Dietary intake is the main route of pesticide exposure in the general population. While several European studies have linked food consumption to human biomonitoring data, evidence from smaller countries such as Latvia is scarce. This study is the first to systematically examine how dietary habits influence pesticide exposure in the Latvian rural population, addressing an important knowledge gap and providing evidence with direct relevance for public health and food safety policies. This study used data from the HBM4EU SPECIMEn study, including 101 adult-child pairs from rural Latvia. Morning spot urine samples were collected from all pairs. Urinary pesticide metabolites were measured using suspect screening with full scan liquid chromatography coupled to HRMS, resulting in annotated metabolites. Dietary information was collected through food diaries 24 h prior to urine collection, and associations between the consumption of specific fruits and vegetables and pesticide detection were assessed using descriptive frequency analysis and logistic mixed-effects regression models. Consumption of apples, bananas, eggplants/courgettes, grapes, pears, and processed potato products was consistently associated with higher detection frequencies and increased odds of pesticide detection. Acetamiprid was detected in 66.7% of grape consumer urine samples compared with 31.8% of non-consumers, and 73.6% of French fries/chips consumers had chlorpropham detected compared with 25.9% of non-consumers. Logistic regression confirmed these associations, showing strong links between apple consumption and acetamiprid (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.51-4.09, p < 0.001) and between banana consumption and boscalid (OR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.34-5.28, p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed between organic/homegrown and conventional food items. Higher pesticide detection frequencies and odds ratios were observed among participants reporting consumption of apples, bananas, grapes, pears, and processed potato products compared with non-consumers, with the strongest associations for acetamiprid in grapes, chlorpropham in French fries and chips, and multiple pesticides in apples. The detection of pesticides not registered in Latvia, such as acetamiprid, pyrimethanil, and imazalil, indicates that imported foods are an important source of exposure. These findings contribute to understanding dietary exposure pathways and may support future exposure monitoring and food safety communication strategies.

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a critical tool for assessing chemical exposure in populations and informing public health policies. This study aimed to prioritize chemical substances for the development of a national HBM program in Latvia, addressing the need for systematic evaluation of chemicals in the local context. Initially, 318 chemical substances were reviewed, of which 130 were shortlisted and assessed using an adapted Hanlon methodology. Substances were assessed based on their health significance, hazardous properties, exposure characteristics, national relevance, and public interest. The results identified 30 high-priority substances across various categories, providing a foundation for the HBM4LV program. This prioritization process highlighted the challenges of data gaps, resource limitations, and the need to balance national priorities with alignment to European frameworks. Despite addressing key methodological challenges, the study highlights the importance for ongoing refinement, robust data collection, and strengthened international collaboration to enhance the program’s scope and long-term sustainability. While the methodology addressed key challenges, further refinement and international collaboration are essential to enhance the program’s scope and sustainability.

Sapropel, a sediment rich in organic matter and bioactive compounds, has significant potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. This study aimed to develop a stable, water-soluble hydrogel containing sapropel extract as a delivery platform for these bioactive compounds. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) was used as a gelling agent in eight formulations, with or without sapropel extract, and buffer solutions (NaCl, MgSO4, MgCl2). The gels were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, stability, and thermal resistance over a 2-year period under different storage conditions.All sapropel extract containing formulations exhibited a smooth, homogeneous and light-yellow appearance with good stability and spread ability. The pH levels ranged from 4.7 to 7.4, within the acceptable range for skin application, although formulations with MgCl2 showed greater pH fluctuations. Viscosity analyses revealed that sapropel extract decreased viscosity, particularly under fluctuating temperatures. MgSO4-buffered formulations exhibited the most stable viscosity over time. However, some formulations demonstrated decreased stability and viscosity after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and UV light. Centrifugal and thermal tests confirmed the physical stability of the gels, with no phase separation observed.Overall, the study confirms the feasibility of incorporating sapropel extract into stable, water-soluble hydrogels, making them suitable for potential therapeutic and cosmetic uses.

Processing of electronic waste (e-waste) causes the release of toxic substances which may lead to occupational exposure. The study aimed to gather information on potential occupational exposure during e-waste recycling, with a focus on biomonitoring of chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead. In eight European countries, 195 workers involved in the recycling of lead batteries, white goods, brown goods and metals and plastics were studied. These workers were compared to 73 controls with no direct involvement of e-waste recycling or other metal processing activities. The samples collected consisted of urine, blood and hair samples, along with personal air samples, hand wipes, settled dust samples and contextual information. Chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead was measured in urine, hair, air samples, hand wipes and settled dust; cadmium and lead in whole blood and chromium in red blood cells. Results showed that lead exposure is of concern, with workers from all five types of e-waste showing exposure, with elevated measurements in all matrices. Internal exposure markers were positively correlated with markers of external exposure, indicating workers are not adequately protected. Exposure to mercury and cadmium was also observed but to a much lesser extent with raised cadmium concentrations in urine and blood of all workers when compared to controls and raised mercury concentrations were found in brown goods workers when compared to controls. This study has highlighted exposure concerns when processing e-waste, particularly for lead across all waste categories studied, indicating a need for improved control measures in this sector.

E-waste contains hazardous chemicals that may be a direct health risk for workers involved in recycling. We conducted an untargeted metabolomics analysis of urine samples collected from male e-waste processing workers to explore metabolic changes associated with chemical exposures in e-waste recycling in Belgium, Finland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal. Questionnaire data and urine samples were obtained from workers involved in the processing of e-waste (sorting, dismantling, shredding, pre-processing, metal, and non-metal processing), as well as from controls with no known occupational exposure. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were collected and analysed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). A total of 32 endogenous urinary metabolites were annotated with a Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) above 2, indicating that e-waste recycling is mainly associated with changes in steroid hormone and neurotransmitter metabolism, energy metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, and inflammation. The highest VIP was observed for dopamine-o-quinone, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease. These and other changes in metabolism in workers employed in the processing of e-waste need further verification in targeted studies.

We investigated the level of protection of reproductive and developmental toxicity offered through occupational exposure limits (OELs) and Derived No-Effect Levels for workers' inhalation exposure (wDNELs). We compared coverage of substances that have a harmonised classification as reproductive toxicant 1 A or 1B (Repr.1 A/B), numerical values and scientific basis of 12 lists of OELs and wDNELs from REACH Registrants' and the Committee for Risk Assessment. Across the 14 sources of OELs and wDNELs, 53 % of the Repr1A/B-substances had at least one exposure limit (counting groups of metals as one entry). Registrants' wDNELs covered the largest share, 40 %. The numerical values could be highly variable for the same substance across the lists. How often reproductive toxicity is identified as the critical effect varies between the examined lists, both due to different assessments of the same substance and different substance coverage. Reviewing the margin of safety to reproductive toxicity cited in the documents, we found that 15 % of safety margins were lower to reproductive toxicity than the critical effect. To conclude, neither the REACH nor work environment legislation supply wDNELs or OELs for a substantial share of known reproductive toxicants. EU OELs cover among the fewest substances in the range, and in many cases national OELs or wDNELs are set at more conservative levels.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has globally influenced the exposure of populations to chemical substances through various channels. This study aims to evaluate the tendencies of the use of chemical products in Latvia amidst the pandemic. Answers from 597 respondents (26.6% male, 73.4% female, mean age 46.0 ± 12.2) which were gathered as part of the HBM4EU (Human Biomonitoring Initiative) citizen survey and 8 focus group participants were used.MethodsThe study utilized data from the HBM4EU citizen survey and conducted focus group discussions to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chemical product usage in Latvia. Survey responses were analyzed to identify changes in exposure to chemicals, particularly in relation to disinfection agents and household products.ResultsMore than two-thirds of survey participants reported increased exposure to chemicals during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly related to the use of disinfection agents and household products. About 2-in-5 (39.8%) of survey respondents considered that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in exposure to chemicals. The excessive use of disinfectant products is the main concern of citizens (mentioned by 66.7%, n = 389). Also, two focus group participants noted that the use of disinfectant products is too widespread and should be minimized.DiscussionThe findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased the use of chemical products in Latvia but also promoted an interest in safe and healthy use of chemicals which could be useful to raise the awareness of the general public.

Exposure to radon gas in households presents serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of lung cancer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the change in individual habits has led to more time spent in indoor environments with remote activities; thus, the need to raise the awareness of air quality in dwellings and to mitigate the exposure of inhabitants to radon has emerged. This study investigated radon gas concentrations in the air of Latvian dwellings. RadTrack2 passive detectors were deployed in a representative sample of households across 106 municipalities of Latvia (98% of the territory), yielding data from 487 households (973 detectors). The data revealed a median radon concentration of 52 Bq/m3 (Q1 and Q3 were 29 and 93 Bq/m3), with the majority of samples (95.6%) falling below the national reference limit of 200 Bq/m3. The building type and presence of a cellar significantly impacted radon levels, with structures lacking cellars and older buildings exhibiting higher concentrations. Mechanical ventilation proved to be more effective in reducing radon levels, compared to natural ventilation. These findings emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate indoor radon exposure and to ensure the well-being of occupants. Additionally, the dissemination of research data on radon exposure through open-access scientific publications is vital for raising awareness and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Background and Objective: Sapropel, a biologically active sedimentary deposit, is high in organic matter and minerals and has been shown to offer health benefits. Its constituents, humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), have been found to have some therapeutic applications. The aim of this study was to determine the potential therapeutically significant properties of freshwater sapropel extracts: their polyacid content, antioxidative (AO) status, and biological activity in cell culture. Materials and Methods: Freshwater lakes from the southeast region of Latvia were investigated layer by layer. The total organic carbon (TOC) was determined through combustion using the catalytic oxidation method, HA and FA were measured via acid perspiration, and the total polyphenol content (TPC) and total antioxidant status (TAS) was analysed spectrophotometrically. Sapropel extracts’ regenerative abilities were tested in vitro using a Cell-IQ real-time monitoring system on mouse BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts and human keratinocyte HaCaT cell lines. Cytotoxicity was measured through neutral red uptake assessment as a concentration-dependent reduction in the uptake of neutral red dye relative to a vehicle control or untreated cells. Results: The highest AO activity was observed in sapropel extracts with elevated concentrations of HA and TPC from Audzelu Lake (1.08 ± 0.03 mmol/L), and the lowest activity was found in extracts from Ivusku Lake (0.31 ± 0.01 mmol/L). Correspondingly, the concentrations of HA in Audzelu and Ivusku Lakes were recorded as 45.2 and 27.4 mg/g, respectively. High concentrations of HA promoted in vitro cell growth upon short-term exposure (up to 6 h). Conclusions: The results show that high TPC correlates with AO status and sapropel extracts with higher concentrations of HA exhibit greater AO activity and promote in vitro cell growth, suggesting a perspective use for short-term topical therapeutic skin applications. However, higher concentrations over longer durations showed cytotoxic effects, indicating the need for further investigation.

E-waste recycling is an increasingly important activity that contributes to reducing the burden of end-of-life electronic and electrical apparatus and allows for the EU's transition to a circular economy. This study investigated the exposure levels of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in workers from e-waste recycling facilities across Europe.The concentrations of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners were measured by GC-MS. Workers were categorized into five groups based on the type of e-waste handled and two control groups. Generalized linear models were used to assess the determinants of exposure levels among workers. POPs levels were also assessed in dust and silicone wristbands (SWB) and compared with serum.Four PCB congeners (CB 118, 138, 153, and 180) were frequently detected in serum regardless of worker's category. With the exception of CB 118, all tested PCBs were significantly higher in workers compared to the control group. Controls working in the same company as occupationally exposed (Within control group), also displayed higher levels of serum CB 180 than non-industrial controls with no known exposures to these chemicals (Outwith controls) (p < 0.05). BDE 209 was the most prevalent POP in settled dust (16 μg/g) and SWB (220 ng/WB). Spearman correlation revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between SWB and dust. Increased age and the number of years smoked cigarettes were key determinants for workers exposure. Estimated daily intake through dust ingestion revealed that ΣPCB was higher for both the 50th (0.03 ng/kg bw/day) and 95th (0.09 ng/kg bw/day) percentile exposure scenarios compared to values reported for the general population.This study is one of the first to address the occupational exposure to PCBs and PBDEs in Europe among e-waste workers through biomonitoring combined with analysis of settled dust and SWB. Our findings suggest that e-waste workers may face elevated PCB exposure and that appropriate exposure assessments are needed to establish effective mitigation strategies.

The Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model is computer software that estimates and visualizes the deposition, clearance, and retention of particles in the respiratory tract systems of humans, rats, and other species. The mathematical model provides a broad spectrum of settings and input options. This research aims to explore the MPPD model concept and determine the deposition fraction (DF), clearance, and retained mass in the human respiratory tract (HRT) based on the geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mass concentration (MC) of particulate matter (PM) emitted during the 3D printing process. We used the real-time air sample data collected during the 8-hour working shift in the 3D printing office. Ultrafine PM deposits mainly in lungs (56%), fine PM mostly deposits in the upper respiratory tract (URT) (41%) and lungs (39%), but coarse PM mostly deposits in the URT (81%). The biggest DF in lower respiratory tract is ultrafine PM (487 μg), the smaller DF is coarse PM (185 μg) and the smallest DF is fine PM (123 μg). The biggest DF in lung for all PM - lower lobes (fine PM - 60%, ultrafine PM, coarse PM - 61%). In a model, where exposure was 5 hours a day, five days a week, during one month, followed by one year of post-exposure period, it was shown that retained mass in the tracheobronchial (TB) region was 1% for ultrafine and coarse PM each, 2% for fine PM, and 55% for all PM in the pulmonary region. The MPPD software is an easily accessible and valuable tool for assessing the impact of PM on the HRT. Particulate matter decreasing in diameter, tend to deposit mostly in the deeper levels of HRT. Tracheobronchial region clearance is more rapid than pulmonary region clearance. Potentially for persons using the 3D-printer regularly the worst health impact could be associated with smaller size of PM, due to tendency deposit mostly in pulmonary region where the clearance rate is slower.

3D (three-dimensional) printing technologies are widespread and rapidly evolving, creating new specific working conditions, and their importance has been highlighted by increasing publications in recent years. The report provides a compilation of current information on 3D technologies, materials, and measurements, considering the determination of the potential actual exposure dose of chemicals through airborne inhalation and dermal exposure, including workers’ exhaled breath condensate and urine data. Noninvasive assessment methods are becoming increasingly popular, as they are painless, easy to perform, and inexpensive. Investigation of biomarkers reflecting pulmonary inflammation and local and systemic oxidative stress in exhaled breath, exhaled breath condensate, and urine are among them. It is also important to consider the occupational health and safety risks associated with the use of various new materials in 3D printing, which are associated with skin irritation and sensitivity risks. Therefore, EDI (estimated daily intake) calculations for assessment of the potential occupational health risk purposes via inhalation and dermal exposure are critical in future. The assessment of occupational exposure and health risks of 3D printing processes is essential for the proper identification, control, and prevention of working conditions, also for the diagnosis and monitoring of occupational diseases among workers to improve public health and well-being in general.

Workers involved in the processing of electronic waste (e-waste) are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals, including phthalates and alternative plasticizers (APs). Dismantling and shredding of e-waste may lead to the production of dust that contains these plasticizers. The aim of this study, which was part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), was to assess the exposure to phthalates (e.g. di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP) and cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic di-isononyl ester (DINCH) in e-waste workers from ten European companies. This was achieved by (i) analysing urine samples from 106 e-waste workers collected at the beginning and at the end of the work week, (ii) comparing these with urine samples from 63 non-occupationally exposed controls, and (iii) analysing settled floor dust collected in e-waste premises. Significantly higher urinary concentrations of seven out of thirteen phthalates and DINCH metabolites were found in the e-waste workers compared to the control population. However, no significant differences were found between pre- and post-shift concentrations in the e-waste workers. Concentrations of DBP, DEHP and DiDP in dust were weakly to moderately positively correlated with their corresponding urinary metabolite concentrations in the e-waste workers (Spearman's ρ = 0.4, 0.3 and 0.2, respectively). Additionally, significantly lower urinary concentrations of nine phthalates and DINCH metabolites were found in e-waste workers using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) during their work activities, reflecting the potential benefits of RPE to prevent occupational exposure to phthalates and DINCH. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values obtained in this study were lower than the corresponding tolerable daily intake (TDI) adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the general population, suggesting that the risk for negative health consequences in this population of e-waste workers from exposure to phthalates and DINCH is expected to be low. This was confirmed by the urinary metabolite concentrations of all workers being lower than the HBM4EU guidance values derived for the occupational exposed and general population. This study is one of the first to address the occupational exposure to phthalates and DINCH in Europe in e-waste dismantling workers, combining a human biomonitoring approach with analysis of settled indoor dust.

Humans are exposed to a mixture of pesticides through diet as well as through the environment. We conducted a suspect-screening based study to describe the probability of (concomitant) exposure to a set of pesticide profiles in five European countries (Latvia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Spain and the Netherlands). We explored whether living in an agricultural area (compared to living in a peri-urban area), being a a child (compared to being an adult), and the season in which the urine sample was collected had an impact on the probability of detection of pesticides (-metabolites). In total 2088 urine samples were collected from 1050 participants (525 parent-child pairs) and analyzed through harmonized suspect screening by five different laboratories. Fourty pesticide biomarkers (either pesticide metabolites or the parent pesticides as such) relating to 29 pesticides were identified at high levels of confidence in samples across all study sites. Most frequently detected were biomarkers related to the parent pesticides acetamiprid and chlorpropham. Other biomarkers with high detection rates in at least four countries related to the parent pesticides boscalid, fludioxonil, pirimiphos-methyl, pyrimethanil, clothianidin, fluazifop and propamocarb. In 84% of the samples at least two different pesticides were detected. The median number of detected pesticides in the urine samples was 3, and the maximum was 13 pesticides detected in a single sample. The most frequently co-occurring substances were acetamiprid with chlorpropham (in 62 urine samples), and acetamiprid with tebuconazole (30 samples). Some variation in the probability of detection of pesticides (-metabolites) was observed with living in an agricultural area or season of urine sampling, though no consistent patterns were observed. We did observe differences in the probability of detection of a pesticide (metabolite) among children compared to adults, suggesting a different exposure and/or elimination patterns between adults and children.This survey demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a harmonized pan-European sample collection, combined with suspect screening to provide insight in the presence of exposure to pesticide mixtures in the European population, including agricultural areas. Future improvements could come from improved (harmonized) quantification of pesticide levels.

Abstract Found in lakes, freshwater sapropel is a sediment with a fine structure containing more than 10% of organic matter as well as residues of aquatic organisms with a small content of inorganic components of biogenic origin and mixture of mineral ingredients. The mud was first used in medicine by ancient Greeks, and it gained more popularity together with development of balneology in Europe in the 19th century as a remedy for several diseases. The last century also brought wider popularity in its cosmetic use. Despite its wide usage, mechanisms behind its effects are not so clear yet. Broad but fragmented studies on the effects of sapropel are available, but few have used modern research methods. There is evidence suggesting that its positive health effects are linked to its thermal capacity, ability of penetration in tissues and biological activity of its components, e.g., humic substances. Evidence also suggests antimicrobial activity and positive effects on skin regeneration. This review aims at summarising available knowledge on the structure and composition of sapropel and its effects on the human body, as well as its potential for further evidence-based use in medicine and cosmetics.

Considering the multitudes of people who spend their time working indoors in public premises and workplaces, it is worth knowing what their level of exposure is to natural radioactive radon gas, the second most widespread and dangerous carcinogen for lung cancer development after cigarette smoking. This state-level study covered most of the territory of Latvia and conducted 941 radon measurements with Radtrack2, placed for 4–6 months in the premises of public companies, educational institutions, medical care institutions, etc. The study found that 94.7% of samples did not exceed the national permissible limit (200 Bq/m3), the level at which preventive measures should be initiated. The median value of average specific radioactivity of radon in these premises was 48 Bq/m3 (Q1 and Q3 being 27 and 85 Bq/m3), which is below the average of the European region. Slightly higher concentrations were observed in well-insulated premises with plastic windows and poorer air exchange, mostly in schools (59 (36, 109) Bq/m3) and kindergartens (48 (32, 79) Bq/m3). Industrial workplaces had surprisingly low radon levels (28 (16, 55) Bq/m3) due to strict requirements for air quality and proper ventilation. Public premises and workplaces in Latvia mostly have low radon concentrations in the air, but more attention should be paid to adequate ventilation and air exchange.

Exposure to different chemicals is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. Within HBM4EU, focus group discussions were conducted to gather data on citizens’ perceptions of chemical exposure and human biomonitoring. These discussions were hosted in Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia following a protocol developed in the first round of discussions. Results indicate the very high concern of European citizens regarding food safety and the environment. Focus group participants were well aware of potential uptake of chemicals through food consumption (e.g., preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring agents, pesticides, fertilizers, metals), drinking water, or from polluted air and water. One of the positive aspects identified here, is the high interest of citizens in awareness and education on personal measures to control exposure. The promotion of personal behavioral changes requires active involvement of society (e.g., commuting habits, energy choices, waste disposal, dietary habits). Activities should focus on raising awareness of the general public, implementation of policy measures, and mainstreaming of related topics into the education system. Raising awareness of the general public may promote engagement of citizens, which in turn may empower them to put pressure on politicians to take effective actions. There is also a need for further research which might focus on the impact of country-specific situations and of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exposure of citizens to chemicals.

Within the Human Biomonitoring for Europe initiative (HBM4EU), a study to determine new biomarkers of exposure to pesticides and to assess exposure patterns was conducted. Human urine samples (N = 2,088) were collected from five European regions in two different seasons. The objective of the study was to identify pesticides and their metabolites in collected urine samples with a harmonized suspect screening approach based on liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) applied in five laboratories. A combined data processing workflow included comprehensive data reduction, correction of mass error and retention time (RT) drifts, isotopic pattern analysis, adduct and elemental composition annotation, finalized by a mining of the elemental compositions for possible annotations of pesticide metabolites. The obtained tentative annotations (n = 498) were used for acquiring representative data-dependent tandem mass spectra (MS2) and verified by spectral comparison to reference spectra generated from commercially available reference standards or produced through human liver S9 in vitro incubation experiments. 14 parent pesticides and 71 metabolites (including 16 glucuronide and 11 sulfate conjugates) were detected. Collectively these related to 46 unique pesticides. For the remaining tentative annotations either (i) no data-dependent MS2 spectra could be acquired, (ii) the spectral purity was too low for sufficient matching, or (iii) RTs indicated a wrong annotation, leaving potential for more pesticides and/or their metabolites being confirmed in further studies. Thus, the reported results are reflecting only a part of the possible pesticide exposure.

Inhalation is the main route of exposure to airborne pollutants. To evaluate the safety and assess the risks of occupational hazards different testing approaches are used. 3D airway epithelial tissues allow to mimic exposure conditions in vitro, generates human-relevant toxicology data, allows to elucidate mode of action of pollutants. Gilian 3500 pumps equipped with Standard Midget Impingers were used to collect the airborne particulate from woodworking and metalworking environments. EpiAirway™ tissues were used to model half working day (4 h), full working day (8 h), and 3 working day exposures to occupational pollutants. Tissue viability was assessed using MTT assay. RT-qPCR analyses performed to analyze the expression of gelsolin, caspase-3, and IL-6. Tissue morphology was assessed by hematoxylin/eosin staining. Acute exposure to workspace pollutants slightly affected tissue viability and did not change the morphology. Both types of particles suppressed expression of gelsolin, with metalworking samples showing the most pronounced effect. A slight reduction in caspase-3 expression was observed. Particles from metalworking suppressed IL-6 expression. 3D Epithelial tissues can be used to model exposures to airborne pollutants. Exposure to particles from woodworking and metalworking had a minor effect on tissue viability but affected the expression of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes.