Application and interpretation of immunophenotyping data in safety and risk assessment.

The use of immunophenotyping during immunotoxicity investigations was first popularized in the 1980 s and has since become more integrated into diagnostic and non-clinical assessments. The data provided from immunophenotyping can serve as an initial source of information to guide decisions for additional, more advanced, immunotoxicity testing as well as for human health safety and risk assessment of drugs and chemicals. However, comprehensive guidance describing applications of immunophenotyping data in immunotoxicity investigations is lacking, particularly among regulatory bodies.

Carcinogenicity of Poorly Soluble Low Toxicity Particles: Commentary on Epidemiology as a Risk Assessment "Reality Check".

Inhaled particles that are poorly soluble or insoluble and of low toxicity ("poorly soluble low toxicity" or "PSLT" particles), can accumulate in the lung and at lung overload levels induce lung cancers in rats. The question of whether PSLT particles increase lung cancer risk in humans is complicated by large differences between rats and humans and the relatively large particle doses administered in animal studies even when compared with heavy human occupational exposures. We review the findings of epidemiological studies on occupational exposure to each of three different PSLT particles (carbon black, talc and taconite).

Multi-route exposure sampling of quaternary ammonium compounds and ethanol surface disinfectants in a K-8 school.

The frequency of surface disinfectant use has increased over the last several years in public settings such as schools, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although these products are important for infection control and prevention, their increased use may intensify the exposure to both persons applying the disinfection product as well as bystanders. Safety assessments have demonstrated that these products, when used as intended, are considered safe for use and effective; however, point-of-contact effects (such as respiratory or dermal irritation) may still occur.

Determination of murine norovirus aerosol concentration during toilet flushing.

Murine norovirus (MNV) was used as a surrogate for human viral pathogens (e.g., norovirus) to determine if toilet flushing resulted in the aerosolization of virus.

Derivation of an occupational exposure limit for β-glucans.

β-Glucans are abundant bacterial, yeast, and fungal cell wall polysaccharides that have been shown to activate the immune system. Establishment of an occupational exposure limit (OEL) for β-glucan exposure is critical to the protection of worker health, as these exposures have been linked to immunosuppressive and inflammatory reactions and possibly the development of respiratory diseases. Detectable concentrations of β-glucans have been identified in common occupational inhalation exposure scenarios, such as in the agricultural and waste management sectors.

Lessons learned for COVID-19 in the cruise ship industry.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created widespread disruption in individuals' personal and occupational lives all around the world. Vacationers and tourism, recreation, and leisure employees were among those who experienced substantial disruption. Cruise ships, especially, faced turmoil on a global scale for both their customers and workers.

Return to normal operations: COVID-19 mitigation strategies for workplaces.

As spikes and resurgences of COVID-19 cases continue to increase in different geographical regions across the United States, more and more companies are left with numerous questions about reopening or restarting their operations. The current pandemic in the United States poses unique challenges unlike any other for businesses and employers as they begin to reopen. Businesses and employers are forced to ensure that they are not only in compliance with federal guidances but also with state and local guidances.

Current understanding and future directions for an occupational infectious disease standard.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has demonstrated a need for an infectious disease standard that will promote a safe and healthy work environment and assure business continuity. The current pandemic has revealed gaps in workplace preparedness and employee protections to microbial exposures. Federal and state government agencies have responded by providing interim guidelines and stop-gap measures that continue to evolve and vary in approach and required controls.

Advancing toward normal operations for arenas and stadiums.

The reopening of arenas and stadiums following closures due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents unique challenges related to large crowds and close contact between players, vendors, and spectators. While each venue should be assessed individually for development and implementation of reopening plans, the general guidance presented in this document can serve as a minimum baseline for considerations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in these venues. The intention of these guidelines is to provide a layered approach to risk mitigation for various aspects of particular concern in arenas and stadiums, including crowd management, tailgating and parking, restrooms, high-contact surfaces, face masks, food and merchandising, communications, athletes and support staff, press and third parties, intermissions/breaks, and downtime.

The Optimization of Methods for the Collection of Aerosolized Murine Norovirus.

Globally, norovirus is the most common gastroenteritis causing pathogen. Annually, norovirus causes 685 million cases of acute gastroenteritis and 200,000 deaths, worldwide. Recent evidence has suggested that norovirus can also be spread via aerosolization; however, an indoor generation source has yet to be determined.

Bioaerosol concentrations generated from toilet flushing in a hospital-based patient care setting.

Background: In the United States, 1.7 million immunocompromised patients contract a healthcare-associated infection, annually. These infections increase morbidity, mortality and costs of care.

Raccoonpoxvirus safety in immunocompromised and pregnant mouse models.

Numerous poxviruses infect humans and animal hosts, and a poxvirus vaccine with an improved safety profile is needed as the current vaccinia virus vaccine is contraindicated in individuals that have a history of eczema or heart disease, or are immunocompromised or pregnant. In addition, poxviruses make excellent vaccine vectors for other infectious diseases and cancer. Raccoonpoxvirus is a naturally occurring attenuated North American poxvirus, and thus it is of interest as a vaccine vector platform.