HBM4EU chromates study - PFAS exposure in electroplaters and bystanders.

The study aims to reveal the exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in workers in different industry sectors with exposures to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The PFAS exposure of in total 172 individuals from 4 countries was assessed by the determination of 8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in plasma samples. The participants were 52 chrome plating workers, 43 welders, 3 surface treating workers and 74 workers without any occupational Cr exposure as controls.

Multielement analysis of single red blood cells by single cell - inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry.

A method for the analysis of essential metals (Fe, Cu, Mg, and Zn) and non-metals (P, S) in single red blood cells was developed by single cell (SC)-ICP-MS. The use of a triple quadrupole configuration (MS/MS) enabled an effective elimination of polyatomic interferences, which affect the accuracy of ICP-MS analysis using a single quadrupole mass analyzer. Fixation with glutaraldehyde for at least 90 days was developed to improve the quantification of elements in a single red blood cell.

Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in Twelve French Health Care Setting: Biological Monitoring and Surface Contamination.

Antineoplastic drugs used in the treatment of cancers have an intrinsic toxicity, because of their genotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties. Their use is recognized as an occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs) who may be exposed. The purpose of this article is to present biological- and environmental-monitoring data collected in twelve French hospitals over eight years.

HBM4EU chromates study - the measurement of hexavalent and trivalent chromium in exhaled breath condensate samples from occupationally exposed workers across Europe.

The aim of this study was to investigate the practicability of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a biological matrix to detect and measure hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) in workers occupationally exposed to Cr(VI). EBC samples were collected from workers in France, Finland, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom from three different target activities: chrome platers, stainless steel welders and surface treatment workers. Pre and post working week EBC samples were collected from 177 exposed workers and 98 unexposed workers (control group).

The HBM4EU chromates study - Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices.

Within the EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU), a targeted, multi-national study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was performed. Cr(VI) is currently regulated in EU under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and under occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. It has recently been subject to regulatory actions to improve its risk management in European workplaces.

HBM4EU Chromates Study-Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Workers Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium.

A study was conducted within the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) to characterize occupational exposure to Cr(VI). Herein we present the results of biomarkers of genotoxicity and oxidative stress, including micronucleus analysis in lymphocytes and reticulocytes, the comet assay in whole blood, and malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine in urine. Workers from several Cr(VI)-related industrial activities and controls from industrial (within company) and non-industrial (outwith company) environments were included.

HBM4EU Diisocyanates Study-Research Protocol for a Collaborative European Human Biological Monitoring Study on Occupational Exposure.

Diisocyanates have long been a leading cause of occupational asthma in Europe, and recently, they have been subjected to a restriction under the REACH regulations. As part of the European Human Biomonitoring project (HBM4EU), we present a study protocol designed to assess occupational exposure to diisocyanates in five European countries. The objectives of the study are to assess exposure in a number of sectors that have not been widely reported on in the past (for example, the manufacturing of large vehicles, such as in aerospace; the construction sector, where there are potentially several sources of exposure (e.

Occupational exposure to metals among battery recyclers in France: Biomonitoring and external dose measurements.

In battery-recycling facilities, exposure to trace elements may occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or vapor emanating from the treatment processes. Exposure of battery-recycling workers to lead has been quite well covered in the literature. In contrast, we lack data on exposure to other elements contained in batteries.

HBM4EU chromates study - Usefulness of measurement of blood chromium levels in the assessment of occupational Cr(VI) exposure.

Occupational exposures to hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) can occur in welding, hot working stainless steel processing, chrome plating, spray painting and coating activities. Recently, within the human biomonitoring for Europe initiative (HBM4EU), a study was performed to assess the suitability of different biomarkers to assess the exposure to Cr(VI) in various job tasks. Blood-based biomarkers may prove useful when more specific information on systemic and intracellular bioavailability is necessary.

Providing Biological Plausibility for Exposure-Health Relationships for the Mycotoxins Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Fumonisin B1 (FB1) in Humans Using the AOP Framework.

Humans are chronically exposed to the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), as indicated by their widespread presence in foods and occasional exposure in the workplace. This exposure is confirmed by human biomonitoring (HBM) studies on (metabolites of) these mycotoxins in human matrices. We evaluated the exposure-health relationship of the mycotoxins in humans by reviewing the available literature.

HBM4EU Chromates Study: Determinants of Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium in Plating, Welding and Other Occupational Settings.

Work-related exposures in industrial processing of chromate (chrome plating, surface treatment and welding) raise concern regarding the health risk of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). In this study, performed under the HBM4EU project, we focused on better understanding the determinants of exposure and recognising how risk management measures (RMMs) contribute to a reduction in exposure. HBM and occupational hygiene data were collected from 399 workers and 203 controls recruited in nine European countries.

HBM4EU Occupational Biomonitoring Study on e-Waste-Study Protocol.

Workers involved in the processing of electronic waste (e-waste) are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals. If exposure occurs, this may result in uptake and potential adverse health effects. Thus, exposure surveillance is an important requirement for health risk management and prevention of occupational disease.

HBM4EU chromates study - Overall results and recommendations for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] may occur in several occupational activities, e.g., welding, Cr(VI) electroplating and other surface treatment processes.

Is the blood of a surgeon performing HIPEC contaminated by irinotecan, its major metabolites and platinum compounds?

Objectives: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a beneficial surgical technique for patients, but the surgeons are being exposed to cytotoxic drugs. Few biomonitoring studies were led on blood samples in the context of HIPEC. This study aimed to evaluate the surgeon's plasmatic and red blood cell (RBC) contamination by irinotecan, two of its major metabolites and platinum compounds.

Mycotoxins Exposure of French Grain Elevator Workers: Biomonitoring and Airborne Measurements.

It is now recognized that additional exposure to mycotoxins may occur through inhalation of contaminated dust at a workplace. The aim of this study was to characterize the multi-mycotoxin exposure of French grain elevator workers using biomonitoring and airborne measurements. Eighteen workers participated in the study.

Biomonitoring of occupational exposure to bisphenol A, bisphenol S and bisphenol F: A systematic review.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) are endocrine disrupting chemicals widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and thermal papers. The aim of the review was to identify occupational studies using human biomonitoring (HBM) as a tool for bisphenol exposure assessment and to characterize research gaps on the topic as part of the HBM4EU project. Hence, a systematic literature search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was conducted for articles published between 2000 and 27th March 2020 across three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science).

HBM4EU chromates study - Reflection and lessons learnt from designing and undertaking a collaborative European biomonitoring study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

The EU human biomonitoring initiative, HBM4EU, aims to co-ordinate and advance human biomonitoring (HBM) across Europe. As part of HBM4EU, we presented a protocol for a multicentre study to characterize occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in nine European countries (HBM4EU chromates study). This study intended to collect data on current occupational exposure and to test new indicators for chromium (Cr) biomonitoring (Cr(VI) in exhaled breath condensate and Cr in red blood cells), in addition to traditional urinary total Cr analyses.

Biomarkers of effect as determined in human biomonitoring studies on hexavalent chromium and cadmium in the period 2008-2020.

A number of human biomonitoring (HBM) studies have presented data on exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and cadmium (Cd), but comparatively few include results on effect biomarkers. The latter are needed to identify associations between exposure and adverse outcomes (AOs) in order to assess public health implications. To support improved derivation of EU regulation and policy making, it is of great importance to identify the most reliable effect biomarkers for these heavy metals that can be used in HBM studies.

Investigating Multi-Mycotoxin Exposure in Occupational Settings: A Biomonitoring and Airborne Measurement Approach.

Investigating workplace exposure to mycotoxins is of the utmost importance in supporting the implementation of preventive measures for workers. The aim of this study was to provide tools for measuring mycotoxins in urine and airborne samples. A multi-class mycotoxin method was developed in urine for the determination of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin A, ochratoxin α, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, fumonisin B1, HT2-toxin and T2-toxin.

Biomonitoring of occupational exposure to phthalates: A systematic review.

Introduction: Phthalates, a group of ubiquitous industrial chemicals, have been widely used in occupational settings, mainly as plasticizers in a variety of applications. Occupational exposure to different phthalates has been studied in several occupational settings using human biomonitoring (HBM).

Aim: To provide a comprehensive review of the available literature on occupational exposure to phthalates assessed using HBM and to determine future data needs on the topic as part of the HBM4EU project.

Setting up a collaborative European human biological monitoring study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

The EU human biomonitoring initiative, HBM4EU, aims to co-ordinate and advance human biomonitoring (HBM) across Europe. Within its remit, the project is gathering new, policy relevant, EU-wide data on occupational exposure to relevant priority chemicals and developing new approaches for occupational biomonitoring. In this manuscript, the hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] study design is presented as the first example of this HBM4EU approach.

Recent biomonitoring reports on phosphate ester flame retardants: a short review.

Organophosphate triesters (PEFRs) are used increasingly as flame retardants and plasticizers in a variety of applications, such as building materials, textiles, and electric and electronic equipment. They have been proposed as alternatives to brominated flame retardants. This updated review shows that biomonitoring has gained incrementally greater importance in evaluating human exposure to PEFRs, and it holds the advantage of taking into account the multiple potential sources and various intake pathways of PEFRs.

Potential Health Risk of Endocrine Disruptors in Construction Sector and Plastics Industry: A New Paradigm in Occupational Health.

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) belong to large and diverse groups of agents that may cause multiple biological effects associated with, for example, hormone imbalance and infertility, chronic diseases such as diabetes, genome damage and cancer. The health risks related with the exposure to EDs are typically underestimated, less well characterized, and not regulated to the same extent as, for example, carcinogens. The increased production and utilization of identified or suspected EDs in many different technological processes raises new challenges with respect to occupational exposure settings and associated health risks.

Occupational exposure of cashiers to bisphenol S via thermal paper.

Purpose: In thermal paper, Bisphenol S (BPS) is one of the alternatives for bisphenol A (BPA). Due to its structural similarity to BPA, concern has been raised about the safety of BPS. Indeed, handling thermal paper receipts could be a source of occupational exposure to BPS among cashiers, as it was previously described for BPA.