| 51. |
- Liljelind, Ingrid, et al.
(författare)
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Determinants Explaining the Variability of Hand-Transmitted Vibration Emissions From Two Different Work Tasks : Grinding and Cutting Using Angle Grinders
- 2013
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford University Press. - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 57:8, s. 1065-1077
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: There are numerous factors including physical, biomechanical, and individual that influence exposure to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) and cause variability in the exposure measurements. Knowledge of exposure variability and determinants of exposure could be used to improve working conditions. We performed a quasi-experimental study, where operators performed routine work tasks in order to obtain estimates of the variance components and to evaluate the effect of determinants, such as machine–wheel combinations and individual operator characteristics.Methods: Two pre-defined simulated work tasks were performed by 11 operators: removal of a weld puddle of mild steel and cutting of a square steel pipe. In both tasks, four angle grinders were used, two running on compressed air and two electrically driven. Two brands of both grinding and cutting wheels were used. Each operator performed both tasks twice in a random order with each grinder and wheel and the time to complete each task was recorded. Vibration emission values were collected and the wheel wear was measured as loss of weight. Operators’ characteristics collected were as follows: age, body height and weight, length and volume of their hands, maximum hand grip force, and length of work experience with grinding machines (years). The tasks were also performed by one operator who used four machines of the same brand. Mixed and random effects models were used in the statistical evaluation.Results: The statistical evaluation was performed for grinding and cutting separately and we used a measure referring to the sum of the 1-s r.m.s. average frequency-weighted acceleration over time for completing the work task (a sa). Within each work task, there was a significant effect as a result of the determinants ‘the machine used’, ‘wheel wear’, and ‘time taken to complete the task’. For cutting, ‘the brand of wheel’ used also had a significant effect. More than 90% of the inherent variability in the data was explained by the determinants. The two electrically powered machines had a mean a sa that was 2.6 times higher than the two air-driven machines. For cutting, the effect of the brand of wheel on a sa was ~0.1 times. The a sa increased both with increasing wheel wear and with time taken to complete the work task. However, there were also a number of interaction effects which, to a minor extent, modified the a sa. Only a minor part (1%) of the total variability was attributed to the operator: for cutting, the volume of the hands, maximum grip force, and body weight were significant, while for grinding, it was the maximum grip force. There was no clear difference in a sa between the four copies of the same brand of each machine.Conclusions: By including determinants that were attributed to the brand of both machine and wheel used as well as the time taken to complete the work task, we were able to explain >90% of the variability. The dominating determinant was the brand of the machine. Little variability was found between operators, indicating that the overall effect as due to the operator was small.
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| 52. |
- Liljelind, Ingrid E, et al.
(författare)
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Development, evaluation and data acquired with a tape-stripping technique for measuring dermal exposure to budesonide at a pharmaceutical manufacturing site.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 51:4, s. 407-13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Although corticosteroids have been used for over 50 years as anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agents, few studies have examined their exposure levels and health effects on workers employed in the corticosteroid manufacturing industry. The aims of the study reported here were to develop a tape-stripping technique for monitoring budesonide (a corticosteroid used in inhalators for treating respiratory diseases) and to apply the method in a pilot study to estimate the potential dermal exposure to budesonide among workers at a pharmaceutical formulation site. METHODS: The tape-stripping method was evaluated by applying 0.5 and 2.07 microg of budesonide dissolved in ethanol on tape strips. The same amounts were also applied on a cleaned glass plate and human skin of volunteers, which were then stripped by series of tapes immediately, and 30 min later, the amounts collected by the tapes were measured. Finally, the technique was used to study the exposure of budesonide among eight employees at a pharmaceutical industry site. Three exposure sites were tested: the tip of the forefinger, palm of the hand and ventral part of the lower arm. Five consecutive tape strips per sampling site were used in both the recovery studies and the field study. RESULTS: The mean overall recoveries from spiked tapes and the glass plate were 96 and 81%, respectively, while for human skin the corresponding figure was 38%, (for applications of 2.07 microg; no detectable amounts were recovered from human skin after 0.5 microg applications). The recovered amount was found on two consecutive tapes after 0 min, but only on the first tape strip after 30 min. The inter-individual variability was 4-fold. In the field, quantifiable amounts were found for four of eight employees and a concentration gradient was detected along the two or three consecutive tape strips. The tip of the forefinger and the palm of the hand were the most highly exposed sites to budesonide. CONCLUSIONS: A tape-stripping method can be used to determine potential dermal exposure to budesonide. The results also indicate that budesonide is taken up by the skin of operators who are exposed to the substance at their workplace.
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| 53. |
- Liljelind, Ingrid, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Variability in Hand-Arm Vibration During Grinding Operations
- 2011
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford Journals. - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 55:3, s. 296-304
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Measurements of exposure to vibrations from hand-held tools are often conducted on a single occasion. However, repeated measurements may be crucial for estimating the actual dose with good precision. In addition, knowledge of determinants of exposure could be used to improve working conditions. The aim of this study was to assess hand–arm vibration (HAV) exposure during different grinding operations, in order to obtain estimates of the variance components and to evaluate the effect of work postures. Methods: Ten experienced operators used two compressed air-driven angle grinders of the same make in a simulated work task at a workplace. One part of the study consisted of using a grinder while assuming two different working postures: at a standard work bench (low) and on a wall with arms elevated and the work area adjusted to each operator’s height (high). The workers repeated the task three times. In another part of the study, investigating the wheel wear, for each grinder, the operators used two new grinding wheels and with each wheel the operator performed two consecutive 1-min grinding tasks. Both grinding tasks were conducted on weld puddles of mild steel on a piece of mild steel. Measurements were taken according to ISO-standard 5349 [the equivalent hand–arm-weighted acceleration (m s−2) averaged over 1 min]. Mixed- and random-effects models were used to investigate the influence of the fixed variables and to estimate variance components. Results: The equivalent hand–arm-weighted acceleration assessed when the task was performed on the bench and at the wall was 3.2 and 3.3 m s−2, respectively. In the mixed-effects model, work posture was not a significant variable. The variables ‘operator’ and ‘grinder’ together explained only 12% of the exposure variability and ‘grinding wheel’ explained 47%; the residual variability of 41% remained unexplained. When the effect of grinding wheel wear was investigated in the random-effects model, 37% of the variability was associated with the wheel while minimal variability was associated with the operator or the grinder and 37% was unexplained. The interaction effect of grinder and operator explained 18% of the variability. In the wheel wear test, the equivalent hand–arm-weighted accelerations for Grinder 1 during the first and second grinding minutes were 3.4 and 2.9 m s−2, respectively, and for Grinder 2, they were 3.1 and 2.9 m s−2, respectively. For Grinder 1, the equivalent hand–arm-weighted acceleration during the first grinding minute was significantly higher (P = 0.04) than during the second minute. Conclusions: Work posture during grinding operations does not appear to affect the level of HAV. Grinding wheels explained much of the variability in this study, but almost 40% of the variance remained unexplained. The considerable variability in the equivalent hand–arm-weighted acceleration has an impact on the risk assessment at both the group and the individual level.
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| 54. |
- Lillienberg, Linnea, 1942, et al.
(författare)
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A population-based study on welding exposures at work and respiratory symptoms.
- 2008
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Ingår i: The Annals of occupational hygiene. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 52:2, s. 107-15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the first European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS I), an excess asthma risk was associated with high exposure to gases and fumes, mineral and biological dusts. In a 9-year follow-up study (ECRHS II), the aim was to study if welding at work increases the risk of asthma symptoms, wheeze and chronic bronchitis symptoms. The study also aimed to identify specific welding risk factors. In a random population sample of individuals from 22 European centres in 10 countries, 316 males reported welding at work during the follow-up period. These individuals responded to a supplemental questionnaire about frequency of welding, use of different methods and materials, welding environment and respiratory protection. Cumulative exposure to welding fumes for the follow-up period was estimated by using a database on welding fume exposures. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prevalence of asthma symptoms or asthma medication, wheeze and chronic bronchitis symptoms in relation to welding methods and welded materials as well as estimated cumulative welding fume exposure compared to an external reference group. In the study population of 316 males, 62% performed welding <1 h day(-1), 23% 1-3 h day(-1) and 15% >4 h day(-1). Welding was a common task in many occupations and only 7% of the individuals actually called themselves welders and flame cutters, while the largest groups doing welding worked in construction or were motor, agricultural and industrial mechanics and fitters. Welding at work was not associated with an increased prevalence of asthma symptoms or wheeze but there was an association with chronic bronchitis symptoms (PR = 1.33, 1.00-1.76). Using assigned cumulative exposure in tertiles showed that the lowest exposed tertile had the highest PR of bronchitis symptoms. Chronic bronchitis symptoms was significantly higher in those frequently welding in galvanized steel or iron (PR = 2.14, 1.24-3.68) and in those frequently manual welding stainless steel (PR = 1.92, 1.00-3.66). There was also an increase in the prevalence of wheeze in individuals welding painted metal (PR = 1.66, 0.99-2.78; PR = 1.83, 0.90-3.71). Welding with manual metal arc technique <1 day week(-1) showed a prevalence risk of 1.69 for wheeze (CI = 1.16-2.46). In conclusion, the present study shows an association between welding in galvanized material and stainless steel and chronic bronchitis symptoms. There was also an increased prevalence of wheeze and welding in painted metal. The results support that welding in coated material is a respiratory hazard underscoring the importance of preventive actions.
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| 55. |
- Lillienberg, Linnea, 1942, et al.
(författare)
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Exposures and Asthma Outcomes Using Two Different Job Exposure Matrices in a General Population Study in Northern Europe
- 2014
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 58:4, s. 469-481
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have recently published a study on new-onset asthma in a large population in northern Europe using a modified job exposure matrix (N-JEM) to better reflect exposure assignment in these countries. The aim of this paper was to investigate how the N-JEM differs in exposure assignment and asthma risks from an already established JEM. The study comprised 6253 men and 7031 women from northern Europe, born 19451973, who had answered both a screening (19891992) and a follow-up questionnaire (19992001). During the study period (19802000), there were 136 men and 293 women with new-onset asthma. Hazard ratios of new-onset asthma were calculated for both JEMs using Cox regression models. The analyses were made separately for men and women and were also stratified for atopy. Cohens kappa () was used to show agreements in exposure assignment (yes/no) between the JEMs. Population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated as well. The agreement in exposure assignment between the JEMs was substantial for the group any exposure to asthma agents ( 0.78). The agreement between comparable exposure groups in the JEMs varied from 1.00 (pharmaceutical product antigens, textile dust, cleaning agents) to 0.27 (low molecular weight agents). Significant increased asthma risks were seen for men exposed to isocyanates and accidental peak exposure with both JEMs. With the N-JEM, increased asthma risks were seen for men exposed to plant-associated antigens (all and non-atopic), epoxy compounds (all and non-atopic), and acrylates (non-atopic). With the other JEM, increased asthma risks were seen in men and women exposed to possible exposure to irritant gases or fumes (all and non-atopic), a group classified as having low asthma risk. Men and women exposed to cleaning agents also showed significant asthma risks with both JEMs. PAR with the N-JEM was 14.3% for men and 6.6% for women, compared with 12.9% and 8.3% with the other JEM. Acrylates, epoxy compounds, and isocyanates are three exposure groups in the modified asthma JEM that might better reflect exposure situations in northern Europe than the already established JEM. Exposure to possible exposure to irritant gases or fumes, a low asthma risk group in the established JEM, seems to be a group with high asthma risk in northern Europe. It is important to continuously update JEMs, which are based only on occupational titles, in order to find new risk groups and to better reflect changes in work exposures when old risks disappear and new emerge.
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| 56. |
- Lillienberg, Linnea, 1942, et al.
(författare)
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Occupational Exposure and New-onset Asthma in a Population-based Study in Northern Europe (RHINE)
- 2013
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - Oxford : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 57:4, s. 482-492
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a large population-based study among adults in northern Europe the relation between occupational exposure and new-onset asthma was studied. The study comprised 13 284 subjects born between 1945 and 1973, who answered a questionnaire 19891992 and again 19992001. Asthma was defined as Asthma diagnosed by a physician with reported year of diagnose. Hazard ratios (HR), for new-onset adult asthma during 19802000, were calculated using a modified job-exposure matrix as well as high-risk occupations in Cox regression models. The analyses were made separately for men and women and were also stratified for atopy. During the observation period there were 429 subjects with new-onset asthma with an asthma incidence of 1.3 cases per 1000 person-years for men and 2.4 for women. A significant increase in new-onset asthma was seen for men exposed to plant-associated antigens (HR 3.6; 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.49.0), epoxy (HR 2.4; 95% CI 1.34.5), diisocyanates (HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.23.7) and accidental peak exposures to irritants (HR 2.4; 95% CI 1.34.7). Both men and women exposed to cleaning agents had an increased asthma risk. When stratifying for atopy an increased asthma risk were seen in non-atopic men exposed to acrylates (HR 3.3; 95% CI 1.47.5), epoxy compounds (HR 3.6; 95% CI 1.67.9), diisocyanates and accidental peak exposures to irritants (HR 3.0; 95% CI 1.27.2). Population attributable risk for occupational asthma was 14% for men and 7% for women. This population-based study showed that men exposed to epoxy, diisocyanates and acrylates had an increased risk of new-onset asthma. Non-atopics seemed to be at higher risk than atopics, except for exposure to high molecular weight agents. Increased asthma risks among cleaners, spray painters, plumbers, and hairdressers were confirmed.
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| 57. |
- Lillienberg, Linnea, 1942, et al.
(författare)
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Respiratory Symptoms and Exposure-Response Relations in Workers exposed to Metalworking Fluid Aerosols
- 2010
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 54:4, s. 403-411
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the study was to identify specific health risks and exposure-response relationships associated with exposure to metalworking fluid (MWF) aerosols. In a cross-sectional study of machine workers exposed to MWF aerosols in five companies in Sweden, a self-administered questionnaire about health symptoms, work tasks, and exposure situations was sent out to 2294 employees, 1632 exposed and 662 referents. Referents were office workers and metal workers not working with MWFs. In four of the companies, there were recent measurements of personal exposure to MWF aerosols. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals for different health outcomes in relation to different variables of exposure. The response rate after two reminders was 67% resulting in 1048 (923 male, 125 female) workers exposed to MWF aerosols and 451 (374 male, 77 female) referents. The study indicates that metal workers in Sweden currently exposed to a mean value of MWF aerosols of 0.4 mg m(-3) have a significantly higher prevalence of wheeze, chronic bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, and eye irritation compared to the referents. At a mean exposure of 0.4 mg m(-3), a level below the Swedish 8-h exposure limit value of 1 mg m(-3), machine operators showed increased prevalence of symptoms in eyes and airways. Thus, the current exposure limit value does not seem to protect the workers from such symptoms.
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| 58. |
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| 59. |
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