS-CoV-2. Various strategies have been assessed to tackle these supply issues. In critical shortage scenarios, reusing single-use-designed respirators may be required. Thus, an easily applicable and reliable FFP2 (or alike) respirator decontamination method, allowing safe re-use of FFP2 respirators by healthcare personnel, has been developed and is presented in this study. A potent and gentle aerosolized hydrogen peroxide (12% wt) method was applied over 4 hr to decontaminate various brands of FFP2 respirators within a small common room, followed by adequate aeration and storage overnight. The microbial efficacy was tested on unused respirator pieces using spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Further, decontamination effectiveness was tested on used respirators after one 12-hr shift by swabbing before and after the decontamination. The effects of up to ten decontamination cycles on the respirators' functionality were evaluated using material properties, the structural integrity of the respirators, and fit tests with subjects. The suggested H2O2 decontamination procedure was proven to be (a) sufficiently potent (no microbial recovery, total inactivation of biological indicators as well as spore inoculum on critical respirator surfaces), (b) gentle as no significant damage to the respirator structural integrity and acceptable fit factors were observed, and (c) safe as no H2O2 residue were detected after the defined aeration and storage. Thus, this easy-to-implement and scalable method could overcome another severe respirator shortage, providing enough flexibility to draft safe, effective, and logistically simple crisis plans. However, as highlighted in this study, due to the wealth of design and material used in different models and brands of respirators, the decontamination process should be validated for each FFP respirator model before its field implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Public Health Tracking Program which is the Environmental Public Health Tracking Network examines as a web-based system with components at the local, state, and national levels. Topics include examines the Tracking Network brings together standardized data on environmental hazards, exposures to these hazards, potentially related health effects, and other data such as socioeconomic.

The use of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) of various types increased dramatically by both workers and the public during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This increased use has, likewise, instigated a proliferation of research on the qualities of FFRs. An aspect of FFR development and optimization involves the use of mathematical models that predict filter efficiency based on various filter characteristics while also considering a number of particle capture forces. An evaluation of current literature failed to identify a publication that provides a comprehensive assessment of the models developed to predict filter efficiency. The purpose of this review was, therefore, to describe models developed to include the forces associated with diffusion, interception, impaction, and electrostatic attraction as they contribute to the efficiency of an entire filter. The literature review was augmented with figures created with the use of many of the models discussed to compare different models of the same force as well as to illustrate the influence of electrostatic forces on overall filter efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international fire service community is actively engaged in a wide range of activities focused on development, testing, and implementation of effective approaches to reduce exposure to contaminants and the related cancer risk. However, these activities are often viewed independent of each other and in the absence of the larger overall effort of occupational health risk mitigation. This narrative review synthesizes the current research on fire service contamination control in the context of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hierarchy of Controls, a framework that supports decision making around implementing feasible and effective control solutions in occupational settings. Using this approach, we identify evidence-based measures that have been investigated and that can be implemented to protect firefighters during an emergency response, in the fire apparatus and at the fire station, and identify several knowledge gaps that remain. While a great deal of research and development has been focused on improving personal protective equipment for the various risks faced by the fire service, these measures are considered less effective. Administrative and engineering controls that can be used during and after the firefight have also received increased research interest in recent years. However, less research and development have been focused on higher level control measures such as engineering, substitution, and elimination, which may be the most effective, but are challenging to implement. A comprehensive approach that considers each level of control and how it can be implemented, and that is mindful of the need to balance contamination risk reduction against the fire service mission to save lives and protect property, is likely to be the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic welding filters are intended to protect the eyes of the welder from optical radiation generated by the welding process. Safety standards for automatic welding filters (AWFs) have been developed worldwide. However, switching time requirements have not been studied considering the exposure limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The aim of this study is to derive the maximum permissive switching time based on ICNIRP guidelines for exposure to intense optical radiation. The single and cumulative exposures associated with retinal thermal and blue light hazards were assessed in the welding environment. The results show that the maximum switching time is inversely proportional to the exponential function of the shade number difference. The proposed maximum switching time, 1/2 to 1/10 smaller than the current ISO, is derived from the effective blue light radiance limits. In addition, an evaluation of the periodic short circuit welding indicates that AWFs do not transmit hazardous levels of radiation in the dark state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, the Vietnamese Mekong Delta has experienced a significant increase in agricultural productivity, partly achieved through increased agrochemical use. To abate negative effects on human and environmental health, several national programs were launched to enhance safer pesticide use. This study aimed to assess the patterns and relationships of official sustainable agriculture educational programs, pesticide safety knowledge, and practices of smallholder farmers in the Mekong Delta. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 smallholder farmers from three communes in Thoi Lai district (Can Tho province) from March to May 2020. Twenty-four questions on pesticide safety knowledge and practices were used to identify traits using latent class analysis. Adjusted generalized linear regression was used to assess determinants of pesticide safety knowledge and estimate associations of pesticide safety knowledge with pesticide practices. 96.2% of participants have used at least one WHO class II pesticide during the past year while the use of specific personal protective equipment was limited mainly due to unavailability (37.0%) or discomfort (83.0%). High education (Odds Ratio (OR), 95% Confidence Interval; 3.84, 1.70–9.45), exposure to official educational programs (1.87, 1.13–3.12), peer-to-peer knowledge exchange (3.58, 2.18–6.00), and learning from governmental extension services (2.31, 1.14–4.98) were positively associated with increased pesticide safety knowledge. Compared to poor practices, pesticide safety knowledge was increasingly positively associated with intermediate (1.65, 1.02–2.66) and good pesticide practices (8.96, 2.58–31.12). These findings highlight the importance of school education and educational programs, access to PPE, and addressing discomforts of PPE to improve the protection of farmers from pesticide exposures. Simultaneously, pesticide market authorization processes should be reconsidered to promote the authorization of less toxic products. Further in-depth studies on the nature of pesticides used, nonuse of personal protective equipment, and effectiveness of educational programs will further define leverage points for safer pesticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces "The Action Level" program, a self-study continuing education initiative facilitating knowledge expansion in industrial hygiene, occupational, and environmental safety. Topics covered include assessing portable XRF for cadmium, heat stress challenges for females, and PPE donning in healthcare. The program offers certifications and is available annually with prorated fees.

The article introduces "The Action Level" program, a self-study continuing education initiative facilitating knowledge expansion in industrial hygiene, occupational, and environmental safety. Topics covered include assessing portable XRF for cadmium, heat stress challenges for females, and PPE donning in healthcare. The program offers certifications and is available annually with prorated fees.

During 2001–2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, collaborated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at the United States Department of Labor to conduct a voluntary survey of U.S. employers regarding the use of respiratory protective devices. In 2003, the survey results were jointly published by NIOSH and BLS. This study highlights and evaluates the scientific impact of the 2001–2002 survey by using the Science Impact Framework which provides a historical tracking method with five domains of influence. The authors conducted interviews with original project management as well as a thorough document review and qualitative content analysis of published papers, books, presentations, and other relevant print media. A semi-structured and cross-vetted coding was applied across the five domains: Disseminating Science, Creating Awareness, Catalyzing Action, Effecting Change, and Shaping the Future. The 2001–2002 survey findings greatly enhanced understanding and awareness of respirator use in occupational settings within the United States. It also led to similar surveys in other countries, regulatory initiatives by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, and ultimately to a renewed partnership between NIOSH and BLS to collect contemporary estimates of respirator use in the workplace within the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like their counterparts in healthcare, workers in medical examiner and coroners' offices are considered essential workers. The frequency and urgency of their work during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have only become of greater importance. Because of the increased mortality in the general population due to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, it is reasonable to assume that the workload and risk of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 have increased for these workers who are required by state law to investigate deaths known or suspected to be due to a contagious disease that constitutes a public hazard. Studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these workers and their operations have been limited. The objective of this study was to conduct an assessment of routine medical examiner and coroners' office duties (e.g., infectious disease testing and decedent transport) by surveying the 67 county medical examiner and coroners' offices in Pennsylvania to characterize how the rise in infectious disease cases from COVID-19 influenced workload and resource needs. Quantitative results demonstrated an increase in workload and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while engineering control usage remained the same. Qualitative results revealed various challenges experienced by the offices during the pandemic including limitations in access to PPE, insufficient storage space for increased numbers of decedents, personnel shortage/burnout, and limited or no engagement at the state level for emergency response planning and implementation. These data are valuable to inform the need for additional guidance or supplies and may be used to optimize resource planning and implementation (e.g., personnel, facilities, and supplies) for both routine and surge demand scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing number of highly infectious disease incidents, outbreaks, and pandemics in our society (e.g., Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever, coronavirus diseases), the need for consensus and best practices on highly infectious decedent management is critical. In January 2020, a workshop of subject matter experts from across the world convened to discuss highly infectious live patient transport and highly infectious decedent management best practices. This commentary focuses on the highly infectious decedent management component of the workshop. The absence of guidance or disparate guidance on highly infectious decedent management can increase occupational safety and health risks for death care sector workers. To address this issue, the authorship presents these consensus recommendations on best practices in highly infectious decedent management, including discussion of what is considered a highly infectious decedent; scalability and storage for casualty events; integration of key stakeholders; infection control and facility considerations; transport; care and autopsy; psychological, ethical, and cultural considerations as well as multi-national care perspectives. These consensus recommendations are not intended to be exhaustive but rather to underscore this overlooked area and serve as a starting point for much-needed conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on improving the working conditions and safety for the million garment workers. Topics include impact and effectiveness of worker-focused initiatives at the community level overlooked with all the attention and resources; and increasing attention to OHS issues by the participating non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Many healthcare professionals have been forced, under acute shortages, to extend medical exam gloves beyond their intended single use. Despite limited available literature, the CDC proposed a set of guidelines for repeated exam gloves use, indicating a maximum number of treatments for three widely available disinfectants. This study examines how these treatments affect the mechanical properties of latex and nitrile gloves. Furthermore, an acceptability threshold is proposed for changes in tensile property, specifically elastic modulus, as an indication of degradation. This proposed criterion was also applied to similar studies available in the literature to determine applicability and aid in recommendation development. Three different latex glove brands and three nitrile brands were exposed to repeated treatments of an alcohol-based hand rub, diluted bleach, or soap and water. Tensile tests of samples cut from untreated and treated gloves were performed to assess the change in elastic modulus induced by each treatment. The findings suggest that latex gloves performed well within the CDC recommended guidelines of six repeated treatments for an ethanol-based hand rub and 10 repeated treatments of either dilute bleach or soap and water. Nitrile exam gloves, on the other hand, showed significant changes in elastic modulus, with more inconclusive results among brands. This was especially true for treatment with dilute bleach and soap and water. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of disinfection products on the mechanical integrity of nitrile exam gloves. The results support the use of five repeated treatments of ethanol-based hand rub for nitrile exam gloves, a lower threshold than currently recommended by the CDC. This research also supports that the CDC recommendation of 10 repeated treatment with soap and water is appropriate for latex exam gloves, but not for nitrile exam gloves. Occupational safety and health professionals involved in the selection of disposable exam gloves for infection control should consider the compatibility of the glove polymer type with available disinfectants, especially if extended use with repeated disinfection becomes necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous field studies monitoring small groups of participants showed that heat stress in the electrical utilities industry may be detrimental to worker health and safety. Our aim in this study was to characterize heat stress and strain in electrical utilities workers across North America. A total of 428 workers in the power generation, transmission, and distribution industry across 16 U.S. states and 3 Canadian Provinces completed a two-part on-line questionnaire anonymously. The first part comprised 13 general questions on the employee's workplace location, role in the organization, years of experience, general duties, average work shift duration, and other job-related information. It also included two questions on self-reported heat stress. The second part consisted of the "Heat Strain Score Index" (HSSI), a validated questionnaire which evaluates heat stress at the workplace as "safe level" (score ≤13.5: worker experiences no/low heat strain), "caution level" (score 13.6 to 18.0: moderate risk for heat strain), and "danger level" (score >18.0: high risk for heat strain). In addition to the survey, we obtained meteorological data from weather stations in proximity (12.3 ± 12.2 km) to the work locations. Based on the HSSI, 32.9%, 22.3%, and 44.4% of the responders' workplaces were diagnosed as "safe level," "caution level," and "danger level," respectively. The HSSI varied significantly depending on the occupation from 4.9 ± 3.2 in contact center workforce to 19.1 ± 5.4 in mechanics (p < 0.001), and demonstrated moderate linear relationships with summertime (June, July, August) midday air temperature (r = 0.317, p < 0.001) and outdoor midday Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (r = 0.322, p < 0.001). The highest HSSI was observed in mechanics, machine operators in line installations, line workers, electricians, and meter-readers. We conclude that electrical utilities workers experience instances of severe environmental heat stress resulting in elevated levels of heat strain, particularly when performing physically demanding tasks (e.g., manually climbing utility poles, installing lines). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]