Currently, widely available three-dimensional (3D) printers are very popular with the public. Previous research has shown that these printers can emit ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Several studies have examined the emissivity of filaments from 3D printing, except glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) and styrene free co-polyester (NGEN) filaments. The aim of this study was to evaluate UFP and VOC emissions when printing using a commonly available 3D printer (ORIGINAL PRUSA i3 MK2 printer) using PETG and NGEN. The concentrations of UFPs were determined via measurements of particle number concentration and size distribution. A thermal analysis was carried out to ascertain whether signs of fiber decomposition would occur at printing temperatures. The total amount of VOCs was determined using a photoionization detector, and qualitatively analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total particle concentrations were 3.88 × 1010 particles for PETG and 6.01 × 109 particles for NGEN. VOCs at very low concentrations were detected in both filaments, namely ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene. In addition, styrene was identified in PETG. On the basis of our results, we recommend conducting additional measurements, to more accurately quantify personal exposure to both UFPs and VOCs, focusing on longer exposure as it can be a source of potential cancer risk.

Background: Nanomaterials are virtually ubiquitous as they are created by both natural processes and human activities. The amount of occupational exposure to unintentionally released nanoparticles can, therefore, be substantial. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of incidental nanoparticles that workers can be exposed to during welding operations and to assess related health risks. The specific focus on welding operations was determined based on the fact that other case studies on the manufacturing industry confirm significant exposure to incidental nanoparticles during welding. In the Czech Republic, 92% of all industrial workers are employed in the manufacturing industry, where welding operations are amply represented. Material and Methods:The particle number concentrations of particles in the size range of 20-1000 nm and particle mass concentrations of inhalable and PM 1 fractions were determined via meas ure ments carried out at 15-minute intervals for each welding operation by static sampling in close proximity to the worker. Measurements were obtained using the following instruments: NanoScan SMPS 3910, Optical Particle Sizer OPS 3330, P-TRAK 8525 and DustTrak DRX 8534. The assessed operations were manual arc welding and automatic welding. Results: The observed average particle number concentrations for electric arc welders ranged 84×10 3 -176×10 3 #/cm 3 , for welding machine operators 96×10 3 -147×10 3 #/cm 3 , and for a welding locksmith the obtained average concentration was 179×10 3 #/cm 3 . The determined average mass concentration of PM 1 particles ranged 0.45-1.4 mg/m 3 . Conclusions: Based on the conducted measure ments, it was confirmed that there is a significant number of incidental nanoparticles released during welding operations in the manufacturing industry as a part of production and processing of metal products. The recommended occupational exposure limits for nanoparticle number concentrations were exceeded approximately 4-8 times for all assessed welding operations. The use of local exhaust ventilation in conjunction with personal protective equipment, including FFP2 or FFP3 particle filters, for welding is, therefore, recommended. Med Pr. 2021;72(3)

The COVID19 pandemic is an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves into almost all areas of our lives. Education is one of the most vulnerable sectors. Overnight, crude adjustments of curricula, teaching methods and tools had to be made. Digital learning became a reality. Higher education in Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) field is highly affected because of the tight connection to the industry. Site visits, practical trainings in companies and face-to-face interviews with OSH professionals present a valuable part of the study programmes dedicated to safety. University teachers face challenges coming with digital era in OSH education and training.The OSHDIGIT project aimed to support the teachers in delivering effective digital education and training in OSH. The systematic framework of the project was derived from the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu). The main project objectives were to enhance digital pedagogic competencies of university teachers in OSH discipline by giving them practical guidance and training and to equip them with OSH e-resources and tools for the use in digital learning.Three main outputs have been achieved. First are e-guidelines for teachers: to navigate them in various digital tools (E-tools guide on Padlet platform), to implement blended project-based learning (Blended PBL guide) and to protect their health and well-being within the process of digital education (Wellbeing guide). The second outcome presents an e-platform for sharing existing OSH e-resources (e.g. online lectures, videos, games and quizzes) for university-level teaching and training of future OSH professionals and specialists. The last but not least output are tailor-made e-tools such as workplace simulations, site visits and commented risk assessments from real workplaces, videos from occupational hygiene measurements, interviews with OSH professionals and interactive presentations on current OSH topics. All the outputs are freely available via Erasmus+ platform.The project activities were accompanied by roundtable discussions, focus groups and training workshops. The project fostered knowledge transfer and sharing of good practices and innovative approaches in OSH digital learning among universities, insurance companies, enterprises and professional networks. OSHDIGIT approach contributed to EU initiatives addressing enhancement of the quality in higher education in the area of occupational health and safety.