David McLean1, Bill Glass2, Andrea 't Mannetje3, Jeroen Douwes4. 1. Senior Research Officer, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University. 2. Professorial Research Fellow, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University and Departmental Medical Practitioner, WorkSafe New Zealand. 3. Associate Professor, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University. 4. Professor and Director, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University.
Abstract
AIMS: To assess personal exposure to respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in New Zealand construction workers. METHODS: In a pilot study, 39 personal samples were collected from a cross-section of workers engaged in a range of tasks performed on construction sites that were expected to entail exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Nine static samples were taken at locations adjacent to these tasks. Particle size-selective sampling heads were used to collect the respirable fraction of airborne particulates. Dust concentrations were determined gravimetrically, while crystalline silica was analysed using x-ray diffraction. RESULTS: Almost half of the personal crystalline silica samples exceeded the New Zealand Workplace Exposure Standard (NZ WES), while 56% exceeded the more stringent international recommendation (ACGIH TLV). The tasks associated with the highest RCS levels were concrete grinding and cutting. Two of four static samples collected close to (silica-containing) Linea board cutting exceeded the ACGIH TLV for RCS, indicating the potential for bystander exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of workers performing common tasks in the construction industry may be exposed to levels of respirable dust and crystalline silica exceeding national standards and international recommendations. These results suggest that workers in this industry may be at risk of developing silica-related diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, COPD and chronic renal disease. Action is required to improve dust control to reduce silica exposure and the associated health risks.
AIMS: To assess personal exposure to respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in New Zealand construction workers. METHODS: In a pilot study, 39 personal samples were collected from a cross-section of workers engaged in a range of tasks performed on construction sites that were expected to entail exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Nine static samples were taken at locations adjacent to these tasks. Particle size-selective sampling heads were used to collect the respirable fraction of airborne particulates. Dust concentrations were determined gravimetrically, while crystalline silica was analysed using x-ray diffraction. RESULTS: Almost half of the personal crystalline silica samples exceeded the New Zealand Workplace Exposure Standard (NZ WES), while 56% exceeded the more stringent international recommendation (ACGIH TLV). The tasks associated with the highest RCS levels were concrete grinding and cutting. Two of four static samples collected close to (silica-containing) Linea board cutting exceeded the ACGIH TLV for RCS, indicating the potential for bystander exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of workers performing common tasks in the construction industry may be exposed to levels of respirable dust and crystalline silica exceeding national standards and international recommendations. These results suggest that workers in this industry may be at risk of developing silica-related diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, COPD and chronic renal disease. Action is required to improve dust control to reduce silica exposure and the associated health risks.
Authors: Tahira Kootbodien; Samantha Iyaloo; Kerry Wilson; Nisha Naicker; Spo Kgalamono; Tanya Haman; Angela Mathee; David Rees Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-05-27 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Ryan F Hoy; Mohamed F Jeebhay; Catherine Cavalin; Weihong Chen; Robert A Cohen; Elizabeth Fireman; Leonard H T Go; Antonio León-Jiménez; Alfredo Menéndez-Navarro; Marcos Ribeiro; Paul-André Rosental Journal: Respirology Date: 2022-03-18 Impact factor: 6.175