Search

BACKGROUND: The New Jersey Safe Schools Program (NJSS) offers an online professional development certification course, titled "Designing and Implementing Student Training Plans," for NJ high school (HS) teachers developing secondary school student work‐based learning (WBL) programs. WBL provides students opportunities to engage in career‐related field tasks, aligned to curricular instruction. METHODS: In January‐July 2021, during 7 cohorts of trainings, questions in the training's assignment gauged teacher and student concerns regarding worksite placements during the COVID‐19 pandemic, learning delivery format preferences, and alternative activities for WBL credit. RESULTS: In January‐July 2021, 68 of 134 HS teachers (51%) were concerned placing students in WBL and indicated "no" and "I don't know" (37% and 31%, respectively) about employer willingness to offer virtual mentorship during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study presents insights of newly credentialed WBL supervisory HS teachers regarding impacts of COVID‐19 on student health and workplace safety, preferred WBL formats, and potential implementation of COVID‐19 safety trainings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite positive health outcomes associated with physical activity as well as individual and team sports, poor indoor air and environmental quality can adversely affect human health, performance, and comfort. We conducted a 14-month field case study incorporating two winter sports regular seasons (12/2017-2/2019) including analyses of particulate matter (PMx) in air and in dust, carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and relative humidity (RH%) during secondary or high school wrestling activities in southern New Jersey, USA. After planning and piloting methods during the first winter sports regular season (12/2017-2/2018), during the second winter sports regular season (1-2/2019), we conducted a purposeful simultaneous real-time sampling midgymnasium adjacent to the wrestling mats. Gymnasium occupancy ranged 100-500 people. Data collected included inhalable PM10 resuspended from floor mats, fine respirable PM2.5, and indoor CO2, temperature, and RH%. Short-term real-time elevated PM10 levels were directly compared with simultaneously documented wrestling match bouts, e.g., student-athlete takedowns and pins. PM10 and PM2.5 levels were compared with other known documented activities indoors (e.g., snack bar) and sources outdoors (e.g., adjacent parking lot and major freeway). To understand CO2, temperature, and RH% data, we characterized the HS gym mechanical ventilation system-no doors or windows outdoors-and recorded occupancy during match hours. Indoor CO2 levels ranged ∼700-1000 ppm during match #1 on 1/23/2019 but ranged from ∼900 to 1900 ppm during match #2 on 1/30/2019, with >1000 ppm for the majority of the time (and throughout the entire varsity match when occupancy was at maximum). Future research should further characterize PM10 constituents in mat dust and indoor air with larger samples of schools and matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor settled dust may result in substantial human exposure to chemicals, especially by ingestion following hand‐to‐mouth or hand‐to‐object‐to‐mouth contact. As with other environmental media related to exposure, dust may thus be subject to regulation. An international scientific workshop was convened in Paris in September 2019 firstly to assess the relevance for public health of setting guidelines for indoor settled dust, and secondly to discuss scientific and technical challenges related to such guidelines. The main discussions and conclusions, with consensus achieved, are reported herein. Discussions concerned general considerations, objectives and definitions, relevance for a health‐based guideline, units of measure, and finally derivation of the guideline. These points should be addressed when considering an indoor settled dust guideline as part of a policy to reduce exposure indoors to a given chemical or group of chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 2017-2019 project started with a systematic assessment of three independent environmental and occupational healthrelated doctoral (PhD) programs, which are sponsored by different agencies, institutes, and schools within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: Exposure Science, Toxicology, and Environmental Health. In addition, we examined other graduate and undergraduate environment-related schools, departments, divisions, and institutes with degree programs (majors and minors) and certificate programs at Rutgers. Then, we conducted a survey of students. Data collected can result in enhancements to connections between entities, with multiple potential benefits. For example, for Rutgers School of Public Health, data can inform efforts to increase student applications to both master's and doctoral programs, as well as increase faculty participation in teaching and student advising. The project should result in more qualified student applications from students in their final year of master's programs. Subsequently, acceptances into and matriculations from PhD programs should also increase. Overall, this approach should provide more continuity of scholarship at schools, institutes and/or other environmental programs at Rutgers. In summary, this project's data can help support positive yet complex relationships across engaged entities at Rutgers and inform other U.S. environmental health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to an article published in the journal about the topic of the removal of sources of significant outdoor air pollution and the benefits to mitigating or preventing asthma and to public health in general is presented.

BACKGROUND: Despite increased awareness of concussions, epidemiologic surveillance efforts have been scarce, especially among adolescents. This project, which was developed with school stakeholders (certified athletic trainers [ATCs], nurses, athletic directors), piloted a public secondary school‐based online surveillance tool for interscholastic and intramural sports and physical education‐related concussions in New Jersey during 2014‐2017 school years (SY). METHODS: Participating public high schools (5 within 4 districts) and career‐technical‐vocational education districts (2 with 5 campuses) completed forms anonymously online via PsychData within 5 days. RESULTS: There were 208 concussions reported, 115 in 2015‐2016 SY and 93 in 2016‐2017 SY. In fall 2015, 86 concussions were reported, including 16 from summer preseason. In fall 2016, 56 concussions were reported; 3 occurred during preseason. There were 7 concussions reported in winter 2016 and 16 in winter 2017. Twenty‐two concussions were reported in spring of both 2016 and 2017. Most online forms were completed in <10 minutes, usually using either desktop computers or tablets/iPads. School nurses followed by ATCs were primary sources of data entered online, usually by ATCs. CONCLUSIONS: Cooperation of nurses and ATCs at participating schools suggested online surveillance was valued and viable. Data inform future concussion prevention education and ongoing injury surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) requires by law for accidents/incidents (injury) involving career-technical-vocational education (CTE) students and staff to be reported within five business days to the NJ Safe Schools Program (NJSS) using an online surveillance system. NJ public schools and charter schools (CS) through school districts (SD) or county offices report school data annually to NJDOE, including per pupil spending (PPS). In this study, we examined potential associations of PPS with several variables on injury in NJ: injury cause, injury location on the body, injury type, injury severity, use of PPE, and location of treatment for injury.Methods: PPS data for December 1998-June 2015 from CTE SDs (one per NJ county, n = 21), four CS SD and eight county special services districts were analyzed. T-test examined potential differences in PPS regarding injury severity and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Stepwise logistic regression assessed potential associations between PPS and various injury surveillance variables.Results: There were more CTE injuries reported among SD with lower PPS than among SD with higher PPS. Relatively less severe injuries, e.g., bruise/bumps and cuts/lacerations, more often occurred at schools and SD with higher PPS. Conversely, relatively more severe injuries, e.g., fractures, more often occurred at schools and SD with lower PPS.Conclusion: Future research should further investigate disparities regarding younger worker injuries reported within school-based career-technical-vocational education programs by PPS and other factors like sex or gender, severity, safety training provided and work experience at time of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increased awareness of concussions among student-athletes, local epidemiologic surveillance efforts are limited, especially among adolescents. We analyzed data reported through a state public-school-based online surveillance tool during the fall (summer preseason and regular season), winter, and spring seasons of the 2015-2017 school years at seven participating public high schools across New Jersey. Concussions were sustained during interscholastic and intramural sports and in physical education classes. There were 208 concussions: 142 in fall (123 regular season), 22 in winter (21 regular season), and 44 in spring. Reports stated 75% were first concussions, but 17% were second and 2% were third concussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performances of a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) lead paint analyzer (RMD LPA-1, Protec Instrument Corp., Waltham, MA) and a commercially available colorimetric lead test kit (First Alert Lead Test Kit, eAccess Solutions, Inc., Palatine, IL) were evaluated for use by local or state health departments as potential cost-effective rapid analysis or “spot test” field techniques for tentative identification of lead content in sindoor powders. For both field-sampling methods, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values varied widely for samples containing <300,000 µg/g lead. For samples containing ≥300,000 µg/g lead, the aforementioned metrics were 100% (however, the CIs had a wide range). In addition, both field sampling methods showed clear, consistent positive readings only for samples containing ≥300,000 µg/g lead. Even samples with lead content as high as 5,110 µg/g were not positively identified by either field analysis technique. The results of this study suggest the XRF analyzer and colorimetric lead test kit cannot be used as a rapid field test for sindoor by health department inspectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are underrepresented fields in both undergraduate-level (UG) and graduate-level public health (PH) professional preparation in the United States. Demand for employment and a diversified work force in PH is growing. To understand how well UG students are aware of and knowledgeable about PH, a survey was conducted at a large urban statewide public university in the Northeastern United States. Students solicited to participate in the anonymous online survey conducted in PsychData were first- and second-year undeclared major UG students during March to April 2015 (spring semester). Of 138 consenting respondents, there were 101 validated, complete sets of responses. Variables included student course enrollment, whether parental occupation influences student choice of majors, and perceived quality of available curricula. More UG students were enrolled in introductory statistics among the PH-related courses asked about; those courses fulfilled multiple UG major requirements and could play greater roles in student awareness of PH, that is, opportunities via PH faculty/staff/guest lectures. Implications of findings include providing students hands-on experiences late in high school and early UG years, and advisors mentioning PH to students interested in basic sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This cross-sectional field study evaluated potential associations between acute symptoms among nail technicians and exposure of chemical hazards in New Jersey salons. Methods: In 2016, an in-person safety and health survey was conducted. Data were gathered on symptoms, demographics, work history, tobacco use, area and/or task ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and safety training. Workplace hazards were identified by observational survey during site visit walk-throughs. Results: Of the 68 respondents from 40 participating salons whose owners agreed to participate (35% salon-level participation), mostwere Asian females with a self-reported history of work-associated eye, nose, throat, and skin symptoms. Few workers used personal protective equipment. Most workers had not received training in their primary language. Conclusions: Nail salon workers need comprehensive chemical use training. More research is needed to determine extent of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the effectiveness of using an online delivery mechanism to deliver just-in-time personal protective equipment (PPE) training to career clusters viewed as high-hazard industries. The study uses the Moodle learning management system (LMS) online platform to deliver the training. It concludes that PPE training to young workers in these industries is important, and must address the specific needs of the respective industry.

Though physiological effects of exposure to airborne lead on cognitive function and crime have been discussed in literature, to date, no studies examined other outdoor or ambient air pollutants and their potential impact on reported crime. Data were collected through open public records provided by study location municipalities to assess the impact of outdoor air pollution on daily crime rates in Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine associations between outdoor air concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) including fi ne (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) respirable fractions, ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) with several types of crime along with weather variables known to correlate with air pollution concentrations and/or impact crime. Increased PM2.5 was associated with increases in assault, damage, and theft crimes. Pollutants known to cause irritation, like PM10 and O3, were associated with decreases in crime rates. Weather variables were also found to be associated with increases in crime rates when apparent temperature, cloud cover, visibility, and wind speed increased from the 25th to 75th percentile of measurements. Additional research to further understand potential relationships between outdoor air quality and crime is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There have been several studies of safety and health risks of employees of hair and nail salons, but less is known about client perception of these risks, or whether salon hazards pose safety and health (S&H) risks to salon clients. We assessed perceived S&H risks and prevalence of respiratory and dermal symptoms among hair and nail salon clients in New Jersey (NJ). Methods A questionnaire was administered to salon clients in three NJ counties in person or on-line. The questionnaire included a previously validated risk perception quiz (RPQ) and collected client data on: fungal, dermal, and respiratory symptom occurrence; knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of biological and chemical hazards in salons; demographics; hair/nail salon usage frequency. Respondent knowledge, attitudes, and awareness and disease prevalence were described. Dermal symptom prevalence and risk perception were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Results Among 90 respondents most were female (94.4%) and non-Hispanic white (67.8%). Fifty-two percent reported dermal or fungal symptoms. In both descriptive and multivariate analyses dermal/fungal symptoms were more prevalent among clients who visited three times within the past year compared with those with fewer reported visits (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.42, 12.56). Respiratory symptom prevalence was higher among clients with fewer reported visits, indicating a “healthy client effect”; clients with these symptoms may be less likely to return. From the 12-question RPQ sub-set of the survey, scores were slightly higher among clients who visited salons ≥3 times within the past year, although not statistically significant (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.49, 3.93). Conclusions Results establish an improved understanding of salon S&H client knowledge. The study suggested clients who utilized hair and nail salons more frequently had increased occurrence of dermal and fungal symptoms. More studies are needed to confirm and expand our findings, to inform trainings and interventions to improve client risk perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrospective descriptive secondary analyses of data from relationships of indoor, outdoor, and personal air (RIOPA) study homes (in Houston, Texas; Los Angeles County, California; and, Elizabeth, New Jersey May 1999-February 2001) were conducted. Data included air exchange rates, associations between indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, and calculated apparent temperature and humidex. Analyses examined if study homes provided optimum thermal comfort for residents during both heating and cooling seasons when compared to current American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standards 62/62.1 and 55. Results suggested outdoor temperature, humidex, and apparent temperature during the cooling season potentially served as indicators of indoor personal exposure to parameters of thermal comfort. Outdoor temperatures, humidex, and apparent temperature during the cooling season had statistically significant predictive abilities in predicting indoor temperature. During the heating season, only humidex in Texas and combined data across study states were statistically significant, but with weaker to moderate predicative ability. The high degree of correlation between outdoor and indoor environmental variables provided support for the validity of epidemiologic studies of weather relying on temporal comparisons. Results indicated most RIOPA study residents experienced thermal comfort; however, many values indicated how several residents may have experienced some discomfort depending on clothing and indoor activities. With climate change, increases in temperature are expected, with more days of extreme heat and humidity and, potentially harsher, longer winters. Homes being built or modernized should be created with the appropriate guidelines to provide comfort for residents daily and in extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), including particulate matter (PM) in respirable coarse and fine size fractions (PM10 and PM2.5), is known to have exposure effects on human health and environment. Real-time PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were collected from the study locations in Bangkok, Thailand, using TSI AM510 particle counters. Temperature and % relative humidity (%RH) were also collected. Data were compared to data from the closest station of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand. Real-time mean concentration varied from 86 to 1107 µg/m3(PM10) and varied from 25 to 664 µg/m3(PM2.5). In addition, real-time mean PM10 (223.1 µg/m3) was nearly four times greater than that measured by the PCD station, 60 µg/m3. Temperature and %RH from real-time air monitoring and PCD station were comparable. In each study location (five locations, two in morning and afternoon/evening), there were significant positive correlations between PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and significant negative correlations between temperature and RH%. Results suggested that outdoor TRAP via measured real-time PM concentrations were more realistic exposure concentration estimates among street vendors as related to respiratory and other symptoms than data obtained from PCD station. Nevertheless, PM10 as measured by the PCD station might be a reasonable surrogate for estimated outdoor PM2.5 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, causing major power outages, flooded roads, and disruption of public transportation. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes may be especially vulnerable to natural disasters because of limited access to medications or use of glucose monitoring devices. We examined changes in emergency room visits (ERVs) for type II diabetes mellitus potentially associated with Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Data analyzed in 2014 included ERVs to general acute care hospitals in New Jersey among residents of three counties with a primary or secondary type II diabetes diagnosis (PDD or SDD) in 2011-2012. Compared to the previous year, results showed an 84% increased rate of PDD ERVs during the week of Hurricane Sandy, after adjusting for age and sex (rate ratio (RR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 3.04). Results were nonsignificant for SDD (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.83, 1.08). Spatial analysis showed the increase in visits was not consistently associated with flood zone areas. We observed substantial increases in ERVs for primary type II diabetes diagnoses associated with Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Future public health preparedness efforts during storms should include planning for the healthcare needs of populations living with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Worldwide, over 200 million children are involved in child labor, with another 20 million children subjected to forced labor, leading to acute and chronic exposures resulting in safety and health (S&H) risks, plus removal from formal education and play. This review summarized S&H issues in child labor, including forced or indentured domestic labor as other sectors of child labor. Specifically, we focused on exposures leading to S&H risks. Methods. We used PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. References were in English, published in 1990-2015, and included data focused on exposures and S&H concerns of child labor. Results. Seventy-six journal articles were identified, 67 met criteria, 57 focused on individual countries, and 10 focused on data from multiple countries (comparing 3-83 countries). Major themes of concern were physical exposures including ergonomic hazards, chemical exposure hazards, and missed education. Childhood labor, especially forced, exploitative labor, created a significant burden on child development, welfare, and S&H. Conclusions. More field researche data emphasizing longitudinal quantitative effects of exposures and S&H risks are needed. Findings warranted developing policies and educational interventions with proper monitoring and evaluation data collection, plus multiple governmental, international organization and global economic reform efforts, particularly in lower-income, less developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injuries involving career-technical-vocational education (CTE) are reported to the New Jersey Safe Schools Program online reporting system, the only U.S. State law-based surveillance data for young workers (ages twenty-one and younger), a susceptible, vulnerable adolescent sub-population.Methods: We examined potential associations between socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and high school student injuries reported between 12/1998-12/2013, excluding injuries acquired by staff members. Associations between DFG score-a proxy for school/district SES-and variables relating to reported injuries, including severity, injury type, injury cause, body parts injured, injury treatment setting and demographics were examined with chi square test (X(2)) for independence and logistic regression. To assess potential associations between SES and personal protective equipment (PPE), data were stratified by 2003-2008 and 2008-2013, given mandated payment by employers of PPE for employees.Results: Statistically significant associations were found between SES and injury cause [X(2) = (7, 14.74), p = 0.04] and SES and injury treatment setting [X(2) = (1, 4.76), p = 0.03]. Adjusted odds ratio suggested students from low SES schools were at a higher odds of being treated at a hospital emergency department (ED) than students from high SES schools (95 % CI 1.3-4.3, p < 0.01).Conclusions: These findings indicated low SES schools/districts have increased odds of being treated at ED, after controlling for injury severity. Future research should focus on implications such associations have on health care access and insurance for young workers and their families. With small sample sizes representing lower DFG scoring (SES) schools/districts, additional efforts should be enacted to increase injury reporting in these schools/districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the extent of lead content of sindoor, a powder used by Hindus for religious and cultural purposes, which has been linked to childhood lead poisoning when inadvertently ingested. Methods: We purchased 95 samples of sindoor from 66 South Asian stores in New Jersey and 23 samples from India and analyzed samples with atomic absorption spectrophotometry methods for lead. Results: Analysis determined that 79 (83.2%) sindoor samples purchased in the United States and 18 (78.3%) samples purchased in India contained 1.0 ormoremicrograms of lead per gram of powder. ForUS samples, geometric mean concentration was 5.4micrograms per gramcompared with 28.1microgramsper gram for Indiasamples. Themaximumlead content detected in both US and India samples was more than 300 000 micrograms per gram. Of the examined USsindoor samples,19%containedmore than 20micrograms per gram of lead (US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] limit); 43% of the India samples exceeded this limit. Conclusions: Results suggested continued need for lead monitoring in sindoor in the United States and in sindoor carried into the United States by travelers from India, despite FDA warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Salon Safety Quiz (SSQ) was developed in 2012 by New Jersey Safe Schools (NJSS) Program in conjunction with Georgia Tech Research Institute. The SSQ is intended to be a teaching tool and a starting point for discussion between cosmetology teachers and their students concerning health risks and hazards faced by salon workers. “Young Worker Safety and Health Training for the Cosmetology Industry” trainings conducted in both New Jersey (NJ) and Georgia (GA) utilized the SSQ as a pre-/post-assessment tool to gauge baseline knowledge on safety and health topics, as well as knowledge gained after trainings. Topics covered in the trainings include child labor laws and safety and health hazards for salon workers focusing on chemical safety and ergonomics. Pre- and post-aggregate data between April and September 2013 were analyzed for NJ and GA. There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-mean scores for both NJ ( p < 0.001) and GA ( p = 0.004), and for mean post-test scores between NJ and GA ( p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference between mean scores for both states between pre- and post-test scores for both 9th and 10th graders and 11th and 12th graders. Students in both states particularly had issues with identifying biological hazards, knowledge of the correct placement of fire extinguishers, how to prevent tripping hazards, and knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's hazard communication standard and top cited salon offenses. Results can help guide objectives, specific sub-topics, and new activities for students in future young cosmetology worker trainings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In-vehicle air quality (IVAQ) can be a major health concern due to factors such as urban sprawl and increased commuting time spent by individuals in vehicles. Few studies, particularly in the U.S., have considered in-vehicle toxic air contaminants, and none to date collected/analyzed field data in multiple communities across multiple climate zones. This study presents analyses of field data collected during the RIOPA Study from participating non-smoking adults for communities in Los Angeles County, CA, Elizabeth, NJ and Houston, TX. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in in-vehicle formaldehyde concentrations was observed, with the median concentration of in-vehicle formaldehyde in the CA communities about twice as high as in the NJ and TX communities. The highest median concentration of in-vehicle acetaldehyde was observed among the TX participants, over 40% higher than the overall study median. Given small sample sizes, the community (state) differences may be driven independently by differences in individual vehicle conditions and driving habits. Positive correlations were found between average community outdoor relative humidity in CA and NJ and in-vehicle formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations. The amount of time car windows were reported as closed was inversely correlated with in-vehicle formaldehyde across study locations, and for in-vehicle acetaldehyde in CA and TX. Average wind speed and varying sky conditions also had suggested associations to in-vehicle formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. In CA and TX, 88% (7/8) of participants with a diagnosis of bronchitis reported at study baseline had in-vehicle formaldehyde concentrations greater than the overall study median. Every participant with diagnoses of both asthma and bronchitis (n = 3) reported at study baseline had in-vehicle formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations above the overall study median; one participant in TX with two seasonal in-vehicle samplings had in-vehicle concentrations > 75th percentile. IVAQ during commuting may vary based on human behavior and meteorological factors. Additional studies are needed to further characterize ways to help reduce in-vehicle aldehyde exposures, especially for people with existing chronic respiratory illnesses who could experience symptom exacerbations upon such exposures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The New Jersey (NJ) Safe Schools Task Force on Cosmetology 2010–2012 developed a Salon Safety Quiz (SSQ) to assess baseline knowledge and awareness about safety and health (S&H) in salons, particularly concerning chemicals found in hair, nail and skin care products and ergonomics. A 25 question quiz was distributed to cosmetology students in Georgia (GA) and NJ. Most students selected correct answers regarding hygiene, personal protective equipment and S&H risks. Many students were able to identify procedures to prevent chemical exposures but only about 34% and 66% students in GA and in NJ, respectively, were aware that they should not provide pedicure services to customers with broken skin. While students answered some questions about ergonomics correctly, about 32% (GA) and 16% (NJ) of students thought high heels were appropriate occupational footwear. Moreover, 44% of GA students and 58% from NJ incorrectly reported fire extinguishers should be kept in back rooms. Future SSQ use as a learning tool or training pre-/post-test, not as a graded assessment, is recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Concentrations of radon in homes are thought to be dependent on several factors, including the presence of certain physical conditions of the house that act as entry points for this colorless, odorless gas. Drains and sump pits are currently sealed as part of radon mitigation, but doing so may cause drainage problems and mold. The authors attempted to determine if specific attributes and physical conditions of homes are associated with measured residential concentrations of radon. Radon tests were conducted in 96 participating homes in rural Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, November 2010-February 2011. Samplers were placed and a walk-through survey was conducted. Test devices were analyzed by a New Jersey certified radon testing laboratory and results compared to survey data. Overall, 50% of houses with a perimeter drain and 30% of houses with a sump pit exceeded the New Jersey and federal radon action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter, and 47% of homes with both a sump and a perimeter "French" drain exceeded this action level. The authors' results suggested certain physical conditions act as pathways allowing radon entry into homes. Results could be used by local and state agencies to start local initiatives, e.g., increased testing or to seal these components as partial mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injuries have become an important indicator of safety and risks to health in the laboratory, but few studies have examined injuries among undergraduate chemistry students. Respiratory and mucous membrane irritation due to exposures were also important potential outcomes of present concern, because they were potentially related to factors such as physician-diagnosed asthma and smoking. The present study, with a cross-sectional design, implemented an anonymous online survey among a sample of students enrolled in general chemistry and first semester organic chemistry laboratory courses from a single northeastern university. Survey questions were assimilated from existing validated national surveys or developed (and approved by Institutional Review Boards) to obtain demographic information, acute injury status, respiratory irritation and mucous membrane irritation symptoms due to exposures in academic chemistry laboratories, physician-diagnosed asthma, primary active smoking, and secondary passive smoking. A Likert-scale was created to assess behavioral risk factors (BRF). A prepared recruitment email was sent to 1,704 undergraduate students enrolled in either general chemistry laboratory or organic chemistry laboratory in the winter–spring semester, 2012; 319 participants completed the online survey during the 27-day data collection period (response rate 18.7%). Two hundred and sixty-five valid records were analyzed. Prevalence of current semester injury (11%) and also current semester respiratory irritation (22%) in the winter–spring, 2012 semester were elevated. Analysis of variance models suggested gender, course of enrollment, birth year, and class standing were significantly related to BRF scores. Current semester injury and also current semester respiratory irritation during laboratory courses were not significantly related to BRF scores. Current semester respiratory irritation during laboratory courses was not significantly related to asthma after controlling for primary active and secondary passive smoking. Further applied research into undergraduate sciences laboratory safety and health evaluations are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Many fungi may cause allergic reactions and increase asthma symptoms prevalence and severity. One susceptible, vulnerable population subgroup of increasing size in industrialized countries and of public health concern who spends the majority of their time at home is older adults. Older adults diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of exposure to fungi. Currently, species identification is based on observation of microscopic and macroscopic morphologies, which may underestimate concentrations compared to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based measurements which are toxicologically more relevant to exposure science. Methods. This article analyzes quantitative indoor exposure data on fungi in floor dust (cells/cm2 floor) by real-time qPCR-based detection with quantitative outcome data via field spirometry in a pilot community-based study in Visalia, Tulare County, California, between July 2009 and January 2010. Subjects ( n = 9, five females, four males) were Caucasian, English-speaking, nonsmoking older adults with doctor-diagnosed asthma and/or COPD. Results. While certain results did not reach statistical significance ( p ≤ .10) due to sample size-overall and by gender-we found consistent trends and statistically significant associations for total fungal DNA (summer data) with forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Conclusions. The results of this pilot study are novel and suggest adverse effects of exposure inside homes to certain fungal species. This pilot study supports the need for larger prospective epidemiologic studies of older adults with asthma and/or chronic bronchitis based on quantitative environmental and clinical measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We can control asthma through proper clinical and environmental management and education. The U.S. population is growing, urbanizing and aging; seniors of low-to-middle income families are working and living longer. We conducted community-based participatory research in Visalia, Tulare County, California with a prospective, cross-sectional repeated measures design and quantitative and qualitative process; home environment and health-related outcomes data were collected. In this paper, we presented results of the air quality sampling—pollen, carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM) outdoors away from most major sources (agricultural fields, large pollinating trees, etc)—at a community central site close to a mobile line source and participant homes in the cooling season, July, 2009. Weather was hot and dry with light winds; diurnal variation ranged between 65–107°F (18–42°C) and 12–76% relative humidity at the study’s central site. Co-located active (reference) and passive (PAAS) samplers were used for pollen; passive monitoring for CO2 (Telaire 7001) and active sampling for PM were conducted. Overall, we observed spatial variability in CO2, fine PM (PM2.5), and pollen counts. Weekday and study week average CO2 and PM2.5 concentrations were higher near study homes compared to central site sampling points, but peak measures and overnight/pre-dawn time period averages were elevated at the central site. Pollen counts were typically lower at homes—even if grass, trees, flowers or potted plants were present—compared to the central site closer to and generally downwind from commercial agricultural tree production. Data are new; the nine-county San Joaquin Valley has one pollen count station in the national network, and two of four government outdoor air monitoring stations in the county are in national parks. We suggest—given poor air quality in large part due to PM—adding routine pollen counts to regional/state agency air monitoring sites and more CO2 and PM monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents data on work-related injuries to minors in New Jersey who participate in school-sponsored vocational programs such as structured learning experiences (SLEs). An overview is given of New Jersey child labor laws and the New Jersey Safe Schools Program that requires schools to report minor worker injuries to the state. Researchers studied factors such as age, gender, and type of activity in hopes that the data would help to develop safer youth occupational safety practices.

Globally, urbanization has been occurring more rapidly in small-to-medium-sized cities in less-developed countries of Africa and Asia. Studies have suggested associations between traffic and industry-related air pollutants and adverse health outcomes. These chemical and physical exposure agents have also received increased attention for environmental quality concerns like global climate change. Most research to date, however, was conducted in larger industrialized country urban centers. Ibadan, Nigeria, is a historic city characterized by urban sprawl and increasing modernization as an academic and medical training center but is lacking in the implementation of environmental laws. The authors conducted their first training in Ibadan, Nigeria, May 19-23, 2008, based on initial collaborative work during 2006-2008 as well as a trip in mid-March 2007. They describe the rationale for and components of the training, likely one of the first of its kind in Africa. The title of the training was "Advances in Community Outdoor and Indoor Air and Environmental Quality Monitoring and Exposure Assessment." Content was multimedia and interdisciplinary. The authors included lectures, group discussions, field experiences at community and industrial sites with cross-sectional environmental monitoring, and planned pilot studies including master's thesis projects based on real-time, grant-funded monitoring equipment provided to the University of Ibadan, including protocol development demonstrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The purpose of this analysis was to examine potential associations between absence, extended (repeated) absence, tardiness, and repeated tardiness from school and doctor-diagnosed asthma. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected in fall 2007 on 914 4th and 5th grade school children from seven randomly selected participating schools in DeKalb County, GA. ANOVA was used to compare attendance metrics for race, gender, and asthma status groups. Nonparametric Kruskal--Wallis statistical tests were also done because distributions of attendance metrics were skewed. We tallied daily absence data during the study period and examined absence by day of week. We also compared the variation of the weekly rate of absence and tardiness for students with asthma versus students without asthma over the study period. Results. The mean days of absence in 86 students with asthma was 2.73 days compared with 1.89 days for 828 children without asthma ( p == .004). There was no significant difference in mean days of tardiness by asthma status. The difference in the number of instances of 2++ consecutive days of absence (extended absence) by asthma status was not significant. Students with asthma were more likely to be absent on Mondays ( p == .005), Tuesdays ( p == .001), and Fridays ( p == .02) than students without asthma. The weekly rate of tardiness for students with asthma trended with the general student study population over the study period, whereas the weekly rate of absence did not. Conclusions. Asthma was associated with increased 1-day absences but not longer absences or tardiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated built environment (BE) factors in urban neighborhoods in DeKalb County, Georgia. Each volunteering, consenting senior was placed into one of two groups: walking tours outside, then discussions (n = 37); and focus group discussions indoors about photographs of BE conditions potentially influencing mobility (n = 43). The authors sought to identify BE factors--both real and perceived by participating seniors--related to their ability to walk around senior wellness centers in a healthy and safe manner. The authors focused specifically on available literature and pilot study data for their concept of 'safe senior zones' around senior wellness centers serving urban communities in this article. They also characterized their study population regarding sociodemographic variables and doctor-diagnosed chronic diseases, and types of walking aids reported used to help prevent falls. Their results can inform future applied practice and research on traffic-related exposures and BE factors concerning seniors, and support policy and planning to benefit community environmental public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated built environment (BE) factors in urban neighborhoods in DeKalb County, Georgia. Each volunteering, consenting senior was placed into one of two groups: walking tours outside, then discussions (n = 37); and focus group discussions indoors about photographs of BE conditions potentially influencing mobility (n = 43). The authors sought to identify BE factors--both real and perceived by participating seniors--related to their ability to walk around senior wellness centers in a healthy and safe manner. The authors focused specifically on available literature and pilot study data for their concept of "safe senior zones" around senior wellness centers serving urban communities in this article. They also characterized their study population regarding sociodemographic variables and doctor-diagnosed chronic diseases, and types of walking aids reported used to help prevent falls. Their results can inform future applied practice and research on traffic-related exposures and BE factors concerning seniors, and support policy and planning to benefit community environmental public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults have been increasingly motivated to compete in recreational endurance sports events. Amateurs may lack a complete understanding of recommended strategies for handling heat and humidity, making heat-related illnesses increasingly possible. This is compounded by global climate change and increasing average surface and air temperatures, especially in urban areas of industrialized nations in Europe and North America that have hosted most events to date. We conducted an on-line, secure survey at the 2nd Annual ING Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2008. We included previously validated questions on participant socio-demographics, training locations, and knowledge and awareness of heat-related illnesses. Participants were aware of heat illnesses, and of heat stroke as a serious form of heat stress. However, the majority, across age and gender, did not understand the potential severity of heat stroke. Furthermore, 1-in-5 participants did not understand the concept of heat stress as a form of heat-related illness, and how heat stress may result from buildup of muscle-generated heat in the body. Adult recreational endurance athletes are another susceptible, vulnerable population sub-group for applied research and public health educational interventions, especially in urban areas of industrialized nations in Europe and North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Student health, well-being, and productivity are determined in part by attending school daily. Increased annual average daily attendance (ADA) increases public funding for school district–based enrichment programs. Asthma is reported as the number 1 cause of American school absenteeism due to chronic illness; however, only limited, estimated national data exist. Accurate, precise ways to assess potential disparities in disease-driven absence do not yet exist. The authors summarize part of their community-based participatory research (CBPR), namely planning then testing a set of matching field sheet (data collection) and computer-based spreadsheets (database) based on previous school-based research to track attendance and reasons for absence. Methods: The CBPR process occurred mid-2005 to mid-2008, with final activities in DeKalb County, Georgia, August–December 2007 (fall semester) for this portion. The authors tracked absence, with an ability to examine data overall and at classroom, grade, and school levels by gender, race/ethnicity, and doctor-diagnosed asthma as reported to schools on student emergency cards. Results: The authors characterized their study sample, consisting of 914 4th–5th grade children (overall, 9.2% of children with asthma) from seven randomly selected, consenting participating schools ( n = 21 classrooms per grade, 2 to 4 classrooms per grade per school). Six schools used paper versions of tools while one school used electronic versions. The authors presented attendance results in various aggregated manners. Absence was higher (ADA lower) among 4th grade asthmatic students compared to the entire classroom. Conclusions: This study can inform future interdisciplinary school-based research combining health and student academic productivity, adult work performance outcomes, and other measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article related to senior safety zones.

About one in five Americans spends a considerable number of hours in school each week, and thus, is exposed to a variety of environmental agents. Community health nursing professionals require resources and specific training to acquire the environmental knowledge needed to raise personal and community awareness as an enhancement of their practice. Given limited resources for schools and local public health education initiatives, identifying and prioritizing environmental concerns comes before actions to prevent or reduce exposures. With the rise in prevalence of childhood asthma, of special concern are those agents within the school environment that may serve as asthma triggers. This pilot project, within a larger study in a large school district in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, developed and piloted an environmental health priorities survey with school nurses and other school staff about indoor and outdoor microenvironments relevant to school-aged children. Findings indicate that participants (N = 34) could prioritize environmental issues to inform future intervention activities (such as continuing education training), and distinguish predominantly indoor from typical outdoor exposure agents and their major sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Research on air quality in and around schools, and the associated vulnerability of school-age children, is limited in less developed countries (LDCs), particularly Africa. The main objective of this study was to conduct an initial assessment of sources of air pollution in and around schools as a surrogate for air quality and report adverse health effects among students at selected secondary schools in urban Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving eight secondary schools selected purposively, defined with eight acronyms (listed alphabetically): ABHS, AGS, BOHS, CDSS, IGS, LC, MGS, and OAHS. We used pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires, observational checklists to assess certain environmental health indicators, and interviews. The questionnaire was divided into five sections including environmental and health conditions. A total of 400 students from senior secondary classes, 50 from each school, were selected through stratified random sampling. Results. The school's location, especially if close to high traffic roadways, contributed to reported perceived poor air quality of school environments. The majority of students believed air pollution sources in the school environment were mainly refuse burning and car emissions from nearby roadways. Cough and asthma were the most frequently reported adverse health outcomes. The highest prevalence of reported recent asthma episodes (symptoms) were recorded at BOHS (84%) and at CDSS (62%); furthermore, at ABHS it was nearly 1-in-2 students and at OAHS about 1-in-5 students. BOHS and OAHS each reported over 10% for prevalence of bronchitis. Conclusions. Proximity of study schools to certain sources and activities such as refuse burning and major roadways seemed to present substantial risk factors for reported respiratory morbidity among secondary students in urban Ibadan, Nigeria. Future research should quantify source emissions and exposure and further characterize frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms, among other parameters, at schools in Nigeria and other sprawling urban areas of Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the structured learning experience (SLE) supervisory training curriculum coordinated by the New Jersey Safe Schools Program, a project supported by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education. The New Jersey SLE supervisory training program comprises training courses and resources for teachers who supervise secondary school minors (students aged 16 to 18 years and special needs students up to age 21) enrolled in various programs-college preparatory, general education, career and technical education, career academies, and special education. One goal of the program is to enhance knowledge and awareness of legal and scientific occupational safety and health principles to ensure safe, rewarding work experiences inside and outside classrooms. This article describes our experiences and data available from November 2005 to January 2008. We summarize relevant federal and state laws and agencies; potential exposure agents and microenvironments of concern; stakeholders and training partners; process and immediate impact data from SLE supervisory trainings; and lessons learned to inform states that may adopt similar strategies or regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We explored potential effects of cadmium exposure on cardiovascular fitness measures, including gender and racial/ethnic differences. Methods: Data were from the 1999 to 2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES); 1963 participating subjects were included in our analysis. Volume of oxygen consumed at sub-maximum activity (VO2 max) were recorded in a series of graded exercises; the goal was to elicit 75% of predetermined age-specific heart rates. Cadmium from urine samples was measured in the laboratory using standard methods. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine potential relationships. Results: Increased urinary cadmium concentrations were generally associated with decreased estimated VO2 max values. Gender and racial/ethnic differences were also observed. Specifically, associations were statistically significant for white males and Mexican American females. Conclusion: Inverse associations between urinary cadmium concentrations and estimated VO2 max values were observed, including racial and gender differences. The implications of such gender and racial/ethnic differences on long-term cardiovascular health and health disparities of present public health concern warrant further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Most schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, are located near major roads (mobile line sources). We conducted an initial assessment of noise levels and adverse noise-related health and learning effects.Methods: For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, four schools were selected randomly from eight participating in overall project. We administered 200 questionnaires, 50 per school, assessing health and learning-related outcomes. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels, dBA) were measured with calibrated sound level meters. Traffic density was assessed for school with the highest measured dBA. Observational checklists assessed noise control parameters and building physical attributes.Results: Short-term, cross-sectional school-day noise levels ranged 68.3-84.7 dBA. Over 60% of respondents reported that vehicular traffic was major source of noise, and over 70% complained being disturbed by noise. Three schools reported tiredness, and one school lack of concentration, as the most prevalent noise-related health problems.Conclusion: Secondary school occupants in Ibadan, Nigeria were potentially affected by exposure to noise from mobile line sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Although the disease has been associated with some genetic and environmental factors, it has neither clear causes nor clear temporality with respect to exposure. The purpose of this study was to explore potential relationships between MS and outdoor air pollutants in GA. This study used cross-sectional data from the member''s list of the Multiple Sclerosis Society''s GA chapter (MSS-GA), the US Census, and a database of county-level Toxic Release Inventory data (emissions across identified, reporting sources to outdoor air, as a surrogate indicator of potential exposure to a criteria pollutant subject to regulation or to chemical toxicants). The final study population was 9,072,576 people, including 6247 self-reported MS cases from MSS-GA. Cases were stratified by gender and transformed into county-level, self-reported prevalence rates using 2005 US Census estimates. County-level prevalence was displayed using a Geographic Information System. Linear regression was conducted to investigate potential relationships between self-reported MS prevalence rates, census data, and environmental outdoor air pollutant indicators. MS prevalence tended to be clustered within the largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in Georgia, around Atlanta (Fulton County). The best predictive models for the MS prevalence in GA included both per capita income and PM-10 for females, but only per capita income only for males. The clustering of prevalence of MS in the largest MSA of Georgia, after controlling for population distribution, suggested that urban attributes may be associated with MS. The results of this study further suggested a potential role of PM-10 in the etiology of MS in females, perhaps due to the influence of PM-10 on systemic immune response and inflammation. Based on this initial exploratory study, we recommend more basic and clinical exposure research to understand environmental influences on MS. In particular, outdoor air pollutants like particles, and attached chemicals and metals, which have other known adverse cardiopulmonary health outcomes and are subject to federal and state regulations, could be examined using routinely collected outdoor air monitoring station data and/or modeling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This review presents epidemiologic evidence of adverse health effects associated with residential proximity to traffic. Of the 29 peer-reviewed studies that met the authors' defined criteria, 25 reported statistically significant associations with at least one adverse health effect across a broad range of exposure metrics and diverse geographical locations. Specific pollutants contributing to the associated health effects could not, however, be identified, and uncertainties existed because of the lack of individual exposure assessments that could rule out confounding by other factors. Improved exposure assessments and future studies should be considered for better identification of contributing pollutants and mechanisms of action. In the meantime, additional policies, additional regulations, and improved land use and urban planning can better protect the public and limit exposure, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a novel school-based, visual environmental public health educational intervention intended to help reduce the exposure of children — and adults — to outdoor air pollution, including known environmental asthma triggers like ozone and particles. The overarching goal was to enhance the learning, recreational, and work environments of students and staff. The specific purpose of the Asthma-Friendly Outdoor (Ambient) Air Quality Flag Program was to establish an education and communication tool for Central California communities that would accomplish two things: 1) Establish permanent local policy change to existing operating procedures in school districts and schools to help reduce the exposure of students, teachers, staff, and nearby communities to outdoor environmental asthma triggers and 2) provide education on air quality and potential health effects of exposure to air pollutants. Data on the program from its initial years are presented. To date, the following important ' lessons have been learned: 1) Science-based, simple, visual, low-cost school-based educational interventions to help reduce human exposure to outdoor environmental asthma triggers (i.e., ozone, particles, and pollens) can work in socioeconomically and ethnically diverse urban and rural or agricultural communities, and 2) local health and environmental justice groups such as asthma coalitions can successfully lead school-based environmental interventions to help improve children's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's environmental health is a growing, interdisciplinary field of diverse professionals and community members working together in policy advocacy, research, health, and environmental interventions and treatment services. Understanding exposure assessment is central to improving children's health across age, gender, indicators of socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic groups. In general, children are more susceptible and vulnerable to adverse acute and chronic effects due to acute and chronic exposures to environmental toxicants since they eat more food, drink more fluids, and breathe in more air per unit of body weight than adults; their behaviors and rapid developmental changes also contribute to their risks. By enhancing knowledge and awareness of the basic concepts of human exposure assessment and key details of sources of environmental pollution, pediatric nursing professionals can enhance their practices — clinical and patient education skills — and thus improve daily work in their communities through the promotion of exposure reduction or prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The US General Accounting Office (GAO) documented generally poor conditions of school facilities in the early 1990s. Previous papers examined, for time intervals ending before 2002, relationships between education facility indoor air and environmental quality (IEQ), including adequate ventilation, and occupant health and productivity. Research on IEQ related specifically to new or refurbished traditional school construction, or portable classrooms, is limited. A review of school IEQ literature through fall 2003 was conducted. Then, acknowledging the limited resources and competing priorities facing American schools, practical science-based, best practices recommendations to promote IEQ and hence prevent or reduce potential occupant exposure to biological, chemical, and physical agents of concern were proposed. Electronic search engines, conference proceedings, the Internet, and reference lists of peer-reviewed papers and reports were used. Eighteen best practices based on scientific references are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent state and federal public school class-size reduction initiatives, increased elementary and pre-K enrollment driven by population growth and immigration, and limited resources for capital projects, modernization, and maintenance at aging schools have increased the prevalence of prefabricated, portable classrooms (portables). At present, approximately one of three California students are taught in portables, whose use is especially prevalent in more populated counties such as Los Angeles, home to the nation's second largest school district. Limited data existed on chemical compound air concentrations, and thus exposures, inside American public schools. Measurements have been limited, usually performed in complaint schools, and varied in sampling protocols and analysis methods. To address a school environment and children's health issue of present concern, an assessment of public school portables was conducted in Los Angeles County. Seven schools in two school districts were recruited, from which 20 classrooms - 13 portables, seven in main buildings - were randomly selected. We report indoor air concentrations of 21 target toxic and odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, measured with passive samplers (DNSH PAKS and 3M OVM 3500) in the cooling and heating seasons between June 2000 and June 2001. None of the measured indoor air formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the existing California Air Resources Board guideline (50?ppb, or 60?µg/m3). The main sources of aldehydes in classrooms, especially portables, were likely interior finish materials and furnishings made of particleboard without lamination. Indoor air VOC concentrations were generally low in this pilot study. The four most prevalent VOCs measured were toluene, m-/p-xylene, a-pinene, and d-limonene; likely indoor sources were personal, teaching, and cleaning products. Future schools research should attempt larger samples over larger geographical areas.Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology (2004) 14, 44-59. doi:10.1038/sj.jea.7500297 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient concentrations and the elemental composition of particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), as well as carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations, were measured at ground-level in three Guatemalan cities in summer 1997: Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, and Antigua. This pilot study also included quantitative and qualitative characterizations of microenvironment conditions, e.g., local meteorology, reported elsewhere. The nondestructive X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis (XRF) of Teflon filters was conducted. The highest integrated average PM2.5 concentrations in an area (zona) of Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango were 150 μg m−3 (zona 12) and 120 μg m−3 (zona 2), respectively. The reported integrated average PM2.5 concentration for Antigua was 5 μg m−3. The highest observed half-hour and monitoring period average CO concentrations in Guatemala City were 10.9 ppm (zona 8) and 7.2 ppm (zonas 8 and 10), respectively. The average monitoring period CO concentration in Antigua was 2.6 ppm. Lead and bromine concentrations were negligible, indicative of the transition to unleaded fuel use in cars and motorcycles. The XRF results suggested sources of air pollution in Guatemala, where relative rankings varied by city and by zonas within each city, were fossil fuel combustion emitting hydrocarbons, combustion of sulfurous conventional fuels, soil/roadway dust, farm/agricultural dust, and vehicles (evaporation of gas, parts'' wear). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this cross-sectional survey-based study conducted in early fall 2020, we attempted to measure and ascertain the extent of whether employers in New York and New Jersey were prepared to manage and follow occupational safety and health (S&H) regulations and industry risk processes in developing an exposure control response program to COVID-19, the disease caused by exposure to the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. We focused on Region II of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In addition, we examined possible explanations for lack of compliance and uniformity across the region in various USDOL-OSHA regulatory aspects like training, respiratory protection program administration and proper task-specific application of occupational S&H hazard controls through risk management systems. We suggest opportunities for employer and governmental interventions to reduce potential worker exposures and better control future worksite biological hazards and infectious disease transmission. Overall, data suggested prevalent inconsistencies, noncompliance and a less than uniform approach to implementing COVID-19 response programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Jersey for Schools (SJS) includes free and voluntary certification for New Jersey (NJ) public K-12 districts (SD) and schools. SJS promotes increased awareness for waste and greenhouse gas emissions reductions via energy efficiency and conservation measures; environmental education; equity; etc. SD first register with SJS; school(s) then register and pursue one of two current certification levels, bronze or silver. We conducted an initial external evaluation of successes, challenges and potential barriers faced by SJS registered schools pursuing certification 2014–2018. We also assessed potential associations between registered, certified schools in registered SD—compared to registered, uncertified schools and non-registered schools—and available socio-economic status and socio-demographic indicators using other State of NJ agencies data for five school years within 2014–2019. These included per student costs, number of students per teacher and per administrator, number of teachers per administrator, and average daily enrollment. Future SJS successes and challenges may be determined by political will of registered, certified participants; available paid human resources and contributions of unpaid volunteers; financial and technical resources available. Future evaluation research should expand on our initial non-statistically significant regression analyses on factors influencing SJS re-certification and expired certifications plus challenges in rural and relatively sparsely populated counties. • Sustainable Jersey for Schools (SJS) includes free voluntary certification program. • SJS is 1st school-based program with sustainability focus beyond law requirements. • This was initial 5-years external evaluation of SJS success, challenges & barriers. • Data include SJS registered districts and schools pursuing certification 2014–2019. • In 2014–2018 increased numbers of school districts and schools participated in SJS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]