Liste des références sélectionnées


    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90098

    Evaluation of the interactions between multiwalled carbon nanotubes and caco-2 cells

    Auteurs : Clark, Katherine ; O'Driscoll, Cliona ; Cooke, Carol A.
    Source : Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 2012, Vol. 75, n° 1, p. 25-35

    Abstract : The aim of this study was to determine whether multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNCT) are taken up by and are toxic to human intestinal enterocytes using the Caco-2 cell model. Caco-2 cells were exposed to 50 ?g/ml MWCNT (oxidized or pristine) for 24 h, and experiments were repeated in the presence of 2.5 mg/L natural organic matter. Cells displayed many of the properties that characterize enterocytes, such as apical microvilli, basolateral basement membrane, and glycogen. The cell monolayers also displayed tight junctions and electrical resistance. Exposure to pristine and oxidized MWCNT, with or without natural organic matter, did not markedly affect viability, which was assessed by measuring activity of released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and staining with propidium iodide. Ultrastructural analysis revealed some damage to microvilli colocalized with the MWCNT; however, neither type of MWCNT was taken up by Caco-2 cells. In contrast, pristine and oxidized MWCNT were taken up by the macrophage RAW 264.7 line. Our study suggests that intestinal enterocytes cells do not take up MWCNT. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jat.1659
    (consulté le 18.08.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22047161
    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanotubes ; Carbon ; Enterocytes
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90178

    Work and health : remodelling perspectives of working life research, as proposed by Järvholm et al. (2009)

    Danuser, Brigitta.  Source : Wirtschaftspsychologie, 2012, Vol. 13, n° 4, p. 89-93

    Abstract : Järvholm and Co-workers (2009) proposed a conceptual model for research on working life. Models are powerful communication and decision tools. This model is strongly unidirectional and does not cover the mentioned interactions in the arguments.
    With help of a genealogy of work and of health it is shown that work and health are interactive and have to be analysed on the background of society.
    Key words: research model, work, health, occupational health, society, interaction, discussion paper
    Remodellierung der von Järvholm et al. (2009) vorgeschlagenen Forschungsperspektiven in Arbeit und Gesundheit
    Järvholm und Kollegen stellten 2009 ein konzeptionelles Modell für die Forschung im Bereich Arbeit und Gesundheit vor. Modelle stellen kraftvolle Kommunikations- und Entscheidungsinstrumente dar. Die Einflussfaktoren im Modell verlaufen jedoch nur in einer Richtung und bilden die interaktiven Argumente im Text nicht ab. Mit Hilfe einer Genealogie der Begriffe Arbeit und Gesundheit wird aufgezeigt, dass Arbeit und Gesundheit sich gegenseitig beeinflussen und nur vor dem Hintergrund der jeweiligen gesellschaftlichen Kontextfaktoren zu analysieren sind.
    Introduction : After an interesting introduction about the objectives of research on working life, Järvholm and Co-workers (2009) manage to define a conceptual model for working life research out of a small survey of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) definitions. The strong point of their model is the entity 'working life' including personal development, as well as career paths and aging. Yet, the model Järvholm et al. (2009) propose is strangely unidirectional; the arrows point from the population to working life, from there to health and to disease, as well as to productivity and economic resources. The diagram only shows one feed-back loop: between economic resources and health. We all know that having a chronic disease condition influences work and working capacity. Economic resources have a strong influence on work, too. Having personal economic resources will influence the kind of work someone accepts and facilitate access to continuous professional education. A third observation is that society is not present in the model, although this is less the case in the arguments. In fact, there is an incomprehensible gap between the arguments brought forth by Järvholm and co-workers and their reductionist model.
    Switzerland has a very low coverage of occupational health specialists. Switzerland is a long way from fulfilling the WHO's recommendations on workers' access to OSH services as described in its Global plan of action. The Institute for Work and Health (IST) in Lausanne is the only organisation which covers the major domains of OSH research that are occupational medicine, occupational hygiene, ergonomic and psychosocial research. As the country's sole occupational health institution we are forced to reflect the objectives of working life research so as not to waste the scare resources available.
    I will set out below a much shortened genealogy of work and of health, with the aim of extending Järvholm et al's (2009) analyses on the perspectives of working life research in two directions. Firstly towards the interactive nature of work and health and the integration of society, and secondly towards the question of what working life means or where working life could be situated.
    Work, as we know it today ­ paid work regulated by a contract as the basis for sustaining life and as a base for social rights ­ was born in modern era. Therefore I will start my genealogy in the pre-modern era, focus on the important changes that occurred during industrial revolution and the modern era and end in 2010 taking into account the enormous transformations of the past 20-30 years. I will put aside some 810 years of advances in science and technology that have expanded the world's limits and human understanding, and restrict my genealogy to work and to health/body implicating also the societal realm. [Author]


    Descripteurs MeSH : Work ; Health ; Occupational Health
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90660

    Practical considerations for conducting ecotoxicity test methods with manufactured nanomaterials: what have we learnt so far?

    Auteurs : Handy, Richard D. ; Marvin, Hans J.P. ; van den Brink, Nico ; Chappell, Mark ; Mühling, Martin ; Behra, Renata ; Dusinska, Maria ; Simpson, Peter ; Ahtiainen, Jukka ; Jha, Awadhesh N. ; Seiter, Jennifer ; Bednar, Anthony ; Kennedy, Alan ; Fernandes, Teresa F. ; Riediker, Michael
    Source : Ecotoxicology, 2012, Vol. 21, n° 4, p. 933-972

    Abstract : This review paper reports the consensus of a technical workshop hosted by the European network, NanoImpactNet (NIN). The workshop aimed to review the collective experience of working at the bench with manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs), and to recommend modifications to existing experimental methods and OECD protocols. Current procedures for cleaning glassware are appropriate for most MNMs, although interference with electrodes may occur. Maintaining exposure is more difficult with MNMs compared to conventional chemicals. A metal salt control is recommended for experiments with metallic MNMs that may release free metal ions. Dispersing agents should be avoided, but if they must be used, then natural or synthetic dispersing agents are possible, and dispersion controls essential. Time constraints and technology gaps indicate that full characterisation of test media during ecotoxicity tests is currently not practical. Details of electron microscopy, dark-field microscopy, a range of spectroscopic methods (EDX, XRD, XANES, EXAFS), light scattering techniques (DLS, SLS) and chromatography are discussed. The development of user-friendly software to predict particle behaviour in test media according to DLVO theory is in progress, and simple optical methods are available to estimate the settling behaviour of suspensions during experiments. However, for soil matrices such simple approaches may not be applicable. Alternatively, a Critical Body Residue approach may be taken in which body concentrations in organisms are related to effects, and toxicity thresholds derived. For microbial assays, the cell wall is a formidable barrier to MNMs and end points that rely on the test substance penetrating the cell may be insensitive. Instead assays based on the cell envelope should be developed for MNMs. In algal growth tests, the abiotic factors that promote particle aggregation in the media (e.g. ionic strength) are also important in providing nutrients, and manipulation of the media to control the dispersion may also inhibit growth. Controls to quantify shading effects, and precise details of lighting regimes, shaking or mixing should be reported in algal tests. Photosynthesis may be more sensitive than traditional growth end points for algae and plants. Tests with invertebrates should consider non-chemical toxicity from particle adherence to the organisms. The use of semi-static exposure methods with fish can reduce the logistical issues of waste water disposal and facilitate aspects of animal husbandry relevant to MMNs. There are concerns that the existing bioaccumulation tests are conceptually flawed for MNMs and that new test(s) are required. In vitro testing strategies, as exemplified by genotoxicity assays, can be modified for MNMs, but the risk of false negatives in some assays is highlighted. In conclusion, most protocols will require some modifications and recommendations are made to aid the researcher at the bench. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10646-012-0862-y
    (consulté le 26.04.2012)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22422174
    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Nanoparticles ; Gram-Positive Bacteria
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 87151

    Occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) in polyvinyl chloride processing operations

    Auteurs : Hines, Cynthia J. ; Hopf, Nancy B. ; Deddens, James A. ; Silva, Manori J. ; Calafat, Antonia M.
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2012, Vol. 85, n° 3, p. 317-325

    Abstract : PURPOSE: Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) is primarily used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. While information is available on general population exposure to DiNP, occupational exposure data are lacking. We present DiNP metabolite urinary concentrations in PVC processing workers, estimate DiNP daily intake for these workers, and compare worker estimates to other populations.
    METHODS: We assessed DiNP exposure in participants from two companies that manufactured PVC materials, a PVC film manufacturer (n = 25) and a PVC custom compounder (n = 12). A mid-shift and end-shift urine sample was collected from each participant and analyzed for the DiNP metabolite mono(carboxy-isooctyl) phthalate (MCiOP). Mixed models were used to assess the effect on MCiOP concentrations of a worker being assigned to (1) a task using DiNP and (2) a shift where DiNP was used. A simple pharmacokinetic model was used to estimate DiNP daily intake from the MCiOP concentrations.
    RESULTS: Creatinine-adjusted MCiOP urinary concentrations ranged from 0.42-80 µg/g in PVC film and from 1.11-13.4 µg/g in PVC compounding. PVC film participants who worked on a task using DiNP (n = 7) had the highest MCiOP geometric mean (GM) end-shift concentration (25.2 µg/g), followed by participants who worked on a shift where DiNP was used (n = 11) (17.7 µg/g) as compared to participants with no task (2.92 µg/g) or shift (2.08 µg/g) exposure to DiNP. The GM end-shift MCiOP concentration in PVC compounding participants (4.80 µg/g) was comparable to PVC film participants with no task or shift exposure to DiNP. Because no PVC compounding participants were assigned to tasks using DINP on the day sampled, DiNP exposure in this company may be underestimated. The highest DiNP intake estimate was 26 µg/kg/day.
    CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to DiNP associated with PVC film manufacturing tasks were substantially higher (sixfold to tenfold) than adult general population exposures; however, all daily intake estimates were less than 25% of current United States or European acceptable or tolerable daily intake estimates. Further characterization of DiNP occupational exposures in other industries is recommended. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0674-z
    (consulté le 28.06.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21701833
    Descripteurs MeSH : Polyvinyl Chloride ; Environmental Monitoring ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90814

    Effect of age on toxicokinetics among human volunteers exposed to propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME)

    Auteurs : Hopf, Nancy B. ; Vernez, David ; Berthet, Aurélie ; Charrière, Nicole ; Arnoux, Christine ; Tomicic, Catherine
    Source : Toxicology letters, 2012, Vol. 211, n° 1, p. 77-84

    Abstract : Aging adults represent the fastest growing population segment in many countries. Physiological and metabolic changes in the aging process may alter how aging adults biologically respond to pollutants. In a controlled human toxicokinetic study (exposure chamber; 12m(3)), aging volunteers (n=10; >58 years) were exposed to propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME, CAS no. 107-98-2) at 50ppm for 6h. The dose-dependent renal excretion of oxidative metabolites, conjugated and free PGME could potentially be altered by age.
    AIMS: (1) Compare PGME toxicokinetic profiles between aging and young volunteers (20-25 years) and gender; (2) test the predictive power of a compartmental toxicokinetic (TK) model developed for aging persons against urinary PGME concentrations found in this study.
    METHODS: Urine samples were collected before, during, and after the exposure. Urinary PGME was quantified by capillary GC/FID.
    RESULTS: Differences in urinary PGME profiles were not noted between genders but between age groups. Metabolic parameters had to be changed to fit the age adjusted TK model to the experimental results, implying a slower enzymatic pathway in the aging volunteers. For an appropriate exposure assessment, urinary total PGME should be quantified.
    CONCLUSION: Age is a factor that should be considered when biological limit values are developed. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2012.02.018
    (consulté le 10.05.2012)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22421272
    Descripteurs MeSH : Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Exposure ; Occupational Exposure ; Humans
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 90649

    Exposition aéroportée aux endotoxines : caractérisation de la réponse inflammatoire et influence des facteurs génétiques

    Auteurs : Oppliger, Anne ; Masclaux, Frédéric
    Source : Bulletin de veille scientifique : santé, environnement, travail : notes d'actualité scientifique, 2012, n° 17, p. 68-70

    Abstract : L'exposition aux endotoxines, notamment par voie intraveineuse, peut provoquer un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigu, en raison des fortes réactions inflammatoires qu'elles initient. Paradoxalement, il a aussi été montré que l'exposition aux endotoxines pouvait avoir un rôle bénéfique sur les maladies de type allergique avec prédisposition génétique (atopie), notamment lorsque l'exposition a eu lieu pendant l'enfance. Les travailleurs du monde agricole peuvent être exposés à de très fortes quantités inhalables d'endotoxines, 100 à 10 000 fois plus que les quantités observées dans des habitations. Les études épidémiologiques ont montré que les travailleurs agricoles exposés avaient un risque élevé de développer des maladies respiratoires. Cependant, beaucoup de ces travailleurs ne présentent pas de réduction de leurs capacités respiratoires, ce qui suggère l'existence d'une grande variabilité de sensibilité entre les individus. Le rôle des facteurs génétiques dans l'apparition ou non de certains symptômes suite à une exposition aux endotoxines est mal connu, en milieu professionnel. C'est cette problématique qui est abordée dans le premier article proposé.
    Le second article concerne la caractérisation de la réponse inflammatoire aux particules aéroportées chez les travailleurs de stations d'épuration des eaux usées (STEP). Dans cet article, les auteurs ont utilisé une méthode relativement nouvelle pour mesurer les effets (l'activité) des endotoxines, entre autres, sur les personnes exposées. Cette nouvelle façon de caractériser l'exposition aux endotoxines, par le biais de la réponse physiologique est prometteuse. Auparavant, la grande majorité des études faites sur les liens entre l'exposition aux poussières organiques et/ou endotoxines et les symptômes médicaux utilisaient la métrologie aérienne pour estimer le risque pour la santé. Lorsque l'on sait que la réponse à ce type d'exposition dépend beaucoup de la susceptibilité individuelle des personnes (voir premier article discuté), l'utilisation d'une méthode qui permet d'estimer directement les effets de la nuisance sur les personnes semble être beaucoup plus pertinente même si sa mise en oeuvre est plus délicate à réaliser que la métrologie classique. [Auteurs]




    Texte intégral : http://www.anses.fr/ET/DocumentsET/Anses_bulletin_veille_scientifique_17_BVS_17.pdf
    (consulté le 25.04.2012)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Endotoxins ; Agricultural Workers' Diseases ; Respiratory Tract Diseases ; Occupational Exposure
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Endotoxins/analysis ; Agricultural Workers' Diseases/prevention & control
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 90253

    Compendium of projects in the European nanosafety cluster

    Auteurs : Riediker, Michael Ed. ; Katalagarianakis, Georgios
    Lieu/dates : Lausanne : Institute for Work and Health, 2012
    Format : VI, 278 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : This is the third edition of the compendium. It documents the status of important projects on nanomaterial toxicity and exposure monitoring, integrated risk management, research infrstructure and coordination and support activities.
    The compendium is not intended to be a guidance document for human health and environmental safety management of nanotechnologies, as such guidance documents already exist and are widely available.
    Neither is the compendium intended to be a medium for the publication of scientific papers and research results, as this task is covered by scientific conferences and the reviewed press.
    The compendium aims to bring researchers closer together and show them the potential for synergy in their work. It is a means to establish links and communication between them during the actual research phase and well before the publication of their results. It thus focuses on the communication of projects' strategic aims, extensively covers specific work objectives and the methods used in research, and documents human capacities and available laboratory infrastructure. As such, the compendium supports collaboration on common goals and the joint elaboration of future plans, whilst compromising neither the potential for scientific publication, nor intellectual property rights. [Auteurs]


    Notes : Bibliogr.

    Texte intégral : http://www.nanoimpactnet.eu/index.php?page=other-publications

     Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Nanostructures ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Occupational Health ; Safety ; Environment
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Europe
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90459

    Evaluation of occupational exposure: comparison of biological and environmental variabilities using physiologically based toxicokinetic modeling

    Auteurs : Truchon, Ginette ; Tardif, Robert ; Charest-Tardif, Ginette ; Batz, Alice de ; Droz, Pierre-Olivier
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2012, Mar 13; [Epub ahead of print]

    Abstract : PURPOSE: Few studies compare the variabilities that characterize environmental (EM) and biological monitoring (BM) data. Indeed, comparing their respective variabilities can help to identify the best strategy for evaluating occupational exposure. The objective of this study is to quantify the biological variability associated with 18 bio-indicators currently used in work environments.
    METHOD: Intra-individual (BV(intra)), inter-individual (BV(inter)), and total biological variability (BV(total)) were quantified using validated physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models coupled with Monte Carlo simulations. Two environmental exposure profiles with different levels of variability were considered (GSD of 1.5 and 2.0).
    RESULTS: PBTK models coupled with Monte Carlo simulations were successfully used to predict the biological variability of biological exposure indicators. The predicted values follow a lognormal distribution, characterized by GSD ranging from 1.1 to 2.3. Our results show that there is a link between biological variability and the half-life of bio-indicators, since BV(intra) and BV(total) both decrease as the biological indicator half-lives increase. BV(intra) is always lower than the variability in the air concentrations. On an individual basis, this means that the variability associated with the measurement of biological indicators is always lower than the variability characterizing airborne levels of contaminants. For a group of workers, BM is less variable than EM for bio-indicators with half-lives longer than 10-15 h.
    CONCLUSION: The variability data obtained in the present study can be useful in the development of BM strategies for exposure assessment and can be used to calculate the number of samples required for guiding industrial hygienists or medical doctors in decision-making. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0753-9
    (consulté le 30.03.2012)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22411213
    Descripteurs MeSH : Biological Assay ; Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants ; Kinetics ; Models, Biological ; Monte Carlo Method ; Occupational Exposure
    Qualifiant     : Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Occupational Exposure/analysis
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90169

    Anatomical exposure patterns of skin to sunlight: relative contributions of direct, diffuse and reflected ultraviolet radiation

    Auteurs : Vernez, David ; Milon, Antoine ; Vuilleumier, Laurent ; Bulliard, Jean-Luc
    Source : The British Journal of Dermatology, 2012, Feb 22; [Epub ahead of print]

    Abstract : BACKGROUND: The dose-response between ultraviolet (UV) exposure patterns and skin cancer occurrence is not fully understood. Sun protection messages often focus on acute exposure, implicitly assuming that direct UV radiation is the key contributor to the overall UV exposure. However, little is known about the relative contribution of the direct, diffuse, and reflected radiation components.
    OBJECTIVES: To investigate body sites solar UV exposure patterns with respect to the relative contribution of the direct, diffuse and reflected radiation.
    METHODS: A 3D numeric model was used to assess exposure doses for various body parts and exposure scenarios of a standing individual (static and dynamic postures). The model was fed with erythemally-weighted ground irradiance data for the year 2009 in Payerne, Switzerland. A year-round daily exposure (8 am to 5 pm) without protection was assumed.
    RESULTS: For most anatomical sites, mean daily doses were high (typically 6.2-14.6 SED) and exceeded the recommended exposure values. Direct exposure was important during specific periods (e.g. midday during summer), but contributed moderately to the annual dose, ranging from 15 to 24% for vertical and horizontal body parts, respectively. Diffuse irradiation explained about 80% of the cumulative annual exposure dose. Acute diffuse exposures were also observed during cloudy summer days.
    CONCLUSIONS: The importance of diffuse UV radiation should not be underestimated when advocating preventive measures. Messages focused on avoiding acute direct exposures may be of limited efficiency to prevent skin cancers associated with chronic exposure. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.10898.x
    (consulté le 24.02.2012)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22356161

    Brochure | Cote : PUB-LIV | N° 90206

    Stress au travail et santé : situation chez les indépendants : synthèse et recommandations

    Auteurs : Algava, Elisabeth ; Chouanière, Dominique
    Lieu/dates : Paris : Inserm, 2011
    Format : XIV, 77 p. : ill. ; 19 cm
    Collection : Expertise collective

    Abstract : Dans le cadre de l'activité professionnelle, des facteurs de stress d'ordre psychologique, social, et liés à l'organisation du travail, peuvent induire des réponses physiologiques et comportementales impliquées dans la survenue de pathologies comme les maladies cardiovasculaires, les troubles de la santé mentale et les troubles musculosquelettiques.
    Le Régime social des indépendants (RSI) a sollicité l'Inserm afin de disposer d'un bilan des connaissances sur le stress d'origine professionnelle chez les travailleurs indépendants et ses répercussions sur la santé.
    Regroupant à la fois des compétences en biologie, psychologie, sociologie et économie de la santé, cette expertise collective présente les modèles et les mécanismes explicatifs mettant en relation le stress au travail et les principales pathologies.
    Les stratégies de prévention individuelle et collective qui se développent dans le milieu des travailleurs salariés peuvent-elles être adaptées aux travailleurs indépendants ? [Ed.]

    Texte intégral : http://www.inserm.fr/content/download/38168/245977/version/2/file/Stress_au_travail_synthese_fin.pdf
    (consulté le 29.02.2012)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Employment ; Stress, Psychological ; Occupational Health ; Occupational Diseases
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Health Services/organization & administration ; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control
    Brochure | Cote : PUB-LIV | N° 90205

    Stress au travail et santé : situation chez les indépendants

    Auteurs : Algava, Elisabeth ; Chouanière, Dominique
    Lieu/dates : Paris : Inserm, 2011
    Format : XII, 483 p. : ill. ; 24 cm
    Collection : Expertise collective

    Abstract : Dans le cadre de l'activité professionnelle, des facteurs de stress d'ordre psychologique, social, et liés à l'organisation du travail, peuvent induire des réponses physiologiques et comportementales impliquées dans la survenue de pathologies comme les maladies cardiovasculaires, les troubles de la santé mentale et les troubles musculosquelettiques.
    Le Régime social des indépendants (RSI) a sollicité l'Inserm afin de disposer d'un bilan des connaissances sur le stress d'origine professionnelle chez les travailleurs indépendants et ses répercussions sur la santé.
    Regroupant à la fois des compétences en biologie, psychologie, sociologie et économie de la santé, cette expertise collective présente les modèles et les mécanismes explicatifs mettant en relation le stress au travail et les principales pathologies.
    Les stratégies de prévention individuelle et collective qui se développent dans le milieu des travailleurs salariés peuvent-elles être adaptées aux travailleurs indépendants ? [Ed.]

    Notes : Bibliogr.

    Texte intégral : http://www.inserm.fr/content/download/38167/245972/version/2/file/Stress_au_travail_ouvrage_integral_fin.pdf
    (consulté le 29.02.2012)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Employment ; Stress, Psychological ; Occupational Health ; Occupational Diseases
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Health Services/organization & administration ; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 89283

    La reconnaissance et le sens du travail : deux dimensions au coeur des processus de préservation de la santé mentale chez les professionnels des interventions d'urgences médicales préhospitalières

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Benoît, Damien
    In : L'épuisement professionnel dans les secteurs sanitaires et sociaux : une fatalité ? Journée scientifique, 3 novembre 2011, Neuchâtel - Neuchâtel : Haute école de gestion Arc, 2011. - P. 6-9

    Abstract : Le travail en situations d'urgence, notamment médicale, comporte de nombreux facteurs de risque pour la santé mentale. Cependant, des études récentes suggèrent que la reconnaissance de même que certains aspects relatifs au sens du travail pourraient permettre aux individus de préserver leur équilibre psychique malgré la présence de stresseurs importants.
    Nous avons effectué une étude portant sur la santé au travail pour des ambulanciers travaillant en Suisse romande. Dans un premier temps, une phase qualitative centrée sur l'observation du travail réel a été effectuée. Les observations ont été effectuées dans 11 services pour un total de 416 heures d'observation. Dans un second temps, un questionnaire a été développé et administré à l'ensemble des ambulanciers de Suisse romande.
    Notre étude a notamment permis de confirmer l'importance de la reconnaissance et du sens du travail pour les ambulanciers. [Auteurs]


    Descripteurs MeSH : Mental Health ; Work ; Social Values ; Motivation ; Self Concept ; Burnout, Professional ; Transportation of Patients ; Psychology, Clinical
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88515

    Effort, reward and self-reported mental health: a simulation study on negative affectivity bias

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Wild, Pascal
    Source : BMC Medical Research Methodology, 2011, Vol. 11, n° 121, p. 1-6

    Abstract : Background : In the present article, we propose an alternative method for dealing with negative affectivity (NA) biases in research, while investigating the association between a deleterious psychosocial environment at work and poor mental health. First, we investigated how strong NA must be to cause an observed correlation between the independent and dependent variables. Second, we subjectively assessed whether NA can have a large enough impact on a large enough number of subjects to invalidate the observed correlations between dependent and independent variables.
    Methods : We simulated 10,000 populations of 300 subjects each, using the marginal distribution of workers in an actual population that had answered the Siegrist's questionnaire on effort and reward imbalance (ERI) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).
    Results : The results of the present study suggested that simulated NA has a minimal effect on the mean scores for effort and reward. However, the correlations between the effort and reward imbalance (ERI) ratio and the GHQ score might be important, even in simulated populations with a limited NA.
    Conclusions : When investigating the relationship between the ERI ratio and the GHQ score, we suggest the following rules for the interpretation of the results: correlations with an explained variance of 5% and below should be considered with caution; correlations with an explained variance between 5% and 10% may result from NA, although this effect does not seem likely; and correlations with an explained variance of 10% and above are not likely to be the result of NA biases. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-11-121
    (consulté le 25 08 2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21864350
    Descripteurs MeSH : Mental Health ; Work ; Social Values ; Motivation ; Self Concept ; Burnout, Professional ; Transportation of Patients ; Psychology, Clinical
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88516

    Multi-level modeling of aspects associated with poor mental health in a sample of prehospital emergency professionals

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Wild, Pascal ; Benoît, Damien ; Chouanière, Dominique ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2011, Vol. 54, n° 11, p. 847-857

    Abstract : Background: The goal of this paper is to investigate the respective influence of work characteristics, the effort-reward ratio, and overcommitment on the poor mental health of out-of-hospital care providers.
    Methods: 333 out-of-hospital care providers answered a questionnaire that included queries on mental health (GHQ-12), demographics, health-related information and work characteristics, questions from the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, and items about overcommitment. A two-level multiple regression was performed between mental health (the dependent variable) and the effort-reward ratio, the overcommitment score, weekly number of interventions, percentage of non-prehospital transport of patients out of total missions, gender, and age. Participants were first-level units, and ambulance services were second-level units. We also shadowed ambulance personnel for a total of 416 hr. Results: With cutoff points of 2/3 and 3/4 positive answers on the GHQ-12, the percentages of potential cases with poor mental health were 20% and 15%, respectively. The effort-reward ratio was associated with poor mental health (P < 0.001), irrespective of age or gender. Overcommitment was associated with poor mental health; this association was stronger in women (beta = 0.054) than in men (beta = 0.020). The percentage of prehospital missions out of total missions was only associated with poor mental health at the individual level.
    Conclusions: Emergency medical services should pay attention to the way employees perceive their efforts and the rewarding aspects of their work: an imbalance of those aspects is associated with poor mental health. Low perceived esteem appeared particularly associated with poor mental health. This suggests that supervisors of emergency medical services should enhance the value of their employees' work. Employees with overcommitment should also receive appropriate consideration. Preventive measures should target individual perceptions of effort and reward in order to improve mental health in prehospital care providers. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20992
    (consulté le 25 08 2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Mental Health ; Work ; Social Values ; Motivation ; Self Concept ; Burnout, Professional ; Transportation of Patients ; Psychology, Clinical
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88527

    Association of working conditions with self-reported work-related symptoms: results from the Swiss dataset of the European Working Conditions Survey

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Wild, Pascal ; Vernez, David ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : The Open Occupational Health & Safety Journal, 2011, Vol. 3, p. 1-7

    Abstract : Working conditions are important determinants of health. The aims of this article are to 1) identify working conditions and work characteristics that are associated with workers' perceptions that their work is harmful to their health and 2) identify with what symptoms these working conditions are associated.
    We used the Swiss dataset from the 2005 edition of the European Working Conditions Survey. The dependent variable was based on the question "Does your work affect your health?". Logistic regression was used to identify a set of variables collectively associated with self-reported work-related adverse health effects.
    A total of 330 (32%) participants reported having their health affected by work. The most frequent symptoms included backache (17.1%), muscular pains (13.1%), stress (18.3%) and overall fatigue (11.7%). Scores for self-reported exposure to physicochemical risks, postural and physical risks, high work demand, and low social support were all significantly associated with workers' perceptions that their work is harmful to their health, regardless of gender or age. A high level of education was associated with stress symptoms, and reports that health was affected by work was associated with low job satisfaction.
    Many workers believe that their work affects their health. Health specialists should pay attention to the potential association between work and their patients' health complaints. This is particularly relevant when patients mention symptoms such as muscular pains, backache, overall fatigue, and stress. Specific attention should be given to complaints of stress in highly educated workers. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1876216601103010001
    (consulté le 25.08.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Occupational Health ; Occupational Diseases ; Health Surveys
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Health/statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 86629

    10. Durchgang des MAS in Arbeit + Gesundheit: ein Grund zum Feiern! = La 10e session du MAS en santé au travail

    Auteurs : Bauer, Georg ; Danuser, Brigitta ; Förster, Ruth
    Source : IZA, 2011, Vol. 58, n° 3, p. 29-31


    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86668

    Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry determination of phthalic acid in human urine as a biomarker of folpet exposure

    Auteurs : Berthet, Aurélie ; Berode, Michèle ; Bouchard, Michèle
    Source : Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2011, Vol. 400, n° 2, p. 493-502

    Abstract : Agricultural workers are exposed to folpet, but biomonitoring data are limited. Phthalimide (PI), phthalamic acid (PAA), and phthalic acid (PA) are the ring metabolites of this fungicide according to animal studies, but they have not yet been measured in human urine as metabolites of folpet, only PA as a metabolite of phthalates. The objective of this study was thus to develop a reliable gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to quantify the sum of PI, PAA, and PA ringmetabolites of folpet in human urine. Briefly, the method consisted of adding p-methylhippuric acid as an internal standard, performing an acid hydrolysis at 100 °C to convert ring-metabolites into PA, purifying samples by ethyl acetate extraction, and derivatizing with N,O-bis (trimethylsilyl)trifluoro acetamide prior to GC-MS analysis. The method had a detection limit of 60.2 nmol/L (10 ng/mL); it was found to be accurate (mean recovery, 97%), precise (inter- and intra-day percentage relative standard deviations <13%), and with a good linearity (R2>0.98). Validation was conducted using unexposed peoples urine spiked at concentrations ranging from 4.0 to 16.1 ?mol/L, along with urine samples of volunteers dosed with folpet, and of exposed workers. The method proved to be (1) suitable and accurate to determine the kinetic profile of PA equivalents in the urine of volunteers orally and dermally administered folpet and (2) relevant for the biomonitoring of exposure in workers. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-4753-5
    (consulté le 15.06.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21336936
    Descripteurs MeSH : Fungicides, Industrial ; Phthalimides ; Plasma ; Urine ; Environmental Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86387

    Toxicokinetics of captan and folpet biomarkers in orally exposed volunteers

    Auteurs : Berthet, Aurélie ; Bouchard, Michèle ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2011, Vol. 32, n° 3, p. 194-201

    Abstract : The time courses of key biomarkers of exposure to captan and folpet was assessed in accessible biological matrices of orally exposed volunteers. Ten volunteers ingested 1?mg kg(-1) body weight of captan or folpet. Blood samples were withdrawn at fixed time periods over the 72?h following ingestion and complete urine voids were collected over 96?h post-dosing. The tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI) metabolite of captan along with the phthalimide (PI) and phthalic acid metabolites of folpet were then quantified in these samples. Plasma levels of THPI and PI increased progressively after ingestion, reaching peak values ~10 and 6?h post-dosing, respectively; subsequent elimination phase appeared monophasic with a mean elimination half-life (t() ) of 15.7 and 31.5?h, respectively. In urine, elimination rate time courses of PI and phthalic acid evolved in parallel, with respective t() of 27.3 and 27.6?h; relatively faster elimination was found for THPI, with mean t() of 11.7?h. However, phthalic acid was present in urine in 1000-fold higher amounts than PI. In the 96?h period post-treatment, on average 25% of folpet dose was excreted in urine as phthalic acid as compared with only 0.02% as PI. The corresponding value for THPI was 3.5%. Overall, THPI and PI appear as interesting biomarkers of recent exposure, with relatively short half-lives; their sensitivity to assess exposure in field studies should be further verified. Although not a metabolite specific to folpet, the concomitant use of phthalic acid as a major biomarker of exposure to folpet should also be considered. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jat.1653
    (consulté le 19.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21381057
    Descripteurs MeSH : Fungicides, Industrial ; Environmental Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86403

    Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APCI-MS/MS) methods for the quantification of captan and folpet phthalimide metabolites in human plasma and urine

    Auteurs : Berthet, Aurélie ; Bouchard, Michèle ; Schüpfer, Patrick ; Vernez, David ; Danuser, Brigitta ; Huynh, Cong Khanh
    Source : Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2011, Vol. 399, n° 6, p. 2243-2255

    Abstract : Captan and folpet are fungicides largely used in agriculture. They have similar chemical structures, except that folpet has an aromatic ring unlike captan. Their half-lives in blood are very short, given that they are readily broken down to tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI) and phthalimide (PI), respectively. Few authors measured these biomarkers in plasma or urine, and analysis was conducted either by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography with UV detection. The objective of this study was thus to develop simple, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APCI-MS/MS) methods to quantify both THPI and PI in human plasma and urine. Briefly, deuterated THPI was added as an internal standard and purification was performed by solid-phase extraction followed by LC/APCI-MS/MS analysis in negative ion mode for both compounds. Validation of the methods was conducted using spiked blank plasma and urine samples at concentrations ranging from 1 to 250 µg/L and 1 to 50 µg/L, respectively, along with samples of volunteers and workers exposed to captan or folpet. The methods showed a good linearity (R (2)?> 0.99), recovery (on average 90% for THPI and 75% for PI), intra- and inter-day precision (RSD, <15%) and accuracy (<20%), and stability. The limit of detection was 0.58 µg/L in urine and 1.47 µg/L in plasma for THPI and 1.14 and 2.17 µg/L, respectively, for PI. The described methods proved to be accurate and suitable to determine the toxicokinetics of both metabolites in human plasma and urine. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4601-z
    (consulté le 20.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21229238
    Descripteurs MeSH : Fungicides, Industrial ; Phthalimides ; Plasma ; Urine ; Environmental Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86388

    Toxicokinetics of captan and folpet biomarkers in dermally exposed volunteers

    Auteurs : Berthet, Aurélie ; Bouchard, Michèle ; Vernez, David
    Source : Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2011, Vol. 32, n° 3, p. 202-209

    Abstract : To better assess biomonitoring data in workers exposed to captan and folpet, the kinetics of ring metabolites [tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI), phthalimide (PI) and phthalic acid] were determined in urine and plasma of dermally exposed volunteers. A 10 mg kg(-1) dose of each fungicide was applied on 80 cm(2) of the forearm and left without occlusion or washing for 24 h. Blood samples were withdrawn at fixed time periods over the 72 h following application and complete urine voids were collected over 96 h post-dosing, for metabolite analysis. In the hours following treatment, a progressive increase in plasma levels of THPI and PI was observed, with peak levels being reached at 24 h for THPI and 10 h for PI. The ensuing elimination phase appeared monophasic with a mean elimination half-life (t() ) of 24.7 and 29.7 h for THPI and PI, respectively. In urine, time courses PI and phthalic acid excretion rate rapidly evolved in parallel, and a mean elimination t() of 28.8 and 29.6 h, respectively, was calculated from these curves. THPI was eliminated slightly faster, with a mean t() of 18.7 h. Over the 96 h period post-application, metabolites were almost completely excreted, and on average 0.02% of captan dose was recovered in urine as THPI while 1.8% of the folpet dose was excreted as phthalic acid and 0.002% as PI, suggesting a low dermal absorption fraction for both fungicides. This study showed the potential use of THPI, PI and phthalic acid as key biomarkers of exposure to captan and folpet. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jat.1659
    (consulté le 18.08.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21381058
    Descripteurs MeSH : Fungicides, Industrial ; Environmental Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88417

    Acute life-threatening extrinsic allergic alveolitis in a paint controller

    Auteurs : Bieler, Gilles ; Thorn, David ; Huynh, Cong Khanh ; Tomicic, Catherine ; Steiner, Urs Christian ; Yawalkar, Nikhil ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Occupational Medicine, 2011, Vol. 61, n° 6, p. 440-442

    Abstract : BACKGROUND: Occupational diisocyanate-induced extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) is a rare and probably underestimated diagnosis. Two acute occupational EAA cases have been described in this context, but neither of them concerned hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) exposure.
    AIMS: To investigate the cause of a life-threatening EAA arising at work in a healthy 30-year-old female paint quality controller.
    METHODS: Occupational medical assessment, workplace evaluation, airborne and biological monitoring and immunodermatological tests.
    RESULTS: Diagnosis of EAA relied on congruent clinical and radiological information, confirmed occupational HDI exposure and positive IgG antibodies and patch tests. The patient worked in a small laboratory for 7 years, only occasionally using HDI-containing hardeners. While working with HDI for 6 h, she developed breathlessness, rapidly progressing to severe respiratory failure. Workplace HDI airborne exposure values ranged from undetectable levels to 4.25 p.p.b. Biological monitoring of urinary hexamethylene diamine in co-workers ranged from <1.0 to 15.4 µg/g creatinine. Patch tests 8 months later showed delayed skin reaction to HDI at 48 h. Subsequent skin biopsy showed spongiotic dermatitis with infiltration of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.
    CONCLUSIONS: We believe this is the first reported case of acute life-threatening EAA following exposure to HDI. Low concentrations of airborne HDI and relatively high urinary hexamethylene diamine suggest significant skin absorption of HDI could have significantly contributed to the development of this acute occupational EAA. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqr057
    (consulté le 18.08.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21824996

    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 88550

    Veille bibliographique sur la surveillance biologique de l'exposition aux produits chimiques en milieu de travail : mise en place d'un réseau francophone multidisciplinaire

    Auteurs : Bijaoui, Annie ; Pillière, Florence ; Gagnon, Maryse ; Truchon, Ginette ; Berode, Michèle ; Torrenté, Aline de ; Sager, Aline ; Hoet, Perrine
    Source : Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2011, n° 125, p. 37-48

    Abstract : L'article présente les étapes de la mise en place d'une veille bibliographique (ou veille scientifique) thématique effectuée conjointement depuis 2005 par 4 institutions francophones du domaine de la santé au travail : l'INRS (France), l'IRSST (Québec), l'IST (Suisse) et l'UCL (Belgique).La thématique suivie est celle de la surveillance biologique de l'exposition aux produits chimiques en milieu de travail. Les données recueillies et mises en forme par les documentalistes servent aux chercheurs spécialistes du sujet non seulement pour suivre les nouveautés du domaine, mais aussi pour documenter des cours et mettre à jour des guides de surveillance biologique. Les différentes étapes de l'approche méthodologique du projet sont décrites : le choix des bases de données à interroger et la mise au point de la stratégie de recherche, la mise en place d'une procédure de partage des tâches pour toutes les étapes du processus de veille qui se répètent à chaque mise à jour (interrogation, création de bases de données avec le logiciel Reference Manager, mise en forme et indexation des références, création et mise à disposition des partenaires des bases de données consolidées au fil du temps avec tous les articles analysés), les moyens administratifs, humains et techniques d'échange de fichiers et les essais pour élargir la veille à la surveillance de pages Web sélectionnées.Un bilan chiffré des six années de la veille est également donné.L'information récoltée et analysée durant les deux dernières années par les partenaires du projet fera l'objet d'un second article axé sur les principales tendances de la thématique choisie. [Auteures]

    Texte intégral : http://www.inrs.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/DMT_TC%20135/$File/TC135.pdf
    (consulté le 29.08.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Air Pollutants, Occupational ; Hazardous Substances ; Environmental Monitoring ; Occupational Exposure ; Databases, Bibliographic ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Information Dissemination
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 90203

    Evaluation de l'efficacité des moyens de protection collective et des équipements de protection individuelle vis-à-vis de l'exposition des travailleurs aux fibres courtes et fibres fines d'amiante : rapport présentant un état des lieux sur les connaissances et obligations relatives aux équipements de protection collective et individuelle amiante

    Auteurs : Borchard, Patrick ; Corbière, Jacques ; Guimon, Michèle ; Herrera, Horacio
    Lieu/dates : Maisons-Alfort : Anses, 2011
    Format : 112 p. : ill.

    Abstract : [Table des matières] 1. IContexte, objet et modalités de traitement de la saisine ; Partie A : Exigences réglementaires, normatives et recensement des EPC-EPI amiante. - 2. Exigences réglementaires en matière de protection collective et individuelle contre l'amiante. - 3. Normes d'exigences pour les équipements de protection collective contre l'amiante. - 4. Aspirateurs à usage industriel. - 5. Norms d'exigences pour la protection individuelle contre l'amiante. - 6. Recensement des EPC et EPI en fonction des activités. - 7. Objectifs de la synthèse bibliographique. - 8. Rappels théoriques sur la filtration de l'air. - 9. Efficacité des équipements de protection collective contre l'amiante. - 10. Aspirateurs à usage industriel. - 11. Efficacité des équipements de protection individuelle. - 12. Comparaison de la filtration des fibres d'amiante ou autres particules non sphériques et des aérosols utilisés pour les essais normalisés (MPPS). - 13. Conclusion sur la synthèse bibliographique. - 14. Perspectives. - 15. Bibliographie. - Annexes

    Notes : Bibliogr p. 93-98
    Ont également collaboré: Horacio Herrera, Amadine Paillat

    Texte intégral : http://www.anses.fr/Documents/AIR2009sa0336Ra.pdf
    (consulté le 29.02.2012)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Asbestos ; Mineral Fibers ; Protective Devices ; Occupational Exposure
    Qualifiant     : Asbestos/adverse effects ; Asbestos/toxicity ; Mineral Fibers/toxicity ; Mineral Fibers/adverse effects ; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 88803

    Conditions de travail et santé dans les centres d'appels téléphoniques

    Auteurs : Chouanière, Dominique ; Boini, Stéphanie ; Colin, Régis
    Source : Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2011, n° 126, p. 241-259

    Abstract : A la demande d'une quarantaine de médecins du travail préoccupés par les conditions de travail dans les centres d'appels téléphoniques (CT) et la santé des téléopérateurs (TO), une enquête épidémiologique a été conduite par l'INRS.
    Il s'agit d'étudier, chez des TO, les relations entre, d'une part des contraintes de travail perçues et des marqueurs de santé et d'autre part, des facteurs organisationnels (FO) déclarés par les responsables de plateaux et des contraintes au travail perçues par les TO. Il s'agissait donc de mettre en évidence les caractéristiques organisationnelles qui ont des conséquences, via les contraintes, sur la santé en tenant compte des principaux facteurs de confusion.
    Quatorze FO ont été identifiés comme étant les plus souvent associés aux contraintes. Par ailleurs cette étude met en évidence que les relations entre FO et marqueurs de santé ne sont pas directes et passent le plus souvent par la perception des contraintes.
    Malgré son caractère transversal, cette étude permet de conclure sur le rôle de certains FO et l'implication de certaines contraintes dans l'apparition de problèmes de santé ouvrant des perspectives de prévention primaire et secondaire tant individuelle (dépistage, surveillance...) que collective (évaluation des conditions de travail et de la santé).
    Le questionnaire sur les caractéristiques organisationnelles, spécialement élaboré, sera bientôt accessible, et pourra être un instrument utile pour les évaluations de terrain. [Auteurs]

    Texte intégral : http://www.dmt-prevention.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/DMT_TF%20191/$File/TF191.pdf
    (consulté le 28.09.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Mental Health ; Work ; Burnout, Professional ; Psychology, Clinical ; Occupational Health
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : France
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86393

    Predictive models for nanotoxicology: current challenges and future opportunities

    Auteurs : Clark, Katherine ; White, Ronald H. ; Silbergeld, Ellen K.
    Source : Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2011, Vol. 59, n° 3, p. 361-363

    Abstract : Characterizing the risks posed by nanomaterials is extraordinarily complex because these materials can have a wide range of sizes, shapes, chemical compositions and surface modifications, all of which may affect toxicity. There is an urgent need for a testing strategy that can rapidly and efficiently provide a screening approach for evaluating the potential hazard of nanomaterials and inform the prioritization of additional toxicological testing where necessary. Predictive toxicity models could form an integral component of such an approach by predicting which nanomaterials, as a result of their physico-chemical characteristics, have potentially hazardous properties. Strategies for directing research towards predictive models and the ancillary benefits of such research are presented here. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.02.002
    (consulté le 19.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21310205
    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Metabolism ; Risk Management
    Qualifiant     : Nanostructures/toxicity
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 89776

    Improved health of hospitality workers after a Swiss cantonal smoking ban

    Auteurs : Durham, André-Dante ; Bergier, Samuel ; Morisod, Xavier ; Locatelli, Isabella ; Zellweger, Jean-Pierre ; Huynh, Cong Khanh ; Cornuz, Jacques
    Source : Swiss Medical Weekly, 2011, Vol. 141, art. w13317 [8 p.]

    Abstract : QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: Hospitality workers are a population particularly at risk from the noxious effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The Canton of Vaud, Switzerland banned smoking in public places in September 2009. This prospective study addresses the impact of the ban on the health of hospitality workers. METHODS: ETS exposure was evaluated using a passive sampling device that measures airborne nicotine; lung function was assessed by spirometry; health-related quality of life, ETS exposure symptoms and satisfaction were measured by questionnaire. RESULTS: 105 participants (smokers and non-smokers) were recruited initially and 66 were followed up after one year. ETS exposure was significantly lower after the ban. Hospitality workers had lower pre-ban forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values than expected. FEV1 remained stable after the ban, with a near-significant increase in the subgroup of asthmatics only. FVC increased at one year follow-up from 90.42% to 93.05% (p = 0.02) in the entire cohort; women, non-smokers and older participants gained the greatest benefit. The health survey showed an increase in physical wellbeing after the ban, the greatest benefit being observed in non-smokers. ETS exposure symptoms were less frequent after the ban, especially red and irritated eyes and sneezing. The new law was judged useful and satisfactory by the vast majority of employees, including smokers. CONCLUSION: The recent cantonal ban on smoking in public places brought about an improvement in lung function, physical well-being and ETS symptoms of hospitality workers, including smokers. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.4414/smw.2011.13317
    (consulté le 12.01.2012)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22252843

    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90185

    Toxicokinetic modeling of folpet fungicide and its ring-biomarkers of exposure in humans

    Auteurs : Heredia-Ortiz, Roberto ; Berthet, Aurélie ; Bouchard, Michèle
    Source : Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2011, Dec 19; [Epub ahead of print]

    Abstract : A human in vivo toxicokinetic model was built to allow a better understanding of the toxicokinetics of folpet fungicide and its key ring biomarkers of exposure: phthalimide (PI), phthalamic acid (PAA) and phthalic acid (PA). Both PI and the sum of ring metabolites, expressed as PA equivalents (PA(eq) ), may be used as biomarkers of exposure. The conceptual representation of the model was based on the analysis of the time course of these biomarkers in volunteers orally and dermally exposed to folpet. In the model, compartments were also used to represent the body burden of folpet and experimentally relevant PI, PAA and PA ring metabolites in blood and in key tissues as well as in excreta, hence urinary and feces. The time evolution of these biomarkers in each compartment of the model was then mathematically described by a system of coupled differential equations. The mathematical parameters of the model were then determined from best fits to the time courses of PI and PA(eq) in blood and urine of five volunteers administered orally 1?mg?kg(-1) and dermally 10?mg?kg(-1) of folpet. In the case of oral administration, the mean elimination half-life of PI from blood (through feces, urine or metabolism) was found to be 39.9?h as compared with 28.0?h for PA(eq) . In the case of a dermal application, mean elimination half-life of PI and PA(eq) was estimated to be 34.3 and 29.3?h, respectively. The average final fractions of administered dose recovered in urine as PI over the 0-96?h period were 0.030 and 0.002%, for oral and dermal exposure, respectively. Corresponding values for PA(eq) were 24.5 and 1.83%, respectively. Finally, the average clearance rate of PI from blood calculated from the oral and dermal data was 0.09?±?0.03 and 0.13?±?0.05?ml?h(-1) while the volume of distribution was 4.30?±?1.12 and 6.05?±?2.22?l, respectively. It was not possible to obtain the corresponding values from PA(eq) data owing to the lack of blood time course data. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jat.1782
    (consulté le 28.02.2012)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 22180346

    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 87967

    Message de bienvenue du Président du GRMHST

    Herrera, Horacio.  In : XXIVe Journées franco-suisses de médecine du travail, Forum, Fribourg 16 et 17 juin 2011 : recueil des communications du congrès. - Lausanne : GRMHST, 2011. - P. 4

    Descripteurs MeSH : Occupational Health
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86710

    Evaluation of exposure biomarkers in offshore workers exposed to low benzene and toluene concentrations

    Auteurs : Hopf, Nancy B. ; Kirkeleit, Jorunn ; Bratveit, Magne ; Succop, Paul ; Talaska, Glenn ; Moen, Bente E.
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2011, Vol. 85, n° 3, p. 261-271

    Abstract : PURPOSE: Characterize ethylbenzene and xylene air concentrations, and explore the biological exposure markers (urinary t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and unmetabolized toluene) among petroleum workers offshore. Offshore workers have increased health risks due to simultaneous exposures to several hydrocarbons present in crude oil. We discuss the pooled benzene exposure results from our previous and current studies and possible co-exposure interactions.
    METHODS: BTEX air concentrations were measured during three consecutive 12-h work shifts among 10 tank workers, 15 process operators, and 18 controls. Biological samples were collected pre-shift on the first day of study and post-shift on the third day of the study.
    RESULTS: The geometric mean exposure over the three work shifts were 0.02 ppm benzene, 0.05 ppm toluene, 0.03 ppm ethylbenzene, and 0.06 ppm xylene. Benzene in air was significantly correlated with unmetabolized benzene in blood (r = 0.69, p < 0.001) and urine (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), but not with urinary t,t-MA (r = 0.27, p = 0.20). Toluene in air was highly correlated with the internal dose of toluene in both blood (r = 0.70, p < 0.001) and urine (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). Co-exposures were present; however, an interaction of metabolism was not likely at these low benzene and toluene exposures.
    CONCLUSION: Urinary benzene, but not t,t-MA, was a reliable biomarker for benzene at low exposure levels. Urinary toluene was a useful biomarker for toluene exposure. Xylene and ethylbenzene air levels were low. Dermal exposure assessment needs to be performed in future studies among these workers. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0664-1
    (consulté le 20.06.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21671104
    Descripteurs MeSH : Benzene ; Toluene ; Xylenes ; ethylbenzene ; Petroleum
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86666

    EACCI Position Paper: Prevention of work-related respiratory allergies among pre-apprentices or apprentices and young workers

    Auteurs : Moscato, Gianna ; Pala, G. ; Boillat, Marcel-André ; Folletti, I. ; Gerth van Wijk, R. ; Olgiati-Des Gouttes, Dominique ; Perfetti, L. ; Quirce, S. ; Siracusa, A. ; Walusiak-Skorupa, J. ; Tarlo, Susan M.
    Source : Allergy, 2011, Vol. 66, n° 9, p. 1164-1173

    Abstract : Apprenticeship is a period of increased risk of developing work-related respiratory allergic diseases. There is a need for documents to provide appropriate professional advice to young adults aiming to reduce unsuitable job choices and prevent impairment from their careers. The present document is the result of a consensus reached by a panel of experts from European and non-European countries addressed to allergologists, pneumologists, occupational physicians, primary care physicians, and other specialists interested in this field, which aims to reduce work-related respiratory allergies (rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma) among allergic or nonallergic apprentices and other young adults entering the workforce. The main objective of the document is to issue consensus suggestions for good clinical practice based on existing scientific evidence and the expertise of a panel of physicians. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02615.x
    (consulté le 15.06.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21557751
    Descripteurs MeSH : Occupational Health ; Occupational Diseases ; Adolescent ; Hypersensitivity
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Health/legislation & jurisprudence ; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control ; Hypersensitivity/prevention & control
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 90179

    Factors promoting the exposure to bioaerosols among crop workers [Abstract]

    Auteurs : Niculita-Hirzel, Hélène ; Oppliger, Anne
    In : 6th International Scientific Conference on Bioaerosols, Fungi, Bacteria, Mycotoxins in Indoor and Outdoor Environments and Human Health, September 6 - 9, 2011, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA. - Albany, N.Y. : Fungal Research Group Foundation, 2011. - P. 65

    Descripteurs MeSH : Endotoxins ; Agricultural Workers' Diseases
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Endotoxins/analysis ; Agricultural Workers' Diseases/prevention & control
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 85677

    Exposure to microorganisms and endotoxins in crop workers [Abstract]

    Auteurs : Niculita-Hirzel, Hélène ; Oppliger, Anne
    In : Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, FBM Research Day, January 27, 2011. - Lausanne : University of Lausanne, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, 2011. - ENA-8, p. 15 [Poster]
    Collection : FBM Research Day

    Descripteurs MeSH : Endotoxins ; Agricultural Workers' Diseases
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Endotoxins/analysis ; Agricultural Workers' Diseases/prevention & control
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 86633

    Pollution bactérienne autour des installations d'élevages intensifs d'animaux de rente

    Oppliger, Anne.  Source : Bulletin de veille scientifique : santé, environnement, travail : notes d'actualité scientifique, 2011, n° 13, p. 71-74

    Abstract : Les élevages intensifs d'animaux de rente, en particulier ceux de bovins et de porcins sont nombreux en France et sont concentrés dans certaines régions (Bretagne, Normandie, Massif central, Alpes, Pyrénées). Au total, on dénombre environ 20 millions de bovins répartis dans 280 000 exploitations et 25 millions de porcs répartis dans 30 000 exploitations. Ceci représente en moyenne 70 vaches/exploitation et 830 porcs/exploitation. De telles densités d'animaux réunis sur des surfaces de taille minimale, génèrent d'énormes quantités de déchets organiques, notamment de matières fécales qui contiennent une grande diversité de bactéries, pouvant parfois être pathogènes pour l'humain. Une partie de ces bactéries sont des bactéries gram négatif (entérobactéries) dont les parois contiennent des endotoxines (1). Ces endotoxines sont connues pour causer des problèmes respiratoires ou des problèmes toxiques (ODTS) (2), lorsqu'elles sont inhalées (Cole, Todd, Wing ; 2000). Jusqu'à présent, plusieurs études se sont attachées à évaluer l'exposition à ces bioaérosols (3) à l'intérieur des élevages d'animaux (vaches, chevaux, porcs, poules) et ont démontré la présence d'importantes concentrations de bactéries et d'endotoxines aéroportées. Cependant, très peu d'études ont estimé la dispersion de ces bioaérosols à l'extérieur des installations d'élevages. En 2008, une étude américaine avait caractérisé les bactéries aéroportées retrouvées dans,et autour, d'une douzaine d'exploitations porcines. Cette étude avait été discutée dans le cadre d'une note d'actualité scientifique précédente (BVS 9). Aujourd'hui, ces mêmes auteurs nous livrent des résultats concernant l'exposition aux endotoxines dans et autour de ces mêmes élevages de porcs (Ko et al., 2010). Une autre équipe de recherche chinoise a estimé la dispersion d'Escherichia coli dans l'environnement immédiat d'exploitations porcines (Yuan, Chai, Miao ; 2010). Cette bactérie, appelée aussi coliforme, fait partie de la flore intestinale normale de tous les animaux à sang chaud (mammifères et oiseaux). Sa mise en évidence dans certains milieux,notamment l'eau, est utilisée comme indicateur de contamination fécale. Finalement, une autre étude vient de paraître concernant les concentrations en endotoxines au cours de l'année, à proximité de stabulations ouvertes de vaches laitières (Dungan, Leytem, Bjorneberg ; 2010). Ce sont ces trois articles qui sont analysés ci-dessous. [Auteure]





    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/517904078260532484175820423925/Anses_bulletin_veille_scientifique_13_BVS_13_web.pdf
    (consulté le 09.06.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Animals ; Endotoxins ; Bacteria ; Environmental Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 85951

    Qualité microbiologique de l'air des écuries et conséquences pour la santé des travailleurs du secteur équestre

    Oppliger, Anne.  Source : Bulletin de veille scientifique : santé, environnement, travail : notes d'actualité scientifique, 2011, n° 12, p. 54-57

    Abstract : Les sports équestres sont en plein développement en France où l'on compte plus d'un million de chevaux. Le nombre de cavaliers pratiquant en club ou chez eux est estimé à 600 000 et l'on dénombre plus de 68 000 emplois en France dans tous les domaines : agriculture, environnement, courses, loisirs, sports (www.haras-nationaux.fr). On trouve également dans les métiers du cheval les vétérinaires spécialisés ainsi que les maréchaux-ferrants. De plus, la France est un pays reconnu pour son activité d'élevage avec une production de chevaux de concours de très grande qualité.
    Récemment, plusieurs études relatant les expositions professionnelles à la poussière des écuries ont paru dans les journaux scientifiques. Les résultats montrent que la poussière issue des écuries contient, entre autres, des concentrations relativement élevées d'endotoxines (1) et de ?(1-3)-glucan (2) pouvant avoir des conséquences sur la santé respiratoire des travailleurs. En effet, des études précédentes ont montré que le fait de travailler ou de côtoyer des chevaux était associé avec une augmentation des risques de problèmes des voies respiratoires supérieures tels que des irritations du nez, de la toux (sèche et productive), de l'asthme, des bronchites chroniques et des épisodes d'" organic dust toxic syndrome (3) " (Gallagher et al., 2007 ; Mazan et al., 2009). [Auteure]




    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/002534239953420268873686299797/ANSES_bulletin_veille_scientifique_12_BVS_12.pdf
    (consulté le 21.03.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Aerosols ; Endotoxins ; Horses ; Dust ; Occupational Exposure ; Respiratory Tract Diseases
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 88462

    Exposition environmentale à certains virus

    Auteurs : Oppliger, Anne ; Masclaux, Frédéric
    Source : Bulletin de veille scientifique : santé, environnement, travail : notes d'actualité scientifique, 2011, n° 15, p. 42-45

    Abstract : Les virus sont présents dans la plupart des environnements. Grâce aux outils moléculaires, il est maintenant possible de les mettre en évidence facilement, ce qui était difficile auparavant car cela nécessitait une infrastructure relativement complexe (cultures cellulaires ou inoculation à des animaux). En 2002, à l'aide de la métagénomique, une approche expérimentale a permis de montrer la présence de > 5 000 virus différents dans 200 litres d'eau de mer (Breitbart et al., 2002). Tous ces virus étaient essentiellement de nouvelles espèces. Ainsi, les études cherchant à détecter des virus pathogènes dans des échantillons environnementaux se sont multipliées afin de mieux comprendre leurs cycles vitaux, leurs voies de contamination et leur survie dans la nature.
    L'homme et les animaux contractent des virus essentiellement par ingestion d'eau contaminée ou par voies manuportée et aéroportée. Certains de ces virus (i.e. virus de la grippe aviaire H5N1, SRAS) sont à l'origine de sérieux problèmes de santé publique de par : leur dissémination rapide, leur caractère zoonotique et la difficulté à traiter les personnes atteintes.
    Les trois articles présentés dans cette note montrent 1) les propriétés de survie étonnantes de l'adénovirus dans les eaux souterraines ; 2) la dynamique saisonnière du norovirus également dans les eaux souterraines et 3) le rôle de la toux dans la dissémination du virus de la grippe. [Auteurs]





    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/775027212902773448718822136772/Anses_bulletin_veille_scientifique_15_BVS_15.pdf


    (consulté le 22.08.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Aerosols ; Influenza A virus ; Sewage ; Environmental Exposure ; Viruses
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86407

    Assessment of airborne microorganisms by real-time PCR: optimistic findings and research challenges

    Auteurs : Oppliger, Anne ; Masclaux, Frédéric ; Niculita-Hirzel, Hélène
    Source : Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
    ,     2011, S3, n° 163, p. 445-453

    Abstract : Most airborne microorganisms are natural components of our ecosystem. Soil, vegetation and animals, including humans, are sources for aerial release of these living or dead cells. In the past, assessment of airborne microorganisms was mainly restricted to occupational health concerns. Indeed, in several occupations, exposure to very high concentrations of non-infectious airborne bacteria and fungi, result in allergenic, toxic or irritant reactions. Recently, the threat of bioterrorism and pandemics have highlighted the urgent need to increase knowledge of bioaerosol ecology. More fundamentally, airborne bacterial and fungal communities begin to draw much more consideration from environmental microbiologists, who have neglected this area for a long time. This increased interest of scientists is to a great part due to the development and use of real-time PCR techniques to identify and quantify airborne microorganisms. Even if the advantages of the PCR technology are obvious, researchers are confronted with new problems. This review describes the methodological state of the art in bioaerosols field and emphasizes the future challenges and perspectives of the real-time PCR-based methods for airborne microorganism studies. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.2741/s163
    (consulté le 20.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21196388
    Descripteurs MeSH : Air Microbiology ; Animals ; Bacteria ; Genetics ; Fungi ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Specimen Handling ; Viruses
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86669

    Hand-disinfectant alcoholic vapors in incubators

    Auteurs : Paccaud, Catherine ; Vernez, David ; Berode, Michèle ; Charrière, Nicole ; Moessinger, Adrien ; Laubscher, Bernard
    Source : Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2011, Vol. 4, n° 1, p. 15-19

    Abstract : Objective: To analyze the atmosphere inside incubators regarding alcoholic solvent such as isopropanol or ethanol which are commonly used in hand disinfecting solutions.
    Design: Observational.
    Setting: The third level neonatal unit of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
    Patients: Nine neonates with median (range) gestational age of 29 4/7 (25 5/7-39 0/7) weeks and birth weight of 960 (550-3050) grams. All neonates were inside incubators.
    Interventions: Alcoholic vapors inside incubators were directly and cumulatively measured by photoionisation and gas chromatography respectively after absorption on a charcoal sampling tube.
    Results: Eleven studies (mean study time: 230±19 minutes) were performed. Highly variable isopropanol/ethanol concentrations profiles were found inside incubators. Peak value for isopropanol was 1982 part per million and for ethanol was 906
    part per million.
    Conclusions: Incubators' inner atmosphere can be highly polluted by alcohol vapors. To reduce them staff should respect long evaporation time between hands disinfection and manipulations inside incubators. The use of an ethanol-based disinfecting solution, because of its short evaporation time, could be favored. As alcohol vapor toxicity for neonate remains largely unknown, further studies could be welcome. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/NPM-2011-2727
    (consulté le 15.06.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Infant, Newborn ; 2-Propanol ; Ethanol ; Incubators ; Inhalation Exposure ; Handwashing
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88416

    In-vitro cell exposure studies for the assessment of nanoparticle toxicity in the lung: a dialog between aerosol science and biology

    Auteurs : Paur, Hanns-Rudolf ; Cassee, Flemming R. ; Teeguarden, Justin ; Fissan, Heinz ; Diabate, Silvia ; Aufderheide, Michaela ; Kreyling, Wolfgang G. ; Hänninen, Otto ; Kasper, Gerhard ; Riediker, Michael ; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara ; Schmid, Otmar
    Source : Journal of Aerosol Science, 2011, Vol. 42, n° 10, p. 668-692

    Abstract : The introduction of engineered nanostructured materials into a rapidly increasing number of industrial and consumer products will result in enhanced exposure to engineered nanoparticles. Workplace exposure has been identified as the most likely source of uncontrolled inhalation of engineered aerosolized nanoparticles, but release of engineered nanoparticles may occur at any stage of the lifecycle of (consumer) products. The dynamic development of nanomaterials with possibly unknown toxicological effects poses a challenge for the assessment of nanoparticle induced toxicity and safety.
    In this consensus document from a workshop on in-vitro cell systems for nanoparticle toxicity testing1 an overview is given of the main issues concerning exposure to airborne nanoparticles, lung physiology, biological mechanisms of (adverse) action, in-vitro cell exposure systems, realistic tissue doses, risk assessment and social aspects of nanotechnology. The workshop participants recognized the large potential of in-vitro cell exposure systems for reliable, high-throughput screening of nanoparticle toxicity. For the investigation of lung toxicity, a strong preference was expressed for air-liquid interface (ALI) cell exposure systems (rather than submerged cell exposure systems) as they more closely resemble in-vivo conditions in the lungs and they allow for unaltered and dosimetrically accurate delivery of aerosolized nanoparticles to the cells. An important aspect, which is frequently overlooked, is the comparison of typically used in-vitro dose levels with realistic in-vivo nanoparticle doses in the lung. If we consider average ambient urban exposure and occupational exposure at 5mg/m3 (maximum level allowed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)) as the boundaries of human exposure, the corresponding upper-limit range of nanoparticle flux delivered to the lung tissue is 3 x 10-5-5 x 10-3 µg/h/cm2 of lung tissue and 2­ 300 particles/h/(epithelial) cell. This range can be easily matched and even exceeded by almost all currently available cell exposure systems.
    The consensus statement includes a set of recommendations for conducting in-vitro cell exposure studies with pulmonary cell systems and identifies urgent needs for future development. As these issues are crucial for the introduction of safe nanomaterials into the marketplace and the living environment, they deserve more attention and more interaction between biologists and aerosol scientists. The members of the workshop believe that further advances in in-vitro cell exposure studies would be greatly facilitated by a more active role of the aerosol scientists. The technical know-how for developing and running ALI in-vitro exposure systems is available in the aerosol community and at the same time biologists/toxicologists are required for proper assessment of the biological impact of nanoparticles. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2011.06.005
    (consulté le 18.08.2011)


    Article | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 87944

    Coordination and collaboration in European research towards healthy and safe nanomaterials [Conference paper]

    Riediker, Michael.  Source : Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2011, Vol. 304, n° 1, 012001, p. 1-7

    Abstract : Nanotechnology is becoming part of our daily life in a wide range of products such as computers, bicycles, sunscreens or nanomedicines. While these applications already become reality, considerable work awaits scientists, engineers, and policy makers, who want such nanotechnological products to yield a maximum of benefit at a minimum of social, environmental, economic and (occupational) health cost. Considerable efforts for coordination and collaboration in research are needed if one wants to reach these goals in a reasonable time frame and an affordable price tag. This is recognized in Europe by the European Commission which funds not only research projects but also supports the coordination of research efforts. One of these coordination efforts is NanoImpactNet, a researcher-operated network, which started in 2008 promote scientific cross-talk across all disciplines on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials. Stakeholders contribute to these activities, notably the definition of research and knowledge needs. Initial discussions in this domain focused on finding an agreement on common metrics, and which elements are needed for standardized approaches for hazard and exposure identification. There are many nanomaterial properties that may play a role. Hence, to gain the time needed to study this complex matter full of uncertainties, researchers and stakeholders unanimously called for simple, easy and fast risk assessment tools that can support decision making in this rapidly moving and growing domain. Today, several projects are starting or already running that will develop such assessment tools. At the same time, other projects investigate in depth which factors and material properties can lead to unwanted toxicity or exposure, what mechanisms are involved and how such responses can be predicted and modelled. A vision for the future is that once these factors, properties and mechanisms are understood, they can and will be accounted for in the development of new products and production processes following the idea of "Safety by Design". The promise of all these efforts is a future with nanomaterials where most of their risks are recognized and addressed before they even reach the market. [Author]

    Notes : Presented at: Nanosafe2010: International Conference on Safe Production and Use of Nanomaterials

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/304/1/012001
    (consulté le 11.07.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Nanoparticles ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Industry ; Occupational Exposure
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Europe
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 90250

    Compendium of projects in the European nanosafety cluster

    Auteurs : Riediker, Michael Ed. ; Katalagarianakis, Georgios
    Lieu/dates : Lausanne : Institute for Work and Health, 2011
    Format : VI, 218 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : This is the second edition of the compendium. Since the first edition a number of important initiatives have been launched in the shape of large projects targeting integration of research infrastructure and new technology for toxicity studies and exposure monitoring.
    The demand for research in the area of human health and environmental safety management of nanotechnologies is present since a decade and identified by several landmark reports and studies. Several guidance documents have been published. It is not the intention of this compendium to report on these as they are widely available.
    It is also not the intention to publish scientific papers and research results as this task is covered by scientific conferences and the peer reviewed press.
    The intention of the compendium is to bring together researchers, create synergy in their work, and establish links and communication between them mainly during the actual research phase before publication of results. Towards this purpose we find useful to give emphasis to communication of projects strategic aims, extensive coverage of specific work objectives and of methods used in research, strengthening human capacities and laboratories infrastructure, supporting collaboration for common goals and joint elaboration of future plans, without compromising scientific publication potential or IP Rights.
    These targets are far from being achieved with the publication in its present shape. We shall continue working, though, and hope with the assistance of the research community to make significant progress. The publication will take the shape of a dynamic, frequently updated, web-based document available free of charge to all interested parties. Researchers in this domain are invited to join the effort, communicating the work being done. [ed.]


    Notes : Bibliogr.

    (consulté le 08.03.2012)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Nanostructures ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Occupational Health ; Safety ; Environment
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Europe
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88589

    Exposure to tobacco smoke before and after a partial smoking ban in prison: indoors air quality measures

    Auteurs : Ritter, Catherine ; Huynh, Cong Khanh ; Etter, Jean-François ; Elger, Bernice S.
    Source : Tobacco Control, 2011, Aug 11 ; [E-pub ahead of print]

    Abstract : Although exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is reportedly high in prison, few studies have measured this in the prison environment, and none have done so in Europe. We measured two indicators of SHS exposure (particulate matter PM10 and nicotine) in fixed locations before (2009) and after (2010) introduction of a partial smoking ban in a Swiss prison. Access to smoking cessation support was available to detainees throughout the study.
    Objectives To measure SHS before and after the introduction of a partial smoking ban.
    Methods Assessment of particulate matter PM10 (suspended microparticles of 10 µm) and nicotine in ambient air, collected by real-time aerosol monitor and nicotine monitoring devices.
    Results The authors observed a significant improvement of nicotine concentrations in the air after the introduction of the smoking ban (before: 7.0 µg/m3, after: 2.1 µg/m3, difference 4.9 µg/m3, 95% CI for difference: 0.52 to 9.8, p=0.03) but not in particulate matter PM10 (before: 0.11 mg/m3, after: 0.06 mg/m3, difference 0.06 mg/m3, 95% CI for difference of means: -0.07 to 0.19, p=0.30).
    Conclusions The partial smoking ban was followed by a decrease in nicotine concentrations in ambient air. These improvements can be attributed to the introduction of the smoking ban since no other policy change occurred during this period. Although this shows that concentrations of SHS decreased significantly, protection was still incomplete and further action is necessary to improve indoor air quality. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tc.2011.043356
    (consulté le 01.09.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21836161

    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 90187

    Passer d'un modèle de fonctionnement associatif à un modèle institutionnel: une analyse des transformations de l'organisation du travail

    Auteurs : Rochat, Lysiane ; Gonik, Viviane ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Pistes [Document électronique], 2011, Vol. 13, n° 2, p. 1-19

    Abstract : Le monde de l'action humanitaire a connu des développements importants durant les dernières décennies. Sur les terrains d'interventions, les crises et les conflits se sont fortement complexifiés, nécessitant la participation de spécialistes de nombreux domaines (Cahill, 2006, p. 10). Par ailleurs, les volumes financiers générés par les campagnes de dons et mis à disposition par les bailleurs de fonds ont considérablement augmenté. En corollaire de cette croissance financière, les exigences de contrôle et de traçabilité des fonds se sont renforcées. En lien avec ces éléments, le nombre de salariés dans les grandes organisations non gouvernementales a augmenté de manière exponentielle (Dauvin, Siméant, et C.A.H.I.E.R., 2002, p. 109). Une littérature spécifique sur les modalités d'évaluation des performances, le management et le « leadership » des organisations dites du « tiers secteur » a d'ailleurs vu le jour, comme l'illustre la naissance, en 1990, de la revue « Nonprofit Management and Leadership » (Young et Billis, 1990). Les pays bénéficiaires de l'aide ont également développé des exigences spécifiques envers les projets mis en oeuvre par les ONG. Par des phénomènes de « socialisation des standards occidentaux » (Dauvin, 2004, p. 830), ces derniers attendent des acteurs internationaux un certain niveau de qualité des programmes.
    Pour s'adapter à ces évolutions et répondre aux exigences d'efficacité auxquelles elles sont soumises, les organisations d'aide ont dû se transformer. Les grandes organisations ont ainsi connu durant les dernières décennies un mouvement de professionnalisation de leur structure, les conduisant à se rapprocher d'un modèle de fonctionnement que nous nommerons ici « institutionnel », à savoir formalisé et organisé. Nous employons ici le terme de professionnalisation dans l'appréciation qu'en font les acteurs du milieu humanitaire, à savoir en ce qu'il désigne « les restructurations internes auxquelles leurs organisations font face depuis la fin des années 1980 » (Le Naëlou, 2004, p. 775). Différents indicateurs de cette professionnalisation au sein des ONG peuvent être identifiés, notamment une plus forte division du travail, le développement de statuts spécifiques, la salarisation croissante des métiers de l'humanitaire ou encore le recours aux fonds publics (Dauvin et coll., 2002, p. 106).
    Une conséquence également de cette évolution est l'entrée de nouveaux métiers sur la scène humanitaire. À côté des professions traditionnellement à l'origine des ONG (médecins, ingénieurs, juristes, etc.), la complexification et la diversification des tâches a rendu nécessaire de faire appel à des compétences professionnelles spécifiques dans des domaines tels que la communication, l'informatique ou la finance, pour ne citer que quelques exemples. Des connaissances et des pratiques spécifiques en matière de management des ONG se sont développées depuis la fin des années 1990 (Lewis, 2001, cité par Roberts, Jones III et Fröhling, 2005, p. 1849). Le métier de logisticien est apparu, lequel est enseigné dans des structures spécialisées (par exemple par l'association Bioforce en France) (Le Naëlou, 2004, p. 788). Des formations académiques spécialisées dans le domaine de l'humanitaire et de la coopération ont également vu le jour, avec le but affiché de former des professionnels spécialistes de l'humanitaire. On peut par exemple citer le PIAH en Suisse (Programme interdisciniplinaire en action humanitaire, 2011), ou encore les formations dispensées par le CIHC aux États-Unis (Center for international humanitarian cooperation, 2011). [Auteures]



     Descripteurs MeSH : Human Engineering ; Organizations, Nonprofit
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86396

    Maternal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and the secondary sex ratio: an occupational cohort study

    Auteurs : Rocheleau, Carissa M. ; Bertke, Stephen J. ; Deddens, James A. ; Ruder, Avima M. ; Lawson, Christina C. ; Waters, Martha A. ; Hopf, Nancy B. ; Riggs, Margaret A. ; Whelan, Elizabeth A.
    Source : Environmental Health, 2011, Vol. 10, n° 20, p. 1-11

    Abstract : Background: Though commercial production of polychlorinated biphenyls was banned in the United States in 1977, exposure continues due to their environmental persistence. Several studies have examined the association between environmental polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and modulations of the secondary sex ratio, with conflicting results.
    Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the association between maternal preconceptional occupational polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and the secondary sex ratio.
    Methods: We examined primipara singleton births of 2595 women, who worked in three capacitor plants at least one year during the period polychlorinated biphenyls were used. Cumulative estimated maternal occupational polychlorinated biphenyl exposure at the time of the infant's conception was calculated from plant-specific job-exposure matrices. A logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between maternal polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and male sex at birth (yes/no).
    Results: Maternal body mass index at age 20, smoking status, and race did not vary between those occupationally exposed and those unexposed before the child's conception. Polychlorinated biphenyl-exposed mothers were, however, more likely to have used oral contraceptives and to have been older at the birth of their first child than non-occupationally exposed women. Among 1506 infants liveborn to polychlorinated biphenyl-exposed primiparous women, 49.8% were male; compared to 49.9% among those not exposed (n = 1089). Multivariate analyses controlling for mother's age and year of birth found no significant association between the odds of a male birth and mother's cumulative estimated polychlorinated biphenyl exposure to time of conception.
    Conclusions: Based on these data, we find no evidence of altered sex ratio among children born to primiparous polychlorinated biphenyl-exposed female workers. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1476-069X-10-20
    (consulté le 19.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21418576
    Descripteurs MeSH : Women ; Maternal Exposure ; Hormones ; Birth Order ; Breast ; In Vitro ; Mortality ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls ; Association ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86660

    Biomarkers of oxidative stress and its association with the urinary reducing capacity in bus maintenance workers

    Auteurs : Sauvain, Jean-Jacques ; Setyan, Ari ; Wild, Pascal ; Tacchini, Philippe ; Lagger, Grégoire ; Storti, Ferdinand ; Deslarzes, Simon ; Guillemin, Michel ; Rossi, Michel J. ; Riediker, Michael
    Source : Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 2011, Vol. 6, n° 18, p. 1-13

    Abstract : Background : Exposure to particles (PM) induces adverse health effects (cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases). A key-role in these adverse effects seems to be played by oxidative stress, which is an excess of reactive oxygen species relative to the amount of reducing species (including antioxidants), the first line of defense against reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to document the oxidative stress caused by exposure to respirable particles in vivo, and to test whether exposed workers presented changes in their urinary levels for reducing species.
    Methods : Bus depot workers (n=32) exposed to particles and pollutants (respirable PM4, organic and elemental carbon, particulate metal content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, NOx, O3) were surveyed over two consecutive days. We collected urine samples before and after each shift, and quantified an oxidative stress biomarker (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine), the reducing capacity and a biomarker of PAH exposure (1-hydroxypyrene). We used a linear mixed model to test for associations between the oxidative stress status of the workers and their particle exposure as well as with their urinary level of reducing species.
    Results : Workers were exposed to low levels of respirable PM4 (range 25-71 ug/m3). However, urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine increased significantly within each shift and between both days for non-smokers. The between-day increase was significantly correlated (p<0.001) with the concentrations of organic carbon, NOx, and the particulate copper content. The within-shift increase in 8OHdG was highly correlated to an increase of the urinary reducing capacity (Spearman rho = 0.59, p<0.0001).
    Conclusions : These findings confirm that exposure to components associated to respirable particulate matter causes a systemic oxidative stress, as measured with the urinary 8OHdG. The strong association observed between urinary 8OHdG with the reducing capacity is suggestive of protective or other mechanisms, including circadian effects. Additional investigations should be performed to understand these observations. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-6-18
    (consulté le 15.06.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21619715
    Descripteurs MeSH : Aerosols ; Particulate Matter ; Oxidative Stress ; Mechanics ; Biological Markers ; Occupational Exposure ; Chemistry, Analytical
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86401

    Hyperventilation complaints in music performance anxiety among classical music students

    Auteurs : Studer, Regina ; Danuser, Brigitta ; Hildebrandt, Horst ; Arial, Marc ; Gomez, Patrick
    Source : Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2011, Vol. 70, n° 6, p. 557-564

    Abstract : Objective : Despite the importance of respiration and hyperventilation in anxiety disorders, research on breathing disturbances associated with hyperventilation is rare in the field of music performance anxiety (MPA, also known as stage fright). The only comparable study in this area reported a positive correlation between negative feelings of MPA and hyperventilation complaints during performance. The goals of this study were (a) to extend these previous findings to the period before performance, (b) to test whether a positive correlation also exists between hyperventilation complaints and the experience of stage fright as a problem, (c) to investigate instrument-specific symptom reporting, and (d) to confirm gender differences in negative feelings of MPA and hyperventilation complaints reported in other studies.
    Methods : We assessed 169 university students of classical music with a questionnaire comprising: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for negative feelings of MPA, the Nijmegen Questionnaire for hyperventilation complaints, and a single item for the experience of stage fright as a problem.
    Results : We found a significant positive correlation between hyperventilation complaints and negative feelings of MPA before performance and a significant positive correlation between hyperventilation complaints and the experience of stage fright as a problem. Wind musicians/singers reported a significantly higher frequency of respiratory symptoms than other musicians. Furthermore, women scored significantly higher on hyperventilation complaints and negative feelings of MPA.
    Conclusion : These results further the findings of previous reports by suggesting that breathing disturbances associated with hyperventilation may play a role in MPA prior to going on stage. Experimental studies are needed to confirm whether hyperventilation complaints associated with negative feelings of MPA manifest themselves at the physiological level.
    [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.11.004
    (consulté le 20.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21624579
    Descripteurs MeSH : Music ; Students ; Hyperventilation ; Anxiety ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Stress, Psychological
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 85357

    Stage fright: its experience as a problem and coping with it

    Auteurs : Studer, Regina ; Gomez, Patrick ; Hildebrandt, Horst ; Arial, Marc ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2011, Vol. 84, n° 7, p. 761-771

    Abstract : PURPOSE AND METHOD: This questionnaire survey of 190 university music students assessed negative feelings of music performance anxiety (MPA) before performing, the experience of stage fright as a problem, and how closely they are associated with each other. The study further investigated whether the experience of stage fright as a problem and negative feelings of MPA predict the coping behavior of the music students. Rarely addressed coping issues were assessed, i.e., self-perceived effectiveness of different coping strategies, knowledge of possible risks and acceptance of substance-based coping strategies, and need for more support.
    RESULTS: The results show that one-third of the students experienced stage fright as a problem and that this was only moderately correlated with negative feelings of MPA. The experience of stage fright as a problem significantly predicted the frequency of use and the acceptance of medication as a coping strategy. Breathing exercises and self-control techniques were rated as effective as medication. Finally, students expressed a strong need to receive more support (65%) and more information (84%) concerning stage fright.
    CONCLUSION: Stage fright was experienced as a problem and perceived as having negative career consequences by a considerable percentage of the surveyed students. In addition to a desire for more help and support, the students expressed an openness and willingness to seriously discuss and address the topic of stage fright. This provides a necessary and promising basis for optimal career preparation and, hence, an opportunity to prevent occupational problems in professional musicians. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0608-1
    (consulté le 14.01.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21210142
    Descripteurs MeSH : Music ; Students ; Anxiety ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Stress, Psychological
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86363

    Coating carbon nanotubes with a polystyrene-based polymer protects against pulmonary toxicity

    Auteurs : Tabet, Lyes ; Bussy, Cyrill ; Setyan, Ari ; Simon-Deckers, Angélique ; Rossi, Michel J. ; Boczkowski, Jorge ; Lanone, Sophie
    Source : Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 2011, Vol. 8, n° 3, p. 1-13

    Abstract : BACKGROUND: carbon nanotubes (CNT) can have adverse effects on health. Therefore, minimizing the risk associated with CNT exposure is of crucial importance. The aim of this work was to evaluate if coating multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) with polymers could modify their toxicity, thus representing a useful strategy to decrease adverse health effects of CNT. We used industrially-produced MWCNT uncoated (NT1) or coated (50/50 wt%) with acid-based (NT2) or polystyrene-based (NT3) polymer, and exposed murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cell line) or Balb/c mice by intratracheal administration. Biological experiments were performed both in vitro and in vivo, examining time- and dose-dependent effects of CNT, in terms of cytotoxicity, expression of genes and proteins related to oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue remodeling, cell and lung tissue morphology (optical and transmission electron microscopy), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid content analysis.
    RESULTS: extensive physico-chemical characterization of MWCNT was performed, and showed, although similar dimensions for the 3 MWCNT, a much smaller specific surface area for NT2 and NT3 as compared to NT1 (54.1, 34 and 227.54 m(2)/g respectively), along with different surface characteristics. MWCNT-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation were increased by acid-based and decreased by polystyrene-based polymer coating both in vitro in murine macrophages and in vivo in lung of mice monitored for 6 months.
    CONCLUSIONS: these results demonstrate that coating CNT with polymers, without affecting their intrinsic structure, may constitute a useful strategy for decreasing CNT toxicity, and may hold promise for improving occupational safety and that of general the user.


    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1743-8977-8-3
    (consulté le 16.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21255417
    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanotubes, Carbon ; Asbestos, Amphibole ; Asbestos, Serpentine ; Soot ; Oxidative Stress ; Pulmonary Alveoli ; Epithelial Cells ; Apoptosis
    Qualifiant     : Nanotubes, Carbon/toxicity ; Pulmonary Alveoli/drug effects ; Epithelial Cells/drug effects
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-THES-DOC | N° 90197

    Biological monitoring of chemical exposure : toxicokinetic differences due to age and sex

    Tomicic, Catherine.  Lieu/dates : Lausanne : IST, 2011
    Format : 284 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : Human biomonitoring is a widely used method in the assessment of occupational exposure to chemical substances and recommended biological limits are published periodically for interpretation and decision-making. However, it is increasingly recognized that a large variability is associated with biological monitoring, making interpretation less efficient than assumed. In order to improve the applicability of biological monitoring, specific factors
    responsible for this variability should be identified and their contribution quantified. Among these factors, age and sex are easily identifiable, and present knowledge about pharmaceutical chemicals suggests that they play an important role on the toxicokinetics of occupational chemical agents, and therefore on the biological monitoring results.
    The aim of the present research project was to assess the influence of age and sex on biological indicators corresponding to organic solvents. This has been done experimentally and by toxicokinetic computer simulation. Another purpose was to explore the effect of selected CYP2E1 polymorphisms on the toxicokinetic profile.
    Age differences were identified by numerical simulations using a general toxicokinetic model from a previous study which was applied to 14 chemicals, representing 21 specific biological entities, with, among others, toluene, phenol, lead and mercury. These models were runn with the modified parameters, indicating in some cases important differences due to age. The expected changes are mostly of the order of 10-20 %, but differences up to 50 % were observed in some cases. These differences appear to depend on the chemical and on the biological entity considered.
    Sex differences were quantified by controlled human exposures, which were carried out in a 12 m3 exposure chamber for three organic solvents separately: methyl ethyl ketone, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. The human volunteer groups were composed 12 of ten young men and fifteen young women, the latter subdivided into those with and without hormonal contraceptive. They were exposed during six hours at rest and at half of the
    threshold limit value. The kinetics of the parent compounds (organic volatiles) and their metabolite(s) were followed in blood, urine and expired air over time. Analyses of the solvent and their metabolites were performed by using headspace gas chromatography, CYP2E1 genotypes by using PCR-based RFLP methods. Experimental data were used to calibrate the toxicokinetic models developed for the three solvents. The results obtained for the different biomarkers of exposure mainly showed an effect on the urinary levels of several biomarkers among women due to the use of hormonal contraceptive, with an increase of about 50 % in the metabolism rate. The results also showed a difference due to the genotype CYP2E1*6, when exposed to methyl ethyl ketone, with a tendency to increase CYP2E1 activity when volunteers were carriers of the mutant allele. Simulations showed that it is possible to use simple toxicokinetic tools in order to predict internal exposure when exposed to organic solvents. Our study suggests that not only physiological differences but also exogenous sex hormones could influence CYP2E1 enzyme activity.
    The variability among the urinary biological indicators levels gives evidence of an interindividual susceptibility, an aspect that should have its place in the approaches for setting limits of occupational exposure. [Author]

    Notes : Thèse (sciences de la vie) - Université de Lausanne, Faculté de biologie et de médecine, 2011. - Résumé en anglais, et français. - Bibliogr. p. 161-170


    Descripteurs MeSH : Environmental Monitoring ; Age Factors ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; Models, Biological ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 85952

    Sex differences in urinary levels of several biological indicators of exposure: a human volunteer study

    Auteurs : Tomicic, Catherine ; Berode, Michèle ; Oppliger, Anne ; Castella, Vincent ; Leyvraz, Fabienne ; Praz-Christinaz, Sophie ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Toxicology letters, 2011, Vol. 202, n° 3, p. 218-225

    Abstract : The aim of the study was to quantify the variability on biological indicators of exposure between men and women for three well known solvents: methyl ethyl ketone, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Another purpose was to explore the effect of selected CYP2E1 polymorphisms on the toxicokinetic profile. Controlled human exposures were carried out in a 12m(3) exposure chamber for each solvent separately, during 6h and at half of the threshold limit value. The human volunteers groups were composed of ten young men and fifteen young women, including ten women using hormonal contraceptive. An analysis of variance mainly showed an effect on the urinary levels of several biomarkers of exposure among women due to the use of hormonal contraceptive, with an increase of more than 50% in metabolites concentrations and a decrease of up to 50% in unchanged substances concentrations, suggesting an increase in their metabolism rate. The results also showed a difference due to the genotype CYP2E1*6, when exposed to methyl ethyl ketone, with a tendency to increase CYP2E1 activity when volunteers were carriers of the mutant allele. Our study suggests that not only physiological differences between men and women but also differences due to sex hormones levels can have an impact on urinary concentrations of several biomarkers of exposure. The observed variability due to sex among biological exposure indices can lead to misinterpretation of biomonitoring results. This aspect should have its place in the approaches for setting limits of occupational exposure. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.01.032
    (consulté le 14.01.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21352904
    Descripteurs MeSH : Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Exposure ; Models, Biological ; Occupational Exposure ; Propylene Glycols ; Butanones ; Trichloroethanes ; Solvents
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86411

    Human mercury exposure associated with small-scale gold mining in Burkina Faso

    Auteurs : Tomicic, Catherine ; Vernez, David ; Belem, Tounaba ; Berode, Michèle
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2011, Vol. 84, n° 5, p. 539-546

    Abstract : PURPOSE: In Burkina Faso, gold ore is one of the main sources of income for an important part of the active population. Artisan gold miners use mercury in the extraction, a toxic metal whose human health risks are well known. The aim of the present study was to assess mercury exposure as well as to understand the exposure determinants of gold miners in Burkinabe small-scale mines.
    METHODS: The examined gold miners' population on the different selected gold mining sites was composed by persons who were directly and indirectly related to gold mining activities. But measurement of urinary mercury was performed on workers most susceptible to be exposed to mercury. Thus, occupational exposure to mercury was evaluated among ninety-three workers belonging to eight different gold mining sites spread in six regions of Burkina Faso. Among others, work-related exposure determinants were taken into account for each person during urine sampling as for example amalgamating or heating mercury. All participants were medically examined by a local medical team in order to identify possible symptoms related to the toxic effect of mercury.
    RESULTS: Mercury levels were high, showing that 69% of the measurements exceeded the ACGIH (American Conference of Industrial Hygienists) biological exposure indice (BEI) of 35 µg per g of creatinine (µg/g-Cr) (prior to shift) while 16% even exceeded 350 µg/g-Cr. Basically, unspecific but also specific symptoms related to mercury toxicity could be underlined among the persons who were directly related to gold mining activities. Only one-third among the studied subpopulation reported about less than three symptoms possibly associated to mercury exposure and nearly half of them suffered from at least five of these symptoms. Ore washers were more involved in the direct handling of mercury while gold dealers in the final gold recovery activities. These differences may explain the overexposure observed in gold dealers and indicate that the refining process is the major source of exposure.
    CONCLUSIONS: This study attests that mercury exposure still is an issue of concern. North-South collaborations should encourage knowledge exchange between developing and developed countries, for a cleaner artisanal gold mining process and thus for reducing human health and environmental hazards due to mercury use. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0615-x
    (consulté le 20.05.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21279378
    Descripteurs MeSH : Gold ; Mining ; Mercury ; Urine ; Occupational Exposure
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Burkina Faso
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86671

    Exposure to bioaerosols, respiratory health and lung-specific proteins: a prospective study in garbage and wastewater workers

    Auteurs : Tschopp, Alois ; Bernard, Alfred ; Thommen, Annette ; Jeggli, Stefan ; Dumont, Xavier ; Oppliger, Anne ; Hotz, Philipp
    Source : Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2011, Vol. 68, n° 11, p. 856-859

    Abstract : Objectives To prospectively assess respiratory health in wastewater workers and garbage collectors over 5 years. Methods Exposure, respiratory symptoms and conditions, spirometry and lung-specific proteins were assessed yearly in a cohort of 304 controls, 247 wastewater workers and 52 garbage collectors. Results were analysed with random coefficient models and linear regression taking into account several potential confounders. Results Symptoms, spirometry and lung-specific proteins were not affected by occupational exposure. Conclusions In this population no effects of occupational exposure to bioaerosols were found, probably because of good working conditions. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oem.2010.060178
    (consulté le 15.06.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21572127
    Descripteurs MeSH : Aerosols ; Sewage ; Occupational Exposure
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 88377

    In vitro assessment of the pulmonary toxicity and gastric availability of lead-rich particles from a recycling plant

    Auteurs : Uzu, Gaelle ; Sauvain, Jean-Jacques ; Baeza-Squiban, Armelle ; Riediker, Michael ; Sánchez Sandoval Hohl, Magdalena ; Val, Stéphanie ; Tack, Karine ; Denys, Sébastien ; Pradère, Philippe ; Dumat, Camille
    Source : Environmental Science and Technology, 2011, Vol. 45, n° 18, p. 7888-7895

    Abstract : A number of epidemiological studies in urban areas have linked increasing respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies with atmospheric particulate matter (PM) from anthropic activities, such as transportation and housing. However, the biological fate of metal-rich PM industrial emissions in urban areas of developed countries remains understudied. In the present study, lead toxicity and bioaccessibility assessments were performed on emissions from a lead recycling plant, using complementary chemical acellular tests and toxicological assays, as a function of PM size (PM10-2.5, PM2.5-1 and PM1) and origin (furnace, refining and channeled emissions). Process PM displayed differences in metal content, granulometry and percentage of inhalable fraction, as a function of their origin. Lead gastric bioaccessibility was relatively low (maximum 25%) versus previous studies; although, because of their high total lead concentrations, significant metal quantities were solubilised in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Regardless of origin, the finest PM1 particles induced the most significant pro-inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells. Moreover, this biological response correlated with pro-oxidant potential assay results, suggesting some biological predictive value for acellular tests. In total, our data suggest that pulmonary effects from lead-rich PM could be driven by thiol complexation with either lead ions or directly on the particulate surface. Finally, based on pro-inflammatory effects, DTT test results and PM size distribution, Emissions and Furnace PM were found to represent the greatest health concern. These findings support the application of a combination of different acellular and cellular assays, as recommended by the REACH legislation. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es200374c
    (consulté le 15.08.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21800914
    Descripteurs MeSH : Fungicides, Industrial ; Environmental Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 84975

    Characterization of lead-recycling facility emissions at various workplaces : major insights for sanitary risks assessment

    Auteurs : Uzu, Gaelle ; Sobanska, Sophie ; Sarret, Géraldine ; Sauvain, Jean-Jacques ; Pradère, Philippe ; Dumat, Camille
    Source : Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2011, Vol. 186, 2/3, p. 1018-1027

    Abstract : Most available studies on lead smelter emissions deal with the environmental impact of outdoor particles, but only a few focus on air quality at workplaces. The objective of this study is to physically and chemically characterize the Pb-rich particles emitted at different workplaces in a lead recycling plant. A multi-scale characterization was conducted from bulk analysis to the level of individual particles, to assess the particles properties in relation with Pb speciation and availability. Process PM from various origins were sampled and then compared; namely Furnace and Refining PM respectively present in the smelter and at refinery workplaces, Emissions PM present in channeled emissions.These particles first differed by their morphology and size distribution, with finer particles found in emissions. Differences observed in chemical composition could be explained by the industrial processes. All PM contained the same major phases (Pb, PbS, PbO, PbSO4 and PbOµPbSO4) but differed on the nature and amount of minor phases. Due to high content in PM, Pb concentrations in the CaCl2 extractant reached relatively high values (40 mg.L-1). However, the ratios (soluble/total) of CaCl2 exchangeable Pb were relatively low (< 0.02%) in comparison with Cd (up to 18%). These results highlight the interest to assess the soluble fractions of all metals (minor and major) and discuss both total metal concentrations and ratios for risk evaluations. In most cases metal extractability increased with decreasing size of particles, in particular, lead exchangeability was highest for channeled emissions.Such type of study could help in the choice of targeted sanitary protection procedures and for further toxicological investigations. In the present context, particular attention is given to Emissions and Furnace PM. Moreover, exposure to other metals than Pb should be considered. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.11.086
    (consulté le 02.12.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Lead ; Environment ; Dithiothreitol ; Nanoparticles ; Inhalation Exposure ; Workplace ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health
    Qualifiant     : Lead/toxicity ; Nanoparticles/toxicity
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 85353

    A numeric model to simulate solar individual ultraviolet exposure

    Auteurs : Vernez, David ; Milon, Antoine ; Francioli, Laurent ; Bulliard, Jean-Luc ; Vuilleumier, Laurent ; Moccozet, Laurent
    Source : Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2011, Vol. 87, n° 3, p. 721-728

    Abstract : Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) light is the main causative factor for skin cancer. UV exposure depends on environmental and individual factors. Individual exposure data remain scarce and development of alternative assessment methods is greatly needed. We developed a model simulating human exposure to solar UV. The model predicts the dose and distribution of UV exposure received on the basis of ground irradiation and morphological data. Standard 3D computer graphics techniques were adapted to develop a rendering engine that estimates the solar exposure of a virtual manikin depicted as a triangle mesh surface. The amount of solar energy received by each triangle was calculated, taking into account reflected, direct and diffuse radiation, and shading from other body parts. Dosimetric measurements (n=54) were conducted in field conditions using a foam manikin as surrogate for an exposed individual. Dosimetric results were compared to the model predictions. The model predicted exposure to solar UV adequately. The symmetric mean absolute percentage error was 13%. Half of the predictions were within 17% range of the measurements. This model provides a tool to assess outdoor occupational and recreational UV exposures, without necessitating time-consuming individual dosimetry, with numerous potential uses in skin cancer prevention and research. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2011.00895.x
    (consulté le 13.01.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21223287
    Descripteurs MeSH : Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Computer Simulation ; Skin Neoplasms ; Environmental Exposure ; Occupational Exposure
    Qualifiant     : Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control ; Environmental Exposure/analysis ; Occupational Exposure/analysis
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 86634

    Solvent vapours in incubators: a source of exposure among neonates ?

    Auteurs : Vernez, David ; Paccaud, Catherine ; Berode, Michèle ; Hopf, Nancy B. ; Charrière, Nicole ; Laubscher, Bernard
    Source : Gefahrstoffe - Reinhaltung der Luft, 2011, Vol. 71, n° 5, p. 209-214

    Abstract : Hygiene practices in neonatal units require the use of disinfecting solutions containing ethanol or isopropanol. Newly disinfected hands or soaked swabs introduced inside the incubators may emit vapours leading to alcohol exposures to the neonates. Alcohol emissions from hands and other occasional sources (e.g. soaked disinfecting swabs) lead to measurable levels of vapours inside incubators. Average isopropanol and ethanol concentrations ranging from 33.1 to 171,4 mg/m3 (13.8 to 71.4 ppm) and from 23.5 to more than 146 mg/m3 (9.8 to > 6 ppm) respectively were measured inside occupied incubators (n = 11, measurement time about 230 min) in a neonatal unit of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne during regular activity. Exposure concentrations in a wide range of possible situations were then investigated by modeling using the one-box dispersion model. Theoretical modeling suggested typical isopropanol peaks and average concentrations ranging between 102 and 103 mg/m3 (4.101 to 4.102 ppm) and 101 to 102 mg/m3 (4 to 4.101 ppm), respectively. Based on our results we suggest several preventive measures to reduce the neonates' exposures to solvent vapours. [Authors]



    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 85279

    Cyclododecane exposure in the field of conservation and restoration of art objects

    Auteurs : Vernez, David ; Wognin, Barthélémy ; Tomicic, Catherine ; Plateel, Gregory ; Charrière, Nicole ; Bruhin, Stefanie
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2011, Vol. 84, n° 4, p. 371-374

    Abstract : PURPOSE: Recent work practices in the conservation and restoration involve the use of cyclododecane (CDD, CAS 294-62-2) to protect fragile artifacts during their handling or transportation. Little is known about its toxicity, and no previous exposure has been reported. A short field investigation was conducted to characterize the exposure conditions to both CDD vapors and aerosols.
    METHODS: Measurements were conducted in the laboratory of conservation and restoration of the archeological service in Bern (Switzerland). Three indoor and four outdoor typical work situations, either during brush or spray gun applications, were investigated. Measurements were performed on charcoal adsorbent tube and analyzed by a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector.
    RESULTS: Measurements have been conducted during both brush and spray gun applications. Indoor exposures were of 0.75-15.5 mg/m(3), while outdoors exposures were 19.5-53.9 mg/m(3). Exposures appear to be extremely localized due to both physicochemical properties and application methods of the CDD. Vapor exposure increases dramatically with the confinement of the workplace.
    CONCLUSION: Preventive measures should be undertaken to limit as much as possible these exposures. Field work in confined areas (ditches, underground) is of particular concern. CDD-coated artifacts or materials should be stored in ventilated areas to avoid delayed exposures. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0596-1
    (consulté le 03.01.2011)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21082189

    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 88652

    Mesure du rayonnement UV et protection de la population

    Auteurs : Vuilleumier, Laurent ; Vernez, David ; Milon, Antoine
    Source : Météo magazine, 2011, n° 8, p. 38-42

    Abstract : Ami, ou ennemi, le soleil ? Qui n'a jamais maudit un petit excès de bain de soleil sanctionné par une peau brûlée ? Mais en hiver, quand il se fait rare, l'huile de foie de morue est la panacée que prescrit la sagesse de nos grands-mères pour remplacer la vitamine D qu'en temps normal il nous aide à synthétiser. Pour pouvoir faire le point sur les dangers et les bénéfices du rayonnement solaire, il faut connaître son intensité et en particulier celle du rayonnement ultraviolet (UV) qui a une forte influence sur la santé.
    Durant ces dernières décades, une forte augmentation des cancers de la peau a été constatée dans les pays développés. La communauté médicale suppose que cette augmentation est liée à une plus forte exposition aux UV, qui serait elle-même due à des changements d'habitudes de la population (engouement pour les loisirs en plein air, pour les vacances sous les tropiques, popularité du bronzage, etc.) et éventuellement à un accroissement du rayonnement UV. [Auteurs]


    Descripteurs MeSH : Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Computer Simulation ; Skin Neoplasms ; Environmental Exposure ; Occupational Exposure
    Qualifiant     : Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control ; Environmental Exposure/analysis ; Occupational Exposure/analysis
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 84480

    Un projet de recherche : identifier les compétences développées par les policiers exposés à la violence et aux incivilités

    Arial, Marc.  Source : Format magazine, 2010, n° 1, p. 22-24

    Abstract : Les problèmes de santé mentale (détresse psychique, dépression, burn-out, etc.) sont une préoccupation grandissante dans les sociétés occidentales. Ils se caractérisent par de gros risques de rechutes et de chronicisation (Lopez, Mathers, Ezzati, Jamison, Murray, 2006; The WHO World Mental Health Survey Consortium, 2004), ainsi que par des conséquences dramatiques pour les personnes qui en sont les victimes. Pour les organisations - et la police n'échappe pas à ce phénomène - ces problèmes constituent un défi majeur puisqu'ils sont associés à des épisodes d'absences prolongées et à une diminution importante de l'efficacité au travail. [Auteur]


    Descripteurs MeSH : Police ; Occupational Health ; Reward ; Mental Health
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 85319

    Division de l'attention lors d'interventions d'urgence préhospitalière : quelques apports de l'analyse d'activité en situation réelle de travail

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Benoît, Damien ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Journal international de santé au travail, 2010, n° 2, p. 16-23

    Abstract : Problème : Les ambulanciers effectuent souvent des tâches en contexte de division de l'attention. Cette caractéristique du travail peut contribuer à augmenter les risques d'erreurs ou ralentir le déroulement des interventions. Dans les situations d'urgences préhospitalières, cela peut avoir des conséquences dramatiques pour le patient et pour les intervenants.
    Méthode : Nous avons analysé l'activité réelle de travail d'ambulanciers en contexte d'intervention d'urgences. Notre démarche a impliqué l'accompagnement d'ambulanciers lors d'interventions réelles qu'il nous a été possible de filmer. Les analyses effectuées par une équipe multidisciplinaire ont de plus été complétées et validées par des séances en auto-confrontation. Résultats : Nos analyses ont permis de constater plusieurs exemples de travail en contexte de division de l'attention. De plus, nous avons aussi été en mesure de documenter certaines stratégies mises en oeuvre par ces professionnels afin de diminuer la charge cognitive attribuable à la division de l'attention.
    Conclusion : Notre étude pilote a permis de mieux comprendre le travail des ambulanciers. Nous avons constaté que la division de l'attention est fréquente et que les professionnels confrontés à cette exigence développent diverses stratégies pour y faire face. Nous avons aussi montré la faisabilité et la pertinence de l'analyse de l'activité réelle de travail lors d'interventions d'urgences préhospitalières. [Auteurs]

    Texte intégral : http://www.journalsantetravail.net/jist/cahiers/cahier20102/3Arial_article.pdf
    (consulté le 17 01 2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Occupational Health ; Mental Health ; Attention ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Allied Health Personnel ; Emergency Medical Services
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 82091

    Association of work related chronic stressors and psychiatric symptoms in a Swiss sample of police officers : a cross sectional questionnaire study

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Gonik, Viviane ; Wild, Pascal ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2010, Vol. 83, n° 3, p. 323-331

    Abstract : Purpose (1) To identify work related stressors that are associated with psychiatric symptoms in a Swiss sample of policemen and (2) to develop a model for identifying officers at risk for developing mental health problems.
    Method The study design is cross sectional. A total of 354 male police officers answered a questionnaire assessing a wide spectrum of work related stressors. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the "TST questionnaire" (Langner in J Health Hum Behav 4, 269-276, 1962). Logistic regression with backward procedure was used to identify a set of variables collectively associated with high scores for psychiatric symptoms.
    Results A total of 42 (11.9%) officers had a high score for psychiatric symptoms. Nearly all potential stressors considered were significantly associated (at P < 0.05) with a high score for psychiatric symptoms. A significant model including 6 independent variables was identified: lack of support from superior and organization OR = 3.58 (1.58-8.13), self perception of bad quality work OR = 2.99 (1.35-6.59), inadequate work schedule OR = 2.84 (1.22-6.62), high mental/intellectual demand OR = 2.56 (1.12-5.86), age (in decades) OR = 1.82 (1.21-2.73), and score for physical environment complaints OR = 1.30 (1.03-1.64).
    Conclusions Most of work stressors considered are associated with psychiatric symptoms. Prevention should target the most frequent stressors with high association to symptoms. Complaints of police officers about stressors should receive proper consideration by the management of public administration. Such complaints might be the expression of psychiatric caseness requiring medical assistance. Particular attention should be given to police officers complaining about many stressors identified in this study's multiple model. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0500-z
    (consulté le 01.04.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20039177
    Descripteurs MeSH : Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Police ; Questionnaires ; Stress, Psychological ; Young Adult
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Stress, Psychological/etiology
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 82094

    Impact of biological and environmental variabilities on biological monitoring: an approach using toxicokinetic models

    Auteurs : Berthet, Aurélie ; Batz, Alice de ; Tardif, Robert ; Charest-Tardif, Ginette ; Truchon, Ginette ; Vernez, David ; Droz, Pierre-Olivier
    Source : Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2010, Vol. 7, n° 3, p. 177-184

    Abstract : Biological monitoring of occupational exposure is characterized by important variability, due both to variability in the environment and to biological differences between workers. A quantitative description and understanding of this variability is important for a dependable application of biological monitoring. This work describes this variability,using a toxicokinetic model, for a large range of chemicals for which reference biological reference values exist. A toxicokinetic compartmental model describing both the parent compound and its metabolites was used. For each chemical, compartments were given physiological meaning. Models were elaborated based on physiological, physicochemical, and biochemical data when available, and on half-lives and central compartment concentrations when not available. Fourteen chemicals were studied (arsenic, cadmium, carbon monoxide, chromium, cobalt, ethylbenzene, ethyleneglycol monomethylether, fluorides, lead, mercury, methyl isobutyl ketone, penthachlorophenol, phenol, and toluene), representing 20 biological indicators. Occupational exposures were simulated using Monte Carlo techniques with realistic distributions of both individual physiological parameters and exposure conditions. Resulting biological indicator levels were then analyzed to identify the contribution of environmental and biological variability to total variability. Comparison of predicted biological indicator levels with biological exposure limits showed a high correlation with the model for 19 out of 20 indicators. Variability associated with changes in exposure levels (GSD of 1.5 and 2.0) is shown to be mainly influenced by the kinetics of the biological indicator. Thus, with regard to variability, we can conclude that, for the 14 chemicals modeled, biological monitoring would be preferable to air monitoring. For short half-lives (less than 7 hr), this is very similar to the environmental variability. However, for longer half-lives, estimated variability decreased.
    [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: tables detailing the CBTK models for all 14 chemicals and the symbol nomenclature that was used.] [Authors]


    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15459620903530052
    (consulté le 01.04.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20063230
    Descripteurs MeSH : Biological Assay ; Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants ; Kinetics ; Models, Biological ; Monte Carlo Method ; Occupational Exposure
    Qualifiant     : Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Occupational Exposure/analysis
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 85966

    Integration and gap analysis of existing data concerning environmental, consumer, and environmental exposure to engineered nanomaterials: methods used in the Nanex project [Abstract]

    Auteurs : Clark, Katherine ; Van Tongeren, Martie ; Riediker, Michael
    In : Health, Work and Social Responsibility : the occupational hygienist and the integration of environment, health and safety : IOHA 2010, 8th International Scientific Conference, Roma, Italy, 28 September - 2 October 2010, Università Urbaniana. - Milan : INAIL, 2010. - P. 104-105, [Abstract ID: 386]

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Risk Factors ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 83264

    Contribution of fine particulate matter sources to indoor exposure in bars, restaurants, and cafes

    Auteurs : Daly, Barry-John ; Schmid, Kaspar ; Riediker, Michael
    Collection : Indoor Air 2010, Vol. 20, n° 3, p. 204-212

    Abstract : This study investigated the contribution of sources and establishment characteristics, on the exposure to fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) in the non-smoking sections of bars, cafes, and restaurants in central Zurich. PM(2.5)-exposure was determined with a nephelometer. A random sample of hospitality establishments was investigated on all weekdays, from morning until midnight. Each visit lasted 30 min. Numbers of smokers and other sources, such as candles and cooking processes, were recorded, as were seats, open windows, and open doors. Ambient air pollution data were obtained from public authorities. Data were analysed using robust MM regression. Over 14 warm, sunny days, 102 establishments were measured. Average establishment PM(2.5) concentrations were 64.7 microg/m(3) (s.d. = 73.2 microg/m(3), 30-min maximum 452.2 microg/m(3)). PM(2.5) was significantly associated with the number of smokers, percentage of seats occupied by smokers, and outdoor PM. Each smoker increased PM(2.5) on average by 15 microg/m(3). No associations were found with other sources, open doors or open windows. Bars had more smoking guests and showed significantly higher concentrations than restaurants and cafes. Smokers were the most important PM(2.5)-source in hospitality establishments, while outdoor PM defined the baseline. Concentrations are expected to be even higher during colder, unpleasant times of the year. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Smokers and ambient air pollution are the most important sources of fine airborne particulate matter (PM(2.5)) in the non-smoking sections of bars, restaurants, and cafes. Other sources do not significantly contribute to PM(2.5)-levels, while opening doors and windows is not an efficient means of removing pollutants. First, this demonstrates the impact that even a few smokers can have in affecting particle levels. Second, it implies that creating non-smoking sections, and using natural ventilation, is not sufficient to bring PM(2.5) to levels that imply no harm for employees and non-smoking clients. [Authors]


    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00645.x
    (consulté le 26.08.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20408901
    Descripteurs MeSH : Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Nicotine ; Cotinine ; Biological Markers ; Environmental Monitoring
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 83190

    Surfactant protein-D and exposure to bioaerosols in wastewater and garbage workers

    Auteurs : Daneshzadeh Tabrizi, Roshanak ; Bernard, Alfred ; Thommen, A. M. ; Winter, Frederic de ; Oppliger, Anne ; Hilfiker, Silvia ; Tschopp, Alois ; Hotz, Philipp
    Source : International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2010, Vol. 83, n° 8, p. 879-886

    Abstract : PURPOSE: Bioaerosols and their constituents, such as endotoxins, are capable of causing an inflammatory reaction at the level of the lung-blood barrier, which becomes more permeable. Thus, it was hypothesized that occupational exposure to bioaerosols can increase leakage of surfactant protein-D (SP-D), a lung-specific protein, into the bloodstream.
    METHODS: SP-D was determined by ELISA in 316 wastewater workers, 67 garbage collectors, and 395 control subjects. Exposure was assessed with four interview-based indicators and by preliminary endotoxin measurements using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Influence of exposure on serum SP-D was assessed by multiple linear regression considering smoking, glomerular function, lung diseases, obesity, and other confounders.
    RESULTS: Overall, mean exposure levels to endotoxins were below 100 EU/m(3). However, special tasks of wastewater workers caused higher endotoxin exposure. SP-D concentration was slightly increased in this occupational group and associated with the occurrence of splashes and contact to raw sewage. No effect was found in garbage collectors. Smoking increased serum SP-D. No clinically relevant correlation between spirometry results and SP-D concentrations appeared.
    CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that inhalation of bioaerosols, even at low concentrations, has a subclinical effect on the lung-blood barrier, the permeability of which increases without associated spirometric changes.[Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0525-3
    (consulté le 19.08.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20221625

    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 83118

    Tabagisme passif

    Danuser, Brigitta.  Source : Revue médicale suisse, 2010, Vol. 6, n° 250, p. 1088

    Abstract : Les spécialistes en santé au travail ont très tôt insisté pour établir des lois et des mesures de protection contre la fumée passive pour les employés, comme l'article de J. Perrenoud ["Tabagisme passif : avancées et pièges dans l'évolution du droit suisse"] le montre. Dans la recherche également, les premières études sur les effets nocifs et gênants ont été réalisées par les spécialistes en santé au travail. Dans les années 70 et 80, c'est plus particulièrement A. Weber et ses collègues de l'IHA ETH Zurich qui ont montré que l'irritation des yeux, le clignement des paupières et la sensation de gêne augmentent en fonction de la concentration de la fumée passive et de la durée de l'exposition. Ces travaux ont été pris en compte dans le fameux rapport américain du Surgeon General sur la nocivité de la fumée passive : le point de départ de la lutte contre la fumée passive aux Etats-Unis. Au niveau de l'exposition, les hygiénistes de l'Institut universitaire romand de santé au travail (IST) ont développé des techniques de mesure et de prélèvement. [Auteure (extrait)]

    Texte intégral : http://rms.medhyg.ch/numero-250-page-1088.htm
    (consulté le 12.08.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20564869
    Descripteurs MeSH : Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Employment ; Occupational Health
    Qualifiant     : Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence ; Employment/legislation & jurisprudence ; Occupational Health/legislation & jurisprudence
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 83175

    Cardiovascular patterns associated with appetitive and defensive activation during affective picture viewing

    Auteurs : Gomez, Patrick ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Psychophysiology, 2010, Vol. 47, n° 3, p. 540-549

    Abstract : In this study we assessed blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) in response to 13 picture series in 37 participants in order to investigate their hemodynamic response associated with activation of the appetitive and defensive motivational systems underlying emotional experience. BP and SV, but not TPR, increased with increasing self-rated arousal, whereas HR decelerated more in response to negative than positive and neutral pictures. These findings suggest that modulation of the cardiovascular response to pictures is primarily myocardial. The observed response pattern is consistent with a configuration of cardiac sympathetic­parasympathetic coactivation. The relationships between self-rated arousal, BP, and SV were mainly exhibited by men, suggesting that increases in the sympathetic inotropic effect to the heart with self-rated arousal may be larger in men than in women. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.2009.00953.x
    (consulté le 18.08.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20030760
    Descripteurs MeSH : Respiration ; Affect ; Attention ; Blinking ; Carbon Dioxide ; Photic Stimulation ; Plethysmography ; Pulmonary Ventilation ; Tidal Volume ; Time Factors
    Qualifiant     : Affect/physiology ; Attention/physiology ; Blinking/physiology ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 85122

    Management of nanomaterials safety in research environment

    Auteurs : Groso, Amela ; Petri-Fink, Alke ; Magrez, Arnaud ; Riediker, Michael ; Meyer, Thierry
    Source : Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 2010, Vol. 7, n° 40, [8] p.

    Abstract : Despite numerous discussions, workshops, reviews and reports about responsible development of nanotechnology, information describing health and environmental risk of engineered nanoparticles or nanomaterials is severely lacking and thus insufficient for completing rigorous risk assessment on their use. However, since preliminary scientific evaluations indicate that there are reasonable suspicions that activities involving nanomaterials might have damaging effects on human health; the precautionary principle must be applied. Public and private institutions as well as industries have the duty to adopt preventive and protective measures proportionate to the risk intensity and the desired level of protection. In this work, we present a practical, 'user-friendly' procedure for a university-wide safety and health management of nanomaterials, developed as a multi-stakeholder effort (government, accident insurance, researchers and experts for occupational safety and health). The process starts using a schematic decision tree that allows classifying the nano laboratory into three hazard classes similar to a control banding approach (from Nano 3 - highest hazard to Nano1 - lowest hazard). Classifying laboratories into risk classes would require considering actual or potential exposure to the nanomaterial as well as statistical data on health effects of exposure. Due to the fact that these data (as well as exposure limits for each individual material) are not available, risk classes could not be determined. For each hazard level we then provide a list of required risk mitigation measures (technical, organizational and personal). The target 'users' of this safety and health methodology are researchers and safety officers. They can rapidly access the precautionary hazard class of their activities and the corresponding adequate safety and health measures. We succeed in convincing scientist dealing with nano-activities that adequate safety measures and management are promoting innovation and discoveries by ensuring them a safe environment even in the case of very novel products. The proposed measures are not considered as constraints but as a support to their research. This methodology is being implemented at the Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne in over 100 research labs dealing with nanomaterials. It is our opinion that it would be useful to other research and academia institutions as well. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1743-8977-7-40
    (consulté le 13.12.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 21143952
    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Nanoparticles ; Nanotechnology ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Safety Management ; Occupational Exposure ; Inhalation Exposure ; Particle Size
    Qualifiant     : Nanostructures/adverse effects ; Nanostructures/analysis ; Nanoparticles/adverse effects ; Nanoparticles/analysis ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Risk Management/methods ; Safety Management/methods ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control ; Inhalation Exposure/adverse effects ; Inhalation Exposure/prevention & control
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 83250

    Development of a retrospective job exposure matrix for PCB-exposed workers in capacitor manufacturing

    Auteurs : Hopf, Nancy B. ; Waters, Martha A. ; Ruder, Avima M. ; Prince, Mary M.
    Source : Journal of Occupational Health, 2010, Vol. 52, n° 4, p. 199-208

    Abstract : Development of a Retrospective Job Exposure Matrix for PCB-exposed Workers in Capacitor Manufacturing: Nancy B. HOPF, et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluation and Field Studies, Industry-wide Studies Branch, USA Objectives: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are considered probable human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and one congener, PCB126, has been rated as a known human carcinogen. A period-specific job exposure matrix (JEM) was developed for former PCB-exposed capacitor manufacturing workers (n=12,605) (1938-1977). Methods: A detailed exposure assessment for this plant was based on a number of exposure determinants (proximity, degree of contact with PCBs, temperature, ventilation, process control, job mobility). The intensity and frequency of PCB exposures by job for both inhalation and dermal exposures, and additional chemical exposures were reviewed. The JEM was developed in nine steps: (1) all unique jobs (n=1,684) were assessed using (2) defined PCB exposure determinants; (3) the exposure determinants were used to develop exposure profiles; (4) similar exposure profiles were combined into categories having similar PCB exposures; (5) qualitative intensity (high-medium-low-baseline) and frequency (continuous-intermittent) ratings were developed, and (6) used to qualitatively rate inhalation and dermal exposure separately for each category; (7) quantitative intensity ratings based on available air concentrations were developed for inhalation and dermal exposures based on equal importance of both routes of exposure; (8) adjustments were made for overall exposure, and (9) for each category the product of intensity and frequency was calculated, and exposure in the earlier era was weighted. Results: A period-specific JEM modified for two eras of stable PCB exposure conditions. Conclusions: These exposure estimates, derived from a systematic and rigorous use of the exposure determinant data, lead to cumulative PCB exposure-response relationships in the epidemiological cancer mortality and incidence studies of this cohort. [Authors]


    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1539/joh.L9151
    (consulté le 25.08.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20467200
    Descripteurs MeSH : Polychlorinated Biphenyls ; Carcinogens ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 83174

    Building energy saving techniques and indoor air quality : a dilemma : The 9th International Conference on Industrial Ventilation, 18-21 October 2009, Zurich, Switzerland

    Huynh, Cong Khanh.  Source : International Journal of Ventilation, 2010, Vol. 9, n° 1, p. 93-98

    Abstract : In European countries and North America, people spend 80 to 90% of time inside buildings and thus breathe indoor air. In Switzerland, special attention has been devoted to the 16 stations of the national network of observation of atmospheric pollutants (NABEL). The results indicate a reduction in outdoor pollution over the last ten years. With such a decrease in pollution over these ten years the question becomes: how can we explain an increase of diseases? Indoor pollution can be the cause. Indoor contaminants that may create indoor air quality (IAQ) problems come from a variety of sources. These can include inadequate ventilation, temperature and humidity dysfunction, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The health effects from these contaminants are varied and can range from discomfort, irritation and respiratory diseases to cancer. Among such contaminants, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) could be considered the most important in terms of both health effects and engineering controls of ventilation. To perform indoor pollution monitoring, several selected ETS tracers can be used including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), respirable particles (RSP), condensate, nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, etc. In this paper, some examples are presented of IAQ problems that have occurred following the renewal of buildings and energy saving concerns. Using industrial hygiene sampling techniques and focussing on selected priority pollutants used as tracers, various problems have been identified and solutions proposed. [Author]


    Descripteurs MeSH : Air Pollution, Indoor ; Occupational Health ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 88864

    Exposition des enfants à la fumée passive: le point sur des campagnes de sensibilisation

    Auteurs : Huynh, Cong Khanh ; Dubuis, Alexandre ; Pasche, Myriam ; Zürcher, Karin
    Source : Paediatrica, 2010, Vol. 22, n° 4, p. 23-25

    Abstract : Enfants de moins de 10 ans fumant passivement 14 cigarettes ! D'avril 2010 à avril 2011, l'exposition de 148 enfants (81 garçons et 67 filles) a été testée: 10 enfants de moins d'un an, 25 de 1 à 5 ans, 19 de 5 à 10 ans, 30 de 10 à 15 ans et 64 de 15 à 18 ans. 10 d'entre eux sont des fumeurs et la plus jeune de 14 ans fume 10 cigarettes par jour. Leurs parents, ou parfois des jeunes eux-mêmes, ont commandé de manière volontaire, via les sites Internet des CIPRET Valais, Vaud et Genève, un badge MoNIC gratuit. Les résultats quant à l'exposition de ces enfants interpellent et méritent l'attention.
    Pour l'ensemble des enfants, la concentration moyenne de nicotine dans leur environnement intérieur mesurée via les dispositifs MoNIC est de 0,5 mg/m3, avec des maximums pouvant aller jusqu'à 21 mg/m3. Pour le collectif d'enfants âgés de moins de 10 ans (26 garçons et 28 filles; tous non-fumeurs), la concentration de nicotine n'est pas négligeable (moyenne 0,069 mg/m3, min 0, max 0,583 mg/m3). En convertissant ce résultat en équivalent de cigarettes inhalées passivement, nous obtenons des chiffres allant de 0 à 14 cigarettes par jour* avec une moyenne se situant à 1.6 cig/j. Encore plus surprenant, les enfants de moins d'un an (4 garçons et 6 filles) inhalent passivement, dans le cadre familial, en moyenne 1 cigarette (min 0, max 2.2). Pour les deux autres collectifs: 10-15 ans et 15-18 ans, les valeurs maximales avoisinent les 22 cigarettes. Notons cependant que ce résultat est influencé, ce qui n'est pas le cas des enfants plus jeunes, par le fait que ces jeunes sont également parfois des fumeurs actifs.
    * Quand la durée d'exposition dépassait 1 jour (8 heures), le nombre d'heures a toujours été divisé par 8 heures. Le résultat obtenu donne l'équivalent de cigarettes fumées passivement en huit heures. Il s'agit de ce fait d'une moyenne, ce qui veut dire que durant cette période les enfants ont pu être exposés irrégulièrement à des valeurs supérieures ou inférieures à cette moyenne. [Auteurs]

    Texte intégral : http://www.swiss-paediatrics.org/sites/default/files/paediatrica/vol22/n4/pdf/23-25.pdf
    (consulté le 06.10.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Child
    Qualifiant     : Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 83199

    Karasek's questionnaire and field activity analysis [Poster]

    Kern, Fabienne.  In : The Changing World of Work : ICOH WOPS Conference 2010, Amsterdam, 14-17 June. - Amsterdam : ICOH, 2010. - P. P-157

    Descripteurs MeSH : Epidemiologic Studies ; Questionnaires
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 83063

    Reconnaissance d'un cas d'épicondylite comme maladie professionnelle

    Kern, Fabienne.  Source : IZA, 2010, Vol. 57, n° 4, p. 11-12

    Abstract : Le cas d'une épicondylite, atteinte musculosquelettique au coude, a été reconnu comme maladie professionnelle par le Tribunal fédéral et le Tribunal cantonal des Assurances, suite à une longue bataille juridique. Cette victoire, très encourageante pour les spécialistes de la santé au travail, a été possible grâce à une expertise qui a comparé deux situations professionnelles. Cela a permis la mise en évidence de facteurs de risque liés "de manière nettement prépondérante" aux contitions de travail [Auteur].


    Descripteurs MeSH : Tennis Elbow ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Occupational Diseases
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Health/legislation & jurisprudence
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 85970

    Health effects of occupational exposure to traffic particles and noise - Exposure assessment [Abstract]

    Auteurs : Meier, Reto ; Cascio, Wayne E. ; Riediker, Michael
    In : Health, Work and Social Responsibility : the occupational hygienist and the integration of environment, health and safety : IOHA 2010, 8th International Scientific Conference, Roma, Italy, 28 September - 2 October 2010, Università Urbaniana. - Milan : INAIL, 2010. - P. 207, [Abstract ID: 328]

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Noise ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 82126

    Oxidative stress and inflammation response after nanoparticle exposure : differences between human lung cell monocultures and an advanced three-dimensional model of the human epithelial airways

    Auteurs : Müller, Loretta ; Riediker, Michael ; Wick, Peter ; Mohr, Martin ; Gehr, Peter ; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara
    Source : Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 2010, Vol. 7, Suppl. 1, S27-S40

    Abstract : Combustion-derived and manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) are known to provoke oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in human lung cells; therefore, they play an important role during the development of adverse health effects. As the lungs are composed of more than 40 different cell types, it is of particular interest to perform toxicological studies with co-cultures systems, rather than with monocultures of only one cell type, to gain a better understanding of complex cellular reactions upon exposure to toxic substances. Monocultures of A549 human epithelial lung cells, human monocyte-derived macrophages and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) as well as triple cell co-cultures consisting of all three cell types were exposed to combustion-derived NPs (diesel exhaust particles) and to manufactured NPs (titanium dioxide and single-walled carbon nanotubes). The penetration of particles into cells was analysed by transmission electron microscopy. The amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a and interleukin (IL)-8 were quantified. The results of the monocultures were summed with an adjustment for the number of each single cell type in the triple cell co-culture. All three particle types were found in all cell and culture types. The production of ROS was induced by all particle types in all cell cultures except in monocultures of MDDCs. The TAC and the (pro-)inflammatory reactions were not statistically significantly increased by particle exposure in any of the cell cultures. Interestingly, in the triple cell co-cultures, the TAC and IL-8 concentrations were lower and the TNF-a concentrations were higher than the expected values calculated from the monocultures. The interplay of different lung cell types seems to substantially modulate the oxidative stress and the inflammatory responses after NP exposure. [Authors]


    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2009.0161.focus

     PubMed ID (abstract) : 19586954
    Descripteurs MeSH : Coculture Techniques ; Dendritic Cells ; Humans ; Interleukin-8 ; Lung ; Cytology ; Macrophages ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Models, Anatomic ; Nanoparticles ; Nanotubes ; Oxidative Stress ; Pneumonia ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Titanium ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Vehicle Emissions
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 82372

    Evaluation des risques liés aux nanomatériaux pour la population générale et pour l'environnement : rapport d'expertise collective

    Auteurs : Nesslany, Fabrice Dir. ; Boize, Magali Collab. ; Riediker, Michael
    Lieu/dates : Maisons-Alfort : Afsset, 2010
    Format : 14, 207 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : Une expertise collective sur l'évaluation des risques liés aux nanomatériaux pour la population générale et pour l'environnement a identifié plusieurs centaines de produits de grande consommation contenant des nanomatériaux, présents dans notre quotidien : textiles, cosmétiques, alimentaires, équipements sportifs, matériaux de construction... Des études nouvelles suggèrent la possibilité de risques pour la santé et pour l'environnement de certains produits. Face à cette situation d'incertitude, l'Afsset recommande d'agir sans attendre au nom du principe de précaution et de 1) Rendre obligatoire la traçabilité des nanomatériaux. Cela passe par une obligation de déclaration par les industriels, 2) la mise en place un étiquetage clair qui mentionne la présence de nanomatériaux dans les produits et informe sur la possibilité de relargage à l'usage, 3) d'aller jusqu'à l'interdiction de certains usages des nanomatériaux pour lesquels l'utilité est faible par rapport aux dangers potentiels, 4) l'harmonisation des cadres réglementaires français et européens pour généraliser les meilleures pratiques : déclaration, autorisation, substitution.
    En particulier, une révision de REACh s'impose pour prendre en compte les nanomatériaux manufacturés de manière spécifique et quel que soit leur tonnage. L'expertise fait également des recommandations pour construire une méthode renouvelée d'évaluation des risques sanitaires qui soit adaptée aux spécificités des nanomatériaux. Pour cela l'Afsset a testé les méthodologies classiques d'évaluation des risques sur 4 produits particuliers et courants : la chaussette antibactérienne (nanoparticules d'argent), le ciment autonettoyant et le lait solaire (nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane), la silice alimentaire à l'état nanométrique. Ces 4 produits représentent bien les voies d'exposition de l'homme (cutanée, inhalation, ingestion) et la possibilité de dispersion environnementale.
    Ces travaux font apparaître une urgence à faire progresser les connaissances sur les expositions et les dangers potentiels des nanomatériaux. Aujourd'hui, seuls 2% des études publiées sur les nanomatériaux concernent leurs risques pour la santé et l'environnement. Le premier effort devra porter sur la normalisation des caractéristiques des nanomatériaux. Les priorités de la recherche devront cibler la toxicologie, l'écotoxicologie et la mesure des expositions. Enfin, l'Afsset prévoit de s'autosaisir pour définir en 2 ans, avec son groupe de travail, un outil simplifié d'évaluation des risques. Il s'agit d'une grille de cotation des risques qui permet de catégoriser les produits en plusieurs gammes de risques. Face à ce chantier considérable, une mise en réseau entre les organismes européens et internationaux pour se partager le travail est nécessaire. Elle a commencé autour de l'OCDE qui coordonne des travaux d'évaluation des risques et de l'ISO qui travaille à la mise en place de nouvelles normes. [Auteurs]


    Notes : Bibliogr p. 124-135
    A également collaboré: Michael Riediker

    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/460552230101468097041324565478/10_03_ED_Les_nanomateriaux_Rapport_compresse.pdf
    (consulté le 08.03.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Nanoparticles ; Environmental Exposure ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Consumer Product Safety ; Environment
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 81511

    La maladie du poumon de fermier : apports de la médecine du travail

    Auteurs : Ntawuruhunga, Emmanuel ; Kursner, David ; Chouanière, Dominique ; Héritier, Francis ; Braunschweig, Richard ; Danuser, Brigitta ; Praz-Christinaz, Sophie-Maria
    Source : Swiss Medical Forum, 2010, Vol. 10, n° 3, p. 39-42

    Abstract : - La maladie du poumon de fermier est une affection immunologique secondaire à l'inhalation de poussières antigéniques provenant de microorganismes qui colonisent le foin moisi.
    - Sa prévalence parmi la population d'agriculteurs varie de 0,4 à 5% selon les pays.
    - Les critères diagnostiques comprennent une anamnèse d'exposition au foin, une dyspnée d'effort, l'auscultation de râles inspiratoires et une lymphocytose alvéolaire.
    - La prise en charge de l'agriculteur atteint nécessite la mise en place de mesures professionnelles préventives comprenant le réaménagement de sa place de travail, le changement des habitudes de travail et le port d'un masque de protection respiratoire. Ces mesures permettent à l'agriculteur de poursuivre son activité dans la plupart des cas.
    - En Suisse, la maladie du poumon de fermier est une maladie professionnelle à déclarer à l'assurance accident. [Auteurs]

    Texte intégral : http://www.medicalforum.ch/pdf/pdf_f/2010/2010-03/2010-03-195.PDF
    (consulté le 01.04.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Farmer's Lung ; Occupational Medicine ; Workplace
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 85193

    Exposition aux bioaérosols dans deux milieux professionnels : les cabinets de dentistes et les cultures de concombres et tomates

    Oppliger, Anne.  Source : Bulletin de veille scientifique : santé, environnement, travail : notes d'actualité scientifique, 2010, n° 11, p. 52-55

    Abstract : L'exposition aux bioaérosols (endotoxines, bactéries et spores de champignons en suspension dans l'air) et les problèmes de santé qui en découlent sont bien connus dans certains milieux professionnels (station d'épuration des eaux usées, élevages d'animaux, traitements des déchets organiques, travailleurs du bois, récolte et manutention des céréales, agriculture...). Cependant, les études avec investigations des concentrations aéroportées d'endotoxines et de micro-organismes se font très rares dans d'autres milieux professionnels à risque. Cette note d'actualité scientifique présente la synthèse de deux publications visant à quantifier les bioaérosols dans deux milieux professionnels rarement étudiés : les cabinets dentaires et les cultures maraîchères de concombres et tomates.
    Les dentistes ainsi que leurs assistants sont souvent bien informés sur les risques chimiques, les risques liés aux postures et les risques d'accidents avec exposition au sang. En revanche, le risque infectieux lié à une exposition aux bioaérosols est la plupart du temps méconnu. La flore bactérienne buccale est très riche et l'utilisation d'instruments tels que la fraise, le détartreur à ultrasons et le pistolet air-eau entraîne la dissémination aéroportée d'une grande quantité de bactéries. De plus, la conception des instruments générant un jet d'eau (diamètre des tubulures) favorise la formation de biofilm propice à l'adhérence et à la multiplication de micro-organismes à l'intérieur même des tuyaux. Ces micro-organismes se retrouvent alors en suspension dans l'air lors de l'utilisation de ces pistolets.L'inhalation de grandes quantités de ces micro-organismes pourrait alors engendrer des problèmes respiratoires (hypersensibilisation, asthme). De plus la présence de pathogènes, tels que les légionelles, les pseudomonas et les mycobactéries à croissance rapide, dans l'eau de ces unités dentaires peut aussi entraîner des risques infectieux pour les patients et pour les soignants.
    La production de tomates et concombres en Europe en 2008, était respectivement de 17 et 2 millions de tonnes dont 850 000 et 140 000 tonnes pour la France. La récolte, le tri et la mise en cageots ou en barquette individuelle de ces légumes génèrent de la poussière riche en matières organiques. Très peu d'études ont investigué l'exposition à ces poussières et aux endotoxines dans les serres de cultures intensives. Notamment, les données concernant les cultures de tomates sont inexistantes bien que ce légume soit un des plus cultivés en Europe. [Auteur]



    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/047118236158009569119864519059/Anses_bulletin_veille_scientifique_11_BVS_11.pdf
    (consulté le 20.12.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Aerosols ; Endotoxins ; Dentistry ; Dental Scaling ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-REGIO | N° 84637

    Les staphylocoques résistants à la méthicilline (MRSA) : un nouveau risque professionnel chez les éleveurs de porcs

    Oppliger, Anne.  Source : Bulletin de veille scientifique : santé, environnement, travail : notes d'actualité scientifique, 2010, n° 10, p. 48-51

    Abstract : En 2004, en Hollande, une souche particulière de Staphylococcus aureus1 résistant à la méthicilline (MRSA2 pour Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) a été découverte chez des personnes en contact avec des porcs. Après investigations, il s'est avéré que 39 % des porcs hollandais et 23 % des éleveurs de porcs étaient porteurs (dans leur conduit nasal) de cette souche dont le profil génétique obtenu par la technique MLST3 (ST398) est différent des clones MRSA habituellement responsables des infections nosocomiales (Maugat et al. 2009 ; Lucet et al. 2005). Depuis, un nombre croissant d'études concernant l'émergence de cette souche dans d'autres pays (Canada, France, Allemagne, Angleterre, Belgique, Italie, Espagne, Danemark et Singapour) et chez d'autres animaux (chevaux, chiens, vaches et poulets) ont été publiées. En janvier 2009, une étude rapporte que cette souche vient d'être isolée aux USA lors du contrôle de deux très grands élevages de porcs. Les souches MRSA ST398 ont été retrouvées chez 70 % des animaux et chez 9 des 14 des employés de l'un des deux élevages concernés. En Hollande, la proportion des éleveurs de porcs colonisés par ces MRSA est passée de 23 % en 2004 à 50 % en 2008 (contre 0,03 % dans la population générale, c'est-à-dire sans contact avec des animaux de ferme).
    Dans plusieurs pays, la possibilité d'une transmission de l'animal à l'homme, puis inter-humaine a été confirmée par plusieurs études et concernerait en premier lieu les éleveurs, leur famille et les vétérinaires (Khanna et al. 2008 ; Smith et al. 2008 ; Wulf et al. 2008). Dès lors, les élevages de porcs sont susceptibles de constituer un réservoir4 important de MRSA qui peuvent se propager à d'autres animaux et à l'homme.
    L'apparition de cette nouvelle zoonose5 peut avoir de graves impacts sur la santé publique et constitue un risque professionnel émergent pour les éleveurs de porcs. En effet, si dans la très grande majorité des cas, la colonisation nasale de l'homme par ces MRSA reste asymptomatique, l'implication de ces MRSA ST398 dans des complications infectieuses (endocardite, pneumonie, septicémie et infection de la peau) a déjà été observée. Les deux articles proposés dans cette note traitent de la problématique de ces complications infectieuses. [Auteur]


    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/690189948934515241975103896378/bulletin_veille_scientifique_Afsset_10_vdef.pdf
    (consulté le 01.11.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Staphylococcal Infections ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Swine
    Qualifiant     : Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 85629

    Development of a specific control banding tool for nanomaterials : report

    Auteurs : Ostiguy, Claude Collab. ; Riediker, Michael Collab. ; Vernez, David
    Lieu/dates : Maisons-Alfort : Afsset, 2010
    Format : 47 p. : ill.

    Abstract : [Table des matières] 1. Introduction to the control banding method : Nanomaterials and occupational risk assessment; Alternative method known as control banding; Scope and limits of control banding. - 2. Control banding process applied to manufactured nanomaterials: General points; Operating principle. - 3. Implementation of control banding: Gathering of information; Hazard bands; Exposure bands; Allocation of risk control bands. - 4. Bibliography: Publications; Books, reports, opinions, bulletins; Standards and references; Legislation and regulations; Websites. - Annexes

    Notes : Bibliogr p. 35-37
    Ont également collaboré: Michael Riediker, Jérôme Triolet, Paul Troisfontaines, David Vernez

    Texte intégral : http://www.afssa.fr/Documents/AP2008sa0407.pdf
    (consulté le 15.02.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Risk Assessment ; Occupational Exposure
    Qualifiant     : Risk Assessment/methods ; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 84448

    Characterisation of nanoparticles resulting from different braking behaviours

    Auteurs : Perrenoud, Alain ; Gasser, Michael ; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara ; Gehr, Peter ; Riediker, Michael
    Source : International Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
    ,     2010, Vol. 1, n° 1, p. 17-33

    Abstract : Brake wear particulate matter (PM) may provoke cardiovascular effects. A system was developed to expose cells to airborne PM from brakes. Six car models were tested, each with full stop and normal deceleration. PM numbers, mass and surface, metals, and carbon compounds were measured. Full stop produced higher PM number and mass concentrations than normal deceleration (up to 10 million particles/cm3 in 0.2 m3 volume). 87% of the PM mass was in the fine (100 nm to 2.5 ìm) and 12% in the coarse (2.5 to 10 ìm) fraction, whereas 74% of the PM number was nanoscaled (ultrafine < 0.1 ìm) and 26% fine PM. Elemental concentrations were 2,364, 236, and 18 ìg/m3 of iron, copper and manganese, respectively, and 664 and 36 ìg/m3 of organic and elemental carbon. PM-release differed between cars and braking behaviour. Temperature and humidity were stable. In conclusion, the established system seems feasible for exposing cell cultures to brake wear PM. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJBNN.2010.034123
    (consulté le 06.10.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Vehicle Emissions ; Particulate Matter ; Particle Size ; Epithelial Cells ; Toxicity Tests
    Qualifiant     : Vehicle Emissions/toxicity ; Particulate Matter/analysis ; Particulate Matter/toxicity
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 84730

    Activités professionnelles et qualité de l'air des parcs de stationnement couvert : rapport d'expertise collective

    Auteurs : Redaelli, Matteo Réd. ; Malrat-Domenge, Audrey Réd. ; Vernez, David
    Lieu/dates : Maisons-Alfort : Afsset, 2010
    Format : 8, 202 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : [Table des matières] 1. Contexte, objet et modalités de traitement de la saisine. - 2. Préambule. - 3. Caractérisation des parcs de stationnement couverts et de leurs activités professionnelles en France (enquête Afsset). - 4. Observations de terrain et analyse d'activités professionnelles exercées dans les parcs de stationnement couverts (étude Anact). - 5. Evaluation des risques sanitaires. - 6. Recommandations. - Bibliographie. - Annexe 1 : Lettre de saisine. - Annexe 2 : Présentation des positions divergentes. - Annexe 3 : Synthèse des déclarations publiques d'intérêts des experts par rapport au champ de la saisine. - Annexe 4 : Réglementation et recommandations institutionnelles concernant la qualité de l'air dans les parcs de stationnement couverts, et l'hygiène et la sécurité des travailleurs. - Annexe 5 : Etude de coparly sur la mesure de polluants atmosphériques dans les parcs de stationnement - Informations générales. - Annexe 6 : Dépassement des valeurs cibles Afsset" limitant les risques pour la santé des travailleurs dans les parcs de stationnement (Coparly, 2009). - Annexe 7 : Enquête Asset - Méthode d'identification du code NAF le plus adapté. - Annexe 8 : Enquête Afsset - Questionnaire d'enquête. - Annexe 9 : Enquête Afsset - Villes d'implantation des parcs inclus dans l'étude. - Annexe 10 : Rapport de l'Anact : Activité professionnelle et qualité de l'air dans les parcs couverts de stationnement. - Annexe 11 : Résultats de mesures de la campagne du LCPP utilisés pour les scénarios d'exposition. - Annexe 12 : Résultats issus de l'enquête Afsset sur les activités professionnelles exercées dans les parcs de stationnement couverts. - Annexe 13 : Concentrations ubiquitaires dans différents "micro-environnements" (Afsset, 2007). - Annexe 14 : Facteurs d'abattement entre concentrations dans le local d'exploitation et dans le parc. - Annexe 15 : Limites des valeurs toxicologiques de référence (Afsset, 2007). - Annexe 16 : Exemples de solutions pour améliorer la qualité de l'air et réduire l'exposition des travailleurs.


    Notes : Bibliogr p. 105-11
    A également collaboré: David Vernez

    Texte intégral : http://www.afssa.fr/Documents/AIR2008sa0003.pdf
    (consulté le 30.11.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Parking Facilities ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; Occupational Exposure ; Risk Assessment
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : France
    Qualifiant     : Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 82497

    Compendium of projects in the European nanosafety cluster

    Auteurs : Riediker, Michael Ed. ; Katalagarianakis, Georgios
    Lieu/dates : Lausanne : Institute for Work and Health, 2010
    Format : 196 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : The demand for research in the area of safety health and environmental management of nanotechnologies is present since a decade and identified by several landmark reports and studies. It is not the intention of this compendium to report on these as they are widely available.
    It is also not the intention to publish scientific papers and research results as this task is covered by scientific conferences and the peer reviewed press.
    The intention of the compendium is to bring together researchers, create synergy in their work, and establish links and communication between them mainly during the actual research phase before publication of results. Towards this purpose we find useful to give emphasis to communication of projects strategic aims, extensive coverage of specific work objectives and of methods used in research, strengthening human capacities and laboratories infrastructure, supporting collaboration for common goals and joint elaboration of future plans, without compromising scientific publication potential or IP Rights.
    These targets are far from being achieved with the publication in its present shape. We shall continue working, though, and hope with the assistance of the research community to make significant progress.
    We would like to stress that this sector is under development and progressing very fast, which might make some of the statements outdated or even obsolete. Nevertheless it is intended to provide a basis for the necessary future developments. [Ed.]


    Notes : Bibliogr.

    Texte intégral : http://www.nanoimpactnet.eu/index.php?page=other-publications
    (consulté le 08.03.2011)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Nanostructures ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Occupational Health ; Safety ; Environment
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Europe
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 83128

    Travailler dans l'urgence au quotidien : quels impacts sur les employés et sur l'organisation ? Etude qualitative au siège d'une ONG humanitaire

    Auteurs : Rochat, Lysiane ; Gonik, Viviane ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Source : Journal international de santé au travail, 2010, n° 1, p. 1-7

    Abstract : A l'occasion d'une intervention en santé au travail au siège d'une ONG humanitaire, nous avons constaté la présence d'une souffrance au travail importante parmi le personnel. Nous avons alors effectué une recherche sur l'organisation du travail et l'activité des employés dans le but de proposer des pistes de compréhension de cette souffrance. Nous avons collecté des données à l'aide d'un questionnaire, de 20 entretiens semi-directifs et de 26 jours d'observation non-participante. Nous avons mis en évidence un type de fonctionnement spécifique s'articulant en permanence autour de l'urgence. Celui-ci se nourrit de la nature des interventions de cette ONG ainsi que de la très forte valorisation des activités liées aux missions sur les terrains : tout se passe comme si le mode d'intervention " en situation d'urgence ", propre aux activités du terrain, contaminait l'organisation du travail au niveau du siège. Les employés sont pris dans un rythme effréné, ce qui les empêche de rester attentif à l'importance des tâches et de discriminer entre ce qui relève de " vraies " urgences et d'urgences " fantasmées ". Ceci génère un environnement potentiellement pathogène, où il est d'une part peu légitime de se préoccuper de sa propre santé et où d'autre part la charge de travail et le rythme ne laissent pas le temps à l'employé de mettre en place des stratégies de préservation de sa santé. [Auteures]

    Texte intégral : http://www.journalsantetravail.net/jist/cahiers/cahier20101/Rochat_article.pdf
    (consulté le 13.08.2010)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Stress, Physiological ; Stress, Psychological ; Employment ; Workplace ; Occupational Health
    Qualifiant     : Stress/epidemiology ; Stress/psychology ; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology ; Workplace/psychology
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-THES-DOC | N° 83194

    Assessment of the occurrence of nanoparticles in Swiss industry and evaluation of the appropriateness of the measurement devices to determine the workforce exposure

    Schmid, Kaspar.  Lieu/dates : Lausanne : IST, 2010
    Format : 284 p. : ill. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : The occupational health risk involved with handling nanoparticles is the probability that a worker will experience an adverse health effect: this is calculated as a function of the worker's exposure relative to the potential biological hazard of the material. Addressing the risks of nanoparticles requires therefore knowledge on occupational exposure and the release of nanoparticles into the environment as well as toxicological data. However, information on exposure is currently not systematically collected; therefore this risk assessment lacks quantitative data.
    This thesis aimed at, first creating the fundamental data necessary for a quantitative assessment and, second, evaluating methods to measure the occupational nanoparticle exposure. The first goal was to determine what is being used where in Swiss industries. This was followed by an evaluation of the adequacy of existing measurement methods to assess workplace nanoparticle exposure to complex size distributions and concentration gradients.
    The study was conceived as a series of methodological evaluations aimed at better understanding nanoparticle measurement devices and methods. It focused on inhalation exposure to airborne particles, as respiration is considered to be the most important entrance pathway for nanoparticles in the body in terms of risk. The targeted survey (pilot study) was conducted as a feasibility study for a later nationwide survey on the handling of nanoparticles and the applications of specific protection means in industry. The study consisted of targeted phone interviews with health and safety officers of Swiss companies that were believed to use or produce nanoparticles. This was followed by a representative survey on the level of nanoparticle usage in Switzerland. It was designed based on the results of the pilot study. The study was conducted among a representative selection of clients of the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA), covering about 85% of Swiss production companies.
    The third part of this thesis focused on the methods to measure nanoparticles. Several prestudies were conducted studying the limits of commonly used measurement devices in the presence of nanoparticle agglomerates. This focus was chosen, because several discussions with users and producers of the measurement devices raised questions about their accuracy measuring nanoparticle agglomerates and because, at the same time, the two survey studies revealed that such powders are frequently used in industry. The first preparatory experiment focused on the accuracy of the scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), which showed an improbable size distribution when measuring powders of nanoparticle agglomerates. Furthermore, the thesis includes a series of smaller experiments that took a closer look at problems encountered with other measurement devices in the presence of nanoparticle agglomerates: condensation particle counters (CPC), portable aerosol spectrometer (PAS) a device to estimate the aerodynamic diameter, as well as diffusion size classifiers. Some initial feasibility tests for the efficiency of filter based sampling and subsequent counting of carbon nanotubes (CNT) were conducted last. The pilot study provided a detailed picture of the types and amounts of nanoparticles used and the knowledge of the health and safety experts in the companies. Considerable maximal quantities (> 1'000 kg/year per company) of Ag, Al-Ox, Fe-Ox, SiO2, TiO2, and ZnO (mainly first generation particles) were declared by the contacted Swiss companies. The median quantity of handled nanoparticles, however, was 100 kg/year. The representative survey was conducted by contacting by post mail a representative selection of 1'626 SUVA-clients (Swiss Accident Insurance Fund). It allowed estimation of the number of companies and workers dealing with nanoparticles in Switzerland. The extrapolation from the surveyed companies to all companies of the Swiss production sector suggested that 1'309 workers (95%-confidence interval 1'073 to 1'545) of the Swiss production sector are potentially exposed to nanoparticles in 586 companies (145 to 1'027). These numbers correspond to 0.08% (0.06% to 0.09%) of all workers and to 0.6% (0.2% to 1.1%) of
    companies in the Swiss production sector. To measure airborne concentrations of sub micrometre-sized particles, a few well known methods exist. However, it was unclear how well the different instruments perform in the presence of the often quite large agglomerates of nanostructured materials. The evaluation of devices and methods focused on nanoparticle agglomerate powders. It allowed the identification of the following potential sources of inaccurate measurements at workplaces with considerable high concentrations of airborne agglomerates: A standard SMPS showed bi-modal particle size distributions when measuring large nanoparticle agglomerates. Differences in the range of a factor of a thousand were shown between diffusion size classifiers and CPC/SMPS. The comparison between CPC/SMPS and portable aerosol spectrometer (PAS) was much better, but depending on the concentration, size or type of the powders measured, the differences were still of a high order of magnitude. Specific difficulties and uncertainties in the assessment of workplaces were identified: the background particles can interact with particles created by a process, which make the handling of background concentration difficult. Electric motors produce high numbers of nanoparticles and confound the measurement of the process-related exposure.
    Conclusion: The surveys showed that nanoparticles applications exist in many industrial sectors in Switzerland and that some companies already use high quantities of them. The representative survey demonstrated a low prevalence of nanoparticle usage in most branches of the Swiss industry and led to the conclusion that the introduction of applications using nanoparticles (especially outside industrial chemistry) is only beginning. Even though the number of potentially exposed workers was reportedly rather small, it nevertheless underscores the need for exposure assessments. Understanding exposure and how to measure it correctly is very important because the potential health effects of nanomaterials are not yet fully understood. The evaluation showed that many devices and methods of measuring nanoparticles need to be validated for nanoparticles agglomerates before large exposure assessment studies can begin. [Author]

    Notes : Thèse (sciences de la vie) - Université de Lausanne, Faculté de biologie et de médecine, 2010. - Résumé en anglais, allemand et français. - Bibliogr. p. 255-260


    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Industry ; Data Collection ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Nanoparticles/utilization ; Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 82093

    Nanoparticle usage and protection measures in the manufacturing industry : a representative survey

    Auteurs : Schmid, Kaspar ; Danuser, Brigitta ; Riediker, Michael
    Source : Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2010, Vol. 7, n° 4, p. 224-232

    Abstract : Addressing the risks of nanoparticles requires knowledge about release into the environment and occupational exposure. However, such information currently is not systematically collected; therefore, this risk assessment lacks quantitative data. The goal was to evaluate the current level of nanoparticle usage in Swiss industry as well as health, safety, and environmental measures, and the number of potentially exposed workers. A representative, stratified mail survey was conducted among 1626 clients of the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA), which insures 80,000 manufacturing firms, representing 84% of all Swiss manufacturing companies (947 companies answered the survey for a 58.3% response rate). The extrapolation to all Swiss manufacturing companies results in 1309 workers (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1073 to 1545) potentially exposed to nanoparticles in 586 companies (95% CI: 145 to 1027). This corresponds to 0.08% of workers (95% CI: 0.06% to 0.09%) and to 0.6% of companies (95% CI: 0.2% to 1.1%). The industrial chemistry sector showed the highest percentage of companies using nanoparticles (21.2%). Other important sectors also reported nanoparticles. Personal protection equipment was the predominant protection strategy. Only a few applied specific environmental protection measures. This is the first nationwide representative study on nanoparticle use in the manufacturing sector. The information gained can be used for quantitative risk assessment. It can also help policymakers design strategies to support companies developing a safer use of nanomaterial. Notingthe current low use of nanoparticles, there is still time to proactively introduce protective methods. If the predicted "nano-revolution" comes true, now is the time to take action.
    [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: a pdf file containing a detailed description of the approach to statistical analyses, English translation of the questionnaire, additional information for Figure 1, and additional information for the SUVA-code.] [Authors]


    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15459621003609127
    (consulté le 01.04.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20155559
    Descripteurs MeSH : Data Collection ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Industry ; Nanoparticles ; Occupational Exposure ; Policy Making ; Protective Devices ; Risk Assessment ; Workplace
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Environmental Monitoring/standards ; Industry/standards ; Nanoparticles/adverse effects ; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control ; Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data ; Protective Devices/standards ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Risk Assessment/standards
    Article | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 82088

    Nanopartikel am Arbeitsplatz: 28. Workshop "Lunge - Umwelt - Arbeitsmedizin", Linz, 6. und 7. März 2009

    Auteurs : Schmid, Kaspar ; Danuser, Brigitta ; Riediker, Michael
    Source : Atemwegs- und Lungenkrankheiten, 2010, Vol. 36, n° 1, p. 14-20

    Abstract : Nanopartikel sind sehr kleine Partikel, die gezielt so hergestellt sind, dass ihr Durchmesser kleiner als etwa 100 nm ist. Sie werden in der Industrie eingesetzt, weil Materialien mit solch kleinen Dimensionen oft neue Eigenschaften aufweisen, die sie vom Ursprungsmaterial unterscheidet. Das Potenzial für mögliche Gesundheits- und Umwelteffekte von Nanomaterialien wird zurzeit intensiv diskutiert, denn die möglichen Effekte der neuen Eigenschaften auf Umwelt und Gesundheit sind erst unvollständig geklärt. Für die Abklärung der Risiken ist es wichtig, Informationen über die möglichen Expositionen und mögliche Freisetzungen in die Umwelt zu haben. Bisher wurden aber Daten über eingesetzte Stoffmengen und Materialarten selten systematisch erhoben. Wir haben in der Schweiz eine repräsentative Studie durchgeführt, um den Einsatz von Nanopartikeln im gesamten Industriesektor abschätzen zu können. Diese Studie ist unseres Wissens weltweit die erste solche Studie. Sie verwendete die Definition von Nanopartikeln, welche Nanofasern und Agglomerate von Nanopartikeln mit einschließt. Geschätzte 1.300 Arbeiter in 600 Firmen sind direkt an einer Nanopartikelanwendung beteiligt und könnten somit exponiert werden. Dies sind etwa 0,6% der Firmen und etwa 0,08% der Arbeiter des Schweizer Produktionssektors. Um nun zu bestimmen, ob solche Arbeiter mit Nanopartikel in Kontakt kommen oder nicht, stehen verschiedene Messmethoden zur Verfügung. Die aktuelle Technik erlaubt eine quantitative Messung der Anzahl der Partikel in der Luft, deren Masse oder auch Oberfläche. Diese Messgrößen allein geben zwar Hinweise auf die Präsenz von Nanopartikeln, die möglichen Gesundheitseffekte einer Exposition sind aber erst unvollständig abgeklärt und erlauben keine abschließende Risikoanalyse für den Arbeitsplatz. Mehrere Aktionspläne für die Entwicklung eines sicheren und nachhaltigen Umgangs mit Nanomaterialien wurden in den letzten Jahren gestartet (EU, Schweiz). Internationale und nationale Organisationen entwickelten Guidelines und Empfehlungen für industrielle Anwendungen (Internationale Organisation für Normung - ISO, Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsanstalt - SUVA, Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin - BAuA, zusammen mit dem Verband der Chemischen Industrie - VCI). Diese generellen Informationen müssen nun in die Industrie transferiert und an die spezifischen Bedürfnisse der betroffenen Unternehmen angepasst werden. Die aufgezeigte, relativ geringe Verbreitung von Nanopartikelanwendungen in der Industrie weist darauf hin, dass heute Schutzmaßnahmen noch proaktiv und kostengünstig entwickelt und eingeführt werden können. Aber sollte die vorhergesagte "Nano-Revolution" wirklich eintreten, ist die Zeit gekommen, jetzt aktiv zu werden. [Autoren]


    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanoparticles ; Industry ; Safety ; Data Collection ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health
    Qualifiant     : Nanoparticles/toxicity ; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 84892

    Probing functional groups at the gas-aerosol interface using heterogeneous titration reactions: a tool for predicting aerosol health effects?

    Auteurs : Setyan, Ari ; Sauvain, Jean-Jacques ; Guillemin, Michel ; Riediker, Michael ; Demirdjian, Benjamin ; Rossi, Michel J.
    Source : Chemphyschem, 2010, Vol. 11, n° 18, p. 3823-3835

    Abstract : The complex chemical and physical nature of combustion and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) in general precludes the complete characterization of both bulk and interfacial components. The bulk composition reveals the history of the growth process and therefore the source region, whereas the interface controls-to a large extent-the interaction with gases, biological membranes, and solid supports. We summarize the development of a soft interrogation technique, using heterogeneous chemistry, for the interfacial functional groups of selected probe gases [N(CH(3))(3), NH(2)OH, CF(3)COOH, HCl, O(3), NO(2)] of different reactivity. The technique reveals the identity and density of surface functional groups. Examples include acidic and basic sites, olefinic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) sites, and partially and completely oxidized surface sites. We report on the surface composition and oxidation states of laboratory-generated aerosols and of aerosols sampled in several bus depots. In the latter case, the biomarker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, signaling oxidative stress caused by aerosol exposure, was isolated. The increase in biomarker levels over a working day is correlated with the surface density N(i) (O3) of olefinic and/or PAH sites obtained from O(3) uptakes as well as with the initial uptake coefficient, ?(0), of five probe gases used in the field. This correlation with ?(0) suggests the idea of competing pathways occurring at the interface of the aerosol particles between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for oxidative stress and cellular antioxidants. [Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cphc.201000490
    (consulté le 26.11.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20931592
    Descripteurs MeSH : Vehicle Emissions ; Aerosols ; Particulate Matter ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Biological Markers ; Surface Properties ; Occupational Exposure
    Article | Cote : PUB-ART-EDITO | N° 83182

    Sensitive headspace gas chromatography analysis of free and conjugated 1-methoxy-2-propanol in urine

    Auteurs : Tomicic, Catherine ; Berode, Michèle
    2010, Vol. 396, n° 7, p. 2709-2714

    Abstract : Glycol ethers still continue to be a workplace hazard due to their important use on an industrial scale. Currently, chronic occupational exposures to low levels of xenobiotics become increasingly relevant. Thus, sensitive analytical methods for detecting biomarkers of exposure are of interest in the field of occupational exposure assessment. 1-Methoxy-2-propanol (1M2P) is one of the dominant glycol ethers and the unmetabolized urinary fraction has been identified to be a good biological indicator of exposure. An existing analytical method including a solid-phase extraction and derivatization before GC/FID analysis is available but presents some disadvantages. We present here an alternative method for the determination of urinary 1M2P based on the headspace gas chromatography technique. We determined the 1M2P values by the direct headspace method for 47 samples that had previously been assayed by the solid-phase extraction and derivatization gas chromatography procedure. An inter-method comparison based on a Bland-Altman analysis showed that both techniques can be used interchangeably. The alternative method showed a tenfold lower limit of detection (0.1 mg/L) as well as good accuracy and precision which were determined by several urinary 1M2P analyses carried out on a series of urine samples obtained from a human volunteer study. The within- and between-run precisions were generally about 10%, which corresponds to the usual injection variability. We observed that the differences between the results obtained with both methods are not clinically relevant in comparison to the current biological exposure index of urinary 1M2P. Accordingly, the headspace gas chromatography technique turned out to be a more sensitive, accurate, and simple method for the determination of urinary 1M2P.[Authors]

    Texte intégral : http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-3487-0
    (consulté le 19.08.2010)

    PubMed ID (abstract) : 20155252
    Descripteurs MeSH : Propylene Glycols ; Chromatography, Gas ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Urinalysis
    Qualifiant     : Propylene Glycols/urine ; Chromatography, Gas/methods ; Occupational Exposure/analysis ; Urinalysis/methods
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 81492

    Facteurs et stratégies favorisant la préservation de la santé chez les ambulanciers : rapport de recherche

    Auteurs : Arial, Marc ; Pichonnaz, Lauriane ; Benoît, Damien ; Danuser, Brigitta
    Lieu/dates : Lausanne : IST, 2009
    Format : 1 vol. : ill. ; 30 cm + 1 vol. d'annexes

    Abstract : Cette étude vise à identifier et à mieux comprendre les diverses stratégies de préservation de la santé utilisées par les ambulanciers dans le cadre de leur travail. Cette étude s'est déroulée en 2008 et 2009 dans la partie francophone de la Suisse.
    La démarche retenue comporte deux phases distinctes. Dans un premier temps, une phase qualitative centrée sur l'observation du travail réel a été effectuée. Au cours de cette phase, les chercheurs ont accompagné des équipages d'ambulanciers pour la durée entière de la journée de travail et pour une moyenne d'environ une semaine par équipage. Les analyses des données d'observation ont été réalisées en équipe multidisciplinaire. Certaines interventions ont été filmées. Des séquences vidéo ont été utilisées dans le cadre d'entretiens en auto-confrontation qui visaient 1- à mieux comprendre les stratégies utilisées et 2- à valider certaines conclusions des analyses. Les observations ont été effectuées dans 11 services pour un total de 416 heures d'observation et 70 interventions. L'analyse de l'activité réelle de travail a été effectuée à travers diverses thématiques comme le travail d'équipe, l'organisation, la charge physique, la reconnaissance au travail.
    Dans un second temps, un questionnaire a été développé et administré à l'ensemble des ambulanciers (N=669) en Suisse francophone. Cette démarche visait d'une part à documenter l'état de santé de ces professionnels. D'autre part, elle visait à mettre en évidence des associations entre certains facteurs présents dans le travail des ambulanciers et des indicateurs de santé. Au total, 374 réponses ont été retournées (taux de réponse: 55.9%). La démarche quantitative a permis de constater que les ambulanciers sont nombreux à avoir des symptômes au dos (région lombaire). Quoique moins nombreux que dans des études portant sur des populations comparables, les participants à notre étude sont aussi plusieurs à avoir un score élevé pour le GHQ-12. Des associations statistiquement significatives ont été observées entre des symptômes et des caractéristiques du travail comme la fréquence et le type d'intervention, le ratio efforts-récompenses, de même que certains aspects organisationnels ou liés à la supervision. [Auteurs]

    Notes : Bibliogr.


    Descripteurs MeSH : Emergency Medical Services ; Allied Health Personnel ; Occupational Health ; Mental Health ; Workload ; Stress, Psychological ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Task Performance and Analysis
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Switzerland
    Qualifiant     : Emergency Medical Services/organization & administration ; Allied Health Personnel/organization & administration ; Allied Health Personnel/psychology
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 81326

    Conséquences sur la santé des fluides de coupe : rapport d'appui scientifique et technique

    Auteurs : Badot, Pierre-Marie Collab. ; Deslauriers, Michel Collab. ; Huynh, Cong Khanh Collab. ; Lepoittevin, Jean-Pierre
    Lieu/dates : Maisons-Alfort : Afsset, 2009
    Format : 227 p. ; 30 cm

    Abstract : Les fluides de coupe sont utilisés pour lubrifier, refroidir et protéger les pièces métalliques de l'oxydation lors de la " coupe ", c'est-à-dire l'usinage des métaux à l'aide d'un outil coupant (ajustage, décolletage, tournage, fraisage, forage ...), abrasif (meulage, rectification, rodage...), ou par électroérosion ou déformation (emboutissage, laminage, tréfilage ...). En mars 2008, l'Afsset a été sollicitée par le secrétariat général pour l'administration (SGA) du ministère de la Défense sur les conséquences sur la santé des activités utilisant les fluides de coupe. Cette demande a été traitée par l'Afsset en appui scientifique et technique avec l'appui d'experts rapporteurs et du comité d'experts spécialisés : " évaluation des risques liés aux substances chimiques ". Ce rapport constitue le produit de l'expertise de l'Afsset.
    L'exposition aux huiles de coupe peut être à l'origine de pathologies bénignes et fréquentes ou de pathologies graves. Les dangers pour la santé humaine liés à l'utilisation des fluides de coupe peuvent donc être considérés de gravité comparable à ceux de certaines substances listées dans l'annexe I-A du décret du décret 67-711 du 18 août 1967, mis à part le caractère explosif. Un certain nombre de travaux, comme l'usinage des métaux, entraîne une exposition professionnelle aux fluides de coupe. Or, la quantification de l'exposition aux fluides de coupe est délicate et souvent peu précise, notamment du fait des techniques de prélèvement utilisées (cf annexe 2). Cet aspect technique n'a pas été développé dans le rapport qui s'est attaché, par une revue de la littérature, à évaluer les effets des fluides de coupe sur la santé humaine. Aussi, dans un contexte professionnel où il est difficile te chniquement de réduire les expositions, il apparaît essentiel de s'assurer et de vérifier l'application des mesures réglementaires d'évaluation des risques et la mise en oeuvre des moyens de protection, individuels et collectifs, des travailleurs exposés aux fluides de coupe, qu'ils soient utilisateurs de ces fluides ou exposés aux brouillards d'huiles du fait de l'environnement de leur poste de travail. Enfin, des études complémentaires (épidémiologiques par exemple) s'avèrent nécessaires pour mieux évaluer les expositions et les risques liés aux fluides de coupe, eu égard notamment aux discordances, pour certaines localisations tumorales, des résultats obtenus lors des études antérieures. [Auteurs]

    Notes : Bibliogr p. 206-214
    Ont également collaboré: Michel Deslauriers, Cong Khanh Huynh, Jean-Pierre Lepoittevin

    Texte intégral : http://www.afsset.fr/upload/bibliotheque/533487351203425784870733611300/fluides_de_coupe_afsset_2009.pdf
    (consulté le 22.12.2009)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Dermatologic Agents ; Respiratory Aspiration ; Neoplasms
    Abstract | Cote : PUB-CONF | N° 81793

    Biomarqueurs d'exposition aux fongicides captan et folpet : analyse des métabolites par spectrométrie de masse couplée à une chromatographie en phase liquide en ionisation chimique à pression atmosphérique (LC-APCI-MS) [Abstract]

    Auteurs : Berthet, Aurélie ; Huynh, Cong Khanh ; Berode, Michèle ; Vernez, David ; Bouchard, Michèle
    In : Santé travail : présentation des résultats des projets de recherche soutenus par le Programme national environnement santé travail et des derniers résultats d'expertise collective de l'AFSSET, mardi 8 décembre 2009. - Maisons-Alfort : Afsset, 2009. -Session 2 : Outils et méthodes en santé travail, p. 15. - (Les rencontres scientifiques de l'AFSSET)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Fungicides, Industrial ; Environmental Exposure
    Rapport | Cote : PUB-RAP | N° 79816

    Major information package [Document électronique] : end of 1st year report

    Auteurs : Boschung, Nathalie ; Hart, Darren ; Fernandes, Teresa ; Hunt, Geoffrey ; Lynch, Iseult ; Nowack, Bernd ; Stone, Vicki ; Riediker, Michael
    Lieu/dates : Lausanne : Institute for Work and Health, 2009
    Format : 32 p. : ill.

    Abstract : Launched in April 2008, NanoImpactNet - the European network on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials - has completed the first year of a 4-year project. For this period 37 deliverables, 14 events and 23 reports were planned and successfully delivered.
    NanoImpactNet is first and foremost a network and a platform for exchange and debate on research ideas. The network's uniqueness has already generated a lot of interest: in the last year the initial 24 partner institutes have been joined by over 260 members and there are over 500 readers of the NanoImpactNet newsletter. By coordinating research between scientists from over 40 countries, NanoImpactNet will help harmonise methodologies and communicate results, leading to increased consensus on best practice and priority research areas.
    Since the last major information package, two groups of NanoImpactNet events took place, the first in September 2008, the second in March 2009.
    In September 2008, in Zurich, Switzerland, three NanoImpactNet workshops took place. The first one provided a forum for the discussion of current opinions on nanomaterials in relation to human health and environmental issues. The participants agreed on the physicochemical characterisation information important for environmental studies and the reference materials useful for ecotoxicology/ environmental studies. The conclusions of the workshop have been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Last September NanoImpactNet also provided a forum for assessing the life-cycle of nanomaterials. A soon to be published manuscript represents a summary of the main ideas and a consensus of the discussions on life cycle concepts. There was also a stakeholder workshop to initiate a multi-stakeholder dialogue and identify information and communication needs of the different stakeholders groups.
    In March 2009, scientists, industry, policy makers and civil society from around the world converged at the University Hospitals of Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the challenges and limitations of exploring and characterising these new materials. With this key emerging technology, scientists from various fields are increasingly involved in materials and processes at the nano-scale. It is therefore vital to stay in touch with the latest developments and the 2009 NanoImpactNet Conference provided an excellent means to be informed of the latest advances in this field. With 5 sessions (1. Human health and exposure; 2. Environmental fate and effects; 3. Life-cycle and risk assessment; 4. From research to policies; 5. Connecting the dots) and over 30 presentations from leading experts, participants were offered insight into the latest nanotechnology safety research. Back-to-back with the 2-day conference, a training school for young scientists and two workshops were organised. [Authors]

    Notes : Ont également collaboré: Darren Hart, Teresa Fernandes, Geoffrey Hunt, Iseult Lynch, Bernd Nowack, Vicki Stone, Michael Riediker

    Texte intégral : http://www.nanoimpactnet.eu/object_binary/o3038_MIP2_2009-07-07.pdf
    (consulté le 15.07.2009)

    Descripteurs MeSH : Nanostructures ; Nanoparticles ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; Industry ; Occupational Exposure
    Descripteur géo. (MeSH)     : Europe