scholarly journals Assessment of Worker Exposure to Occupational Organic Dust in a Hemp Processing Facility

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 745-753
Author(s):  
Melinda Gardner ◽  
Sue Reed ◽  
Maggie Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Organic Dust ◽  
Code Of Practice ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Processing Facility ◽  
Personal Sampling

Abstract The cultivation and processing of industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., is a developing industry in Australia. Exposure to hemp dust is demonstrated as producing reactive and respiratory health effects, potentially causing permanent lung disease or damage. The aim of this study was to assess the airborne organic dust concentrations generated in an Australian hemp processing facility. Personal sampling, in the breathing zone of exposed workers was undertaken for exposure to respirable dust, along with parallel static sampling for airborne concentrations of inhalable and respirable dust fractions. Both static and personal sampling showed that respirable dust concentrations (mg m−3) exceeded the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) recommended maximum exposure limit of 1 mg m−3 (respirable fraction) for dusts not otherwise specified, with mean exposures (mg m−3) of M = 1.33, standard deviation (SD) = 1.09 (range 0.07–3.67 mg m−3) and M = 4.49, SD = 4.49 (range 0.77–11.08 mg m−3). The results of the investigation indicate that workers in the hemp processing industry are at risk of developing permanent and disabling respiratory disease due to high dust exposure. There is no Australian occupational exposure limit specifically for hemp dust. It is recommended further research is needed and industry-specific guidance material or model code of practice developed to effectively control exposures.

Silicosis in rhinestone-manufacturing workers in South China

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 475-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Wen ◽  
X Wen ◽  
R Li ◽  
S Su ◽  
H Xu
Keyword(s):  
South China ◽  
Dust Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Quartz Content ◽  
Total Dust ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Silicosis is caused by long-term exposure to silica dust. Crystal rhinestone workers can be exposed to high levels of silica dust and are at risk of silicosis. Aims To explore silicosis cases, silica dust exposure and control measures in a rhinestone factory in South China. Methods We extracted and analysed data on new silicosis cases reported to China’s occupational disease and occupational health information monitoring system between 2006 and 2012 from a rhinestone factory in South China. We measured the quartz content of bulk dust, static total and respirable dust samples. Results Ninety-eight silicosis cases were reported between 2006 and 2012. The mean duration of silica dust exposure was 9.2 years (range 3–16). Drilling and polishing workers accounted for 96 (98%) of cases. We collected 1479 static samples including 690 total dust and 789 respirable dust samples. Mean dust levels for drilling were 1.01 mg/m3 (range 0.20–3.80) for total dust and 0.51 mg/m3 (range 0.04–1.70) for respirable dust. Mean dust levels for polishing were 0.59 mg/m3 (range 0.20–2.10) for total dust and 0.28 mg/m3 (range 0.08–0.71) for respirable dust. Over a third [289/789 (37%)] of total dust samples and 129/690 (19%) respirable dust samples exceeded the national permissible exposure limit. Conclusion Exposure to silica dust, ineffective dust control measures and inefficient health surveillance may have contributed to the incidence of silicosis in the factory we studied. Identification of silica dust exposure and effective dust control measures would reduce the risk of silicosis in rhinestone workers.

scholarly journals DUST EXPOSURE AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH SYMPTOMS AMONG WORKERS IN SMALL SCALE SUNFLOWER OIL INDUSTRY IN SINGIDA TANZANIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 452-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venance Buliga ◽  
Larama MB Rongo ◽  
Simon HD Mamuya
Keyword(s):  
Sunflower Oil ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Symptoms

Background: Small scale sunflower oil industries are industries which extract oil from sunflower seed. Apart from its contribution to the economic development of the nation, during extraction process much dust concentration produced and respiratory symptoms are unknown. The aim of study was to assess dust exposure and associated respiratory health symptoms among small scale sunflower oil industries workers in Singida Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted and 233 participants were interviewed using a modified American Thoracic Society questionnaire to assess the respiratory health symptoms. A Side Kick Casella Pump was used to collect respirable dust from a sub sample of 66 workers from the sieving section. Results: Respirable dust exposure levels for mean, and Geometrical mean was 10.45 mg/m3 (SD 13.90) and GM=5.25 mg/m3 (GSD 0.51) respectively, and 46% of the dust samples (n=66) were above the TLV of 5 mg/m3. Logistic regression analysis between measured dust and respiratory symptoms found to be statistically significant.  Higher prevalence of respiratory health symptoms were seen in those with cough (33%), cough with phlegm (46.8%) and wheezy (41.6%). Conclusion: The study concludes that, respiratory symptoms were high and dust exposure was above recommended levels of 5 mg/m3. We recommend use of appropriate RPE.

scholarly journals Relationship of Respirable Dust Exposure to Pulmonary Function among Informal-sector Weavers using Indigo-dyed Cotton

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratanee Kammoolkon ◽  
◽  
Nutta Taneepanichskul ◽  
Surasuk Taneepanichskul ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Occupationally Exposed

Abstract Informal-sector weavers using indigo-dyed cotton are occupationally exposed to respirable dust which may contain contaminants from chemicals used for pH adjustment in the natural indigo fermentation process. The major health problems associated with respirable dust induce pulmonary function impairment and respiratory disease. However, there have been few studies into the respiratory problems of informal-sector weavers in Thailand. This study investigated the link between occupational respirable dust exposure and pulmonary function among weavers using indigo-dyed cotton in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 147 weavers located in Sakon Nakhon province. Respiratory dust (RD) samples were collected from the immediate breathing zone of all weavers. Lung function was measured using a portable spirometer operated by a trained physician and the spirometric results were examined by a pulmonologist before reporting. Most participants were female (98.6%) and the median reported interquartile age (IQR) was 58 (50–62.75) years. Average predicted values for FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were 92.9% (±20.7), 96.7% (±17.9) and 88.3% (±10.8). Of the respiratory function patterns of the 147 weavers, 20 (13.6%) were restrictive, 11 (7.5%) were obstructive and 1 (0.7%) was combined. The average RD concentration (mean ± SD) was 47.9 ± 28.3 μg/m3. Multivariate linear regression models showed an increase of 1 μg/m3 in RD exposure was associated with a 0.179% lower level of FEV1 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.278 to -0.080) and a 0.068 % lower level of FEV1/FVC (95% CI -0.128 to -0.008). Our findings suggested that exposure to respirable dust might impair pulmonary function in informal-sector cotton weavers. Keywords: Indigo-dyed Cotton, Informal-sector Weavers, Occupational Exposure, Pulmonary function, Respirable Dust

scholarly journals Respirable Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health in Male Taiwanese Steelworkers

2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau-Chung CHEN ◽  
Patricia E. DOYLE ◽  
Jung-Der WANG
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure

scholarly journals RESPIRABLE DUST DOSIMETER (RDD) FOR PERSONAL DUST EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT-A LABORATORY INVESTIGATION

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B.K Belle
Keyword(s):  
Exposure Assessment ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Personal Exposure ◽  
Underground Mines ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Personal Sampling ◽  
Personal Exposure Assessment ◽  
Promising Development

The search for an improved or alternative instrument that will be able to measure occupational exposure more accurately and more reliably is continuing. Several developments have been taken place overseas with regard to real-time monitoring instruments for personal exposure assessment. In the light of these developments, the respirable dust dosimeter (RDD) described by Volkwein et al. (2000) appeared to be a promising development. RDD measures the dust exposure in differential pressure units (mm of Hg) indicating that it is a surrogate for the mass of dust on a gravimetric filter. This paper describes the results of an evaluation on theRDDunder laboratory conditions before evaluating them in underground mines for personal dust exposure assessment.The laboratory study has shown that there is a potential for the RDD sampler as a screening tool for engineering sample purposes. However, RDD was comparatively expensive during the research exercise costing approximately 16UK Pounds per RDD tube. Further, there was no well-accepted procedure on collect dust samples using RDD tube for further quartz analysis. Finally, due to its reasonable estimates of real-time cumulative shift dust exposure, and its small lightweight package, the RDD was further recommended for personal sampling purposes in the SouthAfrican mines.

scholarly journals Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health Among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Samson Wakuma Abaya ◽  
Gloria Sakwari ◽  
Bente E. Moen
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Airflow Limitation ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coffee Beans ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Symptom Prevalence

Introduction: In primary coffee factories the coffee beans are cleaned and sorted. Studies from the 80- and 90-ties indicated respiratory health effects among the workers, but these results may not represent the present status. Our aim was to review recent studies on dust exposure and respiratory health among coffee factory workers in Tanzania and Ethiopia, two major coffee producing countries in Africa.Methods: This study merged data from cross-sectional studies from 2010 to 2019 in 4 and 12 factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia, respectively. Personal samples of “total” dust and endotoxin were taken in the breathing zone. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire. Lung function was measured by a spirometer in accordance with ATS guidelines.Results: Dust exposure among male production workers was higher in Ethiopia (GM 12 mg/m3; range 1.1–81) than in Tanzania (2.5; 0.24–36). Exposure to endotoxins was high (3,500; 42–75,083) compared to the Dutch OEL of 90 EU/m3. The male workers had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than controls. The highest symptom prevalence and odds ratio were found for cough (48.4%; OR = 11.3), while for breathlessness and wheezing the odds ratios were 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. There was a significant difference between the male coffee workers and controls in the adjusted FEV1 (0.26 l/s) and FVC (0.21 l) and in the prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < 0.7) (6.3 vs. 0.9%). Among the male coffee workers, there was a significant association between cumulative dust exposure and the lung function variables FEV1 and FVC, respectively.Conclusions: The results suggest that coffee production workers are at risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, and that the findings are related to high dust levels. Measures to reduce dust exposure should be targeted to factors identified as significant determinants of exposure.

Respiratory Symptoms and Farming Practices in Farmers Associated With an Acute Febrile Illness After Organic Dust Exposure

CHEST Journal ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 1452-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Von Essen ◽  
Jon Fryzek ◽  
Bogdan Nowakowski ◽  
Mary Wampler
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Acute Febrile Illness ◽  
Organic Dust ◽  
Farming Practices

Organic dust exposure from compost handling: Response of an animal model

1993 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Frazer ◽  
W. G. Jones ◽  
E. L. Petsonk ◽  
G. J. Kullman ◽  
M. W. Barger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Organic Dust

Coal mine dust lung disease in miners killed in the Upper Big Branch disaster: a review of lung pathology and contemporary respirable dust levels in underground US coal mines

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2021-107694
Author(s):  
Leonard H T Go ◽  
Francis H Y Green ◽  
Jerrold L Abraham ◽  
Andrew Churg ◽  
Edward L Petsonk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Tissue ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Histopathological Findings ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Underground Coal Mines ◽  
The Usa

ObjectivesIn 2010, 29 coal miners died due to an explosion at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine in West Virginia, USA. Autopsy examinations of 24 individuals with evaluable lung tissue identified 17 considered to have coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). The objectives of this study were to characterise histopathological findings of lung tissue from a sample of UBB fatalities and better understand the respirable dust concentrations experienced by these miners at UBB relative to other US coal mines.MethodsOccupational pulmonary pathologists evaluated lung tissue specimens from UBB fatalities for the presence of features of pneumoconiosis. Respirable dust and quartz samples submitted for regulatory compliance from all US underground coal mines prior to the disaster were analysed.ResultsFamilies of seven UBB fatalities provided consent for the study. Histopathologic evidence of CWP was found in all seven cases. For the USA, central Appalachia and UBB, compliance dust samples showed the geometric mean for respirable dust was 0.468, 0.420 and 0.518 mg/m3, respectively, and respirable quartz concentrations were 0.030, 0.038 and 0.061 mg/m3. After adjusting for quartz concentrations, UBB exceeded the US permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable dust in 28% of samples.ConclusionsAlthough higher than average respirable dust and quartz levels were observed at UBB, over 200 US underground coal mines had higher dust concentrations than UBB and over 100 exceeded the PEL more frequently. Together with lung histopathological findings among UBB fatalities, these data suggest exposures leading to CWP in the USA are more prevalent than previously understood.

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