Explore the vast range of titles available.

ObjectivesIn most high-income countries, commercial workers are increasingly involved in various tasks on farms. We have recently shown that sowing pesticide-treated corn and wheat seeds leads to pesticide exposure especially during the filling of sowing equipment. At the end of the sowing season, these workers are also involved in equipment cleaning task. The aim of the present study was to quantify pesticide exposure during this cleaning task.Material and MethodsDermal pesticide exposure was measured using 21 cotton pads placed on different parts of the body, both inside and outside clothing, and on cotton gloves for hands Respiratory exposure was measured with XAD-2 filters. Prothioconazole (PTC) fungicide commonly used to treat corn seeds, and its environmental degradation product desthio-prothioconazole (DPTC), and ziram, a fungicide used as a crow repellent were analyzed. Limits of quantification ranged from 20 to 200 ng/sample. Additional pads were used to measure pesticide contamination on different parts of the sowing equipment before and after the cleaning task.ResultsThe field study was conducted in Brittany between 2022 and 2023. All 18 included workers were male with an average age of 46 years. Cleaning task durations ranged from 18 to 85 minutes. Most workers (83%) wore protective or cotton coveralls and 67% used chemical or mechanical resistant gloves. Dermal exposure was measured on all pads with a median total level of 554 µg for ziram and 220 µg for PTC and dPTC combined. Lower exposure levels were observed among workers who were more experienced, used water rather than compressed air for cleaning, wore protective coveralls, and cleaned sowers with smaller sowing areas. Finally, pesticide contamination levels on the sower remained similar before and after cleaning.ConclusionThe cleaning task resulted systematically in pesticide exposure and was ineffective in removing pesticide residues from the sowing equipment.

Medical personnel wearing barrier clothing protecting against infectious agents are at risk of heat stress resulting from limited heat exchange with the environment. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of changing underwear on the thermal parameters of protective clothing sets and on the expected safe working time. The study used a Newton thermal manikin to determine the thermal insulation and water vapor resistance of clothing sets consisting of three types of underwear (standard medical underwear and short and long thermal underwear) worn under two types of barrier suits. The obtained data were used to conduct physiological simulations in the Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) program, estimating the time it takes for core body temperature to rise to 38 °C in conditions of 22 °C and 35 °C. The results showed that replacing medical underwear with thermal underwear at 22 °C extended safe working time by 24%. In hot conditions (35 °C), the positive impact was smaller, extending working time by a maximum of 4%. Changing the inner layer is an effective method of improving comfort and safety in barrier clothing, especially in thermoneutral conditions.

U radu je prikazano definiranje dinamičkih mjera tijela u svrhu projektiranja ergonomski oblikovanog zaštitnog kombinezona. Projektiranju ergonomski oblikovanog zaštitnog odjevnog predmeta treba pristupiti sustavno uzimajući u obzir namjenu i funkcionalnost, vrstu zaštite, inkorporirane materijale i antropometriju. Kombinezon je odjevni predmet koji je s konstrukcijskog stajališta kompleksan, dok se s aspekta korisnika smatra pogodnim i jednostavnim za korištenje s obzirom da jedan odjevni predmet pokriva i štiti gotovo cijelo tijelo. Korištenje zaštitnih kombinezona u ovisnosti o potrebnoj vrsti zaštite i namjeni zahtijeva iznalaženje adekvatnih rješenja koja omogućuju nesmetano kretanje i odgovarajuću zaštitu. Pri projektiranju odjeće treba identificirati problematične zone te iznaći rješenja s aspekta dizajna, konstrukcije odjevnog predmeta, izrade te verificirati krajnje rješenje. Koncept za izradu ergonomski oblikovanog odjevnog predmeta zasniva se na subjektivnim i objektivnim procjenama samih korisnika. Problematika neadekvatnog dizajna i kroja kombinezona već dulji niz godina predstavlja veliki problem, a konstrukcijska rješenja koja se apliciraju na kroj često nisu dovoljna da bi krajnji rezultat bio ergonomski odjevni predmet. Prikazani protokol određivanja ulaznih parametara za izradu ergonomski oblikovanog kroja kombinezona prikazan je u radu. Na temelju subjektivnih procjena pristalosti kombinezona u različitim tjelesnim položajima može se odrediti protokol definiranja dinamičkih izmjera tijela. Da bi se provela mjerenja u specifičnim položajima, potrebno je digitalizirati ljudsko tijelo i analizirati dobiveni 3D oblak točaka ljudskog tijela. Na taj način mogu se kvantitativno prikazati problematična područja te se rezultati mogu inkorporirati u konstrukciju kombinezona bilo da se radi o individualiziranom ili serijski izrađenom odjevnom predmetu. Nakon izrade probnog modela potrebno je provesti ispitivanje pristalosti na isti način kako je to napravljeno pri preliminarnim mjerenjima. This paper presents the definition of dynamic body dimensions for the purpose of designing an ergonomically designed protective coverall. The design of an ergonomically designed protective suit should be approached systematically, taking into account purpose and functionality, type of protection, materials used and anthropometry. Coveralls are garments that are complex from a construction point of view, while from the user's point of view they are considered comfortable and easy to use, as one garment covers and protects almost the entire body. The use of protective clothing requires appropriate solutions, depending on the type of protection and purpose, that allow unrestricted movement and adequate protection. When designing clothing, problem areas should be identified and solutions found from the point of view of design, garment construction, manufacture and verification of the final solution. The concept of creating an ergonomically designed garment is based on subjective and objective assessments of the users themselves. The problem of inadequate design and cut of coveralls has been a major issue for many years, and the construction solutions for the cut are often not sufficient to ensure that the end result is an ergonomic garment. The presented protocol for determining the input parameters for creating an ergonomic cut for coveralls is presented in the paper. Based on subjective assessments of the fit of the coverall in different body positions, a protocol for defining dynamic body measurements can be established. In order to perform measurements in certain positions, it is necessary to digitize the human body and analyze the resulting 3D point cloud of the human body. In this way, problem areas can be represented quantitatively and the results can be incorporated into the construction of the coverall, regardless of whether it is a customized or mass-produced garment. After creating a test model, it is necessary to carry out a fit test, as was done for the initial measurements.

Heat stress decreases human physical work capacity (PWC), but the extent to which solar radiation (SOLAR) compounds this response is not well understood. This study empirically quantified how SOLAR impacts PWC in the heat, considering wide, but controlled, variations in air temperature, humidity, and clothing coverage. We also provide correction equations so PWC can be quantified outdoors using heat stress indices that do not ordinarily account for SOLAR (including the Heat Stress Index, Humidex, and Wet-Bulb Temperature). Fourteen young adult males (7 donning a work coverall, 7 with shorts and trainers) walked for 1 h at a fixed heart rate of 130 beats∙min−1, in seven combinations of air temperature (25 to 45°C) and relative humidity (20 or 80%), with and without SOLAR (800 W/m2 from solar lamps). Cumulative energy expenditure in the heat, relative to the work achieved in a cool reference condition, was used to determine PWC%. Skin temperature was the primary determinant of PWC in the heat. In dry climates with exposed skin (0.3 Clo), SOLAR caused PWC to decrease exponentially with rising air temperature, whereas work coveralls (0.9 Clo) negated this effect. In humid conditions, the SOLAR-induced reduction in PWC was consistent and linear across all levels of air temperature and clothing conditions. Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature and the Universal Thermal Climate Index represented SOLAR correctly and did not require a correction factor. For the Heat Stress Index, Humidex, and Wet-Bulb Temperature, correction factors are provided enabling forecasting of heat effects on work productivity.

IntroductionData on pesticide exposure during occupational knapsack spraying is scarce.ObjectiveThis field study assessed its levels and determinants.MethodsPrivate landscapers/gardeners and municipal workers in the Normandy region, France, were enrolled between March and May 2011. They were equipped with cotton undergarments and gloves to assess actual dermal exposure to glyphosate, and with cotton coveralls separately for each phase to assess the contribution of mixing/loading and spraying and the distribution on 11 body areas. A field monitor observed the whole workshift and filled in a standardized observation grid. Respiratory samplings were also systematically performed, and additional surface wipes obtained from various equipment.ResultsTwenty-four workers were included, all men, with a median age of 40 years old, and a median experience in pesticide use of 14.5 years. The total work time varied between 110 and 360 min (median 210), and the number of mixing/loading-spraying cycles ranged from 1 to 8 (median 2). Spraying was more exposing than mixing/loading for all body parts except hands. Hands contributed to nearly 90% of body exposure during mixing/loading, and 30% during spraying, followed by back for spraying (14%). The median actual body contamination was 5,256 µg, with a median of 4,620 µg for hands. Dermal PPE use was associated with a decreased actual dermal exposure (estimate -0.81, p=0.001), and the number of mixing/spraying cycles with an increased exposure (more or less than 2 cycles: estimate 0.85, p=0.0006).ConclusionGiven their large contribution to overall dermal exposure, caution should be paid to handwashing and common hygiene rules during knapsack spraying. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a high contamination of the back during spraying.

Cross-contamination of raw food to other surfaces, hands, and foods is a serious issue in food service. With individuals eating more meals away from home, contracting a foodborne illness from a food service establishment is an increasing concern. However, most studies have concentrated on hands or food contact surfaces and neglected atypical and unusual surfaces (surfaces that are not typically identified as a source of cross-contamination) and venues. This review was conducted to identify atypically cross-contaminated surfaces and atypical venues where cross-contamination could occur that have not been examined thoroughly in the literature. Most surfaces that could be at risk for cross-contamination are frequently touched, are rarely cleaned and sanitized, and can support the persistence and/or growth of foodborne pathogens. These surfaces include menus, spice and condiment containers, aprons and coveralls, mobile devices and tablets, and money. Venues that are explored, such as temporary events, mobile vendors, and markets, are usually limited in space or infrastructure, have low compliance with proper hand washing, and provide the opportunity for raw and ready-to-eat foods to come into contact with one another. These factors create an environment in which cross-contamination can occur and potentially impact food safety. A more comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing regime encompassing these surfaces and venues could help mitigate cross-contamination. This review highlights key surfaces and venues that have the potential to be cross-contaminated and have been underestimated or not fully investigated. These knowledge gaps indicate where further work is needed to fully understand the role of these surfaces and venues in cross-contamination and how it can be prevented.

The use of remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) for foliar application of pesticides and fertilizers has increased worldwide in several agricultural crops. However, there is little information on the efficiency and factors connected to application and spraying quality of RPAs in forestry, mainly for eradication of eucalyptus sprouts. The objective of this work was to evaluate droplet distribution and deposition on eucalyptus sprouts and the risk of exposure for applicators using an RPA (DJI AGRAS T40) at different theoretical application ranges (7.0, 9.0, and 11.0 m) and droplet sizes (150, 300, and 450µm) compared to a manual electric backpack sprayer (MEBS). The spray solution was composed of water, brilliant blue dye, and adjuvant. Water-sensitive paper cards and flexible polyvinyl chloride cards were positioned on different eucalyptus sprout canopy layers (ESCL) (upper, middle, and lower) to evaluate droplet distribution and deposition. Disposable coveralls, gloves, and respirators were used to evaluate the risk of occupational exposure. The results showed that the application ranges of 7.0 and 9.0 m with droplet sizes of 150µm and 300µm resulted in better droplet distribution throughout the ESCLs. However, the 450µm droplet size resulted in concentration of droplets in the upper ESCL. Using an MEBS resulted in greater heterogeneity in droplet distribution and approximately a 160-fold higher accumulation of droplets on different applicator’s body parts compared to the RPA. The results confirmed the efficiency and operational safety of using RPAs for the application of agricultural pesticides and foliar fertilizers in eucalyptus plantations, as well as providing valuable contributions for future research on these practices in eucalyptus cultivation.

The 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic revived concerns about infection risks to wastewater workers. Prior research has shown that wastewater can contain a variety of known and emerging pathogens and that wastewater workers are at increased risk of infectious illnesses. However, guidelines on using personal protective equipment (PPE) to decrease these risks are lacking. We engaged 34 wastewater utility personnel and public health experts to conduct a job safety analysis identifying tasks in which workers could be exposed to pathogens and to develop a PPE selection matrix for preventing those exposures. We identified 43 relevant job tasks. Recommended PPE ranges from durable gloves (all tasks) to safety glasses (24 tasks), Tyvek suits or coveralls (4 tasks), and respiratory protection (N95 mask or face mask, depending on the activity, 10 tasks). The PPE selection matrix can serve as a guide for protecting the 120,000 wastewater workers in the United States from known and emerging pathogens.

Industrial hog operation (IHO) workers may persistently carry antibiotic-resistant, livestock-associated in their nasal cavities. It is unclear whether IHO work activities can alter IHO workers' and their household members' exposure to these bacteria. Our objective was to investigate the relationship of IHO work activities with persistence of antibiotic-resistant, livestock-associated S. aureus nasal carriage among IHO workers and their household members. At biweekly intervals over 4 months, IHO workers and their household members completed questionnaires and provided nasal swabs that were assessed for , multidrug-resistant (MDRSA), and livestock-associated markers (tetracycline resistance, absence, type). We examined the association between transient and habitual IHO work activities and nasal carriage outcomes. One hundred one IHO workers and 79 household members completed 1,456 study visits. Face mask use (each 25% increase) was associated with reduced odds of nasal carriage of MDRSA (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.92], tetracycline-resistant [OR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.97)], and clonal complex (CC) 398/CC9 [OR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.99)]. IHO workers who ever (vs. never) gave pigs injections had higher odds of these outcomes. Among household members, living with an IHO worker who consistently ([Formula: see text] of the time) versus sometimes or never used a face mask was associated with reduced odds of carrying -negative , tetracycline-resistant , and CC398/CC9 (OR range: 0.12-0.20, all [Formula: see text]), and consistent IHO worker coveralls use was associated with reduced odds of household member MDRSA carriage only. Living with an IHO worker who habitually had contact with [Formula: see text] hogs (vs. [Formula: see text]) was associated with higher odds of household member livestock-associated carriage. Consistent face mask use was associated with reduced exposure to antibiotic-resistant, livestock-associated among IHO workers and their household members. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3453.