Assessment of the Actual Toxicity of Engine Exhaust Gas Emissions from Euro 3 and Euro 6 Compliant Vehicles with the BAT-CELL Method Using In Vitro Tests.

Legal restrictions on vehicle engine exhaust gas emission control do not always go hand in hand with an actual reduction in the emissions of toxins into the atmosphere. Moreover, the methods currently used to measure exhaust gas emissions do not give unambiguous results on the impact of the tested gases on living organisms. The method used to assess the actual toxicity of gases, BAT-CELL Bio-Ambient-Tests using in vitro tests, takes into account synergistic interactions of individual components of a mixture of gases without the need to know its qualitative and quantitative composition and allows for determination of the actual toxicity of the gas composition. Using the BAT-CELL method, exhaust gases from passenger vehicles equipped with spark-ignition engines complying with the Euro 3 and Euro 6 emission standards were tested. The results of toxicological tests were correlated with the results of chromatographic analysis. It was shown that diverse qualitative composition of the mixture of hydrocarbons determining the exhaust gases toxicity may decrease the percentage value of cell survival. Additionally, it was proven that the average survival of cells after exposure to exhaust gases from tested vehicles meeting the more restrictive Euro 6 standard was lower than for vehicles meeting the Euro 3 standard thus indicating the higher toxicity of exhaust gases from newer vehicles.

Associations between welding fume exposure and blood hemostatic parameters among workers exposed to welding fumes in confined space in Chonburi, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Occupational welding fumes contain varieties of toxic metal particles and may affect cardiovascular system like the Particulate Matters (PM). Few studies have focused on the effects of toxic metals on the hemodynamic balance; however, the reporting results were not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between toxic metals exposure (Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb)) and blood hemostatic parameters status after a 3-week exposure cessation among workers exposed to welding fumes. METHODOLOGY: Structured interviews and biological samplings were conducted for 86 male workers without a history of Anemia and Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and working in a confined space to construct crude oil tanks. Metal levels of Cr, Mn and Pb in urine were measured during the working days using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) method. The concentrations of hemostatic proteins in blood (White blood cell counts (WBC), Lymphocytes, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Neutrophil, Hematocrit (Hct) were assessed after a 3 weeks exposure cessation. Workers were divided into groups based on occupation type (welder group and non-welder group), and based on metal levels (high and low exposure groups) for comparison. Linear regression models were used to explore the association between metal exposure and multiple blood hemostatic parameters adjusted for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status. RESULTS: Urine Mn and Cr level of the welder group was significantly higher than the non-welder group (Mn: 0.96 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.001; Cr: 0.63 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.01). The mean value of Hct in the welder group was 44.58 ± 2.84 vol%, significantly higher than the non-welder group (43.07 ± 3.31 vol%, p = 0.026). The median value of WBC in the high Mn-exposed group (6.93 ± 1.59 X 106 Cell/ml) was significantly lower than the low Mn-exposed group (7.90 ± 2.13 X 106 Cell/ml, p = 0.018). The linear regression analyses showed that there was a significantly negative association between log transformed WBC value and the Mn exposure groups (high and low) after adjusting for age, BMI, and smoking status (ß = - 0.049, p = 0.045), but no significant result was found between WBC and occupation types (welder and non-welder) (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed positive association between Hct and occupational types (welder and non-welders) (ß = 0.014, p = 0.055). The other hemostatic parameters were not different from controls when divided by occupation type or metal level groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that welders were exposed to about 3 to 4 times higher Mn and Cr concentrations than non-welders. Moreover, one third of the non-welders were exposed to high-exposure groups of Mn and Cr metals. Regression models revealed a significant association of the WBC counts with the Mn exposure group. Therefore, we infer that Mn exposure may play a significant role on the blood hemostatic parameters of workers in the confined space. Hazard identification for non-welders should also be conducted in the confined space.

Management of acute exposure to toxic gases in the oil & gas industry -a practical approach.

The objective of this work is to present the key elements in the design of emergency management and response plans in scenarios where there has been loss of containment of chemical agents of acute effect focused in the protection of not routinely exposed in a determined occupational environment. To this purpose, a validation of the current criteria for the management of accidental releases is carried out, taking into account hypothetical risk scenarios. The essential elements of the emergency management system are stated, from a systemic perspective and the corresponding risk control actions; recommendations for their implementation are showed, taking as prototype hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas. Non controlled emissions of toxic gases of acute effect from an occupational standpoint represents a priority because of their human and financial high toll. Design and implementation of an appropriate emergency plan for uncontrollable emissions of toxics chemical agents must be addressed.

Gas explosion-induced acute blast lung injury assessment and biomarker identification by a LC-MS-based serum metabolomics analysis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effect of gas explosion on rats, and to explore the metabolic alterations associated with gas explosion-induced acute blast lung injury (ABLI) in real roadway environment using metabolomics analyses. All rats were exposed to the gas explosion source at different distance points (160 m and 240 m) except the control group. Respiratory function indexes were monitored and lung tissue analysis was performed to correlate histopathological effect to serum metabolomics. Their sera samples were collected to measure the metabolic alterations by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). HE staining in lung showed that the gas explosion caused obvious inflammatory pulmonary injury, which was consistent with respiratory function monitoring results and the serum metabolomics analysis results. The metabolomics identified 9 significantly metabolites different between the control- and ABLI rats. 2-aminoadipic acid, L-methionine, L-alanine, L-lysine, L-threonine, cholic acid and L-histidine were significantly increased in the exposed groups. Citric acid and aconitic acid were significantly decreased after exposure. Pathway analyses identified 8 perturbed metabolic pathways, which provided novel potential mechanisms for the gas explosion-induced ABLI. Therefore, metabolomics analysis identified both known and unknown alterations in circulating biomarkers, adding an integral mechanistic insight into the gas explosion-induced ABLI in real roadway environment.

Assessment of the Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Airborne Particles by Exposing Cultivated Human Lung Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface.

Here, we present a specially designed modular in vitro exposure system that enables the homogenous exposure of cultivated human lung cells at the ALI to gases, particles or complex atmospheres (e.g., cigarette smoke), thus providing realistic physiological exposure of the apical surface of the human alveolar region to air. In contrast to sequential exposure models with linear aerosol guidance, the modular design of the radial flow system meets all requirements for the continuous generation and transport of the test atmosphere to the cells, a homogenous distribution and deposition of the particles and the continuous removal of the atmosphere. This exposure method is primarily designed for the exposure of cells to airborne particles, but can be adapted to the exposure of liquid aerosols and highly toxic and aggressive gases depending on the aerosol generation method and the material of the exposure modules. Within the framework of a recently completed validation study, this exposure system was proven as a transferable, reproducible and predictive screening method for the qualitative assessment of the acute pulmonary cytotoxicity of airborne particles, thereby potentially reducing or replacing animal experiments that would normally provide this toxicological assessment.

Risk assessment in combustion toxicology: Should carbon dioxide be recognized as a modifier of toxicity or separate toxicological entity?

To characterize the accumulated hazards associated with the inhalation of gases typical of combustion products, a time-integrated value known as the fractional effective dose (FED) is used. This FED is maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and made publicly available as the Standard ISO 13571. The current FED calculation related to asphyxiant gases is based on non-human primate data to estimate the 50% probability of humans to be incapacitated or not being able to execute any escape paradigm from fires. The objective of this paper was to compare two to calculate FEDs of the most common mixture of asphyxiant fire gases CO, HCN, and CO2. The first was based on the current ISO 13571 (draft) standard, the alternative second method applied the conceptual principles established for the derivation of Acute Emergency Response Planning Guideline values. The alternative approach applied one third of the non-lethal threshold concentration (LC01) as the most suitable and robust Point of Departure (POD) to estimate the threshold characterizing 'impairment of escape' in the absence of post-exposure mortality. The hyperventilation correction factor for CO2 of ISO 13571 was replaced by a separate term that accounts for the inherent acute toxicity of CO2. This analysis supports the conclusion that the current ISO 13571 standard misjudges the impact of the acute toxicity elicited by concentrations of CO2 exceeding ≈6%. While underestimating the hazards attributable to CO2, the hyperventilation adjustment factor suggested by this standard is biased to markedly overestimate the hazards assigned to CO and HCN in fire effluents.

A dynamic approach for the impact of a toxic gas dispersion hazard considering human behaviour and dispersion modelling.

The release of toxic gases due to natural/industrial accidents or terrorist attacks in populated areas can have tragic consequences. To prevent and evaluate the effects of these disasters different approaches and modelling tools have been introduced in the literature. These instruments are valuable tools for risk managers doing risk assessment of threatened areas. Despite the significant improvements in hazard assessment in case of toxic gas dispersion, these analyses do not generally include the impact of human behaviour and people movement during emergencies. This work aims at providing an approach which considers both modelling of gas dispersion and evacuation movement in order to improve the accuracy of risk assessment for disasters involving toxic gases. The approach is applied to a hypothetical scenario including a ship releasing Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on a crowd attending a music festival. The difference between the results obtained with existing static methods (people do not move) and a dynamic approach (people move away from the danger) which considers people movement with different degrees of sophistication (either a simple linear path or more complex behavioural modelling) is discussed.

Automation of the in vitro micronucleus and chromosome aberration assay for the assessment of the genotoxicity of the particulate and gas-vapor phase of cigarette smoke.

Total particulate matter (TPM) and the gas-vapor phase (GVP) of mainstream smoke from the Reference Cigarette 3R4F were assayed in the cytokinesis-block in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay and the in vitro chromosome aberration (CA) assay, both using V79-4 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts exposed for up to 24 h. The Metafer image analysis platform was adapted resulting in a fully automated evaluation system of the MN assay for the detection, identification and reporting of cells with micronuclei together with the determination of the cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) to quantify the treatment-related cytotoxicity. In the CA assay, the same platform was used to identify, map and retrieve metaphases for a subsequent CA evaluation by a trained evaluator. In both the assays, TPM and GVP provoked a significant genotoxic effect: up to 6-fold more micronucleated target cells than in the negative control and up to 10-fold increases in aberrant metaphases. Data variability was lower in the automated version of the MN assay than in the non-automated. It can be estimated that two test substances that differ in their genotoxicity by approximately 30% can statistically be distinguished in the automated MN and CA assays. Time savings, based on man hours, due to the automation were approximately 70% in the MN and 25% in the CA assays. The turn-around time of the evaluation phase could be shortened by 35 and 50%, respectively. Although only cigarette smoke-derived test material has been applied, the technical improvements should be of value for other test substances.

Evaluation of sulfuryl fluoride as a soil fumigant in China.

BACKGROUND: Root-knot nematodes and soil-borne diseases constrain the rapid development of protected agriculture in China, especially while phasing out methyl bromide (MB). The fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (SF) is currently used as an alternative to MB for the disinfestation of buildings and post-harvest commodities. Our experiments aimed to evaluate a novel application of SF as a soil fumigant in greenhouses in China. RESULTS: Dose-response experiments indicated that SF has good efficacy on root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and moderate activity against Fusarium spp. and weeds (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. and Abutilon theophrasti Medicus). The field trials indicates that SF has good efficacy, between 80 and 94%, on Meloidogyne spp., and Fusarium spp. at the rates of 25-50 g m(-2) in tomato and cucumber in Beijing and Shandong Province. Marketable yield and plant vigour was not significantly different in SF and MB treatments. SF has lower emissions than MB during the fumigation operation. It is simple to apply, can be used at low temperature, and has a short plant-back time. SF was found to be an economically feasible alternative to MB for nematode control in China. CONCLUSION: SF can be used as a soil fumigant to control root-knot nematodes and to reduce the levels of key soil pathogens.

Cobenefits of replacing car trips with alternative transportation: a review of evidence and methodological issues.

It has been reported that motor vehicle emissions contribute nearly a quarter of world energy-related greenhouse gases and cause nonnegligible air pollution primarily in urban areas. Reducing car use and increasing ecofriendly alternative transport, such as public and active transport, are efficient approaches to mitigate harmful environmental impacts caused by a large amount of vehicle use. Besides the environmental benefits of promoting alternative transport, it can also induce other health and economic benefits. At present, a number of studies have been conducted to evaluate cobenefits from greenhouse gas mitigation policies. However, relatively few have focused specifically on the transport sector. A comprehensive understanding of the multiple benefits of alternative transport could assist with policy making in the areas of transport, health, and environment. However, there is no straightforward method which could estimate cobenefits effect at one time. In this paper, the links between vehicle emissions and air quality, as well as the health and economic benefits from alternative transport use, are considered, and methodological issues relating to the modelling of these cobenefits are discussed.

Assessment of methyl methacrylate genotoxicity by the micronucleus test

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapor by simulating standard occupational exposure of 8 hours per day and using the micronucleus test. We used 32 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: A - 16 rats exposed to MMA for 8 hours a day, B - Eight rats receiving single subcutaneous doses of cyclophosphamide on the first day of the experiment (positive control), C - Eight rats receiving only water and food ad libitum (negative control). Eight rats from group A and all of the rats from groups B and C were sacrificed 24 hours after beginning the experiment (acute exposure in group A). The remaining animals in group A were sacrificed 5 days after the experiment began (repeated exposure assessment in group A, simulating occupational exposure 40 hours/week). Femoral bone marrow was collected from each rat at the time of sacrifice for use in the micronucleus test. Two slides were completed per animal and were stained with Giemsa staining. Two thousand polychromatic erythrocytes were counted per animal. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a multiple comparisons test (Dunn test) was used for statistical analysis. The median number of micronuclei was 7.00 in the group exposed to MMA for 1 day, 2.00 in the group exposed to MMA for 5 days, 9.00 in the group exposed to cyclophosphamide (positive control) and 0.756 in the negative control group (p < 0.0001). MMA was genotoxic when measured after 1 day of exposure but was not evidently genotoxic after 5 days.

Assessment of methyl methacrylate genotoxicity by the micronucleus test.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapor by simulating standard occupational exposure of 8 hours per day and using the micronucleus test. We used 32 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: A - 16 rats exposed to MMA for 8 hours a day, B - Eight rats receiving single subcutaneous doses of cyclophosphamide on the first day of the experiment (positive control), C - Eight rats receiving only water and food ad libitum (negative control). Eight rats from group A and all of the rats from groups B and C were sacrificed 24 hours after beginning the experiment (acute exposure in group A). The remaining animals in group A were sacrificed 5 days after the experiment began (repeated exposure assessment in group A, simulating occupational exposure 40 hours/week). Femoral bone marrow was collected from each rat at the time of sacrifice for use in the micronucleus test. Two slides were completed per animal and were stained with Giemsa staining. Two thousand polychromatic erythrocytes were counted per animal. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a multiple comparisons test (Dunn test) was used for statistical analysis. The median number of micronuclei was 7.00 in the group exposed to MMA for 1 day, 2.00 in the group exposed to MMA for 5 days, 9.00 in the group exposed to cyclophosphamide (positive control) and 0.756 in the negative control group (p < 0.0001). MMA was genotoxic when measured after 1 day of exposure but was not evidently genotoxic after 5 days.

Hazardous gas releases in urban areas: assessment of consequences through CFD modelling.

Release of hazardous materials in urban areas is a major concern in industrial risk assessment. The presence of high population density in such areas multiplies the magnitude of the consequences. In urban areas, many buildings with complex geometries are involved leading to 3D flow fields that strongly influence gas dispersion. Representing such complex geometries simply but realistically in detailed simulation models can be cumbersome and often limit their utility. In this work, a methodology for the construction of 3D urban models and their importation into CFD models was developed through the access to spatial geodatabases, leading to a relatively fast and simple domain design technique. Moreover, since the magnitude of consequences depends on the absorbed dose which in turn depends on both concentration and exposure time, a simple methodology for dose evaluation was developed and implemented in a CFD code that enables the estimation of regions with a given death probability. The approach was developed and applied to a case study with different atmospheric stratification conditions. The results were then compared with those obtained using integral models. It was found that integral models can both overestimate and underestimate the magnitude of consequences related to hazardous material releases in urban areas.

Chemical identification and acute biotoxicity assessment of gaseous chlorobenzene photodegradation products.

In order to evaluate the ecological safety and feasibility of UV photodegradation processes for the treatment of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, the chemical composition and acute biotoxicity of gaseous chlorobenzene photodegradation products were investigated. Results showed that the main products of chlorobenzene photodegradation included hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, phenol and chlorophenol. Roughly 64% of the removed chlorobenzene was converted into phenol, making it the most significant product formed. The types of byproducts suggested that two distinct reaction pathways might compete during the photodegradation process. Interestingly, it appeared that one of these pathways did not involve the direct photocatalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene. An acute biotoxicity assay measuring the inhibition of bioluminescence indicated that gaseous exhaust with overall higher toxicity was emitted after UV irradiation. The acute toxicity of the UV reactor exhaust gas was as high as EC(50)=13.5mg-Zn(2+)m(-3-)-gas. The increased toxicity mainly resulted from the conversion of chlorobenzene to more soluble toxic products and ozone production during the photodegradation process.

Comparative in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of selected gaseous compounds in human alveolar epithelial cells.

Exposure to airborne contaminants is significantly associated with human health risks, ranging from bronchial reactivity to morbidity and mortality due to acute intense or long term low level repeated exposures. However, the precise mechanisms that derive such effects are not always understood. Although inhalation studies are technologically complicated, correct hazard characterisation is essential for comparable risk assessment of inhaled materials. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative in vitro cytotoxicity of selected gaseous contaminants in human lung cells. The cytotoxicity of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) and ammonia (NH(3)) was investigated in A549- human pulmonary type II-like epithelial cell lines cultured on porous membranes in Snapwell inserts. A dynamic direct exposure method was established by utilizing the horizontal diffusion chamber system (Harvard Apparatus Inc, USA) for delivery of test atmospheres. Test atmospheres were generated using a dynamic direct dilution method and the concentration monitored by appropriate analytical methods. A diversified battery of in vitro assays including the MTS (tetrazolium salt; Promega), NRU (neutral red uptake; Sigma) and ATP (adenosine triphosphate; Promega) assays was implemented. Airborne IC(50) (50% inhibitory concentration) values were calculated based on the most sensitive assay for each test gas including NO(2) (IC(50)=11+/-3.54 ppm; NRU)>SO(2) (IC(50)=48+/-2.83 ppm; ATP)> and NH(3) (IC(50)=199+/-1.41 ppm; MTS). However, all in vitro assays revealed similar toxicity ranking for selected gaseous contaminants. Identical toxicity ranking was achieved using both in vitro and published in vivo data. This comparison suggests that results of in vitro methods are comparable to in vivo data and may provide greater sensitivity for respiratory toxicity studies of gaseous contaminants.

exLOPA for explosion risks assessment.

The European Union regulations require safety and health protection of workers who are potentially at risk from explosive atmosphere areas. According to the requirements, the operators of installations where potentially explosive atmosphere can occur are obliged to produce an explosion protection document. The key objective of this document is the assessment of explosion risks. This paper is concerned with the so-called explosion layer of protection analysis (exLOPA), which allows for semi-quantitative explosion risk assessment for process plants where explosive atmospheres occur. The exLOPA is based on the original work of CCPS for LOPA but takes into account some typical factors appropriate for explosion, like the probability that an explosive atmosphere will occur, probability that sources of ignition will be present and become effective as well as the probability of failure on demand for appropriate explosion prevention and mitigation means.

Assessment of methyl methacrylate vapor toxicity on the rat tracheal epithelium.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a monomer that is polymerized into resin by light and heat, producing a clear, resistant, durable and relatively inert plastic material. Because of these characteristics, MMA is largely used in Medicine as bone cement and in Dentistry, in dental braces and prostheses, thus generating continuous interest in its toxicity. Experimental and clinical studies have documented that monomers may cause a wide range of adverse health effects. The most important occupational exposure route of MMA is by inhalation. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity of MMA to the tracheal epithelium, according to the time of exposure. For this purpose, two experimental groups of rats were exposed to MMA by inhalation under poor ventilation: one group (n = 36) was exposed permanently, and the other (n = 36) was exposed during 8 hours per day, without water and food supply during the exposure period. A control group (n = 8) received normal air supply. Twelve animals of each study group were sacrificed after 5, 8 and 10 days of exposure together with two or four control animals. Twenty-nine (80.5%) of the rats continuously exposed to MMA developed inflammation on the tracheal epithelium, as well as 58.33% (n = 21) of those exposed 8 h/day and 87.5% (n = 7) of the control rats. No association was observed between the inflammatory process and MMA exposure; no significant alterations in the tracheal epithelium thickness were observed. Further studies on longer exposure times and analysis of other parameters will have to be conducted to exclude the possibility of tracheal damage by vapors of MMA.

Assessment of methyl methacrylate vapor toxicity on the rat tracheal epithelium / Análise da toxicidade dos vapores de metil metacrilato sobre o epitélio traqueal de ratos

O metil metacrilato (MMA) é um monômero que se polimeriza em resina pela ação da luz e do calor, transformando-se em plástico claro, resistente e durável, relativamente inerte. Por apresentar tais características, o MMA tem sido muito usado na Medicina, como cimento ósseo, e na Odontologia, em aparelhos e próteses dentais, o que tem suscitado interesse na avaliação de sua toxicidade. Estudos experimentais e clínicos têm mostrado que os monômeros podem causar uma gama de efeitos adversos. A principal via de exposição ocupacional ao MMA é a inalatória. Este trabalho visa a avaliar a ação tóxica do MMA sobre o epitélio traqueal em relação ao tempo de exposição. Para isso, dois grupos experimentais de ratos foram expostos ao MMA por inalação, com restrição de ventilação: um grupo (n = 36) foi exposto continuamente, e outro (n = 36) foi exposto durante oito horas diárias, sem água e comida durante o período de exposição. Um grupo controle (n = 8) recebeu ar normal. Doze animais de cada grupo de estudo foram sacrificados com 5, 8 e 10 dias de exposição, junto com dois ou quatro animais do grupo controle. Vinte e nove (80,5%) dos ratos expostos continuamente ao MMA apresentaram inflamação do epitélio traqueal, assim como 58,33% (n = 21) daqueles expostos 8 horas/dia e 87,5% (n = 7) dos controles. Não se observou associação entre o processo inflamatório e a exposição ao MMA, nem alterações significativas na medida da espessura do epitélio traqueal. Novos estudos, com tempo mais prolongado de exposição e análise de outros parâmetros, devem ser realizados para que seja excluída, totalmente, a possibilidade de dano traqueal por vapores de MMA.

Exposure to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes: assessment by a single survey item compared to a detailed exposure battery and a job exposure matrix.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure assessment often relies upon subject report. We examined the characteristics of self-reported exposure in respondents' longest held job to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes (VGDF) compared to other measures of exposure risk. METHODS: We analyzed data from 1,876 respondents from a national US population-based telephone survey designed to estimate the association between occupational factors and chronic disease of the airways. We tested a single VGDF item against responses to a 16-item battery assessing specific inhalation exposures and against a job exposure matrix (JEM). We analyzed all of these measures for their association with adult-onset asthma after excluding subjects with COPD or asthma with onset before age 18. RESULTS: VDGF (single item) was reported by 744 (40%) subjects; any of the 16 exposures by 899 (48%); and an intermediate or high exposure likelihood job by JEM was assigned to 682 (36%). The sensitivity of the VGDF item measured against the 16-item battery was 69%; the specificity was 88%; (classification agreement kappa=0.58); against the JEM classification the sensitivity was 64% and specificity 74% (kappa=0.37). The relative odds (OR) for adult-onset asthma associated with various measures of exposure were: VGDF, 1.7 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.0-2.8; P=0.04); any of the 16 exposures, 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.7; P=0.06), and intermediate or high by JEM, 1.2 (0.7-2.1; P>0.50). CONCLUSIONS: A single VGDF survey item appears to delineate exposure risk at least as well as a multiple-item battery assessing such exposures; it has modest agreement with a JEM-based exposure categorization.