Hasil untuk "Industrial hygiene. Industrial welfare"

Dana Bryazka, Marissa B Reitsma, Yohannes Habtegiorgis Abate et al.

Summary: Background: Smoking is the leading behavioural risk factor for mortality globally, accounting for more than 175 million deaths and nearly 4·30 billion years of life lost (YLLs) from 1990 to 2021. The pace of decline in smoking prevalence has slowed in recent years for many countries, and although strategies have recently been proposed to achieve tobacco-free generations, none have been implemented to date. Assessing what could happen if current trends in smoking prevalence persist, and what could happen if additional smoking prevalence reductions occur, is important for communicating the effect of potential smoking policies. Methods: In this analysis, we use the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's Future Health Scenarios platform to forecast the effects of three smoking prevalence scenarios on all-cause and cause-specific YLLs and life expectancy at birth until 2050. YLLs were computed for each scenario using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 reference life table and forecasts of cause-specific mortality under each scenario. The reference scenario forecasts what could occur if past smoking prevalence and other risk factor trends continue, the Tobacco Smoking Elimination as of 2023 (Elimination-2023) scenario quantifies the maximum potential future health benefits from assuming zero percent smoking prevalence from 2023 onwards, whereas the Tobacco Smoking Elimination by 2050 (Elimination-2050) scenario provides estimates for countries considering policies to steadily reduce smoking prevalence to 5%. Together, these scenarios underscore the magnitude of health benefits that could be reached by 2050 if countries take decisive action to eliminate smoking. The 95% uncertainty interval (UI) of estimates is based on the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile of draws that were carried through the multistage computational framework. Findings: Global age-standardised smoking prevalence was estimated to be 28·5% (95% UI 27·9–29·1) among males and 5·96% (5·76–6·21) among females in 2022. In the reference scenario, smoking prevalence declined by 25·9% (25·2–26·6) among males, and 30·0% (26·1–32·1) among females from 2022 to 2050. Under this scenario, we forecast a cumulative 29·3 billion (95% UI 26·8–32·4) overall YLLs among males and 22·2 billion (20·1–24·6) YLLs among females over this period. Life expectancy at birth under this scenario would increase from 73·6 years (95% UI 72·8–74·4) in 2022 to 78·3 years (75·9–80·3) in 2050. Under our Elimination-2023 scenario, we forecast 2·04 billion (95% UI 1·90–2·21) fewer cumulative YLLs by 2050 compared with the reference scenario, and life expectancy at birth would increase to 77·6 years (95% UI 75·1–79·6) among males and 81·0 years (78·5–83·1) among females. Under our Elimination-2050 scenario, we forecast 735 million (675–808) and 141 million (131–154) cumulative YLLs would be avoided among males and females, respectively. Life expectancy in 2050 would increase to 77·1 years (95% UI 74·6–79·0) among males and 80·8 years (78·3–82·9) among females. Interpretation: Existing tobacco policies must be maintained if smoking prevalence is to continue to decline as forecast by the reference scenario. In addition, substantial smoking-attributable burden can be avoided by accelerating the pace of smoking elimination. Implementation of new tobacco control policies are crucial in avoiding additional smoking-attributable burden in the coming decades and to ensure that the gains won over the past three decades are not lost. Funding: Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Cristian Armijo Castillo, Ivo Alarcón Parra, Pavel Cuevas Zhbankova et al.

La investigación analizó la influencia de la perspectiva marxista en el paradigma social de la ocupación. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica narrativa, empleando una metodología cualitativa e interpretativa para analizar los conceptos de sujeto y lo social en tres propuestas ubicadas dentro de dicho paradigma: la teoría de la naturaleza ocupacional del ser Humano de Ann Wilcock, el modelo Kawa de Michael Iwama y la denominada perspectiva político-social de Terapia Ocupacional de Kronenberg, Algado y Pollard, cotejándolas con las mismas concepciones en la perspectiva marxista. Se identifica una influencia de la perspectiva marxista en la construcción de los textos seleccionados y en las concepciones de sujeto y lo social, más clara –y en ocasiones explícita– en las propuestas de Ann Wilcock y Kronenberg, Algado y Pollard. En el caso del modelo Kawa, pudieron reconocerse menos puntos de encuentro, lo que puede atribuirse al influjo de una cosmovisión de Oriente.

Haijing Qu, Xing Jin, Wei Cheng et al.

Abstract Background Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles (NPs) have been intensively investigated for medical applications, but an in-depth toxicological investigation of PB NPs has not been implemented. In the present study, a comprehensive investigation of the fate and risks of PB NPs after intravenous administration was carried out by using a mouse model and an integrated methodology of pharmacokinetics, toxicology, proteomics, and metabolomics. Results General toxicological studies demonstrated that intravenous administration of PB NPs at 5 or 10 mg/kg could not induce obvious toxicity in mice, while mice treated with a relatively high dose of PB NPs at 20 mg/kg exhibited loss of appetite and weight decrease in the first two days postinjection. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that intravenously administered PB NPs (20 mg/kg) underwent fast clearance from blood, highly accumulated in the liver and lungs of mice, and finally cleared from tissues. By further integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis, we found that protein expression and metabolite levels changed significantly in the liver and lungs of mice due to the high accumulation of PB NPs, leading to slight inflammatory responses and intracellular oxidative stress. Conclusions Collectively, our integrated experimental data imply that the high accumulation of PB NPs may cause potential risks to the liver and lungs of mice, which will provide detailed references and guidance for further clinical application of PB NPs in the future.

Jesús Salvador Hernández Romero, Belkis Lidia Fernández Lafargue, Ibis Avila Roque et al.

Introducción: El interés por la información y el conocimiento toma cada vez más fuerza. Es creciente la demanda social de orientación adecuada para afrontar los complejos y nuevos problemas globales. Las condiciones actuales de la Revolución Científico-Técnica producen un interés creciente hacia la información y el conocimiento y la gestión y uso creativo de ambas. Una mejor y más efectiva estrategia para lograr la difusión de la actividad científica es publicar trabajos y compartirlos a través de la ciencia abierta. Se propone una investigación exploratoria relacionada con la temática de la salud ocupacional. Objetivo: Identificar la información general sobre la salud ocupacional. Métodos: Se determinó la validez de contenido según criterios de evaluación de Moriyama a un cuestionario confeccionado previamente con los aspectos requeridos para identificar la información general sobre la temática. La versión definitiva fue aplicada para explorar los mencionados elementos en una población relacionada con la institución y/o la especialidad. Se analizaron y presentaron los resultados cualitativa y estadísticamente para recomendar estrategias que permitan incrementar los conocimientos y la visibilidad nacional e internacional. Resultados: Se obtuvo, mayoritariamente a través de las redes sociales ResearchGate y LinkedIn, información general sobre la Salud ocupacional, clasificada según los datos sociodemográficos, conocimientos de la gestión de la información y relación con la actividad del Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en la muestra estudiada inclinan a pensar en la necesidad de un trabajo sostenido para gestionar el aumento de la visibilidad de la Salud ocupacional Introduction: Interest in information and knowledge is gaining an increasing strength. The social demand for adequate guidance to face the complex and new global problems is growing. The current conditions of the scientific-technical revolution produce a growing interest in information and knowledge, as well as the management and creative usage of both. A better and more effective strategy to achieve the dissemination of scientific activity is publishing works and sharing them through open science. An exploratory research related to the theme of occupational health is proposed. Objective: To identify general information about occupational health. Methods: Content validity was determined according to Moriyama's assessment criteria applied to a previously prepared questionnaire with the required aspects for identifying the general information on the subject. The final version was applied to explore the aforementioned elements in a population related to the institution or the specialty. The results were analyzed and presented qualitatively and statistically to recommend strategies that allow increasing knowledge, as well as national and international visibility. Results: General information on occupational health was obtained, mostly through the ResearchGate and LinkedIn social networks. Such information was classified according to sociodemographic data, knowledge of information management and its relationship with the activity of the Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores. Conclusions: The results obtained in the studied sample permit to think about the need for sustained work to manage the increased visibility of occupational health

Niranyakarn Chantra, Phassakorn Klinkwan, Saovalug Luksamijarulkul et al.

Introduction: The informal workers in Bangkok have low income, high expenses, and inequity in health coverage, especially in Bangkok metropolitan area. Moreover, the urban lifestyle was severer than in rural area. However, their mental heaths were not directly determined.  Therefore, the objective of this study was aimed to determine the relationship among mental health and related factors including demographic data, health behaviors, and coping responses.  Methods: The research areas in Bangkok metropolitan area were included voluntarily which were Ladkrabang, Prawet, and Prapradang districts and the subjects were recruited from conventional sampling. They were interviewed by questionnaire. Results: The subjects were 94 male and 76 female informal workers. Most of them finished primary school and an average income was 9,019.68 bahts per month. The happiness score was 31.56 (S.D.=5.06). The mental state was 11.1(S.D.=3.04), mental capacity was 6.25 (S.D.=1.49), mental quality was 6.92(S.D.=1.31) and family support was 7.28 (S.D.=1.41). Conclusion: The happiness and work-family balance were in medium; the others were in high level. The work-family balance, medium work demands, financial status and occupations are the potential factors that affected to mental health status of the informal workers.  Discussion: The mental capacity and the work-family balance need to be improved for increasing their mental health status. Hence, the working schedule should be arranged and the monitoring of mental health status should be monitored in further study.

Leizel Madueño, Simonas Kecorius, Jakob Löndahl et al.

Abstract Background Exposure to air pollutants is one of the major environmental health risks faced by populations globally. Information about inhaled particle deposition dose is crucial in establishing the dose–response function for assessing health-related effects due to exposure to air pollution. Objective This study aims to quantify the respiratory tract deposition (RTD) of equivalent black carbon (BC) particles in healthy young adults during a real-world commuting scenario, analyze factors affecting RTD of BC, and provide key parameters for the assessment of RTD. Methods A novel in situ method was applied to experimentally determine the RTD of BC particles among subjects in the highly polluted megacity of Metro Manila, Philippines. Exposure measurements were made for 40 volunteers during public transport and walking. Results The observed BC exposure concentration was up to 17-times higher than in developed regions. The deposition dose rate (DDR) of BC was up to 3 times higher during commute inside a public transport compared to walking (11.6 versus 4.4 μg hr−1, respectively). This is twice higher than reported in similar studies. The average BC mass deposition fraction (DF) was found to be 43 ± 16%, which can in large be described by individual factors and does not depend on gender. Conclusions Commuting by open-sided public transport, commonly used in developing regions, poses a significant health risk due to acquiring extremely high doses of carcinogenic traffic-related pollutants. There is an urgent need to drastically update air pollution mitigation strategies for reduction of dangerously high emissions of BC in urban setting in developing regions. The presented mobile measurement set-up to determine respiratory tract deposition dose is a practical and cost-effective tool that can be used to investigate respiratory deposition in challenging environments.

Septi Dewi Yuliani, Noeroel Widajati

Introduction: Excessive workload is a major factor causing work stress. The condition that arises as a result of the inability of workers to deal with the demands of their work causes work stress. This study aims to analyze the relationship between individual factors and subjective workload with work stress on the spinning workers of PT. Delta Merlin Sandang Tekstil I Sragen. Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross sectional study design. Research was conducted in January 2020 in PT. Delta Merlin Sandang Tekstil I Sragen. The samples of this research consisted of 133 respondents, which were determined by using a simple random sampling method. Work stress was a dependent variable in this study and individual factors (age, gender, education level, years of service, and marital status) were the independent variables; moreover, the work factor used was subjective workload. Data on individual characteristics, subjective workload, and work stress were obtained through distributing questionnaires to workers. Data analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation. Results: The results of the study state that there is no relationship between age (p = 0.790), sex (p = 0.659), level of education (p = 0.499), years of service (p = 0.730), marital status (p = 0.251) and work stress, and there is a relationship between subjective workload and work stress (p = 0,000). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between subjective workload and work stress, but there is no relationship between individual factors and work stress among the spinning workers of PT. Delta Merlin Sandang Tekstil I Sragen. Keywords: individual factors, subjective workload, work stress

Fandita Tonyka Maharani, Zena Lynch

Introduction: In 2009, UNESCO declared Batik Indonesia as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This study examines the occupational health and safety hazards and risks that arise in a Batik company based on a case example of a Batik company in Surakarta, Indonesia. In Indonesia, Batik is categorized as traditional attire. Two kinds of Batik are produced - Batik tulis (traditionally handcrafted) and Batik printing, which uses specific printing tools. The UK Health Safety Executive (HSE) risk assessment framework is referred to in this study, which consists of: hazard identification, population exposure, risk evaluation, precaution development, recording findings, and regular appraisal of systems. Methods: Both observation and interviews (of workers) at the Batik company were utilized for this study as well as an independent risk assessment. Results: The findings highlighted physical, ergonomic, chemical, mechanical, and biological hazards, originating from the materials, tools, and working methods utilized in the batik production. Conclusion: Many of the issues highlighted by this study can be addressed via in-depth risk assessment, using the POPMAR model to frame the activities. This approach can create a positive pathway, leading to a continuous cycle of improvement which puts the workers’ health at the forefront of the business activities. Keywords: Batik, workers, hazard identification, HSE Model, risk management

Russell A. Morales-Rubio, Isabel Alvarado-Cruz, Natalia Manzano-León et al.

Abstract Background Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with an adverse intrauterine environment, which can promote adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Ultrafine particles (UFP) (small size and large surface area/mass ratio) are systemically distributed, induce inflammation and oxidative stress, and have been associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial vasoconstriction, increasing hypertension risk. Placental stress and alterations in methylation of promoter regions of renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-related elements could be involved in UFP exposure-related programming of hypertension. We investigated whether in utero UFP exposure promotes placental stress by inflammation and oxidative stress, alterations in hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 11b-type 2 (HSD11B2) and programming of RAS-related elements, and result in altered blood pressure in adult offspring. UFP were collected from ambient air using an aerosol concentrator and physicochemically characterized. Pregnant C57BL/6J p un/p un female mice were exposed to collected UFP (400 μg/kg accumulated dose) by intratracheal instillation and compared to control (nonexposed) and sterile H2O (vehicle) exposed mice. Embryo reabsorption and placental stress by measurement of the uterus, placental and fetal weights, dam serum and fetal cortisol, placental HSD11B2 DNA methylation and protein levels, were evaluated. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) biotransformation (CYP1A1 and NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)1)) enzymes, inflammation and oxidative stress in placentas and fetuses were measured. Postnatal day (PND) 50 in male offspring blood pressure was measured. Methylation and protein expression of (RAS)-related elements, angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in fetuses and lungs of PND 50 male offspring were also assessed. Results In utero UFP exposure induced placental stress as indicated by an increase in embryo reabsorption, decreases in the uterus, placental, and fetal weights, and HSD11B2 hypermethylation and protein downregulation. In utero UFP exposure induced increases in the PAH-biotransforming enzymes, intrauterine oxidative damage and inflammation and stimulated programming and activation of AT1R and ACE, which resulted in increased blood pressure in the PND 50 male offspring. Conclusions In utero UFP exposure promotes placental stress through inflammation and oxidative stress, and programs RAS-related elements that result in altered blood pressure in the offspring. Exposure to UFP during fetal development could influence susceptibility to CVD in adulthood.

Paul J. A. Borm, Kevin E. Driscoll

Abstract Background In 2006, titanium dioxide and carbon black were classified by IARC as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and in 2017 the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment concluded titanium dioxide meets the criteria to be classified as suspected of causing cancer (category 2, through the inhalation route). These classifications were based primarily on the occurrence of lung cancer in rats exposed chronically to high concentrations of these materials, as no such responses have been observed in other animal species similarly exposed. After the EU classification of titanium dioxide, it was suggested that Poorly Soluble particles of Low Toxicity (PSLTs) can be evaluated as a group. Main body To better understand the current state of scientific opinion, we sought perspective from several international experts on topics relevant to the classification of carbon black; titanium dioxide; and, the potential future classification of PSLTs. Areas discussed included: grouping of PSLTs; the relevance of rat lung cancer responses to high concentrations of PSLTs; and, clearance overload and implications for interpretation of inhalation toxicology studies. We found there were several areas where a large majority of experts, including ourselves, agreed. These included concerns on the grouping of PSLT and the definition of clearance overload. Regarding the extrapolation of PSLT associated lung cancer in rats there were some strongly held differences, although most experts questioned the relevance when excessive exposures which overwhelm lung clearance were required. Short conclusion Given the ongoing discussion on PSLT classification and safety, we believe it is important to re-activate the public debate including experts and stakeholders. Such an open discussion would serve to formally document where scientific consensus and differences exist. This could form the basis for design of future safety programs and safety assessments.

Belkis Lidia Fernández Lafargue

Introducción: La publicación de artículos científicos tiene varios objetivos. El más evidente es la rápida divulgación de los resultados. Los investigadores suelen enviar sus trabajos a aquellas revistas que consultan las personas a quienes quieren comunicar sus hallazgos para que los reconozcan, verifiquen, refuten, extiendan o apliquen. Hoy existen más de 200 revistas científicas cubanas certificadas por el Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA), con buena representatividad de aquellas pertenecientes al sector de la Salud. Se proponen, para conocimiento de los usuarios, algunas de las publicadas en ellas pertenecientes a temáticas de interés general y específicos de la temática de la Salud Ocupacional, proporcionando en cada caso el enlace para el acceso directo a las mismas. Objetivo: Divulgar artículos de interés para los usuarios de la Revista. Método: Se realizo un trabajo de exploración de las tablas de contenidos de las publicaciones científicas nacionales e internacionales. Se seleccionaron artículos que abordan temáticas de interés general y de la temática de la Salud Ocupacional para su divulgación en los números de la Revista. Se emitió una comunicación a todos los usuarios para su conocimiento.

Walter Aquiles Sepulveda Loyola, Tathiane Ribeiro Rosa, Luciani Helena Santyos de Mattos et al.

Postural Control is the capacity to keep the body in a position without oscillation or falls, this ability is important for the development of mobility skills and functionality. Neurological diseases have been characterized by limitations in postural control, leading to dysfunction of movement, functionality and quality of life. Electroacupunture is a therapy which could contribute to the improvement of postural control, associated to analgesic mechanisms, that facilitate the mobility, increasing the cerebral circulation and release of neurotrophic factors in area associated with movement control.

Muhammad Rizky Andriyanto

The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the risk control measures that aim to protect workers from safety and health hazards. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors related to the behavior of the use of PPE in Production Unit I PT Petrokimia Gresik. This research was an analytic-observational research with cross sectional design. Sample in this research were 100 workers. The result was presented in the form of frequency distributions and cross-tabulations then analyzed by chi-square statistic. The results showed that the majority of the workers were well behaved in the use of PPE in the workplace. Statistical analysis showed that the knowledge (p = 0.019; r = 0.346) was the significant factors related to the behavior of the use of PPE and have lower relationships. The conclusion was that the higher the level of knowledge, the better behavior in the use of PPE, while suggestions for the company is the need to increase the amount of training related to K3 especially regarding PPE informally, supervisors to be more assertive to punish or sanction against employees who violate the rules, no matter the level of education, age, and length of service, and the need to increase K3-related surveillance and establish good communication with workers.   Keywords: behavior, personal protective equipment, policies, Gresik, fertilizers and chemicals

Sira Cerviño Carro, Ana Isabel Souto Gómez, Miguel Ángel Talavera Valverde

Mining is one of the labor sectors with more adverse effects. One of the most influenced aspects is the health of workers, modifying their characteristics, their contexts and environments by his huge environmental impact, affecting the individuals globally. Objective: to analyze and study the experiential construct of occupational performance of a population related to mining. Methodology: this research was framed within a qualitative methodology, using a phenomenological design. It was adopted as data collection tools in-depth interview and field notebook. The study was performed in the mine of San Finx, Lousame (A Coruña, Galicia, Spain), with 19 participants. The study lasted nine months. Results: Changes were observed in the performance in the areas of occupation, participation in meaningful activities and performance patterns. Conclusions: we identified substantial changes impacting occupational performance in everyday life of the miners, suggesting the appropriateness of the occupational therapy intervention.

Juan Manuel Arango Soler, Yerson Alí Correa Moreno, Jairo Ernesto Luna García et al.

La Terapia Ocupacional ha logrado avances significativos en su devenir histórico, ejercicio profesional que ha sido desempeñado predominantemente en escenarios institucionales orientados por las directrices del paradigma positivista, la lógica de lo biomédico y las exigencias mecanicistas de la ciencia hegemónica en la recuperación y rehabilitación de personas con disfunciones físicas y psicosociales. No obstante, la profesión ha transitado por transformaciones con el pasar del tiempo, cambios asociados a las metamorfosis sociales, económicas, políticas y culturales de cada contexto que enmarca al terapeuta, situación que resalta el carácter de determinación de fenómenos vitales como la salud y la ocupación. Por consiguiente, es necesario entender la naturaleza y objetivos de los sistemas sanitarios en los que se despliega la práctica profesional, visibilizar los cambios que han sufrido dichos esquemas a raíz de la imposición de la agenda neoliberal y generar reflexiones del modo como estas políticas impactan el accionar del experto en ocupación humana, poniendo especial énfasis en el caso de Colombia. Se formulan recomendaciones en términos de motivar a los profesionales de la salud para que adopten posturas críticas y se concienticen de la necesidad del accionar colectivo por el derecho a la salud.

Horwell Claire J, Williamson Benedict J, Donaldson Ken et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) continues to pose a risk to human health worldwide. Its variable toxicity depends on inherent characteristics and external factors which influence surface chemistry. Significant population exposure to RCS occurs during volcanic eruptions, where ashfall may cover hundreds of square km and exposure may last years. Occupational exposure also occurs through mining of volcanic deposits. The primary source of RCS from volcanoes is through collapse and fragmentation of lava domes within which cristobalite is mass produced. After 30 years of research, it is still not clear if volcanic ash is a chronic respiratory health hazard. Toxicological assays have shown that cristobalite-rich ash is less toxic than expected. We investigate the reasons for this by determining the physicochemical/structural characteristics which may modify the pathogenicity of volcanic RCS. Four theories are considered: 1) the reactivity of particle surfaces is reduced due to co-substitutions of Al and Na for Si in the cristobalite structure; 2) particles consist of aggregates of cristobalite and other phases, restricting the surface area of cristobalite available for reactions in the lung; 3) the cristobalite surface is occluded by an annealed rim; 4) dissolution of other volcanic particles affects the surfaces of RCS in the lung.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The composition of volcanic cristobalite crystals was quantified by electron microprobe and differences in composition assessed by Welch’s two sample <it>t</it>-test. Sections of dome-rock and ash particles were imaged by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and elemental compositions of rims determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Volcanic cristobalite contains up to 4 wt. % combined Al₂O₃ and Na₂O. Most cristobalite-bearing ash particles contain adhered materials such as feldspar and glass. No annealed rims were observed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The composition of volcanic cristobalite particles gives insight into previously-unconsidered inherent characteristics of silica mineralogy which may affect toxicity. The structural features identified may also influence the hazard of other environmentally and occupationally produced silica dusts. Current exposure regulations do not take into account the characteristics that might render the silica surface less harmful. Further research would facilitate refinement of the existing simple, mass-based silica standard by taking into account composition, allowing higher standards to be set in industries where the silica surface is modified.</p>

Sallsten Gerd, Barregard Lars, Yttri Karl et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Residential wood combustion is now recognized as a major particle source in many developed countries, and the number of studies investigating the negative health effects associated with wood smoke exposure is currently increasing. The combustion appliances in use today provide highly variable combustion conditions resulting in large variations in the physicochemical characteristics of the emitted particles. These differences in physicochemical properties are likely to influence the biological effects induced by the wood smoke particles.</p> <p>Outline</p> <p>The focus of this review is to discuss the present knowledge on physicochemical properties of wood smoke particles from different combustion conditions in relation to wood smoke-induced health effects. In addition, the human wood smoke exposure in developed countries is explored in order to identify the particle characteristics that are relevant for experimental studies of wood smoke-induced health effects. Finally, recent experimental studies regarding wood smoke exposure are discussed with respect to the applied combustion conditions and particle properties.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall, the reviewed literature regarding the physicochemical properties of wood smoke particles provides a relatively clear picture of how these properties vary with the combustion conditions, whereas particle emissions from specific classes of combustion appliances are less well characterised. The major gaps in knowledge concern; (i) characterisation of the atmospheric transformations of wood smoke particles, (ii) characterisation of the physicochemical properties of wood smoke particles in ambient and indoor environments, and (iii) identification of the physicochemical properties that influence the biological effects of wood smoke particles.</p>

Larsen Agnete, Doering Peter, Vogel Ulla et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The study aims at revealing the fate of nanoparticles administered intravenously and intraperitoneally to adult female mice, some of which were pregnant. Gold nanoparticles were chosen as a model because these particles have been found to be chemically inert and at the same time are easily traced by autometallography (AMG) at both ultrastructural and light microscopic levels.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Gold nanoparticles were injected intravenously (IV) or intraperitoneally (IP) and traced after 1, 4 or 24 hours. For IV injections 2 and 40 nm particles were used; for IP injections 40 nm particles only. The injected nanoparticles were found in macrophages only, and at moderate exposure primarily in the Kupffer cells in the liver. IV injections resulted in a rapid accumulation/clustering of nanoparticles in these liver macrophages, while the uptake in spleen macrophages was moderate. IP injections were followed by a delayed uptake in the liver and included a moderate uptake in macrophages located in mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and small intestine. Ultrastructurally, the AMG silver enhanced nanocrystals were found in lysosome-like organelles of the Kupffer cells and other macrophages wherever located.</p> <p>Accumulations of gold nanoparticles were not found in any other organs analysed, i.e. kidneys, brain, lungs, adrenals, ovaries, placenta, and fetal liver, and the control animals were all void of AMG staining.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results suggest that: (1) inert gold nanoparticles do not penetrate cell membranes by non-endocytotic mechanisms, but are rather taken up by endocytosis; (2) gold nanoparticles, independent of size, are taken up primarily by Kupffer cells in the liver and secondarily by macrophages in other places; (3) gold nanoparticles do not seem to penetrate the placenta barrier; (4) the blood-brain barrier seems to protect the central nervous system from gold nanoparticles; (5) 2 nanometer gold particles seem to be removed not only by endocytosis by macrophages, and we hypothesize that part of these tiny nanoparticles are released into the urine as a result of simple filtration in the renal glomeruli.</p>

Koch Michael, Veranth Martha M, Kaser Erin G et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The induction of cytokines by airway cells <it>in vitro </it>has been widely used to assess the effects of ambient and occupational particles. This study measured cytotoxicity and the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by human bronchial epithelial cells treated with manufactured nano- and micron-sized particles of Al₂O₃, CeO₂, Fe₂O₃, NiO, SiO₂, and TiO₂, with soil-derived particles from fugitive dust sources, and with the positive controls LPS, TNF-α, and VOSO₄.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The nano-sized particles were not consistently more potent than an equal mass of micron-sized particles of the same nominal composition for the induction of IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in the <it>in vitro </it>models used in this study. The manufactured pure oxides were much less potent than natural PM_2.5particles derived from soil dust, and the cells were highly responsive to the positive controls. The nano-sized particles in the media caused artifacts in the measurement of IL-6 by ELISA due to adsorption of the cytokine on the high-surface-area particles. The potency for inducing IL-6 secretion by BEAS-2B cells did not correlate with the generation of reactive oxygen species in cell-free media.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Direct comparisons of manufactured metal oxide nanoparticles and previously studied types of particles and surrogate proinflammatory agonists showed that the metal oxide particles have low potency to induce IL-6 secretion in BEAS-2B cells. Particle artifacts from non-biological effects need to be considered in experiments of this type, and the limitations inherent in cell culture studies must be considered when interpreting <it>in vitro </it>results. This study suggests that manufactured metal oxide nanoparticles are not highly toxic to lung cells compared to environmental particles.</p>

J. Pierce