Characterization of particle exposure during tunnel excavation by tunnel boring machines.

Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are used to excavate tunnels in a manner where the rock is constantly penetrated with rotating cutter heads. Fine particles of the rock minerals are thereby generated. Workers on and in the vicinity of the TBM are exposed to particulate matter (PM) consisting of bedrock minerals including α-quartz.

A study of inflammatory biomarkers in crystalline silica exposed rock drillers.

Background: Crystalline silica (CS) exposure can cause serious lung disease in humans, but mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity have not been completely elucidated.

Aims: To assess pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers related to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrosis in serum of rock drillers exposed to CS.

Methods: Rock drillers (N = 123) exposed to CS and non-specified particulate matter (PM) were compared to 48 referents without current or past exposure to PM in a cross-sectional study.

Exposure to Particulate Matter and Respirable Crystalline Silica in Tunnel Construction Workers Using Tunnel Boring Machines.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the exposure to a selection of aerosols and gases in the work environment for workers performing tunnel construction using tunnel boring machines (TBMs), to identify determinants of exposure based on the information available and to calculate robust estimates of exposure using a statistical model. The focus was particulate matter (PM) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS). In addition, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), elemental carbon (EC), and oil mist were assessed.

Influence of ergonomic factors on peripheral neuropathy under HAV exposure.

Background: Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). It is unclear how ergonomic factors influence the relationship between HAV exposure and CTS and UNE.

Aims: We aimed to assess the relationship between cumulative HAV exposure and CTS and UNE in workers exposed to HAV from two tools with different ergonomic profiles.

Exposure-response relationship between hand-arm vibration exposure and vibrotactile thresholds among rock drill operators: a 4-year cohort study.

Objectives: The risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) from occupational hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure is traditionally determined by the onset of vascular symptoms (white fingers). However, changes in tactile sensibility at the fingertips is a clinical sign of HAVS which in most cases precedes vascular signs. We aimed to assess relationships between occupational HAV exposure and HAVS-related signs including vibration perception thresholds (VPT) and pegboard score on an individual level, using a longitudinal study design with follow-up tests.

A study of pneumoproteins in crystalline silica exposed rock drillers.

The objective was to assess serum concentrations of club cell protein 16 (CC-16) and the surfactant proteins A (SPs-A) and D (SP-D) in male rock drillers ( = 123) exposed to crystalline silica and in 48 occupationally non-exposed. The arithmetic mean (AM) duration of exposure was 10.7 years.

Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure in Rock Drill Workers: A Comparison between Measurements with Hand-Attached and Tool-Attached Accelerometers.

Objectives: To assess the hazard of tool vibrations, we need valid exposure measurements. The use of hand-attached accelerometers (vibration sensors) to measure hand-arm vibrations (HAVs) has become a popular approach. However, according to International Standard ISO 5349-2, the preferred attachment of accelerometers is at the tool handle.

Pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography in outdoor rock drillers exposed to crystalline silica.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and silicosis are associated with exposure to crystalline silica. We determined the exposure to respirable crystalline silica and estimated exposure-response relationships between cumulative exposure and pulmonary function in outdoor rock drillers.

Methods: 136 rock drillers and 48 referents were recruited from three heavy construction companies.

Exposure Determinants of Wood Dust, Microbial Components, Resin Acids and Terpenes in the Saw- and Planer Mill Industry.

Objectives: Sawmill workers have an increased risk of adverse respiratory outcomes, but knowledge about exposure-response relationships is incomplete. The objective of this study was to assess exposure determinants of dust, microbial components, resin acids, and terpenes in sawmills processing pine and spruce, to guide the development of department and task-based exposure prediction models.

Methods: 2474 full-shift repeated personal airborne measurements of dust, resin acids, fungal spores and fragments, endotoxins, mono-, and sesquiterpenes were conducted in 10 departments of 11 saw- and planer mills in Norway in 2013-2016.

Dose-response relationship between hand-arm vibration exposure and vibrotactile thresholds among roadworkers.

Background: Testing of vibration perception threshold (VPT) at the fingertips as a quantitative measure of tactile sensitivity is a commonly used tool in diagnosing hand-arm vibration syndrome. There is limited research on dose-response relationships between hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure and VPT on an individual level.

Aims: Assess possible dose-response relationships on an individual level between HAV exposure and VPT at the fingertips.

Reactive hyperemia and baseline pulse amplitude among smelter workers exposed to fine and ultrafine particles.

Objective: Ambient exposure to fine particles is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Associations between occupational particulate matter (PM) exposure and cardiovascular disease have been studied less. The objective of this study was to examine associations between PM exposure and endothelial function among workers in Norwegian smelters.

Shift Work Including Night Work and Long Working Hours in Industrial Plants Increases the Risk of Atherosclerosis.

There is an abundance of literature reporting an association between shift work and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Few studies have examined early manifestation of CVD using advanced modern methodology. We established a group of 65 shift workers and 29 day workers (controls) in two industrial plants.

Pneumoproteins in Offshore Drill Floor Workers.

The aim was to assess pneumoproteins and a certain biomarker of systemic inflammation in drill floor workers exposed to airborne contaminants generated during drilling offshore, taking into consideration serum biomarkers of smoking, such as nicotine (S-Nico) and cotinine. Blood samples of club cell protein 16 (CC-16), surfactant protein D (SP-D) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected before and after a 14-day work period from 65 drill floor workers and 65 referents. Air samples of oil mist, drilling mud components and elemental carbon were collected in person.

Bulky DNA adducts, microRNA profiles, and lipid biomarkers in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the biological impact of occupational exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) including DE particles (DEP) from heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment in Norwegian tunnel finishing workers (TFW).

Methods: TFW (n=69) and referents (n=69) were investigated for bulky DNA adducts (by P-postlabelling) and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) (by small RNA sequencing) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as well as circulating free arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosanoid profiles in plasma (by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry).

Results: PBMC from TFW showed significantly higher levels of DNA adducts compared with referents.

The Effect of a Leisure Time Physical Activity Intervention Delivered via a Workplace: 15-Month Follow-Up Study.

In line with recommendations from both the World Health Organization and the European Union some employers encourage workplace health promotion through physical activity (PA) facilities and leisure time PA-initiatives. The current study describes a 15-month follow-up after an 8-week workplace delivered PA-initiative, investigates if improvements in cardiovascular risk status are sustainable, and elucidates differences according to educational level. One hundred and twenty one employees (43 women) were examined before and after the 8-week PA-initiative and 94 at the 15-month follow-up.

Pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography examinations among offshore drill floor workers.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess short-term changes in pulmonary function in drill floor workers currently exposed to airborne contaminants generated as a result of drilling offshore. We also aimed to study the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of another group of previously exposed drill floor workers.

Methods: Pulmonary function was measured before and after a 14-day work period in a follow-up study of 65 drill floor workers and 65 referents.

Physical activity initiated by employer induces improvements in a novel set of biomarkers of inflammation: an 8-week follow-up study.

Purpose: We investigated the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers before and after 8 weeks of unsupervised physical activity (PA) initiated by employer.

Methods: During autumn 2014, background data, blood samples and self-reported exercise level were collected from 76 men and 41 women in a Norwegian road maintenance company. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, adiponectin, p-selectin and CD40 ligand (CD40L) were analyzed.

Biomarkers of endothelial activation and thrombosis in tunnel construction workers exposed to airborne contaminants.

Objectives: The aims were to study biomarkers of systemic inflammation, platelet/endothelial activation and thrombosis in tunnel construction workers (TCW).

Methods: Biomarkers and blood fatty acids were measured in blood of 90 TCW and 50 referents before (baseline) and towards the end (follow-up) of a 12 days work period. They had been absent from work for 9 days at baseline.

Tremor and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in road maintenance workers.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate postural and rest tremor among workers using vibrating hand tools, taking into account the possible effects of toxicants such as alcohol and tobacco. A further aim was to study workers diagnosed with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) at the time of examination.

Methods: This study comprises 103 road maintenance workers, 55 exposed to vibrating hand tools (age 41.

Lung function in asphalt pavers: a longitudinal study.

Purpose: To study longitudinal changes in lung function in asphalt pavers and a reference group of road maintenance workers, and to detect possible signs of lung disease by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans.

Methods: Seventy-five asphalt pavers and 71 road maintenance workers were followed up with questionnaires and measurements of lung function. Not every worker was tested every year, but most of them had four or more measurement points.

Physical activity initiated by employer and its health effects; an eight week follow-up study.

Background: While the health benefits of physical activity are well established, little is known about health effects of physical activity programs initiated by employer.

Methods: Background data and level of physical activity were collected by questionnaire among 78 men and 43 women working in road maintenance pre and post an 8-week physical activity motivational program. As a part of the program steps measured by accelerometer were registered online where team and individual performances could be continuously monitored.

Particle size distribution of workplace aerosols in manganese alloy smelters applying a personal sampling strategy.

Air samples were collected by personal sampling with five stage Sioutas cascade impactors and respirable cyclones in parallel among tappers and crane operators in two manganese (Mn) alloy smelters in Norway to investigate PM fractions. The mass concentrations of PM collected by using the impactors and the respirable cyclones were critically evaluated by comparing the results of the parallel measurements. The geometric mean (GM) mass concentrations of the respirable fraction and the <10 μm PM fraction were 0.

Occupational exposure to airborne contaminants during offshore oil drilling.

The aim was to study exposure to airborne contaminants in oil drillers during ordinary work. Personal samples were collected among 65 drill floor workers on four stationary and six moveable rigs in the Norwegian offshore sector. Air concentrations of drilling mud were determined based on measurements of the non-volatile mud components Ca and Fe.