Occupational & Environmental Exposure Sciences (OEES)

The main purpose of this study was to determine gaseous air pollutants, specifically for NO, NO2, and SO2, at two sites in Seattle via optical absorption using differential optical absorption spectroscopy (UV-DOAS). Ambient concentrations for the first site were measured at the Beacon Hill on March 9-23, 2005, using the UV-DOAS compared with point measurements as a benchmark analysis.

Despite abundant evidence for the adverse health effects associated with welding fume, shipyard welders continue to have exposures that routinely exceed safe limits. Welding in shipyards can be particularly hazardous due dynamic conditions and work in enclosed and confined spaces.

While perchloroethylene solvent based dry cleaners occupational exposures and machine wastes have been well characterized, little is known about exposures to alternative solvent s and their wastes or the hazardous waste status of the wastes. Additionally, knowledge of detergents and spot treatment products is sparse.

One workplace risk assessment strategy that has emerged in recent years is control banding. This strategy has gained momentum within the safety and health community, especially in Europe, but many questions surrounding the various control banding models remain.

Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum chlorinated organophosphorus (OP) insecticide, acaricide, and miticide utilized around the world to control a variety of pests. It is primarily a non-systemic contact poison that interferes with the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme essential for nervous system function for humans and insects alike.

Objective: many opportunities exist for dermal exposure to isocyanates in the auto repair industry. Contaminated work surfaces may be of particular concern as surfaces sprayed with isocyanates have been shown to represent a source of exposure long after paints and clear coats have dried.

Despite evidence of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to welding fume and in particular to manganese (Mn), biomarkers of exposure are poorly understood and have not been thoroughly evaluated in a longitudinal design. This study evaluates the relationship between well-characterized inhaled Mn exposure and whole blood Mn concentrations.

Occupational exposure to wood smoke can lead to a multitude of health effects, making it a pertinent issue of public health. Biomass in the form of wood smoke can lead to adverse health effects including respiratory impairment, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality, especially with people who are immune-compromised.

Introduction and Background

Class I and II organophosphate and carbamate pesticides act as cholinesterase inhibitors. Handlers exposed to these pesticides for 30 or more hours in a 30-day period are given the opportunity to participate in the Washington State Cholinesterase Monitoring Program.

China is one of the fastest developing nations in the world, with new high rises and new technologies being developed everyday. There is, however, still a great disparity between rural and urban areas. The purpose of my research is to look into an urbanization gradient of fuel sources, gas stoves vs.

The early exposure to adult-size computer input devices such as computer mouse place children at risk of injury. Men, women and children are of different statures/sizes. Yet all use the same mouse.

Introduction

Environmental regulators use fish consumption rates in risk assessments to set water quality standards to protect human health. Accurate population based surveys on the amount of fish consumed are therefore critical in understanding the levels of chemical exposure from fish. 

Chlorination and chloramination are oft-used techniques in water treatment throughout the United States to provide potable water to its citizens. As such the disinfection byproducts (DBPs) produced by such a process are closely regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) due to evidence related to human health risks as a result of exposure to these compounds.

Background: Disinfecting drinking water with chemicals such as chlorine and iodine prevents the spread of pathogenic bacteria but also creates unintended, potentially carcinogenic, chemical disinfection by-products (DBPs).

Objective: Spray painting of vehicle parts in the automotive repair industry exposes painters to a variety of chemical hazards including isocyanates and solvents. Dermal exposures to isocyanates may sensitize painters to asthma, and exposures to solvents my irritate the skin and lead to contact dermatitis.

In industrial environments, chromates in primers, paints, and chrome-plating solutions are released into the workplace environment when paint is sprayed and plating tanks produce mist. Metallic chromium is incorporated in stainless steel alloys to improve color and increase resistance to corrosion. During welding it is oxidized and released as hexavalent chromium.

The impact of ambient heat in summer on human health is an issue of increasing concern, especially in light of climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of heat events. Previous studies have shown that mortality increased during heat events and is positively associated with ambient heat. However, the association with morbidity has seldom been examined.

Quantum dots (Q dots) contain a cadmium selenide (CdSe) center surrounded by zinc sulfide (ZnS) shell, which is coated with a phospholipid stabilizer. They are 2-5 nm in diameter and fluoresces different colors depending on the size diameter. Because of their small size they have a high surface to volume ratio.

This study focuses on the welding, electroplating, and painting industries that are exposed to chromium VI compounds (Cr VI). Many industrial operations use Cr VI for its protective properties against corrosive damage. Unfortunately, when Cr VI is airborne there is an increased risk of respiratory damage, lung cancer, skin reactions, and liver and kidney damage.