Association of residential greenness with incident allergic rhinitis among adults: A prospective analysis of UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have assessed the impact of residential greenness exposure on allergic rhinitis in adults, and its relationship with ambient air pollutants remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of residential greenness with allergic rhinitis incidence and explore the mediation effects of ambient air pollutants in adults using data from a prospective cohort study in UK Biobank. METHODS: Greenness was defined as the area-weighted mean of greenness coverage based on the land used data from the Generalized Land Use Database for England (GLUD) 2005 in the UK Biobank. Multiple Cox proportional hazard models and a generalized additive model incorporating restricted cubic splines were used to model the potential nonlinear effect of residential greenness on allergic rhinitis incidence and the potential mediation effect of ambient air pollutants. RESULTS: Among the 281,699 subjects included in the analysis, 3260 allergic rhinitis incident cases occurred after a median follow-up of 14 years. With per 10% increase in residential greenness at a 300-m buffer, a 2.5% (95% CI: 1.0%, 4.0%) decreased risk of allergic rhinitis was observed. An L-shaped, non-linear dose-response relationship was indicated with a threshold of 54.9% greenness above which no excess allergic rhinitis risk was seen. PM10 partially mediated the relationship between greenness and allergic rhinitis incidence with a mediation effect of 26.9% (95% CI: 12.6%, 41.2%). A similar pattern of association was found at 1000-m buffer size. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant beneficial effect of residential greenness on reducing allergic rhinitis incidence. Greenness may erase air pollutants and mitigate the rhinitis risk from air pollution.

Estimated daily intake and cumulative risk assessment of organophosphate esters and associations with DNA damage among e-waste workers in Hong Kong.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are extensively used as additives in various products, including electronic equipment, which becomes e-waste when obsolete. Nevertheless, no study has evaluated OPEs exposure levels and the related health risks among e-waste workers in Hong Kong. Therefore, 201 first-spot morning urine samples were collected from 101 e-waste workers and 100 office workers to compare eight urinary OPE metabolites (mOPEs) levels in these groups. The concentrations of six mOPEs were similar in e-waste workers and office workers, except for significantly higher levels of diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) in e-waste workers and bis(1-chloro-2propyl) phosphate (BCIPP) in office workers. Spearman correlation analysis showed that most non-chlorinated mOPEs were correlated with each other in e-waste workers (i.e., nine out of ten pairs, including di-p-cresyl phosphate (DpCP) and di-o-cresyl phosphate (DoCP), DpCP and bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), DpCP and DPHP, DpCP and dibutyl phosphate (DBP), DoCP and BBOEP, DoCP and DPHP, DoCP and DBP, BBOEP and DPHP, DPHP and DBP), indicating that handling e-waste could be the exposure source of specific OPEs. The median values of estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) suggested that the health risks from OPEs exposures were under the recommended thresholds. However, linear regression models, Quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression found that urinary mOPEs elevated 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) levels individually or as a mixture, in which DPHP contributed prominently. In conclusion, although e-waste might not elevate the internal OPEs levels among the participating Hong Kong e-waste workers, attention should be paid to the potential DNA damage stimulated by OPEs under the currently recommended thresholds.

Risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a large cohort of Ontario, Canada workers.

Although several occupational exposures have been linked to the risk of COPD; limited data exists on sex-specific differences. This study aimed to identify at-risk occupations and sex differences for COPD risk. Cases were identified in a large surveillance system established through the linkage of former compensation claimants' data (non-COPD claims) to physician visits, ambulatory care data, and hospital inpatient data (1983-2020). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for occupation groups (occupation at time of claim), stratified by sex. HRs were indirectly adjusted for cigarette smoking using another population dataset. A total of 29,445 male and 14,693 female incident cases of COPD were identified. Increased risks were observed in both sexes for construction (HRmale 1.15, 95% CI 1.12-1.19; HRfemale 1.54, 95% CI 1.29-1.83) transport/equipment operating (HRmale 1.32, 95% CI 1.28-1.37; HRfemale 1.53, 95% CI 1.40-1.68) farming (HRmale 1.23, 95% CI 1.15-1.32; HRfemale 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.37) and janitors/cleaners (HRmale 1.31, 95% CI 1.24-1.37; HRfemale 1.40, 95% CI 1.31-1.49). Increased risks were observed for females employed as chefs and cooks (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.58), bartenders (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.81), and those working in food/beverage preparation (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24-1.45) among other occupations. This study demonstrates elevated risk of COPD among both male and female workers potentially exposed to vapours, gases, dusts, and fumes, highlighting the need for occupational surveillance of COPD.

Assessing Neurobehavioral Alterations Among E-waste Recycling Workers in Hong Kong.

Background: E-waste workers in Hong Kong are handling an unprecedented amount of e-waste, which contains various neurotoxic chemicals. However, no study has been conducted to evaluate the neurological health status of e-waste workers in Hong Kong. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of neurobehavioral alterations and to identify the vulnerable groups among Hong Kong e-waste workers. Methods: We recruited 109 Hong Kong e-waste workers from June 2021 to September 2022. Participants completed standard questionnaires and wore a GENEActiv accelerometer for seven days. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Questionnaire 16/18 (Q16/18) were used to assess subjective neurobehavioral alterations. The GENEActiv data generated objective sleep and circadian rhythm variables. Workers were grouped based on job designation and entity type according to the presumed hazardous level. Unconditional logistic regression models measured the associations of occupational characteristics with neurobehavioral alterations after adjusting for confounders. Results: While dismantlers/repairers and the workers in entities not funded by the government were more likely to suffer from neurotoxic symptoms in Q18 (adjusted odds ratio: 3.18 [1.18-9.39] and 2.77 [1.10-7.46], respectively), the workers from self-sustained recycling facilities also have poor performances in circadian rhythm. Results also showed that the dismantlers/repairers working in entities not funded by the government had the highest risk of neurotoxic symptoms compared to the lowest-risk group (i.e., workers in government-funded companies with other job designations). Conclusion: This timely and valuable study emphasizes the importance of improving the working conditions for high-risk e-waste workers, especially the dismantlers or repairers working in facilities not funded by the government.

Artificial intelligence and the work-health interface: A research agenda for a technologically transforming world of work.

The labor market is undergoing a rapid artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. There is currently limited empirical scholarship that focuses on how AI adoption affects employment opportunities and work environments in ways that shape worker health, safety, well-being and equity. In this article, we present an agenda to guide research examining the implications of AI on the intersection between work and health. To build the agenda, a full day meeting was organized and attended by 50 participants including researchers from diverse disciplines and applied stakeholders. Facilitated meeting discussions aimed to set research priorities related to workplace AI applications and its impact on the health of workers, including critical research questions, methodological approaches, data needs, and resource requirements. Discussions also aimed to identify groups of workers and working contexts that may benefit from AI adoption as well as those that may be disadvantaged by AI. Discussions were synthesized into four research agenda areas: (1) examining the impact of stronger AI on human workers; (2) advancing responsible and healthy AI; (3) informing AI policy for worker health, safety, well-being, and equitable employment; and (4) understanding and addressing worker and employer knowledge needs regarding AI applications. The agenda provides a roadmap for researchers to build a critical evidence base on the impact of AI on workers and workplaces, and will ensure that worker health, safety, well-being, and equity are at the forefront of workplace AI system design and adoption.

Silicosis, asbestosis, and pulmonary fibrosis in Ontario, Canada from 1996 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Historically, silicosis was common among miners and other professions in the 20th century, and in recent decades has re-emerged in coal mining and appeared in new workplaces, including the manufacture of distressed jeans and artificial stone countertops. METHODS: Physician billing data for the province of Ontario between 1992 and 2019 were analyzed across six time-periods (1993-1995, 1996-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2019). The case definition was two or more billing records within 24 months with a silicosis diagnosis code (ICD-9 502, ICD-10 J62). Cases from 1993 to 1995 were excluded as prevalent cases. Crude incidence rates per 100,000 persons were calculated by time-period, age, sex, and region. Analyses were repeated in parallel for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) (ICD-9 515, ICD-10 J84) and asbestosis (ICD-9 501; ICD-10 J61). RESULTS: From 1996 to 2019, 444 cases of silicosis, 2719 cases of asbestosis and 59,228 cases of PF were identified. Silicosis rates decreased from 0.42 cases per 100,000 in 1996-2000 to 0.06 per 100,000 people in 2016-2019. A similar trend was observed for asbestosis (1.66 to 0.51 per 100,000 persons) but the incidence rate of PF increased from 11.6 to 33.9 per 100,000 persons. Incidence rates for all outcomes were higher among men and older adults. CONCLUSIONS: A decreasing incidence of silicosis was observed in this analysis. However, the incidence of PF increased, consistent with findings from other jurisdictions. While cases of silicosis have been recorded among artificial stone workers in Ontario these cases do not seem to have impacted the population rates thus far. Ongoing, periodic surveillance of occupational diseases is helpful for tracking population-level trends over time.

Barriers and Facilitators in the Creation of a Surveillance System for Solar Radiation-Induced Skin Cancers.

Outdoor workers are exposed to many hazards, including solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Identifying, reporting, analyzing and tracking the exposures or health outcomes of outdoor workers have not generally been formally considered. This article aims to summarize the best practices/strategies for creating an occupational sun exposure or skin cancer surveillance system for outdoor workers and to understand the key barriers and facilitators to the development of such a system. For the design of a successful occupational safety and health (OSH) surveillance system five occupational surveillance strategies are summarized: exposure registry, disease registry, disease screening/medical surveillance, sentinel event surveillance, and disease surveillance via data linkage. Ten key considerations are identified, including identifying a clear goal, a defined target population and stakeholder involvement, five critical barriers are highlighted including underreporting and funding, and five vital facilitators are recognized including communication/collaboration and a simple reporting process.

Tailored Sun Safety Messages for Outdoor Workers.

Background: Messaging surrounding skin cancer prevention has previously focused on the general public and emphasized how or when activities should be undertaken to reduce solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Generic messages may not be applicable to all settings, and should be tailored to protect unique and/or highly susceptible subpopulations, such as outdoor workers. The primary objective of this study was to develop a set of tailored, practical, harm-reducing sun safety messages that will better support outdoor workers and their employers in reducing the risk of solar UVR exposure and UVR-related occupational illnesses. Methods: We adapted a core set of sun safety messages previously developed for the general population to be more applicable and actionable by outdoor workers and their employers. This study used an integrated knowledge translation approach and a modified Delphi method (which uses a survey-based consensus process) to tailor the established set of sun safety messages for use for outdoor worker populations. Results: The tailored messages were created with a consideration for what is feasible for outdoor workers, and provide users with key facts, recommendations, and tips related to preventing skin cancer, eye damage, and heat stress, specifically when working outdoors. Conclusion: The resulting tailored messages are a set of evidence-based, expert- approved, and stakeholder-workshopped messages that can be used in a variety of work settings as part of an exposure control plan for employers with outdoor workers.

Radon exposure and risk of neurodegenerative diseases among male miners in Ontario, Canada: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Environmental radon has been examined as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases in a small number of previous studies, but the findings have been inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the association between occupational radon exposure and neurodegenerative disease in a cohort of male miners with work experience in multiple ore types in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Radon exposure (1915-1988) was assessed using two job-exposure matrices (JEM) constructed from using historical records for 34,536 Ontario male miners. Neurodegenerative outcomes were ascertained between 1992 and 2018. Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between cumulative radon exposure in working level months (WLM) and each neurodegenerative outcome. RESULTS: Levels of cumulative radon exposure showed variability among cohort members with a mean of 7.5 WLM (standard deviation 24.4). Miners in uranium mines or underground jobs had higher levels and more variability in exposure than workers in non-uranium work or surface jobs. Compared to the reference group (radon < 1 WLM), increased rates of Alzheimer's (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.45) and Parkinson's disease (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.89) were observed among workers with >1-5 WLM and >5-10 WLM, respectively, but not among higher exposed workers (>10 WLM). CONCLUSION: This study did not observe a positive monotonic dose-response relationship between cumulative radon exposure and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease in Ontario mining workers. There was no association observed with motor neuron disease.

Occupational Exposure of Canadian Nail Salon Workers to Plasticizers Including Phthalates and Organophosphate Esters.

Personal exposure of nail salon workers to 10 phthalates and 19 organophosphate esters (OPEs) was assessed in 18 nail salons in Toronto, Canada. Active air samplers (n = 60) and silicone passive samplers, including brooches (n = 58) and wristbands (n = 60), were worn by 45 nail salon workers for ∼8 working hours. Diethyl phthalate (median = 471 ng m-3) and diisobutyl phthalate (337 ng m-3) were highest in active air samplers. Most abundant OPEs in active air samplers were tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate or TCIPP (303 ng m-3) and tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate or TCEP (139 ng m-3), which are used as flame retardants but have not been reported for use in personal care products or nail salon accessories. Air concentrations of phthalates and OPEs were not associated with the number of services performed during each worker's shift. Within a single work shift, a combined total of 16 (55%) phthalates and OPEs were detected on passive silicone brooches; 19 (66%) were detected on wristbands. Levels of tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate or TDCIPP, and triphenyl phosphate or TPhP wristbands were significantly higher than those worn by e-waste workers. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between the levels of some phthalates and OPEs in silicone brooches and wristbands versus those in active air samplers. Stronger correlations were observed between active air samplers versus brooches than wristbands. Sampler characteristics, personal characteristics, and chemical emission sources are the three main factors proposed to influence the use of passive samplers for measuring semi-volatile organic compound exposure.

Diesel Engine Exhaust Exposure in the Ontario Civil Infrastructure Construction Industry.

OBJECTIVES: Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is a known lung carcinogen and a common occupational exposure in Canada. The use of diesel-powered equipment in the construction industry is particularly widespread, but little is known about DEE exposures in this work setting. The objective of this study was to determine exposure levels and identify and characterize key determinants of DEE exposure at construction sites in Ontario. METHODS: Elemental carbon (EC, a surrogate of DEE exposure) measurements were collected at seven civil infrastructure construction worksites and one trades training facility in Ontario using NIOSH method 5040. Full-shift personal air samples were collected using a constant-flow pump and SKC aluminium cyclone with quartz fibre filters in a 37-mm cassette. Exposures were compared with published health-based limits, including the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) limit (1.03 µg m-3 respirable EC) and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) recommendation (5 µg m-3 respirable EC). Mixed-effects linear regression was used to identify determinants of EC exposure. RESULTS: In total, 149 EC samples were collected, ranging from <0.25 to 52.58 µg m-3 with a geometric mean (GM) of 3.71 µg m-3 [geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 3.32]. Overall, 41.6% of samples exceeded the FIOH limit, mostly within underground worksites (93.5%), and 90.6% exceeded the DECOS limit. Underground workers (GM = 13.20 µg m-3, GSD = 1.83) had exposures approximately four times higher than below grade workers (GM = 3.56 µg m-3, GSD = 1.94) and nine times higher than above ground workers (GM = 1.49 µg m-3, GSD = 1.75). Training facility exposures were similar to above ground workers (GM = 1.86 µg m-3, GSD = 4.12); however, exposures were highly variable. Work setting and enclosed cabins were identified as the key determinants of exposure in the final model (adjusted R2 = 0.72, P < 0.001). The highest DEE exposures were observed in underground workplaces and when using unenclosed cabins. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides data on current DEE exposure in Canadian construction workers. Most exposures were above recommended health-based limits, albeit in other jurisdictions, signifying a need to further reduce DEE levels in construction. These results can inform a hazard reduction strategy including targeted intervention/control measures to reduce DEE exposure and the burden of occupational lung cancer.

Aluminum dust exposure and risk of neurodegenerative diseases in a cohort of male miners in Ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated associations between respirable aluminum exposure through McIntyre Powder (MP), a fine-sized aluminum and aluminum compound powder, and neurological disease in a retrospective cohort of mining workers from Ontario, Canada. Outcomes included Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's with other dementias, Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, and motor neuron disease. METHODS: The cohort was created by linking a database of mining workers' work history to healthcare records. This analysis included 36 826 male miners potentially exposed to MP between 1943 and 1979, followed up for disease diagnosis between 1992 and 2018. Exposure was assessed using two approaches, self-reported and historical records. Neurological diseases were ascertained using physician billing and hospital discharge records. Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between MP exposure and neurological outcomes using incidence rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Exposure to self-reported MP was associated with an elevated incidence rate of Parkinson's disease (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14-1.57). The rate of Parkinson's disease appeared to increase with the duration of exposure assessed by historical records. Having ever been exposed to MP was positively associated with an elevated rate of Alzheimer's with other dementias (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19) but not Alzheimer's disease alone. CONCLUSION: This study found that miners who were exposed to MP (respirable aluminum) had elevated rates of Parkinson's disease. The rate of Parkinson's disease appeared to increase with the duration of exposure assessed by historical records.

Estimating Historical Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica in the Mining Industry in Ontario, Canada Using a Newly Developed Exposure Database.

OBJECTIVES: To use the recently developed Ontario Mining Exposure Database (OMED) to describe historical silica exposure in the Ontario metal mining industry and identify predictors of historical silica exposure. METHODS: Personal respirable crystalline silica (RCS) data for metal mines were extracted from OMED and included both individual and summary measures, where multiple exposure measurements (n > 1) were aggregated and entered as a single exposure value (n = 1). Data were stratified by sample location (underground/surface) for analysis. Monte Carlo simulation was used to simulate individual measures from the summary measures. A fixed effects multiple linear regression model was used to assess the effects of commodity (ore mined), sample year, source of exposure data, and occupational group on RCS concentration. Parameter estimates (ß), standard errors, and 95% upper and lower confidence intervals were reported. RESULTS: The OMED contained 12 995 silica measurements. After limiting to RCS measurements in metal mines, and measures with sufficient information for analysis, 2883 RCS measurements collected from 1974 to 1991 remained, including 2816 individual and 67 summary measurements. In total, 321 individual RCS measurements were simulated from the 67 summary measures. The analysis database contained 2771 (12% simulated) underground measurements and 366 surface measurements (0% simulated). In the underground group, an overall geometric mean (GM) of 0.05 [geometric standard deviation (GSD) 3.09] mg m-3 was estimated with a 6% annual decrease over time. In this group, the commodity with the highest average RCS level was zinc mines (GM = 0.07 mg m-3) and the lowest was iron mines (GM = 0.01 mg m-3). In the surface group, an overall GM of 0.05 (GSD 3.70) mg m-3 was estimated with an 8% decreased over time. In this group, the commodity with the highest average RCS level was gold mines (GM = 0.07 mg m-3) and the lowest was zinc mines (GM = 0.03 mg m-3). In both groups, company collected data had lower estimated RCS compared with regulator collected data. CONCLUSIONS: Historical RCS levels decreased over time. Mean measurements exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists current health-based threshold limit value (0.025 mg m-3). The main predictors of exposure were commodity, source of exposure data, and sample year. However, low R2 and high GSD values suggest additional predictors of RCS exposures in Ontario's metal mines exist that were unavailable in OMED.

A Qualitative Study to Identify Characteristics of a Desirable Training Program for Prevention of Occupational Skin Disease.

BACKGROUND: Training and education may be effective strategies for the prevention of work-related contact dermatitis. While there is some information in the literature related to skin-specific training experiences, there is very little information available on workers' preferences related to content and format and to barriers and facilitators to training. OBJECTIVES: To understand workers' experiences and preferences for workplace training and barriers and facilitators to training. METHODS: Following ethics approval, 24 patients with work-related contact dermatitis participated in semi-structured interviews obtaining information on training experiences, perceived training effectiveness, desired training characteristics, and barriers and facilitators to training. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes. RESULTS: Though many workers had received general workplace health and safety training, none reported training about skin exposure and disease prevention. Examples of what the workers perceived as good training included first aid training, while Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System training was felt to be ineffective. Desired content of training for preventing skin exposures included information on the hazards, short- and long-term health impacts, and potential symptoms and personal protective equipment. They desired multi-modal presentation (e.g. in-person and online supplement), hands-on training with visual content and suggested the use of personal stories and negative messaging. Training that could be applied outside the workplace was also valued. Barriers and facilitators to implementation included factors related to the training program itself, the organization, and the regulatory landscape. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can help to shape more effective workplace training programs for skin protection.

Sun Protection Use at Work and Leisure by Outdoor Workers in Alberta, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and determinants of sun protection behaviours among outdoors workers at work and leisure in Alberta, Canada. METHODS: We collected outdoor workers' demographics, skin cancer risk factors, job information, and sun habits at work and leisure using self-completed questionnaires. For both settings, we compared use of specific behaviours and modelled determinants of sun protection behaviour scores. RESULTS: At work, wearing a sleeved shirt (81% often/always) and hat (73%) were most prevalent, while seeking shade (12%) and applying sunscreen (36%) were least prevalent. Workers had higher sun protection scores at work than leisure. Hours spent outdoors was a strong determinant for both models. Additional leisure model predictors were eye colour, sex, skin type, and job group. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in behaviours across settings were observed and should be considered when developing solar UVR exposure reduction initiatives.

Health and Safety in Nail Salons: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, nail salons have become more abundant than ever. The majority are small businesses, often employing immigrant women. Nail technicians have many exposures at work including chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards but few data exist on their symptoms or occupational health and safety practices, particularly in the Canadian context. The aim of this study was to learn about nail technicians, their work, and their health and safety practices. METHODS: Nail technicians were recruited from nail salons in Toronto, Ontario. Participants completed an anonymous survey with questions about demographics, work tasks, workplace health and safety practices, and symptoms (skin, respiratory, and musculoskeletal). RESULTS: A total of 155 nail technicians (95% female) participated in the survey. The majority of nail technicians performed manicures (99%) and pedicures (96%) and applied shellac polishes (86%). Only a third (34%) applied acrylic artificial nails. The reported use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was very high; 88% reported using a mask at work and 96% reporting using gloves. The most common symptoms reported by technicians were neck (44%) and back pain (38%). Skin and respiratory symptoms were less common with 6% of technicians reporting cough, 8% wheeze, and 5% a current rash. Technicians working over 30 h per week reported more neck pain (52 vs. 32%, P = 0.02). Technicians who reported using shellac polishes were more likely to report a runny nose (25 vs. 0%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Nail technicians in Toronto, Canada are experiencing work-related symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms were the most common symptoms reported. Much of the focus on nail salons and health has been on chemical exposures, but ergonomic hazards should not be overlooked. Efforts to increase knowledge and improve occupational health in nail salons should include information on multiple possible workplace hazards and how to reduce impacts of exposure.

Skin Exposure to Acrylates in Nail Salons.

OBJECTIVES: The nail salon industry has seen significant growth in recent years. Nail technicians provide manicures, pedicures and apply artificial nails; tasks that expose them to chemicals, including acrylates that are known skin and respiratory sensitizers. This paper reports on potential skin exposure to acrylates among nail technicians in Toronto, Canada. METHODS: Hand skin wipes were collected after (i) the application of artificial nails, (ii) the application of ultraviolet cured gel nail polish, and (iii) deliberate contact with nail polish. Surface wipes were collected from work areas and surfaces contaminated with known products. Wipe samples were analysed for eight acrylates: methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Thirty-five wipe samples were collected. No acrylates were detected in skin samples (n = 8) or work surfaces (n = 6). However, MMA, EMA, EA, HEMA, and HPMA were detected in the samples of surfaces contaminated with known products. MMA was detected in 28% of products tested. HEMA and HPMA were detected where deliberate contact with nail polish occurred. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that acrylates are present in nail products. However, no acrylates were detected in skin wipes. MMA, a chemical prohibited for use in cosmetics in Canada, was detected in nail polishes. Nail technicians should continue to employ safe work practices that reduce the probability of skin contact with acrylates and other chemicals.

Can Silicone Passive Samplers be Used for Measuring Exposure of e-Waste Workers to Flame Retardants?

Silicone passive samplers were assessed for measuring personal exposure to 37 flame retardants at three Québec e-waste recycling facilities. Silicone brooches (n = 45), wristbands (n = 28), and armbands (n = 9) worn during a ∼8 h work shift accumulated detectable amounts of 95-100% of the target compounds. Brooch concentrations were significantly correlated with those from active air samplers from which we conclude that the brooches could be used to approximate inhalation exposure and other exposures related to air concentrations such as dermal exposure. The generic sampling rate of the brooch (19 ± 11 m3 day-1 dm-2) was 13 and 22 times greater than estimated for home and office environments, respectively, likely because of the dusty work environment and greater movement of e-waste workers. BDE-209 concentrations in brooches and wristbands were moderately and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with levels in blood plasma; organophosphorus esters in brooches and wristbands were weakly and insignificantly correlated with their metabolite biomarkers in post-shift spot urine samples. Silicone brooches and wristbands deployed over a single shift in a dusty occupational setting can be useful for indicating the internal exposure to compounds with relatively long biological half-lives, but their use for compounds with relatively short half-lives is not clear and may require either a longer deployment time or an integrated biomarker measure.