Occupational exposure during application and removal of antifouling paints.

Exposure data on biocides are relatively rare in published literature, especially for secondary exposure. This is also the case for antifouling exposure. Therefore, a field study was carried out measuring exposure to antifouling paints.

Quantitative self-assessment of exposure to solvents among shoe repair men.

Self-assessment of exposure (SAE) refers to any exposure assessment methodology wherein the worker takes an active role in establishing his or her exposure status. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability and feasibility of SAE approaches among shoe repair workers collecting exposure data over a 3 month period. This study was conducted in 26 Dutch shoe repair shops, which were divided into two groups of SAE with different levels of expert supervision.

An experimental study to investigate the feasibility to classify paints according to neurotoxicological risks: occupational air requirement (OAR) and indoor use of alkyd paints.

The concept of occupational air requirement (OAR), representing the quantity of air required to dilute the vapor concentration in the work environment resulting from 1 l product to a concentration below the occupational exposure limit (OEL), was considered to have potential to discriminate between paints that can and cannot be used safely. The OAR is a simple algorithm with the concentration of volatile organic compound (VOC) in the paint, a discrete evaporation factor and the neurotoxicological effects-based OEL. Conceptually, OAR categories of paints for construction and maintenance applications could be identified that can be applied manually without exceeding OELs with no appreciable room ventilation.

High prevalence of incontinence among young adults with spina bifida: description, prediction and problem perception.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of incontinence, problem perception and determinants of urinary and faecal incontinence in young adults with spina bifida.

Setting: Nation-wide study in the Netherlands.

Personal exposure to ultrafine particles in the workplace: exploring sampling techniques and strategies.

Recently, toxicological and epidemiological studies on health effects related to particle exposure suggest that 'ultrafine particles' (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of <100 nm) may cause severe health effects after inhalation. Although the toxicological mechanisms for these effects have not yet been explained, it is apparent that measuring exposures against mass alone is not sufficient. It is also necessary to consider exposures against surface area and number concentration.