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Toxics
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Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health
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Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2023) | Viewed by 13743

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Renaud Persoons

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Guest Editor
Laboratoire de Toxicologie Professionnelle et Environnementale, University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, CHU Grenoble Alpes, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
Interests: health risk assessment; occupational exposure; biomonitoring; exposure modelling; toxicokinetics; PAH; metals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The risk assessment of occupational exposures allows the estimation of workers’ health risks as well as the implementation of risk management measures. Understanding how much exposure to toxics can induce health effects is critical to manage risks and improve workers’ health, especially in the current context of complex exposures to various mixtures or new pollutants. Several methods for assessing risks are available, including exposure assessments (air and/or biomonitoring), toxicokinetics studies, risk modelling, job exposure matrices (JEMs) or epidemiological studies. All these strategies aim to estimate the probability of adverse health effects in order to help risk managers and policy makers in their work. However, there are still numerous occupations where exposures are poorly documented or insufficiently linked to adverse health effects. There is also a need for longitudinal studies characterizing long-term trends of occupational exposures in order to assess the efficiency of the control measures implemented. Additionally, there is a need for new biomarkers that are more closely related to health effects.

Thus, this Special Issue aims to share information on new exposures or long-term trends of existing ones, exposure and/or risk assessment, and associations between exposures and adverse health effects. The topics of interest, on which authors are invited to submit original research papers, reviews and short communications, include but are not limited to the following keywords: health risk assessment, exposure assessment methods, long-term trends of exposure, pollutant mixtures, biomonitoring, occupational risk factors, and risk modelling.

Dr. Renaud Persoons
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • health risk assessment
  • occupational exposure
  • improving health at work
  • pollutant mixtures
  • occupational diseases
  • exposure databases
  • long-term trends of exposure
  • risk modelling

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4226 KiB  
Article
Adverse Health Effects and Mercury Exposure in a Colombian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Community
by Fredy Vergara-Murillo, Shirley González-Ospino, Nazly Cepeda-Ortega, Fredy Pomares-Herrera and Boris Johnson-Restrepo
Toxics 2022, 10(12), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120723 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3388
Abstract
The aim of this study was, first of all, to associate the mercury (Hg) concentrations and respiratory functions of the gold miners in the artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environment in San Martín de Loba, Colombia. We carried out a cross-sectional study using [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was, first of all, to associate the mercury (Hg) concentrations and respiratory functions of the gold miners in the artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environment in San Martín de Loba, Colombia. We carried out a cross-sectional study using a survey whereby we collected basic demographic information, occupational medical history, and applied two validated questionnaires (Q16 and SF36). We measured Hg levels in all volunteers using direct thermal decomposition-atomic absorption spectrometry. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were carried out for all variables, performing logistic regression to assess the effect of ASGM on health outcomes. Volunteers enrolled (n = 124) were between the ages of 20 and 84 years (84% miners and 79% males). No changes were found in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate from the ASGM miners, in crude and adjusted statistical analyses. ASGM miners increased 8.91 (95% confidence interval, 1.55–95.70) times the risk of having these than of having neurotoxic effects. Concentrations of total whole blood mercury (T-Hg) in all participants ranged from 0.6 to 82.5 with a median of 6.0 μg/L. Miners had higher T-Hg concentrations than non-miners (p-value = 0.011). Normal and abnormal respiratory spirometry patterns showed significant differences with the physical role and physical function of quality-of-life scales (the (p-value was 0.012 and 0.004, respectively). The spirometry test was carried out in 87 male miners, with 25% of these miners reporting abnormalities. Out of these, 73% presented a restrictive spirometry pattern, and 27%, an obstructive spirometry pattern. The ASGM population had higher Hg concentrations and worse neurotoxic symptomatology than non-miners of the same community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health)
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24 pages, 1027 KiB  
Article
The Differences in Risk Perception between Practitioners in the Non-Coal-Mining Industry: Miners, Managers and Experts
by Yuting Song and Shu Zhang
Toxics 2022, 10(10), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10100623 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1973
Abstract
Non-coal-mining accidents occur frequently in China, and individual unsafe behaviors are the direct cause. The cognitive diversity of practitioners in the non-coal-mining industry leads to various behaviors in work and hinders communication between groups. The aim of this study is to analyze the [...] Read more.
Non-coal-mining accidents occur frequently in China, and individual unsafe behaviors are the direct cause. The cognitive diversity of practitioners in the non-coal-mining industry leads to various behaviors in work and hinders communication between groups. The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in risk perception (accidents and occupational diseases) between non-coal-mining practitioners (experts, miners, and managers) and to explore the contributing factors. The questionnaire survey method was used to collect the data on risk perception and influencing factors from 402 respondents working in non-coal mines and universities in China. Project analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used for preprocessing. A t-test and linear regression analysis were used to test the significance of the differences and assess the function of the factors, respectively. Regarding risk perception, two risks both have significant differences between the three groups. With the perceptions of accidents and occupational diseases ranked from high to low, the order of the practitioners is as follows: managers (3.88), experts (3.71), miners (3.55) and experts (4.14), miners (3.90), and managers (3.88). Regarding the influencing factors, risk attitude, risk communication, educational level, enterprise trust, and occupational satisfaction have great effects on the three groups. More precisely, three groups have different important predictors. Risk attitude has the greatest impact on miners (0.290) and experts (0.369), but sensibility preference has the greatest impact on managers (0.518). In summary, cognitive discrepancies are common among non-coal-mining practitioners, but the degree of deviation varies with the type and dimension of the risk. There are six factors that have a significant impact on all practitioners, but the effect is limited by specific risks and groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health)
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Review

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46 pages, 736 KiB  
Review
One Health Approach to Tackle Microbial Contamination on Poultries—A Systematic Review
by Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Joana Santos, Marta Vasconcelos Pinto and Carla Viegas
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040374 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2781
Abstract
This study reports the search of available data published regarding microbial occupational exposure assessment in poultries, following the PRISMA methodology. Air collection through filtration was the most frequently used. The most commonly used passive sampling method was material collection such as dust, cages, [...] Read more.
This study reports the search of available data published regarding microbial occupational exposure assessment in poultries, following the PRISMA methodology. Air collection through filtration was the most frequently used. The most commonly used passive sampling method was material collection such as dust, cages, soils, sediment, and wastewater. Regarding assays applied, the majority of studies comprised culture-based methods, but molecular tools were also frequently used. Screening for antimicrobial susceptibility was performed only for bacteria; cytotoxicity, virological and serological assays were also performed. Most of the selected studies focused on bacteria, although fungi, endotoxins, and β-glucans were also assessed. The only study concerning fungi and mycotoxins reported the carcinogenic mycotoxin AFB1. This study gives a comprehensive overview of microbial contamination in the poultry industry, emphasizing this setting as a potential reservoir of microbial pathogens threatening human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, this research helps to provide a sampling and analysis protocol proposal to evaluate the microbiological contamination in these facilities. Few articles were found reporting fungal contamination in poultry farms worldwide. In addition, information concerning fungal resistance profile and mycotoxin contamination remain scarce. Overall, a One Health approach should be incorporated in exposure assessments and the knowledge gaps identified in this paper should be addressed in further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health)
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Other

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10 pages, 692 KiB  
Commentary
Balancing Acute and Chronic Occupational Risks: The Use of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Undergloves by Firefighters to Reduce Exposure to Toxic Contaminants
by Stijn Everaert, Greet Schoeters, Karel Claes, Jean-Marie Raquez, Bart Buffel, Tamara Vanhaecke, Jonas Moens, Juha Laitinen, Nicolas Van Larebeke and Lode Godderis
Toxics 2023, 11(6), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11060534 - 15 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2521
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed via multi-route exposure to a multitude of chemicals (PAHs, VOCs, flame retardants, dioxins, etc.) that may cause acute and long-term health effects. The dermal absorption of contaminants is a major contributor to the overall exposure and can be reduced by [...] Read more.
Firefighters are exposed via multi-route exposure to a multitude of chemicals (PAHs, VOCs, flame retardants, dioxins, etc.) that may cause acute and long-term health effects. The dermal absorption of contaminants is a major contributor to the overall exposure and can be reduced by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. As leather firefighters’ gloves cannot be decontaminated regularly by wet cleaning, many Belgian firefighters wear supplementary undergloves made of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) to protect against the accumulation of toxicants. However, the safety of this practice has been questioned. In this commentary, the current practice and risks are outlined for the first time, assessed by an interdisciplinary working group of the Belgian Superior Health Council. As NBR sticks to the skin more at high temperatures, the contact time on removal will be prolonged, posing an additional risk for deeper burns. However, based on the physicochemical properties of NBR and the existing experience of firefighters and burn centers, it is estimated that such incidents occur relatively rarely in practice. On the other hand, the risk of repeated exposure to contaminated gloves if no undergloves are worn is unacceptable. Despite the slightly increased risk for deeper burns, it is concluded that wearing disposable NBR gloves under regular firefighters’ gloves is an appropriate and effective preventive measure against toxic contamination. The nitrile butadiene rubber must always be fully covered to avoid any contact with the heat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health)
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17 pages, 1630 KiB  
Commentary
Cadmium Monitoring at the Workplace: Effectiveness of a Combination of Air- and Biomonitoring
by Noömi Lombaert, Mik Gilles and Violaine Verougstraete
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040354 - 8 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2390
Abstract
Inhalation exposure to cadmium at the workplace has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and non-cancer respiratory effects. To ensure levels of cadmium remain below effect levels, air quality is monitored and regulations specifying an air limit value are implemented. [...] Read more.
Inhalation exposure to cadmium at the workplace has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and non-cancer respiratory effects. To ensure levels of cadmium remain below effect levels, air quality is monitored and regulations specifying an air limit value are implemented. The EU Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive of 2019 recommended values for the inhalable fraction and the respirable fraction but the latter only for a transitional period. Cadmium exposure has also been associated with systemic effects, following its storage in the kidneys and due to its long half-life. The accumulation of cadmium occurs via different exposure routes and from different sources, including workplace dust and fumes, food, and smoking. Biomonitoring (in blood, urine) has been identified as the most appropriate method to follow up cumulative exposure and total cadmium body burden, as it conveniently reflects intakes by all routes. However, it is not systematically implemented. This paper has a double objective: first, proposing a possible limit value for the respirable fraction, using an approach integrating epidemiological data. Secondly, demonstrating that the implementation of both air and biological limit values is key to protecting workers’ health in occupational settings. The paper summarizes the current knowledge on cadmium health effects and how biomarkers reflect those. It presents an approach to derive a respirable value, using recent human data, and describes how the combination of air monitoring and biomonitoring is applied by the EU industry to protect the workforce. While a respirable fraction value helps protect workers against local respiratory adverse health effects, air monitoring alone is not sufficient to protect workers against systemic effects of cadmium. Therefore, complementary biomonitoring and the implementation of a biological limit value is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposures for Better Health)
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