Abstract Field-based methods for the analysis of respirable crystalline silica are now possible with the availability of portable instrumentation. Such methods also require the use of cassettes that facilitate direct-on-filter analysis of field samples. Conventional sampling cassettes can be modified such that they are amenable to direct-on-filter analysis while remaining compatible with common respirable

Abstract The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is causing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) across the world. As a public health response to control the pandemic, wearing homemade face coverings has been proven as a resort to protect both the wearer and others from droplets and aerosols transmission. Although aerosols and droplets can be removed through these non-medical materials with

(2021). Letter from the new commissioning editor—Martin Harper. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. D1-D1.

(2021). “The Action Level”®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. D2-D3.

(2021). Fomites, hands, and the transmission of respiratory viruses. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 1-3.

Abstract Hands and forearms are the principal sites of dermal exposure to organophosphate insecticides, which makes glove use one of the most important components of an exposure control strategy. However, the selection of suitable gloves depends on issues such as task, type, and concentration of organophosphate as well as cost. In addition, chemical protection performance of gloves may be temperature

Abstract Agricultural workers are exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the significant amount of time spent working outdoors. Risk information on UV exposure from the EPA SunWise UV Index mobile app is conveniently available for timely advice on risk management, but its reliability is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the EPA UV Index app in providing

Abstract Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are worn to protect workers from hazardous respiratory exposures in a wide range of workplaces, including healthcare. However, PAPRs may diminish the ability of wearers to correctly hear words spoken by others, potentially interfering with safe performance of healthcare duties. Accordingly, the impact of PAPRs during healthcare use on speech intelligibility

Abstract The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) is a scale created to compare mold contamination levels in U.S. homes. The ERMI was developed as a result of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) first American Healthy Homes Survey (AHHS I), which sampled 1,096 homes selected to be representative of the U.S. housing stock. In AHHS I, a dust sample from each home was analyzed

Abstract During the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there was a shortage of masks and respirators for the protection of health care professionals. Masks for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in combination with viral-proof filters, worn by healthcare workers, could serve as an alternative protection measure. We determined the simulated protection factor (SPF) of such devices in comparison to conventional

(2021). Correction. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. Ahead of Print.

Abstract The Two-Zone model is used in occupational hygiene to predict both near-field and far-field airborne contaminant concentrations. A literature review was carried out on 21 scientific publications in which the Two-Zone model was used to assess occupational exposure to solvent vapors. Data on exposure scenarios, solvents, generation/emission rates, near- and far-field parameters, and model performance

Abstract A quantitative fit test is performed using a benchtop instrument (e.g., TSI PortaCount) to assess the fit factor provided by a respirator when assigned to a worker. There are no wearable instruments on the market to measure protection factors while the respirator is in use. The aim of this study is to evaluate two new, wearable, quantitative instruments—a dual-channel optical particle counter

(2020). “The Action Level”®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 11-12, pp. D25-D27.

Abstract This study assessed self-reported heat strain symptoms in workers of a state wide electrical utility distributor to determine risk differences between age groups, geographical work regions and work units. Out of a total 3,250 workers, 918 (∼28%) outdoor staff completed an online survey, which assessed the frequency of self-reported heat strain symptoms in the work and post-work settings, factors

Abstract The organic material present on waste sorting units serve as a substrate for different microorganisms, increasing workers’ exposure to Aspergillus spp. This study intends to assess the Aspergillus spp. contamination on Mechanical Protection Gloves (MPG) from different workstations and understand the role of MPG in workers’ exposure to these genera. Sixty-seven used MPG were collected from

Abstract Most respirators employed in health care settings, and often in first responder and industrial settings, are intended for single-use: the user dons the respirator, performs a work activity, and then doffs and discards the respirator. However, in the current COVID-19 pandemic, in the presence of persistent shortages of personal protective equipment, extended use and reuse of filtering facepiece

Abstract Diisocyanates are occupational contaminants and known sensitizers causing irritation (skin and respiratory tract) as well as occupational asthma. Because of their physicochemical properties (semi-volatile and high reactivity) and low occupational limits, diisocyanate exposure evaluation is still a challenge nowadays for industrial hygienists and laboratories. The objective of this study was

Abstract The risk of hearing loss from exposure to ototoxic chemicals is not reflected in occupational exposure limits and most jurisdictions. The aims of this research were to investigate dose-response relationships between exposure to lead, mercury, toluene, and styrene and hearing impairment based on current epidemiological evidence, conduct cross-jurisdictional comparisons, and investigate control

Abstract The training of soldiers for urban conflict involves marksmanship instruction on outdoor flat ranges and the teaching of close-quarter battle techniques in indoor facilities, referred to as shoot houses, where intense firing exercises can generate high air lead levels from small arms ammunition, flash bang grenades, and explosive devices. Levels of lead and copper in air were evaluated during

(2020). Correction. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 11-12, pp. 611-611.

(2020). 2020 Author Index. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 11-12, pp. 613-618.

(2020). 2020 Subject Index. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 11-12, pp. 619-627.

Abstract The main objective was to determine the decontamination efficacy of quaternary ammonium, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, and water after deliberate contamination with four antineoplastics (ifosfamide, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, methotrexate). A stainless-steel surface was deliberately contaminated with ifosfamide (15 µg), 5-fluorouracil (10 µg), irinotecan (1 µg), and methotrexate (1 µg). First

Abstract Simple plastic face shields have numerous practical advantages over regular surgical masks. In light of the spreading COVID-19 pandemic, the potential of face shields as a substitution for surgical masks was investigated. In order to determine the efficacy of the protective equipment we used a cough simulator. The protective equipment considered was placed on a manikin head that simulated

Abstract Surgical N95 filtering facepiece respirators (surgical N95 FFRs) are National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFRs) cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for resistance to liquid penetration and flammability. A recent study showed that several N95 FFR models performed as well as surgical N95 FFRs in synthetic blood penetration

Abstract Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are worn to protect workers from hazardous respiratory exposures in a wide range of workplaces, including healthcare. However, PAPRs may diminish the ability of wearers to correctly hear words spoken by others, potentially interfering with safe performance of healthcare duties. Accordingly, the impact of PAPRs during healthcare use on speech intelligibility

Abstract The organic material present on waste sorting units serve as a substrate for different microorganisms, increasing workers’ exposure to Aspergillus spp. This study intends to assess the Aspergillus spp. contamination on Mechanical Protection Gloves (MPG) from different workstations and understand the role of MPG in workers’ exposure to these genera. Sixty-seven used MPG were collected from

Abstract Diisocyanates are occupational contaminants and known sensitizers causing irritation (skin and respiratory tract) as well as occupational asthma. Because of their physicochemical properties (semi-volatile and high reactivity) and low occupational limits, diisocyanate exposure evaluation is still a challenge nowadays for industrial hygienists and laboratories. The objective of this study was

(2020). “The Action Level”®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 10, pp. D23-D24.

Abstract Pharmaceutical workers involved with the production of antimicrobial drugs are exposed to various antimicrobial chemicals in different steps of manufacturing such as grinding, sieving, compression, granulation, mixing, and filling. These exposures may lead to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria. Scientific reports on the occupational health hazard of pharmaceutical workers

Abstract Bioaerosols are known to be an important transmission pathway for SARS-CoV-2. We report a framework for estimating the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols in laboratory and office settings, based on an exponential dose-response model and analysis of air flow and purification in typical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. High-circulation HVAC systems with high-efficiency

Abstract Teachers in technology education shops (TESs) in high schools are at risk from exposure to occupational hazards, including physical work demands and chemicals, particulate matter and noise, as well as non-optimal working conditions negatively affected by temperature, humidity, and lighting. This study evaluated the exposure to noise of 17 TES teachers working in 17 wood-working, metal-working

Abstract In this pilot-scale study, a wide range of potential emissions were evaluated for four types of additive manufacturing (AM) machines. These included material extrusion (using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene [ABS]); material jetting (using liquid photopolymer); powder bed fusion (using nylon); and vat photopolymerization (using liquid photopolymer) in an industrial laboratory setting. During

Abstract In the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) hazard release, emergency responders rely on respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of these hazards. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) CBRN Statement of Standard calls for CBRN respirator canisters to be challenged with 11 different chemical test representative agents (TRAs) during

Abstract The Internet of Things (IoT) explores new perspectives and possible improvements in risk assessment practices and shows potential to measure long-term and real-time occupational exposure. This may be of value when monitoring gases with short-term maximum levels and for time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations used in standard measuring practices. A functional embedded system was designed

Abstract As the Fire Service becomes more aware of the potential health effects from occupational exposure to hazardous contaminants, personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers, and fire departments have responded by developing and implementing improved means of firefighter protection, including more frequent laundering of PPE after exposures. While laboratory testing of new PPE designs and

Abstract Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) that offer protection from particulates are deployed in different workplace environments. Usage of PAPRs by healthcare workers is rapidly increasing; these respirators are often considered the best option in healthcare settings, particularly during public health emergency situations, such as outbreaks of pandemic diseases. At the same time, lack of

(2020). “The Action Level”®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 9, pp. D21-D22.

Contamination of multiple antineoplastic drugs (ADs) on work surfaces presents an exposure concern for health care workers. Surface wipe sampling is a recognized method to evaluate the degree of contamination present. Our research team has previously reported on wipe sampling and analytical methods to simultaneously detect 10 commonly used ADs from a single wipe. Our objectives here were: to field

Susceptibility to heat illness during physically demanding work in hot environments is greater on the second of two consecutive workdays. While it has been demonstrated that heat storage is exacerbated on the second compared to first workday in older workers (50–65 yr), the effects on heart rate variability (HRV), an established surrogate of cardiac autonomic modulation, remain unclear. This study

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to a global decrease in personal protective equipment (PPE), especially filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Ultraviolet-C wavelength is a promising way of decontamination, however adequate dosimetry is needed to ensure balance between over and underexposed areas and provide reliable results. Our study demonstrates that UVGI light irradiance varies significantly on

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that opioid overdose deaths (including fentanyl and carfentanil) comprised 46,802 (69%) of the 67,367 total drug overdose deaths. The opioid overdose epidemic affects Americans not only at home but also in the workplace. First responders may be at risk of opioid exposure during incidents such as vehicle searches and responses to overdose

The routes of COVID-19 transmission to healthcare personnel from infected patients is the subject of debate, but is critical to the selection of personal protective equipment. The objective of this paper was to explore the contributions of three transmission routes—contact, droplet, and inhalation—to the risk of occupationally acquired COVID-19 infection among healthcare personnel (HCP). The method

A pilot project was conducted to determine the effect of common construction dusts as interferences in a new portable end-of-shift (EoS), direct-on-filter (DoF) sampling and analysis method for respirable crystalline silica (RCS), in this case, quartz. Construction dusts were prepared from plaster, drywall, cement and brick by grinding, aerosolizing, and collecting respirable dust with high flow rate

Industrial workshops or any other industrial premises where noisy machines are operated should be as acoustically absorbent as possible. On the other hand, acoustic treatments are expensive (especially when correcting existing premises), messy, and not always compatible with the implemented production processes. Therefore, there is a need for acoustic specifications to find the best compromise between

Abstract Silicosis is one of the major occupational lung diseases among stone miners; currently, it is a major concern in India given its 12–30% prevalence. The objective of this study was to determine the exposure profile of respirable dust and crystalline silica concentrations from sandstone, masonry stone, and granite stone mines in India. Personal respirable dust samples were collected from each

(2020). Correspondence: Indices of physiological strain for firefighters of the Australian Defence Forces. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 7-8, pp. D13-D14.

(2020). In response to indices of physiological strain for firefighters of the Australian Defence Forces. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 7-8, pp. D11-D12.

(2020). Letter to the editor regarding Chung, et al, “Career fire hall exposures to diesel engine exhaust in Ontario, Canada”. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 7-8, pp. D15-D15.

(2020). Response to the letter to the editor regarding “Career fire hall exposures to diesel engine exhaust in Ontario, Canada” manuscript. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 7-8, pp. D16-D17.

(2020). “The Action Level”®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 7-8, pp. D18-D19.

Double gloving of disposable gloves is now commonplace in healthcare settings when extra protection is needed against aqueous solutions and especially for antineoplastic drugs in isotonic aqueous media. In the present study, an ASTM F739 2.54 cm cell with closed-loop water collection without recirculation at 35 °C in a moving tray water bath was used to test the permeation of diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl

Abstract Many studies into surface contamination of hospital environments have demonstrated that occupational exposure to cytotoxics through the dermal route remains a possible risk. In this study, we assess the actual dermal exposure of the hands of pharmacy technicians and cleaning personnel in a panel of hospitals performing tasks that pose a risk of exposure. We compare the dermal exposure to a

Despite the known human health risks associated with excessive heat exposure, particularly in occupational settings, data describing potential heat exposures in school kitchens is scarce, and no published studies to date have performed a quantitative heat exposure assessment for workers employed in this setting. The purpose of this study was to quantify the extent of heat stress in New York City public

The purpose of this investigation was to enhance our understanding of the effects the current British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) firefighting schedule have on the development of fatigue and sleep deprivation. This was a cohort study that objectively and subjectively measured sleep quantity, sleep quality, and fatigue throughout a 17-day British Columbia wildland firefighting deployment. Wildland

(2020). “The Action Level”®. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 6, pp. D9-D10.

(2020). The American Board of Industrial Hygiene: 60 years of progress. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 17, No. 6, pp. 253-261.

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has initiated a process to update its standards for exposure to lead in workplaces. In support of this effort, the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment evaluated the age-specific, bio-kinetic model of lead metabolism in humans, originally published by R.W. Leggett in 1993. This model was ultimately chosen for its physiologic