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Exposure evaluation - 1,808 entries found

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  • Exposure evaluation

2002

CIS 03-815
Health and Safety Executive
Fume emissions from resistance welding through adhesives and sealants
Modern manufacturing practices, especially in the automotive industry, often involve resistance welding through adhesives and sealants. During welding, fumes that are possibly harmful to health may be inhaled by workers. Little is known about the concentration or composition of the fumes emitted, making it difficult to assess the risks to health arising from welding activities. In this study, fume composition data were generated for resistance welding through a representative range of epoxy-based adhesives and polybutadiene-based sealants for the purpose of enabling a comprehensive risk assessment. Benzene, 1,3-butadiene and acrylonitrile were the most harmful compounds identified. However, concentrations were low. Concentrations of carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons were also low, less than 1µg/m3.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, May 2002. vi, 26p. Illus. 8 ref. Price: GBP 10.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_pdf/2001/crr01388.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-78 Andéol-Aussage B., Dornier G.
Evaluation of occupational hazards
L'évaluation des risques professionnels [in French]
The publication of Decree No.2001-1016 of 5 November 2001 (see CIS 01-1278) concerning the creation of a single document on the evaluation of safety and health risks to workers has again pushed the topic of occupational hazard evaluation to the forefront. Contents of this practical safety data sheet on the evaluation of occupational hazards: definitions of "risk", "danger", "damage" and "evaluation"; hazard evaluation approaches; five-step approach to evaluation (preparation, identification of the hazards, classification of the hazards, proposed prevention actions, decision on the alternatives); efforts undertaken by the French National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS) and its partner organizations; French and European regulations.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2002. 4p. Illus. 17 ref.
http://www.inrs.fr/htm/l_evaluation_des_risques_professionnels.html [in French]

CIS 03-349 Exposure assessment methods - Research needs and priorities
NIOSH has identified research in exposure assessment methods as one of the priority areas for improving worker safety and health in the United States. This report on research needs in the area of exposure assessment methods is the result of collaboration among government, industry, labour unions and universities. Contents: research priorities in study design (data quality, collection, management and analysis); research priorities in the development of monitoring methods (guidelines, biomonitoring, dermal exposure measurement, environmental monitoring, applied toxicology, education and communication).
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA, July 2002. viii, 19p. 9 ref.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2002-126/2002-126.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-332 Sweetman A., Lee R., Jones K.
Health and Safety Executive
Dioxin exposure from work related activities
As part of a study on occupational exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), this report covers air monitoring and personal air sampling using portable equipment. Occupational exposure via inhalation was quantified for a variety of industries including aluminium and copper recycling, waste incineration and landfill operation, and these estimates were compared to dietary intake and the Committee on Toxicity Tolerable (COT) daily intake values. Results show that some workers may be exposed to PCDDs and PCDFs in excess of the COT recommended tolerable daily intake via inhalation.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. ii, 7p. Price: GBP 10.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr027.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-327 Bowen C., Urbanus J.
Assessment of personal inhalation exposure to bitumen fume - Guidance for monitoring benzene-soluble inhalable particulate matter
Bitumen fume is defined as the benzene-soluble fraction of inhalable airborne particulate matter. The requirement to sample inhalable particulate matter was adopted in response to the new European standard for biologically-relevant airborne particulates. In 2000, a new limit value for bitumen fume was issued by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (AGCIH), which is now also used in several European countries. This report reviews issues relevant to bitumen fume, including comparative studies of old and new methodologies of exposure evaluation. A new recommended methodology is presented, and the practical aspects of its implementation are discussed.
CONCAWE, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160 Brussels, Belgium, Sep. 2002. iv, 31p. 35 ref.
http://www.concawe.be/Download/Reports/Rpt_02-7.pdf [in English]

CIS 02-1796 Takeuchi A., Kawai T., Zhang Z.W., Miyama Y., Sakamoto K., Higashikawa K., Ikeda M.
Toluene, xylenes and xylene isomers in urine as biological indicators of low-level exposure to each solvent: A comparative study
The objective of this study was to determine if xylenes and xylene isomers in end-of-shift urine are good biological indicators of low-level exposure to each solvent, similarly to toluene in urine. 86 furniture makers (76 men and ten women), participated in the study together with 11 non-exposed controls. Time-weighted average (8h TWA) exposures to mixtures of toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene and acetone were monitored with diffusive samplers for lipophilic and hydrophilic solvents, respectively. Urine samples were collected at the end of the shift and subjected to head-space gas chromatography analysis for each solvent. The exposure-excretion relationship was examined by simple as well as multiple regression analysis. Good correlations were found, indicating that biological monitoring of exposure by means of analysis of end-of-shift urine is possible, not only in the case of toluene as previously reported, but also in cases of xylenes, either for three isomers in combination or separately.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Aug. 2002, Vol.75, No.6, p.387-393. Illus. 29 ref.

CIS 02-1833 Castellino N., Iavicoli I.
The evolution of occupational health and prevention in Italy. Primary trends: Adverse effects related to exposure to low levels of toxics
This article describes the organization of occupational medicine in Italy and presents the priority areas for further research in the field of occupational medicine and occupational safety and health (biological effects of exposure to low concentrations of toxic substances, environmental and biological hazard monitoring systems, posture analysis, enterprise first aid centres, prevention of accidents). Several research findings in the area of lead metabolism and of exposure to low concentrations of lead are discussed in more detail.
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Oct. 2002, Vol.52, No.10, p.398-403. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 02-1788 Otsuka F.
Gene expression assay for hazard assessment of chemicals
Recent progress in the understanding of gene expression systems provides evidence that many industrial chemicals affect the transcriptional machineries directly or indirectly, and gene expression is now recognized as one of the main targets of many chemicals. In view of the increasing number of man-made chemicals, it is therefore necessary to establish a reliable gene expression assay with rapidity and high sensitivity. Among various gene expression assays, the so-called reporter assay is now accepted as a suitable tool to assess hazardous effects of chemicals on gene expression. This article focuses on the principle and applications of the reporter assay in research on endocrine disrupters.
Industrial Health, Apr. 2002, Vol.40, No.2, p.113-120. Illus. 49 ref.

CIS 02-1840
Health and Safety Executive
Dermal exposure resulting from liquid contamination
To estimate dermal exposure to pesticides during spraying applications, it is critical to know the fraction of the amount deposited on a worker's clothing that actually reaches the skin. The objective of this project was to evaluate dermal exposure to pesticides by using an articulated mannequin to replicate realistic spraying conditions. Patches were affixed to different locations on the mannequin, and a simulated pesticide formulation was sprayed with the mannequin unclothed and wearing different types of protective clothing. Data from this study can be used for evaluating the protection factor of work clothing.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. vi, 63p. Illus. 31 ref. Price: GBP 25.00.

CIS 02-1836 Saarinen L.
Recent development of exposure to gasoline in the distribution chain
Gasoline is a complex mixture of aliphatic and cyclo-aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons (primarily benzene) and methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the exposure to these substances among tank truck drivers delivering gasoline to service stations as well as harbour and storage depot workers. Samples were collected in the workers' breathing zone. Tank truck drivers typically are involved in three loading or unloading operations per day, lasting an average of half an hour. During these tasks, the concentration of C3-C11 hydrocarbons, MTBE and benzene varied between 5-500, 1-20mg/m3 and 0.25-17.5mg/m3 respectively. The exposure of harbour and depot workers was significantly lower. Exposure levels have decreased considerably in recent years with the introduction of vapour recovery systems.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Publication Office, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2002. 68p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 02-1690 Kauppinen T., Teschke K., Astrakianakis G., Boffetta P., Colin D., Keefe A., Korhonen K., Liukkonen T., Nicol A.M., Pannett B., Westberg H.
Assessment of exposure in an international study on cancer risks among pulp, paper, and paper product workers
A data management system and a department-exposure matrix were designed to facilitate exposure assessment for a large multinational study on cancer risks among pulp and paper industry workers. Exposure routes to 25 major carcinogens were described, as well as exposure prevalence and level. For some agents, the assessment could only be made in qualitative terms. The assessment was specific to mill, work department, agent and time period. The results of industrial hygiene measurements, information from detailed company questionnaires, and the professional judgments of the assessment team were the cornerstones of the assessment. Exposure to chemical agents turned out to be widespread and complex with frequent multiple exposures. However, the computer-assisted exposure assessment system greatly facilitated assessment, and such systems are well suited to large epidemiological studies requiring complicated exposure assessment procedures.
AIHA Journal, May-June 2002, Vol.63, No.3, p.254-261. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 02-1350 Caillaud V., Benegas-Bernard M., Creppy E., Sanchez D., Teulières A.M.
Exposure of health-care personnel to cytostatic substances - Experience of hospitals in Dax and Bayonne
Exposition du personnel de soins aux cytostatiques - L'expérience des centres hospitaliers de Dax et de Bayonne [in French]
The cell toxicity of cytostatic substances affect both cancerous and healthy cells. Most of these products also exhibit mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic activity. There are very few published studies concerning the risks from handling cytostatic substances and the preventive measures to be implemented for limiting exposure to them. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of exposure of health care workers to cytostatic substances. It involved 60 workers in the oncology departments of two hospitals in southwestern France. Urinary metabolites were determined and health data were collected by means of questionnaires. No pathologies that could be linked to exposure to cytostatic substances were found. The principles of precaution and prevention applicable to work in the presence of cytostatic substances are outlined.
Documents pour le médecin du travail, 1st Quarter 2002, No.89, p.51-64. 19 ref.

CIS 02-1349 Wambach P.F.
Variation in exposure levels for high hazard frequently monitored agents
Assumptions about the underlying distribution of occupational exposures affect decisions on exposure monitoring strategies, the interpretation of monitoring results, and the degree of protection provided by occupational exposure limits and action levels. Strict exposure limits for asbestos, beryllium and ionizing radiation resulted in frequent monitoring of occupational exposure levels, with thousands of exposure measurements available for analysis. Statistical analysis of these data sets indicates that within-worker geometric standard deviation (GSD) is higher than is generally assumed for occupational exposures. Despite the high variation, arithmetic mean levels and the percentage of measurements exceeding exposure limits were low, indicating that a large GSD does not imply that working conditions are unacceptable.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 2002, Vol.63, No.4, p.421-429. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 02-1347 Feigley C.E., Bennett J.S., Khan J., Lee E.
Performance of deterministic workplace exposure assessment models for various containment source, air inlet, and exhaust locations
Contaminant concentration estimates from simple models were compared with concentration fields obtained by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations for various room and source configurations under steady-state conditions. For a high wall jet inlet, simulations were performed for nine room air exhaust locations and eight source locations. For a ceiling diffuser inlet the impact of two exhaust locations and eight source locations were investigated. Parameters of the one- and two-zone completely mixed models (CM-1 and CM-2) and the uniform turbulent diffusivity model (UD) were determined from CFD simulation results. The CM-1 model had generally the best performance for applications such as occupational epidemiology for the conditions and configurations studied. However, CM-1 tended to underestimate the near field concentration; thus, CM-2 was judged to be better in the near field when underestimation is undesirable, such as when determining compliance with occupational exposure limits. The UD model performed poorly on average in both near and far fields.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 2002, Vol.63, No.4, p.402-412. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 02-1346 Symanski E., Greeson N.M.H.
Assessment of variability in biomonitoring data using a large database of biological measures of exposure
Biological monitoring data that examined workers' exposures to metals, solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides were collected from 53 published studies. This study evaluates intra- and inter-individual sources of variation in biological measures of exposure collected from workers employed at the same plant. In 60% of the data sets, there was more variation among workers than variation from day to day. The relative magnitude of the intra- to inter-individual source of variation was larger for biomarkers with short compared to long half-lives, which suggests that biomarkers with half-lives of seven days or longer offer advantages when compared to short-lived biomarkers or exposures assessed by air monitoring. The use of biological indices of exposure, however, places an additional burden on the strategy used to evaluate exposures, because data may be serially correlated, resulting in biased estimates of the variance components if autocorrelation is undetected or ignored in the statistical analyses.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 2002, Vol.63, No.4, p.390-401. 102 ref.

CIS 02-827 Periago Jiménez J.F.
Biological monitoring of exposure to chemical contaminants in industrial hygiene
Control biológico de la exposición a contaminantes químicos en higiene industrial [in Spanish]
Ambient chemicals determined in biological fluids that were collected from exposed workers are indicative of internal doses. This review article enumerates the occupational hygiene aspects that need to be taken into consideration when implementing a biological monitoring programme. Contents: the different types of biological markers; biological fluids to be analysed (blood, urine, exhaled air); sampling strategy; sample preparation and analytical techniques; interpretation of results; reference limit values (American Biological Exposure Index (BEI), German exposure index (BAT), biological limit values (BLV)). Chemicals for which limit values have been established are presented in a table, mentioning the nature of the marker (non-metabolized substance or metabolite) and the biological fluid to be analysed.
Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2002, No.18, p.4-15. Illus. 40 ref.

CIS 02-869 Ramwell C.T., Johnson P.D., Boxall A.A.B., Rimmer D.
Health and Safety Executive
Exposure to pesticide residues on agricultural spraying equipment
To assess the longer-term exposure to pesticide deposits that remain on the spraying equipment well after spraying operations have been carried out, a study was carried out at thirteen farms. Swab samples were taken from various parts of the spray equipment. In addition, cotton gloves were used to evaluate possible exposure through hand contact when entering or working in the tractor cab and during contact with the external surface of the spray equipment. There was a wide variation in the quantities of pesticides detected. Highest levels were observed on the boom, nozzles, and, to a lesser extent, the spray tank. Pesticides were detected at higher levels and more frequently on the mudguards compared to the rest of the tractor body. Quantities of pesticides measured on the cotton glove samples were reported as multiples of acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). 17% of the gloves contained levels equivalent to more than one ADI. Sampling inside the farmers' nitrile gloves detected pesticides in all cases, with one pair containing the equivalent of 17 ADIs.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2002. vi, 50p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: GBP 10.00.

CIS 02-797 Dingle P., Tan R., Jones J., White K.
Personal exposure to formaldehyde in laboratories
There has been little research on the spatial distribution of formaldehyde in work environments and its relationship to personal exposure monitoring. The purpose of this study was to determine personal exposure in five laboratories where formaldehyde was used for tissue preservation, and to examine the relationship between fixed monitoring of formaldehyde and personal exposure in high-exposure occupational situations. It was found that fixed monitoring of formaldehyde was a good predictor of personal exposure and that one or two monitoring locations were adequate. However, depending on the worker's activity, stationary monitors may under-predict actual formaldehyde exposure. Significant levels of formaldehyde were found to infiltrate rooms or offices adjacent to the laboratories. This is of concern because people working on office tasks for extended periods may not take precautionary measures (such as wearing respiratory equipment).
Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Apr. 2002, Vol.18, No.2, p.161-165. 15 ref.

CIS 02-906 Grajewski B., Waters M.A., Whelan E.A., Bloom T.F.
Radiation dose estimation for epidemiologic studies of flight attendants
NIOSH is currently conducting health studies of female flight attendants. Exposures of interest include cosmic radiation. However, the data needed to estimate cumulative radiation dose are not found in work histories. An algorithm was developed to generate the required input data for the Federal Aviation Administration's radiation estimation software from work histories, and an evaluation was made as to whether the effects of cumulative radiation dose could be distinguished analytically from effects of circadian rhythm disruption. Selection of a study population flying predominantly North-South flights can provide the necessary distinction between radiation and time zone crossing exposures. The method developed will be useful for exposure assessment in cabin crew studies with relatively short study periods, (e.g., reproductive health studies) for which limited fight history details are generally available.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2002, Vol.41, No.1, p.27-37. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 02-788 Vincent R., Jeandel B.
Occupational exposure to lead - Analysis of the data contained in the COLCHIC database
Exposition professionnelle au plomb - Analyse des résultats archivés dans la base de données COLCHIC [in French]
The results of 14,822 determinations in workplace air carried out since 1987 by the eight regional chemical laboratories and specialized laboratories of the French national occupational safety and health institute (INRS) for the purpose of evaluating occupational exposure to lead were recorded in a database. The analysis of this data enabled the assessment of occupational exposure to lead by sector of activity and type of occupation. Results show that despite an overall and continuous decline in the levels of exposure to lead since 1990, there are still occupations where the exposure levels are above the current French TWA exposure limits of 150µg/m3, particularly in the building and metalworking sectors.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 2nd Quarter 2002, No.187, Note No.2169-187-02, p.63-72. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 02-627 Benchmarking Working Europe 2002
This benchmarking report examines a number of employment indicators in Member and Applicant States of the European Union and in Norway. A chapter is specifically devoted to occupational safety and health and covers the exposure of workers to risk factors, occupational accidents and occupational diseases. Statistics for the following topics are presented in graphical form and commented: employees exposed to heavy loads, painful or tiring work positions, vibrations and noise; incidence rate of accidents by sex; occupational accidents with more than three days' absence; incidence rates of accidents in the construction sector; fatal occupational accidents; occupational accidents by company size; recognized occupational deafness. Among the conclusions, it is highlighted that if the European average occupational accident incidence rate were to be lowered to that of the best performing countries, a 50% improvement would be achieved.
European Trade Union Confederation, 5 Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2002. 75p. Illus. 57 ref. Price: EUR 10.00

2001

CIS 07-678
Health and Safety Executive
Hardwood dust survey
The COSHH Regulations 1999 (see CIS 00-620) set a maximum exposure limit (MEL) of 5mg/m3 for hardwood dust in the woodworking industry. A survey was conducted in 1988/89 to investigate exposure levels in this industry. The results showed that in only 5 out of 41 factories the levels were all below the MEL and in only 13 the levels were all below twice the MEL (10mg/m3). Of the 363 air samples taken, 60% were below the MEL, 17% were between 5 and 10mg/m3, 14% between 10 and 20mg/m3 and 3% above 40mg/m3.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2001. 2p. 9 ref.

CIS 04-675 Tomás García P., Obiols Quinto J.
Aniline exposure assessment: Environmental and biological monitoring
Evaluación de la exposición a anilina: control ambiental y biológico [in Spanish]
This information note on the evaluation of exposure to aniline covers biological and environmental monitoring. Contents: characteristics of aniline; metabolism and toxicokinetics; effects on health (methaemoglobinaemia, damage to the central nervous system, bladder cancer); classification (harmful by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact, and highly toxic to aquatic organisms); threshold limit values (daily TLV 2ppm); sampling and analysis methods for aniline in workplace air; biological monitoring (determination of p-aminophenol in urine and methaemoglobin in blood).
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 6p. Illus. 9 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_584.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 04-674 Guardino Solá X.
Occupational exposure assessment to chemical agents. UNE-EN-482 and related standards
Evaluación de la exposición laboral a agentes químicos. Norma UNE-EN-482 y relacionadas [in Spanish]
This information note presents the main elements of the standard UNE EN 482 (Workplace atmospheres. General requirements concerning the procedures for measuring chemical agents) with which all procedures for the evaluation of occupational exposure to chemical agents need to comply. Contents: definition of various parameters; classification of measurement procedures (approximate evaluation of time-weighted average concentrations, approximate evaluation of concentration changes over time and distance, measurements near emission sources, measurements aimed at comparing threshold limit values, regular measurements, measurements under the least favourable conditions, fixed point measurements); requirements with respect to the procedures; analytical methods; analysis report.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 5p. Illus. 4 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_583.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 04-673 Tomás García P., Obiols Quinto J.
N,N-dimethylformamide exposure assessment: Environmental and biological monitoring
Evaluación de la exposición a N,N-dimetilformamida: control ambiental y biológico [in Spanish]
This information note on the evaluation of exposure to N,N-dimethylformamide covers biological and environmental monitoring. Contents: characteristics of N,N-dimethylformamide; effects on health (skin irritation, conjunctivitis, skin diseases, hepatic damage); N,N-dimethylformamide metabolism; classification (toxic to the reproductive system) and threshold limit values (daily TLV of 10ppm); sampling and analysis methods for N,N-dimethylformamide in workplace atmospheres; biological monitoring (measurement of two unrinary metabolites, N-methylformamide and N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl) cysteine (AMCC)).
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 6p. Illus. 13 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_579.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 04-719 Hernández Calleja A.
Biological agents: Developing a sampling plan
Agentes biológicos: planificación de la medición [in Spanish]
This information note provides guidance on how to plan the sampling of biological agents for the purposes of evaluating the exposure of workers. Contents: general aspects of the approach; questions to raise during the monitoring of biological agents (purpose of the measurement, location of frequency of the sampling, selection of the sampling equipment, number of samples to be collected); volume and duration of the sampling; rules for the determination of airborne microorganisms and endotoxins as specified in the standard UNE EN 13098.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 10p. 14 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_608.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 04-671 Guardino Solà X., Rosell Farrás M.G.
Occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases
Exposición laboral a gases anestésicos [in Spanish]
This information note covers occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases. Contents: physical and chemical characteristics of anaesthetic gases; health effects of acute, sub-acute and chronic exposures; threshold limit values and biological threshold values; methods for the determination of concentrations in workplace atmospheres (direct reading, active or passive sampling); biological monitoring (determination of isoflurane in exhaled air, determination of nitrous oxide in urine); preventive measures to be adopted.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 7p. Illus. 8 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_606.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 04-175 Guardino Solá X., Ramos Albillo J.
Exposure assessment to chemical agents: Analytical conditions
Evaluación de la exposición a agentes químicos: condicionantes analíticos [in Spanish]
This information note on the evaluation of exposure to chemicals covers specifically the techniques for sampling and direct reading. Contents: basic considerations with respect to exposure evaluation (what to measure, how, where and when); sampling techniques (active sampling, passive sampling, sample transport and storage, suitability of the detection system retained); characteristics of direct reading systems.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 7p. Illus. 9 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_587.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 03-1766 Van Hemmen J.J., Van der Jagt K.E.
Innovative exposure assessment of pesticide uses for appropriate risk assessment
An international workshop on the theme "Innovative exposure assessment of pesticide uses for appropriate risk assessment" was held on 20-22 September 2000, in The Hague, The Netherlands. The international experts represented industry, academia, specialized consultancy agencies and regulatory authorities in Europe, North America and Australia. The workshop was organized around four themes: toxicology studies that are relevant for worker risk assessment; probabilistic exposure assessment is essential for appropriately assessing risks; importance of field use information for assessing the risk of exposure; and appropriate terms for residential exposure. The main goal was to reach international consensus on the harmonization of exposure and risk assessment approaches, and the development of guidance elements for the various bodies in our society that deal with risk assessment for pesticide registration purposes in occupational and residential settings.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Apr. 2001, Vol.45, Suppl.1, p.S1-S174 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 03-1356 Malchaire J., Piette A, Kampmann B., Mehnert P., Gebhardt H., Havenith G., Den Hartog E., Holmer I., Parsons K., Alfano G., Griefahn B.
Development and validation of the predicted heat strain model
Eight laboratories participated in a concerted research project on the assessment of hot working conditions. The objectives were to co-ordinate the work of the main European research teams in the field of thermal factors and to improve the methods available to assess the risks of heat disorders at the workplace, and in particular the "Required Sweat Rate" model as presented in ISO 7933 standard. The scientific bases of this standard were thoroughly reviewed and a revised model, called "Predicted Heat Strain" (PHS), was developed. This model was then used to predict the minute-by-minute sweat rates and rectal temperatures during 909 laboratory and field experiments. The change in sweat rate with time was predicted more accurately by the PHS model. This suggests that the PHS model would provide an improved basis upon which to determine allowable exposure times from the predicted heat strain in terms of dehydration and increased core temperature.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Mar. 2001, Vol.45, No.2, p.123-135. Illus. 28 ref.

CIS 03-1274 Semple S.E., Proud L.A., Tannahill S.N., Tindall M.E., Cherrie J.W.
A training exercise in subjectively estimating inhalation exposures
This study examined whether it is possible to train occupational hygienists to reliably estimate inhalation exposures from limited occupational information using a new method. Five occupational hygienists estimated inhalation exposure for 40 tasks involving exposure to various chemicals, using a recently-developed modelling technique supplemented by detailed guidance notes. Measured exposure levels were used to determine the validity of the method. There was good-to-excellent agreement between the assessors' estimates and the measured data, the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.73 to 0.85. Aggregating the assessors' estimates helped to improve the correlation coefficient to 0.88. However, using more than three assessors for aggregate estimates did not improve the reliability of the method. Overall, the assessors found the method to be useful, particularly in epidemiological studies in which limited exposure data are available.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 2001, Vol.27, No.6, p.395-401. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 03-743 Hagmar L., Törnqvist M., Nordander C., Rosén I., Bruze M., Kautiainen A., Magnusson A.L., Malmberg B., Aprea P., Granath F., Axmon A.
Health effects of occupational exposure to acrylamide using hemoglobin adducts as biomarkers of internal dose
A total of 210 workers at a tunnel construction site exposed for about two months to a chemical-grouting agent containing acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide underwent a health examination. Blood samples were drawn for the analysis of haemoglobin (Hb) adducts of acrylamide. 50 workers claiming recently-developed or deteriorating symptoms of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) were referred to a neurophysiological examination. Workers with Hb-adduct levels exceeding 0.3nmol/g globin attended follow-up examinations 6, 12, and 18 months after exposure cessation. 47 workers had Hb-adduct levels within the normal background range (0.02-0.07nmol/g globin), while the remaining 163 had increased levels up to 17.7nmol/g globin. Clear-cut dose-response associations were found between the Hb-adduct levels and PNS symptoms. However, the PNS symptoms were generally mild and reversible in almost all cases.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2001, Vol.27, No.4, p.219-226. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 02-1811 Mołocznik A., Zagórski J.
Exposure of farmers to dust on private farms of various production profiles
The objective of this study was to analyse exposure to dust on 10 Polish farms. It was found that mean weighted monthly concentrations of total dust ranged within 1.2-33.9mg/m3, and those of respirable dust from 0.3-4.0mg/m3, the highest values being observed in August and September. Farmers' exposure to total dust (7.7-21.9mg/m3) remained above the occupational exposure limit (4.0mg/m3). In the case of respirable dust, the results obtained showed allowable conditions. The highest level of exposure was noted on potato farms, followed by traditional farms carrying out mixed production, while the lowest level of exposure was observed on farms engaged in dairy cattle breeding.
AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2001, Vol.8, No.2, p.151-161. Illus. 35 ref.
http://www.aaem.pl/pdf/aaem0123.pdf [in English]

CIS 02-1248 Fishwick D., Allan L.J., Wright A., Barber C.M., Curran A.D.
Respiratory symptoms, lung function and cell surface markers in a group of hemp fiber processors
Lung function and immunological changes associated with hemp dust exposure were studied in 11 male hemp processors with a mean age of 43 years. All workers were subjected to a questionnaire, lung function testing including FEV1 and blood analyses. In total, seven workers (64%) complained of at least one respiratory symptom (one with byssinosis). The mean percentage predicted FEV1 was 91.5, FVC 97.7, PEF 92.1, and FEF25-75 79.5. Serial FEV1 measurements in the two workers with work-related respiratory symptoms revealed a mean change in FEV1 on the first working day of -12.9%. This contrasted with +6.25% on the last working day. Respective values for two workers without work-related symptoms were -1.4 and +3.2 %. Lung function changes and abnormalities in a profile of cell surface activation markers and antibodies related to the presence of work-related respiratory symptoms were not seen in the control group.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 2001, Vol.39, No.4, p.419-425. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 02-771 Debbabi F., Mrizek N., Tabka Z., Choudat D., Zebidi A., Conso F.
Rhinitis and respiratory disorders due to cotton dust in a textile mill in Monastir (Tunisia)
Pathologie nasale et respiratoire liée à la poussière de coton dans une entreprise textile à Monastir (Tunisie) [in French]
A transversal epidemiological study was conducted in a textile mill to determine the prevalence of nasal and broncho-pulmonar symptoms, and to establish the relationship with exposure to dust. The study population consisted of 183 workers, of whom 52% were employed in cotton and acrylic fibre spinning, 25% in weaving, 8% in garment manufacturing, 5.5% in dyeing and 9.5% in administration. The investigations included a standardized questionnaire, environmental assessments with dust measurement in the different units of the factory, pulmonary function tests and rhinomanometry. It was found that dust levels were high throughout the mill, and particularly so in the spinning area. A decrease in spirometric values was observed in 21.5% of the workers. The prevalence of nasal obstruction determined by rhinomanometry was high (68.8%), but in 53.5% of the cases the workers had no clinical symptoms of rhinitis.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 2001, Vol.62, No.8, p.621-625. 17 ref.

CIS 02-783 Breton R.A., Vyskocil A.
Smoking and blood cadmium concentrations in young pre-employees
Smoking is the main source of cadmium, a known human carcinogen, among young adults. The objective of this study was to determine blood and urine cadmium levels of young adults occupationally exposed to cadmium in relation to number of cigarettes smoked and sex. Data were gathered for 132 young adults (smokers and non-smokers, men and women) by means of a questionnaire and blood and urine analyses. There were no statistical differences between smokers and non-smokers in urine cadmium concentrations, whereas blood cadmium levels in young adult smokers were 11 times higher than in non-smokers. An increase in blood cadmium without any changes in urine cadmium could be explained by the accumulation of cadmium in tissues. After 20 to 40 years of smoking, and without exposure to any other source of cadmium, it is expected that smokers would reach the urinary level of 5µg/g creatinine that would warrant job reassignment away from cadmium exposure. Further thought needs to be given to reassignment policies and work practices for smokers and non-smokers with respect to cadmium exposure.
Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2001, Vol.7, No.1, p.22-25. 7 ref.

CIS 02-900 Malchaire J., Kampmann B., Mehnert P., Gebhardt H., Piette A., Havenith G., Den Hartog E., Holmer I., Parsons K., Alfano G., Griefahn B.
Evaluation of heat load risk during work in hot environments
Evaluation du risque de contrainte thermique lors du travail en ambiances chaudes [in French]
The objective of this project was to coordinate the work of the main European research teams in order to develop and improve methods to assess the risks encountered during work in hot conditions. Methods and formulas were developed that take into account the dynamic effects associated with forced convection and the pumping effect associated with body movements and exercise, as well as more severe conditions in terms of radiation, humidity and different clothing. Criteria concerning the maximum increase in core temperature and the acceptable water loss, for acclimatized and non-acclimatized subjects, were reviewed and updated. These limits intend to protect 95% of the population. A strategy was developed to assess the risks in any working situation with varying conditions of the climate, of metabolic rate or of clothing. A methodology was developed for observation and analysis. The Predicted Heat Strain model developed as part of this project is presently proposed for the revision of the ISO 7933 standard.
Médecine du travail & Ergonomie / Arbeidsgezondheitszorg & Ergonomie, 2001, Vol.XXXVIII, No.3, p.101-112. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 02-781 Hara K., Kumagai S., Nakaaki K.
Application of mathematical models predicting the exposure levels of vapour and gas of chemicals used at the workplace
Jōki-, gasu-jō kagaku busshitsu no skokugyōsei bakuru-nōdo o suitei suru sūri-moderu no ōyō [in Japanese]
The objective of this paper was to evaluate the applicability of mathematical models reported in literature for predicting exposure levels to chemicals at the workplace. The reviewed models were divided into generation models describing the evaporation or emission from sources into workplace air, and dispersion models describing dispersion through mixing, diffusion and advection. A combination of a generation model and a dispersion model was found to be the most practical for predicting exposure levels. Nine such combinations of mathematical models were considered applicable for predicting occupational exposure levels. It is suggested that future developments of models take into account probabilistic uncertainty, and that the models be validated in field and experimental studies. Detailed abstract in English.
Journal of Science of Labour - Rōdō Kagaku, Nov. 2001, Vol.77, No.11, p.439-461. Illus. 53 ref.

CIS 02-894 Nilsson T., Lundström R.
Quantitative thermal perception thresholds relative to exposure to vibration
Thermal perception of cold, warmth, and heat pain was bilaterally determined from the thenar eminence by the method of limits in a cross section of 123 male workers exposed to vibration and 62 unexposed male workers. Perception of cold and warmth were also tested in the second digit. Personal energy equivalent exposure to vibration was measured for all subjects. Vibration was assessed separately for the left and right hand. The results indicate thermal sensory impairment related to cumulative exposure to vibration. The effect appeared at vibration levels below the current guiding standard. Quantitative sensory testing of thermal perception offers the chance to assess this specific hazard to the peripheral sensorineural system associated with hand intensive work entailing vibration.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2001, Vol.58, No.7, p.472-478. Illus. 36 ref.

CIS 02-291 Laborda Grima R.
Royal Decree 374/2001 - A new legal instrument for evaluating the exposure to chemicals
Real Decreto 374/2001 - Un nuevo espacio legal para la valoración de la exposición a agentes químicos [in Spanish]
Spanish Royal Decree 374/2001 (see CIS 01-964) concerning the protection of workers' health and safety from chemicals at the place of work came into effect on 5 May 2001. It transposes Council Directive 98/24/EC (see CIS 98-1094) into national legislation. This article comments on the new provisions of this decree, in particular the definition of several concepts, the responsibilities of employers (hazard evaluation, prevention of hazards due to chemicals, specific protection and prevention measures, medical supervision, measures in cases of accidents or emergencies, prohibited substances, information and training of personnel) and limit values established for inorganic lead and its derivates in air and blood.
Prevención, July-Sep. 2001, No.157, p.32-40. Illus.

CIS 02-334 Health hazard evaluations: Issues related to occupational exposure to lead - 1994 to 1999
The Health Hazards and Technical Assistance (HETA) programme responds to requests from employers, employees, employee representatives and governmental agencies for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) of the workplace to determine if chemical, physical, biological or other agents are hazardous to workers. This document presents summaries of 31 HHEs related to lead that were completed between 1994 and 1999. The HHE requests originated from a variety of workplaces, including secondary lead smelters, battery manufacturers, structural steel painting sites, shipyards, and firing ranges.
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA, Mar. 2001. vi, 18p. 13 ref.

CIS 02-272 Schneider O., Brondeau M.T.
Biological exposure indices
Indices biologiques d'exposition [in French]
Biological exposure indices consist of reference values corresponding either to the concentrations of a chemical or its metabolites in biological fluids or exhaled air, or to a biological response to a chemical. These indices represent a means of evaluating the exposure of workers to chemicals, and should be considered as a supplemental indicator to the values of exposure limits in air. This review article provides definitions of biological indices proposed by American hygienists of the AGCIH (BEI) and German hygienists of the DFG (BAT); it discusses their advantages and limitations, and includes a summary table of accepted values.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2001, No.184, Note No.2154-184-01, p.39-54.

CIS 01-1779
International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS)
Biomarkers in risk assessment: Validity and validation
Valid biomarkers can lead to biologically based risk assessment. Contents of this criteria document: validity and validation of biomarkers in risk assessment: risk assessment (hazard identification, dose response, exposure assessment for risk assessment); general consideration on validity and validation; validation of specific types of biomarkers (exposure, effect and susceptibility biomarkers); cross-species comparability; new perspectives; recommendations for future research. Appendices: biomarkers of exposure and effect for carcinogenicity; biomarkers of exposure and effect for non-carcinogenic end-points; measurement of drug-metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms as indicators of susceptibility; validation of biomarkers for environmental health research.
World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2001. xiv, 238p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 01-1766 Lafontaine M.
Survey on occupational exposure to cutting fluids
Une grande enquête sur les fluides de coupe [in French]
A questionnaire was addressed in 1999 to approximately 3,000 French companies considered likely to be using cutting fluids. Topics covered in the questionnaire included ventilation systems, use of personal protective equipment, regular chemical and bacteriological analysis of the cutting fluids, the nature of metalworking activity carried out and the types of fluids used. 1,500 responses were received. Results indicate that 22% of the respondents did not have any ventilation; 9% of the companies surveyed admitted to not using personal protective equipment, and 22% did not monitor the properties of the cutting fluids. The tonnages of cutting fluids consumed and the number of workers exposed are provided for various industrial sectors.
Travail et sécurité, May 2001, No.607, p.36-40. Illus. 3 ref.

CIS 01-1496 Health and safety in welding and allied processes - Sampling of airborne particles and gases in the operator's breathing zone - Part 1: Sampling of airborne particles
Hygiène et sécurité en soudage et techniques connexes - Echantillonnage de particules en suspension et gaz dans la zone respiratoire des opérateurs - Partie 1: Echantillonnage des particules en suspension [in French]
Part 1 of this international standard specifies a procedure for operators' breathing atmosphere sampling of airborne particles in welding and allied processes. The procedure describes determination of personal exposure to welding fume and other airborne particles generated by welding related operations. The role of fixed point sampling is also considered.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 1st ed., 2001. vi, 29p. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 01-967 Decree No.2001-840 of 13.9.2001 modifying Decrees No.96-97 and 96-98 concerning the exposure of workers to asbestos [France]
Décret n°2001-840 du 13.9.2001 modifiant [les] décrets n°96-97 ... et ... n°96-98 du 7.2.1996 relatifs à l'exposition à l'amiante [France] [in French]
Modification of two 1996 Decrees concerning the exposure of workers to asbestos in existing buildings and to asbestos dust in various activities (see CIS 96-404). In annex: building parts needing control during the identification of asbestos hazards.
Journal officiel de la République française, 18 Sep. 2001, Year 133, No.216, p.14799-14801.
http://www.travail.gouv.fr/publications/picts/bo/05102001/A0180006.htm [in French]

2000

CIS 06-1190 Antonsson A.B.
Self diagnosis - Do you work with isocyanates?
This checklist is designed to enable workers to determine the likelihood of their exposure to isocyanates. It consists of a series of questions aimed at establishing whether the chemicals used at the workplace contain isocyanates and whether isocyanates could be generated at the workplace.
Prevent, Box 20133, 104 60 Stockholm, Sweden, 2000. Internet document (pdf format). 4p.
http://www.prevent.se/doc_pdf/verktyg/pdf/isoeng_diagnos.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-750 Cherrie J.W., Brouwer D.H., Roff M., Vermeulen R., Kromhout H.
Use of qualitative and quantitative fluorescence techniques to assess dermal exposure
Fluorescent tracers provide a way of simultaneously assessing the mass of a hazardous substance on the surface of the skin of a worker and the area of skin exposed. These parameters, along with the duration of exposure and the estimated contaminant concentration in the skin contamination layer, can be used to calculate the likely uptake through the skin. Repeated assessment of the mass of tracer on a surface within a room or on the surface of the skin can also allow the net transfer of contaminant to be estimated. Qualitative evaluation of transfer processes using fluorescent tracers can help identify important secondary sources of exposure.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 2000, Vol.44, No.7, p.519-522. 16 ref.

CIS 03-749 Soutar A., Semple S., Aitken R.J., Robertson A.
Use of patches and whole body sampling for the assessment of dermal exposure
One of the problems associated with dermal sampling is that different methods often produce different results due to differences in the principles involved in sample collection. This paper details the principles underlying patch and whole body sampling and outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. A conceptual model has recently been proposed for dermal exposure and the role that the various techniques may play in the application of this model is discussed. Finally, suggestions are made as to how these techniques may be made more relevant and areas of future research highlighted.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 2000, Vol.44, No.7, p. 511-518. 37 ref.

CIS 03-748 Brouwer D.H., Boeniger M.F., van Hemmen J.
Hand wash and manual skin wipes
Hand wash and skin wipes are major techniques that have been used for dermal exposure sampling. This paper reviews known methods and techniques, with an emphasis on sampling parameters and sampling efficiency. It was found that identified sampling protocols, including sampling techniques, deviate at possible key issues, which hampers comparisons of study results. It is recommended to conduct sampling efficiency studies prior to field sampling, under conditions that are similar with respect to exposure process, levels of skin loading and time of residence of the compound on the skin. Harmonization of sampling protocols is a first step in creating a database for better understanding the influence of sampling parameters on the performance of removal techniques to assess dermal exposure.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 2000, Vol.44, No.7, p.501-510. 39 ref.

CIS 03-747 Schneider T., Cherrie J.W., Vermeulen R., Kromhout H.
Dermal exposure assessment
A strategy for assessing dermal exposure based on a conceptual model is proposed, which draws on the experience gained for airborne contaminants, including the EN 689 standard for assessing exposure by inhalation. The large amount of air sampling data has provided good insight into the statistical properties of short-term and long-term exposure levels. For dermal exposure, an understanding of the distribution types and parameter values is beginning to emerge. Transport rates away from the skin contaminant layer determine the "memory" of a dermal sample and measurement principles are proposed depending on these rates. It is argued that uptake is the ultimate dermal exposure metric for risk assessment and should be the basis for devising dermal occupational exposure limits.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 2000, Vol.44, No.7, p.493-499. Illus. 35 ref.

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