A Human Biomonitoring Study Assessing Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA) Exposures among Farm and Non-Farm Families.

Glyphosate-based pesticides are the highest-volume used herbicides worldwide. International concerns regarding the potential human adverse effects of glyphosate exposures have heightened since IARC classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans. Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies have identified ubiquitous exposure to glyphosate and its main breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), from environmental exposures. The IMAGE research project aimed to investigate farm and non-farm families' exposure to glyphosate while aligning with the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) initiative. The study recruited non-farm and farm families (who use glyphosate on their farms). Each family member provided a urine sample that was analysed using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, with a limit of quantification of 0.05 µg/L for glyphosate and AMPA. In addition to general information on background exposures in farm and non-farm families, we investigated relationships in exposure between families and family members. We recruited 68 families, including 54 non-farm and 14 farm families (180 vs. 45 individuals). Some pesticide users (n = 14, all male farmers) had slightly elevated AMPA levels compared to other adult participants but, overall, we observed no significant differences between farm and non-farm families. The main metabolite, AMPA, was quantifiable in twice as many samples as glyphosate (61% vs. 32%), with a maximum concentration of 7.24 µg/L vs. 3.21 µg/L. Compared to previous studies, exposure levels were relatively low and far below current health-based guidance values (3% or less for glyphosate and AMPA). Study results suggest potential exposures from residential co-exposures or living with a pesticide user. This is the first study internationally to investigate glyphosate and AMPA across family members (farm and non-farm). We found comparably low glyphosate and AMPA exposures among these families. These results enhance our understanding of glyphosate exposures for different demographic groups and contribute to the scientific knowledge on exposures required for regulatory risk assessments and the re-evaluation of glyphosate in 2022 by the European Commission.

Framework for developing an exposure science curriculum as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020-2030.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating and managing exposures to chemical, physical and biological stressors, which frequently interplay with psychological stressors as well as social and behavioural aspects, is crucial for protecting human and environmental health and transitioning towards a sustainable future. Advances in our understanding of exposure rely on input from well-trained exposure scientists. However, no education programmes in Europe are currently explicitly dedicated to cover the broader range of exposure science approaches, applications, stressors and receptors. OBJECTIVE: To address this challenge, a curriculum is needed that yields credible, well-defined career pathways in exposure science. METHODS: Needs and conditions for advancing exposure science education in Europe were identified. As a starting point for a way forward, harmonised learning outcomes for exposure science were defined at each level of the European Qualifications Framework. The course programme coordinators were recruited for three varying courses, with respect to the course level and the proportion of the curriculum dedicated to exposure science. These courses were assessed via our systematic course review procedure. Finally, strategic objectives and actions are proposed to build exposure science education programmes. RESULTS: The ISES Europe 'Education, Training and Communication' expert working group developed a framework for creating a viable exposure science curriculum. Harmonised learning outcomes were structured under eight learning levels, categorised by knowledge, skills and competence. Illustrative case studies demonstrated how education providers integrated these learning outcomes for their educational context and aligned the overall exposure science curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The international recognition and adoption of exposure science education will enable advances in addressing global exposure science challenges for various stressors, from behavioural aspects from individual to population scale, and effective communication between exposure scientists and relevant stakeholders and policy makers, as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020-2030.

Sensitive and selective quantification of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in urine of the general population by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Glyphosate is the highest volume herbicide used worldwide, and its main biodegradation product is aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), both are listed as priority substances in the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) initiative which aims at improving policy by filling knowledge gaps by targeted research. The objective of the current study was to advance the sensitivity of an existing gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analytical method to measure environmental population exposures. A 50% lower limit of quantification of 0.05 µg/L was achieved for both analytes by slight modifications in sample work-up, and use of another isotope labelled internal standard. In a pilot study, 41 urine samples from the general German population were analysed, of which glyphosate and AMPA could be quantified in 66% and 90% of the samples respectively, which is sufficient to reliably describe distributions of urinary concentrations in the non-occupationally exposed population.

Human Biomonitoring of Glyphosate Exposures: State-of-the-Art and Future Research Challenges.

Glyphosate continues to attract controversial debate following the International Agency for Research on Cancer carcinogenicity classification in 2015. Despite its ubiquitous presence in our environment, there remains a dearth of data on human exposure to both glyphosate and its main biodegradation product aminomethylphosphonic (AMPA). Herein, we reviewed and compared results from 21 studies that use human biomonitoring (HBM) to measure urinary glyphosate and AMPA. Elucidation of the level and range of exposure was complicated by differences in sampling strategy, analytical methods, and data presentation. Exposure data is required to enable a more robust regulatory risk assessment, and these studies included higher occupational exposures, environmental exposures, and vulnerable groups such as children. There was also considerable uncertainty regarding the absorption and excretion pattern of glyphosate and AMPA in humans. This information is required to back-calculate exposure doses from urinary levels and thus, compared with health-based guidance values. Back-calculations based on animal-derived excretion rates suggested that there were no health concerns in relation to glyphosate exposure (when compared with EFSA acceptable daily intake (ADI)). However, recent human metabolism data has reported as low as a 1% urinary excretion rate of glyphosate. Human exposures extrapolated from urinary glyphosate concentrations found that upper-bound levels may be much closer to the ADI than previously reported.

Building a European exposure science strategy.

Exposure information is a critical element in various regulatory and non-regulatory frameworks in Europe and elsewhere. Exposure science supports to ensure safe environments, reduce human health risks, and foster a sustainable future. However, increasing diversity in regulations and the lack of a professional identity as exposure scientists currently hamper developing the field and uptake into European policy. In response, we discuss trends, and identify three key needs for advancing and harmonizing exposure science and its application in Europe. We provide overarching building blocks and define six long-term activities to address the identified key needs, and to iteratively improve guidelines, tools, data, and education. More specifically, we propose creating European networks to maximize synergies with adjacent fields and identify funding opportunities, building common exposure assessment approaches across regulations, providing tiered education and training programmes, developing an aligned and integrated exposure assessment framework, offering best practices guidance, and launching an exposure information exchange platform. Dedicated working groups will further specify these activities in a consistent action plan. Together, these elements form the foundation for establishing goals and an action roadmap for successfully developing and implementing a 'European Exposure Science Strategy' 2020-2030, which is aligned with advances in science and technology.

Measurement of Diacetyl and 2,3-Pentanedione in the Coffee Industry Using Thermal Desorption Tubes and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Diacetyl is a potentially harmful chemical that is used as an artificial flavouring in the food industry and may also be generated during processing of some natural products including coffee. In Europe, an 8-h time weighted average occupational exposure limit (TWA-OEL) of 20 ppb has been adopted for diacetyl, together with a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 100 ppb. A new measurement method involving sampling on thermal desorption tubes and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been used to investigate potential exposure to diacetyl, and the related compound 2,3-pentanedione, at eight companies involved in the coffee industry including large- and small-scale manufacturers and coffee shops. A total of 124 static and personal samples were collected. In the majority of personal samples airborne concentrations of diacetyl were <5 ppb, with those at coffee shops generally <1 ppb. However, diacetyl concentrations in ~40% of the long-term personal samples, mainly originating from one site, were found to be in excess of the newly adopted European TWA-OEL of 20 ppb. Diacetyl concentrations up to 400 ppb were detected on the static samples, with the highest values occurring during grinding of roasted coffee beans. 2,3-Pentanedione was also detected in most of the samples at airborne concentrations around half of those for diacetyl. A significant number of other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were also detected at sub-ppm concentrations, including acetoin, aliphatic carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones and esters, methylfuran, furfural and furfuryl-based alcohols and ketones, and nitrogen containing compounds, such as pyridines and pyrazines. In laboratory tests, diacetyl emissions generated during heating of whole beans were found to be significantly lower than those from heating the same beans after grinding. Diacetyl emissions from both ground and whole beans were also found to be significantly dependent on temperature.

Evaluating Glyphosate Exposure Routes and Their Contribution to Total Body Burden: A Study Among Amenity Horticulturalists.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate determinants of dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposure and assess their contribution to total body burden among amenity horticultural users using glyphosate-based pesticide products. METHODS: A dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposure assessment was completed alongside a biomonitoring study among amenity horticultural workers. Linear mixed effect regression models were elaborated to evaluate determinants of exposure and their contribution to total body burden. RESULTS: A total of 343 wipe and glove samples were collected from 20 workers across 29 work tasks. Geometric mean (GM) glyphosate concentrations of 0.01, 0.04 and 0.05 µg cm-2 were obtained on wipes from the workers' perioral region and left and right hands, respectively. For disposable and reusable gloves, respectively, GM glyphosate concentrations of 0.43 and 7.99 µg cm-2 were detected. The combined hand and perioral region glyphosate concentrations explained 40% of the variance in the urinary (µg l-1) biomonitoring data. CONCLUSION: To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to have investigated both dermal and inadvertent exposure to glyphosate and their contribution to total body burden. Data show the dermal exposure is the prominent route of exposure in comparison to inadvertent ingestion but inadvertent ingestion may contribute to overall body burden. The study also identified potential exposure to non-pesticide users in the workplace and para-occupational exposures.

Exploring the half-life of glyphosate in human urine samples.

BACKGROUND: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently classified glyphosate as a Group 2A 'probably carcinogenic to humans'. Due to this carcinogenic classification and resulting international debate, there is an increased demand for studies evaluating human health effects from glyphosate exposures. There is currently limited information on human exposures to glyphosate and a paucity of data regarding glyphosate's biological half-life in humans. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the human half-life of glyphosate from human urine samples collected from amenity horticulture workers using glyphosate based pesticide products. METHODS: Full void urine spot samples were collected over a period of approximately 24 h for eight work tasks involving seven workers. The elimination time and estimation of the half-life of glyphosate using three different measurement metrics: the unadjusted glyphosate concentrations, creatinine corrected concentrations and by using Urinary Excretion Rates (UER) (µg L-1, µmol/mol creatinine and UER µg L-1) was calculated by summary and linear interpolation using regression analysis. RESULTS: This study estimates the human biological half-life of glyphosate as approximately 5 ½, 10 and 7 » hours for unadjusted samples, creatinine corrected concentrations and by using UER (µg L-1, µmol/mol creatinine, UER µg L-1), respectively. The approximated glyphosate half-life calculations seem to have less variability when using the UER compared to the other measuring metrics. CONCLUSION: This study provides new information on the elimination rate of glyphosate and an approximate biological half-life range for humans. This information can help optimise the design of sampling strategies, as well as assisting in the interpretation of results for human biomonitoring studies involving this active ingredient. The data could also contribute to the development or refinement of Physiologically Based PharmacoKinetic (PBPK) models for glyphosate.

Characterising glyphosate exposures among amenity horticulturists using multiple spot urine samples.

BACKGROUND: Glyphosate has recently received much public attention following its 'Group 2A - probably carcinogenic to humans' classification from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Despite the widespread use of glyphosate, there is limited data on potential exposures during common occupational uses. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to characterise occupational exposures to glyphosate among amenity horticulturists through the collection and analysis of urine samples following pesticide application. The impact of work practices on personal exposure, as well as suitability of collecting multiple spot urine samples as a sampling strategy for the assessment of occupational exposure for glyphosate were also examined. METHODS: A minimum of three spot urine samples were collected per work task; before the work task began, after the work task completion and the following first morning void. All samples were analysed separately for glyphosate using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and for creatinine. Differences in urinary glyphosate concentrations between the pre-task samples versus the post-task and the peak urinary samples were both analysed using paired Student t-tests. Determinants of exposure on glyphosate urine concentrations were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression. A multivariate mixed effect model were elaborated to compare the glyphosate concentrations between post-task and following first morning void samples. In these models, worker identity was entered as a random effect to account for the presence of correlations between repeated measurements from the same individuals. RESULTS: Peak urine glyphosate concentrations measured for work tasks were 2.5, 1.9, 1.9 and 7.4 µg L-1 (arithmetic mean, geometric mean, median and maximum value, respectively). Concentrations were highest in samples taken up to 3 h after completing the work task. Regression analysis showed that workers who sprayed the day before the sampling task had higher glyphosate concentrations in pre-task samples than those who did not spray the day before (p < 0.01). Similarly, workers who took breaks during the work task had higher peak urinary glyphosate concentrations (p < 0.01). The multivariate mixed effect model showed that the following first morning void samples were approximately a factor 0.7 lower than post-task values. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposures to glyphosate among amenity horticulturalists are greater than those reported in environmental studies and comparable with previously reported agricultural studies. A suitable sampling strategy for occupational exposures to glyphosate is the collection of a spot urine sample up to 3 h after completing the application of a glyphosate based pesticide product, which provides a reliable marker of peak exposure.

Glyphosate in Irish adults - A pilot study in 2017.

OBJECTIVES: Glyphosate is the highest volume herbicide used globally and has recently been classified as a 2 A 'probably carcinogenic to humans' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). There is limited data to evaluate the public health impacts from glyphosate exposure. The objective of this study is to conduct an exploratory glyphosate exposure assessment study among Irish adults, who were non-occupational users of glyphosate. STUDY DESIGN: A convenient sampling method was used, collecting one first morning void spot urine sample from each participant. METHODS: A biomonitoring survey involving the collection and analysis of 20 ml spot urine samples from 50 Irish adults was conducted in June 2017. Participants completed a short questionnaire to collect information on demographics, dietary habits and lifestyle. Glyphosate was extracted using solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MC/MS). RESULTS: Of the 50 urine samples analysed, 10 (20%) contained detectable levels of glyphosate (0.80-1.35 µg L-1). Exposure concentrations are higher than those reported in comparable studies of European and American adults. CONCLUSIONS: Glyphosate was detectable in 20% of the samples collected from Irish adults. The low proportion of detectable glyphosate levels could be due to lower localised use of pesticides, having a small sample size or the higher analytical detection limit used in this study (0.5 µg L-1), which could underestimate the true exposure and warrants further investigation. Given the widespread use of glyphosate, further information on population exposure is required to advance our understanding of the relationship between chronic low dose exposure to glyphosate and human health risk.

Health and Safety in Podiatric Medicine Findings from a National Survey of Irish Podiatric Physicians.

BACKGROUND: Much of the research into health and safety in podiatric medicine to date has focused on measuring particular hazards. This study examines legislative awareness and compliance in Irish podiatric medical practices and aspects of health and safety practice. METHODS: Podiatric physicians practicing in Ireland completed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey that included measures of health and safety knowledge and awareness, compliance with legislative requirements, perceived risks, and health status. RESULTS: Of 250 podiatric physicians who were contacted, 101 completed the survey (response rate, 40%). Legislative knowledge and compliance were low among respondents. A Student t test revealed that the use of safety control measures was more frequent among podiatric physicians in practice for less than 20 years ( P < .05). Musculoskeletal disorders and back injuries were the most frequently reported health concerns. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the need for interventions to increase awareness of legislative requirements among podiatric physicians as a first step to increase levels of regulatory compliance.

Silica Measurement with High Flow Rate Respirable Size Selective Samplers: A Field Study.

High and low flow rate respirable size selective samplers including the CIP10-R (10 l min(-1)), FSP10 (11.2 l min(-1)), GK2.69 (4.4 l min(-1)), 10-mm nylon (1.7 l min(-1)), and Higgins-Dewell type (2.2 l min(-1)) were compared via side-by-side sampling in workplaces for respirable crystalline silica measurement. Sampling was conducted at eight different occupational sites in the USA and five different stonemasonry sites in Ireland. A total of 536 (268 pairs) personal samples and 55 area samples were collected. Gravimetric analysis was used to determine respirable dust mass and X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine quartz mass. Ratios of respirable dust mass concentration, quartz mass concentration, respirable dust mass, and quartz mass from high and low flow rate samplers were compared. In general, samplers did not show significant differences greater than 30% in respirable dust mass concentration and quartz mass concentration when outliers (ratio <0.3 or >3.0) were removed from the analysis. The frequency of samples above the limit of detection and limit of quantification of quartz was significantly higher for the CIP10-R and FSP10 samplers compared to low flow rate samplers, while the GK2.69 cyclone did not show significant difference from low flow rate samplers. High flow rate samplers collected significantly more respirable dust and quartz than low flow rate samplers as expected indicating that utilizing high flow rate samplers might improve precision in quartz measurement. Although the samplers did not show significant differences in respirable dust and quartz concentrations, other practical attributes might make them more or less suitable for personal sampling.

An evaluation of on-tool shrouds for controlling respirable crystalline silica in restoration stone work.

OBJECTIVES: The task of grinding sandstone with a 5-inch angle grinder is a major source of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), known to cause diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer among workers who work with these materials. A shroud may be a suitable engineering control for this task. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of four commercially available shrouds at reducing respirable dust and RCS levels during the task of grinding sandstone using tools and accessories typical of restoration stone work. METHODS: The task of grinding sandstone with a 5-inch angle grinder, equipped with different grinding wheels, was carried out over three trials at a restoration stone masonry site. Photometric and RCS data were collected when a 5-inch grinder, equipped with different grinding wheels, was used to grind sandstone with and without a shroud. A total of 24 short duration samples were collected for each no shroud and with shroud combination. Worker feedback on the practicalities of each shroud evaluated was also collected. RESULTS: Respirable dust concentrations and RCS were both significantly lower (P < 0.001) when the grinders were equipped with a shroud compared with grinders without a shroud. Total geometric mean (GM) photometric respirable dust levels measured when grinding with a shroud were 0.5 mg m(-3), a reduction of 92% compared to grinding without a shroud (7.1 mg m(-3)). The overall GM RCS concentrations were reduced by the use of a shroud by 99%. GM photometric exposure levels were highest when using the Hilti 5-inch diamond grinding cup and Diamond turbo cup and lowest when using the Corundum grinding point. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of respirable dust and RCS can be significantly reduced by using commercially available shrouds while grinding sandstone with a 5-inch angle grinder in restoration stonework. The short-term photometric respirable dust and RCS measurements collected with and without a shroud indicate that dust and RCS concentrations are reduced by between 90 and 99%. Supplemental exposure controls such as respiratory protective equipment would be required to reduce worker 8-h time-weighted average RCS exposure to below the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits recommended occupational exposure limit value of 0.05 mg m(-3) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value of 0.025 mg m(-3).

Performance of High-Flow-Rate Samplers for Respirable Crystalline Silica Measurement Under Field Conditions: Preliminary Study.

Restoration stone work regularly involves work with high-silica-content materials (e.g., sandstone), but low-silica-content materials (<2 % quartz) such as limestone and lime mortar are also used. A combination of short sample duration and low silica content makes the quantification of worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) difficult. This problem will be further compounded by the introduction of lower occupational exposure standards for RCS. The objective of this work was to determine whether higher-flow samplers might be an effective tool in characterizing lower RCS concentrations. A short study was performed to evaluate the performance of three high-flow samplers (FSP10, CIP10-R, and GK2.69) using side-by-side sampling with low-flow samplers (SIMPEDS and 10-mm nylon cyclones) for RCS exposure measurement at a restoration stonemasonry field site. A total of 19 side-by-side sample replicates for each high-flow and low-flow sampler pair were collected from work tasks involving limestone and sandstone. RESULTS: Most of the RCS (quartz) masses collected with the high-flow-rate samplers were above the limit of detection (62 % to 84 %) relative to the low-flow-rate samplers (58 % to 78 %). The average of the respirable mass concentration ratios for CIP10-R/SIMPEDS, GK2.69/10-mm nylon, FSP10/SIMPEDS, and FSP10/10-mm nylon pairs and the range of the quartz concentration ratios for the CIP10-R/SIMPEDS, CIP10-R/10-mm nylon, GK2.69/10-mm nylon, FSP10/SIMPEDS, and FSP10/10-mm nylon pairs included unity with an average close to unity, indicating no likely difference between the reported values for each sampler. Workers reported problems related to the weight of the sampling pumps for the high-flow-rate samplers. Respirable mass concentration data suggest that the high-flow-rate samplers evaluated would be appropriate for sampling respirable dust concentrations during restoration stone work. Results from the comparison of average quartz concentration ratios between high-and low-flow samplers suggest that the higher mass collected by the high-flow-rate samplers did not interfere with the quartz measurement. A sig-nificant portion of the data collected with the high-flow-rate samplers (>82 %) were greater than the limit of detection, which indicates that these samplers are suitable for quantifying exposures, even with low-quartz materials.

Determinants of respirable crystalline silica exposure among stoneworkers involved in stone restoration work.

OBJECTIVES: Crystalline silica occurs as a significant component of many traditional materials used in restoration stonework, and stoneworkers who work with these materials are potentially exposed to stone dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure to RCS can result in the development of a range of adverse health effects, including silicosis and lung cancer. An understanding of the determinants of RCS exposure is important for selecting appropriate exposure controls and in preventing occupational diseases. The objectives of this study were to quantify the RCS exposure of stoneworkers involved in the restoration and maintenance of heritage properties and to identify the main determinants of RCS exposure among this occupational group. METHODS: An exposure assessment was carried out over a 3-year period amongst a group of stonemasons and stone cutters involved in the restoration and maintenance of heritage buildings in Ireland. Personal air samples (n = 103) with corresponding contextual information were collected. Exposure data were analysed using mixed-effects modelling to investigate determinants of RCS exposure and their contribution to the individual's mean exposure. Between-depot, between-worker, and within-worker variance components were also investigated. RESULTS: The geometric mean (GM) RCS exposure concentrations for all tasks measured ranged from <0.02 to 0.70mg m(-3). GM RCS exposure concentrations for work involving limestone and lime mortar were <0.02-0.01mg m(-3), tasks involving granite were 0.01-0.06mg m(-3), and tasks involving sandstone were <0.02-0.70mg m(-3). Sixty-seven percent of the 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) exposure measurements for tasks involving sandstone exceeded the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits recommended occupational exposure limit value of 0.05mg m(-3). Highest RCS exposure values were recorded for the tasks of grinding (GM = 0.70mg m(-3)) and cutting (GM = 0.70mg m(-3)) sandstone. In the mixed-effects analyses, task was found to be significantly associated with RCS exposure, with the tasks of grinding and cutting resulting in average exposures of between 32 and 70 times the exposures recorded for the task of stone decorating. The between-depot, between-worker, and within-worker variance components were reduced by 46, 89, and 49%, respectively, after including task in the mixed effects model. CONCLUSIONS: Restoration stoneworkers are regularly overexposed (compared with 0.1 and 0.05mg m(-3) 8-h TWA) to RCS dust when working with sandstone. The results indicate that the tasks of cutting and grinding sandstone are predictors of increased exposure to RCS dust. In order to decrease exposure to RCS, efforts should be focused on developing and implementing interventions which focus on these high-risk tasks.

Workplace exposure to bioaerosols in podiatry clinics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to design and execute a pilot study to collect information on the personal exposure levels of podiatrists to microbial hazards in podiatry clinics and also to assess health and safety knowledge within the sector using a questionnaire survey. METHODS: A self-report quantitative questionnaire dealing with health and safety/health issues was issued to 250 podiatrist clinics. Fifteen podiatry clinics were randomly recruited to participate in the exposure study. Concentrations of airborne bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and moulds were assessed using a six-stage viable microbial cascade impactor. Personal samples of total inhalable dust and endotoxin were measured in the breathing zone of the podiatrist. RESULTS: A questionnaire response rate of 42% (N = 101) was achieved. Thirty-two per cent of respondents indicated that they had a respiratory condition; asthma was the most prevalent condition reported. The most frequently employed control measures reported were use of disposable gloves during patient treatments (73.3%), use of respiratory protective equipment (34.6%), use of protective aprons (16.8%), and eye protection (15.8%). A total of 15.8% of respondents used mechanical room ventilation, 47.5% used nail drills with local exhaust ventilation systems, and 11% used nail drills with water spray dust suppression. The geometric mean concentrations of bacteria, Staphylococci, fungi, and yeasts/moulds were 590, 190, 422, and 59 CFU m(-3), respectively. The geometric mean endotoxin exposure was 9.6 EU m(-3). A significant percentage of all the bioaerosols that were in the respirable fraction was representative of yeasts and moulds (65%) and Fungi (87%). CONCLUSIONS: Even if statistical analysis of data is limited by low sample numbers, this study showed that the frequency of cleaning and use of RPE varied between clinics sampled, and it is likely that refresher health and safety training focusing on health and safety hazards inherent in podiatry work and practical control measures is warranted.

Validation of the inhalable dust algorithm of the Advanced REACH Tool using a dataset from the pharmaceutical industry.

As it is often difficult to obtain sufficient numbers of measurements to adequately characterise exposure levels, occupational exposure models may be useful tools in the exposure assessment process. This study aims to refine and validate the inhalable dust algorithm of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) to predict airborne exposure of workers in the pharmaceutical industry. The ART was refined to reflect pharmaceutical situations. Largely task based workplace exposure data (n = 192) were collated from a multinational pharmaceutical company with exposure levels ranging from 5 × 10(-5) to 12 mg m(-3). Bias, relative bias and uncertainty around geometric mean exposure estimates were calculated for 16 exposure scenarios. For 12 of the 16 scenarios the ART geometric mean exposure estimates were lower than measured exposure levels with on average, a one-third underestimation of exposure (relative bias -32%). For 75% of the scenarios the exposure estimates were, within the 90% uncertainty factor of 4.4, as reported for the original calibration study, which may indicate more uncertainty in the ART estimates in this industry. While the uncertainty was higher than expected this is likely due to the limited number of measurements per scenario, which were largely derived from single premises.

Refinement and validation of an exposure model for the pharmaceutical industry.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of worker's exposure is becoming increasingly critical in the pharmaceutical industry as drugs of higher potency are being manufactured. The batch nature of operations often makes it difficult to obtain sufficient numbers of exposure measurements and occupational exposure models may be useful tools in the exposure assessment process. This paper aims to describe further refinement and validation of an existing deterministic occupational exposure model to predict airborne exposure of workers in this industry. METHODS: Workplace exposure assessment data (n = 381) containing all the contextual information required for the exposure model were collated from a multinational pharmaceutical company. The measured exposure levels ranged from 5 × 10⁻7 to 200 mg m⁻³ for largely task based samples, and included a range of handling activities, local control measures and abnormal operating conditions. Model input parameters for local control measures and handling activities were refined to reflect pharmaceutical situations. RESULTS: The refined exposure model resulted in good correlations between the log-transformed model predictions and the actual measured data for the overall dataset (r(s) = 0.61, n = 381, p < 0.001) and at scenario level (r(s) = 0.69, n = 48, p < 0.001). The model overestimated scenarios with measured exposure levels < 0.1 mg m⁻³ (r(s) = 0.69, bias = 0.71, n = 46, p < 0.001), and underestimated scenarios with higher measured concentrations ( > 0.1 mg m⁻³) (r(s) = 0.59, bias = -4.9, n = 33, p < 0.001). Including information on the refined sub-parameters improved the correlations, suggesting the uncertainty in the model parameters was partly responsible for the bias. CONCLUSION: Further scientific data from the pharmaceutical industry on model input parameters, particularly on the efficacy of local control measures, may help improve the accuracy of the model predictions. The refined exposure model appears to be a useful exposure assessment screening tool for the pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluation of hand-arm and whole-body vibrations in construction and property management.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and measure the magnitude of hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) sources (tools, vehicles etc.) in use within a previously unexamined sector: a construction and property management company. To evaluate the effect of factors such as age of tool, materials being worked on, number and location of tool handles, tool weight, and manufacturer brand on HAV magnitude and the effect of factors such as manufacturer machine brand, terrain, and work task on WBV magnitude. DESIGN: This study was carried out in a construction and property management company, employees (n = 469) working in the engineering services and maintenance departments who use vibrating equipment as part of their work were invited to participate. Two hundred and eighty-nine employees working as general operatives, excavator drivers, stone masons, carpenters, labourers, fitters, welders, and gardeners agreed to participate. METHODS: A total of 20 types of hand tool (n = 264) and 11 types of vehicle (n = 158) in use within the company were selected for inclusion in the study. Five pieces of equipment had never previously been measured. Vibration measurements were carried out in accordance with ISO 5349-1 (Mechanical vibration-measurement and assessment of human exposure to hand transmitted vibration-Part 1: general guidance. 2001) (HAV) and ISO 2631-1 (Mechanical vibration and shock: evaluation of human exposure to WBV in the working environment. Part 1-general requirements. 1997) (WBV). Vibration measurements were made while workers were operating the equipment as part of their normal work activities. RESULTS: A wide range of vibration emission values were recorded for most tool types, e.g. orbital sanders (1.39-10.90 m s⁻²) and angle grinders (0.28-12.25 m s⁻²), and vehicle, e.g. forklifts (0.41-1.00 m s⁻²) and tractors (0.04-0.42 m s⁻²). Vibration magnitudes were largely consistent with those found in previous studies. The highest HAV magnitude was measured on a demolition hammer (13.3 m s⁻²) and the highest WBV magnitudes were measured on an excavator with a rock breaking attachment (5.81 m s⁻²). HAV magnitudes were found to be particularly strongly influenced by tool age, while WBV magnitudes varied with work activity and terrain. CONCLUSIONS: Within the construction and management company, few hand tools (3 of 20) exceeded the exposure action values (EAV) specified in the European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive 2002/44/EC [On the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of works to the risks arising form physical agents (vibration)], when used for an 8-h period. HAV magnitudes were found to be very dependent on tool age, highlighting the importance of a tool maintenance programme incorporating tool work life prediction supported by regular vibration exposure measurements. Most of the vehicles (10 of 11) tested in this study exceeded the EAV specified for WBV, when operated for 8 h. WBV magnitudes were found to be dependent on the work task and thus, job rotation could be employed to control WBV exposures to acceptable levels.