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Thiele V, Monsé C, Hoffmeyer F, Brüning T, Bünger J, Sucker K. Indoor Air Quality-An Overview of Methods for Measuring Odor Detection Thresholds of Single Substances. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2023:104108. [PMID: 37393967 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2023.104108] [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] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Odor evaluation is an important topic in the field of indoor air quality. Odor detection threshold (ODT) values are used to derive limit values like odor guide values or odor activity value. However, ODT values for the same substance available in compilations or published before 2003 rarely have an accuracy of less than three orders of magnitude. Stimulus preparation, including analytical verification, stimulus presentation, as well as selection and training of test subjects have been identified as major sources of variability. ODT values obtained by validated standardized methods are now considered objective, reliable, and reproducible. They exhibit a variability of one or two orders of magnitude and are lower than traditionally assumed and reported. This review presents the essential criteria for a well-performed ODT determination. It is intended to assist health and safety professionals in assessing whether the methodological approach of a study was appropriate for determining a valid and reliable ODT value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Thiele
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christinan Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
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van Kampen V, Marek EM, Sucker K, Jettkant B, Kendzia B, Strauß B, Ulbrich M, Deckert A, Berresheim H, Eisenhawer C, Hoffmeyer F, Weidhaas S, Behrens T, Brüning T, Bünger J. Influence of face masks on the subjective impairment at different physical workloads. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8133. [PMID: 37208370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To quantify the subjective and cognitive impairment caused by wearing face masks at work, 20 men and 20 women (median age 47 years, range 19-65) were tested under different ergometer workloads while wearing surgical mask, community mask, FFP2 respirator or no mask in a randomized and partially double-blinded design. Masks were worn also at the workplace for four hours. Subjective impairment was recorded by questionnaires. Cognitive performance was tested before and after the workplace examination. Subjective feeling of heat, humidity, and difficult breathing increased with rising physical exertion and wearing time for all three mask types, most notably for FFP2. Even when blinded, participants with FFP2 reported difficult breathing already at rest. During physical exertion, individuals with low tolerance to discomfort reported significantly stronger impairment (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.27). Regarding light work, older subjects (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98) and women (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.99) showed significantly lower and atopic subjects stronger impairment (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.27). No significant influence of mask wearing was detected on cognitive performance. Wearing a mask had no effect on cognitive performance, but led to discomfort which increased with physical exertion and wearing time. Individuals who tolerate discomfort poorly felt more impaired by wearing a mask during physical exertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera van Kampen
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Eike-Maximillian Marek
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Birger Jettkant
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kendzia
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bianca Strauß
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie Ulbrich
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anja Deckert
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hans Berresheim
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Eisenhawer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simon Weidhaas
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Behrens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Marek EM, van Kampen V, Jettkant B, Kendzia B, Strauß B, Sucker K, Ulbrich M, Deckert A, Berresheim H, Eisenhawer C, Hoffmeyer F, Weidhaas S, Behrens T, Brüning T, Bünger J. Effects of wearing different face masks on cardiopulmonary performance at rest and exercise in a partially double-blinded randomized cross-over study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6950. [PMID: 37117320 PMCID: PMC10141827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of face masks became mandatory during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Wearing masks may lead to complaints about laboured breathing and stress. The influence of different masks on cardiopulmonary performance was investigated in a partially double-blinded randomized cross-over design. Forty subjects (19-65 years) underwent body plethysmography, ergometry, cardiopulmonary exercise test and a 4-h wearing period without a mask, with a surgical mask (SM), a community mask (CM), and an FFP2 respirator (FFP2). Cardiopulmonary, physical, capnometric, and blood gas related parameters were recorded. Breathing resistance and work of breathing were significantly increased while wearing a mask. During exercise the increase in minute ventilation tended to be lower and breathing time was significantly longer with mask than without mask. Wearing a mask caused significant minimal decreases in blood oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, an initial increase in blood and inspiratory carbon dioxide pressure, and a higher perceived physical exertion and temperature and humidity behind the mask under very heavy exercise. All effects were stronger when wearing an FFP2. Wearing face masks at rest and under exercise, changed breathing patterns in the sense of physiological compensation without representing a health risk. Wearing a mask for 4-h during light work had no effect on blood gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike-Maximillian Marek
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Vera van Kampen
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Birger Jettkant
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kendzia
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bianca Strauß
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie Ulbrich
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anja Deckert
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hans Berresheim
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Eisenhawer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simon Weidhaas
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Behrens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle‑de‑la‑Camp Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Maniscalco J, Hoffmeyer F, Monsé C, Jettkant B, Marek E, Brüning T, Bünger J, Sucker K. Physiological responses, self-reported health effects, and cognitive performance during exposure to carbon dioxide at 20 000 ppm. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e12939. [PMID: 34605578 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12939] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 24 subjects (20-58 years) were exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2 ) at 770 ppm and 20 000 ppm in an exposure laboratory for 4-h, including 2 × 15 min of cycling to investigate the effects on acid-base balance, physiological responses, cognitive performance and acute health. Capillary blood analysis, heart rate, respiratory rate, divided attention, flexibility, and sustained attention from the Test Battery for Attentional Performance (TAP), critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF), and self-reported symptoms were measured before, during, and after the 4-h exposure. Blood pH decreased and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2 ) increased significantly when exposed to 20 000 ppm CO2 compared to 770 ppm. However, the values remained within the normal range. In addition, respiratory rate increased slightly but significantly at 20 000 ppm CO2 . No significant changes in heart rate, CFF, task performance or acute health were found. In sum, the findings suggest that the observed changes in acid-base balance and ventilation can be classified as physiological adaptation responses. Impairment of cognitive performance is not expected from exposure to 20 000 ppm CO2 , neither as direct effect on central nervous system function nor as a distraction related to perception of health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janin Maniscalco
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Birger Jettkant
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Marek
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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Weiss T, Breuer D, Bury D, Friedrich C, Werner S, Aziz M, Hummel T, Raulf M, Zschiesche W, Sucker K, Pallapies D, Bünger J, Brüning T. (Mono-) Exposure to Naphthalene in the Abrasives Industry: Air Monitoring and Biological Monitoring. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:982-992. [PMID: 32656562 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa062] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to the bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene occurs in most cases along with other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Here we report from an investigation of 63 healthy, non-smoking male employees in the abrasives industry where naphthalene is the only relevant chemical exposure. Exposure assessment was performed using a combination of Air and Biological Monitoring over nearly a whole working week (Mo.-Th.). Air measurements were carried out during the shift on Thursday with the GGP mini-sampling system, combining particle and vapour sampling at low flow rates. In urine spot samples, the metabolites 1- and 2-naphthol were measured Mo.-Th. pre- and post-shift (for the reference group only Mo. pre- and Th. post-shift). With regard to naphthalene concentrations measured in air and concentrations of its metabolites (1- and 2-naphthol) in urine, study participants could be divided into a high and a low exposure group, and a reference group. The naphthalene concentration in air was in the range of 0.1-11.6 mg m-3, and naphthol concentrations (sum of 1- and 2-naphthol) in post-shift urine were in the range of <1 to 10 127 µg l-1. Naphthalene concentrations in air and naphthol concentrations in urine were closely correlated, indicating mainly airborne exposure at the investigated workplaces. As expected from toxicokinetic data, internal body burden increased slightly during a working week and did not completely decline over a work-free weekend to background concentrations observed in occupationally not exposed persons. Taking into account the observed increase in pre- and post-shift values during the working week, urine sampling for Biological Monitoring at workplaces should be carried out after several preceding shifts. Our data allow the derivation of biological limit values for the sum of 1- and 2-naphthol in urine corresponding to occupational exposure limits for naphthalene in air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Weiss
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Dietmar Breuer
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Daniel Bury
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Claudia Friedrich
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Silke Werner
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Mohammed Aziz
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Zschiesche
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Dirk Pallapies
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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Sucker K, Zschiesche W, Aziz M, Drews T, Hummel T, Raulf M, Weiss T, Bury D, Breuer D, Werner S, Friedrich C, Bünger J, Pallapies D, Brüning T. Naphthalene: irritative and inflammatory effects on the airways. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:889-899. [PMID: 33462664 PMCID: PMC8238736 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01636-0] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective This cross-sectional study determined whether acute sensory irritative or (sub)chronic inflammatory effects of the eyes, nose or respiratory tract are observed in employees who are exposed to naphthalene at the workplace. Methods Thirtynine healthy and non-smoking male employees with either moderate (n = 22) or high (n = 17) exposure to naphthalene were compared to 22 male employees from the same plants with no or only rare exposure to naphthalene. (Sub)clinical endpoint measures included nasal endoscopy, smell sensitivity, self-reported work-related complaints and the intensity of naphthalene odor and irritation. In addition, cellular and soluble mediators in blood, nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and induced sputum (IS) were analysed. All measurements were carried out pre-shift on Monday and post-shift on Thursday. Personal air monitoring revealed naphthalene shift concentrations up to 11.6 mg/m3 with short-term peak concentrations up to 145.8 mg/m3 and 1- and 2-naphthol levels (sum) in post-shift urine up to 10.1 mg/L. Results Acute sensory irritating effects at the eyes and upper airways were reported to occur when directly handling naphthalene (e.g., sieving pure naphthalene). Generally, naphthalene odor was described as intense and unpleasant. Habituation effects or olfactory fatigue were not observed. Endoscopic examination revealed mild inflammatory effects at the nasal mucosa of exposed employees in terms of reddening and swelling and abnormal mucus production. No consistent pattern of cellular and soluble mediators in blood, NALF or IS was observed which would indicate a chronic or acute inflammatory effect of naphthalene in exposed workers. Conclusions The results suggest that exposure to naphthalene induces acute sensory irritative effects in exposed workers. No (sub)chronic inflammatory effects on the nasal epithelium or the respiratory tract could be observed under the study conditions described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Zschiesche
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Mohammed Aziz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Interdisciplinary Center "Smell and Taste", TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tanja Drews
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Interdisciplinary Center "Smell and Taste", TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Interdisciplinary Center "Smell and Taste", TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Bury
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Dietmar Breuer
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Silke Werner
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Claudia Friedrich
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Dirk Pallapies
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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van Kampen V, Hoffmeyer F, Monsé C, Raulf M, Brüning T, Bünger J, Sucker K. Discrimination Between Atopic, Allergic, and Asthmatic Volunteers for Human Exposure Studies on Sensory Irritation. Adv Exp Med Biol 2020; 1279:27-35. [PMID: 32266608 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Atopic, allergic, and especially asthmatic subjects might be particularly susceptible to sensory irritation induced by airborne chemicals compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, a good characterization of subjects is essential in inhalation exposure studies on sensory irritants. A total of 105 volunteers, 87% of whom reported to be non-allergic, participated in a medical examination that included skin prick test (SPT), measurements of total IgE, specific IgE (sIgE) to an ubiquitous allergen mix (sx1), and fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), as well as pulmonary function and methacholine test. The median value of sIgE to sx1 was 0.20 kU/L (0.07-91.3 kU/L) and correlated significantly with total IgE (28.8 kU/L (2-756 kU/L)) and FeNO (14 ppb (5-100 ppb)). Forty-three subjects (41%) had sIgE to sx1 ≥ 0.35 kU/L and were classified as atopic. Thirty-five subjects, all also sx1-positive, were positive in SPT. Obstruction, small airway disease, and/or bronchial hyperreactivity were diagnosed in 18 subjects. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were performed to check whether signs of sensitization are useful to discriminate subjects with and without airway diseases. However, sx1, total IgE, FeNO, and SPT reached only low areas under the curve (AUC: 0.57-0.66). Although predominantly young and, according to their own statements, mostly non-allergic subjects participated in the study, almost half of them were atopic, and 10% had airway disease or bronchial hyperreactivity. This indicates that the validity of self-reported data might be inaccurate. In summary, diversified investigations of the allergy-related health status appear necessary for a thorough characterization of subjects for exposure studies on sensory irritants.
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Affiliation(s)
- V van Kampen
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
| | - F Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - C Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - M Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - T Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - J Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - K Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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Rosenkranz D, Bünger J, Hoffmeyer F, Monsé C, van Kampen V, Raulf M, Brüning T, Sucker K. How Healthy Is Healthy? Comparison Between Self-Reported Symptoms and Clinical Outcomes in Connection with the Enrollment of Volunteers for Human Exposure Studies on Sensory Irritation Effects. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2020; 1271:49-59. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Hoffmeyer F, Sucker K, Berresheim H, Monsé C, Jettkant B, Beine A, Raulf M, Bünger J, Brüning T. Impact of Internal and External Factors on EBC-pH and FeNO Changes in Humans Following Challenge with Ethyl Acrylate. Adv Exp Med Biol 2019; 1020:7-16. [PMID: 28236121 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2017_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Acute effects of ethyl acrylate exposure at 5 ppm for 4 h include changes of pH in exhaled breath condensate (EBC-pH) and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). So far, few data have been reported for atopic persons or the impact of the exposure conditions on biomarkers, e.g., constant versus variable application of irritants. Nine atopic and eighteen healthy volunteers without bronchial hyperresponsiveness were exposed for 4 h to ethyl acrylate concentrations of 0.05 ppm (sham), 5 ppm (constant concentration), and 0-10 ppm (variable, mean concentration of 5 ppm) in an exposure laboratory. A positive atopic status was defined according to specific IgE concentrations to common inhalant allergens (sx1 ≥ 0.35 kU/L). Biomarker levels were assessed before and after challenge and adjusted for levels after sham exposure (net response). Ethyl acrylate at constant, but not at variable concentrations induced a significant change in the net responses of EBC-pH and FeNO. Concerning FeNO, this could be observed only for atopic persons. The changes of biomarker levels were related to their baseline values. Biomarker responses to challenge with ethyl acrylate may be influenced by the patterns of application as well as baseline airway inflammation and atopic status of the volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
| | - K Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - H Berresheim
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - C Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - B Jettkant
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - A Beine
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - M Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - J Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - T Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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Merget R, Pham N, Schmidtke M, Casjens S, van Kampen V, Sander I, Hagemeyer O, Sucker K, Raulf M, Brüning T. Medical surveillance and long-term prognosis of occupational allergy due to platinum salts. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2016; 90:73-81. [PMID: 27734174 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-016-1172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medical surveillance of workers in precious metals refineries and catalyst production plants is well established in many countries as a measure to prevent occupational asthma due to platinum (Pt) salts. It was the aim of this study to evaluate the impact of medical surveillance and to define prognostic factors with an emphasis on exposure determinants. METHODS As part of an observational longitudinal study, 96 workers from German precious metals refineries and catalyst production plants with Pt salt allergy underwent a second examination several years (median 67 months) after the initial diagnosis was made. RESULTS When the second examination was conducted, 92 subjects (96 %) had already been transferred to jobs with very low or no exposure to Pt salts. The number of subjects with sensitization to Pt salt as assessed by skin prick test (SPTPt) decreased from 86 to 52 %, and there was a clear improvement for rhinitis, conjunctivitis and contact urticaria between both examinations. Although the number of subjects with asthma symptoms decreased significantly, at the second examination 74 subjects (77 %) continued to suffer from asthma and 51 subjects (53 %) received asthma medication. Airway obstruction or bronchial hyperresponsiveness persisted in 83 subjects (86 %). CONCLUSIONS Secondary prevention in subjects with occupational exposure to Pt salts, as practiced for over 25 years in Germany could not avoid persistent asthma in the majority of cases, although improvements occurred. This study reveals the limitations of the concept that removal from exposure after the occurrence of respiratory symptoms may prevent chronic asthma. It is recommended that removal from exposure should be done immediately after the occurrence of a positive SPTPt, irrespective of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Merget
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Ngoc Pham
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maike Schmidtke
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Swaantje Casjens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Vera van Kampen
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ingrid Sander
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Olaf Hagemeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Hoffmeyer F, Berresheim H, Beine A, Sucker K, Brüning T, Bünger J. Methodological implications in pH standardization of exhaled breath condensate. J Breath Res 2015; 9:036003. [DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/9/3/036003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Brüning T, Bartsch R, Bolt HM, Desel H, Drexler H, Gundert-Remy U, Hartwig A, Jäckh R, Leibold E, Pallapies D, Rettenmeier AW, Schlüter G, Stropp G, Sucker K, Triebig G, Westphal G, van Thriel C. Sensory irritation as a basis for setting occupational exposure limits. Arch Toxicol 2014; 88:1855-79. [PMID: 25182421 PMCID: PMC4161939 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a need of guidance on how local irritancy data should be incorporated into risk assessment procedures, particularly with respect to the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs). Therefore, a board of experts from German committees in charge of the derivation of OELs discussed the major challenges of this particular end point for regulatory toxicology. As a result, this overview deals with the question of integrating results of local toxicity at the eyes and the upper respiratory tract (URT). Part 1 describes the morphology and physiology of the relevant target sites, i.e., the outer eye, nasal cavity, and larynx/pharynx in humans. Special emphasis is placed on sensory innervation, species differences between humans and rodents, and possible effects of obnoxious odor in humans. Based on this physiological basis, Part 2 describes a conceptual model for the causation of adverse health effects at these targets that is composed of two pathways. The first, “sensory irritation” pathway is initiated by the interaction of local irritants with receptors of the nervous system (e.g., trigeminal nerve endings) and a downstream cascade of reflexes and defense mechanisms (e.g., eyeblinks, coughing). While the first stages of this pathway are thought to be completely reversible, high or prolonged exposure can lead to neurogenic inflammation and subsequently tissue damage. The second, “tissue irritation” pathway starts with the interaction of the local irritant with the epithelial cell layers of the eyes and the URT. Adaptive changes are the first response on that pathway followed by inflammation and irreversible damages. Regardless of these initial steps, at high concentrations and prolonged exposures, the two pathways converge to the adverse effect of morphologically and biochemically ascertainable changes. Experimental exposure studies with human volunteers provide the empirical basis for effects along the sensory irritation pathway and thus, “sensory NOAEChuman” can be derived. In contrast, inhalation studies with rodents investigate the second pathway that yields an “irritative NOAECanimal.” Usually the data for both pathways is not available and extrapolation across species is necessary. Part 3 comprises an empirical approach for the derivation of a default factor for interspecies differences. Therefore, from those substances under discussion in German scientific and regulatory bodies, 19 substances were identified known to be human irritants with available human and animal data. The evaluation started with three substances: ethyl acrylate, formaldehyde, and methyl methacrylate. For these substances, appropriate chronic animal and a controlled human exposure studies were available. The comparison of the sensory NOAEChuman with the irritative NOAECanimal (chronic) resulted in an interspecies extrapolation factor (iEF) of 3 for extrapolating animal data concerning local sensory irritating effects. The adequacy of this iEF was confirmed by its application to additional substances with lower data density (acetaldehyde, ammonia, n-butyl acetate, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-ethylhexanol). Thus, extrapolating from animal studies, an iEF of 3 should be applied for local sensory irritants without reliable human data, unless individual data argue for a substance-specific approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Bochum, Germany,
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Hoffmeyer F, Sucker K, Monsé C, Berresheim H, Rosenkranz N, Jettkant B, Beine A, Brüning T, Bünger J. Relationship of pulmonary function response to ozone exposure and capsaicin cough sensitivity. Inhal Toxicol 2013; 25:569-76. [PMID: 23919439 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2013.812699] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Challenge studies in humans have shown considerable interindividual variability in pulmonary impairment across ozone exposure. OBJECTIVE Since previous results suggested effect modulation by neural mechanism, we investigated sensory C-fiber reactivity in relationship to ozone-triggered response pattern. METHODS Cough reflex thresholds reflecting C-fiber sensitivity were evaluated by capsaicin single breath dose-response method. Capsaicin concentrations triggering, respectively, two and five or more coughs (C2, C5) were recorded. Sixteen healthy subjects were randomly exposed in an intermittent exercise protocol to ozone concentrations of 240 and 40 ppb (sham exposure). Ozone responsiveness was defined by a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) of more than 5%. RESULTS Based on a dichotomous classification, subjects with enhanced reactivity to ozone had lower cough thresholds than non-responders (C2, p = 0.035; C5, p = 0.086). Over all, we could demonstrate relationships between capsaicin sensitivity and ozone-triggered changes in FEV(1), peak expiratory flow and maximal expiratory flow at 50% vital capacity but not in specific airway resistance. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that capsaicin challenge tests might be useful to characterize subjects with enhanced pulmonary function response towards inhalant irritants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hoffmeyer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
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Monsé C, Broding HC, Sucker K, Berresheim H, Jettkant B, Hoffmeyer F, Merget R, Brüning T, Bünger J. Exposure assessment of potash miners at elevated CO2 levels. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2013; 87:413-21. [PMID: 23609323 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-013-0880-y] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a potash mine in the center of Germany, stationary measurements 40 cm above ground level have revealed occasional increases in the carbon dioxide (CO2) levels that exceed the 0.5 vol.% German occupational exposure limit (OEL). This study, therefore, aimed to examine the individual exposures of potash miners to CO2 at their underground workplaces. METHODS 119 miners were equipped with personal CO2 detectors to log the individual CO2 exposures during underground work. We decided to use electrochemical monitors due to their compactness and minimal mass. Furthermore, generated CO2 measurements with precipitated overshooting and false positive CO2 values were studied using diverse CO2 test gases and different fumigation times. RESULTS The personal detectors showed short-term CO2 peak exposures at very high concentrations in a limited number of workers. Twenty-two threshold limit value violations were observed according to the present OEL, and the personal CO2 monitoring allowed categorization into three exposure groups, low (n = 83), moderate (n = 26) and high burdens (n = 10) of CO2. CONCLUSIONS The electrochemical sensors used have numerous properties that can potentially influence the assessment of exposures. The current findings suggest that assessing similar exposure scenarios, with respect to elevated and strongly fluctuating CO2 concentrations, the behavior of electrochemical sensors should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany,
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Hoffmeyer F, Sucker K, Rosenkranz N, Berresheim H, Monse C, Brüning T, Bünger J. Reproducibility of Sensitivity to Capsaicin Assessed by Single Breath Inhalation Methodology. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2013; 755:71-8. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4546-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Monsé C, Sucker K, van Thriel C, Broding HC, Jettkant B, Berresheim H, Wiethege T, Käfferlein H, Merget R, Bünger J, Brüning T. Considerations for the design and technical setup of a human whole-body exposure chamber. Inhal Toxicol 2012; 24:99-108. [DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2011.640362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Sucker
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- Leibnitz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystraße,
Dortmund, Germany
| | - Horst Christoph Broding
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Birger Jettkant
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hans Berresheim
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiethege
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Heiko Käfferlein
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rolf Merget
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bünger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA),
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz, Bochum, Germany
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Monsé C, Broding HC, Hoffmeyer F, Jettkant B, Berresheim H, Brüning T, Bünger J, Sucker K. Use of a calibration gas generator for irritation threshold assessment and as supplement of dynamic dilution olfactometry. Chem Senses 2010; 35:523-30. [PMID: 20507921 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjq046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human odor and mucosal membrane irritation thresholds are used as criteria for assessing air quality in occupational and environmental settings. Unfortunately, reported threshold values still differ by several orders of magnitude rendering most standard compilations of little practical utility. Thus, in view of the need to repeat odor threshold measurements with a reliable methodology, a new technical approach based on original equipment manufacturer integrated solutions is presented. To test applicability, a calibration gas generator was used to continuously generate a fixed odor vapor concentration. Different dilution steps were realized by coupling to a purchasable olfactometer. Comparison with the "standard," that is, odor stimulus supply via sample bags revealed good correspondence. As a second step, the calibration gas generator was used to generate rapid changes in stimulus concentration between consecutive trials. Irritation thresholds were measured with an ascending series of ammonia concentrations generated from an aqueous solution. The obtained thresholds lay within the range previously reported. The introduced technology enables quick and reliable odor stimulus generation and provides flexibility in choosing the optimal start concentration, the step-size between dilutions, and the range of stimulus concentrations. Errors from usage of rotameters or sample bags can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Monsé
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, Bochum, Germany.
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18
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Sucker K. Dialogue procedures for the management of odour related community conflicts. Water Sci Technol 2009; 59:867-873. [PMID: 19273885 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2009.030] [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: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In the German Guideline on Odour in Ambient Air (GOAA) statements about the degree of residential odour annoyance are based on the frequency of recognisable odours and hedonic tone. The use of olfactory standards to adequately estimate the annoyance impact is limited if, for example, worry about adverse health outcomes significantly influences the annoyance response of the population. This report introduces dialogue procedures as complementary measures to consider the complainants' subjective perceptions and worries adequately. At first, it is illustrated that odour exposure and number of odour complaints are not necessarily correlated. Then the "interest analysis" and the five steps of a dialogue procedure are presented. A dialogue procedure can be initiated in "quiet times" - where the focus is on trust building and on the development of adequate communication strategies to promote realistic risk reception - as well as in order to establish a successful conflict resolution process if the issue is complex and emotionally discussed. After that, two examples of handling odour complaints are shown. Finally, considerations applying dialogue procedures as a tool to advance odour annoyance mitigation are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sucker
- IKU GmbH, Olpe 39, Dortmund, 44135, Germany.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Exposure to environmental odours from industrial and agricultural premises, in addition to inducing annoyance responses in a dose-dependent manner, have been shown to be either directly associated with gastric symptoms as well as general health-related complaints under extreme exposure conditions, or indirectly mediated through odour annoyance under moderate odour exposure conditions. OBJECTIVE In order to examine the influence of hedonic tone (pleasantness-unpleasantness) and perceived odour strength (intensity) on symptom reporting the results of two pertinent field studies were analysed. METHODS In the vicinity of six industrial plants (sweets, rusk, textile, seed-oil, fat, cast iron) and eleven livestock operations (poultry, pig, cattle) assessment of odour exposure was done by means of systematic field inspections. Effect assessment was done by means of direct interviews (industrial: N=1456, agricultural: N=1053) using questionnaires covering odour annoyance, symptom reporting and relevant covariates. DATA ANALYSIS Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to establish dose-response associations between odour frequency, intensity and hedonic tone as independent variables and symptom reporting as dependent variable. RESULTS Exposure-symptom associations are strongly influenced by hedonic tone, whereas intensity has no additional predictive value. Adding odour annoyance to the regression model shows that symptom reporting is exclusively mediated by annoyance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sucker
- BGFA-Research Institute of Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
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Sucker K, Both R, Bischoff M, Guski R, Krämer U, Winneke G. Odor frequency and odor annoyance Part II: dose–response associations and their modification by hedonic tone. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2007; 81:683-94. [PMID: 17906873 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-007-0262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2007] [Accepted: 09/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Risk-assessment for environmental odors and the development of an appropriate guideline for protection against undue odor annoyance have long been hampered by the difficulties of assessing odor exposure and community annoyance responses. In recent years, however, dose-response associations between frequency of odor events and odor annoyance level in the affected population were established. However, the influence of hedonic tone (pleasantness-unpleasantness) and perceived odor strength (intensity) on the degree of odor annoyance have long been neglected in such studies and accompanying guidelines. In order to close this gap a pertinent field study was conducted in the vicinity of six odor emitting plants, two with pleasant (sweets production, rusk bakery), with neutral (textile production, seed oil production), and with presumably unpleasant odor emissions (fat refinery, cast iron production). METHODS A standardized sensory method was developed (described in Part I in the accompanying paper) to quantify intensity and hedonic tone within the assessment of odor exposure by systematic field inspection with trained observers. Additionally, exposure-information, the degree of annoyance, and the frequency of general health complaints and irritation symptoms were collected from the exposed residents through direct interviews. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to establish dose-response associations between odor frequency, intensity and hedonic tone as independent variables and annoyance or symptom reporting as the dependent variable. RESULTS It is shown that exposure-annoyance as well as exposure-symptom associations are strongly influenced by odor hedonic. Whereas pleasant odors induced little to no annoyance, both neutral and unpleasant ones did. Additional inclusion of odor intensity did not improve the prediction of odor annoyance. Frequency of reported symptoms was found to be exclusively mediated by annoyance. The results are discussed in terms of environmental stress emphasizing the WHO-definition of health. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings the existing German guideline against undue odor annoyance was modified.
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Winneke G, Krämer U, Sucker K, Walkowiak J, Fastabend A, Heinzow B, Steingrüber HJ. PCB-related neurodevelopmental deficit may be transient: follow-up of a cohort at 6 years of age. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2005; 19:701-6. [PMID: 21783545 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2004.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Based on our own findings from a previous study we aimed to establish if cognitive deficit, shown to be induced by perinatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at earlier ages, persists into school-age. Seventy-seven percent of a cohort last examined at 42 months of age using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children were reexamined with the same test at 72 months. At this point, and contrary to the results at 30 and 42 months no adverse PCB-effects were found. However, the positive effect of the home environment became even more pronounced. CONCLUSION early PCB-exposure at current environmental background levels possibly induces transient delay in cognitive development rather than irreversible deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Winneke
- Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Division of Neurobehavioral Toxicology, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Both R, Sucker K, Winneke G, Koch E. Odour intensity and hedonic tone--important parameters to describe odour annoyance to residents? Water Sci Technol 2004; 50:83-92. [PMID: 15484746] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The Guideline on Odour in Ambient Air has been in use for many years for odour regulation in Germany. The main parameter that the odour regulation authority has to take into account is the odour frequency expressed as odour hours per year. In the guideline, limit values are given for the maximum odour frequency per year. These limit values are based on field investigations in which significant relationships between odour impact and odour annoyance was found. In these investigations, odour intensity did not yield a better description of the degree of annoyance caused to the residents. The hedonic tone was not mentioned. In a new research project finished in 2003, the influence of odour intensity and hedonic tone, in addition to odour frequency, has been assessed. Two installations emitting pleasant odours, two emitting neutral and two emitting unpleasant odours, have been selected. In each case grid field measurements by a panel were carried out, and the annoyance of the residents was assessed using a special questionnaire. The results of this project are: (1) A new method to measure odour intensity and hedonic tone in the field with data record forms was developed and validated. With this method, reliable and reproducible results are obtained. (2) The parameter odour frequency based on the system of "odour hours" is suitable and sufficient to predict the odour annoyance caused by unpleasant/neutral odours. (3) In the case of pleasant odours, hedonic tone has an abundantly clear effect on the dose-response relationship between odour frequency and annoyance. Pleasant odours have a significant lower annoyance potential than unpleasant/neutral odours. (4) The odour intensity has no additional influence on this relationship. If odours are recognisable then they can cause annoyance.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Both
- North Rhine-Westphalia State Environment Agency, Wallneyer Str. 6, 45133 Essen, Germany.
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Sucker K, Both R, Winneke G. Adverse effects of environmental odours: reviewing studies on annoyance responses and symptom reporting. Water Sci Technol 2001; 44:43-51. [PMID: 11762482] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution control authorities dealing with odourous emissions from industrial, municipal and agricultural activities are often faced with many complaints from the public. In Germany, the Directive on Odour in ambient air provides a regulation system for the abatement of odour annoyance. Ambient air quality standards have been established based on investigations of the relationship between ambient odour load and community annoyance reaction. This paper describes a tool for the assessment of annoyance reactions, whereby degree of annoyance is correlated with ambient odour load. Systematic exposure response relations have been established for odour annoyance responses and symptom reporting for a variety of industrial sources. However, the precision of annoyance prediction from odour exposure measures rarely exceeds r2 = 0.17 in such studies. This is partly due to the fact that person-related factors, such as age, perceived health or stress coping styles, modify exposure response relations. The contribution of intensity and unpleasantness (hedonic tone) of ambient odours as modifying the annoyance reaction is currently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sucker
- Institute of Environmental Hygiene at Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, D-40225 Dosseldorf, Germany
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