Ecotoxicity Evaluation of Industrial Waste and Construction Materials: Comparison Between Leachates from Granular Steel Slags and Steel Slags-Containing Concrete Through a Plant-Based Approach.

Steel slags, the main waste product from the steel industry, may have several reuse possibilities. Among others, building applications represent a crucial field. However, the potential impact of harmful substances on the environment should be assessed. The aim of this study was to assess the phytotoxicity of steel slags (SS) and concrete mixtures cast with a partial replacement of SS (CSS). Leaching tests were carried out on four SS and four CSS according to EN 12457-2 and UNI EN 15863, respectively. Each leachate was assayed using root elongation tests on 30 seeds of Allium cepa, Cucumis sativus, and Lepidium sativum, respectively, and on 12 bulbs of A. cepa. The latter also allowed the analysis of other macroscopic parameters of toxicity (turgidity, consistency, colour change and root tip shape) and the evaluation of the mitotic index on 20,000 root tip cells per sample. None of the samples induced phytotoxic effects on the organisms tested: all samples supported seedlings emergence, verified by root elongation comparable to, or even greater than, that of the negative controls, and did not affect cell division, as evidenced by mitotic index values. The absence of phytotoxicity demonstrated by the leachates allows SS and SS-derived concrete to be considered as reliable materials suitable for use in civil constructions or in other engineering applications, with economic and environmental advantages, such as the reduction of the final disposal in landfills as well as the consumption of natural resources.

Public health risks from asbestos cement roofing.

There is no identified risk-free threshold exposure to asbestos. Based on epidemiology and toxicology, asbestos fiber dimensions have been implicated in causing asbestos-related diseases. Phase-contrast microscopy provides only a limited index of exposure to fiber dimensions implicated in mesothelioma induction. Installed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) create an ongoing risk of intense exposure during natural disasters and remodeling, along with low-level exposure arising from the continual emission of airborne asbestos into the environment arising from weathering of installed ACM. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a risk of disease associated with proximity to asbestos cement roofing (ACR), while ongoing environmental emissions of asbestos from installed ACR have also been demonstrated. Owing to the limitations of the available data, a precautionary approach is warranted; asbestos-free roofing materials should be used in new construction and existing ACR should be removed at the earliest opportunity.

Artificial turf infill associated with systematic toxicity in an amniote vertebrate.

Artificial athletic turf containing crumb rubber (CR) from shredded tires is a growing environmental and public health concern. However, the associated health risk is unknown due to the lack of toxicity data for higher vertebrates. We evaluated the toxic effects of CR in a developing amniote vertebrate embryo. CR water leachate was administered to fertilized chicken eggs via different exposure routes, i.e., coating by dropping CR leachate on the eggshell; dipping the eggs into CR leachate; microinjecting CR leachate into the air cell or yolk. After 3 or 7 d of incubation, embryonic morphology, organ development, physiology, and molecular pathways were measured. The results showed that CR leachate injected into the yolk caused mild to severe developmental malformations, reduced growth, and specifically impaired the development of the brain and cardiovascular system, which were associated with gene dysregulation in aryl hydrocarbon receptor, stress-response, and thyroid hormone pathways. The observed systematic effects were probably due to a complex mixture of toxic chemicals leaching from CR, such as metals (e.g., Zn, Cr, Pb) and amines (e.g., benzothiazole). This study points to a need to closely examine the potential regulation of the use of CR on playgrounds and artificial fields.

World Trade Center Dust induces airway inflammation while promoting aortic endothelial dysfunction.

Respiratory ailments have plagued occupational and public health communities exposed to World Trade Center (WTC) dust since the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan. We proposed that these ailments were proposed to be induced by inhalation exposure to WTC particulate matter (WTCPM), that was released during the collapse of the buildings and its subsequent resuspension during cleanup. We investigated this hypothesis using both an in vitro and an in vivo mouse intranasal (IN) exposure models to identify the inflammatory potential of WTCPM with specific emphasis on respiratory and endothelial tissue responses. The in vitro exposure studies found WTCPM exposure to be positively correlated with cytotoxicity and increased NO2- production in both BEAS-2B pulmonary epithelial cells and THP-1 macrophage cells. The in vivo C57BL/6 mouse studies found significant increases in inflammatory markers including increases in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) influx into nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (NLF and BALF), as well as increased levels of total protein and cytokine/chemokines levels. Concurrently, NLF, BALF, and serum NO2- levels exhibited significant homeostatic temporal deviations as well as temporal myograohic aortic dysfunction in myography studies. Respiratory exposure to- and evidence -based retention of- WTCPM may have contributed to chronic systemic effects in exposed mice that r resembled to observed effects in WTCPM-exposed human populations. Collectively, these findings are reflective of WTCPM exposure and its effect(s) on respiratory and aortic tissues, highlighting potential dysfunctional pathways that may precipitate inflammatory events, while simultaneously altering homeostatic balances. The tight interplay between these balances, when chronically altered, may contribute to- or result in- chronically diseased pathological states.

Malignant asbestos-related disease in a population exposed to asbestos.

OBJECTIVES: The first asbestos fiber cement plant in Spain operated in Cerdanyola, in the Barcelona metropolitan area, between 1907 and 1997. We describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with the malignant asbestos-related disease (ARD) in the area of the plant between 2007 and 2016. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study was undertaken in the 12 municipalities of the county of Barcelona most proximate to the plant. We describe malignant ARD cases by time of diagnosis, source of exposure, periods of exposure and latency, and distribution by sex. Cumulative incidence and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) are calculated. RESULTS: Of 477 patients diagnosed with ARD between 2007 and 2016, 128 (26%) presented with asbestos-associated malignancy. Pleural mesothelioma was noted in 105 patients (82.0%) with a linear trend Z-score of -0.2 (NS) in men and 2.7 (P < .01) in women. The highest ASIRs for malignant ARD (6.1/100 000 residents/year; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-13.3) and pleural mesothelioma (4.8/100 000 residents/year; 95% CI, 1.5-11.6) occurred in municipalities closest to the focal point of contamination. The origin of malignant ARD was nonoccupational in 32.2% of men and 81.6% of women (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: More than 20 years after the closure of the fiber cement plant, the grave consequences of exposure to asbestos remain. The detection of cases of pleural mesothelioma in men seems to have plateaued whereas in women an ascending trend continues, which principally has its origin in nonoccupational exposures.

In vitro toxicity assessment of respirable solid surface composite sawing particles.

Solid surface composites (SSCs) are a class of popular construction materials composed of aluminum trihydrate and acrylic polymers. Previous investigations have demonstrated that sawing SSC releases substantial airborne dusts, with a number-based geometric mean diameter of 1.05 µm. We reported that in mice, aspiration exposure to airborne SSC dusts induced symptoms of pulmonary inflammation at 24-h postexposure: neutrophilic influx, alveolitis, and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lavage fluid. The particles appeared to be poorly cleared, with 81% remaining at 14-day postexposure. The objective of this study was to determine the toxicity specifically of respirable particles on a model of human alveolar macrophages (THP-1). The relative toxicities of subfractions (0.07, 0.66, 1.58, 5.0, and 13.42 µm diameter) of the airborne particles were also determined. THP-1 macrophages were exposed for 24 h to respirable particles from sawing SSC (0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 µg/ml) or size-specific fractions (100 µg/ml). Exposure to respirable SSC particles induced THP-1 macrophage toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Viability was decreased by 15% and 19% after exposure to 50 and 100 µg/ml SSC, respectively, which correlated with increased cell culture supernatant LDH activity by 40% and 70% when compared to control. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory cytokines were increased in a dose-dependent manner. A size-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed in the cells exposed to subfractions of SSC particles. SSC particles of 0.07, 0.66, and 1.58 µm diameter killed 36%, 17%, and 22% of cells, respectively. These results indicate a potential for cytotoxicity of respirable SSC particles and a relationship between particle size and toxicity, with the smallest fractions appearing to exhibit the greatest toxicity.

Progressive plasterer's pneumoconiosis complicated by fibrotic interstitial pneumonia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of pneumoconiosis has been decreasing due to improvements in working conditions and regular health examinations, occupational hygiene measures are still being established. Plasterers encounter a number of hazardous materials that may be inhaled in the absence of sufficient protection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man who plastered without any dust protection for more than 40 years was referred to our hospital with suspected interstitial pneumonia. Mixed dust pneumoconiosis and an unusual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern with fibroblastic foci were diagnosed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and an elemental analysis detected elements included in plaster work materials. Despite the cessation of plaster work and administration of nintedanib, the patient developed advanced respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: Plasterers are at an increased risk of pneumoconiosis and may have a poor prognosis when complicated by the UIP pattern. Thorough dust protection and careful monitoring are needed.

Does exposure to bentonite dust during tunnel hyperbaric interventions increase health risks for compressed air workers? A prospective qualitative and quantitative safety assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The mining and tunneling industries are historically associated with hazardous exposures that result in significant occupational health concerns. Occupational respiratory exposures causing pneumoconiosis and silicosis are of great concern, silicosis being non-curable. This work demonstrates that compressed-air workers (CAWs) performing tunnel hyperbaric interventions (HIs) may be at risk for hazards related to bentonite exposure, increasing the likelihood of developing harmful illnesses including cancer. Bentonite dust inhalation may result in respiratory levels of silica exceeding acceptable industrial hygiene standards. METHODS: A qualitative observational exposure assessment was conducted on CAWs while they were performing their HI duties. This was followed by quantitative data collection using personal and area air sample techniques. The results were analyzed and interpreted using standard industrial hygiene principles and guidelines from NIOSH and OSHA. RESULTS: Our work suggests bentonite dust exposure may be an emerging particulate matter concern among CAWs in the tunneling industry. Aerosolized bentonite particles may have potential deleterious effects that include pneumoconiosis and silicosis. Silicosis can result in the development of pulmonary carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The modern tunneling industry and required hyperbaric interventional tasks represent a potential public health and occupational concern for CAWs. This paper introduces the modern tunneling industry and the duties of CAWs, the hazardous environment in which they perform their duties, and describes the risks and potential harmful health effects associated with these hazardous exposures.

Analysis and identification of elongated mineral particles in road coated aggregates.

The issue of Elongated Mineral Particles (EMP) in building materials has been revealed during roadworks in 2013 in France. In fact, road coating aggregates are made of specific rock gravels that can contain Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), which is mainly actinolite. The legislation refers to six regulatory asbestos, that consist in asbestiform habitus of the six minerals. The current technical standard is not adapted for analyzing natural material, as it cannot distinguish the asbestiform fibers and the cleavage fragments fibers. Therefore, the Eichrom Laboratories developed an internal method for analyzing rock gravel and identifying the different kind of EMP. This analytical method is based on an accurate sample preparation and three techniques at different resolutions: a petrological analysis with a stereomicroscope, a mineralogical analysis with a Polarized Light Microscope (PLM) and structural and with a Transmission Electronic Microscope (TEM). This innovative procedure is reinforced by the expertise of geologists, which is not necessary for the manufactured products. Putting the process in a national standard is essential for result homogenization of the asbestos testing laboratories.

Comprehensive multipathway risk assessment of chemicals associated with recycled ("crumb") rubber in synthetic turf fields.

BACKGROUND: Thousands of synthetic turf fields in the US are regularly used by millions of individuals (particularly children and adolescents). Although many safety assessments have concluded that there are low or negligible risks related to exposure to chemicals found in the recycled rubber used to make these fields, concerns remain about the safety of this product. Existing studies of recycled rubber's potential health risks have limitations such as small sample sizes and limited evaluation of relevant exposure pathways and scenarios. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a comprehensive multipathway human health risk assessment (HHRA) of exposure to chemicals found in recycled rubber. METHODS: All available North American data on the chemical composition of recycled rubber, as well as air sampling data collected on or near synthetic turf fields, were identified via a literature search. Ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation pathways were evaluated according to US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidance, and exposure scenarios for adults, adolescents, and children were considered. RESULTS: Estimated non-cancer hazards and cancer risks for all the evaluated scenarios were within US EPA guidelines. In addition, cancer risk levels for users of synthetic turf field were comparable to or lower than those associated with natural soil fields. CONCLUSIONS: This HHRA's results add to the growing body of literature that suggests recycled rubber infill in synthetic turf poses negligible risks to human health. This comprehensive assessment provides data that allow stakeholders to make informed decisions about installing and using these fields.

Repeated dose inhalation developmental toxicity study in rats exposed to cellulose insulation with boric acid additive.

Cellulose insulation (CI), a common building material, is a mixture of cellulose fibers and borates. Borates are approximately 20% of the product weight and act as a flame retardant. Given possible exposure to workers and consumers, an inhalation toxicity study was conducted following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 414 for Prenatal Development Toxicity to evaluate if CI is a developmental toxicant. Pregnant female rats were exposed by nose-only inhalation to CI aerosols containing 20% boric acid for six h/day, from gestational day (GD) 6-19, and fetuses were evaluated for developmental parameters. Respirable CI was produced by grinding to produce respirable particles (MMAD 2.7-2.9 µm, geometric standard deviations (GSD) 1.9-2.6), which were then aerosolized. Target air concentrations were 15, 90, and 270 mg CI/m3. Controls were exposed to air only. Slight body weight reductions (average decrease <7% vs. control) were observed in male and female GD 20 fetuses in the mid and high dose groups. No embryo/fetal developmental toxicity or alterations in any other measured variable were reported at any dose. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for developmental outcomes was 270 mg/m3.

Morphological response of a cactus to cement dust pollution.

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

Physiological traits and antioxidant metabolism of leaves of tropical woody species challenged with cement dust.

Tropical woody species occurring in limestone outcrops are frequently exposed to particulate material from cement factories. The effects of 60-day cement dust exposure on physiological traits and enzymatic antioxidant system of young plant leaves of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão and Trichilia hirta L. were investigated. Cement dust (2.5 or 5mgcm-2) was applied to the leaf surface or soil or both (leaf plus soil) and plants were maintained at greenhouse. Cement dust barely affected the mineral nutrient levels, except for iron whose content was decreased in leaves/leaflets of all species studied. The incident light was partly blocked in cement dust-treated leaves, regardless of the plant species, causing a decrease in the photosynthetic pigments in M. urundeuva. The chlorophyll b content, however, increased in G. ulmifolia and T. hirta leaves upon cement dust treatment. The potential quantum yield of photosystem II in challenged leaves of G. ulmifolia was 3.8% lower than that of control plants, while such trait remained unaffected in the leaves of the other species. No changes in leaf stomatal conductance and antioxidant enzymes activities were observed, except for M. urundeuva, which experienced a 31% increment in the superoxide dismutase activity upon 5mgcm-2 cement dust (leaf plus soil treatment), when compared with control plants. Overall, the mild changes caused by cement dust in the in physiological and biochemical traits of the species studied indicate that such species might be eligible for further studies of revegetation in fields impacted by cement factories.

Mortality and cancer morbidity among cement production workers: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze overall and cause-specific mortality, especially from cancer, among cement production workers. INTRODUCTION: Results from some epidemiological studies suggested an increased risk of overall mortality and of stomach cancer associated with employment in the cement production, but the presence of a hazard and, if present, the magnitude of a risk have not been precisely quantified. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data on mortality from all causes, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, and cancer among cement workers. METHODS: The literature search in PubMed and Scopus up to February 2016 and with appropriate keywords on mortality among cement workers revealed 188 articles which were screened. A total of 117 articles were reviewed in full text and 12 articles, referring to 11 study populations, were found to be relevant and of sufficient quality for further analysis. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eight cohort studies, one proportionate mortality study, and two case-control studies were identified. The summary RRs were 0.89 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.01] for all-cause mortality, 0.94 (95 %, CI 0.80-1.08) for cancer mortality, 1.07 (95 % CI 0.79-1.35) for lung cancer mortality, and 0.93 (95 % CI 0.70-1.17) for stomach cancer mortality, respectively. Significant heterogeneity in results was observed among studies. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis does not provide evidence of increased risk of overall mortality, as well as cancer, cardiovascular or respiratory mortality in relation to employment in cement production.

Eco-friendly porous concrete using bottom ash aggregate for marine ranch application.

This article presents the test results of an investigation carried out on the reuse of coal bottom ash aggregate as a substitute material for coarse aggregate in porous concrete production for marine ranch applications. The experimental parameters were the rate of bottom ash aggregate substitution (30%, 50% and 100%) and the target void ratio (15%, 20% and 25%). The cement-coated granular fertiliser was substituted into a bottom ash aggregate concrete mixture to improve marine ranch applications. The results of leaching tests revealed that the bottom ash aggregate has only a negligible amount of the ten deleterious substances specified in the Ministry of Environment - Enforcement Regulation of the Waste Management Act of Republic Korea. The large amount of bubbles/air gaps in the bottom ash aggregate increased the voids of the concrete mixtures in all target void ratios, and decreased the compressive strength of the porous concrete mixture; however, the mixture substituted with 30% and 10% of bottom ash aggregate and granular fertiliser, respectively, showed an equal strength to the control mixture. The sea water resistibility of the bottom ash aggregate substituted mixture was relatively equal to that of the control mixture, and also showed a great deal of improvement in the degree of marine organism adhesion compared with the control mixture. No fatality of fish was observed in the fish toxicity test, which suggested that bottom ash aggregate was a harmless material and that the combination of bottom ash aggregate and granular fertiliser with substitution rates of 30% and 10%, respectively, can be effectively used in porous concrete production for marine ranch application.

Exposure to thoracic aerosol in a prospective lung function study of cement production workers.

INTRODUCTION: An exposure study was conducted as part of a multi-national longitudinal study of lung function in cement production workers. AIM: To examine exposure to thoracic aerosol among cement production workers during a 4-year follow-up period. METHODS: Personal shift measurements of thoracic aerosol were conducted among the cement production workers within seven job types, 22 plants, and eight European countries (including Turkey) in 2007, 2009, and 2011. The thoracic sub-fraction was chosen as the most relevant aerosol fraction related to obstructive dynamic lung function changes. Production factors, job type, and respirator use were recorded by questionnaire. The exposure data were log-transformed before mixed models analysis and results were presented by geometric mean (GMadj) exposure levels adjusted for plant or job type, worker, and season as random effects. RESULTS: A total of 6111 thoracic aerosol samples were collected from 2534 workers. Repeated measurements were obtained from 1690 of these workers. The GMadj thoracic aerosol levels varied between job types from 0.20 to 1.2mg m(-3). The highest exposure levels were observed for production, cleaning, and maintenance workers (0.79-1.2mg m(-3)) and could reach levels where the risk of lung function loss may be increased. The lowest levels were found for administrative personnel (0.20mg m(-3)) serving tasks in the production areas. Office work was not monitored. GMadj exposure levels between plants ranged from 0.19 to 2.0mg m(-3). The time of year/season contributed significantly to the total variance, but not year of sampling. Production characteristics explained 63% of the variance explained by plant. Workers in plants with the highest number of employees (212-483 per plant) were exposed at a level more than twice as high as those in plants with fewer employees. Other production factors such as cement production, bag filling, and tidiness were significant, but explained less of the exposure variability. These determinants factors can be useful in qualitative exposure assessment and exposure prevention in the cement production industry. Respirator use was minor at exposure levels <0.5mg m(-3) but more common at higher levels. CONCLUSION: Production, cleaning, and maintenance work were the job types with highest exposure to thoracic aerosol in cement production plants. However, plant had an even larger effect on exposure levels than job type. The number of employees was the most important factor explaining differences between plants. Exposure reached levels where the risk of lung function loss may be increased. No significant differences in exposure between sampling campaigns were observed during the 4-year study period.

Moving research to practice through partnership: a case study in Asphalt Paving.

BACKGROUND: Multi-stakeholder partnerships play a critical role in dissemination and implementation in health and safety. To better document and understand construction partnerships that have successfully scaled up effective interventions to protect workers, this case study focused on the collaborative processes of the Asphalt Paving Partnership. In the 1990s, this partnership developed, evaluated, disseminated, and achieved near universal, voluntary adoption of paver engineering controls to reduce exposure to asphalt fumes. METHODS: We used in-depth interviews (n = 15) and document review in the case study. RESULTS: We describe contextual factors that both facilitated and challenged the formation of the collaboration, central themes and group processes, and research to practice (r2p) outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The Asphalt Paving Partnership offers insight into how multi-stakeholder partnerships in construction can draw upon the strengths of diverse members to improve the dissemination and adoption of health and safety innovations and build a collaborative infrastructure to sustain momentum over time.

Serum autoantibodies in silicosis and non-silicosis cement workers.

AIM: To study serum autoantibodies and immunoglobulin levels in cement workers. METHODS: Blood samples for numerous antibodies were collected from 30 silicosis and 42 non-silicosis cement workers. Spirometry of the silicosis workers was also studied. RESULTS: Serum IgA mean level showed a significant increase in the silicosis group compared to the non-silicosis group. Elevated titers of serum anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) and anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) were detected only in the silicosis group. The duration of exposure showed a significant positive correlation with serum IgA, ASMA and anti-GBM, and a significant negative correlation with serum IgG. Serum anti-GBM showed a significant positive correlation with IgG while the inverse titer (1/titer) of anti-GBM showed highly significant positive correlations with serum IgA and ASMA. The percent predicted FVC was the ventilatory function most closely associated with immunological parameters in silicosis group. CONCLUSION: Serum IgA, ASMA, and anti-GBM are the principal immunologic parameters associated with silicosis.

Can washing-pretreatment eliminate the health risk of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash reuse?

Although the reuse of washing-pretreated MSWI fly ash bas been a hot topic, the associated risk is still an issue of great concern. The present study investigated the influence of washing-pretreatment on the total contents and bioaccessibility of heavy metals in MSWI fly ash. Furthermore, the study incorporated bioaccessibility adjustment into probabilistic risk assessment, to quantify the health risk from multi-pathway exposure to the concerned chemicals as a result of reusing washed MSWI fly ash. The results revealed that both water-washing and acid-washing process have resulted in the concentrated heavy metal content, and have reduced the bioaccessibility of heavy metals. Besides, the acid-washing process increased the cancer risk in most cases, while the effect of water-washing process was uncertain. However, both water-washing and acid-washing pretreatment could decrease the hazard index based on bioaccesilbility. Despite the uncertainties accompanying these procedures, the results indicated that, in this application scenario, only water-washing or acid-washing process cannot reduce the actual risk from all samples to acceptable level, especially for cancer risk.