Respiratory exposure to components of water-miscible metalworking fluids.

Water-miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs) are capable of causing respiratory symptoms and diseases. Recently, much emphasis has been put on developing new methods for assessing respiratory exposure to MWF emulsions. The air concentrations of ingredients and contaminants of MWF and inhalable dust were measured in 10 metal workshops in southern Finland.

Work tasks, chemical exposure and respiratory health in construction painting.

Background: There is insufficient knowledge about the role of house painting tasks and chemical exposure in the respiratory health of construction workers.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 1,000 Finnish male construction painters and 1,000 carpenters (response rates 60.6% and 60.

Determination of occupational exposure to alkanolamines in metal-working fluids.

Overall exposure to alkanolamines in metal-working fluids (MWFs) in machine shops was studied by determining alkanolamines in air samples and in rinse-off samples from the hands of machinists. Methods for collecting airborne alkanolamines and alkanolamines absorbed to the skin of the hands were developed and tested. The exposure measurements were carried out in nine machine shops.

Quantitative risk assessment in relation to occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in the removal of old sealants from buildings.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) among workers involved in the removal of old sealants containing PCB and to evaluate the related long-term health risks by means of quantitative risk assessment.

Methods: Workers' exposure via different exposure routes was estimated from air and material samples and exposure calculations. The health risks were evaluated using unit risks and a reference dose based on animal tests and evaluations made by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States.

Chemical exposure and symptoms of hand dermatitis in construction painters.

Studies on the prevalence of hand dermatitis in construction painting are rare. Our aim was to study the painters' chemical exposure and the prevalence of self-reported skin symptoms on hands and forearms. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 1000 Finnish male construction painters and 1000 carpenters (response rates 60.