Japanese administrative control level of respirable dust and determination of crystalline silica in dust

In Japan, there are two commonly used regulations on respirable dust concentration: the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL), recommended by the Japan Society for Occupational Health, and the Administrative Control Level (ACL). Both depend on the crystalline silica content in dust. Until 2004, the ACL for respirable dust conformed to the OEL. However, the ACL was revised in 2005 in light of the OEL and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)'s Threshold Limit Value (TLV), same value as National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)'s Recommended Exposure Limit (REL). In this paper, the author intends to clarify the stringency of the current ACL by comparing it with the OEL and the ACGIH's TLV. In addition, the effect of the analytical error due to the phosphoric acid method in the current and former ACLs is shown.     

Determining of crystalline silica in respirable dust samples by infrared spectrophotometry in the presence of interferences

Infrared Spectrophotometry (IR) is now widely used to determine crystalline silica in industrial dust samples. Though the IR method has many advantages when dealing with respirable dust samples, some serious analytical errors are often caused by interference minerals contamination. These minerals have a characteristic absorption band corresponding in position to the analytical peak for crystalline silica. In this paper, six typical interference minerals (Kaolinite, Mullite, Muscovite, Pyrophyllite, Montmorillonite and Amorphous silica) were pre-size controlled to respirable range and their infrared spectra were measured by means of an FT-IR with the well-known potassium bromide tablet technique. The effects of these interference minerals on the Japanese OEL or the administrative control level for respirable dust which depend on the silica content were calculated and expressed in figures. The measured absorption coefficients of the interference minerals and quartz were 1.36-6.98 Abs/mg and 24.46 Abs/mg, respectively. The absorption band height ratios of each interference minerals were also measured. Then the efficiency and applicability of two spectrum correction methods for the interference minerals, absorbance ratio method and difference spectrum method were examined by using artificially mixed samples (standard interference mineral + standard quartz). By comparing the quantifying results for the mixture samples, it was revealed that the interfered spectra were almost corrected successfully when using the difference spectrum method, whereas correction by the absorbance ratio method resulted in apparent negative errors. Furthermore, the difference spectrum method was proven to be superior to the absorbance ratio method in applicability.     

Analysis of subjective symptoms of upper extremities in dental technicians

Our review of the literature showed no report on the subjective symptoms of the upper extremities in dental technicians. This study was therefore undertaken on 164 dental technicians in Gifu Prefecture to investigate the relationship between the subjective symptoms of the hands, arms and shoulders and work of dental technicians. The following results were obtained. 1) The prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon and numbness of the fingers was 5.5 and 18.5 %, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between the prevalence and frequency of numbness and cold sensation in the fingers and the daily usage time (h) of high-speed type machines. In addition, pain in the fingers and around the wrists, and pain and numbness in the arms were significantly related to the daily usage time (h) of low-speed type machines. These results suggest that the usage of high- and low-speed type machines may be a cause of vibration syndrome among dental technicians. 2) A high prevalence of pain in the shoulders (30.8%), neck (30.1%), and back (36.3%) was observed in dental technicians. It is considered that these symptoms are related to the working posture and usage of machines.     

Assessment of respirable dust and its free silica contents in different Indian coalmines

Assessment of respirable dust, personal exposures of miners and free silica contents in dust were undertaken to find out the associated risk of coal workers' pneumoconiosis in 9 coal mines of Eastern India during 1988-91. Mine Research Establishment (MRE), 113A Gravimetric Dust Sampler (GDS) and personal samplers (AFC 123), Cassella, London, approved by Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) were used respectively for monitoring of mine air dust and personal exposures of miners. Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) Spectroscopy determined free silica in respirable dusts. Thermal Conditions like Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, humidity and wind velocity were also recorded during monitoring. The dust levels in the face return air of both, Board & Pillar (B&P) and Long Wall (LW) mining were found above the permissible level recommended by DGMS, Govt. of India. The drilling, blasting and loading are the major dusty operations in B&P method. Exposures of driller and loader were varied between, 0.81-9.48 mg/m3 and 0.05-9.84 mg/m3 respectively in B&P mining, whereas exposures of DOSCO loader, Shearer operator and Power Support Face Worker were varied between 2.65-9.11 mg/m3, 0.22-10.00 mg/m3 and 0.12-9.32 mg/m3 respectively in LW mining. In open cast mining, compressor and driller operators are the major exposed groups. The percentage silica in respirable dusts found below 5% in all most all the workers except among query loaders and drillers of open cast mines.     

Evaluation of workers' exposure to total, respirable and silica dust and the related health symptoms in Senjedak stone quarry, Iran

The present research was conducted in a stone quarry of marble located in northeast of Iran. Time weighted average of total dust, respirable dust, and crystalline silica (alpha-quartz) concentration in workers' breathing zone were monitored by using both gravimetric and XRD methods. The results showed that the employees working in hammer drill process had the highest exposure to the total and respirable dust: 107.9 +/- 8.0 mg/m3, 11.2 +/- 0.77 mg/m3 respectively, while the cutting machine workers had the lowest exposure (9.3 +/- 3.0 mg/m3, 1.8 +/- 0.82 mg/m3). The maximum concentration of a-quartz in total and respirable dust were detected equal to 0.670 +/- 8.49 x 10(-2) and 5.7 x 10(-2) +/- 1.6 x 10(-2) mg/m3 respectively, which belonged to the exposure of the workers of hammer drill process. The prevalence of skin and respiratory symptoms were higher in hammer drill workers, however, respiratory symptoms showed no significant prevalence. Regarding the average age of workers (31.6 +/- 1.9 yr) and average of their work history (3.8 +/- 1.0 yr), these results were predictable.     

A comprehensive assessment of exposures to respirable dust and silica in the taconite mining industry

This study assessed the present-day levels (year 2010–2011) of exposure to respirable dust (RD) and respirable silica (RS) in taconite mines and evaluated how the mining process influences exposure concentrations. Personal samples (n = 679) were collected to assess exposure levels of workers to RD and RS at six mines in the Mesabi Iron Range of Minnesota. The RD and RS concentrations were measured using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 0600 and NIOSH 7500, respectively. Between-mine, between-SEG (similar exposure groups), within-SEG, and within-worker components of variability for RD and RS exposures were estimated using a two- or three-way nested random-effects ANOVA model. The majority of RD concentrations across all mines were below the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The highest concentrations of RD were often observed in either the Pelletizing or Crushing departments, which are inherently dusty operations. With a few exceptions, the concentrations of RS in the crushing and concentrating processes were higher than those in the other mining processes, as well as higher than the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for RS. The magnetic separation and flotation processes in the concentrating department reduced the levels of RS significantly, and lowered the percentage of quartz in RD in the pelletizing department. There was little variability among the six mines or between the two mineralogically distinct zones for either RD or RS exposures. The between-SEG variability for RS did not differ substantially across most of the mines and was a major component of exposure variance. The within-SEG (or between-worker) variance component was typically the smallest because in many instances one worker from a SEG within a mine was monitored multiple times. Some of these findings were affected by the degree of censoring in each SEG and mine, characteristics of the taconite rock, seasonal effects during sampling, or the tasks assigned to each job in that mine.     

Subjective symptoms among dental technicians exposed to the monomer methyl methacrylate

Dental technicians, their technical aids, and the students of the State Institute for Dental Technicians during a single academic year were surveyed for their use of the acrylic ester monomer and subjective symptoms in a questionnaire study. The population under study included all the members of the trade union in the greater Helsinki area and all specially trained technical aids in Finland. Acrylic monomers were handled daily without skin protection by 81% of the 293 respondents. Current hand dermatitis, or previous local dermatological problems, was reported by 17% of the respondents. Frequent contact with the acrylic monomer increased the rate of the self-reported dermatitis. The symptoms were spontaneously reported to be associated with the monomer by 42% of the respondents. Previously experienced allergies seemed to predispose the subjects to these irritative reactions. Other finger symptoms, eg, whitening and feelings of numbness, coldness, and pain, were reported by 25% of the respondents. Students attending the four-year technical school reported an increasing frequency of finger symptoms as their studies advanced, and in their senior year they reported the same frequency of occurrence as the qualified dental technicians.     

某市企业矽尘总粉尘与呼吸性粉尘浓度关系分析

目的 了解矽尘总粉尘和呼吸性粉尘的危害程度及其相关关系,为确定粉尘治理、评价治理效果提供依据。 方法 对中山市存在矽尘危害企业的矽尘总粉尘和呼吸性粉尘浓度进行检测和分析。 结果 共采集矽尘总粉尘和呼吸性粉尘有效数据58对,总粉尘的超标率与呼吸性粉尘的超标率分别为77.5%和68.9%,两者比较,差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.155,P>0.05)。总粉尘和呼尘浓度比值(T/R)范围1.15~21.58。某运动用品厂的总粉尘和呼吸性粉尘浓度存在线性相关关系,采用24对数据,得到线性方程为Y=0.175 X+0.654(r=0.816,P<0.05)。 结论 所调查企业粉尘危害不容忽视,总粉尘浓度反映的危害程度与呼吸性粉尘基本一致;但部分岗位总粉尘和呼吸性粉尘浓度差别较大,不能确定多行业总粉尘和呼吸性粉尘换算关系。应尽量排除各种因素的影响干扰,确定两者的关系,指导日常工作。     

Relation between exposure to respirable silica dust and silicosis in a tungsten mine in China.

To estimate the quantitative relation between exposure to respirable silica dust and risk of an attack of silicosis, 1151 workers exposed to silica dust and employed from 1958 to 1987 in a tungsten mine in China were investigated. The results showed that the ratio of respirable silica dust concentration to total silica dust concentration was 0.529. Then, the total silica dust concentration in historical surveillance and monitoring data was converted to respirable silica dust concentration. The free silica content in respirable dust determined by x ray diffraction averaged 24.7%. Multiple logistic regression was used for the dichotomous dependent variables (presence or absence of silicosis). The independent variables in the multiple logistic regression with presence of silicosis as the dependent variable were age when first exposed, tuberculosis (presence or absence), and cumulative exposure to respirable silica dust. The partial regression coefficient of individual cumulative exposure was estimated as 0.079. It implied a positive association between exposure to respirable silica dust and risk of an attack of silicosis. The exposure limit for respirable silica dust was estimated as 0.24 mg/m3 under given conditions.     

Relation between exposure to respirable silica dust and silicosis in a tungsten mine in China.

To estimate the quantitative relation between exposure to respirable silica dust and risk of an attack of silicosis, 1151 workers exposed to silica dust and employed from 1958 to 1987 in a tungsten mine in China were investigated. The results showed that the ratio of respirable silica dust concentration to total silica dust concentration was 0.529. Then, the total silica dust concentration in historical surveillance and monitoring data was converted to respirable silica dust concentration. The free silica content in respirable dust determined by x ray diffraction averaged 24.7%. Multiple logistic regression was used for the dichotomous dependent variables (presence or absence of silicosis). The independent variables in the multiple logistic regression with presence of silicosis as the dependent variable were age when first exposed, tuberculosis (presence or absence), and cumulative exposure to respirable silica dust. The partial regression coefficient of individual cumulative exposure was estimated as 0.079. It implied a positive association between exposure to respirable silica dust and risk of an attack of silicosis. The exposure limit for respirable silica dust was estimated as 0.24 mg/m3 under given conditions.     

Evaluation of cut-off saw exposure control methods for respirable dust and crystalline silica in roadway construction

Dust reduction equipment adapted for single-person operation was evaluated for gas-powered, commercially available cut-off saws during concrete curb cutting. Cutting was performed without dust control and with two individual exposure control methods: wet suppression and local exhaust ventilation (LEV). The wet suppression system comprised a two-nozzle spray system and a 13.3-L hand-pressurized water supply system with an optimum mean flow rate of 0.83 L/min for 16 min of cutting. The LEV system consisted of a spring-loaded guard, an 18.9-L collection bag, and a centrifugal fan with an estimated exhaust rate of 91 ft(3)/min. Task-based, personal filter samples were obtained for four saw operators during cutting durations of 4 to 16 min on five job sites. Seventeen filter samples were collected without dust control, 14 with wet suppression, and 12 with LEV, yielding a geometric mean respirable dust concentration of 16.4 mg/m(3), 3.60 mg/m(3), and 4.40 mg/m(3), respectively. A dust reduction of 78.0% for wet suppression and 73.2% for LEV was observed vs. no dust control. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was also revealed for wet suppression and LEV when compared with no dust control; however, a significant difference (p = 0.09) was not observed between wet suppression and LEV. Despite these significant dust reductions, workers are still projected to exceed the ACGIH 8-hr time-weighted average threshold limit value for quartz (0.025 mg/m(3)) in less than 1 hr of cutting for both dust control methods. Further research is still needed to improve dust reduction and portability of both control methods, but the current LEV system offers important advantages, including a drier, less slippery work area and year-round functionality in cold weather.     

Pneumoconiosis and respiratory problems in dental laboratory technicians: Analysis of 893 dental technicians

Objectives

To explore the rate of pneumoconiosis in dental technicians (DTP) and to evaluate the risk factors.

Material and Methods

Data of 893 dental technicians, who were admitted to our hospital in the period January 2007–May 2012, from 170 dental laboratories were retrospectively examined. Demographic data, respiratory symptoms, smoking status, work duration, working fields, exposure to sandblasting, physical examination findings, chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography results were evaluated.

Results

Dental technicians’ pneumoconiosis rate was 10.1% among 893 cases. The disease was more common among males and in those exposed to sandblasting who had 77-fold higher risk of DTP. The highest profusion subcategory was 3/+ (according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) 2011 standards) and the large opacity rate was 13.3%.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, it was the largest DTP case series (N = 893/90) in the literature in English. Health screenings should be performed regularly for the early diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, which is an important occupational disease for dental technicians.     

A critique of MSHA procedures for determination of permissible respirable coal mine dust containing free silica

The literature in selected technical subject areas related to the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) respirable mine dust control policy was critically reviewed. Specific topics included: (1) the technical aspects of respirable dust sampling, (2) the development of a sampling strategy and (3) currently used analytical techniques for free silica content of respirable coal mine dust. The 2.0 Lpm MSHA respirable dust sampling flow rate does not conform with published results which indicate that to simulate existing pulmonary particle deposition models, the sampling flow rate should range from 1.4 to 1.7 Lpm. MSHA's sampling strategy focuses on controlling respirable coal mine dust with both area and personal samples of workers in selected occupations or activities. Many uncertainties are encountered as area samples are used to estimate personal exposures. Although all of the analytical methods for crystalline free silica are sufficiently sensitive to be able to detect and quantitate free silica at environmentally significant concentrations, they are all plagued with similar difficulties. Analytical standards representing the various forms of silica are not available. Available analytical methods do not differentiate among polymorphs of silica. Recommendations are presented to resolve identified problem areas.     

Non-fibrous dust load and smoking in dental technicians: a study using bronchoalveolar lavage.

A study was conducted with transmission electron microscopy to find whether bronchoalveolar lavage could be used to identify subjects with occupational exposure to mineral particles. Non-fibrous mineral particles in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from 46 dental technicians and 41 white collar controls with lung diseases but free from occupational exposure to dusts were analysed. The total particle concentration in BAL fluid was significantly higher in dental technicians than in controls (12.18 x 10(5) particles/ml of BAL fluid, v 2.03 x 10(5) particles/ml, p < 0.001). Dental technicians had significantly more crystalline silica, aluminium, and alloys containing nickel and chromium. There was a non-significant twofold increase of total particle concentration in the lungs of dental technicians who were smokers compared with non-smokers. The results strongly support the use of BAL fluid analysis to assess dust accumulation in workers in heavily exposed occupations such as dental technicians. This is a valid method to evaluate occupational exposure to non-fibrous mineral particles, and may be useful to determine the occupational aetiology of some respiratory diseases.     

造船厂矽尘总尘与呼尘浓度的关系探讨

为比较中国、美国和德国粉尘采样方法测定的总尘与呼尘浓度比例关系,分析国产与美国、德国产粉尘采样器测定结果的可比性。在某造船厂的铸造车间于呼吸带高度平行采样8 d,测定总尘、呼尘浓度;分别计算总尘与呼尘浓度的比值,分析其影响因素;以方差分析、相关及回归分析对结果进行统计。结果 :(1)采用国产与美国、德国产采样器测得的总尘与呼尘浓度比值进行比较,差异无统计学意义(ANOVA-SNK检验,P>0.05)。(2)国产与美国产粉尘采样器测定的总尘与呼尘比值随着测尘距离增大而增大,但德国产仪器测定结果则反之。(3)总尘与呼尘浓度呈线性相关,只是国产仪器总尘与呼尘相关程度低于德国和美国。提示,国产仪器粉尘采样总尘、呼尘浓度比值与美国及德国的仪器具有可比性。