scholarly journals Exposure Assessment To Inhalable And Respirable Dust In The Post-Earthquake Construction Sites In The City Of L’aquila 

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Mastrantonio ◽  
Angela Civisca ◽  
Tamara Lippolis ◽  
Enrica Inglese ◽  
Eugenio Siciliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Dust Concentration ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Inhalable Dust ◽  
The City

Abstract Following an earthquake occurred in the middle Italy in 2009, the involved territory hosted in ten years thousands of construction sites. The aim of this study is to assess the chemical exposure of the construction workers involved in the reconstruction of the city. To assess the exposure we collected 91 air samples to quantify the occupational exposure to airborne dusts and free crystalline silica dusts. Six construction companies joined the study and hosted the air sampling activities. We identified 4 work tasks: bricklayer and similar; scaffolder and carpenter; manual demolition; other tasks. Personal air sampling was performed by using the SKC AirCheck XR5000 sample pumps. Respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica dusts were collected by using a GS-3 Cyclones and 25 mm PVC filters; inhalable dust was collected by using a I.O.M. sampler and 25 mm PVC filters. The analyses were carried out by using gravimetric determination. Sampling time varied from 4 to 8 hours. The geometric mean values of inhalable dust concentration for the work tasks was: 3,65 mg/m 3 for scaffolder and carpenter; 18,16 mg/m 3 for manual demolition workers; 8,76 mg/m 3 for bricklayer and similar; 6,33 mg/m 3 for other work tasks. The geometric mean values of respirable dust concentration for the work tasks was: 0,67 mg/m 3 for scaffolder and carpenter; 0,92 mg/m 3 for manual demolition workers; 0,72 mg/m 3 for bricklayer and similar; 0,45 mg/m 3 for other work tasks. About the Crystalline Free Silica dust exposure, the average concentration in mg/m 3 was: 0,0038 for manual demolition workers, 0,0057 for scaffolder and carpenter, 0,004 for bricklayer and similar, 0,0035 for other tasks. The comparison of the results shows that manual demolition workers are exposed to considerably high levels of inhalable dusts, exceeding the ACGIH TLV-TWA limit of 10 mg/m 3 . About the respirable dust concentration, none of the work tasks dust concentration exceeded the ACGIH TLV-TWA limit of 3 mg/m 3 . Measurements of crystalline silica dust have shown levels below the threshold limit value of 0,025 mg/m 3 . This is in line with the average concentrations of respirable dust.

Concentrations and Size Distribution of Inhalable and Respirable Dust Among Sugar Industry Workers

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 967-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pornpun Sakunkoo ◽  
Naesinee Chaiear ◽  
Chalermchai Chaikittiporn ◽  
Steven Sadhra
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Sugar Industry ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Engineering Designs ◽  
Inhalable Dust ◽  
High Concentrations

There has been very limited information regarding bagasse exposure among workers in sugar industries as well as on health outcomes. The authors determined the occupational exposure of sugar industry workers in Khon Kaen to airborne bagasse dust. The size of the bagasse dust ranged from 0.08 to 9 µm with the highest size concentration of 2.1 to 4.7 µm. The most common size had a geometric mean diameter of 5.2 µm, with a mass concentration of 6.89 mg/m3/log µm. The highest mean values of inhalable and respirable dust were found to be 9.29 mg/m3 from February to April in bagasse storage, 5.12 mg/m3 from May to September, and 4.12 mg/m3 from October to January. Inhalable dust concentrations were 0.33, 0.47, and 0.41 mg/m3, respectively. Workers are likely to be exposed to high concentrations of bagasse dust and are at risk of respiratory diseases. Preventive measures, both in the form of engineering designs and personal protective devices, should be implemented.

How reliable are crystalline silica dust concentration measurements?

2015 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.A. Cox ◽  
D.R. Van Orden ◽  
R.J. Lee ◽  
S.M. Arlauckas ◽  
R.A. Kautz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Dust Concentration ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Concentration Measurements

scholarly journals Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (17) ◽  
pp. 3226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Bulfin ◽  
Hilary Cowie ◽  
Karen S. Galea ◽  
Alison Connolly ◽  
Marie Ann Coggins
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Dust Control ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Water Suppression ◽  
Horse Riding ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Full Shift

Sand-based products are regularly used as footing material on indoor equestrian arenas, creating a potential occupational exposure risk for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) for equestrian workers training and exercising horses in these environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate an equestrian worker’s personal RCS and respirable dust (RD) exposure. Sixteen personal full-shift RD measurements were collected from an equestrian worker and analysed for RD, quartz and cristobalite. Geometric mean exposures of 0.12 mg m−3 and 0.02 mg m−3 were calculated for RD and RCS concentrations, respectively. RCS exposures of between 0.01 to 0.09 mg m−3 were measured on days when the indoor arena surface was not watered, compared to lower exposures (<LOD-0.03 mg m−3) on days when the indoor arena was watered (p < 0.01); however, manual watering is time intensive and less likely to be implemented in practice. This small-scale study provides new data on RCS and RD exposures among equestrian workers. RCS exposures are within the range considered to be associated with increased risk for lung cancer. The use of dust control solutions such as water suppression should be promoted for equestrian work in horse riding arenas. Equestrian workers need to receive occupational health training on the health risks associated with RCS exposure.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Silica Dust in Mining Workers in Eastern Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farideh Golbabaei ◽  
Abdollah Gholami ◽  
Gholamheidar Teimori-Boghsani ◽  
Mehdi Yaseri ◽  
Mojtaba Kianmehr
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Free Silica

Background and Objective: Silica dust is present in almost all mining operations and can cause various health problems such as silicosis in workers. The present study aimed to determine the total and respirable dust levels and the crystalline silica content of the soil in the breathing zone of workers in Iranian mines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016-2017 on six Iranian silica mines. Dust sampling was performed according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method No. 0600. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers at 114 stations in different units of the mines. The silica content was measured using the standard NIOSH method No. 7601. The crystalline silica content in bulk samples collected from the soil was determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy method. Results: The highest concentration of crystalline silica dust was 2.81±0.49 mg/m3 and was observed in the air of crushing unit of mine no. 6, and the lowest was 0.08±0.208 mg/m3 and was measured in the management/administration unit of mine no.1. The mean silica content in the solid surface of the mines was 91%. The total and respirable dust levels in all units of the mines except management/administration were higher than the permissible limit. The free silica content of all collected samples was substantially higher than the permissible limits, and in some cases, it was as much as 100 times above the standard level, which reflects the extremely high risk of working in these mines. Conclusion: Exposure of workers with crystalline silica dust in all units was higher than the standard recommended limits. It is imperative to adopt immediate measures based on technical, managerial, and personal protection solutions to reduce the exposure of workers to silica.

Analysis of Historical Worker Exposures to Respirable Dust from Talc Mining and Milling Operations in Vermont

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-429
Author(s):  
Alan Rossner ◽  
Pamela R D Williams ◽  
Elayna Mellas-Hulett ◽  
Mohammad Arifur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Arithmetic Mean ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Dust Concentration ◽  
Mine Safety ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Exposure Limits

Abstract Objectives Talc is mined and milled throughout the world for use in a variety of industrial and consumer products. Although prior studies have evaluated workplace exposures or health effects from talc operations, the primary emphasis of these investigations has been on certain mineral contaminants (e.g. crystalline silica and asbestos) rather than talc itself. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate historical worker exposures to respirable dust (as a measure of talc exposures) in the Vermont talc mines and mills, which involved a relatively pure form of talc (i.e. no asbestos and &lt;0.25% or &lt;1% crystalline silica). Methods Respirable dust sampling data collected for workers in the Vermont mines and mills, which have not been previously published, were obtained from both mining company records and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspections. Because of differences in sampling design, the company and MSHA data were analyzed and reported separately. Overall, nearly 700 respirable dust samples collected for 44 job categories at 7 site locations over an approximate 30-year period were analyzed. Results Average respirable dust concentrations were found to exceed occupational exposure limits (OELs) in the United States and other countries for several job categories and site locations. Regardless of data source, the highest observed exposures were for mining jobs involving the operation of heavy equipment to break up, move, or load raw ore from the mines and milling or shipping jobs involving the crushing of raw ore, cleaning and drying of processed talc, and bagging and packaging of the final talc product. When analyzing the company data, the arithmetic mean respirable dust concentration was 2.73 mg m−3 for Muckerman at Hammondsville Mine, 3.18 mg m−3 for dosco operator at Ludlow mines, 1.35 mg m−3 for crusher operator at Gassetts Mill, 2.4 mg m−3 for palletizer at West Windsor Mill, and 2.68 mg m−3 for bagging operator at Columbia Shipping Center. When analyzing the MSHA data, the arithmetic mean respirable dust concentration was 3.5 mg m−3 for kiln/dryer operator at Hammondsville Mine, 1.27 mg m−3 for driller at Ludlow mines, 3.69 mg m−3 for ball mill operator at Columbia mill, 3.02 mg m−3 for flotation operator at West Windsor Mill, and 3.24 mg m−3 for bagging operator at Columbia Shipping Center. Worker exposures were found to decline over time for many, but not all, jobs. Conclusions Our findings highlight potential high-risk jobs that might benefit from additional exposure control strategies at current or future talc manufacturing sites. The respirable dust measurements summarized here may also be used to reconstruct historical worker exposures at the Vermont sites or aid in subsequent epidemiology studies of this cohort focused on malignant or non-malignant respiratory disease.

scholarly journals Designing, Construction, Assessment, and Efficiency of Local Exhaust Ventilation in Controlling Crystalline Silica Dust and Particles, and Formaldehyde in a Foundry Industry Plant

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mortezavi Mehrizi Morteza ◽  
Kakooi Hossein ◽  
Matin Amirhossein ◽  
Hasheminegad Naser ◽  
Halvani Gholamhossein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Visible Absorption ◽  
Local Exhaust Ventilation ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Exhaust Ventilation ◽  
Inhalable Dust ◽  
High Concentrations

The purpose of the present study was to design and assess the efficiency of a local exhaust ventilation system used in a foundry operation to control inhalable dust and particles, microcrystal particles, and noxious gases and vapours affecting workers during the foundry process. It was designed based on recommendations from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene. After designing a local exhaust ventilation system (LEV), we prepared and submitted the implementation plan to the manufacturer. High concentrations of crystalline silica dust and formaldehyde, which are common toxic air pollutants in foundries, were ultimately measured as an indicator for studying the efficiency of this system in controlling inhalable dust and particles as well as other air pollutants. The level of occupational exposure to silica and formaldehyde as major air pollutants was assessed in two modes: first, when the LEV was on, and second, when it was off. Air samples from the exposure area were obtained using a personal sampling pump and analysed using the No. 7601 method for crystal silica and the No. 2541 method for formaldehyde of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Silica and formaldehyde concentrations were determined by visible absorption spectrophotometry and gas chromatography. The results showed that local exhaust ventilation was successful in preserving the crystal silica particles in the work environment at a level below the NIOSH maximum allowed concentration (0.05 mg m-3). In contrast, formaldehyde exceeded the NIOSH limit (1 ppm or 1.228 mg m-3).

scholarly journals Exposure assessment to inhalable and respirable dust in the post — earthquake construction sites in the city of l'Aquila

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Mastrantonio ◽  
Angela Civisca ◽  
Eugenio Siciliano ◽  
Enrica Inglese ◽  
Tamara Lippolis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exposure Assessment ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
The City

Trace elements in the spring waters of Moscow

2020 ◽  
pp. 69-80
Author(s):  
A. V. Savenko ◽  
V. S. Savenko ◽  
O. S. Pokrovsky
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Dissolved Iron ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Almost Everywhere ◽  
The City ◽  
Iron And Manganese

Data on the content of major ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl–, SO42–, HCO3–) and dissolved trace elements (Rb, Cs, Be, Sr, Ba, B, Si, Pmin, V, Cr, Ge, As, Mo, W, Sb, Te, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Sn, Pb, Al, Ga, Ti, Zr, U) in the waters of 30 springs in Moscow during the winter low water period are presented. The geometric mean values and ranges of concentration of the studied components, as well as correlations between them, were established. The presence of hydrochemical anomalies of dissolved iron and manganese in the north-east of Moscow with an excess of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for these elements was revealed, whereas in the rest of the city their concentration almost everywhere correspond to the natural background.

scholarly journals Underground Gold Miner Exposure to Noise, Diesel Particulate Matter and Crystalline Silica Dust

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (29) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward K. Armah ◽  
Jeremiah A. Adedeji ◽  
Bright B. Boafo ◽  
Amma A. Opoku
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Underground Mine ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Diesel Particulate Matter ◽  
Diesel Particulate ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Job Titles ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Mine Workers

Background. Respirable dust, diesel particulate matter, crystalline silica and noise pollution are the most common causes of health issues experienced by underground mine workers. Assessment of exposure levels in relation to standard regulatory body permissible levels is essential for the safety of mine workers. Objectives. The present study compared exposure levels of diesel particulate matter, crystalline silica dust and noise experienced across different underground mine worker job titles. Methods. Subjective sampling was employed using gravimetric air samplers over an 8-hour time weighted average for two periods designated as period 1 (first half of the year) and period 2 (second half of the year). A comparative analysis of exposure levels between job titles and in relation to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) permissible exposure levels (PELs) was performed. Results. In the present study, 90% of the selected job titles were over-exposed to noise and 80% were over-exposed to diesel particulate matter. The highest exposures for crystalline silica dust and diesel particulate matter were found in the 40–49-year-old age group. Conclusions. The present study of exposure levels of diesel particulate matter, respirable dust, crystalline silica, and noise during underground gold mining demonstrates that better control mechanisms are needed to protect workers. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document