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Poás Volcano made a magmatic eruption in April 2017. The volcanic outburst resulted in an ash and vapor column towering over three kilometers high. Since that time, there has been a continual release of gases, aerosols, and more recently, ash, posing potential issues for visitors and park rangers. In this work, the potential for exposure to acid gases and aerosols faced by park rangers, officials, and visitors to the Poás Volcano National Park was evaluated, and the concentrations found were compared with the exposure limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2022. the concentrations of HCl(g), HNO3(ac), HF(g), and H2SO4(ac) were determined at three strategic points: the ranger station, the visitor center, and the main crater viewpoint. The maximum concentrations obtained were (7.0 ± 1.6) ppb for HCl(g), (6.2 ± 2.8) ppb for HNO3(ac), and (0.029 ± 0.044) ppm for H2SO4(ac). There were no concentration values above the detection limit (0.94 μg/m3) for HF(g). By comparing the data obtained with similar studies, it is concluded that the measured values in Poás Volcano National Park are low and only show similarities to the results found in volcanoes within the national territory. The exposure limit established by OSHA (0.02 ppm) was only surpassed by H2SO4(ac), and could be the cause of health effects experienced over the years by park rangers. To minimize these risks, the use of personal protective equipment and air quality monitoring is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of bio-composite material is being produced from water-recovered resources such as cellulose fibres from wastewater, calcite from the drinking water softening process, and grass and reed from waterboard sites. These raw materials may be contaminated with pathogens and chemicals such as Escherichia coli, heavy metals, and resin compounds. A novel risk assessment framework is proposed here, addressing human health risks during the production of new bio-composite materials. The developed framework consists of a combination of existing risk assessment methods and is based on three main steps: hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment. The HAZOP and Event Tree Analysis methodologies were used for hazard identification and risk mapping stages. Then, human health risks were quantitatively assessed using quantitative chemical risk assessment, evaluating cancer and non-cancer risk, and quantitative microbial risk assessment. The deterministic and the stochastic approaches were performed for this purpose. The contamination of raw materials may pose human health concerns, resulting in cancer risk above the threshold. Microbial risk is also above the safety threshold. Additional analysis would be significant as future research to better assess the microbial risk in biocomposite production. The framework has been effectively used for chemical and microbial risk assessment. HIGHLIGHTS Production of new water resource recovery-based bio-composite materials.; The safety of these materials, from production and application perspectives, needs to be assessed.; Novel risk assessment framework focusing on human health risk assessment.; Hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment: QCRA and QMRA.; Future research directions to improve the developed framework.;

In Malaysia, chemical management in workplaces is managed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. Hence, the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 has strengthened the chemical management level in workplaces, including higher academic institutions. The introduction of chemical health risk assessment through the regulation required management to conduct the assessment at workplaces. Poor levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in chemical laboratories may also cause discomfort among workers when there is sick building syndrome in laboratories. IAQ is managed through the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010. Although both are different in method and approach, both are meant to ensure the workers' safety and comfort. This study is aimed to investigate the need to integrate both chemical health risk assessment and IAQ assessment in laboratories to ensure optimum safety levels among workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of bio-composite material is being produced from water-recovered resources such as cellulose fibres from wastewater, calcite from the drinking water softening process, and grass and reed from waterboard sites. These raw materials may be contaminated with pathogens and chemicals such as Escherichia coli, heavy metals, and resin compounds. A novel risk assessment framework is proposed here, addressing human health risks during the production of new bio-composite materials. The developed framework consists of a combination of existing risk assessment methods and is based on three main steps: hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment. The HAZOP and Event Tree Analysis methodologies were used for hazard identification and risk mapping stages. Then, human health risks were quantitatively assessed using quantitative chemical risk assessment, evaluating cancer and non-cancer risk, and quantitative microbial risk assessment. The deterministic and the stochastic approaches were performed for this purpose. The contamination of raw materials may pose human health concerns, resulting in cancer risk above the threshold. Microbial risk is also above the safety threshold. Additional analysis would be significant as future research to better assess the microbial risk in biocomposite production. The framework has been effectively used for chemical and microbial risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary describes challenges in recruiting workers from marginalized industries with examples from a pilot study of janitors, custodians, and maids and their experiences of cleaning and disinfection protocols during COVID-19 and potentially associated respiratory symptoms. Recruitment strategies included contacting a local hospital, national workers' unions, and a large Arizona employer; using online Facebook groups; and contacting Arizona maid service companies and a school district. English and Spanish online and hard copy surveys about cleaning protocols and respiratory symptoms were used. Participants could also participate in online/phone interviews. Worker's compensation, liability, and confidentiality were concerns across organizations. Online surveys yielded unreliable data. Hard copy surveys were used due to workers' limited technology access. We reflect upon these challenges and discuss other strategies for recruiting from marginalized populations for occupational health research. Building trust with organizations and workers and considering technology access may ultimately increase recruitment feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Religación: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades is the property of Religacion: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coastal areas face greater risk in terms of health and the environment. They are the most vulnerable to impacts resulting from climate change. Coastal areas with higher population density also have more environmental problems, such as natural disasters. Environmental health risks from chemicals and microbes continue threatening people living on small islands. Therefore, this study aims to: 1) conduct a chemical risk analysis of heavy metals Pb, Cr(VI), and Ni; 2) analyse the microbial risk posed by drinking water consumed daily by people on small islands. A method used to analyse the chemical risk of heavy metals was the environment health risk assessment (EHRA), whereas to analyse the microbial risk in small islands, the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was used. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water was

Coastal areas face greater risk in terms of health and the environment. They are the most vulnerable to impacts resulting from climate change. Coastal areas with higher population density also have more environmental problems, such as natural disasters. Environmental health risks from chemicals and microbes continue threatening people living on small islands. Therefore, this study aims to: 1) conduct a chemical risk analysis of heavy metals Pb, Cr(VI), and Ni; 2) analyse the microbial risk posed by drinking water consumed daily by people on small islands. A method used to analyse the chemical risk of heavy metals was the environment health risk assessment (EHRA), whereas to analyse the microbial risk in small islands, the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was used. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water was <0.0012 mg·dm-3 for Pb, <0.01 mg·dm-3 for Cr(VI), and <0.0019 mg·dm-3 for Ni. The three heavy metals showed worrying results. Assessment and obtained risk quotient were less than one (RQ < 1) in all samples. Meanwhile, the microbial analysis found Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Enterobacter sp., and Citrobacter sp., with risk characterised from low to high. Risk management is needed to control environmental health risks posed by heavy metals and the microbiological characteristics of drinking water on the small islands of the Spermonde Archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poás Volcano made a magmatic eruption in April 2017. The volcanic outburst resulted in an ash and vapor column towering over three kilometers high. Since that time, there has been a continual release of gases, aerosols, and more recently, ash, posing potential issues for visitors and park rangers. In this work, the potential for exposure to acid gases and aerosols faced by park rangers, officials, and visitors to the Poás Volcano National Park was evaluated, and the concentrations found were compared with the exposure limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2022. the concentrations of HCl(g), HNO3(ac), HF(g), and H2SO4(ac) were determined at three strategic points: the ranger station, the visitor center, and the main crater viewpoint. The maximum concentrations obtained were (7.0 ± 1.6) ppb for HCl(g), (6.2 ± 2.8) ppb for HNO3(ac), and (0.029 ± 0.044) ppm for H2SO4(ac). There were no concentration values above the detection limit (0.94 μg/m3) for HF(g). By comparing the data obtained with similar studies, it is concluded that the measured values in Poás Volcano National Park are low and only show similarities to the results found in volcanoes within the national territory. The exposure limit established by OSHA (0.02 ppm) was only surpassed by H2SO4(ac), and could be the cause of health effects experienced over the years by park rangers. To minimize these risks, the use of personal protective equipment and air quality monitoring is essential.

Introduction: Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is an oxidizing agent added to flour to improve bread quality. However, KBrO3 is nephrotoxic, and a class B carcinogen banned in most countries, including Ghana. Aim: This study aimed to determine the residual KBrO3 concentration in bread and to estimate the chemical and carcinogenic risk that is associated with the consumption of these breads in Ghana. Methods: A total of 285 samples of bread, consisting of 97 tea breads, 95 sugar breads, and 93 butter breads were randomly sampled from bakeries across ten regions of Ghana for this study. The bromate contents were qualitatively and quantitatively determined spectrophotometrically at 515 nm, based on the redox reaction between KBrO3 and promethazine. The change in colour from colourless to pink indicated the presence of KBrO3 in the sample. The data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel 365 Apps for Enterprise and GraphPad Prism and the map was plotted with QGIS. Results: Out of the 285 bread samples analyzed, 12.28% (35/285) tested positive for KBrO3 with concentrations ranging from 0.46 to 26.67 μg/g (mean 6.13 μg/g). This exceeded the permissible dose (0.02 μg/g) by 23–1334 times, respectively. Except Ashanti and Volta regions, all the other 8 regions had at least one bread type testing positive for KBrO3. There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of KBrO3 between the bread types analyzed at p

Background Harmful chemicals are used in various forms from different sources in hospital settings. The standard gold method in risk control studies still determines exposure by personal or ambient measurements. In the absence of trained personnel, resources, or sufficient time, qualitative methods should be used to assess exposure. This study aims to compare quantitative and qualitative results of chemical risk exposure. Material and Methods Both qualitative (perceptions without monitoring data of the workers and experts) and quantitative perceptions (perceptions with monitoring data) were recorded. Two experts were asked to evaluate exposure intensity in pathology department workers, secretary workers, and cleaning workers. Occupational hygiene measurements were taken based on the occupational health and safety department risk assessment results, expert job analysis, and pilot study measurements. Results While most workers reported feeling highly exposed to chemical risks, the majority of experts reported medium-risk exposures and high-risk exposures. Three occupational hygiene measurements (6.6%) exceeded the permissible time-weighted average, and the other results were within the acceptable range. Conclusions There was a significant difference between the estimated exposure and the measured exposure in hospital settings. A correlation was not found between workers’ perceptions of chemical risk exposure and the chemical risk levels measured in this study. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(4):241–50.

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018–2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical personnel run the risk of contracting infectious diseases caused by physical, microbiological and chemical agents because they are directly exposed to risk factors such as the presence of pathogens in the environment; For this reason, this article derives from research carried out in four hospital centers in the department of Santander (Colombia) that seeks to identify the most common fungal microorganisms, bacterial microorganisms that can transmit diseases through the enteral, respiratory, dermal and blood routes, the microorganisms that can cause lung infections, wound contamination (abscesses), folliculitis, cellulitis and otitis, among others, in operating room workers, as well as determining the most appropriate disinfection protocols and possible control strategies, determining the measures aimed at monitoring, containment and elimination of these sources of contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical risk is considered one of the most frequent risks in the workplace, affecting the safety of workers continuously exposed to chemical substances. In addition, it can have an environmental impact and cause an explosion when unacceptable conditions are met. To know the effects of chemical risks and how to prevent them, this study is proposed, the main objective of which is the evaluation of chemical hazards and the proposal of an action plan to avoid this kind of risk in industrial companies. Our case study focused on the crude oil production company " PERTAMINA" using the SEIRICH software. The results indicate that most chemicals are hazardous and can cause serious harm to workers exposed to them periodically. Therefore, the proposed preventive action plan for safety improvement aims to ensure continuous development in oil and gas field production, processing, and distribution, taking into account the health and safety of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the contents of the selected inorganic ions (F -, Cl -, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) and trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Al, Pb, Co) in infusions prepared from popular herbal teas available in the Polish and Romanian markets. Ion chromatography with conductivity detection and microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy were applied for this purpose. The experimental data were subjected to chemometric analysis to identify common traits and differences among them. Principal component analysis was employed to create a model using selected variables. The findings revealed that certain herbal teas exhibited elevated concentrations of potentially hazardous analytes, such as nitrate, cadmium, lead, and chromium. Based on these results, an assessment of the associated risk from these analytes was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the occurrence of potassium bromate in bread, its overall health risks to bread consumers, and its toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda. Thirteen bakeries were included in a cross-sectional survey to gather information about the quantities of bread produced and the symptoms of potassium-bromated toxicity experienced by bakers during baking. The concentration of potassium bromate in the most consumed bread types was determined using a spectrophotometric method. The hazard quotient and hazard ratio were computed for each bread type to determine its chemical and carcinogenic risks. Results showed that all bakers had experienced symptoms of potassium bromate toxicity, and painful eyes, cough, diarrhea, and sore throat were the most recurrent symptoms of toxicity. The concentration of potassium bromate in all bread samples (100%) ranged from 48.50 mg/kg to 10148.50 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits by 9–203 times the dose (50 mg/kg) recommended by Food and Drug Administration. There was no significant difference (p = 0.109) in potassium bromate concentration between bread types, and simple bread, milk bread, and French bread had the highest concentration of potassium bromate. The chronic hazard quotient ranged from 277.93 to 2459.36, and the hazard ratio ranged from 251434.30 to 32862.86, indicative of possible chemical and carcinogenic risks after prolonged regular consumption. From the hazard ratios, the chances of having cancer from an average daily consumption of either simple bread or milk bread, or French bread are approximately 290,000 in 1,000,000 or 220,000 in 1,000,000 or 190,000 in 1,000,000. Thus regulatory authorities need to monitor, control or prohibit the use of potassium bromate as a flour additive.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Law & Society/Revue Canadienne Droit et Societe (Cambridge University Press) is the property of Cambridge University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper deals with problems in the metalworking industry concerning occupational health and safety, specifically chromium, and carbon monoxide poisoning. A subjective risk assessment is carried out, the data are quantified in a risk matrix suggesting the severity of the risk and control measures are offered to prevent the health of workers from being affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that the ceramic pot filters (CPFs) with impregnated colloidal silver are efficient for the removal of turbidity and pathogens for household water treatment. This investigation evaluated the efficiency of two filter models for the removal of chemical contaminants (Hg, Pb, As and phenolic compounds) during 175 days. The first model is a traditional CPF impregnated with colloidal silver and the second consists of the ceramic silver-impregnated pot plus a post-filtration column with granular activated carbon and zeolite (CPF + GAC-Z). The results of the CPF showed average efficiencies of 91.5% (Hg), 92% (Pb), 50.2% (As) and 78.7% (phenols). The CPF + GAC-Z showed similar efficiencies for the removal of heavy metals (92.5% Hg, 98.1% Pb and 52.3% As) and a considerably higher efficiency for the removal of phenols (96.4%). The As concentration of the filtered water in both systems was higher than the regulatory limit. The ceramic pot was responsible for the highest removal of chemical compounds. It can be concluded that the traditional CPF is a viable option for water supply treatment at the household level for the removal of chemical contaminants. The efficiency of this filter can be improved with the post-filtration column mainly for the removal of organic constituents. HIGHLIGHTS The ceramic pot filter (CPF) is a viable household technology for chemical contaminants.; The combined use of the ceramic pot with granular activated carbon and zeolite improves the removal of organic contaminants.; The CPFs evaluated in this study reached efficiencies higher than 90% for mercury and lead removal.; The efficiencies for arsenic and phenols were higher than 50 and 79%, respectively.;

Given the ability of chemical substances to generate possible adverse effects on people’s health, it is necessary to identify, collect and integrate all the information related to the dangers associated with these substances. Throughout the years, the definition of risk has had different interpretations, which has given rise to different alternatives for its evaluation and management. Currently, there are several equipment and tools used in chemical risk assessment. In the present study, a bibliographic review was carried out for different chemical scenarios where sixteen chemical risk assessment methodologies were analysed during the period 2003-2020 that correspond to both, qualitative and quantitative methods. In conclusion, the risk assessment methodologies have undergone changes over the years according to the needs and increasing complexity of the systems where they apply, artificial intelligence could also be a useful tool in chemical risk assessment.

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) has been widely reported in human foodstuffs, and their potential negative effects on human health have been brought into focus. Processed foods are more susceptible to MPs as contamination can be introduced during processing and packaging. However, the risk posed by MPs in processed foods remained unclear. This work aims to critically review the available data for MPs in 11 types of possessed foods and to conduct a preliminary risk assessment of MPs in processed foods. For a comprehensive evaluation, three indicators were selected and determined, namely chemical risk, pollution load, and estimated daily intake (EDI). Our results suggest that nori has the highest chemical risk, followed by canned fish, beverages, table salt, and other food items. In the case of pollution load, nori and milk fall into the risk category of Ⅳ and Ⅲ respectively. Table salts, bottled water, and sugar exhibited lower MPs pollution load (risk category of Ⅱ), whereas the pollution loads of other foods were calculated to be category Ⅰ. Moreover, a correlation between the pollution load of sea salts and MPs pollution level in ambient seawater was found. Regarding EDI of MPs from different processed foods, MPs intakes through bottled water (14.3 ± 3.4 n kg-1 d-1) and milk (6.6 ± 2.4 n kg-1 d-1) are significantly higher than that of the other foods (< 1 n kg-1 d-1). The probabilistic estimation of MPs daily intake indicated that children (19.7 n kg-1 d-1) are at a higher health risk than adults (female: 17.6 n kg-1 d-1, male: 12.6 n kg-1 d-1). Nevertheless, the exposure dose used in toxicological studies was about 10 times higher than the MPs intake via processed foods. Therefore, we argued that MPs in processed foods only carry limited risk. Overall, this study would provide the basis for risk management of MPs in processed food products.

Copyright of MESO is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Muscle and liver tissues from Italian heavy pigs were analyzed to investigate whether the chronic consumption of these products by local consumers could represent a health risk in relation to the contamination by some toxic metals and metalloids (TMMs). The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sn, U, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer, while Hg analysis was performed by using a mercury analyzer. Fe, Zn, and Cu were the most abundant elements in both tissues, while U was detected only at ultra-trace levels. As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, U, and Zn showed significantly higher concentrations in livers compared to muscles (p ≤ 0.01), with Cd and Cu being 60- and 9-fold more concentrated in the hepatic tissue. Despite this, concentrations of all TMMs were found to be very low in all the samples to the point that the resulting estimated dietary intakes did not suggest any food safety concern. Indeed, intakes were all below the toxicological health-based guidance values or resulted in low margins of exposure. Nevertheless, in the calculation of the worst-case exposure scenario, the children's estimated intake of Cd, Fe, and Zn through the sole consumption of pig liver contributed to more than 23, 38, and 39% of the tolerable weekly intakes of these elements, while the combined consumption of pig liver and pig muscle to more than 24, 46, and 76%. These findings alert about the probability of exceeding the toxicological guidance values of Cd, Fe, and Zn though the whole diet, suggesting long-term negative health effects for the younger population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food value chains are linked to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change. The presence of chemical and microbial hazards along food value chains is expected to be influenced by the future effects of climate change. This challenge creates a need to examine environmentally sustainable strategies to address food safety risks. The use of methodologies and/or tools that contribute both to reducing food safety risk under climate change conditions and to reducing the contribution to climate change of food value chains is necessary. To face this upcoming and complex challenge, this study presents the tools to mitigate food safety risk on one hand and to evaluate the environmental performance of food value chains on the other. Successful case studies in different fields in which both methodologies were integrated are analyzed in detail finally to suggest strategies to mitigate food safety risks while minimizing environmental impacts in the food value chain. Food value chains can use both risk assessment and life cycle assessment to limit environmental impact and food safety risks. The use of these two tools can be through the integration of the methods or by a combination of results. However, this should be carried out with caution due to differences within their frameworks. • Climate change impacts pose significant challenges to food safety and human health. • Current food safety mitigation strategies can contribute to environmental impacts. • Framework and case studies for integrating life cycle assessment and risk assessment are reviewed. • This integration can guide food safety risks mitigation strategies while minimizing environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming pools adopt chlorination to ensure microbial safety. Giardia has attracted attention in swimming pool water because of its occurrence, pathogenicity, and chlorine resistance. To control Giardia concentrations in pool water and reduce the microbial risk, higher chlorine doses are required during disinfection. Unfortunately, this process produces carcinogenic disinfection byproducts that increase the risk of chemical exposure. Therefore, quantitatively evaluating the comparative microbial vs. chemical exposure risks that stem from chlorination inactivation of Giardia in swimming pool water is an issue that demands attention. We simulated an indoor swimming pool disinfection scenario that followed common real-world disinfection practices. A quantitative microbial risk assessment coupled with a chemical exposure risk assessment was employed to compare the Giardia microbial exposure risk (MER) and the trihalomethane chemical exposure risk (CER) to humans. The results demonstrated a 22% decrease in MER- and CER-induced health exposure risk, from 8.45E-5 at 8:00 to 6.60E-5 at 19:00. Both the MER and CER decreased gradually, dropping to 3.26E-5 and 3.35E-5 at 19:00, respectively. However, the CER exceeded the MER after 18:30 and became the dominant factor affecting the total exposure risk. Past the 18 hr mark, the contribution of trihalomethane CER far exceeded the risk aversion from microbial inactivation, leading to a net increase in total exposure risk despite the declining MER. Swimmers may consider swimming after 19:00, when the total exposure risk is the lowest. Lowering water temperature and/or pH were identified as the most sensitive factors to minimize the overall health exposure risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018–2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively.

Riccardo Mastrantonio,1 Maria Scatigna,1 Marco D’Abramo,2 Viviana Martinez,3 Antonio Paoletti,1 Leila Fabiani1 1Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy; 2Freelance Health and Safety Technician, Frosinone, Italy; 3Abruzzo e Molise Interregional Transplant Coordination Centre, ASL1 Abruzzo, L’Aquila, ItalyCorrespondence: Riccardo Mastrantonio Email riccardomastrantonio@yahoo.itPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of some chemical risk assessment semi-quantitative methods and also to identify potential bias or differences originated by applying different methods to the same activities.Methods: We collected the data related to the chemical agents used in three different activities of three laboratories of an Italian university; the methods we compared were: MoVaRisCh, COSHH Essentials, LaboRisCh and Datarisch.Results: The input parameters requested by each method are shown for each activity and for each used chemical. We collected the results obtained since the application of the four different tools in three tables. The use of some chemicals (especially of the activity n° three) shows a not irrelevant risk for the users.Conclusion: Our findings show that COSHH Essentials, MoVaRisCh and Datarisch tools are consistent in the identification of a risk level; the small differences are related to risk rating, to be considered in relation with the specific structure of the method applied. The differences detected in the risk rating may be overcome by applying, for each working activity we want to assess, two or more different semi-quantitative tools. This strategy can allow to reduce the exposure to chemicals of the workers.Keywords: chemical risk, work exposure, chemical exposure, construction industry

It has been demonstrated that the ceramic pot filters (CPFs) with impregnated colloidal silver are efficient for the removal of turbidity and pathogens for household water treatment. This investigation evaluated the efficiency of two filter models for the removal of chemical contaminants (Hg, Pb, As and phenolic compounds) during 175 days. The first model is a traditional CPF impregnated with colloidal silver and the second consists of the ceramic silver-impregnated pot plus a post-filtration column with granular activated carbon and zeolite (CPFþGAC-Z). The results of the CPF showed average efficiencies of 91.5% (Hg), 92% (Pb), 50.2% (As) and 78.7% (phenols). The CPF þGAC-Z showed similar efficiencies for the removal of heavy metals (92.5% Hg, 98.1% Pb and 52.3% As) and a considerably higher efficiency for the removal of phenols (96.4%). The As concentration of the filtered water in both systems was higher than the regulatory limit. The ceramic pot was responsible for the highest removal of chemical compounds. It can be concluded that the traditional CPF is a viable option for water supply treatment at the household level for the removal of chemical contaminants. The efficiency of this filter can be improved with the postfiltration column mainly for the removal of organic constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo is the property of Escuela Nacional de Medicina del Trabajo - Instituto de Salud Carlos III and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study included measuring the concentration of heavy elements (lead, copper, cadmium) in some locally produced and imported foodstuffs available in the local markets in Baghdad, which included oil, rice, tea, sugar, tomato paste, noodles, tobacco, canned meat, salt and chewing gum. The elements were measured using a flame optical absorption spectrometer device. The results showed that the sugar, rice, salt, noodles, gums and canned meat samples were free from the presence of heavy elements, there was a significant differences in the amount of lead and cadmium in the Turkish zir oil sample was (0.08 ± 0.005) and (0.012± 0.0005) ppm, respectively. The results also showed amount of copper and cadmium in the Turkish origin Afia oil was (0.10 ± 0.005) ppm and (0.019 ± 0.0005) ppm, respectively and there was amount of copper in Canadian canola oil, ( 0.05 ± 0.0005) ppm. But all results are within acceptable limits. The results showed significant differences at the level of (p> 0.05) in the amount of lead present in tomato paste samples of Altunsa Turkish origin was (6.4 ± 0.57) ppm and the presence of lead in the Kdd tomato paste sample of Kuwaiti origin amounted to (6.00 ± 0.00) ppm and these Higher than the permissible percentages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical laboratory workers are frequently exposed to a wide range of chemicals. This exposure can have adverse effects on their health. Furthermore, a knowledge lack of the chemical risk increases the likelihood of exposure. The chemical risk assessment reduces the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and therefore, guarantees health and safety of the workers. Method: The chemical risk assessment was conducted using a modified INRS method, according to the new CLP Regulation, of 11 unit laboratories in a Moroccan medical laboratory. Observation of each workstation and analysis of safety data sheets are key tools in this study. Results: A total of 144 substances and reagents that could affect the health of the analytical technicians were identified. Among these products, 17% are concerned by the low priority risk score, with 55% concerned by the average priority risk score and 28% concerned by the high priority risk score. This study also enabled to better identify the chemical agents that have restrictive occupational exposure limit value and controls were conducted to this effect. On the basis of the results obtained, several corrective and preventive measures have been proposed and implemented. Conclusion: Risk assessment is essential to ensure the health and safety of workers and to meet regulatory requirements. It enables to identify all the risky manipulations and to adopt appropriate preventive measures. However, it is not a one-time activity but it must be continuous in order to master the changes and thus ensure the best safety of all.

Abstract Introduction Exposure to chemical compounds occurs in numerous occupational settings, among which the research and healthcare laboratories have not been adequately investigated. These settings are characterized by an extreme variability of the used compounds and by the frequent turnover of young researchers. The main objectives of the study were to explore the occupational exposure to hazardous chemical substances among research laboratory workers; to assess their awareness and perceptions regarding chemical hazards; to investigate adherence to guidelines on safe handling of chemical compounds; and to analyze the effects of several factors on these outcomes of interest. Methods The survey was conducted among research laboratories workers who were exposed to chemical substances during their activity. Subjects completed a questionnaire exploring knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to chemical hazards involved in research activities. Results Enrolled subjects were 237, for an 81.7% response rate. More than 90 hazardous chemical substances were used in the surveyed laboratories. A correct knowledge on hazardous chemicals was significantly more likely in younger researchers, in those manipulating a higher number of hazardous chemicals, and in those with a higher number of years of training in the attended laboratory; 54.4% of the workers said they felt very exposed to chemical risk. Correct practices in the laboratories were significantly more likely in researchers who perceived to have a low exposure to chemicals, but a high exposure to biological risk, who agreed with the statement that colleagues handle chemicals following safety procedures and who perceived to have received an adequate training in the management of accidents and first aid. Conclusions Our results showed significant gaps in knowledge and scarce preparedness in the adherence to safety processes to prevent and contain risks related to use of chemical compounds in research laboratories.

ABSTRACT As dust particles in laying poultry houses can have negative effects on health and on the environment, this study aimed to measure and compare dust concentrations in egg production sheds. The experiment was carried out in three sheds: Californian shed (G1), conventional closed shed with artificial ventilation (G2) and conventional closed shed without artificial ventilation (G3), and the birds housed were in the 22nd week of housing, in Cuité, Paraíba, Brazil. The dust particles were collected by a gravimetric pump, attached to the workers’ clothes, at the height of the respiratory zone, being removed at the end of the working day. Using the evaluation methodologies (total or breathable dust) according to NIOSH (1998), weighing was performed with sample concentration calculation, then the particle size was measured by microscopy according to the methodology described by Feret (Santos, 2001), with diameter of function obtained using an optical microscope, and particles classified by size (inhalable

The most worrisome fraction within plastic pollution is that of microplastics (MP). A category of MP almost completely ignored is that of glitter. The objective of this study is to test the toxicity of nine types of glitter leachate (3 soak times: 3, 90 and 180 days) on model organisms in freshwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna) and saltwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Paracentrotus lividus). An integrated approach was applied to obtain the percentage of ecotoxicological risk. The results show that (i) photosynthesizing primary producers are the most sensitive trophic level; (ii) algae transitioned from growth inhibition to biostimulation; (iii) D. magna showed higher sensitivity after 48 h compared to 24 h; (iv) A. fischeri responded more strongly in saltwater than in freshwater. The integrated data show a greater risk associated with the marine environment, with the highest risk for glitters that are hexagonal and composed of poly-methyl-methacrylate. Our multivariate analysis shows that the toxicity of plastic leaching is a complex phenomenon that depends on the sensitivity of the species, in some cases on the soaking time and on the medium, and is not clearly linked to the polymer type, the contact area or the colors of the particles.

Muscle and liver tissues from Italian heavy pigs were analyzed to investigate whether the chronic consumption of these products by local consumers could represent a health risk in relation to the contamination by some toxic metals and metalloids (TMMs). The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sn, U, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer, while Hg analysis was performed by using a mercury analyzer. Fe, Zn, and Cu were the most abundant elements in both tissues, while U was detected only at ultra-trace levels. As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, U, and Zn showed significantly higher concentrations in livers compared to muscles (p ≤ 0.01), with Cd and Cu being 60- and 9-fold more concentrated in the hepatic tissue. Despite this, concentrations of all TMMs were found to be very low in all the samples to the point that the resulting estimated dietary intakes did not suggest any food safety concern. Indeed, intakes were all below the toxicological health-based guidance values or resulted in low margins of exposure. Nevertheless, in the calculation of the worst-case exposure scenario, the children’s estimated intake of Cd, Fe, and Zn through the sole consumption of pig liver contributed to more than 23, 38, and 39% of the tolerable weekly intakes of these elements, while the combined consumption of pig liver and pig muscle to more than 24, 46, and 76%. These findings alert about the probability of exceeding the toxicological guidance values of Cd, Fe, and Zn though the whole diet, suggesting long-term negative health effects for the younger population.

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The health sector has undergone numerous changes in recent decades that have led to a number of new threats to the health of nurses, as well as new challenges that the field of occupational safety and health needs to overcome. Nursing is the largest of the healthcare professions that is, due to the nature of work, exposed to a large number of potentially dangerous situations and substances. Nursing is characterized by a high sense of personal satisfaction and achievement, but a dynamic work environment witch involving different employee profiles and highly specialized technology, can led to significant health risk, while healthcare sector need healthy nurses to provide quality care to patients. This paper will outline the most important critical points of nursing injury risk, which include various stressors associated with direct patient care such as ergonomic, biological, chemical, physical and psychosocial risks. For this review and analysis, we did a comprehensive literature search in Croatia, Europe and the world by searching the PubMed, Google Scholar, Elseviar, UpToDate and other keyword-based databases from 2000 to 2019. The literature review shows that the occupational safety and health of nurses is very complex and requires in-depth analysis and identification of risks and persons at risk, risk evaluation and prioritization, planning of preventive actions, implementation of actions, and documentation, monitoring and verification of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans interact with thousands of chemicals. This study aims to identify substances of emerging concern and in need of human health risk evaluations. Sixteen pooled human serum samples were constructed from 25 individual samples each from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Clinical Research Unit. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) × GC/time-of-flight (TOF)-mass spectrometry (MS) in a suspect screening analysis, with follow-up confirmation analysis of 19 substances. A standard reference material blood sample was also analyzed through the confirmation process for comparison. The pools were stratified by sex (female and male) and by age (≤45 and >45). Publicly available information on potential exposure sources was aggregated to annotate presence in serum as either endogenous, food/nutrient, drug, commerce, or contaminant. Of the 544 unique substances tentatively identified by spectral matching, 472 were identified in females, while only 271 were identified in males. Surprisingly, 273 of the identified substances were found only in females. It is known that behavior and near-field environments can drive exposures, and this work demonstrates the existence of exposure sources uniquely relevant to females.

This study has been carried out to determine the uranium concentration associated with physicochemical parameters and water quality index during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon of Bemetara district to correlate the quality of water for public health. The correlation matrix has been applied for the determination of the correlation value to find out the relationship of uranium with water quality parameters. The uranium levels in water samples range from 1.15 to 83.5 µg/L and 0.68 to 96.08 µg/L during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, respectively. The uranium concentration of few samples exceeds the safe limit of 30 µg/L prescribed by World Health Organization 2011. A positive correlation of uranium concentration with total hardness and total dissolved solids during both monsoons has been observed. The lifetime cancer risk varied from 0.07 × 10−6 to 5.06 × 10−6 and 0.04 × 10−6 to 5.82 × 10−6 in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period, respectively, which is lower than the maximum permissible limit (< 10−3). The corresponding values of hazard quotient of 21 samples in pre-monsoon and 16 samples in post-monsoon were found to be greater than unity, which indicates a significant risk due to chemical toxicity. The observed results clearly showed that there is no harmful effect by radiological risk, but chemical risk can affect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is currently considered a global pollutant, which also has a negative impact on the health of people who are exposed to it. Among its most serious effects are affectations at the level of the nervous system, which is why it is considered a public health problem that requires adequate attention. Mercury can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation and absorption, which is why populations exposed to activities such as small-scale mining represent an important risk factor on which strategies must be established to mitigate mercury exposure.Taking the foregoing into account, this review article presents the progress and trends of 50 articles consulted from different indexed journals, both nationally and at the Latin American and international level. The evidence is clear: the intervention of largerscale strategies is urgent to control mercury contamination of food and water supplies and prevent serious damage to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]