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Eriksson J, Barregard L, Sallsten G, Berlinger B, Weinbruch S, Manousou S, Ellingsen DG, Nyström HF. Urinary iodine excretion and optimal time point for sampling when estimating 24-h urinary iodine. Br J Nutr 2023; 130:1289-1297. [PMID: 36744548 PMCID: PMC10511680 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523000326] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Iodine deficiency may cause thyroid dysfunction. The iodine intake in a population is measured by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in spot samples or 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24UIE). 24UIE is considered the gold standard and may be estimated using an equation including UIC, urinary creatinine concentration, sex and age (e24UIE). The aims of this study were to evaluate the preferable timing of UIC when using this equation and assess the variability of UIE. Sixty healthy non-smoking women (n 31) and men (n 29) were included in Gothenburg, Sweden. Twelve urine samples were collected at six fixed times on two separate days. Variability was calculated for UIC, 24UIE, e24UIE, iodine excretion per hour (iHr) and UIC adjusted for creatinine and specific gravity. Median 24UIE was 156 µg/24 h and the median UIC (all spot samples) was 104 µg/l. UIC (P < 0·001), 24UIE (P = 0·001) and e24UIE (P < 0·001) were significantly higher in men. e24UIE was relatively similar to 24UIE. However, when e24UIE was calculated from UIC in the first void, it was about 15 % lower than 24UIE (P < 0·001). iHr was lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon. Median iHr was higher in men (7·4 v. 5·3 µg/h, P < 0·001). The variability of UIE was higher within individuals than between individuals. This study suggests that most time points for estimation of individual 24UIE are appropriate, but they should preferably not be collected in the first void.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Eriksson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Praktikertjänst AB, Skövde, 54130, Sweden
| | - Lars Barregard
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gerd Sallsten
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Balazs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Darmstadt Technical University, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sofia Manousou
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Frölunda Specialist Hospital, Västra Frölunda, Sweden
| | | | - Helena Filipsson Nyström
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg’s Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ellingsen DG, Weinbruch S, Sallsten G, Berlinger B, Barregard L. The variability of arsenic in blood and urine of humans. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 78:127179. [PMID: 37148695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127179] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to inorganic and organic arsenic. The total arsenic (As) concentration in urine is a commonly used biomarker of exposure. However, little is known about variability of As in biological fluids and the diurnal variation of As excretion. OBJECTIVES Main objectives were to assess the variability of As in urine, plasma (P-As), whole blood (B-As), and the blood cell fraction (C-As), and to assess diurnal variation of As excretion. METHODS Six urine samples were collected at fixed times during 24 h on two different days around one week apart among 29 men and 31 women. Blood samples were collected when the morning urine samples were delivered. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated as the ratio of the between-individuals variance to the total observed variance. RESULTS Geometric mean (GM) 24 h urinary excretions of As (U-As24 h) were 41 and 39 µg/24 h on the two days of sampling. Concentrations of B-As, P-As and C-As were highly correlated with U-As24 h and As in first void morning urine. No statistically significant differences were observed for the urinary As excretion rate between the different sampling times. A high ICC was observed for As in the cellular blood fraction (0.803), while ICC for first morning urine corrected for creatine was low (0.316). CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that C-As is the most reliable biomarker for use in exposure assessment of individual exposure. Morning urine samples have low reliability for such use. No apparent diurnal variation was observed in the urinary As excretion rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0363 Oslo, Norway; Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute of Applied Geosciences, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerd Sallsten
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Barregard
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden
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Erdem JS, Závodná T, Ervik TK, Skare Ø, Hron T, Anmarkrud KH, Kuśnierczyk A, Catalán J, Ellingsen DG, Topinka J, Zienolddiny-Narui S. High aspect ratio nanomaterial-induced macrophage polarization is mediated by changes in miRNA levels. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111123. [PMID: 36776851 PMCID: PMC9911541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111123] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inhalation of nanomaterials may induce inflammation in the lung which if left unresolved can manifest in pulmonary fibrosis. In these processes, alveolar macrophages have an essential role and timely modulation of the macrophage phenotype is imperative in the onset and resolution of inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate, the immunomodulating properties of two industrially relevant high aspect ratio nanomaterials, namely nanocellulose and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), in an alveolar macrophage model. Methods MH-S alveolar macrophages were exposed at air-liquid interface to cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and two MWCNT (NM-400 and NM-401). Following exposure, changes in macrophage polarization markers and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Furthermore, the potential contribution of epigenetic regulation in nanomaterial-induced macrophage polarization was investigated by assessing changes in epigenetic regulatory enzymes, miRNAs, and rRNA modifications. Results Our data illustrate that the investigated nanomaterials trigger phenotypic changes in alveolar macrophages, where CNF exposure leads to enhanced M1 phenotype and MWCNT promotes M2 phenotype. Furthermore, MWCNT exposure induced more prominent epigenetic regulatory events with changes in the expression of histone modification and DNA methylation enzymes as well as in miRNA transcript levels. MWCNT-enhanced changes in the macrophage phenotype were correlated with prominent downregulation of the histone methyltransferases Kmt2a and Smyd5 and histone deacetylases Hdac4, Hdac9 and Sirt1 indicating that both histone methylation and acetylation events may be critical in the Th2 responses to MWCNT. Furthermore, MWCNT as well as CNF exposure led to altered miRNA levels, where miR-155-5p, miR-16-1-3p, miR-25-3p, and miR-27a-5p were significantly regulated by both materials. PANTHER pathway analysis of the identified miRNA targets showed that both materials affected growth factor (PDGF, EGF and FGF), Ras/MAPKs, CCKR, GnRH-R, integrin, and endothelin signaling pathways. These pathways are important in inflammation or in the activation, polarization, migration, and regulation of phagocytic capacity of macrophages. In addition, pathways involved in interleukin, WNT and TGFB signaling were highly enriched following MWCNT exposure. Conclusion Together, these data support the importance of macrophage phenotypic changes in the onset and resolution of inflammation and identify epigenetic patterns in macrophages which may be critical in nanomaterial-induced inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Samulin Erdem
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Johanna Samulin Erdem,
| | - Táňa Závodná
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tomáš Hron
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Anna Kuśnierczyk
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway,Proteomics and Modomics Experimental Core Facility and St. Olavs Hospital Central Staff, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Julia Catalán
- Department of Work Safety, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Sallsten G, Ellingsen DG, Berlinger B, Weinbruch S, Barregard L. Variability of lead in urine and blood in healthy individuals. Environ Res 2022; 212:113412. [PMID: 35523277 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead is a non-essential toxic trace element. Lead in blood (BPb) is the most common biomarker of lead exposure but lead in urine (UPb) has also been used. There is, however, limited data on the variability of UPb in the general population and the association with BPb. OBJECTIVES Our aims were to assess variability of lead in repeated blood and urine samples. The diurnal variation of UPb was also examined as well as associations with BPb. METHODS We established an openly available biobank including 60 healthy non-smoking individuals, 29 men and 31 women, 21-64 years of age (median 31 years), with repeated sampling of blood and urine. Timed urine samples were collected at six fixed time points in two 24 h periods, about one week apart, and adjusted for creatinine and specific gravity (SG). BPb and UPb were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The within- and between-individual variabilities and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs; ratios of the between-individual to total observed variances) were calculated using mixed-effects models. RESULTS The ICCs for UPb samples were mostly above 0.5, when adjusted for creatinine or SG, and higher for overnight samples compared with daytime samples. The highest ICCs were obtained for BPb (ICC = 0.97) and for urine samples corrected for dilution by SG or creatinine. The ICC was 0.66 for overnight samples adjusted for creatinine. High correlations with BPb were found for 24 h UPb (rs = 0.77) and overnight samples, e.g. rs = 0.74 when adjusted for SG. There was diurnal variation of UPb with lowest excretion rate in overnight samples. There was also a significant association between the Pb excretion rate and urinary flow rate. CONCLUSIONS In addition to BPb, UPb adjusted for creatinine or SG seems to be a useful biomarker for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Sallsten
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden.
| | | | - Balazs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, István U. 2., H-1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lars Barregard
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden
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Ervik TK, Eriksen Hammer S, Notø H, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, Weinbruch S, Benker N, Berlinger B. Physicochemical characterization of particulate matter in a cement production plant. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2022; 24:1243-1256. [PMID: 35875923 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00139j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Employees working in cement production plants are exposed to airborne particulate matter (PM) which may lead to lung function impairments and airway symptoms. The PM consists of raw materials, clinker and additives which vary depending on cement blend. The aim of this work was to characterize the thoracic fraction of PM with regard to size, phase composition and mixing state. Both stationary and personal impactors were used to collect size-fractionated samples in a cement production plant in Norway. Stationary samples were measured with aerosol particle counters and collected with a 13-stage cascade impactor, which were stationed at three locations of the cement production plant: at the raw meal mill, clinker conveyor belt and cement mill. Sioutas cascade impactors, and thoracic and respirable dust samplers were used in parallel for personal sampling. Additionally, particles for electron microscopy were collected with the stationary cascade impactor for size-fractionated single particle characterization. Gravimetric measurements and element compositions of the samples from the stationary impactors show that the PM mass is dominated by calcium-rich particles of size >1 μm. The size distribution results of stationary and personal impactors were similar. Characterization of single particles reveals that limestone is the dominating material in the raw meal mill, whereas clinker and limestone dominate at the clinker conveyor belt and at the cement mill. The element composition of clinker PM did not change with particle size. The PM collected on impactor stages with aerodynamic diameter cut-offs below 0.56 μm was dominated by soot and volatile secondary particles at the three locations. The number of ultrafine particles of the cement related compounds was low. Air concentrations of PM in personal respirable and thoracic samples ranged from 0.14-10 mg m-3 to 0.37-9.5 mg m-3, respectively. Considerable local variations exist, both in composition and air concentration of the PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torunn K Ervik
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Hilde Notø
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
- Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute of Applied Geosciences, Schnittspahnstrasse 9, D-64287Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Benker
- Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute of Applied Geosciences, Schnittspahnstrasse 9, D-64287Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Balazs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
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Eriksen Hammer S, Dorn SL, Dartey E, Berlinger B, Thomassen Y, Ellingsen DG. Occupational Exposure among Electronic Repair Workers in Ghana. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19148477. [PMID: 35886322 PMCID: PMC9319286 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148477] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Electronic repair workers may be exposed to lead, mercury, cadmium and other elements including rare earth elements used in electronic equipment. In this study, repair work took place in small repair shops where, e.g., televisions, radios, video players, compact discs and computers were repaired. Personal full-shift air samples of particulate matter were collected among 64 electronic repair workers in Kumasi (Ghana) and analysed for 29 elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that air concentrations of all elements were low. The highest air concentration was measured for iron with a geometric mean concentration and geometric standard deviation of 6.3 ± 0.001 µg/m3. The corresponding concentration of Pb and Hg were 157 ± 3 ng/m3 and 0.2 ± 2.7 ng/m3, respectively. The cerium concentration of 5 ± 2 ng/m3 was the highest among the rare earth elements. Source apportionment with ranked principal component analysis indicated that 63% of the variance could be explained by the repair and soldering of electronic components such as batteries, magnets, displays and printed circuit boards. An association between concentrations of lead in the workroom air and lead in whole blood was found (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.42, p < 0.001). There was, however, no statistically significant difference between whole blood lead concentrations in the workers and references indicating that lead did not exclusively originate from occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Eriksen Hammer
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, 0363 Oslo, Norway; (B.B.); (Y.T.); (D.G.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephen L. Dorn
- Team Analytics and Environment, Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 3, D-48159 Münster, Germany;
| | - Emmanuel Dartey
- Department of Chemistry Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Mampong P.O. Box 40, Ghana;
| | - Balázs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, 0363 Oslo, Norway; (B.B.); (Y.T.); (D.G.E.)
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, 0363 Oslo, Norway; (B.B.); (Y.T.); (D.G.E.)
| | - Dag G. Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, 0363 Oslo, Norway; (B.B.); (Y.T.); (D.G.E.)
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Ellingsen DG, Ulvestad B, Lund MB, Skaugset NP, Sikkeland LIB. A study of pneumoproteins in crystalline silica exposed rock drillers. Inhal Toxicol 2022; 34:99-105. [PMID: 35286186 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2022.2048745] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The objective was to assess serum concentrations of club cell protein 16 (CC-16) and the surfactant proteins A (SPs-A) and D (SP-D) in male rock drillers (N = 123) exposed to crystalline silica and in 48 occupationally non-exposed. Methods: The arithmetic mean (AM) duration of exposure was 10.7 years. The geometric mean (GM) crystalline silica exposure was 36 µg/m3 at the time of the study. The GM cumulative exposure was 239 µg/m3. Results: The concentrations of SP-D (GM 12.7 vs. 8.8 µg/L, p < 0.001) and SP-A (AM 1847 vs. 1378 ng/L, p = 0.051) were higher among rock drillers than among occupationally non-exposed. A positive significant association was observed between cumulative crystalline silica exposure and the SP-D concentrations (β = 0.07; p < 0.05). Rock drillers with small airway obstruction with maximal mid-expiratory flow % (MMEF%) <70% (N = 29) had higher SP-D concentrations than rock drillers with MMEF% ≥ 70% (N = 91) (GM 17.3 vs. 11.4 µg/L, p = 0.001). Rock drillers with MMEF% ≥70% (N = 91) had higher concentrations of SP-A (1957 vs. 1287 ng/L, p = 0.01) and SP-D (11.4 vs. 9.0 µg/L, p = 0.007) than non-exposed with MMEF% ≥70% (N = 39). Rock drillers with airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC < 0.70, N = 11) had significantly lower CC-16 concentrations than rock drillers with FEV1/FVC ≥0.70 (N = 109) after adjusting for relevant potential confounders (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The results indicate that pulmonary surfactant is a target for crystalline silica toxicity. The alterations appear to be driven by pulmonary alterations in the small airways and by exposure itself. Further studies on pneumoproteins and pulmonary function in other groups of workers exposed to crystalline silica are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - May Britt Lund
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Hammer SE, Ervik T, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, Weinbruch S, Benker N, Berlinger B. Particle characterisation and bioaccessibility of manganese in particulate matter in silico- and ferromanganese smelters. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2021; 23:1488-1499. [PMID: 34549213 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00243k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterise particulate matter (PM) collected in the furnace area during SiMn and high carbon (HC)-FeMn production in terms of single particle analysis and to determine the bioaccessibility of Mn in the PM in a simulated lung fluid. Airborne PM was collected with Sioutas cascade impactors and respirable cyclones in the breathing zone of tappers and crane operators. Stationary samples were collected from the furnace area with a nanoMOUDI cascade impactor and an ESPnano electrostatic particle collector. Individual particles were characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Bioaccessibility of Mn was studied in terms of the dissolution of Mn in Gamble solution (24 hours leaching at 37 °C) relative to total Mn. Slag particles, alloy fragments, Mn and Fe oxides as well as carbonaceous particles were observed in the size fraction > 1 μm aerodynamic diameter (dae). Thermally generated condensation particles dominated the dae size range of 0.18-1 μm collected from the tapping fumes, while carbonaceous particles dominated the fraction below 0.18 μm. Condensation generated particles from the furnace area of HC-FeMn production were coated with an amorphous Si-O rich surface layer which seemed to hold primary particles together as aggregates. In the same size range, the particles from the furnace area of SiMn production were dominated by spherical condensation particles rich in Si, Mn and O, but without a Si-O rich surface layer. Instead, the Mn oxides were enclosed in an amorphous Si-O rich matrix. The bioaccessibility of Mn was low to moderate (<30%), but higher for SiMn furnace workers (highest median = 23%) than HC-FeMn furnace workers (highest median = 12%). This difference in bioaccessibility was significant for PM with dae up to 2.5 μm, and most pronounced in the dae size range between 0.25 and 1.0 μm. Also, a significantly higher bioaccessibility of Mn was found for PM larger than dae of 0.5 μm collected among crane operators compared to tappers in the HC-FeMn smelter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Torunn Ervik
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 9, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Benker
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 9, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Balazs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.
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Sobolev N, Ellingsen DG, Belova N, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Trofimova A, Varakina Y, Kotsur D, Grjibovski AM, Chashchin V, Bogolitsyn K, Thomassen Y. Essential and non-essential elements in biological samples of inhabitants residing in Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Arctic. Environ Int 2021; 152:106510. [PMID: 33756428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of Arctic residents to environmental pollutants is an emerging public health problem receiving little global attention. The objective of this study was to assess whole blood concentrations of nine selected essential (Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) elements among Nenets and non-Nenets adult residents of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) living in seven coastal and inland settlements. Urine was collected in two settlements for assessment of iodine status. Altogether 297 whole blood and 68 urine samples were analysed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry and the accuracy of the measurements was assessed by use of human whole blood and urine quality control materials. Several essential and non-essential showed significant variations in whole blood concentrations characterized by gender, population group and locality. Cd levels among non-Nenets non-smokers (0.19 µg/L) indicated a dietary intake at a natural global background level. Hg concentrations in whole blood show that not more than 10% of women in the fertile age had a Hg intake above the EFAS's recommendation. The Pb concentrations were in the range of, or partly exceeding reference values for increased risk of nephrotoxicity, and there is a need for a continued effort to reduce Pb exposure among the population groups in NAO. With high prevalence of obesity among the Nenets and non-Nenets population, a high prevalence of Fe-deficiency among menstruating women (<50 years) (37.2%) and a lower I status than recommended by WHO, these nutritional dependent components deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia.
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalia Belova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Anna Trofimova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Kotsur
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrej M Grjibovski
- Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan; West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030019, Kazakhstan
| | - Valerii Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Kirochnaya ul. 41, 191015 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Bogolitsyn
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Olsen R, Graff P, Daae HL, Bryngelsson IL, Molander P, Ellingsen DG. Occupational Exposure during Asphalt Paving-Comparison of Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt in Field Experiments. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:446-457. [PMID: 33586763 PMCID: PMC8091472 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several studies have demonstrated an increased risk of adverse health effects, including reduced lung function and lung cancer among asphalt pavers, which has been related to occupational exposure to contaminants during asphalt paving. Consequently, occupational exposure among asphalt pavers must be reduced. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) paving on occupational exposure levels during road paving in field experiments. Asphalt temperatures when paving with WMA are usually lower than when paving with HMA due to differences in the asphalt's composition and method of application. METHODS On 11 different road sections, one lane was paved with WMA and one with HMA during the same work shift under approximately identical weather conditions. The weather conditions and asphalt surface temperature were monitored during paving. Fifty-seven samples of fumes and vapor, organic and elemental carbon, amines, and respirable, thoracic, and inhalable particulate matter (PM) fractions were collected by stationary sampling. In addition, 30 samples of fumes and vapor were collected by personal sampling. RESULTS Compared to paving with HMA, paving with WMA significantly (P < 0.05; paired Student's t-test) reduced the geometric mean (GM) air concentration of asphalt vapor (0.04 versus 0.08 p.p.m.), organic carbon (OC; 0.09 versus 0.18 mg m-3), and respirable PM (0.12 versus 0.22 mg m-3). Additionally, the air concentration of OC correlated strongly with the respirable fraction of PM (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.83). CONCLUSIONS Measured airborne concentrations of respirable PM, OC, and asphalt vapor were lower when paving with WMA than with HMA. Because exposure to airborne contaminants generated during asphalt paving is believed to be responsible for the adverse health effects observed among asphalt pavers, paving with WMA rather than HMA may have health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Olsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Line Daae
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ing-Liss Bryngelsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Paal Molander
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Barregard L, Ellingsen DG, Berlinger B, Weinbruch S, Harari F, Sallsten G. Normal variability of 22 elements in 24-hour urine samples - Results from a biobank from healthy non-smoking adults. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 233:113693. [PMID: 33581414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urine is often used for biomonitoring the exposure to elements. However, most studies report concentrations in spot urine samples, which may not accurately mirror the "gold standard" of complete 24-h (24 h) urine samples. There are relatively few data published for 24 h samples, and little information on the within- and between person variability. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed at assessing variability within and between individuals in 24 h excretion for a number of elements in adults from the general population and the typical 24 h excretion of these elements. In addition, we assessed concentrations adjusted for creatinine and specific gravity (SG), and associations between elements. METHODS 60 healthy non-smokers (31 women and 29 men) from Sweden, aged 21-64 years, collected all urine during 24 h (split into six separate samples) on two occasions, about one week apart. Concentrations of As, Br, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, U, V, W, and Zn in urine were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma sector-field mass spectrometry (ICP-SF-MS) and 24 h excretion rates were calculated for each day. The ratio of between-individual variance and the total variance, the intra-class correlation (ICC) was calculated based on natural log-transformed 24 h excretion. Correlation coefficients were calculated between excretion rates (mass/24 h), and concentrations adjusted for creatinine and SG. RESULTS Geometric means (GM), and 90-percentiles are presented for each element. The 24 h excretion was higher in men than in women for most elements, and the difference was statistically significant for Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, P, Pb, S, Se, U, V, and Zn. However, for Cd and Co, the excretion was higher in women. Variability between days was low for Cd, Co, Hg, Pb, Sn, Se, V, and Zn (ICC 0.75-0.90), highest for Cr (ICC = 0.3) and Sb (ICC = 0.18), and moderate for the other elements. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were about 0.8-0.9 for 17 elements, and 0.3-0.7 for Br, Cu, P, S, Se. Excretion of P and S were highly correlated, and also associated with excretion of most of the other elements, especially Cu, Se, V, and Zn. A high correlation was also found between As and Hg, between Mo and W, as well as between Cr, Fe and Mn. CONCLUSIONS These data present normal variability of 24 h excretion of a number of elements, and can also be used as updated reference levels for elements with no or limited previous literature available. Information on variability within- and between individuals is important to know when designing studies with urine levels of elements used as exposure biomarker in studies of associations with health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Barregard
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden.
| | | | - Balazs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Soos Research and Development Center, University of Pannonia, Zrinyi Miklos str. 18, H-8800, Nagykanizsa, Hungary
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Florencia Harari
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Gerd Sallsten
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden
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12
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Dartey E, Ellingsen DG, Berlinger B, Thomassen Y, Odland JØ, Brox J, Nartey VK, Yeboah FA, Huber S. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Human Serum Samples of Selected Populations from Ghana. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18041581. [PMID: 33567483 PMCID: PMC7914835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in selected populations from Ghana, including workers engaged in the repair of electronic equipment (ERWs), and to elucidate PFAS concentrations in relation to blood mercury concentrations (B-Hg) as a biomarker of seafood consumption. In all, 219 participants were recruited into the study, of which 26 were women and 64 were ERWs. Overall, the PFAS concentrations were low. The most abundant components were perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Women had generally lower PFAS concentration than men. The ERWs had statistically significantly higher concentrations of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), which was associated with the concentration of tin in urine. This could indicate exposure during soldering. The concentration of B-Hg was associated with several of the PFASs such as PFOA, PFOS and perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS). Additionally, the concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) were highly associated with the concentrations of B-Hg. It is noteworthy that the linear isomer of PFHxS was strongly associated with B-Hg while the branched isomers of PFHxS were not. In conclusion, the PFAS concentrations observed in the present study are low compared to other populations previously investigated, which also reflects a lower PFAS exposure within the Ghanaian cohorts. ERWs had significantly higher PFOA concentrations than the other participants. Several PFASs were associated with B-Hg, indicating that seafood consumption may be a source of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Dartey
- Faculty of Science and Environment Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti AM-0030-2291, Ghana
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (D.G.E.); (Y.T.)
| | - Dag G. Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0363 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (D.G.E.); (Y.T.)
| | | | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0363 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence: (E.D.); (D.G.E.); (Y.T.)
| | - Jon Ø. Odland
- Department of Community Medicine, NTNU, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Jan Brox
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway; (J.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Vincent K. Nartey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra GA-490-6862, Ghana;
| | - Francis A. Yeboah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK-448-9252, Ghana;
| | - Sandra Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway; (J.B.); (S.H.)
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Samulin Erdem J, Arnoldussen YJ, Tajik S, Ellingsen DG, Zienolddiny S. Effects of mild steel welding fume particles on pulmonary epithelial inflammation and endothelial activation. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 36:995-1001. [PMID: 33025859 PMCID: PMC7756071 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720962685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Welders have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) following exposure to welding fumes. The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown; however, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction have been suggested as contributing factors to particle-induced CVD. We investigated effects of mild steel welding fume (MSWF) on three target cell types: macrophages, pulmonary epithelial, and vascular endothelial cells. Cells were exposed to MSWF at nontoxic doses for 6 h/day, for five consecutive days. The expression of 40 genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and endothelial activation was analyzed. Moreover, changes in the reactive oxygen species production and migration capacity of cells were assessed. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) was induced in both epithelial and endothelial cells following repeated exposure to MSWF. Although MMP1 is important in inflammatory responses in vivo, this effect was not concurrent with changes in the inflammatory status, cell proliferation, and migration capacities, nor did it induce oxidative stress in the cells. Thus, repeated exposure with low doses of MSWF was sufficient neither for inducing inflammatory stress in epithelial cells and macrophages nor for endothelial activation, and higher concentrations of MSWF or the nonparticle fraction of MSWF may be critical in causing the increased risk of CVD observed among welders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sepideh Tajik
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Sobolev N, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Chashchin V, Ellingsen DG, Nieboer E, Varakina Y, Plakhina E, Onuchina A, Thomassen MS, Thomassen Y. Iodine and bromine in fish consumed by indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5451. [PMID: 32214169 PMCID: PMC7096493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish muscle may constitute one of the main sources of iodine (I) for the indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, although limited information is available about its content in commonly consumed fish species. In the current study, bromine (Br), I, the essential elements (copper, selenium and zinc) and other non-essential elements — specifically mercury, arsenic (As), cadmium, lead and nickel — have been quantified in 10 fish species consumed by people living in the Nenets and Chukotka Regions. Fish muscle was analysed by ICP-MS after nitric acid or tetramethylammonium hydroxide digestion. Certified reference materials were employed and concentrations are reported as geometric means (GMs). Atlantic cod (6.32 mg/kg) and navaga (0.934 mg/kg) contained substantially higher amounts of I than all other fish species, while broad whitefish had the lowest (0.033 mg/kg). By comparison, navaga contained more Br (14.5 mg/kg) than the other fish species, ranging 7.45 mg/kg in Atlantic cod to 2.39 mg/kg in northern pike. A significant inter-fish association between As and I in freshwater and marine fish was observed, suggesting common sources and perhaps parallel absorption patterns. Only Atlantic cod and, to lesser extent, navaga constituted significant dietary sources of I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia.
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Valery Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia.,Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya str. 4, 191036, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330, Majorstua, N-0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Evert Nieboer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Elena Plakhina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Alexandra Onuchina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | | | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia.,National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330, Majorstua, N-0304, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432, Ås, Norway.,Institute of Ecology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000, Moscow, Russia
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15
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Bugge MD, Ulvestad B, Berlinger B, Stockfelt L, Olsen R, Ellingsen DG. Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 93:399-407. [PMID: 31773255 PMCID: PMC7078172 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective Ambient exposure to fine particles is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Associations between occupational particulate matter (PM) exposure and cardiovascular disease have been studied less. The objective of this study was to examine associations between PM exposure and endothelial function among workers in Norwegian smelters. Methods We examined endothelial function with Endo-PAT equipment after a working day (WD) and on a day off (DO) in 59 furnace workers recruited from three metal smelters in Norway. The difference in baseline pulse amplitude (BPA) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) between the 2 days was analysed in relation to individual exposure to PM < 250 nm (PM250) or the respirable aerosol fraction of particles, and adjusted for relevant covariates. Results The exposure to PM250 ranged from 0.004 to 5.7 mg/m3. The mean BPA was significantly higher on WD relative to DO (772 vs. 535, p = 0.001). This difference was associated with PM concentrations among participants ≥ 34 years, but not among the younger workers. Reactive hyperemia was significantly lower on workdays relative to days off (1.70 vs. 1.84, p = 0.05). This difference was observed only among participants above the age 34. No associations with PM exposure were observed. Conclusions PM exposure was associated with higher BPA among participants older than 34 years. BPA reflects microvessel pulsatility. Our results may indicate an age-dependent cardiovascular susceptibility to PM exposure. Endothelial function measured by RHI was reduced on WD among participants 34 years and older, but we found no associations between PM exposure and RHI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Ulvestad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - B Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - L Stockfelt
- Unit of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - R Olsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - D G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Sobolev N, Nieboer E, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Chashchin V, Ellingsen DG, Varakina Y, Plakhina E, Kotsur D, Kosheleva A, Thomassen Y. Concentration dataset for 4 essential and 5 non-essential elements in fish collected in Arctic and sub-Arctic territories of the Nenets Autonomous and Arkhangelsk regions of Russia. Data Brief 2019; 27:104631. [PMID: 31720319 PMCID: PMC6838401 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The raw concentration data for the research article entitled “Essential and non-essential trace elements in fish consumed by indigenous peoples of the European Russian Arctic” (Sobolev et al., 2019) [1] are herein presented. Fifteen fish species were collected in the Nenets Autonomous and Arkhangelsk Regions of the Russian Federation and were analysed for 9 elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn). The sampling sites were located in the European parts of the Russian Arctic and sub-Arctic territories. Within these territories, Nenets indigenous peoples commonly catch and consume local fish. Based on questionnaire data, local fish sources constituted ∼ 90% of the total fish consumed by endemic individuals living in these regions. The data summarized in this publication fill a gap in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Evert Nieboer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Valery Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia.,Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya str. 4, 191036, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330, Majorstua, N-0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Elena Plakhina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kotsur
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Anna Kosheleva
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, 163002, Arkhangelsk, Russia.,Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya str. 4, 191036, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432, Ås, Norway.,National Research University Higher School of Economics, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000, Moscow, Russia
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Sobolev N, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Chashchin V, Ellingsen DG, Nieboer E, Varakina Y, Veselkina E, Kotsur D, Thomassen Y. Essential and non-essential trace elements in fish consumed by indigenous peoples of the European Russian Arctic. Environ Pollut 2019; 253:966-973. [PMID: 31351305 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In present study, the analyses of essential [copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn)] and non-essential elements [mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As)] in 7 fish species consumed by the indigenous people of the European Russia Arctic were conducted. The Nenets Autonomous Region, which is located in the north-eastern part of European Russia, was chosen as a Region of interest. Within it, the Nenets indigenous group (n = 6000) constitutes approximately 10% of the total population. Nearly all of the Nenets live a traditional life with fish caught in the local waters as a subsistence resource. We found that northern pike contained twice the amount of Hg compared with roach, and 3-4 times more than other fish species commonly consumed in the Russian Arctic (namely, Arctic char, pink salmon, navaga, humpback whitefish and inconnu). Fish Hg concentrations were relatively low, but comparable to those reported in other investigations that illustrate a decreasing south-to-north trend in fish Hg concentrations. In the current study, northern pike is the only species for which Hg bioaccumulated significantly. In all fish species, both Cd and Pb were present in considerably lower concentrations than Hg. The total As concentrations observed are similar to those previously published, and it is assumed to be present primarily in non-toxic organic forms. All fish tissues were rich in the essential elements Se, Cu and Zn and, dependent on the amount fish consumed, may contribute significantly to the nutritional intake by indigenous Arctic peoples. We observed large significant differences in the molar Se/Hg ratios, which ranged from 2.3 for northern pike to 71.1 for pink salmon. Values of the latter <1 may increase the toxic potential of Hg, while those >1 appear to enhance the protection against Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia.
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Valery Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya, 191036 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330 Majorstua, N-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Evert Nieboer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, L9H 6C6 Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Elena Veselkina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kotsur
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Arctic Biomonitoring Laboratory, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330 Majorstua, N-0304 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Institute of Ecology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 101000 Moscow, Russia
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Berlinger B, Ellingsen DG, Romanova N, Friisk G, Daae HL, Weinbruch S, Skaugset NP, Thomassen Y. Elemental Carbon and Nitrogen Dioxide as Markers of Exposure to Diesel Exhaust in Selected Norwegian Industries. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:349-358. [PMID: 30715098 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Elemental carbon (EC) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in air as markers for diesel exhaust (DE) emission exposure were measured in selected work environments in Norway where diesel-powered engines are in use. Two hundred and ninety personal full-shift air samples were collected in primary aluminium production, underground and open-pit mining, road tunnel finishing, transport of ore, and among airport baggage handlers. EC was determined in the samples by a thermo-optical method, while NO2 was determined by ion chromatography. Highest EC air concentrations (geometric mean, GM) were found in aluminium smelters (GM = 45.5 μg m-3) followed by road tunnel finishing (GM = 37.8 μg m-3) and underground mining activities (GM = 18.9 μg m-3). Low EC air concentrations were measured for baggage handling at an international airport (GM = 2.7 μg m-3) and in an open-pit mine (GM = 1.2 μg m-3). Air concentrations of NO2 were similar in road tunnel finishing (GM = 128 μg m-3) and underground mining (GM = 108 μg m-3). Lower NO2 values were observed in open-pit mining (GM = 50 μg m-3), at the airport (GM = 37 μg m-3), and in the aluminium smelters (GM = 27 μg m-3). Highly significant (P < 0.001) positive correlations between NO2 and EC air concentrations in underground mining (r = 0.54) and road tunnel finishing (r = 0.71) indicate a common source of these pollutants. NO2 and EC were also correlated (P < 0.01) positively at the airport. However, due to the complex air chemistry and a potential contribution of various sources, the correlation between EC and NO2 cannot be regarded as unambiguous hint for a common source. The association between EC and NO2 was not of statistical significance in open-pit mining. In the aluminium smelters, EC and NO2 were negatively correlated, although not reaching statistical significance. The substantial differences in NO2/EC ratios across the investigated industries, ranging from around 0.2 in the primary aluminium production to around 25 during spring at the airport, clearly show that exposure to DE cannot be estimated based on NO2 concentrations, at least for outdoor environments. Results in the primary aluminium production suggest that the measured EC concentrations are related to DE emissions, although the NO2 concentrations were low. Further studies are required to assess the magnitude of exposure in primary aluminium production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Berlinger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalya Romanova
- North-West Public Health Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Grete Friisk
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Line Daae
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nils Petter Skaugset
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Ervik TK, Benker N, Weinbruch S, Thomassen Y, Ellingsen DG, Berlinger B. Size distribution and single particle characterization of airborne particulate matter collected in a silicon carbide plant. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2019; 21:564-574. [PMID: 30723847 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00518d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The global SiC market is projected to grow in the coming years, and research on potential health effects as well as epidemiological studies is therefore of importance. A detailed characterization in terms of the phase composition, morphology and mixing state of airborne PM is still missing, though highly necessary to identify sources and to understand the risk factors in this industry. Particles in the size range of 10 nm to 10 µm were collected with a 13-stage NanoMOUDI impactor in the Acheson Furnace Hall as well as in processing departments during two sampling campaigns. Particle mass concentrations, including the fraction of ultrafine particles (UFPs), were lower in the processing departments in comparison to those in the Acheson Furnace Hall. The particle number size distribution measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer confirmed the low amount of UFPs in the processing departments compared to the furnace hall. Significant differences in the particle mass concentration and distribution were observed in the Acheson Furnace Hall during the two sampling campaigns. The PM size distribution depends upon the sampling location, on the cycle of the nearby furnaces and on special incidents occurring during a furnace run. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) showed that the size range of 0.32-10 µm (aerodynamic diameter) is dominated by carbon (C)-rich particles, which were identified as petroleum coke, graphite, soot and amorphous spherical C-rich particles. Soot was further classified into three types based on the primary particle size, morphology and composition. Diesel-powered vehicles, pyrolysis of petroleum coke and incomplete combustion of volatile components from this pyrolysis are suggested as sources of different soot particle types. Amorphous spherical C-rich particles were also sub-classified based on their morphology and composition as tar balls (TBs) and C-spherical type 2. The amount of SiC fibers and crystalline SiO2 was found to be low. In the size fraction below 0.32 µm (aerodynamic diameter), sulphur (S)-rich particles dominate. This knowledge of the particle size distribution, and chemical and physical properties of the PM occurring in the SiC production is fundamental for an appropriate risk assessment, and these findings should have implications for future epidemiological studies and for the mitigation of worker exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torunn Kringlen Ervik
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway.
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20
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Berlinger B, Weinbruch S, Ellingsen DG, Zibarev E, Chashchin V, Chashchin M, Thomassen Y. On the bio-accessibility of 14 elements in welding fumes. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2019; 21:497-505. [PMID: 30788473 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00425k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The bio-accessibility of 14 elements in welding fume particulate matter was investigated in 325 personal air samples collected during welding in two shipyards and one factory producing heavy machinery. The apparent solubility in a synthetic lung lining fluid (Hatch's solution) was used as proxy for the bio-accessibility. The Hatch solubility of the different elements was highly variable with a median < 1% for Al, Fe, Pb, Ti, between 4 and 6% for Co, Cr, Ni, V, W, between 13 and 27% for Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, and 41% for Mo. For many elements, the solubility varied over a wide range of several tens of percent. The welding techniques used influenced the solubility of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and V significantly. The plants investigated (i.e., the welded materials and used electrodes) had a significant influence on the solubility of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, V and W. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the variation in solubility can be described by four components, which explain 69% of the variance. The first principal component mostly comprises elements that can predominantly occur as divalent cations, the second principal component elements often forming oxyanions. The principal components are independent of the absolute value of the Hatch solubility. The results of PCA indicate that the co-variation of Hatch solubility is mainly controlled by the most soluble compounds in contrast to the absolute value of apparent solubility, which is strongly influenced by the distribution of the elements between compounds with different equilibrium solubilities. The observed large variability and the significant differences between welding techniques and plants clearly show that the bio-accessibility cannot be obtained from the literature but has to be studied experimentally at each location of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway.
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21
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Samulin Erdem J, Alswady-Hoff M, Ervik TK, Skare Ø, Ellingsen DG, Zienolddiny S. Cellulose nanocrystals modulate alveolar macrophage phenotype and phagocytic function. Biomaterials 2019; 203:31-42. [PMID: 30851491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nanocellulose is a promising bio-nanomaterial with attractive properties suitable for multiple industrial applications. The increased use of nanocellulose may lead to occupational exposure and negative health outcomes. However, knowledge on its health effects is limited, and while nanocellulose exposure may induce acute inflammatory responses in the lung, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Alveolar macrophages are key cells in alveolar particle clearance. Their activation and function may be affected by various particles. Here, we investigated the uptake of pristine cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and their effects on alveolar macrophage polarization and biological function. CNC uptake enhanced the secretion of several cytokines but did not on its own induce a complete macrophage polarization. In presence of macrophage activators, such as LPS/IFNG and IL4/IL13, CNC exposure enhanced the expression of M1 phenotype markers and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, while decreasing M2 markers. CNC exposure also affected the function of activated alveolar macrophages resulting in a prominent cytokine burst and altered phagocytic activity. In conclusion, CNC exposure may result in dysregulation of macrophage activation and function that are critical in inflammatory responses in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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22
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Straumfors A, Eduard W, Heldal KK, Skogstad M, Barregård L, Ellingsen DG. Pneumoproteins and markers of inflammation and platelet activation in the blood of grain dust exposed workers. Biomarkers 2018; 23:748-755. [DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2018.1485057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lars Barregård
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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23
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Skaug V, Eilertsen E, Skogstad A, Levy FES, Berlinger B, Thomassen Y, Ellingsen DG. Kinetics and tissue distribution of bismuth, tin and lead after implantation of miniature shotgun alloy pellets in rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 48:224-232. [PMID: 29773185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.04.002] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shotgun pellets containing bismuth (Bi) as substitute for lead (Pb) are increasingly being used due to environmental concerns. Information on toxicokinetics of Bi is lacking for the assessment of humans accidentally shot by Bi-containing shotgun alloy pellets. METHODS Male Wistar rats were exposed to miniature alloy pellets containing Bi, tin (Sn) and minor amounts of Pb by implantation in muscle tissues of the hind legs. RESULTS The concentrations of Bi in whole blood and urine increased up to 53 weeks after implantation. The highest concentrations of Sn in whole blood were observed three weeks after implantation, then declining to background levels 53 weeks after implantation. Lead in whole blood increased up to 13 weeks of exposure, and declined for the remaining observation period. Bismuth and Sn accumulated mainly in kidney, but also in liver, testicle and brain. Analytical field emission scanning electron microscopy of post-implant pellets showed depletion of Pb towards the pellet surface. Oxygen and chlorine accumulated in Sn rich lamellas in areas next to the pellet surface. The distribution of Bi remained visually unaffected as compared to pre-implant pellets. CONCLUSION The concentration of Bi increased during the whole observation period in blood, urine, kidney, brain, testicle and liver. The decline in the concentrations of Pb and Sn in blood and urine after reaching the peak concentration may be related to alterations in the chemical composition and element distribution of the implanted alloy pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidar Skaug
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar Eilertsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Asbjørn Skogstad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Finn E S Levy
- Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Balázs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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24
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Ervik TK, Benker N, Weinbruch S, Skogstad A, Thomassen Y, Ellingsen DG, Berlinger B. Phase identification of individual crystalline particles by combining EDX and EBSD: application to workplace aerosols. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:2711-2721. [PMID: 29492620 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-0949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper discusses the combined use of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) to identify unknown phases in particulate matter from different workplace aerosols. Particles of α-silicon carbide (α-SiC), manganese oxide (MnO) and α-quartz (α-SiO2) were used to test the method. Phase identification of spherical manganese oxide particles from ferromanganese production, with diameter less than 200 nm, was unambiguous, and phases of both MnO and Mn3O4 were identified in the same agglomerate. The same phases were identified by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The method was also used to identify the phases of different SiC fibres, and both β-SiC and α-SiC fibres were found. Our results clearly demonstrate that EBSD combined with EDX can be successfully applied to the characterisation of workplace aerosols. Graphical abstract Secondary electron image of an agglomerate of manganese oxide particles collected at a ferromanganese smelter (a). EDX spectrum of the particle highlighted by an arrow (b). Indexed patterns after dynamic background subtraction from three particles shown with numbers in a
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Affiliation(s)
- Torunn Kringlen Ervik
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nathalie Benker
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, 0033, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Asbjørn Skogstad
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Balázs Berlinger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, 0033, Oslo, Norway
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25
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Kirkhus NE, Skare Ø, Ulvestad B, Aaløkken TM, Günther A, Olsen R, Thomassen Y, Lund MB, Ellingsen DG. Pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography examinations among offshore drill floor workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 91:317-326. [PMID: 29196803 PMCID: PMC5845060 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to assess short-term changes in pulmonary function in drill floor workers currently exposed to airborne contaminants generated as a result of drilling offshore. We also aimed to study the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of another group of previously exposed drill floor workers. Methods Pulmonary function was measured before and after a 14-day work period in a follow-up study of 65 drill floor workers and 65 referents. Additionally, 57 other drill floor workers exposed to drilling fluids during the 1980s were examined with HRCT of the lungs in a cross-sectional study. Results The drill floor workers had a statistically significant decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) across the 14-day work period after adjustment for diurnal variations in pulmonary function (mean 90 mL, range 30–140 mL), while the small decline among the referents (mean 20 mL, range − 30 to 70 mL) was not of statistical significance. Larger declines in FEV1 among drill workers were associated with the fewer number of days of active drilling. There were no signs of pulmonary fibrosis related to oil mist exposure among the other previously exposed drill floor workers. Conclusion After 14 days offshore, a statistically significant decline in FEV1 was observed in the drill floor workers, which may not be related to oil mist exposure. No pulmonary fibrosis related to oil mist exposure was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Kirkhus
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway. .,Municipality of Horten, P.O. Box 10, 3191, Horten, Norway.
| | - Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Mogens Aaløkken
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Günther
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Raymond Olsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - May Brit Lund
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Dartey E, Berlinger B, Weinbruch S, Thomassen Y, Odland JØ, Brox J, Nartey VK, Yeboah FA, Ellingsen DG. Essential and non-essential trace elements among working populations in Ghana. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 44:279-287. [PMID: 28965588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead battery repair workers (LBRW) and electronic repair workers (ERW) may be exposed to inorganic components during work. This study aimed at determining essential and non-essential trace elements in male LBRW, ERW, referents and a group of female petty traders (FPT) in Kumasi (Ghana), taking into account iron status and inflammation. METHODS Altogether 64 LBRW, 64 ERW, 65 referents and 26 FPT were investigated in this cross-sectional study. Urine, whole blood and serum were collected for determination of trace elements. C-reactive protein and ferritin were determined in serum. RESULTS The LBRW had higher blood concentrations of manganese (B-Mn) and lead (B-Pb) and antimony in urine (U-Sb), and lower concentrations of cobalt in blood (B-Co). Being ERW was associated with higher concentrations of blood cadmium (B-Cd), urinary tin (U-Sn) and serum chromium (S-Cr). Concentrations of selenium (B-Se), Co and mercury (B-Hg) in whole blood and iodine in urine (U-I) were relatively high. Marginal iron status appeared to be a determinant for elevated concentrations of Co in particular, but also Mn and Cd in blood. Systemic inflammation was associated with the concentrations of copper and Se. The concentrations of Hg in whole blood were highly associated with Se and arsenic (As) in whole blood, indicating fish consumption as a common source of intake of these elements. However, Hg in whole blood was only slightly associated with Se in serum. CONCLUSIONS The ERW had elevated concentrations of B-Cd, S-Cr, and U-Sn, while B-Mn, B-Pb, and U-Sb concentrations were higher among the LBRW. Iron status and inflammation had substantial impact on some element concentration. This population had high concentrations of B-Se, B-Hg and B-Co and U-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Dartey
- Faculty of Science and Environment Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong, Ashanti, Ghana
| | | | - Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Jon Ø Odland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jan Brox
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vincent K Nartey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis A Yeboah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Ellingsen DG, Chashchin M, Berlinger B, Fedorov V, Chashchin V, Thomassen Y. Biological monitoring of welders' exposure to chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 41:99-106. [PMID: 28347469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Welders are exposed to a number of metallic elements during work. Bioaccessability, that is important for element uptake, has been little studied. This study addresses bioaccessability and uptake of chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) and vanadium (V) among welders. METHODS Bioaccessability of Cr, Mo, V and W was studied in airborne particulate matter collected by personal sampling of the workroom air among shipyard welders by using the lung lining fluid simulant Hatch solution. Associations between concentrations of Hatch soluble and non-soluble elements (Hatchsol and Hatchnon-sol) and concentrations of the four elements in whole blood, serum, blood cells and urine were studied. RESULTS Air concentrations of the four elements were low. Only a small fraction of Cr, V and W was Hatchsol, while similar amounts of Mo were Hatchsol and Hatchnon-sol. Welders (N=70) had statistically significantly higher concentrations of all four elements in urine and serum when compared to referents (N=74). Highly statistically significant associations were observed between urinary W and Hatchsol W (p<0.001) and serum V and Hatchsol V (p<0.001), in particular when air samples collected the day before collection of biological samples were considered. CONCLUSIONS Associations between Hatchsol elements in air and their biological concentrations were higher than when Hatchnon-sol concentrations were considered. Associations were generally higher when air samples collected the day before biological sampling were considered as compared to air samples collected two days before.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maxim Chashchin
- Northwest Public Health Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Vladimir Fedorov
- Northwest Public Health Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia; North-western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Valery Chashchin
- Northwest Public Health Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia; North-western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Meltzer HM, Alexander J, Brantsæter AL, Borch-Iohnsen B, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, Holmen J, Ydersbond TA. The impact of iron status and smoking on blood divalent metal concentrations in Norwegian women in the HUNT2 Study. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 38:165-173. [PMID: 27108098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Low iron (Fe) stores may result in increased absorption of divalent metals, in particular cadmium (Cd). We have previously shown that in non-smoking women participating in the Norwegian HUNT2 cohort study this also included other divalent metals, e.g. manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co). The diet is the main source of metals in non-smoking individuals, whereas in smoking individuals tobacco smoke contributes significant amounts of Cd and lead (Pb). The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of smoking on the relationship between low iron status and divalent metals. Blood concentrations of the divalent metals Cd, Mn, Co, Pb, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), determined using an Element 2 sector field mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), were investigated in smoking women of fertile age (range 21-55 years) (n=267) from the HUNT2 cohort. Among these, 82 were iron-deplete (serum ferritin<12μg/L) and 28 had iron deficiency anaemia (serum ferritin<12μg/L & Hb<120g/L). 150 (56%) women smoked 10 or more cigarettes daily, 101 (38%) had smoked for more than 20 years, and 107 (40%) had smoked for 11-20 years. Results from the smoking population were compared with results from our previous study in non-smoking women (n=448) of which 132 were previous smokers, all from the same cohort. Increasing concentrations of Cd in blood were observed for previous smokers, low-to-moderate smokers and high intensity smokers in all subgroups compared to never smokers, and according to age groups, education level, BMI and serum ferritin. Smokers had higher Pb concentrations than non-smokers in all subgroups, but less pronounced than for Cd. Smoking was not associated with Mn and Co concentrations in blood. In multiple regression models, low ferritin was associated with increased blood concentrations of Cd, Pb, Mn and Co. Ferritin was strongly associated with Cd at low smoking intensity, but was not a significant factor in heavy smokers, where intensity and duration of smoking emerged as main determinants. Ferritin associations with Co and Pb varied with tertiles of blood Cd. Ferritin emerged as the main determinant of blood Co and Mn, while for blood Pb, age and smoking intensity had higher impact. Cu and Zn remained within reference values and no significant associations with ferritin were found. Strong positive associations between blood concentrations of Pb, Mn, Cd and Co were observed, also when controlled for their common association with ferritin. Apart from these associations, the models showed no significant interactions between the divalent metals studied. Mild anaemia (110<Hb<120g/L) did not seem to have any effect independent of low ferritin. The results indicate that low serum ferritin facilitates absorption of certain divalent metal ions in female smokers as well as the previously shown effect in non-smokers. Even if smoking provides Pb and Cd, the mutual associations between Cd and other divalent metals in blood persisted in medium and heavy smokers. This indicates that the interrelationship between Cd and divalent metals not only reflect effects on the absorption, but possibly also on kinetic processes such as transportation in blood and other compartments, including excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Meltzer
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - J Alexander
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - A L Brantsæter
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - B Borch-Iohnsen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - D G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Y Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - J Holmen
- HUNT Research Center, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Forskningsveien 2, N-7600, Levanger, Norway
| | - T A Ydersbond
- Statistics Norway, P.O. Box 8131 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
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Straumfors A, Heldal KK, Eduard W, Wouters IM, Ellingsen DG, Skogstad M. Cross-shift study of exposure-response relationships between bioaerosol exposure and respiratory effects in the Norwegian grain and animal feed production industry. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:685-93. [PMID: 27473330 PMCID: PMC5036228 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective We have studied cross-shift respiratory responses of several individual bioaerosol components of the dust in the grain and feed industry in Norway. Methods Cross-shift changes in lung function and nasal congestion, as well as in respiratory and systemic symptoms of 56 exposed workers and 36 referents, were recorded on the same day as full-shift exposure to the inhalable aerosol fraction was assessed. Exposure–response associations were investigated by regression analysis. Results The workers were exposed on average to 1.0 mg/m3 of grain dust, 440 EU/m3 of endotoxin, 6 µg/m3 of β-1,3-glucans, 17×104/m3 of bacteria and 4×104/m3 of fungal spores during work. The exposure was associated with higher prevalence of self-reported eye and airway symptoms, which were related to the individual microbial components in a complex manner. Fatigue and nose symptoms were strongest associated with fungal spores, cough with or without phlegm was associated with grain dust and fungal spores equally strong and wheeze/tight chest/dyspnoea was strongest associated with grain dust. Bioaerosol exposure did not lead to cross-shift lung function decline, but several microbial components had influence on nose congestion. Conclusions Exposure to fungal spores and dust showed stronger associations with respiratory symptoms and fatigue than endotoxin exposure. The associations with dust suggest that there are other components in dust than the ones studied that induce these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Straumfors
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Kulvik Heldal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Skogstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Freberg BI, Olsen R, Thorud S, Daae HL, Hersson M, Molander P, Barregard L, Ellingsen DG. Pulmonary function and serum pneumoproteins in professional ski waxers. Inhal Toxicol 2016; 28:7-13. [DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2015.1123333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Berlinger B, Bugge MD, Ulvestad B, Kjuus H, Kandler K, Ellingsen DG. Particle size distribution of workplace aerosols in manganese alloy smelters applying a personal sampling strategy. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2015; 17:2066-2073. [PMID: 26498986 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00396b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Air samples were collected by personal sampling with five stage Sioutas cascade impactors and respirable cyclones in parallel among tappers and crane operators in two manganese (Mn) alloy smelters in Norway to investigate PM fractions. The mass concentrations of PM collected by using the impactors and the respirable cyclones were critically evaluated by comparing the results of the parallel measurements. The geometric mean (GM) mass concentrations of the respirable fraction and the <10 μm PM fraction were 0.18 and 0.39 mg m(-3), respectively. Particle size distributions were determined using the impactor data in the range from 0 to 10 μm and by stationary measurements by using a scanning mobility particle sizer in the range from 10 to 487 nm. On average 50% of the particulate mass in the Mn alloy smelters was in the range from 2.5 to 10 μm, while the rest was distributed between the lower stages of the impactors. On average 15% of the particulate mass was found in the <0.25 μm PM fraction. The comparisons of the different PM fraction mass concentrations related to different work tasks or different workplaces, showed in many cases statistically significant differences, however, the particle size distribution of PM in the fraction <10 μm d(ae) was independent of the plant, furnace or work task.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Berlinger
- Dept. of Chemical and Biological Working Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - M D Bugge
- Dept. of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - B Ulvestad
- Dept. of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Kjuus
- Dept. of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - K Kandler
- Technical University Darmstadt, Institute of Applied Geosciences Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - D G Ellingsen
- Dept. of Chemical and Biological Working Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway.
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Kirkhus NE, Thomassen Y, Ulvestad B, Woldbæk T, Ellingsen DG. Occupational exposure to airborne contaminants during offshore oil drilling. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2015; 17:1257-1264. [PMID: 26020723 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00081e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to study exposure to airborne contaminants in oil drillers during ordinary work. Personal samples were collected among 65 drill floor workers on four stationary and six moveable rigs in the Norwegian offshore sector. Air concentrations of drilling mud were determined based on measurements of the non-volatile mud components Ca and Fe. The median air concentration of mud was 140 μg m(-3). Median air concentrations of oil mist (180 μg m(-3)), oil vapour (14 mg m(-3)) and organic carbon (46 μg m(-3)) were also measured. All contaminants were detected in all work areas (drill floor, shaker area, mud pits, pump room, other areas). The highest air concentrations were measured in the shaker area, but the differences in air concentrations between working areas were moderate. Oil mist and oil vapour concentrations were statistically higher on moveable rigs than on stationary rigs, but after adjusting for differences in mud temperature the differences between rig types were no longer of statistical significance. Statistically significant positive associations were found between mud temperature and the concentrations of oil mist (Spearman's R = 0.46) and oil vapour (0.39), and between viscosity of base oil and oil mist concentrations. Use of pressure washers was associated with higher air concentrations of mud. A series of 18 parallel stationary samples showed a high and statistically significant association between concentrations of organic carbon and oil mist (r = 0.98). This study shows that workers are exposed to airborne non-volatilized mud components. Air concentrations of volatile mud components like oil mist and oil vapour were low, but were present in all the studied working areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Kirkhus
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 DEP, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Ellingsen DG, Chashchin M, Bast-Pettersen R, Zibarev E, Thomassen Y, Chashchin V. A follow-up study of neurobehavioral functions in welders exposed to manganese. Neurotoxicology 2015; 47:8-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Skaugset NP, Ellingsen DG, Notø H, Jordbekken L, Thomassen Y. Speciation of fluoride in workroom air during primary production of aluminium. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2015; 17:578-585. [PMID: 25599646 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00554f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to fluorides (F(-)) and particulate matter (PM) was assessed by personal sampling with use of Respicon® sampler in Prebake and Søderberg pot rooms in seven aluminium smelters. The inhalable PM mass was dominated by the extra-thoracic aerosol sub-fraction, which contributed with around 70% for both Prebake and Søderberg pot room workers. Quantitative and qualitative differences in exposure were found between pot room workers in smelters using these two technologies. Prebake pot room workers were exposed to 1.4 to 1.7 times higher PM concentrations than Søderberg pot room workers, depending on aerosol sub-fraction. Prebake pot room workers were also exposed to 2.5 to 2.9 higher air concentrations of water-soluble F(-) (FWS(-)) and 2.8 to 5.3 higher air concentrations of non water-soluble F(-) (FAS(-)) than Søderberg pot room workers, depending on aerosol sub-fraction. However, exposure to hydrogen fluoride (HF) was 1.3 times higher among Søderberg pot room workers. The relative amount of FWS(-), however, was higher among Søderberg pot room workers, while the relative amount of particulate F(-) (sum of FWS(-) and FAS(-)) was higher among Prebake pot room workers (6.5 vs. 3.9%). Exposure to the same PM concentration yielded higher FWS(-) and FAS(-) air concentrations among Prebake compared to Søderberg pot room workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Petter Skaugset
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 8149 DEP, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Ellingsen DG, Ulvestad B, Bakke B, Seljeflot I, Barregard L, Thomassen Y. Serum pneumoproteins in tunnel construction workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 88:943-51. [PMID: 25632885 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to study inflammatory biomarkers in tunnel construction workers (TCW). METHODS Surfactant protein D (SP-D), Clara cell protein 16 (CC-16) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were studied in serum of 90 TCW and 50 referents before and at the end of an 11-day work period. Personal air sampling was carried out on the two consecutive days before follow-up. RESULTS The TCW's geometric mean exposure to particulate matter and α-quartz were 604 and 74 µg/m(3), respectively. The arithmetic mean concentration of elemental carbon was 51 µg/m(3). The arithmetic mean concentration of SP-D was reduced by 7.6 µg/L in the TCWs and 0.6 µg/L in the referents (p = 0.04) at the end as compared to before the work period. Subjects who had ever been TCW had lower arithmetic mean CC-16 concentrations at baseline (5.4 µg/L) than subjects who had never worked as TCW (6.4 µg/L). Years worked as TCW was significantly associated with an annual mean decline of the CC-16 concentration of 0.04 µg/L. The concentrations of the biomarker of systemic inflammation, CRP, were not affected by exposure in the TCWs. Current smoking and body mass index have a large impact on the measured biomarker concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that former and current TCWs have lower serum CC-16 concentrations than referents, while the concentrations of SP-D decreased during exposure. The serum biomarker of systemic inflammation, CRP, was not altered during exposure. Current smoking and BMI were related to the concentrations of all measured biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Mesta AS, Moss, Norway
| | - Berit Bakke
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingebjørg Seljeflot
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Clinical Heart Research, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Barregard
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
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Dartey E, Berlinger B, Thomassen Y, Ellingsen DG, Odland JØ, Nartey VK, Yeboah FA, Weinbruch S. Bioaccessibility of lead in airborne particulates from car battery repair work. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2014; 16:2782-2788. [PMID: 25355533 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00455h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccessibility of Pb in air particulate matter from two car battery repair workshops in Kumasi (Ghana) was measured (64 full shift personal aerosol samples). An artificial lung lining fluid simulant (Hatch solution) was applied for leaching the bioaccessible fraction in half of the samples, the other half was leached with synthetic gastric juice. At both locations, the Pb solubility (median) in gastric juice (89% and 92%) is substantially higher than in Hatch solution (4.9% and 5.6%). The high solubility of Pb in gastric juice may be related to the presence of Pb oxides. The low bioaccessibility of Pb in Hatch solution is in good agreement with previous work on mine tailings, urban aerosol, car exhaust, welding fumes and indoor dust. The high bioaccessibility of Pb in the gastrointestinal tract underpins the importance of improving the personal hygienic behavior at the workplace. It is recommended that air monitoring of Pb should include the extrathoracic aerosol fraction using inhalable aerosol samplers, as particles of this size fraction are most likely transferred to the gastrointestinal tract in addition to the non-lung-soluble particles transported from the lung by mucociliary and phagocytosis clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Dartey
- Faculty of Science and Environment Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
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Ulvestad B, Lund MB, Bakke B, Thomassen Y, Ellingsen DG. Short-term lung function decline in tunnel construction workers. Occup Environ Med 2014; 72:108-13. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Ellingsen DG, Chashchin M, Berlinger B, Konz T, Zibarev E, Aaseth J, Chashchin V, Thomassen Y. Biomarkers of iron status and trace elements in welders. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2014; 28:271-7. [PMID: 24703374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Iron status was studied in 137 welders exposed to a geometric mean (GM) air concentration of 214 μg/m(3) (range 1-3230) of manganese (Mn), in 137 referents and in 34 former welders. The GM concentrations of S-ferritin were 119 (3-1498), 112 (9-1277) and 98 (12-989) μg/L (p=0.24) in the three groups, respectively. Also the GM concentrations of S-hepcidin were not significantly different between the groups (8.4 μg/L (2.8-117); 6.6 μg/L (1.8-100); 6.5 μg/L (1.2-22)) (p=0.22). Multiple linear regression analysis including all welders and referents showed an increase in the concentration of S-ferritin associated with having serum carbohydrate deficient transferrin (S-CDT) above the upper reference limit of ≥1.7%, indicating high alcohol consumption. Serum C-reactive protein was not associated with exposure as welders, but an association with S-ferritin was shown. The GM S-ferritin concentrations among all welders and referents with S-CDT≥1.7% were 157 μg/L (95% CI 113-218) as compared to 104 μg/L (95% CI 94-116) (p=0.02) in those with S-CDT<1.7%. The GM concentrations of Mn in biological fluids were higher in the welders as compared to the referents, while S-Fe, S-Co and B-Co were statistically significantly lower. This could suggest a competitive inhibition from Mn on the uptake of Fe and Co. Increasing concentrations of S-CDT was associated with higher S-Mn, S-Fe and B-Co in the multiple linear regression analysis. The association between S-CDT and S-Fe remained when all subjects with high S-CDT (≥1.7%) were excluded, suggesting increased uptake of Fe even at lower alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Maxim Chashchin
- Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya 4, St. Petersburg 191036, Russia
| | - Balazs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tobias Konz
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry of the University of Oviedo, ES-33006, Spain
| | - Evgenij Zibarev
- Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya 4, St. Petersburg 191036, Russia
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Department of Medicine, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2226 Kongsvinger, Norway
| | - Valery Chashchin
- Northwest Public Health Research Centre, 2-Sovetskaya 4, St. Petersburg 191036, Russia; North-Western State Medical University, St. Petersburg 191015, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
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Bakke B, Ulvestad B, Thomassen Y, Woldbaek T, Ellingsen DG. Characterization of occupational exposure to air contaminants in modern tunnelling operations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:818-29. [PMID: 24902863 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Personal air measurements of aerosols and gases among tunnel construction workers were performed as part of a 11-day follow-up study on the relationship between exposure to aerosols and gases and cardiovascular and respiratory effects. METHODS Ninety tunnel construction workers employed at 11 available construction sites participated in the exposure study. The workers were divided into seven job groups according to tasks performed. Exposure measurements were carried out on 2 consecutive working days prior to the day of health examination. Summary statistics were computed using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and the procedure NLMIXED and LIFEREG in SAS was used to perform MLE for repeated measures data subject to left censoring and for calculation of within- and between-worker variance components. RESULTS The geometric mean (GM) air concentrations for the thoracic mass aerosol sub-fraction, α-quartz, oil mist, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) for all workers were 561, 63, 210, 146, and 35.2 μg m(-3), respectively. Statistical differences of air concentrations between job groups were observed for all contaminants, except for OC, EC, and ammonia (P > 0.05). The shaft drillers, injection workers, and shotcreting operators were exposed to the highest GM levels of thoracic dust (7061, 1087, and 865 μg m(-) (3), respectively). The shaft drillers and the support workers were exposed to the highest GM levels of α-quartz (GM = 844 and 118 μg m(-3), respectively). Overall, the exposure to nitrogen dioxide and ammonia was low (GM = 120 and 251 μg m(-) (3), respectively). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study show significant differences between job groups with shaft drilling as the highest exposed job to air concentrations for all measured contaminants. Technical interventions in this job should be implemented to reduce exposure levels. Overall, diesel exhaust air concentrations seem to be lower than previously assessed (as EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Bakke
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Woldbaek
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Freberg BI, Olsen R, Daae HL, Hersson M, Thorud S, Ellingsen DG, Molander P. Occupational exposure assessment of airborne chemical contaminants among professional ski waxers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:601-11. [PMID: 24607772 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ski waxes are applied onto the skis to improve the performance. They contain different chemical substances, e.g. perfluoro-n-alkanes. Due to evaporation and sublimation processes as well as mechanically generated dust, vapours, fumes, and particulates can contaminate the workroom atmosphere. The number of professional ski waxers is increasing, but occupational exposure assessments among professional ski waxers are lacking. OBJECTIVES The aim was to assess exposure to airborne chemical contaminants among professional ski waxers. It was also a goal to construct a ventilation system designed for ski waxing work operations. METHODS Forty-five professional ski waxers were included. Personal measurements of the inhalable and the respirable aerosol mass fractions were executed in 36 different waxing cabins using Conical Inhalable Sampler cassettes equipped with 37-mm PVC filters (5 µm) and Casella respirable cyclones equipped with 37-mm PVC filters (0.8 µm), respectively. Volatile organic components were collected using Anasorb CSC charcoal tubes. To examine time trends in exposure patterns, stationary real-time measurements of the aerosol mass fractions were conducted using a direct-reading Respicon® sampler. RESULTS Mean aerosol particle mass concentrations of 3.1 mg·m(-3) (range: 0.2-12.0) and 6.2 mg·m(-3) (range: 0.4-26.2) were measured in the respirable and inhalable aerosol mass fractions, respectively. Real-time aerosol sampling showed large variations in particle concentrations, with peak exposures of ~10 and 30 mg·m(-3) in the respirable and the inhalable aerosol particle mass fractions, respectively. The custom-made ventilation system reduced the concentration of all aerosol mass fractions by more than 90%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baard Ingegerdsson Freberg
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway 2.The Norwegian Biathlon Union, Serviceboks 1, US, 0840 Oslo, Norway
| | - Raymond Olsen
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Line Daae
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Hersson
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Syvert Thorud
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Paal Molander
- 1.Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Ellingsen DG, Kusraeva Z, Bast-Pettersen R, Zibarev E, Chashchin M, Thomassen Y, Chashchin V. The interaction between manganese exposure and alcohol on neurobehavioral outcomes in welders. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2014; 41:8-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Birgisdottir BE, Knutsen HK, Haugen M, Gjelstad IM, Jenssen MTS, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, Alexander J, Meltzer HM, Brantsæter AL. Essential and toxic element concentrations in blood and urine and their associations with diet: results from a Norwegian population study including high-consumers of seafood and game. Sci Total Environ 2013; 463-464:836-844. [PMID: 23867847 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The first aim of the study was to evaluate calculated dietary intake and concentrations measured in blood or urine of essential and toxic elements in relation to nutritional and toxicological reference values. The second aim was to identify patterns of the element concentrations in blood and urine and to identify possible dietary determinants of the concentrations of these elements. Adults with a known high consumption of environmental contaminants (n=111), and a random sample of controls (n=76) answered a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Complete data on biological measures were available for 179 individuals. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for selenium, iodine, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. Principal component analysis was used to identify underlying patterns of correlated blood and urine concentrations. The calculated intakes of selenium, iodine, inorganic arsenic and mercury were within guideline levels. For cadmium 24% of the high consumer group and 8% of the control group had intakes above the tolerable weekly intake. Concentrations of lead in blood exceeded the bench-mark dose lower confidence limits for some participants. However, overall, the examined exposures did not give rise to nutritional or toxicological concerns. Game consumption was associated with lead in blood (B(ln) 0.021; 95%CI:0.010, 0.031) and wine consumption. Seafood consumption was associated with urinary cadmium in non-smokers (B(ln) 0.009; 95%CI:0.003, 0.015). A novel finding was a distinct pattern of positively associated biological markers, comprising iodine, selenium, arsenic and mercury (eigenvalue 3.8), reflecting seafood intake (B 0.007; 95%CI:0.004, 0.010). The study clearly demonstrates the significance of seafood as a source of both essential nutrients and toxic elements simultaneously and shows that exposure to various essential and toxic elements can be intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Birgisdottir
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Halstensen AS, Heldal KK, Wouters IM, Skogstad M, Ellingsen DG, Eduard W. Exposure to grain dust and microbial components in the Norwegian grain and compound feed industry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 57:1105-14. [PMID: 23813889 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/met036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to extensively characterize grain workers' personal exposure during work in Norwegian grain elevators and compound feed mills, to identify differences in exposures between the workplaces and seasons, and to study the correlations between different microbial components. METHODS Samples of airborne dust (n = 166) were collected by full-shift personal sampling during work in 20 grain elevators and compound feed mills during one autumn season and two winter seasons. The personal exposure to grain dust, endotoxins, β-1→3-glucans, bacteria, and fungal spores was quantified. Correlations between dust and microbial components and differences between workplaces and seasons were investigated. Determinants of endotoxin and β-1→3-glucan exposure were evaluated by linear mixed-effect regression modeling. RESULTS The workers were exposed to an overall geometric mean of 1.0mg m(-3) inhalable grain dust [geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 3.7], 628 endotoxin units m(-3) (GSD = 5.9), 7.4 µg m(-3) of β-1→3-glucan (GSD = 5.6), 21 × 10(4) bacteria m(-3) (GSD = 7.9) and 3.6 × 10(4) fungal spores m(-3) (GSD = 3.4). The grain dust exposure levels were similar across workplaces and seasons, but the microbial content of the grain dust varied substantially between workplaces. Exposure levels of all microbial components were significantly higher in grain elevators compared with all other workplaces. The grain dust exposure was significantly correlated (Pearson's r) with endotoxin (rp = 0.65), β-1→3-glucan (rp = 0.72), bacteria (rp = 0.44) and fungal spore (rp = 0.48) exposure, whereas the explained variances were strongly dependent on the workplace. Bacteria, grain dust, and workplace were important determinants for endotoxin exposure, whereas fungal spores, grain dust, and workplace were important determinants for β-1→3-glucan exposure. CONCLUSIONS Although the workers were exposed to a relatively low mean dust level, the microbial exposure was high. Furthermore, the exposure levels of microbial components varied between workplaces although the dust levels were similar. We therefore recommend that exposure levels at different workplaces should be assessed separately and a task-based assessment should be done for detailed evaluation of efficient dust-reducing measures. The microbial content and knowledge of health effects of the microbial components should be considered in health risk evaluations of these workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Straumfors Halstensen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, Oslo N-0033, Norway
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Skaugset NP, Ellingsen DG, Notø H, Jordbekken L, Thomassen Y. Intersampler field comparison of Respicon(R), IOM, and closed-face 25-mm personal aerosol samplers during primary production of aluminium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 57:1054-64. [PMID: 23792971 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/met025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Intersampler field comparison of Respicon(®), 25-mm closed-face 'total dust' cassette (CFC), and IOM inhalable aerosol sampler was conducted in pot rooms at seven aluminium smelters. The aerosol mass and water-soluble fluoride were selected as airborne contaminants for the comparisons. The aerosol masses of 889 sample pairs of IOM and Respicon(®) inhalable aerosol sub-fraction, 165 of IOM and 25-mm CFC, and 194 of CFC and Respicon(®) thoracic aerosol sub-fraction were compared. The number of sample pairs for the comparison of water-soluble fluoride was 906, 170, and 195, respectively. The geometric mean aerosol mass collected with the inhalable Respicon(®) was 2.91 mg m(-3) compared with 3.38 mg m(-3) with the IOM. The overall ratio between IOM and Respicon(®) inhalable sub-fraction was 1.16 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-1.21] for aerosol mass and 1.13 (95% CI = 1.08-1.18) for water-soluble fluoride. The results indicate that Respicon(®) undersampled the aerosol mass and water-soluble fluoride in the inhalable sub-fraction compared with the IOM. The results indicated undersampling of the Respicon(®) at mass concentrations higher than 1.35 mg m(-3) and oversampling at lower mass concentrations. The overall ratio between aerosol mass collected with IOM and CFC was 4.19 (95% CI = 3.79-4.64) and 1.61 (95% CI = 1.51-1.72) for water-soluble fluoride. Thus, for this industry, a correction factor of 4.2 is suggested for the conversion of CFC to inhalable aerosol masses and a conversion factor of 1.6 for water-soluble fluoride if wall deposits in the CFC are included. CFC and thoracic Respicon(®) collected similar aerosol masses (ratio = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.97-1.12), whereas the ratio was 1.19 (95% CI = 1.11-1.28) for water-soluble fluoride. The variability of the exposure is substantial; thus, large data sets are required in sampler performance field comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Petter Skaugset
- Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 DEP., 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Meyer-Baron M, Schäper M, Knapp G, Lucchini R, Zoni S, Bast-Pettersen R, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, He S, Yuan H, Niu Q, Wang XL, Yang YJ, Iregren A, Sjögren B, Blond M, Laursen P, Netterstrom B, Mergler D, Bowler R, van Thriel C. The neurobehavioral impact of manganese: results and challenges obtained by a meta-analysis of individual participant data. Neurotoxicology 2013; 36:1-9. [PMID: 23419685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Results from a meta-analysis of aggregated data provoked a new analysis using individual data on the neuropsychological performance of occupationally exposed workers. Data from eight studies examining 579 exposed and 433 reference participants were included, 28 performance variables analyzed. The performance scores were adjusted for well-known individual-level covariates; the influence of possible, but unknown study-level covariates was attenuated by means of a z-normalization. Associations between performance and exposure were estimated by ANOVAs and ANCOVAs, the latter representing multi-level models. Four cognitive and motor performance variables each indicated significantly lower performances of exposed individuals when confounding was considered; slowed motor performances and deficits in attention and short-term memory were found. Performance on a single test was significantly related to the biomarker manganese in blood. The outcomes on susceptibility were weak. The slowing of responses was the most distinct feature of performances of exposed workers. It remains unclear, whether this result is related to the employed tests or provides important information about early stages of the neurotoxic impairment. More specific cognitive tests need to be employed to answer this question. The lack of dose-response relationships was related to features of the biomarker: it does not reflect the Mn in brain responsible for changes in performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Meyer-Baron
- IfADo, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
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Ellingsen DG, Zibarev E, Kusraeva Z, Berlinger B, Chashchin M, Bast-Pettersen R, Chashchin V, Thomassen Y. The bioavailability of manganese in welders in relation to its solubility in welding fumes. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2013; 15:357-365. [PMID: 25208700 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30750b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Blood and urine samples for determination of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) concentrations were collected in a cross-sectional study of 137 currently exposed welders, 137 referents and 34 former welders. Aerosol samples for measurements of personal air exposure to Mn and Fe were also collected. The aerosol samples were assessed for their solubility using a simulated lung lining fluid (Hatch solution). On average 13.8% of the total Mn mass (range 1-49%; N = 237) was soluble (Hatch sol), while only 1.4% (<0.1-10.0%; N = 237) of the total Fe mass was Hatch sol. The welders had statistically significantly higher geometric mean concentrations of Mn in whole blood (B-Mn 12.8 vs. 8.0 μg L (-1)), serum (S-Mn 1.04 vs. 0.77 μg L(-1)) and urine (U-Mn 0.36 vs. 0.07 μg g (-1) cr.) than the referents. Statistically significant univariate correlations were observed between exposure to Hatch sol Mn in the welding aerosol and B-Mn, S-Mn and U-Mn respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient between mean Hatch sol Mn of two days preceding the collection of biological samples and U-Mn was 0.46 (p < 0.001). The duration of employment as a welder in years was also associated with B-Mn and S-Mn, but not with U-Mn. Statistically significantly higher U-Mn and B-Mn were observed in welders currently exposed to even less than 12 and 6 μg m (-3) Hatchsol Mn, respectively. When using the 95(th) percentile concentration among the referents as a cut-point, 70.0 and 64.5% of the most highly exposed welders exceeded this level with respect to B-Mn and U-Mn. The concentrations of B-Mn, S-Mn and U-Mn were all highly correlated in the welders, but not in the referents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Heldal KK, Barregard L, Larsson P, Ellingsen DG. Pneumoproteins in sewage workers exposed to sewage dust. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2012; 86:65-70. [PMID: 22350277 PMCID: PMC3535374 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0747-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The association between exposure to bacteria and endotoxins in sewage dust and the serum concentrations of pneumoproteins in sewage treatment plant workers were studied. Methods Forty-four workers from eight sewage treatment plants and 38 reference workers participated in the study. Microbial aerosol was collected by personal inhalable samplers. The concentrations of bacteria and endotoxins were determined by fluorescence microscopy and the Limulus assay, respectively. Pneumoproteins (Clara cell protein: CC16, and Surfactant proteins A and D: SP-A, SP-D) were determined by ELISA in blood samples collected post-shift. Results The exposure to dust ranged from 0.02 to 9.3 (geometric mean (GM) 0.3 mg/m3, of bacteria from 0.3 to 4,900 × 103 (GM 27 × 103) cells/m3 and endotoxins from 1 to 3,160 (GM 28) EU/m3. The exposed workers had lower CC16 [arithmetic mean (AM) 4.9 ng/ml] compared to the referents (AM 6.4 ng/ml, p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed for SP-D and SP-A. Exposure to bacteria was positively associated with CC16 (p < 0.05) and SP-D (p < 0.05), adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusions This study showed that exposed workers had lower serum concentration of CC16 as compared to the referents, which may reflect a long-term effect on secretion of these pneumoproteins. The positive association between exposure to bacteria and the serum concentrations of CC16 and SP-D may be explained by a transient increased permeability of the lung–blood barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Kulvik Heldal
- National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Skaugset NP, Ellingsen DG, Dahl K, Martinsen I, Jordbekken L, Drabløs PA, Thomassen Y. Occupational exposure to beryllium in primary aluminium production. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:353-9. [DOI: 10.1039/c1em10539f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
Pneumoproteins, biomarkers of systemic inflammation and endothelial activation were studied across a season in 72 asphalt pavers, 32 asphalt plant operators and 19 asphalt engineers. Smokers had lower concentrations of Clara cell protein (CC-16) and surfactant protein A, but higher concentrations of surfactant protein D, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 than non-smokers. Smokers reporting wheezing had lower mean CC-16 concentration than smokers not reporting wheezing (5.7 vs 8.6 microg l(-1); p = 0.05). Cholesterol, P-selectin and ICAM-1 were lower in pavers and operators at the end compared with the start of the season. This may be related to increased physical activity during the season.
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Freberg BI, Haug LS, Olsen R, Daae HL, Hersson M, Thomsen C, Thorud S, Becher G, Molander P, Ellingsen DG. Occupational exposure to airborne perfluorinated compounds during professional ski waxing. Environ Sci Technol 2010; 44:7723-7728. [PMID: 20831156 DOI: 10.1021/es102033k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The concentration levels of 11 perfluorinated carboxylic (PFCA) and eight sulfonic (PFSA) acids were determined in the serum of 13 professional ski waxers. The same components were also determined in workroom aerosols and in fluoro containing solid ski waxes and ski wax powders. The highest median concentration (50 ng/mL) was detected for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is around 25 times higher than the background level. For the first time perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) has been found in human serum. Positive statistically significant associations between years exposed as ski waxer and seven different PFCAs were observed. The serum concentrations of the PFCAs with carbon chain lengths from C(8) to C(11) were reduced by around five to 20% on average during the eight month exposure free interval, whereas the reduction was substantially larger when the carbon chain lengths were smaller than C(8) or larger than C(11). This study links for the first time PFCAs in the ski waxers serum to exposure from the work room aerosols. Not only professional ski waxers but also the significant larger group of amateur skiers and waxers are potentially exposed to these compounds.
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