Enhanced preventive programme at a beryllium oxide ceramics facility reduces beryllium sensitisation among new workers

Cummings, Kristin J.; Deubner, David C.; Day, Gregory A.; Henneberger, Paul K.; Kitt, Margaret M.; Kent, Michael S.; Kreiss, Kathleen; Schuler, Christine R.

doi:10.1136/oem.2006.027987

Cited by 52 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…The high correlation among the three metals suggests that improved housekeeping for certain categories of surfaces would go a long way toward reducing overall contamination and potential for metalinduced sensitization in each facility. Cummings et al (2007) reported that an enhanced industrial hygiene preventive program, incorporating novel interventions to minimize particle migration and both respiratory and dermal exposures, reduced beryllium sensitization among newly hired workers in the first years of employment. Another example related to cleanliness criteria is the nickel release limit established by the European Union to prevent nickel sensitization and contact dermatitis in the general public (where release rate is determined by immersion of nickel-containing consumer products in artificial sweat) (Lide´n et al, 1996).…”

Section: Exposure Controlmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of exposures among cemented tungsten carbide workers. Part II: Assessment of surface contamination and skin exposures to cobalt, chromium and nickel

Day

Virji

Stefaniak

2008

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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Cobalt, chromium and nickel are among the most commonly encountered contact allergens in the workplace, all used in the production of cemented tungsten carbides (CTC). Exposures to these metal-containing dusts are frequently associated with skin sensitization and/or development of occupational asthma. The objectives of this study were to assess the levels of cobalt, chromium and nickel on work surfaces and on workers' skin in three CTC production facilities. At least one worker in each of 26 work areas (among all facilities) provided hand and neck wipe samples. Wipe samples were also collected from work surfaces frequently contacted by the 41 participating workers. Results indicated that all surfaces in all work areas were contaminated with cobalt and nickel, with geometric means (GMs) ranging from 4.1 to 3057 mg/100 cm 2 and 1.1-185 mg/100 cm 2 , respectively; most surfaces were contaminated with chromium (GM ¼ 0.36-67 mg/100 cm 2 ). The highest GM levels of all metals were found on control panels, containers and hand tools, whereas lowest levels were on office and telecommunication equipment. The highest GM levels of cobalt and nickel on skin were observed among workers in the powder-handling facility (hands: 388 and 24 mg; necks: 55 and 6 mg, respectively). Levels of chromium on workers' skin were generally low among all facilities. Geometric standard deviations associated with surface and skin wipe measurements among work areas were highly variable. Exposure assessment indicated widespread contamination of multiple sensitizing metals in these three facilities, suggesting potential transfer of contaminants from surfaces to skin. Specific action, including improved housekeeping and training workers on appropriate use and care of personal protective equipment, should be implemented to reduce pathways of skin exposure. Epidemiologic studies of associated adverse health effects will likely require more biologically relevant exposure metrics to improve the ability to detect exposure-response relationships.

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Section: Exposure Controlmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of exposures among cemented tungsten carbide workers. Part II: Assessment of surface contamination and skin exposures to cobalt, chromium and nickel

Day

Virji

Stefaniak

2008

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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“…Animal studies of lung disease development with exposures to beryllium and isocyanates have shown that skin exposure can lead to an immunologic response (sensitization) that can later result in respiratory disease [Bello et al 2007;Redlich et al 2008]. Recent evaluation of a chronic beryllium lung disease prevention program showed a decrease in the rate of worker sensitization to beryllium after skin protection was added [Cummings et al 2007]. Most cobalt-related asthma likely involves immunologic sensitization to cobalt that might be prevented by skin protection.…”

Section: Exposure-response Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Report on respiratory symptoms and disease among cemented tungsten carbide workers.

2009

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This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility evaluated and may not be universally applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved. Additional HHE reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/ The employer shall post a copy of this report for a period of 30 calendar days at or near the workplace(s) of affected employees. The employer shall take steps to insure that the posted determinations are not altered, defaced, or covered by other material during such period.

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“…Animal studies of lung disease development after exposures to beryllium and isocyanates have shown that skin exposure can lead to an allergic response (sensitization) that can later manifest as allergic respiratory disease [Bello et al 2007;Redlich et al 2008]. Recent evaluation of a chronic beryllium lung disease prevention program which included skin protection showed a decrease in the rate of worker sensitization to beryllium [Cummings et al 2007]. …”

Section: Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2007-0327-3083mentioning

confidence: 99%

Findings from industrial hygiene air sampling, ventilation assessment, and a medical survey at a facility that manufactures flavorings, modified dairy products, and bacterial additives.

2009

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Enhanced preventive programme at a beryllium oxide ceramics facility reduces beryllium sensitisation among new workers

Abstract: A comprehensive preventive programme reduced beryllium sensitisation in new workers during the first years of employment, despite airborne beryllium levels for production workers that were similar to pre-programme levels.

Cited by 52 publications

References 11 publications

Characterization of exposures among cemented tungsten carbide workers. Part II: Assessment of surface contamination and skin exposures to cobalt, chromium and nickel

Characterization of exposures among cemented tungsten carbide workers. Part II: Assessment of surface contamination and skin exposures to cobalt, chromium and nickel

Report on respiratory symptoms and disease among cemented tungsten carbide workers.

Findings from industrial hygiene air sampling, ventilation assessment, and a medical survey at a facility that manufactures flavorings, modified dairy products, and bacterial additives.

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