Asbestos still represents a major public health problem on a global scale. In Central Asia chrysotile is still mined and used, claiming that it is safer with respect to amphibole asbestos within certain concentrations. However, the problem of asbestos exposure in Central Asia and its consequences on human health have been poorly investigated. We analysed, for the first time, samples of raw and wrought material coming from one of the two asbestos-cement industries, currently active, located near the city of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as well as air samples collected on different sites of Bishkek and Kant and lung tissues taken from the general population during clinical autopsies. Air samples have been analyzed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Heavy air asbestos pollution was detected in Kant (30.2 ff/L), while Bishkek had lower levels. Lung tissue analysis in the general population, carried out using both SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with EDS, revealed the presence of both chrysotile and amphibole asbestos. Such findings underline that, even in countries where the use of asbestos is allowed based on the presumed pureness of chrysotile used and the lower carcinogenic potential of chrysotile compared to amphibole asbestos, the general population could be exposed also to amphibole asbestos.

This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens and some key air pollutants. The ultrafine particles (UFPs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) indoor air concentrations were determined using real-time monitors. Simultaneously, the kitchen environment was characterized using video recordings with the aim to retrieve information pertaining to cooking, cookware washing and surface cleaning activities. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for the winter and summer campaigns. The obtained results confirmed that the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens had a significant impact on the concentrations of all the selected pollutants. Specifically, this study revealed the following key results: (i) indoor UFPs and NO2 concentrations were significantly higher during cooking than during washing activities (e.g., about +60% frying vs. handwashing and dishwasher running), mainly in the winter; (ii) washing activity had a statistically significant impact on the TVOC (+39% on average) and HCHO (+67% on average) concentrations compared to other activities; (iii) some specific sources of short-term pollutant emissions have been identified, such as the different types of cooking and opening the dishwasher; and (iv) in some restaurants, a clear time-dependent relationship between O3 and UFP, TVOC and HCHO has been observed, underlining the occurrence of ozonolysis reactions.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study is to present a step-by-step process that walks through the conceptualization and building of a low-cost (~ $150) monitoring device for airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5), based on miniaturized sensors and components. Methodology Details on the implementation of the hardware and software are provided which facilitate the data acquisition and analysis. The central components and their setup discussed in what follows include: the sensor device (called “P.ALP” – Ph.D. Air quality Low-cost Project), Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and R code (open-access software). The devices were tested for accuracy and precision under controlled conditions (type of dust, dust concentrations, temperature, relative humidity) using an aerosol testing chamber (Marple design). Results A monitoring device for PM2.5, based on low-cost sensors and technologies was successfully conceptualized, designed, and implemented. The preliminary tests showed promising results in detecting dust concentration variability and satisfying performances in terms of data storage and operating time. Conclusions The P.ALP monitoring system was designed and developed to be a basic device, which can be further customized and implemented using the wide range of low-cost sensors available on the market.

Objectives An increasing number of countries are banning the production and use of asbestos, in compliance with the ratification of the C162 Asbestos Convention and the Basel Convention, and in response to the call for its elimination in the ILO resolution and WHO reports on the health risks associated with asbestos. Nevertheless, several countries, including Kyrgyzstan, are still miners and/or manufacturers of asbestos. The main objective of the study is to assess the occupational exposure to chrysotile of workers engaged in a production facility of asbestos-cement products in Kyrgyzstan.Methods Monitored workers (n = 16, for a total of n = 18 samples) were divided into 3 "Similar Exposure Groups" (SEGs; SEG-1: asbestos loading; SEG-2; asbestos-cement mixing; SEG-3: cutting of asbestos-cement sheets) according to EN 689 standard. Samples were collected through personal sampling and subsequently examined by means of scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrometer for the compositional analysis of each fibre. The numerical concentration of airborne asbestos fibres was henceforward determined by dividing the number of fibres and the volume of sampled air (expressed in the number of fibres per millilitre of air: ff/ml).Results Investigated workers resulted to be exposed to chrysotile fibres. Results (GM +/- GSD) outlined extremely high exposure levels for SEG-1 (2.2 +/- 2.1 ff/ml) and SEG-3 (4.7 +/- 1.6 ff/ml) workers and lower-but still relevant-exposure values for SEG-2 (0.91 +/- 2.6 ff/ml) workers.Conclusions The results obtained in this case study can help to document potentially critical situations of occupational exposure to asbestos that can still occur nowadays in low and middle-income countries where asbestos is still mined and processed.

An increasing number of countries are banning the production and use of asbestos because of the 1986 Basel Convention and its reconsideration in 2022. Nevertheless, some countries, including central Asian ones (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), are still miners and consumers of asbestos. The main objective of the study is to assess the occupational exposure to asbestos of workers engaged in the production facility of asbestos-cement products in Kyrgyzstan. Samples were collected through personal sampling, by drawing a measured volume of air through a membrane filter, which was subsequently examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Individual fibres in a randomly selected area of the filter were then counted at a magnification of 2000× following ISO 14966:2019 criteria. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) was used to classify the fibres according to their chemical composition. Monitored workers (n = 18) were divided into three “Similar Exposure Groups” (SEGs; SEG-1: asbestos loading; SEG-2; asbestos-cement mixing; SEG-3: cutting of asbestos-cement sheets) according to EN 689 standard. Investigated workers resulted to be exposed to chrysotile fibres. Preliminary results (to be validated) outlined extremely high exposures for SEG-1 (average values > 2000 ff/L) and SEG-3 (average values > 4000 ff/L) and lower - but still relevant – exposure values for SEG-2 (average values > 500 ff/L). The results obtained in this case study help document potentially critical situations of occupational exposure to asbestos that can still occur nowadays in low and middle-income countries where asbestos is still mined and processed.

The present study explores the modifications of cardiovascular autonomic control (CAC) during wake and sleep time and the systemic inflammatory profile associated with exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) in a cohort of healthy subjects. Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled. Indoor levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored using a portable detector for 7 days. Together, a 7-day monitoring was performed through a wireless patch that continuously recorded electrocardiogram, respiratory activity and actigraphy. Indexes of CAC during wake and sleep time were derived from the biosignals: heart rate and low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF), index of sympathovagal balance with higher values corresponding to a predominance of the sympathetic branch. Cyclic variation of heart rate index (CVHRI events/hour) during sleep, a proxy for the evaluation of sleep apnea, was assessed for each night. After the monitoring, blood samples were collected to assess the inflammatory profile. Regression and correlation analyses were performed. A positive association between VOC exposure and the CVHRI (Delta% = +0.2% for 1 mu g/m3 VOCs, p = 0.008) was found. The CVHRI was also positively associated with LF/HF during sleep, thus higher CVHRI values corresponded to a shift of the sympathovagal balance towards a sympathetic predominance (r = 0.52; p = 0.018). NO2 exposure was positively associated with both the pro-inflammatory biomarker TREM-1 and the antiinflammatory biomarker IL-10 (Delta% = +1.2% and Delta % = +2.4%, for 1 mu g/m3 NO2; p = 0.005 and p = 0.022, respectively). The study highlights a possible causal relationship between IAP exposure and higher risk of sleep apnea events, associated with impaired CAC during sleep, and a pro-inflammatory state counterbalanced by an increased anti-inflammatory response in healthy subjects. This process may be disrupted in vulnerable populations, leading to a harmful chronic pro-inflammatory profile. Thus, IAP may emerge as a critical and often neglected risk factor for the public health that can be addressed through targeted preventive interventions.

Abstract Introduction WFH (Working From Home) is increasingly common, necessitating a careful evaluation of WFH workers’ health. Recent studies have explored various aspects, including its impact on workers’ psychological and physical well-being, highlighting positive and negative aspects of this “new” working mode. This study aims to evaluate one of these aspects: worker exposure to atmospheric pollutants. Methods Two monitoring surveys were performed: a long-term and a short-term campaign, both focused on the measurement of personal exposure to size-fractionated PM (Particulate Matter) in WFH and WFO (Working From Office) conditions, through a paired-sample study design. Results Results of the long-term campaign show how WFH subject is exposed to higher (up to 4 times) PM concentration, compared to the WFO subject. Specific activities performed by the subjects impacted their exposure concentrations to PM. Also, in the case of short-term campaign, particular activities seem to contribute to a greater worker exposure to PM. Given the potential growth of people WFH, it’s crucial to comprehensively assess these “new domestic offices.” Organizations should evaluate indoor environmental quality (IEQ), occupational exposure to risk factors, and implement mitigation measures as needed to address and manage health risks for WFH employees. Additionally, consideration should be given to other risk factors and health issues, such as those found in traditional office settings (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders, computer vision syndrome). Conclusions Monitoring IEQ, in the framework of a comprehensive risk assessment, identifying workplace-specific risks, and implementing appropriate mitigation measures are actions organizations should consider to better understand and address potential health risks associated with WFH conditions.

Abstract Introduction When does work help keeping in good health? When analysing the human dimension, any approach addressing the positive effects of work must consider cultural and historical roots. Materials and Methods An anthropological and artistic path, marked by art works, will be presented as a way to highlighting the evolution of the human work throughout centuries. Results Aristotle stated that “happiness is the highest human good”. The ancient Greek wording for happiness means the success of the vocation. Man, therefore, must expand life to the fullest, by committing himself. Work became an important commitment only after the abolition of slavery. The comparison between Greek caryatids (slaves) and medieval telamons (free men) gives a clear picture of different approaches to the meaning of work fatigue through centuries. Symbolism on the Renaissance arts and craft panels on the Giotto’s bell tower in Florence, shows that dignity of work is in its meaning, motive and purpose, and not in the matter. Macchiaioli and Divisionism art movements in Italy, as well as Realism in France, started showing the workers. The content of the work, the meaning for the worker, for his family and society were represented. The worker started scrutinizing the destiny of which he hoped to be the creator. Conclusions Modern work is full of rapid changes that could lead to lacking knowledge and fear of facing the unknown. Knowing the meaning and strength of different cultural roots, will be of great help, in keeping up the pace and understanding the role at work and maybe at life.

To investigate the ambient mass concentration, size-distribution and temporal variability of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), a long-term monitoring campaign was undertaken at an urban background site in Como, Northern Italy, from May 2015 to March 2016. A 13-stage Low Pressure Impactor (DLPI) was used for the collection of size-segregated particulates in the 0.028–10 μm size range. The results revealed a good level of agreement between DLPI and a co-located Harvard-type PM2.5 Impactor, allowing them to be classified as comparable and characterized by a reciprocal predictability. The PM concentration levels varied greatly between the different 5-days monitoring sessions, with higher mean mass concentrations during the heating season. Appreciable seasonal differences were found for particles between 0.15 and 1.60 μm that, on average, registered concentration levels 3.5 times higher during the heating season (mean: 28.2 μg m−3; median: 24.4 μg m−3) compared to the non-heating season (mean: 8.3 μg m−3; median: 7.6 μg m−3). No relevant and significant differences were detected for the coarser ranges (> 1.60 μm). Temporal variabilities were influenced by typical PM urban sources (e.g., household heating, traffic), that significantly affected fine and submicrometer particles, and were related to meteorological factors. Ambient air particles exhibited a trimodal distribution: a first and sharp peak more pronounced during the heating season was identified between 0.3 and 0.5 μm and two other slight peaks in the coarse mode were centered on approximately 3 and 8 μm. No relevant differences were found in the shape of the size-distribution between the two investigated seasons. The mean PM2.5 (22.4 μg m−3) and PM10 (27.7 μg m−3) concentrations monitored in the study area exceeded the annual Air Quality Guideline Values (respectively equal to 10 μg m−3 and 20 μg m−3) established by the World Health Organization.

This study aimed to assess the performance, in terms of precision and accuracy, of a prototype (called “P.ALP”—Ph.D. Air Quality Low-cost Project) developed for monitoring PM2.5 concentration levels. Four prototypes were co-located with reference instrumentation in four different microenvironments simulating real-world and working conditions, namely (i) office, (ii) home, (iii) outdoor, and (iv) occupational environments. The devices were evaluated for a total of 20 monitoring days (approximately 168 h) under a wide range of PM2.5 concentrations. The performances of the prototypes (based on the light-scattering working principle) were tested through different statistical methods. After the data acquisition and data cleaning processes, a linear regression analysis was performed to assess the precision (by comparing all possible pairs of devices) and the accuracy (by comparing the prototypes against the reference instrumentation) of the P.ALP. Moreover, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) criteria were applied to assess the possible usage of this instrumentation, and to evaluate the eventual error trends of the P.ALP in the data storage process, Bland–Altman plots were also adopted. The outcomes of this study underlined that the P.ALP performed differently depending on the microenvironment in which it was tested and, consequently, on the PM2.5 concentrations. The device can monitor PM2.5 variations with acceptable results, but the performance cannot be considered satisfactory at extremely low and remarkably high PM2.5 concentrations. Thanks to modular components and open-source software, the tested device has the potential to be customized and adapted to better fit specific study design needs, but it must be implemented with ad hoc calibration factors depending on the application before being used in field.

Several antiblastic drugs (ADs) are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or toxic for reproduction. Despite established guidelines and safe handling technologies, ADs contamination of the work environments could occur in healthcare settings, leading to potential exposure of healthcare staff. This systematic review aims to investigate the main techniques and practices for assessing ADs occupational exposure in healthcare settings. The reviewed studies unveil that workplace contamination by ADs appears to be a still-topical problem in healthcare settings. These issues are linked to difficulties in guaranteeing: (i) the adherence to standardized protocols when dealing with ADs, (ii) the effective use of personal protective equipment by operators involved in the administration or management of ADs, (iii) a comprehensive training of the healthcare personnel, and (iv) a thorough health surveillance of exposed workers. A "multi-parametric" approach emerges as a desirable strategy for exposure assessment. In parallel, exposure assessment should coincide with the introduction of novel technologies aimed at minimizing exposure (i.e., risk management). Assessment must consider various departments and health operators susceptible to ADs contamination, with a focus extended beyond worst-case scenarios, also considering activities like surface cleaning and logistical tasks related to ADs management. A comprehensive approach in ADs risk assessment enables the evaluation of distinct substance behaviors and subsequent exposure routes, affording a more holistic understanding of potential risks.

Human examiners, known as panelists, are exposed to an unknown occupational exposure risk while determining odor concentration (Cod) using dynamic olfactometry. In the literature, a few papers, based on a deterministic approach, have been proposed to establish this occupational risk. As a result, the purpose of this study is to develop and apply a probabilistic approach, based on the randomization of exposure parameters, for assessing and evaluating the occupational exposure risk among olfactometric examiners. In this methodology, the risk is assessed by computing the hazard index (HI) and inhalation risk (IR) to determine the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. To randomize the exposure parameters, a Monte Carlo simulation was described and then applied in real exposure scenario to establish the exposure risk in terms of probability. Therefore, a one-year survey of the working activity of olfactometric examiners of Laboratorio Olfattometrico of Politecnico di Milano university was conducted. Based on this data collection (exposure parameters and chemical data, divided according to sample categories), a randomized exposure scenario was constructed to estimate the probability and cumulative distribution function of risk parameters. Different distributions were obtained for different industrial samples categories and were compared with respect to acceptability criteria (the value of HI and IR at 95th percentile of distribution). The elaboration provided evidence that negligible non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks are associated with the panelists’ activity, according to an entire annual dataset. The application of probabilistic risk assessment provides a more comprehensive and effective characterization of the general exposure scenario for olfactometric examiners, surpassing the limitations of a deterministic approach. This method can be extended to future exposure scenarios and enables the selection of the most effective risk management strategies to protect the health of olfactometric examiners.

Objectives The quantitative job -exposure matrix SYN-JEM consists of various dimensions: job -specific estimates, region -specific estimates, and prior expert ratings of jobs by the semi -quantitative DOM-JEM. We analyzed the effect of different JEM dimensions on the exposure-response relationships between occupational silica exposure and lung cancer risk to investigate how these variations influence estimates of exposure by a quantitative JEM and associated health endpoints. Methods Using SYN-JEM, and alternative SYN-JEM specifications with varying dimensions included, cumulative silica exposure estimates were assigned to 16 901 lung cancer cases and 20 965 controls pooled from 14 international community -based case -control studies. Exposure-response relationships based on SYN-JEM and alternative SYN-JEM specifications were analyzed using regression analyses (by quartiles and log -transformed continuous silica exposure) and generalized additive models (GAM), adjusted for age, sex, study, cigarette pack -years, time since quitting smoking, and ever employment in occupations with established lung cancer risk. Results SYN-JEM and alternative specifications generated overall elevated and similar lung cancer odds ratios ranging from 1.13 (1st quartile) to 1.50 (4th quartile). In the categorical and log -linear analyses SYN-JEM with all dimensions included yielded the best model fit, and exclusion of job -specific estimates from SYN-JEM yielded the poorest model fit. Additionally, GAM showed the poorest model fit when excluding job -specific estimates. Conclusion The established exposure-response relationship between occupational silica exposure and lung cancer was marginally influenced by varying the dimensions of SYN-JEM. Optimized modelling of exposure-response relationships will be obtained when incorporating all relevant dimensions, namely prior rating, job, time, and region. Quantitative job -specific estimates appeared to be the most prominent dimension for this general population JEM.

Traffic-related air pollutants inside vehicle cabins are often extremely high compared to background pollution concentrations. The study of the determinants of these concentrations is particularly important for professional drivers and commuters who spend long periods in vehicles. This study is aimed at identifying and quantifying the effect of several exposure determinants on carbon monoxide (CO), equivalent black carbon (eBC), two particulate matter (PM) fractions (PM0.3-1 and PM1-2.5), and ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations inside a passenger car cabin. The novelty of this work consists in examining the effects of the emissions of the first vehicle ahead (henceforth called "leading vehicle") on pollutant concentrations inside the cabin of the following vehicle (i.e., the car that was equipped with the air monitoring devices), with particular emphasis on the role of the leading vehicle characteristics (e.g., emission reduction technologies). The real-time instrumentation was placed inside the cabin of a petrol passenger car, which was driven by the same operator two times per day on the same route in real driving conditions. The in-cabin ventilation settings were set as follows: windows closed, air conditioning and recirculation modes off, and the fanned ventilation system on. The measurements were conducted over a total of 10 weekdays during two different seasons (i.e., summer and autumn). A video camera fixed to the windscreen was used to retrieve information about traffic conditions and leading vehicle characteristics through careful video analysis. The associations among pollutant concentrations and their potential determinants were evaluated using generalized estimating equation univariate and multiple models. The results confirmed the significant impact of several well-known determinants such as seasonality, microclimatic parameters, traffic jam situations, and route characteristics. Moreover, the outcomes shed light on the key role of leading vehicle emissions as determinant factors of the pollutant concentrations inside car cabins. Indeed, in the tested cabin ventilation conditions, it was demonstrated that in-cabin pollutant concentrations were significantly higher with leading vehicles ahead (from +14.6% to +67.5%) compared to empty road conditions, even though the introduction of newer technologies with better emissions reduction helped mitigate their effect. Additionally, diesel-fuelled leading vehicles compared to petrol-fuelled leading vehicles were impactful on in-cabin CO (-7.2%) and eBC (+45.3%) concentrations. An important effect (+30.4%) on in-vehicle PM1-2.5 concentrations was found with heavy-duty compared to light-duty leading vehicles. Finally, this research pointed out that road-scale factors are more important determinant factors of in-cabin concentrations than local pollution and meteorological conditions.

In the European Union, Occupational Safety and Health legislation generally refers to European Regulation (CE) n. 1272/2008 to define and classify carcinogens of concern for occupational risk assessment and exposure assessment. In Europe, the current reference is Directive (UE) 2022/431, regarding carcinogen, mutagen, and reprotoxic agent (CMR) exposure. However, at the worldwide level, different classification approaches are used to establish carcinogenicity of substances and it is often difficult to compare the classifications of carcinogenicity (CoCs) proposed by different international bodies. This study aims to investigate a list of carcinogens of concern in occupational settings based on the CLP (Classification Labelling Packaging) CoC and to create a tool that allows a rapid translation–comparison of some international CoCs with the reference one. CoCs proposed by various sources were consulted and used to apply a translation method, to favor an alignment of different CoCs according to a reference. Results outlined that, considering diverse sources, CoCs can result in different classifications of the same chemicals. Overall, this may have implications for the hazard assessment process, which is the base of risk assessment. The proposed tool is expected to help risk assessors in the occupational field when it is needed to have a comparison with different CoC systems.

The goal of the present research was to assess, under controlled laboratory conditions, the accuracy and precision of a prototype device (named ‘P.ALP’: Ph.D. Air-quality Low-cost Project) developed for PM2.5 concentration level monitoring. Indeed, this study follows a complementary manuscript (previously published) focusing on the in-field evaluation of the device’s performance. Four P.ALP prototypes were co-located with the reference instrument in a calm-air aerosol chamber at the NIOSH laboratories in Pittsburgh, PA (USA), used by the Center for Direct Reading and Sensor Technologies. The devices were tested for 10 monitoring days under several exposure conditions. To evaluate the performance of the prototypes, different approaches were employed. After the data from the devices were stored and prepared for analysis, to assess the accuracy (comparing the reference instrument with the prototypes) and the precision (comparing all the possible pairs of devices) of the P.ALPs, linear regression analysis was performed. Moreover, to find out the applicability field of this device, the US EPA’s suggested criteria were adopted, and to assess error trends of the prototype in the process of data acquisition, Bland–Altman plots were built. The findings show that, by introducing ad hoc calibration factors, the P.ALP’s performance needs to be further implemented, but the device can monitor the concentration trend variations with satisfying accuracy. Overall, the P.ALP can be involved in and adapted to a wide range of applications because of the inexpensive nature of the components, the small dimensions, and the high data storage capacity.

Dynamic olfactometry involves human examiners for quantifying odour. Examiners directly inhale, although diluted, the increasingly concentrated odorous samples and, during the analysis, they are thus exposed to substances potentially dangerous to human health. EN 13725 still does not propose a protocol for assessing the risk related to such activities. In the scientific literature, only few studies have addressed this issue, with discrepant approaches based on a deterministic risk assessment. However, the risk assessment needs the definition of exposure parameters that are strictly linked to their specific working time and the activity of the olfactometric laboratory, in terms of hours worked, number and type of samples analysed. Therefore, a deterministic risk assessment method remains limited to the experience of a single laboratory. Despite the importance of the topic, many aspects of the subject still remain unexplored. This paper aims to highlight the critical aspects of deterministic approaches available in the scientific literature (mainly due to the variability of exposure parameters connected with the specific working activity of every single panellist and each olfactometric laboratory and the necessity of conducting risk assessment within 30 h permitted by EN 13725) and evaluate the possible new solutions to conduct risk assessment for olfactometric workers.

The main aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the differences, in terms of exposure to PM (particulate matter), between WFO (working-from-office) and WFH (working-from-home) conditions. Two measurement surveys were performed: a long-term and a short-term campaign, focused on the monitoring of personal exposure to size-fractionated PM in these different working conditions. Results of the long-term campaign show that the WFH subject is exposed to higher (up to 4 times) PM concentration, compared to the WFO subject. Specific activities performed by the subjects impacted their exposure concentrations, even if the most relevant contribution to total exposure was made by desk work. Results of the short-term campaign indicate that the subjects can be divided into two groups: subjects most exposed during the WFH mode (HE_H - Higher_Exposure_Home) and subjects most exposed during the WFO mode (HE_O - Higher_Exposure_Office). HE_H group is exposed to levels of pollutants up to 4 times higher in the domestic than in the office environment, during the moment of desk work. The HE_O group is exposed to higher (double) concentration levels during desk work during the WFO day. Considering the possible growing trend towards remote work it is important to evaluate these "new domestic offices" comprehensively. [GRAPHICS] .

Objective During the induction of gaseous anaesthesia, waste anaesthetic gases (WAGs) can be released into workplace air. Occupational exposure to high levels of halogenated WAGs may lead to adverse health effects; hence, it is important to measure WAGs concentration levels to perform risk assessment and for health protection purposes. Methods A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted on two different scientific databases (Scopus and PubMed). A total of 101 studies, focused on sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane exposures in hospitals, were included in this review. Key information was extracted to provide (1) a description of the study designs (e.g., monitoring methods, investigated occupational settings, anaesthetic gases in use); (2) an evaluation of time trends in the measured concentrations of considered WAGs; (3) a critical evaluation of the sampling strategies, monitoring methods and instruments used. Results Environmental monitoring was prevalent (68%) and mainly used for occupational exposure assessment during adult anaesthesia (84% of cases). Real-time techniques such as photoacoustic spectroscopy and infrared spectrophotometry were used in 58% of the studies, while off-line approaches such as active or passive sampling followed by GC-MS analysis were used less frequently (39%). Conclusions The combination of different instrumental techniques allowing the collection of data with different time resolutions was quite scarce (3%) despite the fact that this would give the opportunity to obtain reliable data for testing the compliance with 8 h occupational exposure limit values and at the same time to evaluate short-term exposures.

In welding, there is a potential risk due to metal-oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) exposure of workers. To inves-tigate this possibility, the diameter and number particles concentration of MONPs were evaluated in different biological matrices and in personal air samples collected from 18 stainless-steel welders and 15 unexposed administrative employees engaged in two Italian mechanical engineering Companies. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and urine were sampled at pre-shift on 1st day and post-shift on 5th day of the workweek, while plasma and inhalable particulate matter (IPM) at post-shift on 5th day and analysed using the Single Particle Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) technique to assess possible exposure to Cr2O3, Mn3O4 and NiO nanoparticles (NPs) in welders. The NPs in IPM at both Companies presented a multi-oxide composition consisting of Cr2O3 (median, 871,574 particles/m3; 70 nm), Mn3O4 (median, 713,481 particles/m3; 92 nm) and NiO (median, 369,324 par-ticles/m3; 55 nm). The EBC of welders at both Companies showed Cr2O3 NPs median concentration significantly higher at post-shift (64,645 particles/mL; 55 nm) than at pre-shift (15,836 particles/mL; 58 nm). Significantly lower Cr2O3 NPs median concentration and size (7762 particles/mL; 44 nm) were observed in plasma compared to EBC of welders. At one Company, NiO NPs median concentration in EBC (22,000 particles/mL; 65 nm) and plasma (8248 particles/mL; 37 nm) were detected only at post-shift. No particles of Cr2O3, Mn3O4 and NiO were detected in urine of welders at both Companies. The combined analyses of biological matrices and air samples were a valid approach to investigate both internal and external exposure of welding workers to MONPs. Overall, results may inform suitable risk assessment and management procedures in welding operations.