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As Philadelphia's postindustrial River Wards landscape undergoes a development boom, dust from construction projects settles on surrounding parks, gardens, and homes, and in the lungs of residents. Concerned about the reemergence of the area's toxic history—especially the material legacies of lead refineries—and its impacts on their children's health, local parents are organizing to understand and address the risks associated with the circulation of this "fugitive dust." In this article, I examine latent and emergent risks of urban redevelopment by tracing the indeterminate, intimate trajectories of toxic dust as it traverses the spatial and temporal boundaries of property and proprietary subjects. In doing so, I consider the ways it disrupts racialized notions of improvement and refigures questions of socioenvironmental justice. Finally, in considering the possibilities for more just urban futures informed by present pasts, I attend to the fugitivity of dust: how its indeterminacy not only unsettles, but potentially escapes, the improvement–waste dichotomy in urban development praxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dust storms affect human health by impairing visibility and promoting interactions with microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Although ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) differ mechanistically, few studies have investigated the incidence of cardiovascular diseases according to infarction type; these studies have yielded inconsistent findings. This study aimed to examine whether PM size (< 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and < 10 μm (PM10)) modifies the effect of Asian dust on acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with separate analyses for STEMI and NSTEMI.Methods: MI-related data from 9934 emergency visits were collected from the Korea AMI Registry from 2005 to 2017. Asian dust events were defined as days with visibility of ≤10 km. Generalized linear models were used to analyze data with natural cubic splines. To examine potential modifiers, analyses were stratified by age, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI).Results: No significant associations were observed between Asian dust and AMI. By adjusting for different lag structures, a significant effect was exclusively observed in STEMI. For moving average lags, the largest value at lag 5 (relative risk [RR] 1.083; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.166) for single and lags 0-7 (RR 1.067; 95% CI: 1.002-1.136) was observed for PM2.5; for PM10, the largest significant effect was observed at lag 4 (RR 1.075; 95% CI: 1.010-1.144) for single and lags 0-7 (RR 1.067; 95% CI: 1.002-1.136). RRs were significantly higher in < 65-year-olds than in ≥65-year-olds. Additionally, RRs between the BMI < 25 and BMI ≥ 25 groups were not different; statistically significant effects were observed for concentration at lags 0-5 (RR: 1.073; 95% CI: 1.002-1.150) and lags 0-6 (RR: 1.071; 95% CI: 1.001-1.146) in the BMI < 25 group. A negative exposure-response association was observed between daily average visibility-adjusted PM and STEMI and daily average visibility-adjusted PM in < 65-year-olds.Conclusions: Reducing PM2.5 and PM10 emissions, particularly during the days of Asian dust, may be crucial and reduce STEMI and AMI incidence among < 65-year-olds. These results indicate that the Asian dust alarm system needs revision to protect vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many cardiovascular patients suffer from respiratory failure. Environmental conditions can exacerbate symptomatology. It is necessary to prevent exposure to dust by taking educational steps to identify and modify patient behavior. This study aimed to develop and validate a dust exposure behavior questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model.Methods: A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods was employed to design and develop the desired tool. Qualitative methods were used to identify the preventive behaviors needed by cardiovascular patients at risk of dust exposure using the opinions of two expert panels and a literature review. The quantitative phase of the research was performed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the research tool. The research population comprised 417 people with cardiovascular disease referred to a heart hospital in Bushehr, Iran in 2018. Consenting participants entered the study through consecutive sampling.Results: The final version of the questionnaire included 27 items across six domains, namely perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The mean values of the content validity ratio and content validity index were 0.93 and 0.9, respectively. In addition, all items had a good correlation with the total score of their parent domain (P < 0.01). The model fit was initially unsuitable, according to the related indices. Hence, to achieve a better model fit, the model was improved by releasing some parameters based on the modifications suggested by the AMOS software. The modified model featured an acceptable fit (χ2/df = 2.2, P < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha coefficients also confirmed appropriate reliability for all six domains.Conclusion: The Dust Exposure Prevention questionnaire has desirable psychometric properties and appropriate validity to determine the behavioral factors involved in harm from dust exposure among cardiovascular disease patients. This marks an effective step toward evaluating the factors effective in preventing complications related to dust exposure among such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the concentration of fine dust concentration in the atmosphere is rapidly increasing, recently to severe levels, and it has a fatal effect on human health, a change in people's awareness of outdoor physical activities is necessary. Nevertheless, people still take part in outdoor physical activities, even on days when a fine dust risk alert is issued, which shows that people's awareness of the danger of fine dust to their health is still lacking. This study used 341 surveys that was conducted to analyze and compare people's motives for participation in physical activities in relation to the fine dust level. After an exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis using SPSS 23.0, the level of fine dust concentration in the atmosphere was divided into "dangerous" and "normal," while the respondents to the survey were divided into a "with fine dust group" and a "without fine dust group." People's participation motives were compared and analyzed by using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). People who participated in outdoor physical activities on days with a severe fine dust concentration showed higher scores for the motives of Competition, Appearance, Physical Condition, and Mastery, while those who participate in outdoor physical activities on days without a find dust alert showed higher scores for the motive of Psychological Condition. Countermeasures against the danger of fine dust that are more eff ective should be established by analyzing the motives of people who participate in outdoor physical activities despite the dangerous level of fi ne dust concentration in the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In humans it has been shown that abrasive particles in the diet result in increased tooth wear and less intense chewing behavior, both of which decrease chewing efficiency. This behavioral response may also exist in non‐human primates as a means to reduce the wear effect of dust‐laden food. Here we tested whether the periodical occurrence of abrasive dust particles in the diet of Western chimpanzees affects tooth wear and reduces chewing efficiency. Materials and methods: We measured fecal particle size of undigested food matter as an indicator of chewing efficiency in 13 Western chimpanzees of the Taï National Park (Ivory Coast) before (wet), after (wet) and during a dust‐rich (dry) period. Moreover, feeding data were compiled for a further 12 chimpanzees and matched to three‐dimensional surface texture data measured on two molar facets of 26 skulls of the same population. Results: Fecal particles were larger during the dry period, indicating a reduced chewing efficiency compared to wet periods; age and sex did not have an effect. Concomitantly, dust led to an increase of abrasive wear evidenced by smaller texture features and higher density of fine furrows on wear facets. Discussion: Our findings show that a periodical increase in dust loads on foods places a dietary‐physiological stress on the digestive system in chimpanzees. We suggest that the impact of extrinsic abrasive particles from globally acting periodical dust‐laden winds may affect evolutionary fitness. Further studies are required to elucidate this relationship in other non‐human primates and fossil hominins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational agricultural dust exposure can cause severe lung injury, including COPD and asthma exacerbations. Cell-derived extracellular vesicles can mediate inflammatory responses and immune activation, but the contribution of diet-derived extracellular vesicles to these processes is poorly understood. We investigated whether bovine milk-derived extracellular vesicles modulate inflammatory responses to agricultural dust exposures in a murine model. C57BL/6 mice were fed either an extracellular vesicle-enriched modification of the AIN-93G diet with lyophilized bovine milk (EV) or a control diet wherein the milk was presonicated, disrupting the milk extracellular vesicles and thereby leading to RNA degradation (DEV). Mice were maintained on the diets for 5-7 weeks and challenged with a single (acute) intranasal instillation of a 12.5% organic dust extract (DE) or with 15 instillations over 3 weeks (repetitive exposure model). Through these investigations, we identified significant interactions between diet and DE when considering numerous inflammatory outcomes, including lavage inflammatory cytokine levels and cellular infiltration into the lung airways. DE-treated peritoneal macrophages also demonstrated altered polarization, with EV-fed mouse macrophages exhibiting an M1 shift compared to an M2 phenotype in DEV-fed mice (IL-6, TNF, IL-12/23 all significantly elevated, and IL-10 and arginase decreased in EV macrophages, ex vivo). In complementary in vitro studies, mouse macrophages treated with purified milk-derived EV were found to express similar polarization phenotypes upon DE stimulation. These results suggest a role for dietary extracellular vesicles in the modulation of lung inflammation in response to organic dust which may involve macrophage phenotype polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known on the toxicity of nanomaterials in the user phase. Inclusion of nanomaterials in paints is a common nanotechnology application. This study focuses on the toxicity of dusts from sanding of paints containing nanomaterials. We compared the toxicity of titanium dioxide nanomaterials (TiO2NMs) and dusts generated by sanding boards coated with paints with different amounts of two different types of uncoated TiO2NMs (diameters:10.5 nm and 38 nm). Mice were intratracheally instilled with a single dose of 18, 54 and 162 µg of TiO2NMs or 54, 162 and 486 µg of sanding dusts. At 1, 3 and 28 days post-instillation, we evaluated pulmonary inflammation, liver histology and DNA damage in lung and liver. Pulmonary exposure to both pristine TiO2NMs and sanding dusts with different types of TiO2NMs resulted in dose-dependently increased influx of neutrophils into the lung lumen. There was no difference between the sanding dusts from the two paints. For all exposures but not in vehicle controls, mild histological lesions were observed in the liver. Pulmonary exposure to pristine TiO2NMs and paint dusts with TiO2NMs caused similar type of histological lesions in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction When an individual is unable to continue the task at a predetermined level due to feeling weariness can be considered as fatigue. The main causes for vocal fatigue include overuse of voice, vocal abuse or misuse. Other causes may include smoking consumption of alcohol or exposure to dust and chemical irritants. Aim The study aims at understanding the self-perceived vocal fatigue after the exposure to chemicals. Method The study contained two groups between the age ranges of 20 to 25 years. A sampling of 40 individuals who have clinically normal voice were selected as Group 1 for the study and 42 subjects who were continuously exposed to chemicals for 3 hours were taken as group 2. Voice fatigue inventory was used for the current study to identifying persons with vocal fatigue and characterizes their complaints. It was administered on Group 1 post exposure to chemicals in laboratory for 3 hours and in Group 2 subjects. Result A difference p<0.05 between the groups showed that group 1 individuals had positive vocal fatigue symptoms following continuous lab procedures. Conclusion The study further aims at counselling and providing awareness regarding the protection of voice from chemical irritants by using face mask during the procedure, importance of water intake and need to monitor the vocal changes such as feeling of fatigue [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs) are amorphous fibers that belong to a class of materials termed synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs), also called man-made mineral fibers (MMMFs), which includes alkaline earth silicate wool, glass wool, rock (stone) wool, slag wool, and special-purpose glass fibers. RCFs are more durable and biopersistent than several other SVFs, although very much less biopersistent than either amosite or crocidolite asbestos. Chronic inhalation studies indicated that rats and hamsters exposed to RCF fibers developed fibrosis and tumors. Epidemiological studies at the University of Cincinnati funded by the Industry indicated that exposed workers; (1) exhibited symptoms (e.g., dyspnea) similar to those reported in other dust-exposed populations, (2) developed statistically, but not clinically, significant deficits in certain measures of pulmonary function in a cross sectional study, but no excessive decline in a longitudinal study, and (3) a dose related increase in pleural plaques, but no interstitial fibrosis. The 2003 mortality study indicated no incremental lung cancer and no cases of mesothelioma. RCF producers developed a comprehensive industry wide product stewardship program (PSP) beginning in the late 1980s. In conjunction with the PSP, there has been a progressive decrease in the TWA concentration of fibers by manufacturers and end-users. The research program has successfully produced more soluble fibers and undertaken efforts to develop larger diameter fibers. The results of the ongoing epidemiology studies confirm that occupational exposure to RCF is associated with the development of pleural plaques and minor decrements in lung function, but no interstitial fibrosis or incremental lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Some mineral fibers represent a health hazard because they are classified as cancer-causing chemical/physical toxicants upon (chronic) dust inhalation. Although in the last decades they have been the subject of intensive multidisciplinary investigations, the mechanisms by which mineral fibers induce toxic and pathogenic adverse effects on human health and environment are not yet fully understood. The major intricacy of the biological approach that prevents the design of a conclusive shared model of behavior of mineral fibers in a biological system stems from their very nature with intrinsic variability in chemical, molecular, structural and morphometric parameters, biodurability and surface reactivity. This paper presents the first attempt to devise a quantitative predictive model of toxicity/pathogenicity of minerals fibers based on their physical/chemical and morphological parameters. Although the author is aware that all parameters should be measured in comparable in vivo systems that accurately simulate the lung and or pleural environment, this preliminary model was conceived to deliver a fiber potential toxicity/pathogenicity index (FPTI) to be integrated with the biological approach so to create a quantitative predictive model of behavior of mineral fibers in a biological system. The FPTI model is thought to be a predictive tool aimed at ranking the toxicity and pathogenicity potential of fibers like asbestos or unregulated/unclassified mineral fibers. It may eventually be applied to other materials like man-made synthetic fibers and elongated mineral particles (EMP). Work is in progress to revise and validate the model in joint collaboration with international competent organizations, and to deliver a FPTI model-based user-friendly code. Highlights • The FPTI model calculates the potential toxicity/pathogenicity of mineral fibers. • The model applies to asbestos, unclassified and synthetic fibers and possibly EMP. • Different toxicity potentials are found for amphibole, erionite and chrysotile. • FPTI was calculated for 'safe' mineral fibers such as wollastonite and sepiolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In corneal epithelium, tight junctions play a vital role in its barrier function. Human cornea is highly susceptible to damage by dust. Continued daily exposure to dust has been associated with increased risks of corneal injury. Studies demonstrated that water extract of dust induced cytotoxicity in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs); however, its effects on corneal epithelial barrier function are unknown. In this study, we determined the concentrations of heavy metals in water extracts of dust, with office dust having higher concentrations of heavy metals than housedust, and Cu and Zn being highest among metals for both dust. Changes in barrier function and its associated mechanism after exposing HCECs to water extracts of dust at 48 μg/100 μ L for 7 d were evaluated. Water extracts of both dust caused decrease of TEER value (39–73%), down-regulation of gene expression related to tight junction and mucin (0.2–0.8 fold), and loss of ZO-1 immunoreactivity from cellular borders, with office dust having greater potential than housedust to disrupt corneal epithelial barrier function. Our data implied the importance to reduce heavy metals in dust to reduce their adverse impacts on human eyes. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Human corneas are countinually exposed to dust on a daily basis. • First report on effects of dust water extract on corneal epithelial barrier function. • Extracts decreased TEER value, tight junction and mucin related gene expression. • More loss of ZO-1 immunoreactivity was found in water extract of office dust. • Need to evaluate impact of dust on corneal barrier function. Water extract of office dust had more impact than housedust on disruption of tight junction in normal human corneal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents concentrations of common SVOCs in house dusts from urban dwellings with schoolchildren in six typical Chinese cities in winter and summer. Among the detected SVOCs, DBP and DEHP have a higher detection rate. The levels of these two substances contribute an average proportion of over 90% of the total SVOCs' levels, and show a significant correlation in most cities. Based on measured concentrations, schoolchildren's non-dietary exposures to DBP and DEHP at homes are estimated. Due to a longer time spent in child's bedrooms, children's non-dietary exposures to phthalates in child's bedrooms are greatly higher than that in living rooms. As for DBP non-dietary exposure, the most significant pathway is dermal absorption from air, accounting for >70%, whereas, the most predominant pathway for DEHP non-dietary exposure is dust ingestion, contributing from 61.5% to 91.9%. Based on estimated exposure doses, child-specific reproductive and cancer risk are assessed by comparing the exposure doses with DBP and DEHP benchmarks specified in California's Proposition 65. Owing to the high DBP exposure, nearly all of target schoolchildren appear to have a severe reproductive risk, although only non-dietary exposures at home are considered in this study. The average risk quotient of DBP exposure for child-specific MADL in all cities is 31.27 in winter and 10.35 in summer. Also, some schoolchildren are confronted with potential carcinogenic risk, because DEHP exposure exceeds child-specific NSRLs. The maximum DEHP exposure exceeds the cancer benchmark by over 6 times. These results also indicate that controlling indoor phthalates pollution at home is urgent to ensure the healthy development of children in China. Highlights • Common SVOCs in house dust from dwellings with schoolchildren in China are detected. • DBP and DEHP are the most frequently detected SVOCs. • Schoolchildren's non-dietary exposures to DBP and DEHP at homes are estimated. • Child-specific reproductive and cancer risk for DBP and DEHP are assessed. • Nearly all of target schoolchildren appear to have a severe reproductive risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to their intensive use in agricultural and residential pest control, human exposure to residues of multiple pyrethroids frequently occurs. Pyrethroids have exceptionally high affinity for solid particles, highlighting the need to understand human exposure through oral ingestion of contaminated soil or dust particles. In this study, we used artificial gastrointestinal fluids to measure the desorption or bioaccessibility of eight current-use pyrethroids in soil and dust samples. Tenax was further included as a sink in parallel treatments to simulate the effect of removal due to transfer of pyrethroids to lipid membranes. The use of 0.4 g of Tenax in 20 mL digestive fluids resulted in rapid and efficient trapping of pyrethroids, and further, greatly increased bioaccessibility. In the artificial digestive fluids without Tenax, 6.0–48.0% of pyrethroids were desorbed over 21 h, and the fractions increased by 1.6–4.1 folds to 21.5–79.3% with the Tenax sink. Therefore, 6.0–79.3% of soil or dust-borne pyrethroids may be considered bioavailable upon ingestion. While protein and sucrose increased the estimated bioaccessibility, co-presence of lipid (vegetable oil) decreased the bioaccessibility of pyrethroids, likely due to competitive phase partition. Pyrethroids were also found to be unstable in the artificial intestinal fluid containing pancreatin, further decreasing the potential bioaccessibility of pyrethroids on soil or dust particles. The limited bioaccessibility should be considered to refine the prediction of human exposure and risk through oral ingestion of pyrethroid residues. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Pyrethroids are widely used in close vicinity of humans such as in and outside home. • Soil or dust particle ingestion is an important route of exposure for pyrethroids. • Bioavailability of pyrethroids was assessed in vitro by artificial digestive fluids. • Tenax sorptive sink and food ingredients regulated bioavailability of pyrethroids. • The bioavailable fraction of pyrethroid residues was estimated to be 6–79%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We analysed floor dust samples from 65 children's bedrooms in Finland collected in 2014/2015 for 62 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with a simple and highly efficient method. Validation results from the analysis of standard reference material (SRM) 2585 were in good agreement with literature data, while 24 PFASs were quantified for the first time. In the dust samples from children's bedrooms, five perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were detected in more than half of the samples with the highest median concentration of 5.26 ng/g for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). However, the dust samples were dominated by polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid esters (PAPs) and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) (highest medians: 53.9 ng/g for 6:2 diPAP and 45.7 ng/g for 8:2 FTOH). Several significant and strong correlations (up to ρ = 0.95) were found among different PFASs in dust as well as between PFASs in dust and air samples (previously published) from the same rooms. The logarithm of dust to air concentrations (log K dust/air) plotted against the logarithm of the octanol-air partition coefficient (log K oa) resulted in a significant linear regression line with R2 > 0.88. Higher dust levels of PFOS were detected in rooms with plastic flooring material in comparison to wood (p < 0.05). Total estimated daily intakes via dust (EDI dust) and air (EDI air) of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), including biotransformation of precursors to PFAAs, were calculated for 10.5-year-old children. The total EDI dust for PFOA and PFOS were estimated to be 0.007 ng/kg bw/day and 0.006 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, in an intermediate exposure scenario. The sum of the total EDIs for all PFAAs was slightly higher for dust than air (0.027 and 0.019 ng/kg bw/day). Precursor biotransformation was generally important for total PFOS intake, while for the PFCAs, FTOH biotransformation was estimated to be important for air, but not for dust exposure. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • PAPs and FTOHs were the predominant PFASs in children's bedroom floor dust. • Linear regression was obtained between log K dust/air and log K oa (r = 0.94, R2 > 0.88). • PFOS dust levels were higher in rooms with plastic than wooden floor material. • PFCA intake via dust was driven by direct intake and not by precursor intake. • 53 PFASs were detected in the dust standard reference material (SRM) 2585. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a major group of plasticizers and flame-retardants, organophosphate esters (OPEs) have attracted particular attention due to their wide occurrence and potential impacts on human health and ecosystems. In the present study, the occurrence and distribution of 14 OPEs, including seven Alkyl-OPEs, three Cl-OPEs, and four Aryl-OPEs, were investigated in 65 road dust samples collected from November to December 2014 in Beijing, China. Cl-OPEs were the predominant compounds in the road dust samples, with the median concentration of 646 μg/kg, followed by the Alkyl-OPEs (median 135 μg/kg) and Aryl-OPEs (median 129 μg/kg). Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the most abundant OPE with the median concentration of 384 μg/kg. In addition, OPEs levels showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in the spatial distribution. Markedly higher levels of OPEs were observed in 2nd and 3rd ring road with heavy traffic and high population density, indicating that the traffic and population were important factors for this distribution pattern. It was further supported by the analysis of OPEs in roadside soil and indoor dust in the vicinity of road dust sample sites. Finally, the average daily dose (ADD) for OPEs via inhalation, dermal absorption, and ingestion was calculated to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to residents exposed to OPEs in the road dust. Risk assessment revealed that the risk originating from exposure to OPEs of road dust is currently low in Beijing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hampton Court Palace’s Great Hall located in Surrey, UK, is a magnificent late medieval hall. Its large hammer-beam roof is sumptuously decorated while its walls for the past century have been rehung with Henry VIII’s five-hundred-year-old tapestries illustrating The Story of Abraham, and one of the most internationally significant sets of sixteenth-century tapestries, commissioned for the same hall. This paper presents research which began in 2007, exploring conservation solutions based on evidence-based decision-making, through to successful implementation of measures that conserve these invaluable tapestries without damaging the aesthetic or physical integrity of the Great Hall. The impacts of environmental exposure conditions mapped in detail were assessed to evaluate risk for each tapestry. Next, feasibility studies identified the effectiveness of a range of potential mitigating options to address each local risk, now being incrementally implemented over many years. The research has enabled us to develop, test and deliver permanent interventions that have - when considered together as a holistic management regime - allowed the tapestries to remain in situ. These interventions will continue to be monitored and evaluated for at least a further year to confirm their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the interface effect between five types of natural precipitated dust and two normal floras. Five kinds of natural dust (FC-1#, FC-2#, FC-15#, FC-18#, and FC-21#) were collected, and particle size and chemical components were detected by laser particle size analyzer and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The elements, bacterial count, glucose (GLU) consumption, pH, and three biochemical indicators were measured after being co-cultured with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis in vitro. In addition, the changes of bacterial morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that most particles contained a high level of SiO2, which diameter ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 μm. The concentration of Ca showed s significant increase upon interaction with E. coli and S. epidermidis in all dusts (p < 0.01). Moreover, FC-1# and FC-21# induced obvious growth in bacterial count, glucose consumption, and pH after they reacted with two normal floras (p < 0.05). Besides, the results also showed an apparent increase in the concentration of pyruvate, β-galactosidase, and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) after being co-cultured with E. coli and S. epidermidis, in which FC-1# is enhanced in the most obvious. The E. coli interacted with dust made more indentations in surface, and the configuration became thin and long. Some broken bacteria were present, and bacterial wreckage was visible. Plenty of S. epidermidis interacted with dust gathered in the indentations of dust, particularly in pleated surfaces. Further, these findings demonstrated that the alkaline dust with higher Ca content stimulated the growth of bacteria, and irregularly shaped or thin dust would be easier to combine with bacteria and conduct interface effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Studies have reported protective and adverse associations between microbial exposure and childhood asthma. However, among children with asthma the relationships between endotoxin and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is less clear. Objective We investigated the association between exposure to endotoxin in house dust with atopy and EIB in children with asthma. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among schoolchildren (aged 7–17 years) in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. A subpopulation with asthma ( n  = 116) were identified from 335 participants using a validated asthma algorithm. We determined atopy among the asthma subpopulation by skin prick testing (SPT) while EIB was evaluated using exercise challenge testing (ECT). Dust samples were collected from mattress and play area floors, and endotoxin was measured in dust extracts. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between endotoxin with atopy and EIB. Results Among the 116 children with asthma, 99 completed SPT and all had completed ECT. Of these, 71/99 (71.7%) were atopic and 26/116 (22.4%) had EIB. Exposure to high play area endotoxin concentration [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.85] and load (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.73) were negatively associated with atopy. In contrast, EIB was positively associated with high mattress endotoxin concentration (aOR = 6.01, 95% CI: 1.20–30.13). Conclusion Indoor microbial endotoxin exposure has varied associations with atopy and exercise-induced bronchospasm among children with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient air pollution including ozone and especially particulate matter represents important causes of cardiovascular disease. However, there is limited knowledge on indoor air dust with respect to this risk and the potential interactions between dust and ozone. Here, we exposed 23 healthy elderly subjects for 5.5 h, to either clean air, house dust at 275 µg/m³ (diameter < 2.5 µm), ozone at 100 ppb or combined house dust and ozone in a double-blinded randomized cross-over study. The combined house dust and ozone exposure was associated with a 48% (95% CI 24%-65%) decrease as compared with the clean air exposure, in CD34+KDR+ late endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) per leukocyte in the blood shortly after exposure, whereas none of the single exposures resulted in a significant effect. The combined exposure also increased reactive oxygen species production capacity in granulocytes and monocytes as well as an up-regulation of interleukin-8 mRNA levels in leukocytes. Ozone alone reduced the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, while dust alone showed no effects. The combined exposure to house dust and ozone also reduced levels of oxidized purines in DNA consistent with concomitant up-regulation of mRNA of the repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase. The reduction in late EPCs can be an indicator of cardiovascular risk caused by the combination of pulmonary oxidative stress induced by ozone and the inflammatory potential of the house dust. These data were corroborated with in vitro findings from exposed human macrophages and endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) LPS endotoxin-containing paddy dust leads to airway inflammation, lung function decline, and pneumonitis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of LPS endotoxin-containing paddy dust on the cross-shift lung function decline and respiratory complaints of paddy milling machine operators. This environmental epidemiology study has an analytic observational design and used a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted in the Bulubrangsi and Godog Villages in the Laren Sub-district of the Lamongan District. The study population was entirely made up of paddy milling machine operators from the Bulubrangsi and Godog Villages with certain inclusive criteria. This study used 18 samples, and results showed that the average personal paddy dust inhalation level was 5.68 ± 1.28 mg/m3 with the LPS endotoxin level at 232.22 ± 18.41 EU/m3. Interestingly, there was a very significant positive correlation between the personal paddy dust levels, the LPS endotoxin levels, and the cross-shift Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) declines (Spearman correlation test, all p < 0.01). There was also a positive correlation between the personal paddy dust levels, the cross-shift FVC% decline, and the respiratory complaints (Spearman correlation test, all p < 0.05). In conclusion, LPS endotoxin-containing paddy dust leads to cross-shift lung function decline in paddy milling machine operators. Smoking habits also correlated to a cross-shift decline in FVC. It is recommended to reduce exposure to indoor endotoxin-containing paddy dust levels through measures of engineering, administrative, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratories at Zhejiang University of Technology in Hangzhou were selected to ascertain the pollution status of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in indoor city air. Air and dustfall samples were collected during 2015 and analysed using gas chromatography. This study provides important information on the typical indoor pollution of brominated flame retardants in urban areas in China, particularly in university laboratories. The annual geometric mean concentration of PBDEs of passive air samples in the university laboratories was 545.64 pg/m 3 , corresponding to a medium level of air pollution. The highest level was recorded in winter and the lowest in summer. The average concentration of PBDEs in dustfall was 8198.69 ng/g, generally higher than that reported in other studies. The annual geometric mean of deposition fluxes of PBDEs was 121.96 ng/(m 2 d). BDE-209 was the main congener of PBDEs in all areas studied, and BDE-47, BDE-66, and BDE-99 also made a significant contribution to the total concentration of PBDEs·The detection rates were 100% for BDE-17, -28, and -66 in air samples, while the detection rates of BDE-17, -28, -71 and -66 were all 100% in dustfall samples. PBDE concentrations and deposition fluxes were unevenly distributed and showed sampling point differences, mainly attributed to differences in the materials used for indoor furnishings, the function of the room, the ventilation systems and the surrounding environment. Seasonal variations of PBDE concentrations in air samples ranged as winter > autumn > spring > summer, while seasonal variations in dustfall samples were winter > summer > autumn > spring. Two significant positive linear relationship were found between the total quantity of electronic equipment ( r = 0.722, p < 0.05) and the quantity of plywood desktop ( r = 0.745, p < 0.05) with the deposition fluxes of PBDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates have been associated with respiratory symptoms in adults; they may enhance effects of inflammatory compounds. To assess the potential interactions of phthalates and endotoxin on respiratory and allergic symptoms in adults, we used cross-sectional information from the 1091 adults with complete data on urinary phthalates and house dust endotoxin from NHANES 2005–2006. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess whether endotoxin levels modified the association between nine phthalate metabolites and four current allergic symptoms (asthma, wheeze, hay fever, and rhinitis). Endotoxin was classified into tertiles (<10, 10–25, > 25 EU/mg dust). Urinary phthalate and dust endotoxin levels were not correlated (r < |0.02|). Under low endotoxin conditions, no associations between phthalates and respiratory outcomes were observed. Under medium or high endotoxin conditions, exposure-response relationships were observed between specific phthalates and wheeze and asthma. For wheeze, three phthalates (mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCOP), and di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) had significant interactions with endotoxin); for asthma, two phthalates (MCOP and mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCNP)) had significant interactions. Endotoxin did not modify the associations between phthalates and hay fever or rhinitis. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that endotoxin enhances the respiratory toxicity of phthalates; however this cross-sectional study cannot address key temporal issues. The lack of an association between wheeze or asthma and phthalates when endotoxin exposure was low suggests that phthalates alone may not increase these symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans have populations of innate-like T lymphocytes with an invariant TCR a-chain that recognize nonpeptide Ags, including invariant NKT (iNKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. iNKT cell involvement in human asthma is controversial, whereas there has been little analysis of MAIT cells. Using peripheral blood cells from 110 participants from the Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma (URECA) birth cohort study, these cells were analyzed for number and function. We determined whether iNKT cell or MAIT cell frequency at 1 y is correlated with the cytokine polarization of mainstream CD4+ T cells and/or the development of asthma by age 7 y. Dust samples from 300 houses were tested for iNKT cell antigenic activity. Our results show that a higher MAIT cell frequency at 1 y of age was associated with a decreased risk of asthma by age 7 y. The frequency of MAIT cells was associated with increased production of IFN-γ by activated CD4+ T cells from the URECA cohort. iNKT cell antigenic activity in bedroom dust samples was associated with higher endotoxin concentration and also with reduced risk of asthma. In conclusion, MAIT cell frequency at 1 y may reflect the tendency of the immune system toward Th1 responses and is associated with protection from asthma. Additionally, iNKT cell antigenic activity may be a marker of houses with increased microbial exposures and therefore also with protection from asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical exposure in household dust poses potential risks to human health but has been studied incompletely thus far. Most analytical studies have focused on one or several compound classes, with analysis performed by either liquid or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or GC-MS). However, a comprehensive investigation of individual dust samples is missing. The present study comprehensively characterizes chemicals in dust by applying a combination of target, suspect, and nontarget screening approaches using both LC and GC with quadrupole time-of-flight (Q/TOF) MS. First, the extraction method was optimized to streamline detection of LC-Q/TOF and GC-Q/TOF amenable compounds and was successfully validated with over 100 target compounds. Nontarget screening with GC-Q/TOF was done by spectral deconvolution followed by a library search. Suspect screening by LC-Q/TOF was carried out with an accurate mass spectral library. Finally, LC-Q/TOF nontarget screening was carried out by extracting molecular features, acquiring tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) spectra, and performing compound identification by use of in silico fragmentation software tools. In total, 271 chemicals could be detected in 38 dust samples, 163 of which could be unambiguously confirmed by a reference standard. Many of them, such as the plastic leachable 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione (CAS 82304-66-3) and three organofluorine compounds, are of emerging concern and their presence in dust has been underestimated. Advantages and drawbacks of the different approaches and analytical instruments are critically discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Workers exposed to dusts from concentrated animal feeding operations have a high prevalence of pulmonary diseases. These exposures lead to chronic inflammation and aberrant airway remodeling. Previous work shows that activating cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) enhances airway epithelial wound repair while activating protein kinase C (PKC) inhibits wound repair. Hog barn dust extracts slow cell migration and wound repair via a PKC-dependent mechanism. Further, blocking nitric oxide (NO) production in bronchial epithelial cells prevents PKA activation. We hypothesized that blocking an endogenous NO inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine, by overexpressing dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase mitigates the effects of hog dust extract on airway epithelial would repair. Materials/methods: We cultured primary tracheal epithelial cells in monolayers from both wild-type (WT) and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase overexpressing C57Bl/6 (DDAH1 transgenic) mice and measured wound repair using the electric cell impedance sensing system. Results: Wound closure in epithelial cells from WT mice occurred within 24 h in vitro. In contrast, treatment of the WT cell monolayers with 5% hog dust extract prevented significant NO-stimulated wound closure. In cells from DDAH1 transgenic mice, control wounds were repaired up to 8 h earlier than seen in WT mice. A significant enhancement of wound repair was observed in DDAH cells compared to WT cells treated with hog dust extract for 24 h. Likewise, cells from DDAH1 transgenic mice demonstrated increased NO and PKA activity and decreased hog dust extract-stimulated PKC. Discussion/conclusion: Preserving the NO signal through endogenous inhibition of asymmetric dimethylarginine enhances wound repair even in the presence of dust exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement dust from cement plants around the world has multiple negative effects on organisms and their environment. Cement's effects come from its strongly alkaline nature and high content of heavy metals. Previous studies on plants have documented that cement dust deposition can influence plant vegetative growth, the lipid and ionic composition of tissues, and foliar temperature. Here we evaluate the effects of cement dust coming from a plant in western Argentina on the morphology of the cactus Tephrocactus aoracanthus . In sites located at 0.15 km, 2 km and 6 km from the cement plant, we recorded five morphological attributes of the cactus: length and number of spines, cladode (stem) diameter, and fresh and dry weight. We also transplanted plants in situ to evaluate the effect of distance from the cement plant. In addition, we set an experiment spreading cement dust weekly on the aerial and ground parts of the cactus. Results of our field observational and experimental studies indicate that cement dust deposition on aerial parts of the plant leads to increased spine length, number of spines, and wet and dry weights of cladodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and dust contamination by metals engenders significant environmental and health problems in northern France where a lead smelter was in activity for more than a century. This study aims to examine the long-term effects of the smelter, 10 years after its closedown, on the presence of metal in sidewalk dust for a better assessment of the local population’s exposure to Cd and Pb. The investigation included: (i) the metal distribution in different dust particle sizes and (ii) the assessment of metal bioaccessibility via ingestion and inhalation of dust. Seventy-two sidewalk dust samples were collected using a dust-sampling vacuum. The samples were sieved to collect different particle sizes from 0.3 to 1000 μm. The unified bioaccessibility method (UBM) was employed to evaluate the oral bioaccessibility of metals in the different particle sizes. The pulmonary bioaccessible fraction of Cd and Pb via the finest particles was extracted with lung-simulating solution (artificial lysosomal fluid). Ten years after the smelter closedown, (i) a strong relationship was observed between the concentrations of metals in dust and the distance to the former smelter, whatever the particle size; (ii) both total and oral bioaccessible concentrations of metals were high in the finest fraction (0.3–5 μm) and decreased when the particle size increased; (iii) a higher oral bioaccessibility of Cd and Pb was measured in the gastric phase (on average 43% for both metals for all particle sizes) and compared to the gastrointestinal phase (on average 16% for both metals for all particle sizes); and (iv) metal bioaccessibility via inhalation of dust was relatively high (on average 74 and 69%, for Cd and Pb, respectively). The results of the present study suggest that this environmental compartment may be a sensitive and effective indicator of anthropogenic metal contamination and the human exposure in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Dust generation and transportation from North Africa are thought to modulate the West African Monsoon ( WAM) features. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the Saharan Air Layer located above Atlantic Ocean ( OSAL) and WAM features, including Monsoon flow, African Easterly Jet ( AEJ) and Tropical Easterly Jet ( TEJ) over West Africa using the RegCM4 regional model at 30 km grid resolution. Two sets of experiments with and without dust load were performed between 2007 and 2013 over the simulation domain, encompassing the whole of West Africa and a large part of the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. An intercomparison of the two simulations shows that dust load into the atmosphere greatly influences both the wind and temperature structure at different levels, resulting in the observed changes in the main features of the WAM system during summer. These changes lead to a westward shift with a slight strengthening of AEJ core over tropical Atlantic and weakening of both TEJ and monsoon flux penetration over land. In addition, despite running the RegCM4 with prescribed sea surface temperature, a correlation has been found between Aerosol Optical Depths in OSAL and WAM dynamics suggesting a mechanistic link between dust and WAM well reproduced by RegCM4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Installation of renewal energy plant is a vital question for safeguarding cities and human agglomerations against pollution and helping them in the effort to save conventional energy contribution. As it is a widespread issue, PV plants can be located everywhere even in a severe conditions on the proviso that no external depositions, covering and coating the solar module, can alter the photovoltaic efficiency. To solve the problem, practically speaking, diverse solutions are envisaged and among them there is a continuous cleaning of dust by means of water and special liquids. The research proposes a modelling of the effect of dust on efficiency using experimental measurements provided through MPPT (maximum power point tracker) installed in the measuring architecture. Dust covering the PV module reduces the solar irradiance affecting the energy conversion. A comparison has been performed between a clean PV module under MPPT variations and another one of the same technology (CdTe, cadmium telluride) with dust. Both acquisitions have been carried out simultaneously for around one month. Both measurement campaigns agree with the scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of dust on yield and yield components of wheat, an experiment was conducted in a factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replicates in Mashhad, Iran in 2015. The experimental factors included the concentration of dust at three levels (0, 500 and 1500 μg.m−3), the number of dust applications (one, two and three) and the type of dust. The results showed that biological yield, grain yield and harvest index significantly decreased and total soluble sugar content increased when plants were exposed to a 1500 μg.m−3dust concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aimed to determine the particulate matter concentrations (PM10) in workplace air and personal dust, and their effects on the respiratory health of exposed workers. The lung function of 449 exposed workers was examined. The concentration of PM10 in workplace air and personal dust exposure was measured. Spirometry was used to evaluate the lung function capacity included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume ratio (FEV%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF). The forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of the FVC (FEF 25-75%) was determined. The PM10 concentration in workplace air (6 study sites) and personal dust (4 study sites) exceeded the standard (REL) of 0.12 mg/m3. The results of this study showed a decrease in the mean values and percent predicted value of FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF and FEF 25-75%. The lung capacity of participants revealed that 24.50%, 4.45% and 7.13% had mildly, moderately restrictive and small airway disease. The respiratory symptoms were dyspnoea (22.49%), wheezing (10.69%), chest pain (10.69%) and chronic cough (2.90%). Factors influencing lung capacity included mask usage (Adj.OR: 0.44 CI: 0.25-0.79 p-value: 0.006) and chest pain (Adj.OR: 2.68 CI: 1.14-6.30 p-value: 0.024). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background The aim of this study was to measure the association of exposure to dust at workplace with COPD using objective methods of exposure and outcome classification. Methods Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) <70%; FVC below LLN, and FEV1 below LLN from the annual screening of Minsk Tractor Plant workers ( N = 458) were tested for predictors in an adjusted logistic regression model. Results In a regression model, adjusted for pack-years of smoking, age, sex, and work duration, work in highly exposed workplaces was associated with FEV1/FVC<70% (odds ratio (OR) 2.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16;3.83); and FEV1

This paper presents the ongoing R&D research activities at IRSN related to the improvement of the properties of dust solid phases. It is illustrated by an ASTEC simulation of a wet-bypass scenario in the ITER facility. Special attention has been paid to the thermodynamic properties of beryllium hydride. The simulation of the selected accidental scenario highlights the potential formation of beryllium hydride dust as well as its tritiated form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Portland cement contains carcinogens such as chromium and free silica, and hence, inhalation of cement dust can cause respiratory tract cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether living near a cement plant increases the risk of respiratory tract cancers. Methods: The study population consisted of 341,793 people, all of whom lived in administrative districts within 3-km radius of ten cement plants in Korea. The respiratory tract cancer incidence data (International Classification of Diseases, ten revision code C00-C14 and C30-C34) for 2008-2012 were obtained from regional cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for each cancer site in the respiratory tract were calculated using an indirect standardization method. Results: Compared with the general Korean population, the incidence of lung and bronchus cancer (C33-C34) was significantly higher in all subjects [SIR 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.29] and especially in the men subjects (SIR 1.47, 95% CI 1.29-1.68) in our study population. In addition, the incidence of larynx cancer in men (SIR 1.64, 95% CI 0.97-2.59) and salivary gland cancer in women (SIR 3.03, 95% CI 0.98-7.07) living near cement plants was marginally increased. Conclusions: These results suggest that environmental exposure to Portland cement dust is a risk factor for respiratory tract cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine dust (FD) particles have become a major contributor to air pollution causing detrimental effects on the respiratory system and skin. Although some studies have investigated the effects of FD on the respiratory system, their possible effects on the skin remain under-explored. We investigated the FD mediated inflammatory responses in keratinocytes, present in the outer layers of skin tissues and the transfer of inflammatory potential to macrophages. We further evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the polyphenolic derivative, diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) isolated from Ishige okamurae against FD-induced inflammation. Size distribution of FD particles was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. FD particles induced the production of cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in HaCaT keratinocytes and the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), PGE2, tumor necrosis factor-α expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Further, we evaluated the inflammatory potential of the culture medium of inflammation-induced HaCaT cells in RAW 264.7 macrophages and observed a marked increase in the expression of NO, iNOS, PGE2, and proinflammatory cytokines. DPHC treatment markedly attenuated the inflammatory responses, indicating its effectiveness in suppressing a broad range of inflammatory responses. It also showed antiinflammatory potential in in-vivo experiments using FD-stimulated zebrafish embryos by decreasing NO and reactive oxygen species production, while eventing cell death caused by inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About 12 million workers are involved in the production of basic grains in Central America. However, few studies in the region have examined the occupational factors associated with inhalable dust exposure.Objectives: (i) To assess the exposure to inhalable dust in workers from rice, maize, and wheat storage facilities in Costa Rica; (ii) to examine the occupational factors associated with this exposure; and (iii) to measure concentrations of respirable and thoracic particles in different areas of the storage facilities.Methods: We measured inhalable (<100μm) dust concentrations in 176 personal samples collected from 136 workers of eight grain storage facilities in Costa Rica. We also measured respirable (<4μm) and thoracic (<10μm) dust particles in several areas of the storage facilities.Results: Geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) inhalable dust concentrations were 2.0mg/m3 and 7.8 (range=<0.2-275.4mg/m3). Personal inhalable dust concentrations were associated with job category [GM for category/GM for administrative staff and other workers (95% CI)=4.4 (2.6, 7.2) for packing; 20.4 (12.3, 34.7) for dehulling; 109.6 (50.1, 234.4) for unloading in flat bed sheds; 24.0 (14.5, 39.8) for unloading in pits; and 31.6 (18.6, 52.5) for drying], and cleaning task [15.8 (95% CI: 10.0, 26.3) in workers who cleaned in addition to their regular tasks]. Higher area concentrations of thoracic dust particles were found in wheat (GM and GSD=4.3mg/m3 and 4.5) and maize (3.0mg/m3 and 3.9) storage facilities, and in grain drying (2.3mg/m3 and 3.1) and unloading (1.5mg/m3 and 4.8) areas.Conclusions: Operators of grain storage facilities showed elevated inhalable dust concentrations, mostly above international exposure limits. Better engineering and administrative controls are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dust events have long been recognized to be associated with a higher mortality risk. However, no study has investigated how prolonged dust events affect the spatial variability of mortality across districts in a downwind city. Methods: In this study, we applied a spatial regression approach to estimate the district-level mortality during two extreme dust events in Hong Kong. We compared spatial and non-spatial models to evaluate the ability of each regression to estimate mortality. We also compared prolonged dust events with non-dust events to determine the influences of community factors on mortality across the city. Results: The density of a built environment (estimated by the sky view factor) had positive association with excess mortality in each district, while socioeconomic deprivation contributed by lower income and lower education induced higher mortality impact in each territory planning unit during a prolonged dust event. Based on the model comparison, spatial error modelling with the 1st order of queen contiguity consistently outperformed other models. The high-risk areas with higher increase in mortality were located in an urban high-density environment with higher socioeconomic deprivation. Conclusion: Our model design shows the ability to predict spatial variability of mortality risk during an extreme weather event that is not able to be estimated based on traditional time-series analysis or ecological studies. Our spatial protocol can be used for public health surveillance, sustainable planning and disaster preparation when relevant data are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001 in New York City (9/11) exposed thousands of people to intense concentrations of hazardous materials that have resulted in reports of increased levels of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases along with psychological illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have discriminated between health consequences of immediate (short-term or acute) intense exposures versus chronic residential or workplace exposures. Methods: We used proportional hazards methods to determine adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for associations between several components of acute exposures (e.g., injury, immersion in the dust cloud) and four chronic disease outcomes: asthma, other non-neoplastic lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, in 8701 persons free of those conditions prior to exposure and who were physically present during or immediately after the World Trade Center attacks. Participants were followed prospectively up to 11 years post-9/11. Results: Heart disease exhibited a dose-response association with sustaining injury (1 injury type: AHR =2.0, 95% CI (Confidence Interval) 1.1-3.6; 2 injury types: AHR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-7.9; 3 or more injury types: AHR = 6.8, 95% CI 2.0-22.6), while asthma and other lung diseases were both significantly associated with dust cloud exposure (AHR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.6). Diabetes was not associated with any of the predictors assessed in this study. Conclusion: In this study we demonstrated that the acute exposures of injury and dust cloud that were sustained on 9/11/2001 had significant associations with later heart and respiratory diseases. Continued monitoring of 9/11 exposed persons' health by medical providers is warranted for the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, Asian dust (AD) has become a serious health problem and several studies have clearly proven that AD can aggravate asthma. However, it remains unclear as to which components of AD have a strong effect on the asthma exacerbation caused by AD exposure. Outdoor fungi can increase emergency department visits and hospitalization for asthma exacerbation and can aggravate asthma symptoms. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the relationship between AD and outdoor fungi and determining the potential of fungi to cause airborne particulate matter (PM)-related inflammatory responses. Methods: Airborne PM was collected each day from January 26, 2015 to February 27, 2015. Daily levels of outdoor fungi-associated PM were calculated using a culture-based method. Production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was assessed in THP1 cells stimulated by the collected airborne PM each day. Results: Daily levels of AD particles were assessed using Light Detection and Ranging and did not correlate with outdoor fungi (r = -0.17, P =0.94). There was also no association between outdoor fungi and the daily production of IL-6 (r = 0.16, P = 0.37), IL-8 (r = 0.19, P = 0.30), or TNF-α induced by collected PM (r = 0.07, P = 0. 70). However, the daily levels of AD particles were significantly associated with IL-6 (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001), IL-8 (r = 0.64, P = 0.0004), and TNF-α (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001) production. Conclusion: AD did not increase the acute levels of outdoor fungi and outdoor fungi did not affect the cytokine production induced by airborne PM. These results suggest that outdoor fungi do not have any detectable effect on the asthma exacerbation caused by AD exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A lot of papers have been published about the impact on mortality of Sahara dust intrusions in individual cities. However, there is a lack of studies that analyse the impact on a country and scarcer if in addition the analysis takes into account the meteorological conditions that favour these intrusions. Objectives The main aim is to examine the effect of Saharan dust intrusions on daily mortality in different Spanish regions and to characterize the large-scale atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with such dust intrusions. Methods For determination of days with Saharan dust intrusions, we used information supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Environment, it divides Spain into 9 main areas. In each of these regions, a representative province was selected. A time series analysis has been performed to analyse the relationship between daily mortality and PM 10 levels in the period from 01.01.04 to 31.12.09, using Poisson regression and stratifying the analysis by the presence or absence of Saharan dust advections. Results The proportion of days on which there are Saharan dust intrusions rises to 30% of days. The synoptic pattern is characterised by an anticyclonic ridge extending from northern Africa to the Iberian Peninsula. Particulate matter (PM) on days with intrusions are associated with daily mortality, something that does not occur on days without intrusions, indicating that Saharan dust may be a risk factor for daily mortality. In other cases, what Saharan dust intrusions do is to change the PM-related mortality behaviour pattern, going from PM 2.5 . Conclusions A study such as the one conducted here, in which meteorological analysis of synoptic situations which favour Saharan dust intrusions, is combined with the effect on health at a city level, would seem to be crucial when it comes to analysing the differentiated mortality pattern in situations of Saharan dust intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health of workers in pharmaceutical industry is at risk as a result of inhalation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) dusts generated during powder processing. A good number of workers are employed in powder processing areas where they are exposed to high concentrations of API dust. The work presented in this paper focuses on the efficiency of dust collection system in reducing API dust exposure from the working atmosphere near a powder milling machine. The dust was captured by creating suitable air stream at milling station which was further collected in a dust collector with HEPA(High-efficiency particulate arrestance) filter. The air stream was created by a blower, which was selected on the basis to get minimum air speed of minimum 0.5m/s in the working zones of workers. It was observed that the dust collection system successfully collects the significant amount of respirable API dust from the working atmosphere and able to reduce the dust concentration up to 80%. Further, the respirable dust concentration reduced below occupational exposure limit (OEL) of the API after the installation of engineering control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the associations between respiratory symptoms and pulmonary defects of Para rubber sawmill workers in the South of Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 687 workers in Para rubber wood sawmills and a subset of sawmill workers from four factories participated in spirometric measurements and personal dust samplings. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors pulmonary impairment. The exposed workers had higher respirable wood dust exposure (0.902 mg/m3) compared with the unexposed groups (0.185 mg/m3). The exposed group had significantly higher prevalence than the unexposed group for chest tightness (odds ratio (OR) = 2.79) and shortness of breath (OR = 2.27). The ventilatory function values (FEV1 and FVC) were lower for the exposed group compared with the unexposed group (2.41 vs 2.55 L/s and 2.91 vs 3.01 L/s, respectively). The results suggest that sawmill factories using Para rubber tree wood should implement appropriate exposure control measures to reduce wood dust exposure to protect their employees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present study, an investigation of the mineralogy and morphology, the heavy metal content and the health risk of urban road dusts from the second largest city of Greece was conducted. For this reason road dust samples from selected sites within the city core area were collected. No differences were observed in the mineralogy of road dusts coming from different sampling sites, and they were mainly consisted of quartz and calcite, while an elevated amorphous content was detected. Morphologically road dusts presented Ca-rich, Fe-rich and silicates particles with various shapes and sizes. The mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in road dust were 1.76, 104.9, 662.3, 336.4, 89.43, 209 and 452.8 μg g, respectively. A series of spatial distribution patterns revealed that the hotspot areas were tended to associate with major road junctions and regions with high traffic. Combination of pollution indexes and statistical analyses (correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis) revealed that road dusts have a severe influence by anthropogenic activities. In attempt to identify the source of metals through geostatistical and multivariate statistical analyses, it was concluded as follows: Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn mainly originated from tire/break wear and vehicle abrasions, while Cd, Mn and Pb were mainly related to fuel/oil leakage from automobiles along with oil lubricants and vehicle abrasion. Hazard quotient values for children based on total metal concentrations for the road dust ingestion route were lower than safe level (=1). However, the fact that the Hazard Index value for Pb (0.459) which is a particularly toxic metal, was close to safe level, renders essential further investigation in order to provide more reliable characterizations of potential health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust events affect human health in both drylands and downwind environments. In this study, we used county-level data during the period of 1965–2005 to assess the impact of dust events on measles incidence in Gansu province in Western China. We used Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to set up the cyclical regression model; in particular, we set the model to downwind direction for the typical cities in the Hexi Corridor as well as the capital city Lanzhou. The results showed that Spring measles incidence was the highest in the Hexi Corridor, where dust events occur the most frequently over Gansu province. Measles incidence declined on the pathway of dust storms from west to east due to the weakening of both intensity and duration in dust storms. Measles incidence was positively correlated with monthly wind speed and negatively correlated with rainfall amount, relative humidity, and air pressure. Measles incidence was significantly ( p ≤ 0.01) positively correlated with daily coarse particles, e.g., TSP and PM 10 . According to the cyclical regression model, average monthly excess measles that is related to dust events was 39.1 (ranging from 17.3 to 87.6), 149.9 (ranging from 7.1 to 413.4), and 31.3 (ranging from 20.6 to 63.5) in Zhangye, Lanzhou, and Jiuquan, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor dust has been acknowledged as a major source of flame retardants (FRs) and dust ingestion is considered a major route of exposure for humans. In the present study, we investigated the presence of PBDEs and alternative FRs such as emerging halogenated FRs (EHFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in indoor dust samples from British and Norwegian houses as well as British stores and offices. BDE209 was the most abundant PBDE congener with median concentrations of 4700 ng g − 1 and 3400 ng g − 1 in UK occupational and house dust, respectively, 30 and 20 fold higher than in Norwegian house dust. Monomeric PFRs (m-PFRs), including triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) dominated all the studied environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isodecyldiphenyl phosphate (iDPP) and trixylenyl phosphate (TXP) in indoor environments. iDPP was the most abundant oligomeric PFR (o-PFR) in all dust samples, with median concentrations one order of magnitude higher than TXP and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate (BDP). iDPP and TXP worst-case scenario exposures for British workers during an 8 h exposure in the occupational environment were equal to 34 and 1.4 ng kg bw − 1 day − 1 , respectively. The worst-case scenario for BDE209 estimated exposure for British toddlers (820 ng kg bw − 1 day − 1 ) did not exceeded the proposed reference dose (RfD) (7000 ng kg bw − 1 day − 1 ), while exposures for sum of m-PFRs (Σm-PFRs) in British toddlers and adults (17,900 and 785 ng kg bw − 1 day − 1 respectively) were an order of magnitude higher than for Norwegian toddlers and adults (1600 and 70 ng kg bw − 1 day − 1 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present research aimed: 1) to find out the prevalence of silicosis in the workers who were exposed to inorganic dust presumably silica among sand stone workers, 2) to test the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire related to respiratory symptoms and 3) to calculate a weighted kappa analysis between the two radiograph readers. Material and Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The studied samples were a total of 315 workers in Sikhiu District, Nakhonrachasima province, Thailand. The interviewed questionnaire and chest x-ray were used to identified silicosis. The ILO classification by B-reader was applied and the grading equal or more than 1/1 is regarded as silicosis. In addition, sensitivity and specificity of the existing questionnaire were calculated and weight Kappa was used to interpret the correlation between Air-pneumo and NIOSH B readers. Results: Among the of 315 workers, 55.9 % were male and the average age was 46 years old (range 17-75). Most of them (53.2%) work in the job described as cutting the stone in the mountain The symptoms of the respiratory system showed that 53 persons (16.8 %) had wheezing, 41 persons (13.0%) had dyspnea, 29 cases (9.2 %) had cough for more than two weeks. The prevalence of silicosis was 36.1% (80/315) and the majority of them worked in the stone cutting (33/80). Sensitivity of questionnaire was 21.2-27.5%. Specificity was 85.5-97.9 percent. Weighted Kappa was 0.6. Conclusion: The prevalence of silicosis among workers was 36.1 percent. Weighted Kappa between film readers was 0.6. Criteria for diagnosis silicosis are history of being exposed to silica dust more than 2 years and abnormal chest x-ray reported as ILO profusion category equal or more than 1/1 by an NIOSH B reader. Criteria of silica dust exposure is: 1 ) cutting sand stone in the mountain or 2) cutting sandstone at home or 3) cracking stone at home or 4) living in sandstone cutting area; each must last for 8 hours per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Between 15 and 20% of prevalent cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been attributed to occupational exposures to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes. Dust at construction sites is still a challenge, but no overview exists of COPD among construction workers. Aims To assess the occurrence of COPD among construction workers. Methods We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Embase between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2016 in order to identify epidemiological studies with a risk estimate for either COPD morbidity/mortality or a spirometry-based definition of airway obstruction among workers in the construction industry. The authors independently assessed studies to determine their eligibility and performed a quality assessment of the included papers. Results Twelve studies were included. Nine studies found a statistically significant association between COPD and work in the construction industry, although only among never-smokers in one study and only for the period after 2000 in another study. One study found that the annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s was significantly higher among construction workers compared with bus drivers. Conclusions This review suggests that COPD occurs more often among construction workers than among workers who are not exposed to construction dust. It is not possible to draw any conclusions on specific subgroups as most studies analysed construction workers as one united group. In addition, no potential exposure–effect relationship could be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street dust samples were collected from five different types of land use patterns (busy traffic zone, urban residential area, national highways, industrial area and sensitive area) in a medium sized industrial city Asansol, India. The samples were fractionated into ≤53 µm and analyzed for potential toxic elements (PTEs) viz. Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu. The mean total concentration of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the urban street dust samples were 192, 0.75, 110 and 132 mg kg −1 respectively. Chemical speciation was performed for PTEs to evaluate the bio-available fractions. Cu was mostly associated with organic matter phase while Zn, Pb and Cd with residual phase. Mean mobility factor (MF) for heavy metals in Asansol was Zn (54.6%)>Pb (49.1%)>Cu (25.3%)>Cd (22.7%). Geo-chemical indices such as Enrichment Factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination Factor (CF) were in the order of Pb>Cd>Zn>Cu. Cluster analysis was done to understand the similarities among the sites. The risks of all metals was calculated with mobile fraction, which indicated actual risk due to PTEs was less (HI<1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have long known that human occupants are a major source of microbes in the built environment, thus raising the question: How much can we learn about the occupants of a building by analyzing the microbial communities found in indoor air? We investigated bacterial and fungal diversity found in airborne dust collected onto heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning ( HVAC) air filters and settling plates from 91 rooms within a university dormitory. The sex of the room occupants had the most significant effect on the bacterial communities, while the room occupants had no significant effect on fungal communities. By examining the abundances of bacterial genera, we could predict the sex of room occupants with 79% accuracy, a finding that demonstrates the potential forensic applications of studying indoor air microbiology. We also identified which bacterial taxa were indicators of female and male rooms, and found that those taxa often identified as members of the vaginal microbiome were more common in female-occupied rooms while taxa associated with human skin or the male urogenital microbiota were more common in male-occupied rooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]