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Ramkissoon C, Song Y, Yen S, Southam K, Page S, Pisaniello D, Gaskin S, Zosky GR. Understanding the pathogenesis of engineered stone-associated silicosis: The effect of particle chemistry on the lung cell response. Respirology 2024; 29:217-227. [PMID: 38043119 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The resurgence of severe and progressive silicosis among engineered stone benchtop industry workers is a global health crisis. We investigated the link between the physico-chemical characteristics of engineered stone dust and lung cell responses to understand components that pose the greatest risk. METHODS Respirable dust from 50 resin-based engineered stones, 3 natural stones and 2 non-resin-based materials was generated and analysed for mineralogy, morphology, metals, resin, particle size and charge. Human alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages were exposed in vitro to dust and assessed for cytotoxicity and inflammation. Principal component analysis and stepwise linear regression were used to explore the relationship between engineered stone components and the cellular response. RESULTS Cutting engineered stone generated fine particles of <600 nm. Crystalline silica was the main component with metal elements such as Ti, Cu, Co and Fe also present. There was some evidence to suggest differences in cytotoxicity (p = 0.061) and IL-6 (p = 0.084) between dust samples. However, IL-8 (CXCL8) and TNF-α levels in macrophages were clearly variable (p < 0.05). Quartz explained 11% of the variance (p = 0.019) in macrophage inflammation while Co and Al accounted for 32% of the variance (p < 0.001) in macrophage toxicity, suggesting that crystalline silica only partly explains the cell response. Two of the reduced-silica, non-engineered stone products induced considerable inflammation in macrophages. CONCLUSION These data suggest that silica is not the only component of concern in these products, highlighting the caution required as alternative materials are produced in an effort to reduce disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandnee Ramkissoon
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yong Song
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Seiha Yen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Katherine Southam
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Simone Page
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Dino Pisaniello
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Graeme R Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Huyan J, Ramkissoon C, Laka M, Gaskin S. Assessing the Usefulness of Mobile Apps for Noise Management in Occupational Health and Safety: Quantitative Measurement and Expert Elicitation Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e46846. [PMID: 37990552 PMCID: PMC10686533 DOI: 10.2196/46846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overexposure to occupational noise can lead to hearing loss. Occupational noise mapping is conventionally performed with a calibrated sound level meter (SLM). With the rise of mobile apps, there is a growing number of SLM apps available on mobile phones. However, few studies have evaluated such apps for accuracy and usefulness to guide those with occupational noise detection needs in selecting a quality app. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of SLM mobile apps to guide workplace health and safety professionals in determining these apps' suitability for assessing occupational noise exposure. Methods The following three iOS apps were assessed: the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Sound Level Meter, Decibel X, and SoundMeter X apps. The selected apps were evaluated for their accuracy in measuring sound levels in low-, moderate-, and high-noise settings within both simulated environments and real-world environments by comparing them to a conventional SLM. The usefulness of the apps was then assessed by occupational health specialists using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Results The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app accurately measured noise across a range of sound levels in both simulated settings and real-world settings. However, considerable variation was observed between readings. In comparison, the Decibel X and SoundMeter X apps showed more consistent readings but consistently underestimated noise levels, suggesting that they may pose a risk for workers. Nevertheless, none of the differences in sound measurements between the three apps and the conventional SLM were statistically significant (NIOSH Sound Level Meter: P=.78; Decibel X: P=.38; SoundMeter X: P=.40). The MARS scores for the three apps were all above 3.0, indicating the usefulness of these apps. Conclusions Under the conditions of this study, the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app had equivalent accuracy to the calibrated SLM and a degree of usefulness according to the MARS. This suggests that the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app may be suitable for mapping noise levels as part of a monitoring strategy in workplaces. However, it is important to understand its limitations. Mobile apps should complement but not replace conventional SLMs when trying to assess occupational noise exposure risk. Our outcomes also suggest that the MARS tool may have limited applicability to measurement-based apps and may be more suited to information-based apps that collect, record, and store information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchen Huyan
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Chandnee Ramkissoon
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mah Laka
- Adelaide Health Technology Assessment, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Ramkissoon C, Gaskin S, Hall T, Pisaniello D, Zosky G. Engineered Stone Fabrication Work Releases Volatile Organic Compounds Classified as Lung Irritants. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 67:288-293. [PMID: 36239208 PMCID: PMC9923029 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered stones are often characterized for their crystalline silica content. Their organic composition, particularly that of the emissions generated during fabrication work using hand-held power tools, is relatively unexplored. We forensically screened the emissions from dry-cutting 12 engineered stone products in a test chamber for their organic composition by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) plus selected traditional capture and analysis techniques. Phthalic anhydride, which has a Respiratory Sensitization (RSEN) Notation by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), was the most common and abundant compound, at 26-85% of the total organic composition of engineered stone emissions. Benzaldehyde and styrene were also present in all twelve samples. During active cutting, the predominant volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted was styrene, with phthalic anhydride, benzene, ethylbenzene, and toluene also detected. These results have important health implications as styrene and phthalic anhydride are irritants to the respiratory tract. This study suggests a risk of concurrent exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica and organic lung irritants during engineered stone fabrication work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandnee Ramkissoon
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +610883134957; e-mail:
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5031, Australia
| | - Tony Hall
- Mawson Analytical Spectrometry Services, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Dino Pisaniello
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5031, Australia
| | - Graeme Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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Thredgold L, Ramkissoon C, Kumarasamy C, Gun R, Rowett S, Gaskin S. Rapid Assessment of Oxidative Damage Potential: A Comparative Study of Engineered Stone Dusts Using a Deoxyguanosine Assay. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19106221. [PMID: 35627757 PMCID: PMC9140999 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The popularity of engineered stone (ES) has been associated with a global increase in occupational lung disease in workers exposed to respirable dust during the fabrication of benchtops and other ES products. In this study, the reactivity and subsequent oxidative reduction potential of freshly generated ES dusts were evaluated by (i) comparing different engineered and natural stones, (ii) comparing settled and respirable stone dust fractions and (iii) assessing the effect of ageing on the reactivity of freshly generated stone dust. An established cell-free deoxyguanosine hydroxylation assay was used to assess the potential for oxidative DNA damage. ES dust exhibited a higher relative reactivity than two of the three natural stones tested. Respirable dust fractions were found to be significantly more reactive than their corresponding settled fraction (ANOVA, p < 0.05) across all stone types and samples. However, settled dust still displayed high relative reactivity. The lower reactivity of the settled dust was not due to decay in reactivity of the respirable dust when it settled but rather a result of the admixture of larger nonrespirable particles. No significant change in respirable dust reactivity was observed for three ES samples over a 21-day time period, whereas a significant decrease in reactivity was observed in the natural stone studied. This study has practical implications for dust control and housekeeping in industry, risk assessment and hazard management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Thredgold
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (L.T.); (C.R.); (C.K.); (R.G.)
| | - Chandnee Ramkissoon
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (L.T.); (C.R.); (C.K.); (R.G.)
| | - Chellan Kumarasamy
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (L.T.); (C.R.); (C.K.); (R.G.)
| | - Richard Gun
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (L.T.); (C.R.); (C.K.); (R.G.)
| | - Shelley Rowett
- SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5035, Australia;
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (L.T.); (C.R.); (C.K.); (R.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Ramkissoon C, Degryse F, Young S, Bailey EH, McLaughlin MJ. Using 77Se-Labelled Foliar Fertilisers to Determine How Se Transfers Within Wheat Over Time. Front Nutr 2021; 8:732409. [PMID: 34722608 PMCID: PMC8554058 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.732409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Foliar selenium (Se) fertilisation has been shown to be more efficient than soil-applied fertilisation, but the dynamics of absorption and translocation have not yet been explored. An experiment was undertaken to investigate time-dependent changes in the absorption, transformation, and distribution of Se in wheat when 77Se-enriched sodium selenate (Sefert) was applied to the leaves at a rate of 3.33 μg Se per kg soil (equivalent to 10 g ha−1) and two growth stages, namely stem elongation, Zadoks stage 31/32 (GS1), and heading stage, Zadoks stage 57 (GS2). The effect of urea inclusion in foliar Se fertilisers on the penetration rates of Se was also investigated. Wheat was harvested at 3, 10, and 17 days and 3, 10, and 34 days after Se applications at GS1 and GS2, respectively. Applying foliar Se, irrespective of the formulation, brought grain Se concentration to a level high enough to be considered adequate for biofortification. Inclusion of N in the foliar Se solution applied at an early growth stage increased recoveries in the plants, likely due to improved absorption of applied Se through the young leaves. At a later growth stage, the inclusion of N in foliar Se solutions was also beneficial as it improved the assimilation of applied inorganic Se into bioavailable selenomethionine, which was then rapidly translocated to the grain. The practical knowledge gained about the optimisation of Se fertiliser formulation, method, and timing of application will be of importance in refining biofortification programs across different climatic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandnee Ramkissoon
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia.,School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Fien Degryse
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia
| | - Scott Young
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth H Bailey
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J McLaughlin
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia
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Ramkissoon C, Degryse F, da Silva RC, Baird R, Young SD, Bailey EH, McLaughlin MJ. Improving the efficacy of selenium fertilizers for wheat biofortification. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19520. [PMID: 31863023 PMCID: PMC6925308 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55914-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing the selenium (Se) concentration of staple crops by fertilization is a valuable pathway to increase Se in the human diet, thus preventing Se deficiency. A pot trial was set up to investigate whether the application of 3.33 µg kg-1 of Se (equivalent to 10 g ha-1) to wheat can be made more efficient by its co-application with macronutrient carriers, either to the soil or to the leaves. In the soil, Se was applied either on its own (selenate only) or as a granular, Se-enriched macronutrient fertilizer supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulfur. Selenium was also applied to leaves at head emergence with, or without, 2% w/v N fertilizers. With grain Se concentrations varying from 0.13-0.84 mg kg-1, soil application of selenate-only was 2-15 times more effective than granular Se-enriched macronutrient fertilizers in raising grain Se concentrations. Co-application of foliar Se with an N carrier doubled the Se concentration in wheat grains compared to the application of foliar Se on its own, the majority of which was in the highly bioavailable selenomethionine fraction. Results from this study demonstrate the possibility of improving the efficacy of Se fertilizers, which could enrich crops with Se without additional application costs in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandnee Ramkissoon
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Fien Degryse
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rodrigo C da Silva
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Roslyn Baird
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Scott D Young
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Elizabeth H Bailey
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Mike J McLaughlin
- Fertiliser Technology Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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