Suchergebnisse

Abstract
Exposure science plays a crucial role in investigating human interaction with chemical, biological, and physical agents and evaluating associated exposure sources, pathways, and processes that may pose a risk for adverse human health effects. Exposure science is applied across workplace settings to conduct robust risk assessments and implement controls. Advances in exposure science strongly rely on input from well-trained and experienced experts. Despite these vital contributions of exposure science, Europe currently lacks formal education and training programmes solely dedicated to exposure science. The European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) has formulated the European Exposure Science Strategy, which includes a priority strategic objective to formally establish exposure science in education.
To address this objective, the ISES Europe Education, Training, and Communication working group was established in 2018 with the ambition to firmly establish exposure science in academic research and education. The group made notable progress and achievements, including providing harmonised exposure science terminology to ensure appropriate and comparable interpretation of exposure science data and studies. Additionally, initiating the first steps of curriculum development by providing harmonised learning outcomes based on exposure science specific descriptors, categorised by knowledge, skill, and competence.
Future ambitions for the advancement of exposure science education and training include the development of educational courses and programmes, a certification process for recognition of these courses, and establishing professional accreditation for exposure scientists in the field. These initiatives seek to contribute to producing well-trained graduates with clearly defined career pathways, thereby enhancing the credibility of exposure science professionals.

Abstract
Exposure models are essential in almost all relevant contexts of exposure science. To address the numerous challenges that exist, exposure modelling is one of the priority areas of ISES Europe. Therefore, a strategy was developed, focused on this priority area (Schlüter et al., 2022), with four strategic objectives:
(1)improvement of models,
(2)development of new methodologies and support for understudied fields,
(3)improvement of model use, and
(4)regulatory needs for modelling.
Exposure modellers from a wide range of European countries and institutions, active in the fields of occupational, population and environmental exposure science pooled their expertise under the umbrella of the ISES Europe Working Group on exposure models. This working group assessed the state-of-the-art of exposure modelling in Europe. They developed an inventory of exposure models used in Europe and reviewed the existing literature on pitfalls associated with exposure modelling, in order to identify crucial modelling-related strategy elements.
Decisive actions were defined for ISES Europe stakeholders focused on achieving the long-term goal of developing a best practice in exposure modelling. Additionally, to the strategic objectives, the working group developed an action plan and roadmap for the implementation of the European Exposure Science Strategy for exposure modelling. This strategic plan will foster a common understanding of modelling-related methodology, terminology, training and education, as well as future research in Europe, and have a broader impact on strategic considerations globally.

A marked reduction in fertility and an increase in adverse reproductive outcomes during the last few decades have been associated with occupational and environmental chemical expo-sures. Exposure to different types of pesticides may increase the risks of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease, but also of reduced fertility and birth defects. Both occupational and environmental exposures to pesticides are important, as many are endocrine dis-ruptors, which means that even very low-dose exposure levels may have measurable biological effects. The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge collected between 2000 and 2020, to highlight new findings, and to further interpret the mechanisms that may associate pesticides with infertility, abnormal sexual maturation, and pregnancy complications associated with occupational, environmental and transplacental exposures. A summary of current pesticide production and usage legislation is also included in order to elucidate the potential impact on exposure profile differences between countries, which may inform prevention measures. Recommendations for the medical surveillance of occupationally exposed populations, which should be facilitated by the biomonitoring of reduced fertility, is also discussed.

AbstractIntroductionOil and gas workers have been shown to be at increased risk of chronic diseases including cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hearing loss, among others. Technological advances may be used to assess the external (e.g. personal sensors, smartphone apps and online platforms, exposure models) and internal exposome (e.g. physiologically based kinetic modeling (PBK), biomonitoring, omics), offering numerous possibilities for chronic disease prevention strategies and risk management measures. The objective of this study was to review the literature on these technologies, by focusing on: (i) evaluating their applicability for exposome research in the oil and gas industry, and (ii) identifying key challenges that may hamper the successful application of such technologies in the oil and gas industry.MethodA scoping review was conducted by identifying peer-reviewed literature with searches in MEDLINE/PubMed and SciVerse Scopus. Two assessors trained on the search strategy screened retrieved articles on title and abstract. The inclusion criteria used for this review were: application of the aforementioned technologies at a workplace in the oil and gas industry or, application of these technologies for an exposure relevant to the oil and gas industry but in another occupational sector, English language and publication period 2005—end of 2019.ResultsIn total, 72 articles were included in this scoping review with most articles focused on omics and bioinformatics (N = 22), followed by biomonitoring and biomarkers (N = 20), external exposure modeling (N = 11), PBK modeling (N = 10), and personal sensors (N = 9). Several studies were identified in the oil and gas industry on the application of PBK models and biomarkers, mainly focusing on workers exposed to benzene. The application of personal sensors, new types of exposure models, and omics technology are still in their infancy with respect to the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, applications of these technologies in other occupational sectors showed the potential for application in this sector.Discussion and conclusionNew exposome technologies offer great promise for personal monitoring of workers in the oil and gas industry, but more applied research is needed in collaboration with the industry. Current challenges hindering a successful application of such technologies include (i) the technological readiness of sensors, (ii) the availability of data, (iii) the absence of standardized and validated methods, and (iv) the need for new study designs to study the development of disease during working life.

Inhalation of ash can be of great concern for affected communities, during and after volcanic eruptions. Governmental and humanitarian agencies recommend and distribute a variety of respiratory protection (RP), most commonly surgical masks. However, there is currently no evidence on how effective such masks are in protecting wearers from volcanic ash. In Part I of this study (Mueller et al., Submitted), we assessed the filtration efficiency (FE) of 17 materials from different forms of RP against volcanic ash and a surrogate, low-toxicity aerosol, Aloxite. Based on those results, we now present the findings from a volunteer simulation study to test the effect of facial fit through assessment of Total Inward Leakage (TIL). Four different disposable RP types that demonstrated very high median FE (≥ 96% for Aloxite; ≥ 89% for volcanic ash) were tested without provision of training on fit. These were an industry-certified mask (N95-equiv.); a surgical mask from Japan designed to filter PM2.5; a flat-fold basic mask from Indonesia; and a standard surgical mask from Mexico, which was also tested with an added medical bandage on top, as an additional intervention to improve fit. Ten volunteers (6 female, 4 male) were recruited. Each RP type was worn by volunteers under two different conditions simulating cleaning-up activities during/after volcanic ashfall. Each activity lasted 10 minute s and two repeats were completed for each RP type per activity. Dust (as PM2.5) concentration inside and outside the mask was measured with two TSI SidePak aerosol monitors (Models AM510 and AM520, TSI, Minnesota, USA) to calculate TIL. A questionnaire was administered after each test to collect perceptions of fit, comfort, protection and breathability. The best-performing RP type, across both activities, was the industry-certified N95-equiv. mask with 9% mean TIL. The standard surgical mask and the basic flat-fold mask both performed worst (35% TIL). With the additional bandage intervention, the surgical mask mean TIL improved to 24%. The PM2.5 surgical mask performed similarly, with 22% TIL. The N95-equiv. mask was perceived to provide the best protection, but was also perceived as being uncomfortable and more difficult to breathe through. This study provides a first objective evidence base for the effectiveness of a selection of RP types typically worn around the world during volcanic crises. The findings will help agencies to make informed decisions on the procurement and distribution of RP in future eruptions.

A marked reduction in fertility and an increase in adverse reproductive outcomes during the last few decades have been associated with occupational and environmental chemical exposures. Exposure to different types of pesticides may increase the risks of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease, but also of reduced fertility and birth defects. Both occupational and environmental exposures to pesticides are important, as many are endocrine disruptors, which means that even very low-dose exposure levels may have measurable biological effects. The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge collected between 2000 and 2020, to highlight new findings, and to further interpret the mechanisms that may associate pesticides with infertility, abnormal sexual maturation, and pregnancy complications associated with occupational, environmental and transplacental exposures. A summary of current pesticide production and usage legislation is also included in order to elucidate the potential impact on exposure profile differences between countries, which may inform prevention measures. Recommendations for the medical surveillance of occupationally exposed populations, which should be facilitated by the biomonitoring of reduced fertility, is also discussed.

The Vasilikos Energy Center (VEC) is a large hydrocarbon industrial hub actively operating in Cyprus. There is strong public interest by the communities surrounding VEC to engage with all stakeholders towards the sustainable development of hydrocarbon in the region. The methodological framework of the exposome concept would allow for the holistic identification of all relevant environmental exposures by engaging the most relevant stakeholders in industrially contaminated sites. The main objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the stakeholders' perceptions of the environmental and public health risks and recommended actions associated with the VEC hydrocarbon activities, and (ii) assess the stakeholders' understanding and interest towards exposome-based technologies for use in oil and gas applications. Methods: Six major groups of stakeholders were identified: local authorities, small-medium industries (SMIs) (including multi-national companies), small-medium enterprises (SMEs), academia/professional associations, government, and the general public residing in the communities surrounding the VEC. During 2019–2021, a suite of stakeholder engagement initiatives was deployed, including semi-structured interviews (n = 32), a community survey for the general public (n = 309), technical meetings, and workshops (n = 4). Results from the semi-structured interviews, technical meetings and workshops were analyzed through thematic analysis and results from the community survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Almost all stakeholders expressed the need for the implementation of a systematic health monitoring system for the VEC broader area and its surrounding residential communities, including frequent measurements of air pollutant emissions. Moreover, stricter policies by the government about licensing and monitoring of hydrocarbon activities and proper communication to the public and the mass media emerged as important needs. The exposome concept was not practiced by the SMEs, but SMIs showed ...

Abstract
Occupational biomonitoring plays a pivotal role in the assessment and management of chemical workplace exposures. It provides a direct measure of workers' internal dose of chemicals, integrating all sources and routes of exposure. Biomonitoring can bridge the gap between potential exposure scenarios and real-world implications for worker health. Nevertheless, the practical effectiveness of biomonitoring programs relies on the assurance of data quality, comparability, and practical application of the findings to improve occupational health standards.
The ISES Europe Human Biomonitoring working group was established in 2018 with the ambition to promote the generation of high-quality biomonitoring data and its use in occupational settings. Our group made notable progress, especially in establishing standardized Minimum Information Requirements (MIRs). MIRs are sets of guideline specifications that define the structure of minimum metadata attributes in terms of semantics, syntax, findability, and reusability of biomonitoring datasets. MIRs will help in standardising biomonitoring records. It is a complementary approach to the already established personalised medical biomonitoring of occupational medicine.
MIRs will not only improve the consistency and reliability of biomonitoring studies but also help foster a culture of safety and sustainability. By integrating advances in exposure science, including New Approach Methodologies and exposure modelling, into the biomonitoring framework, we can achieve a more robust understanding of occupational exposures. This will ultimately contribute to the refinement and application of Occupational Exposure Limits and Occupational Biomonitoring levels, the design of safer chemicals, and the implementation of effective risk management strategies, thereby safeguarding worker health.

Background and aimThe Vasilikos Energy Center (VEC) is a large hydrocarbon industrial hub actively operating in Cyprus. There is strong public interest by the communities surrounding VEC to engage with all stakeholders towards the sustainable development of hydrocarbon in the region. The methodological framework of the exposome concept would allow for the holistic identification of all relevant environmental exposures by engaging the most relevant stakeholders in industrially contaminated sites. The main objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the stakeholders' perceptions of the environmental and public health risks and recommended actions associated with the VEC hydrocarbon activities, and (ii) assess the stakeholders' understanding and interest towards exposome-based technologies for use in oil and gas applications. Methods: Six major groups of stakeholders were identified: local authorities, small-medium industries (SMIs) (including multi-national companies), small-medium enterprises (SMEs), academia/professional associations, government, and the general public residing in the communities surrounding the VEC. During 2019–2021, a suite of stakeholder engagement initiatives was deployed, including semi-structured interviews (n = 32), a community survey for the general public (n = 309), technical meetings, and workshops (n = 4). Results from the semi-structured interviews, technical meetings and workshops were analyzed through thematic analysis and results from the community survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Almost all stakeholders expressed the need for the implementation of a systematic health monitoring system for the VEC broader area and its surrounding residential communities, including frequent measurements of air pollutant emissions. Moreover, stricter policies by the government about licensing and monitoring of hydrocarbon activities and proper communication to the public and the mass media emerged as important needs. The exposome concept was not practiced by the SMEs, ...

Abstract

Background
Several measures of occupational exposure to pesticides have been used to study associations between exposure to pesticides and neurobehavioral outcomes. This study assessed the impact of different exposure measures for glyphosate and mancozeb on the association with neurobehavioral outcomes based on original and recalled self-reported data with 246 smallholder farmers in Uganda.


Methods
The association between the 6 exposure measures and 6 selected neurobehavioral test scores was investigated using linear multivariable regression models. Exposure measures included original exposure measures for the previous year in 2017: (i) application status (yes/no), (ii) number of application days, (iii) average exposure-intensity scores (EIS) of an application and (iv) number of EIS-weighted application days. Two additional measures were collected in 2019: (v) recalled application status and (vi) recalled EIS for the respective periods in 2017.


Results
Recalled applicator status and EIS were between 1.2 and 1.4 times more frequent and higher for both pesticides than the original application status and EIS. Adverse associations between the different original measures of exposure to glyphosate and 4 neurobehavioral tests were observed. Glyphosate exposure based on recalled information and all mancozeb exposure measures were not associated with the neurobehavioral outcomes.


Conclusions
The relation between the different original self-reported glyphosate exposure measures and neurobehavioral test scores appeared to be robust. When based on recalled exposure measures, associations observed with the original exposure measures were no longer present. Therefore, future epidemiological studies on self-reported exposure should critically evaluate the potential bias towards the null in observed exposure–response associations.