Evaluation of exposure to nano-sized particles among transport and vehicle service workers

Abstract

Background: Exposure to fine and ultrafine particles from transport processes is a main consequence of emissions from engines, especially those with self-ignition. The particles released in these processes are a source of occupational and environmental particles exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the fine and nano-sized particles emission degree during work connected with transport and vehicle servicing. Material and Methods: The tests were carried out at 3 workplaces of vehicles service and maintenance (a car repair workshop, a truck service hall, and a bus depot) during 1 work day in each of them. Measurements were performed using the following devices: DISCmini meters, GRIMM 1.109 optical counter and the DustTrak monitor. The number, surface area and mass concentration, and the number size distribution were analyzed. Results: The mean number concentration (DISCmini) increased during the analyzed processes, ranging from 4×104 p/cm 3 to 8×104 p/cm 3 , and the highest concentration was found in the car repair workshop. The particles mean diameters during the processes ranged 31-47 nm, depending on the process. An increase in the surface area concentration value was observed in correlation with the particles number, and its highest concentration (198 m 2 /cm 3 ) was found during work in the car repair workshop. The number size distribution analysis (GRIMM 1.109) showed the maximum value of the number concentration for particles sized 60 nm. The mean mass concentrations increased during the tested processes by approx. 40-70%, as compared to the background. Conclusions: According to the measurement results, all the workplaces under study constituted a source of an increase in all analyzed parameters characterizing emissions of nano-sized particles. Such working environment conditions can be harmful to the exposed workers; therefore, at such workplaces solutions for minimizing workers' exposure, such as fume hoods or respiratory protection, should be used. Med Pr. 2021;72(5)

APOE Peripheral and Brain Impact: APOE4 Carriers Accelerate Their Alzheimer Continuum and Have a High Risk of Suicide in PM2.5 Polluted Cities

“…The problem of particle pollution is solvable. We are knowledgeable on the impact of old heavy diesel vehicles and other sources of excessive emissions and the brain effects of combustion-generated NPs [ 61 , 62 , 63 ]. We have the technological capability and the resources to control this pollution and protect young brains.…”

“…The work of Yin and collaborators [ 60 ] showing the total hepatocyte inhibition of mitochondrial and ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate—indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction—upon exposure to diesel NPs in APOE knockout mice illustrates a key diesel effect: mitochondrial dysfunction in both the liver and brain. Yin and co-workers’ paper is of practical importance—diesel NPs are common pollutants in urban areas and occupational environments, and NPs < 100 nm readily found in the exhaust are precisely the particle size capable of crossing all biological barriers and using cation channels such as transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins involved in the regulation of intracellular biochemical signaling processes and cellular electrical excitability [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ].…”