Exposure to airborne particles and volatile organic compounds from polyurethane molding, spray painting, lacquering, and gluing in a workshop

Assessing occupational exposure of airborne PMs and TVOCs in the nail salons in Tehran city, Iran

There are concerns about the health of nail salon technicians due to the inherently harmful agents such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and released particles in the salons. For this reason, this study was conducted to investigate the occupational exposure of nail salon technicians to VOCs and particulate matters (PMs) in the nail salons in Tehran, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, indoor air quality and measurement continually Total VOCs and PMs in the various size of PM1-PM10 using PhoCheck Tiger and particle counter device investigated, respectively. site observation, and an interview with the manager in 49 salons in Tehran. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 22). Mean concentrations of PM1 with 2.56 μɡ/m3 was the lowest amount and PM10 with 346.86μɡ/m3 had the highest concentration. Also, the mean concentration of TVOCs was equal 2.61 ppm. The results of the regression model showed that there is a statistically significant between the number of services with airborne PMs (PM2.5), (p-Value≤0.050). In salons only with nail activities, the concentration of PM4 was less than the others, although this correlation was statistically significant just for PM1 (p-Value = 0.010). By implementing effective local exhaust ventilation systems equipped with dust collectors and utilizing safe products, the emission of particles and chemical compounds within salons can be significantly reduced.

Indoor Exposure and Regional Inhaled Deposited Dose Rate during Smoking and Incense Stick Burning-The Jordanian Case as an Example for Eastern Mediterranean Conditions

Tobacco smoking and incense burning are commonly used in Jordanian microenvironments. While smoking in Jordan is prohibited inside closed spaces, incense burning remains uncontrolled. In this study, particle size distributions (diameter 0.01-25 µm) were measured and inhaled deposited dose rates were calculated during typical smoking and incense stick-burning scenarios inside a closed room, and the exposure was summarized in terms of number and mass concentrations of submicron (PN_Sub) and fine particles (PM_2.5). During cigarette smoking and incense stick-burning scenarios, the particle number concentrations exceeded 3 × 10⁵ cm^-3. They exceeded 5 × 10⁵ cm^-3 during shisha smoking. The emission rates were 1.9 × 10¹⁰, 6.8 × 10¹⁰, and 1.7 × 10¹⁰ particles/s, respectively, for incense, cigarettes, and shisha. That corresponded to about 7, 80, and 120 µg/s, respectively. Males received higher dose rates than females, with about 75% and 55% in the pulmonary/alveolar during walking and standing, respectively. The total dose rates were in the order of 10¹²-10¹³ #/h (10³-10⁴ µg/h), respectively, for PN_Sub and PM_2.5. The above reported concentrations, emissions rates, and dose rates are considered seriously high, recalling the fact that aerosols emitted during such scenarios consist of a vast range of toxicant compounds.

Evaluation of Coating Film Formation Process Using the Fluorescence Method

In this paper, we invented a novel observation method of the coating film formation process using the fluorescence method. With this method, the temporal change in the coating film thickness can be evaluated quantitatively. In addition, since the thickness and flow of the coating film can be measured simultaneously, the detailed coating film formation process was clarified. In the experiment, the adhesion behavior of the spray-paint droplets when applied to a wall was investigated. The characteristics of coating films formed by the spray droplets, particularly the influence of injection pressure on the coating film formation, were determined using the fluorescence method. At the initial stage of the coating process, the coating area increased linearly. When the ratio of the coating area to the measurement range reached about 80%, the rate at which the coating area increased slowed down, and an overlap began. The amount of paint that adhered to the coating film formation could be estimated by calculating the overlap ratio. Moreover, the thickness and smoothness of the coating film were evaluated using the histogram data of the fluorescence intensity. The leveling process was discussed in relation to the standard deviation of the histogram data. In addition, the flow of the paint during the coating film formation was investigated using tracer particles, and the effect of the spray gun injection pressure on the leveling process was investigated. Changes in the film thickness and flow during the coating film formation process could be evaluated through fluorescence observation.

Photocatalytic Oxidation of PLA/TiO2-Composite Films for Indoor Air Purification

Non-decomposable plastic has been replaced with polylactic acid, which is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester stationary phase, in composite films embedded with a TiO₂ photocatalyst for mitigation of indoor air pollution. PLA has superior properties relative to those of other biopolymers, such as a relatively high melting point, crystallinity, and rigidity. This study aimed to incorporate TiO₂-anatase into PLA for use as a photocatalyst using the blown film method. Photocatalytic oxidation, an advanced oxidative process, has been recognized as an economical technique providing convenience and efficiency with indoor air treatment. Therefore, the use of new environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers provides an alternative way to address the severe environmental concerns caused by non-decomposable plastics. UV-vis spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were used to observe the dispersibility and mixing capacity of the TiO₂-anatase PLA matrix. TiO₂ dosages were 5, 10, and 15% (wt/wt), and they were incorporated with a twin-screw extruder. SEM-EDX images demonstrated the homogeneity of TiO₂ distribution in the PLA matrix. The energy band gaps of TiO₂ in the PLA/TiO₂-composite films were between 3.14 and 3.22 eV. The relationship between the photocatalytic oxidation rate and the TiO₂ dosage in the PLA/TiO₂-composite films was determined. A prototype reactor model is geared toward the development of air purifiers for indoor air conditioning. Rate constants for benzene degradation were obtained using first-order kinetics to find rate constants matching experimental findings. In the PLA/TiO₂-composite film, the TiO₂-anatase photocatalyst was able to degrade 5 ppm benzene. This work contributes to the use of ecoefficient photocatalytic oxidation.

Where Do Ultrafine Particles and Nano-Sized Particles Come From?

This paper presents an overview of the literature studies on the sources of ultrafine particles (UFPs), nanomaterials (NMs), and nanoparticles (NPs) occurring in indoor (occupational and residential) and outdoor environments. Information on the relevant emission factors, particle concentrations, size, and compositions is provided, and health relevance of UFPs and NPs is discussed. Particular attention is focused on the fraction of particles that upon inhalation deposit on the olfactory bulb, because these particles can possibly translocate to brain and their possible role in neurodegenerative diseases is an important issue emerging in the recent literature.

Environmental Working Conditions, Lung Function and Total Serum Bile Acids of Spray Painters Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Nigeria has a growing spray painting industry, however, the burden of occupational health problems related to organic solvent exposure among spray painters in Nigeria is under-studied.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess workshop characteristics and ambient concentration of total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in spray painting workshops and to compare lung function status and total serum bile acid levels of spray painters and controls.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was employed to survey 120 spray painters and 120 controls (electronic technicians). A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographics characteristics of the respondents. Weight, height and lung function of respondents were measured. In addition, a checklist was used to survey the spray painting workshops. Total VOC levels were determined in 37 spray painting and 31 electronic workshops. Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and a p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

Windows were present in only 5 (13.5%) spray painting workshops and 23 (62%) workshops had a retractable tarpaulin at the entrance. Only 9 (24%) workshops had changing rooms, while fire extinguishers and first aid kits were not present in any of the surveyed workshops. A respirator with filter was sighted in only 1 (3%) workshop. The 8-hour time weighted average concentration of total VOCs in spray painting workshops was 13.4 ppm, which is above the national permissible exposure limits of 1.9 ppm. Forced vital capacity (FVC) percent predicted was significantly lower in spray painters (93.9 ±10.8%) than controls (96.7± 8.2%) (t = -2.326, df=238 p< 0.001). In addition, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) percent predicted was lower in spray painters (94.6±12.2%) than controls (100.3±9.1%) (t=-4.058, df=238, p=0.002). FEV1/FVC% was significantly lower among spray painters (85.48±8.70%) compared with controls (87.88±6.22%) (t=-2.861 df=238, p= 0.005). Total serum bile acids was significantly elevated in painters (8.71±3.39 mmol/l) compared to controls (4.67 ±2.15 mmol/l) (t=10.358, df=213, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Spray painters in the present study conduct their activities in hazardous work settings. More needs to be done concerning workplace regulation and enforcements to ensure that spray painters comply with minimum standards of occupational safety, workplace hygiene and sanitation.

PATIENT CONSENT

Obtained.

ETHICS APPROVAL

Ethical approval was granted by the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University.