Gravimetric Measurements of Filtering Facepiece Respirators Challenged With Diesel Exhaust
The objective of this study was to measure the penetration of DPM through NIOSH-certified R95 and P95 electret respirators to verify this result. Gravimetric-bas ed penetration measurements conducted using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polypropylene (PP) filters were compared with penetration measurements made with a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS, TSI Inc.), which measures the particle size distribution. Gravimetric measurements using PP filter s were variable compared to SMPS measurements and biased high due to adsorption of gas phase organic material. Relatively inert PTFE filters adsorbed less gas phase or...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - June 13, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
The Effects of Bit Wear on Respirable Silica Dust, Noise and Productivity: A Hammer Drill Bench Study
Discussion:Increasing bit wear was associated with increasing respirable silica dust and noise and reduced drilling productivity. The levels of dust and noise produced by these experimental conditions would require dust capture, hearing protection, and possibly respiratory protection. The findings support the adoption of a bit replacement program by construction contractors. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - June 8, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Oil Spill Field Trial at Sea: Measurements of Benzene Exposure
Conclusions:The personal exposure to benzene downwind and close to the oil slick during spills of light crude oil was relatively high, with concentration levels approaching the occupational exposure limits for several participants. For bulk spill scenarios like in this study, cleanup should not be initiated the first 30 –60 min to allow for evaporation, while appropriate personal protective equipment should be used in continuous spills when working downwind and close to the oil slick. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - June 8, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Estimating National-Level Exposure to Antineoplastic Agents in the Workplace: CAREX Canada Findings and Future Research Needs
Conclusions:These estimates of the prevalence and location of occupational exposures to antineoplastic agents could be used to identify high-risk groups, estimate disease burden, and target new research and prevention activities. The limited secondary data available for developing these estimates highlights the need for increased quantitative measurement and documentation of antineoplastic agent contamination and exposure, particularly in work environments where use is emerging. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - June 8, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Ability to Discriminate Between Sustainable and Unsustainable Heat Stress Exposures —Part 2 Physiological Indicators
Conclusions:Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, PHSIs (Tre, HR, andTsk) can accurately predict Unsustainable heat stress exposures.Tsk alone or in combination with HR has a high sensitivity, and makes better discriminations than the other PHSIs under relatively constant exposure (metabolic rate and environment) for an hour or so. Screening limits with high sensitivity, however, have low thresholds that limit utility. To the extent that the observed strain is low, there is good evidence that the exposure is Sustainable. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - June 8, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
