Evaluation of potential gastrointestinal carcinogenicity associated with the ingestion of asbestos.

The inhalation of asbestos, depending on the fiber type and dose, may be associated with the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. However, little is known about the potential adverse effects associated with the ingestion of asbestos. Evidence of asbestos fibers released from asbestos-cement pipes used in water distribution systems has led to concerns of potentially contaminated drinking water.

PBPK modeling characterization of potential acute impairment effects from inhalation of ethanol during e-cigarette use.

Ethanol is used as a solvent for flavoring chemicals in some electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquids (e-liquids). However, there are limited data available regarding the effects of inhalation of ethanol on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) during e-cigarette use. In this study, a modified physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for inhalation of ethanol was used to estimate the BAC time-profile of e-cigarette users who puffed an e-liquid containing 23.

A meta-analysis of airborne asbestos fiber concentrations from work with or around asbestos-containing floor tile.

In this meta-analysis, exposures to airborne asbestos during work with or around floor tiles were characterized according to several variables: study, sample type, activity, and task. Personal breathing zone, bystander, and area sample exposure concentrations were differentiated and compared against current occupational exposure limits to asbestos. In total, 22 studies, including 804 personal, 57 bystander, and 295 area samples, were included in the analysis.

Evaluation of reported fatality data associated with workers using respiratory protection in the United States (1990-2012).

OSHA revised the 1971 respiratory protection standard in 1998 to add guidance for selecting and maintaining respirators. Fatality reports from 1990 to 2012 were used to characterize historical trends in fatalities associated with respirators. Industry- and time-specific trends were evaluated to determine the effect of the revision to the standard on respirator-related fatalities; 174 respirator-related deaths were reported.

Analysis of workplace compliance measurements of asbestos by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1984-2011).

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains the Chemical Exposure Health Data (CEHD) and the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) databases, which contain quantitative and qualitative data resulting from compliance inspections conducted from 1984 to 2011. This analysis aimed to evaluate trends in workplace asbestos concentrations over time and across industries by combining the samples from these two databases. From 1984 to 2011, personal air samples ranged from 0.

Airborne asbestos exposures associated with gasket and packing replacement: a simulation study of flange and valve repair work and an assessment of exposure variables.

A simulation study was conducted to evaluate worker and area exposure to airborne asbestos associated with the replacement of asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials from flanges and valves and assess the influence of several variables previously not investigated. Additionally, potential of take home exposures from clothing worn during the study was characterized. Our data showed that product type, ventilation type, gasket location, flange or bonnet size, number of flanges involved, surface characteristics, gasket surface adherence, and even activity type did not have a significant effect on worker exposures.