Reagent Activated Cotton Fiber for Rapid Determination of Aldehydes in Diverse Matrices

A method to capture and analyze aldehydes in either solution or gas samples on cotton fiber, activated with O-benzyl hydroxylamine (OBA), is developed. The stability of the reagent activated cotton fiber (RACF) with and without capturing aldehydes was 17 days and 24 Hrs, respectively, qualifying the technique for field applications. Thus the aldehyde capturing can be done outside the lab using RACF in any closed environment and bring back to the lab for the quantitative analysis.. The analytical method is based on the gas chromatographic analysis of aldoxime formed between aldehydes and OBA on RACF. Optimized experimental conditions required 50 mg of RACF to capture aldehydes with a reaction time of 15 minutes. The technique detects aldehydes much below the permissible exposure limits of 25 ppm for acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and 0.75 ppm for formaldehyde (HCHO). The method’s detection limits are 4 ppb of HCHO, 8 ppb of CH3CHO in the gas sample, and 1.5 ppb of HCHO, and 19 ppb of CH3CHO in the solution or aqueous sample. The analytical method was validated within the established quantitation ranges as per the required International Council for Harmonization Guidelines (CPMP/ICH/381/95). The RACF is a quick tool to measure aldehydes in a polymer sample, laboratory cupboards or refrigerators, and chemical products. The method described here complies with green analytical chemistry principles such as reduction in a solvent, chemical sample size and waste generation, cost-effectiveness, and usage of a biodegradable substrate.

Sailors and the Risk of Asbestos-Related Cancer

Sailors have long been known to experience high rates of injury, disease, and premature death. Many studies have shown asbestos-related diseases among shipyard workers, but few have examined the epidemiology of asbestos-related disease and death among asbestos-exposed sailors serving on ships at sea. Chrysotile and amphibole asbestos were used extensively in ship construction for insulation, joiner bulkhead systems, pipe coverings, boilers, machinery parts, bulkhead panels, and many other uses, and asbestos-containing ships are still in service. Sailors are at high risk of exposure to shipboard asbestos, because unlike shipyard workers and other occupationally exposed groups, sailors both work and live at their worksite, making asbestos standards and permissible exposure limits (PELs). based on an 8-hour workday inadequate to protect their health elevated risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers have been observed among sailors through epidemiologic studies. We review these studies here.

Heavy metal levels in spent engine oils and fingernails of auto-mechanics

The levels of some heavy metals in spent engine oils and in the fingernails of auto-mechanics were studied. Engine oils and fingernails were collected from auto-mechanics who had practiced between ≤ 5 years, ≤ 10 years and ≤ 15 years in 3 auto-mechanic workshop clusters. Pb, Ni, V, Cd, and As levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean levels of Pb, Ni, V and Cd in spent engine oils were 14.31, 2.25, 0.38 and 2.07 ppm respectively, and these far exceeded their permissible exposure limits. The mean levels of heavy metals in the fingernails of auto-mechanics who had practiced for ≤ 5 years, ≤ 10 years and ≤ 15 years were all considerably below their pathological thresholds. Thus, auto-mechanics in the study area are exposed to unsafe levels of Pb, Ni, V, and Cd, but no immediate threat of their toxicities in the study population exist. However, a progressive bioaccumulation of the heavy metals was observed with increase in years of practice.

Deterioro de la salud por causa de las vibraciones mecánicas en los centros de trabajo de la zona de Tecamachalco

The objective of this research is to gather sufficient elements to implement a vibration monitoring and control program in various companies in the Tecamachalco region, in accordance with the permissible exposure limits suggested by ISO 2631-1 and in compliance with the Official Mexican Norm NOM-024-STPS-2001. It is about ensuring the wellness of workers, reducing the occupational risk and potential accidents that may occur as consequence. An investigation was done to determine the operating conditions of the companies, then an analysis was done to determine the existing vibration levels and based on this, make the most appropriate proposal to reduce the risks of deterioration of the health of workers by cause of equipment vibrations. The contribution of the research consists of making employers aware of the risks that workers have when being in contact with mechanical vibrations for long periods of time, with their repercussions in the medium and long term.

Occupational exposure to Noise and Heat in Plastic Factory in the Industrial City in Jeddah: التعرض المهني للضوضاء والإجهاد الحراري في مصنع البلاستيك في المنطقة الصناعية بجدة

This study evaluated some of the occupational hazards present in a plastic factory in Jeddah، Saudi Arabia، which accompanies the manufacturing process. This study aims to assess the level of exposure to noise intensity and heat stress for workers in the work environment during daily working hours، Measurements were performed daily for a period of four months. The researcher unloaded and analyzed the data with the appropriate statistical treatment using SPSS program. The results of the study showed that the average level of noise intensity ranges from (85.6 - 93.3 dB). Average of exposure to heat intensity (30، 57-31، 97) ° C. The study concluded that some of the workers in the factory are at risk of exposure to some occupational hazards such as increased noise intensity، and increased intensity of thermal stress exceeding the permissible exposure limits، according to the standards of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The researchers of this study provided recommendations and appropriate solutions to protect workers from the risks of the work environment، including the importance of wearing personal protective equipment، environmental assessment and periodic medical examination.

Low cost and effective reduction of formaldehyde in gross anatomy: long throw nozzles and formaldehyde destruction using InfuTrace™

Formaldehyde is extraordinarily effective for fixation of human corpses and is routinely used in embalming solutions in anatomical dissection courses all over the world. High concentrations in vapors emitted from corpses embalmed with formaldehyde make it necessary to reduce the emission from cadavers for fulfilling tightening permissible exposure limits (PEL) worldwide. The study provides possible solutions to a problem faced by many anatomy labs. The emission of 50 human corpses was examined using 240 active personal and stationary samples with sampling tubes placed in the breathing area of probands or directly above the corpses. For measuring formaldehyde exposures along the dissection course, air samples were collected during the progress of dissection. Best results were achieved by a combination of post-embalming treatment with InfuTrace™, a formaldehyde binding solution applied to corpses fixed with 3% formaldehyde, and a modified ventilation system consisting of three long throw nozzles mounted vertically at the ceiling above the longitudinal axis of each dissection table. In this scenario, the inhalative exposure for students and teachers did not exceed 0.1 ppm during muscle dissection and 0.041 ppm during organ dissection, which are both dissection steps linked to high emission rates. The data emphasizes the necessity to use a combination of different methods — chemical polymerization of formaldehyde combined with a modified ventilation system — to reduce formaldehyde air loads far below the German PEL (0.3 ppm) and even the Japanese PEL (0.1 ppm) when using a standard 3%-formaldehyde fixation.

Evaluation of noise levels in areas and departments of the upper Technological Institute of Guasave

The present experimentation is the evaluation of noise levels in laboratories, classrooms and departments of a Higher Education Institution. Its objective is to identify and evaluate the working conditions to which workers and students are exposed when performing tasks. The study was conducted based on the official Mexican Standard NOM 011-STPS-2001 "Conditions of safety and hygiene in workplaces where noise is generated". Using a TES 1353S sound level meter for 4 weeks, evaluating 16 zones, in 2 periods. As a result, it was obtained that 6 of the 16 zones evaluated exceed the maximum permissible exposure limits. And recording discomfort and lack of concentration in the activities to be carried out on workers and students. As a recommendation, the implementation of periodic medical examinations and personal protective equipment for the personnel, in addition to the evaluation of noise levels in the preventive maintenance of the institution.to make the activities more comprehensive.

Talent as an unintentional agent

Unintentional exposure is a novel concept. No single person has coined the term. It mainly refers to substances and activities affecting individuals without their consent – be it informed or not. In the broader field of applied ethics in general, and of bioethics in particular, the scope of application extends from nutrition (GM, functional food), to pollution (chemical-, air-, light-, noise-, radioactive contamination etc.), climate change, embryo rights, drug side-effects (especially in regard to chemotherapy), radiation (e.g. food), Permissible Exposure Limits, education and (bio-)terrorism. In the discussion about talent and giftedness1 there are two main approaches or schools of thought. On one hand, talent is conceived as an exclusive agent, in that some individuals are born more capable than others. On the other hand, a different school of thought advocates the modification of body and mind of all individuals in order for them to achieve similar levels of high performance. In the first case, individuals are bound to their nature, while in the latter instance they are prisoners of their environment –two equivalent positions in terms of autonomy and freedom. The latter will be argued to be the case; as a result, a connection with unintentional exposure will be established.