Percorrer por autor "Poels, Katrien"
A mostrar 1 - 10 de 10
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- HBM4EU chromates study - Overall results and recommendations for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromiumPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Porras, Simo P.; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen, Thomas; Hardy, Emilie; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Louro, Henriqueta; Majery, Nicole; Ndaw, Sophie; Pinhal, Hermínia; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Sepai, Ovnair; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Aimonen, Kukka; Antoine, Guillaume; Anzion, Rob; Burgart, Manuella; Castaño, Argelia; Cattaneo, Andrea; Cavallo, Domenico Maria; De Palma, Giuseppe; Denis, Flavien; Gambelunghe, Angela; Gomes, Bruno; Hanser, Ogier; Helenius, Riikka; Ladeira, Carina; López, Marta Esteban; Lovreglio, Piero; Marsan, Philippe; Melczer, Mathieu; Nogueira, Ana; Pletea, Elisabeta; Poels, Katrien; Remes, Jouko; Ribeiro, Edna; Santos, Sílvia Reis; Schaefers, Françoise; Spankie, Sally; Spoek, Robert; Rizki, Mohamed; Rousset, Davy; van Dael, Maurice; Veijalainen, Henna; HBM4EU chromates study teamExposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] may occur in several occupational activities, e.g., welding, Cr(VI) electroplating and other surface treatment processes. The aim of this study was to provide EU relevant data on occupational Cr(VI) exposure to support the regulatory risk assessment and decision-making. In addition, the capability and validity of different biomarkers for the assessment of Cr(VI) exposure were evaluated. The study involved nine European countries and involved 399 workers in different industry sectors with exposures to Cr(VI) such as welding, bath plating, applying or removing paint and other tasks. We also studied 203 controls to establish a background in workers with no direct exposure to Cr(VI). We applied a cross-sectional study design and used chromium in urine as the primary biomonitoring method for Cr(VI) exposure. Additionally, we studied the use of red blood cells (RBC) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) for biomonitoring of exposure to Cr(VI). Personal measurements were used to study exposure to inhalable and respirable Cr(VI) by personal air sampling. Dermal exposure was studied by taking hand wipe samples. The highest internal exposures were observed in the use of Cr(VI) in electrolytic bath plating. In stainless steel welding the internal Cr exposure was clearly lower when compared to plating activities. We observed a high correlation between chromium urinary levels and air Cr(VI) or dermal total Cr exposure. Urinary chromium showed its value as a first approach for the assessment of total, internal exposure. Correlations between urinary chromium and Cr(VI) in EBC and Cr in RBC were low, probably due to differences in kinetics and indicating that these biomonitoring approaches may not be interchangeable but rather complementary. This study showed that occupational biomonitoring studies can be conducted successfully by multi-national collaboration and provide relevant information to support policy actions aiming to reduce occupational exposure to chemicals.
- HBM4EU chromates study - Usefulness of measurement of blood chromium levels in the assessment of occupational Cr(VI) exposurePublication . Ndaw, Sophie; Leso, Veruscka; Bousoumah, Radia; Rémy, Aurélie; Bocca, Beatrice; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Godderis, Lode; Hardy, Emilie; Janasik, Beata; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Pinhal, Hermínia; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Ruggieri, Flavia; Santonen, Tiina; Santos, Sílvia Reis; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Silva, Maria João; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Iavicoli, Ivo; HBM4EU Chromates Study TeamOccupational 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 infor-mation on systemic and intracellular bioavailability is necessary. To this aim, concentrations of Cr in red blood cells (RBC-Cr) and in plasma (P–Cr) were analyzed in 345 Cr(VI) exposed workers and 175 controls to understand how these biomarkers may be affected by variable levels of exposure and job procedures. Compared to controls, significantly higher RBC-Cr levels were observed in bath plating and paint application workers, but not in welders, while all the 3 groups had significantly greater P–Cr concentrations. RBC-Cr and P–Cr in chrome platers showed a high correlation with Cr(VI) in inhalable dust, outside respiratory protective equipment (RPE), while such correlation could not be determined in welders. In platers, the use of RPE had a significant impact on the relationship between blood biomarkers and Cr(VI) in inhalable and respirable dust. Low correlations between P–Cr and RBC-Cr may reflect a difference in kinetics. This study showed that Cr-blood-based biomarkers can provide information on how workplace exposure translates into systemic availability of Cr(III) (extracellular, P–Cr) and Cr(VI) (intracellular, RBC-Cr). Further studies are needed to fully appreciate their use in an occupational health and safety context.
- HBM4EU Chromates Study: Determinants of Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium in Plating, Welding and Other Occupational SettingsPublication . Viegas, Susana; Martins, Carla; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Ndaw, Sophie; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; Verdonck, Jelle; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Santonen, Tiina; HBM4EU Chromates Study TeamWork-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. Urinary total chromium (U-Cr), personal inhalable and respirable dust of Cr and Cr(VI) and Cr from hand wipes were collected. Data on the RMMs were collected by questionnaires. We studied the association between different exposure parameters and the use of RMMs. The relationship between exposure by inhalation and U-Cr in different worker groups was analysed using regression analysis and found a strong association. Automatisation of Cr electroplating dipping explained lower exposure levels in platers. The use of personal protective equipment resulted in lower U-Cr levels in welding, bath plating and painting. An effect of wearing gloves was observed in machining. An effect of local exhaust ventilation and training was observed in welding. Regression analyses showed that in platers, exposure to air level of 5 µg/m3 corresponds to U-Cr level of 7 µg/g creatinine. In welders, the same inhalation exposure resulted in lower U-Cr levels reflecting toxicokinetic differences of different chromium species.
- HBM4EU Chromates Study: Urinary Metabolomics Study of Workers Exposed to Hexavalent ChromiumPublication . Kozłowska, Lucyna; Santonen, Tiina; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Godderis, Lode; Jagiello, Karolina; Janasik, Beata; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Poels, Katrien; Puzyn, Tomasz; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Sijko, Monika; Silva, Maria João; Sosnowska, Anita; Viegas, Susana; Verdonck, Jelle; Wąsowicz, Wojciech; HBM4EU Chromates Study Team; Statistical TeamExposure to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) may occur in several occupational activities, placing workers in many industries at risk for potential related health outcomes. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to investigate changes in metabolic pathways in response to Cr(VI) exposure. We obtained our data from a study population of 220 male workers with exposure to Cr(VI) and 102 male controls from Belgium, Finland, Poland, Portugal and the Netherlands within the HBM4EU Chromates Study. Urinary metabolite profiles were determined using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and differences between post-shift exposed workers and controls were analyzed using principal component analysis. Based on the first two principal components, we observed clustering by industrial chromate application, such as welding, chrome plating, and surface treatment, distinct from controls and not explained by smoking status or alcohol use. The changes in the abundancy of excreted metabolites observed in workers reflect fatty acid and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, oxidative modifications of amino acid residues, the excessive formation of abnormal amino acid metabolites and changes in steroid and thyrotropin-releasing hormones. The observed responses could also have resulted from work-related factors other than Cr(VI). Further targeted metabolomics studies are needed to better understand the observed modifications and further explore the suitability of urinary metabolites as early indicators of adverse effects associated with exposure to Cr(VI).
- HBM4EU Diisocyanates Study-Research Protocol for a Collaborative European Human Biological Monitoring Study on Occupational ExposurePublication . Jones, Kate; Galea, Karen S.; Scholten, Bernice; Loikala, Marika; Porras, Simo P.; Bousoumah, Radia; Ndaw, Sophie; Leese, Elizabeth; Louro, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria João; Viegas, Susana; Godderis, Lode; Verdonck, Jelle; Poels, Katrien; Gӧen, Thomas; Duca, Radu-Corneliu; Santonen, Tiina; HBM4EU Diisocyanates Study TeamDiisocyanates 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 assessoccupational 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.g., sprayed insulation, floor screeds); the use of MDI-based glues, and the manufacture of spray adhesives or coatings) to test the usability of different biomarkers in the assessment of exposure to diisocyanates and to provide background data for regulatory purposes. The study will collect urine samples (analysed for diisocyanate-derived diamines and acetyl–MDI–lysine), blood samples (analysed for diisocyanate-specific IgE and IgG antibodies, inflammatory markers, and diisocyanate-specific Hb adducts for MDI), and buccal cells(micronucleus analysis) and measure fractional exhaled nitric oxide. In addition, occupational hygienemeasurements (air monitoring and skin wipe samples) and questionnaire data will be collected. The protocol is harmonised across the participating countries to enable pooling of data, leading to better and more robust insights and recommendations.
- HBM4EU E-waste study: Assessing persistent organic pollutants in blood, silicone wristbands, and settled dust among E-waste recycling workers in EuropePublication . Cseresznye, Adam; Hardy, Emilie M.; Ait Bamai, Yu; Cleys, Paulien; Poma, Giulia; Malarvannan, Govindan; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Viegas, Susana; Martins, Carla; Porras, Simo P.; Santonen, Tiina; Godderis, Lode; Verdonck, Jelle; Poels, Katrien; Silva, Maria João; Louro, Henriqueta; Martinsone, Inese; Akūlova, Lāsma; van Dael, Maurice; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Mahiout, Selma; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Covaci, AdrianE-waste recycling is an increasingly important activity that contributes to reducing the burden of end-of-life electronic and electrical apparatus and allows for the EU's transition to a circular economy. This study investigated the exposure levels of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in workers from e-waste recycling facilities across Europe. The concentrations of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners were measured by GC-MS. Workers were categorized into five groups based on the type of e-waste handled and two control groups. Generalized linear models were used to assess the determinants of exposure levels among workers. POPs levels were also assessed in dust and silicone wristbands (SWB) and compared with serum. Four PCB congeners (CB 118, 138, 153, and 180) were frequently detected in serum regardless of worker's category. With the exception of CB 118, all tested PCBs were significantly higher in workers compared to the control group. Controls working in the same company as occupationally exposed (Within control group), also displayed higher levels of serum CB 180 than non-industrial controls with no known exposures to these chemicals (Outwith controls) (p < 0.05). BDE 209 was the most prevalent POP in settled dust (16 μg/g) and SWB (220 ng/WB). Spearman correlation revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between SWB and dust. Increased age and the number of years smoked cigarettes were key determinants for workers exposure. Estimated daily intake through dust ingestion revealed that ΣPCB was higher for both the 50th (0.03 ng/kg bw/day) and 95th (0.09 ng/kg bw/day) percentile exposure scenarios compared to values reported for the general population. This study is one of the first to address the occupational exposure to PCBs and PBDEs in Europe among e-waste workers through biomonitoring combined with analysis of settled dust and SWB. Our findings suggest that e-waste workers may face elevated PCB exposure and that appropriate exposure assessments are needed to establish effective mitigation strategies.
- HBM4EU e-waste study: Occupational exposure of electronic waste workers to phthalates and DINCH in EuropePublication . Cleys, Paulien; Hardy, Emilie; Ait Bamai, Yu; Poma, Giulia; Cseresznye, Adam; Malarvannan, Govindan; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Viegas, Susana; Porras, Simo P.; Santonen, Tiina; Godderis, Lode; Verdonck, Jelle; Poels, Katrien; Martins, Carla; Silva, Maria João; Louro, Henriqueta; Martinsone, Inese; Akūlova, Lāsma; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Graumans, Martien; Mahiout, Selma; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Covaci, AdrianWorkers involved in the processing of electronic waste (e-waste) are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals, including phthalates and alternative plasticizers (APs). Dismantling and shredding of e-waste may lead to the production of dust that contains these plasticizers. The aim of this study, which was part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), was to assess the exposure to phthalates (e.g. di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP) and cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic di-isononyl ester (DINCH) in e-waste workers from ten European companies. This was achieved by (i) analysing urine samples from 106 e-waste workers collected at the beginning and at the end of the work week, (ii) comparing these with urine samples from 63 non-occupationally exposed controls, and (iii) analysing settled floor dust collected in e-waste premises. Significantly higher urinary concentrations of seven out of thirteen phthalates and DINCH metabolites were found in the e-waste workers compared to the control population. However, no significant differences were found between pre- and post-shift concentrations in the e-waste workers. Concentrations of DBP, DEHP and DiDP in dust were weakly to moderately positively correlated with their corresponding urinary metabolite concentrations in the e-waste workers (Spearman's ρ = 0.4, 0.3 and 0.2, respectively). Additionally, significantly lower urinary concentrations of nine phthalates and DINCH metabolites were found in e-waste workers using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) during their work activities, reflecting the potential benefits of RPE to prevent occupational exposure to phthalates and DINCH. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values obtained in this study were lower than the corresponding tolerable daily intake (TDI) adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the general population, suggesting that the risk for negative health consequences in this population of e-waste workers from exposure to phthalates and DINCH is expected to be low. This was confirmed by the urinary metabolite concentrations of all workers being lower than the HBM4EU guidance values derived for the occupational exposed and general population. This study is one of the first to address the occupational exposure to phthalates and DINCH in Europe in e-waste dismantling workers, combining a human biomonitoring approach with analysis of settled indoor dust.
- HBM4EU Occupational Biomonitoring Study on e-Waste-Study ProtocolPublication . Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Hardy, Emilie; Knudsen, Lisbeth E.; Leese, Elizabeth; Louro, Henriqueta; Mahiout, Selma; Ndaw, Sophie; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Silva, Maria João; Tavares, Ana Maria; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Santonen, Tiina; HBM4EU e-Waste Study TeamWorkers 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. Human biomonitoring by measurement of specific biomarkers in body fluids is considered as an effective method of exposure surveillance. The aim of this study is to investigate the internal exposure of workers processing e-waste using a human biomonitoring approach, which will stimulate improved work practices and contribute to raising awareness of potential hazards. This exploratory study in occupational exposures in e-waste processing is part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Here we present a study protocol using a cross sectional survey design to study worker's exposures and compare these to the exposure of subjects preferably employed in the same company but with no known exposure to industrial recycling of e-waste. The present study protocol will be applied in six to eight European countries to ensure standardised data collection. The target population size is 300 exposed and 150 controls. Biomarkers of exposure for the following chemicals will be used: chromium, cadmium and lead in blood and urine; brominated flame retardants and polychlorobiphenyls in blood; mercury, organophosphate flame retardants and phthalates in urine, and chromium, cadmium, lead and mercury in hair. In addition, the following effect biomarkers will be studied: micronuclei, epigenetic, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and telomere length in blood and metabolomics in urine. Occupational hygiene sampling methods (airborne and settled dust, silicon wristbands and handwipes) and contextual information will be collected to facilitate the interpretation of the biomarker results and discuss exposure mitigating interventions to further reduce exposures if needed. This study protocol can be adapted to future European-wide occupational studies.
- How can multi-national occupational studies support policy making in Europe? Experiences from HBM4EU and PARC occupational studiesPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Louro, Henriqueta; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Corneliu Duca, Radu; Fucic, Aleksandra; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen10, Thomas; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Ndaw, Sophie; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Tavares, Ana; Sepai, Ovnair; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Viegas, SusanaProviding policy relevant data on chemical exposures was a major aim of the EU biomonitor-ing initiative, HBM4EU. Similarly, the recently launched “Partnership for the risk assessment of chemicals” (PARC) emphasizes the relevance of the research findings to regulatory deci-sion making. Occupational biomonitoring studies performed under HBM4EU were focused on HBM4EU priority substances with specific regulatory relevance. Chromates and diisocya-nate studies were developed since these substances are of high concern for workers and to support regulatory measures under both EU chemicals regulation (REACH) and occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. E-waste study was targeted to support European circular economy strategies and identify issues e.g. under OSH legislation. Based on the results of the chromates study, we drew several policy relevant conclusions which support the future up-dating of occupational exposure limits and the development of monitoring and risk man-agement practices in industry. A survey to policy makers on the usefulness of the study re-sults gave us confidence. We emphasise the importance of early and continued engagement of policy makers to ensure the usability of the results. Early communication with regulators of the anticipated benefits and formatting outputs appropriately are important and have been considered and improved within the EU PARC project.
- The HBM4EU chromates study - Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practicesPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Louro, Henriqueta; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Fucic, Aleksandra; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen, Thomas; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Ndaw, Sophie; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Tavares, Ana; Sepai, Ovnair; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Viegas, SusanaWithin 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. Analysis of the data obtained within the HBM4EU chromates study provides support both for the implementation of these regulatory actions and for national enforcement programs and may also contribute to the updating of occupational limit values (OELs) and biological limit values for Cr(VI). It also provides useful insights on the contribution of different risk management measures (RMMs) to further reduce the exposure to Cr(VI) and may support the evaluation of applications for authorisation under REACH. Findings on chrome platers’ additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure highlight the need to also pay attention to this substance group in the metals sector. A survey performed to evaluate the policy relevance of the HBM4EU chromates study findings supports the usefulness of the study results. According to the responses received from the survey, the HBM4EU chromates study was able to demonstrate the added value of the human biomonitoring (HBM) approach in assessment and management of occupational exposure to Cr(VI). For future occupational studies, we emphasise the need for engagement of policy makers and regulators throughout the whole research process to ensure awareness, relevance and uptake of the results in future policies.