Strategies to Assess Occupational Exposure to Airborne Nanoparticles: Systematic Review and Recommendations.

In many industrial sectors, workers are exposed to manufactured or unintentionally emitted airborne nanoparticles (NPs). To develop prevention and enhance knowledge surrounding exposure, it has become crucial to achieve a consensus on how to assess exposure to airborne NPs by inhalation in the workplace. Here, we review the literature presenting recommendations on assessing occupational exposure to NPs. The 23 distinct strategies retained were analyzed in terms of the following points: target NPs, objectives, steps, "measurement strategy" (instruments, physicochemical analysis, and data processing), "contextual information" presented, and "work activity" analysis. The robustness (consistency of information) and practical aspects (detailed methodology) of each strategy were estimated. The objectives and methodological steps varied, as did the measurement techniques. Strategies were essentially based on NPs measurement, but improvements could be made to better account for "contextual information" and "work activity". Based on this review, recommendations for an operational strategy were formulated, integrating the work activity with the measurement to provide a more complete assessment of situations leading to airborne NP exposure. These recommendations can be used with the objective of producing homogeneous exposure data for epidemiological purposes and to help improve prevention strategies.

Physical load and heart rate behavior in workers in the slaughterhouse and meat packing industries / Carga física e comportamento da frequência cardíaca em trabalhadores de frigorífico

Abstract High physical overload during the workday and some conditions present in the workplace can generate several losses in the worker's health. The use of tools capable of identifying physical load (PL), such as heart rate (HR) analysis, is essential. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical load and heart rate behavior of workers in the slaughterhouse. The cardiovascular load reached by two individuals was 12% and 24%. In relation to the PL rating, they fit as moderately heavy to heavy work. The HR, was higher at the end of the work when compared to the beginning. Furthermore, it was pointed out that the temperature, noise, and body mass index were above normality values. The physical workload was classified as moderately heavy to heavy. The limit HR was reached in some moments of the work by one of the workers and two of them reached higher HR values at the end of the work.

Resumo A elevada sobrecarga física durante a jornada de trabalho e algumas condições presentes no ambiente de trabalho podem gerar diversos prejuízos na saúde do trabalhador. A utilização de ferramentas capazes de identificar a carga física (CF), como a análise da frequência cardíaca (FC), é fundamental. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o comportamento da carga física e da frequência cardíaca dos trabalhadores de frigorífico. A carga cardiovascular alcançada por dois indivíduos foi de 12% e 24%. Em relação à classificação da CF, enquadram-se como trabalhos moderadamente pesados ​​a pesados. A FC, foi maior no final do trabalho quando comparado ao início. Além disso, apontou-se que a temperatura, o ruído e o índice de massa corporal estavam acima dos valores da normalidade. A CF de trabalho foi classificada como moderadamente pesada a pesada. A FC limite foi atingida em alguns momentos do trabalho por um dos trabalhadores e dois deles atingiram valores maiores de FC ao final do trabalho.

Industry 4.0 design project based on exposure situations: A case study in aeronautics.

BACKGROUND: Industry 4.0 generates risks renewing stakes for design projects integrating work activities, as can be done in activity centred ergonomics and participatory ergonomics. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to show the contribution of using typical situations to define requirements for Industry 4.0 design projects from a case study supporting a design project for a plant of the future assembling additive metal manufacturing processes (SLM type) in aeronautics. METHOD: The method is based on construction of the approach, the identification of typical exposure or action situations (through video and measurement) on four different company sites, three collective confrontation interviews (using typical situations) similar to reflexive and constructive simulations, and the setting of requirements. RESULTS: Results highlights specific exposure situations during the work, which the collective confrontation interviews made it possible to understand, enabling to collectively debate organisational, technical or social determinants, in order to define requirements from the point of view of the work, within the framework of the design project. CONCLUSION: Discussion of exposure situation allows an initial framework to discuss way to implement the work differently as a first step to transform the current situations during the design process. The observation of the possible use of requirements in project management can then be carried out. This exploratory work makes it possible to observe the contribution of the use of typical exposure situations as a complement to typical action situations in order to specify exposure situations and identify transformation perspectives.

Pesticide exposure of workers in apple growing in France.

OBJECTIVE: Although apple trees are heavily sprayed, few studies have assessed the pesticide exposure of operators and workers in apple orchards. However, these data are crucial for assessing the health impact of such exposures. The aim of this study was to measure pesticide exposure in apple growing according to tasks and body parts. METHODS: A non-controlled field study was conducted in apple orchards in 4 regions of France during the 2016 and 2017 treatment seasons. Workers' external contamination and their determinants were assessed over 156 working days corresponding to 30 treatment days, 68 re-entry days and 58 harvesting days. We measured pesticide dermal contamination during each task and made detailed observations of work characteristics throughout the day. Captan and dithianon were used as markers of exposure. RESULTS: The median dermal contamination per day was 5.50 mg of captan and 3.33 mg of dithianon for operators, 24.39 mg of captan and 1.84 mg of dithianon for re-entry workers, and 5.82 mg of captan and 0.74 mg of dithianon for harvesters. Thus, workers performing re-entry tasks, especially thinning and anti-hail net opening, presented higher contamination, either equal to or higher than in operators. For these last ones, mixing/loading and equipment cleaning were the most contaminating tasks. Most of the contamination was observed on workers' hands in all tasks, except for net-opening in which their heads accounted for the most daily contamination. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of taking indirect exposures into account during re-entry work in apple growing.

Development of a Job-Exposure Matrix for Ultrafine Particle Exposure: The MatPUF JEM.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are generated from common work processes and have thus existed for a long time. Far more prevalent than engineered nanoparticles, they share common toxicological characteristics with them. However, there is no existing retrospective assessment tool specific to UFPs, for example, for epidemiological purposes. Thus, we aimed to develop a job-exposure matrix dedicated to UFPs. METHOD: Fifty-seven work processes were identified as well as the chemical composition of UFPs emitted, following a literature review and the input of an expert panel. These work processes were associated with occupational codes as defined by the ISCO 1968 classification. The probability and frequency of UFP exposure were assessed for each combination of occupational code and process. Summarized probabilities and frequencies were then calculated for all ISCO occupational codes associated with several processes. Variations in exposure over time or across industrial sectors were accounted for in the assessment of each occupational code. RESULTS: In the ISCO classification, 52.8% of the occupational codes (n = 835) assessed were associated with exposure to UFPs, consisting mainly of carbonaceous, metallic, and mineral families (39.5%, 22 and, 15.8%, respectively). Among them, 42.6% involved very probable exposure, and at a high frequency (regularly or continuously). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that occupational exposure to UFPs may be extensive at the workplace and could concern a wide variety of workers. Pending the integration of a third parameter assessing the intensity of UFP exposure, the MatPUF JEM already constitutes a promising and easy-to-use tool to study the possible adverse health effects of UFPs at work. It may also guide prevention policies in the occupational environments concerned, including those involving engineered nanoparticles.

What does ergonomics have to do with nanotechnologies? A case study.

Despite recent concerns for workers' health, exposure situations to nanoparticles can occur in numerous workplaces. Understanding how exposures occur considering human work in these transformations remains a crucial issue of nanotechnologies. The objective of this article is to understand exposure situations to nanoparticles, their determinants and the resources to act on them. This understanding was achieved by specific measurement of nanoparticles aerosols, combined with an analysis of work activity (actions performed and physical strain) in a rubber industry. The presentation of real time measurements, associated with the video of work situations, during confrontation interviews becomes a means of making exposing work activities visible, to analyze and transform them from the points of view formulated by the company's stakeholders. In this way, characterized "typical exposure situations" serve to trigger discussions and open up new spaces for debate highlighting how innovation affects work and gives rise to enhanced prevention projects.

Contributions of participatory ergonomics to the involvement of workers in chemical risk prevention projects.

BACKGROUND: In a context where preventive measures are developed via a functionalist and technological approach, the aim of this work is to set out general principles and methods for new preventive solutions that will enrich these existing measures. OBJECTIVE: We propose an approach centered on the involvement of workers at all hierarchical levels around "intermediary objects" of prevention in order to foster a collective debate. This might provide empowered workers to be actors into their own prevention of risk faced. METHODS: Observational data was coupled with chemical and physiological measurements. We developed, reworked and enriched the notion of risk representation, which promotes the visibility and recognition of the knowledge built, developed and held by workers on their activities and on ways to protect themselves from dangers or hazards. RESULTS: Implementation of the method generates detailed knowledge of chemical risks, knowledge that is constructed by the workers. This knowledge is made possible by the experience of the body and senses, and becomes accessible via references to the domestic and professional sphere in reflexive activities. The actors get involved and make use of their individual, collective and organizational resources to propose prevention solutionsCONCLUSIONS:Use of intermediate prevention objects in an "intermediate space for dialogue" allows dialogues to be produced and fostered. Ultimately, these spaces are circulating entities for the co-production of knowledge for action: to generate knowledge and innovative prevention solutions collectively.

Human skin in vitro permeation of bentazon and isoproturon formulations with or without protective clothing suit.

Skin exposures to chemicals may lead, through percutaneous permeation, to a significant increase in systemic circulation. Skin is the primary route of entry during some occupational activities, especially in agriculture. To reduce skin exposures, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended. PPE efficiency is characterized as the time until products permeate through material (lag time, Tlag). Both skin and PPE permeations are assessed using similar in vitro methods; the diffusion cell system. Flow-through diffusion cells were used in this study to assess the permeation of two herbicides, bentazon and isoproturon, as well as four related commercial formulations (Basagran(®), Basamais(®), Arelon(®) and Matara(®)). Permeation was measured through fresh excised human skin, protective clothing suits (suits) (Microchem(®) 3000, AgriSafe Pro(®), Proshield(®) and Microgard(®) 2000 Plus Green), and a combination of skin and suits. Both herbicides, tested by itself or as an active ingredient in formulations, permeated readily through human skin and tested suits (Tlag < 2 h). High permeation coefficients were obtained regardless of formulations or tested membranes, except for Microchem(®) 3000. Short Tlag, were observed even when skin was covered with suits, except for Microchem(®) 3000. Kp values tended to decrease when suits covered the skin (except when Arelon(®) was applied to skin covered with AgriSafe Pro and Microgard(®) 2000), suggesting that Tlag alone is insufficient in characterizing suits. To better estimate human skin permeations, in vitro experiments should not only use human skin but also consider the intended use of the suit, i.e., the active ingredient concentrations and type of formulations, which significantly affect skin permeation.

Levels and determinants of pesticide exposure in operators involved in treatment of vineyards: results of the PESTEXPO Study.

Exposure assessment is a critical point for epidemiological studies on pesticide health effects. PESTEXPO study provides data on levels of exposure and their determinants in real conditions of pesticide use. We described levels of exposure in vineyards during treatment tasks (mixing, spraying and cleaning) and we analysed their determinants. Sixty-seven operators using dithiocarbamates or folpet were observed. Detailed information on the tasks (general conditions, operator, farm and equipment characteristics) were collected and dermal contamination was measured, using patches placed onto the skin on eleven body parts, and washing the hands at the end of each phase. The spraying phase represented roughly half of the contamination, whereas mixing and equipment cleaning accounted for 30% and 20% of the contamination, respectively. The main determinants of exposure were the number of phases, the characteristics of the equipment, the educational level of the operator and his status (farm -worker or -owner) and the general characteristics of the vines. Algorithms were built to estimate daily external contamination, according to these characteristics during mixing, spraying or equipment cleaning. With additional information of frequency and duration of use, they will enable to develop exposure indices usable in epidemiological studies on farmers' health.

Ergonomics contribution to chemical risks prevention: An ergotoxicological investigation of the effectiveness of coverall against plant pest risk in viticulture.

The purpose of this article is to present the contribution of a trans-disciplinary approach focused on ergonomics and chemical risk control. We shall more precisely discuss how such an approach carried out in the field of agricultural work has made it possible to highlight serious shortcomings in the effectiveness of the coveralls that are supposed to protect vineyard workers from pesticides. The study results, as well as the whistle-blow that followed have questioned the control and prevention measures used until then. The aforementioned trans-disciplinary approach gathers knowledge and methods from epidemiology, industrial hygiene, occupational health and safety and ergonomics. Ergonomics were central in the development of the approach as it connected task and activity analysis with contamination measurements. Lastly, the first results that were obtained have been confirmed and reused by the AFSSET (Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire Environnement et Travail, the French governmental agency in charge of environmental health and occupational health and safety issues) regarding the agricultural sector but also for all other situations in which workers use coveralls as protection against chemical risks.

A contaminação por agrotóxicos e os Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) / Contamination by pesticides and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Este trabalho analisou a eficiência e a adequação dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individuais (EPIs) utilizados na manipulação e na aplicação de agrotóxicos nas agriculturas brasileira e francesa. Essa análise foi feita a partir de dois casos: o primeiro, na cultura de tomate numa pequena comunidade rural do Brasil e o segundo, numa vinicultura na França. As evidências encontradas mostraram que os EPIs utilizados em ambos os casos, além de não protegerem integralmente o trabalhador contra o agrotóxico, ainda agravaram os riscos e perigos, pois se tornaram fontes de contaminação. Conclui-se que, nos casos analisados, os EPIs não eliminaram nem neutralizaram a insalubridade, conforme estatui a legislação, e ainda aumentaram a probabilidade de contaminação dos trabalhadores rurais em algumas atividades. Discutiu-se, ainda, a possibilidade dos EPIs apresentarem lacunas funcionais no projeto, na concepção, no uso, na manutenção, no armazenamento e no descarte, que devem ser melhor avaliadas através de futuros estudos de desenvolvimento tecnológico.

This study has analyzed the efficiency and adequacy of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used when mixing and spraying pesticides in Brazilian and French farming. Analysis was based on two case studies: The first one, concerning a tomato crop located in a small rural community in the Southeast of Brazil; the second, a vineyard in France. The findings showed that PPE used in both cases has not protected properly against pesticide and has sometimes even turned into a source of contamination. The study concluded that PPE could not eliminate or neutralize unhealthy conditions related to pesticide use, as law demands. Moreover, in some cases, it might have caused rural workers contamination. It also shows that PPE might not have been correctly planned, conceived, used, maintained, stored and disposed. Theses problems should be analyzed in further technological development studies.