David Vernez - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by David Vernez
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2004
Background Waterproofing agents are widely applied to leather and textile garments; they are also... more Background Waterproofing agents are widely applied to leather and textile garments; they are also used as floor stain protectors by professionals. Acute respiratory injury is described in three cases of young healthy adults following occupational inhalation of a new waterproofing formulation containing an acrylate fluoropolymer. Within 1 or 2 h after exposure they developed a rapidly progressive dyspnoea; two of them had hypoxaemia and flu-like reactions. All patients improved with supportive treatment in a few days. The mechanism of toxicity is still under investigation, but experimental data suggest the role of this new acrylate fluoropolymer. Conclusion Tilers should be warned against spraying floor stain repellents; there is also a need to make consumers aware that the spraying of waterproofing agents in a closed environment and concomitant smoking should be avoided.
… and Imaging, 2008. …, 2008
The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of indiv... more The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of individual exposure to solar Ultra-Violet (UV). UV exposure depends on ambient irradiation level and individual factors related to activity (position to the sun, clothing, duration of exposure, and other forms of sun protection). We predict exposure levels of body parts on basis of ambient irradiation levels and information about postural activity. The prediction system uses existing techniques in the field of 3D rendering to visually sketch an accurate estimation of the exposure distribution over body parts represented as a 3D triangular mesh. The results are compared against individual dosimetric measurements. Our approach is based on the similarities between our assumptions about the individual UV exposure model and the rendering of 3D computer generated scenes.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
A computerized handheld procedure is presented in this paper. It is intended as a database comple... more A computerized handheld procedure is presented in this paper. It is intended as a database complementary tool, to enhance prospective risk analysis in the field of occupational health. The Pendragon forms software (version 3.2) has been used to implement acquisition procedures on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and to transfer data to a computer in an MS-Access format. The data acquisition strategy proposed relies on the risk assessment method practiced at the Institute of Occupational Health Sciences (IST). It involves the use of a systematic hazard list and semi-quantitative risk assessment scales. A set of 7 modular forms has been developed to cover the basic need of field audits. Despite the minor drawbacks observed, the results obtained so far show that handhelds are adequate to support field risk assessment and follow-up activities. Further improvements must still be made in order to increase the tool effectiveness and field adequacy.
Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis, Jan 23, 2015
Occupational exposure modeling is widely used in the context of the E.U. regulation on the regist... more Occupational exposure modeling is widely used in the context of the E.U. regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals (REACH). First tier tools, such as European Centre for Ecotoxicology and TOxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) targeted risk assessment (TRA) or Stoffenmanager, are used to screen a wide range of substances. Those of concern are investigated further using second tier tools, e.g., Advanced REACH Tool (ART). Local sensitivity analysis (SA) methods are used here to determine dominant factors for three models commonly used within the REACH framework: ECETOC TRA v3, Stoffenmanager 4.5, and ART 1.5. Based on the results of the SA, the robustness of the models is assessed. For ECETOC, the process category (PROC) is the most important factor. A failure to identify the correct PROC has severe consequences for the exposure estimate. Stoffenmanager is the most balanced model and decision making uncertainties in one modifying factor are less...
Safety Science, 2003
This paper will discuss the current uses and application perspectives of Petri Nets (PNs) in the ... more This paper will discuss the current uses and application perspectives of Petri Nets (PNs) in the fields of risk analysis and accident modelling. Severe time and combinatory limitations are encountered when trying to model complex events sequences with classical methods. Due to their large calculation capabilities and the development of recent tools, the PNs should be able to overcome these limitations. We will first review and briefly discuss the previous applications of PNs in the field of safety. The second aim of this paper is also to highlight the tool's capabilities through a ''translation'' catalogue in which common concepts in safety are expressed in the PNs formalism. Despite these promising examples and properties, safety oriented applications in the field of safety are still scarce. The lack of comprehensive tools available and PN inherent complexity may explain this situation. We can hope that the increasing attractiveness of PNs may somehow overcome these difficulties. As a matter of fact, due to the tool continuous development (i.e. recent stochastic reward net or object-oriented nets development), PNs may play a significant role in risk analysis or accident modelling in the future. #
Safety Science, 2009
... networking, modal transfer and to the general increase of transportation speed (for improved ... more ... networking, modal transfer and to the general increase of transportation speed (for improved mobility), the ... The functional blocs can be easily re-arranged to take into account design evolutions or ... The construction and use of the hierarchical structure approach is shown in Fig. ...
Risk Analysis, 2004
Because of the increase in workplace automation and the diversification of industrial processes, ... more Because of the increase in workplace automation and the diversification of industrial processes, workplaces have become more and more complex. The classical approaches used to address workplace hazard concerns, such as checklists or sequence models, are, therefore, of limited use in such complex systems. Moreover, because of the multifaceted nature of workplaces, the use of single-oriented methods, such as AEA (man oriented), FMEA (system oriented), or HAZOP (process oriented), is not satisfactory. The use of a dynamic modeling approach in order to allow multiple-oriented analyses may constitute an alternative to overcome this limitation. The qualitative modeling aspects of the MORM (man-machine occupational risk modeling) model are discussed in this article. The model, realized on an object-oriented Petri net tool (CO-OPN), has been developed to simulate and analyze industrial processes in an OH&S perspective. The industrial process is modeled as a set of interconnected subnets (state spaces), which describe its constitutive machines. Process-related factors are introduced, in an explicit way, through machine interconnections and flow properties. While man-machine interactions are modeled as triggering events for the state spaces of the machines, the CREAM cognitive behavior model is used in order to establish the relevant triggering events. In the CO-OPN formalism, the model is expressed as a set of interconnected CO-OPN objects defined over data types expressing the measure attached to the flow of entities transiting through the machines. Constraints on the measures assigned to these entities are used to determine the state changes in each machine. Interconnecting machines implies the composition of such flow and consequently the interconnection of the measure constraints. This is reflected by the construction of constraint enrichment hierarchies, which can be used for simulation and analysis optimization in a clear mathematical framework. The use of Petri nets to perform multiple-oriented analysis opens perspectives in the field of industrial risk management. It may significantly reduce the duration of the assessment process. But, most of all, it opens perspectives in the field of risk comparisons and integrated risk management. Moreover, because of the generic nature of the model and tool used, the same concepts and patterns may be used to model a wide range of systems and application fields.
Revue médicale suisse, Jan 16, 2015
This study explores biomonitoring communication with workers exposed to risks. Using a qualitativ... more This study explores biomonitoring communication with workers exposed to risks. Using a qualitative approach, semi-directive interviews were performed. Results show that occupational physicians and workers share some perceptions, but also point out communication gaps. Consequently, informed consent is not guaranteed. This article proposes some recommendations for occupational physicians' practices.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 2015
Occupational hygiene practitioners typically assess the risk posed by occupational exposure by co... more Occupational hygiene practitioners typically assess the risk posed by occupational exposure by comparing exposure measurements to regulatory occupational exposure limits (OELs). In most jurisdictions, OELs are only available for exposure by the inhalation pathway. Skin notations are used to indicate substances for which dermal exposure may lead to health effects. However, these notations are either present or absent and provide no indication of acceptable levels of exposure. Furthermore, the methodology and framework for assigning skin notation differ widely across jurisdictions resulting in inconsistencies in the substances that carry notations. The UPERCUT tool was developed in response to these limitations. It helps occupational health stakeholders to assess the hazard associated with dermal exposure to chemicals. UPERCUT integrates dermal quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) and toxicological data to provide users with a skin hazard index called the dermal hazard ratio (DHR) for the substance and scenario of interest. The DHR is the ratio between the estimated 'received' dose and the 'acceptable' dose. The 'received' dose is estimated using physico-chemical data and information on the exposure scenario provided by the user (body parts exposure and exposure duration), and the 'acceptable' dose is estimated using inhalation OELs and toxicological data. The uncertainty surrounding the DHR is estimated with Monte Carlo simulation. Additional information on the selected substances includes intrinsic skin permeation potential of the substance and the existence of skin notations. UPERCUT is the only available tool that estimates the absorbed dose and compares this to an acceptable dose. In the absence of dermal OELs it provides a systematic and simple approach for screening dermal exposure scenarios for 1686 substances.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 15459620490490084, Aug 17, 2010
Measurements and simulations were performed to assess workers&amp... more Measurements and simulations were performed to assess workers' exposure to solvent vapors and aerosols during the waterproofing of a tiled surface. This investigation followed two recent incidents in the same company where workers experienced acute respiratory illness after spraying a stain-repellent resin containing fluorinated polymers on stone-tiled walls and floors. Because the waterproofing activity had been done for years at the tile company without encountering any exposure problems prior to these cases, it was strongly suspected that the incidents were linked to a recent change in the composition of the coating mixture. Experimental measurements and simulations indicated that the emission rate of particles smaller than 10 microm may be estimated at 0.66 mg/sec (SD 0.10) for the old resin and at 0.37 mg/sec (SD 0.04) for the new one. The measurement of the solvent emission rate from surfaces coated with the two resins indicated that shortly after spraying, the emission was in the range of 18 to 20 mg/sec x m2 and was similar for both products. Solvent and overspray emission rates were introduced in a two-zone compartment model. The results obtained in the near-field indicate significant exposure to overspray mist (7 and 34 mg/m3 for new resin) and solvent vapors (80 to 350 ppm for the new resin). It was also shown that the introduction of the new resin tended to significantly decrease the levels of solvents and particulates in the workers' breathing zone. These results strongly suggest that cases of acute respiratory illness are related to the specific toxicity of the fluorinated polymer itself. The fact that the same polymer is used in various commercial products raises concern regarding other possible occupational and domestic exposures.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr 1, 2011
Purpose Recent work practices in the conservation and restoration involve the use of cyclododecan... more Purpose Recent work practices in the conservation and restoration involve the use of cyclododecane (CDD, CAS 294-62-2) to protect fragile artifacts during their handling or transportation. Little is known about its toxicity, and no previous exposure has been reported. A short field investigation was conducted to characterize the exposure conditions to both CDD vapors and aerosols. Methods Measurements were conducted in the laboratory of conservation and restoration of the archeological service in Bern (Switzerland). Three indoor and four outdoor typical work situations, either during brush or spray gun applications, were investigated. Measurements were performed on charcoal adsorbent tube and analyzed by a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Results Measurements have been conducted during both brush and spray gun applications. Indoor exposures were of 0.75-15.5 mg/m 3 , while outdoors exposures were 19.5-53.9 mg/m 3 . Exposures appear to be extremely localized due to both physicochemical properties and application methods of the CDD. Vapor exposure increases dramatically with the confinement of the workplace. Conclusion Preventive measures should be undertaken to limit as much as possible these exposures. Field work in confined areas (ditches, underground) is of particular concern. CDD-coated artifacts or materials should be stored in ventilated areas to avoid delayed exposures.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine / American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015
Solar ultraviolet has been recognized as the main causative factor for skin cancer and is current... more Solar ultraviolet has been recognized as the main causative factor for skin cancer and is currently classified as a carcinogenic agent by International Agency for Research on Cancer. Results from a previous phone survey conducted in 2012 in France were used to assess exposure conditions to sun among outdoor workers. Satellite data were used in combination with an exposure model to assess anatomical exposure. The yearly median exposure of the outdoor worker population is 77 kJ/m to 116 kJ/m. Road workers, building workers, and gardeners are the more exposed. About 70% of the yearly dose estimate is due to the cumulative summer and spring exposures. This study highlights the role of individual factors in anatomical exposure and ranks the most exposed body parts and outdoor occupations. Prevention messages should put emphasis on spring exposure, which is an important contributor to the yearly dose.
Working conditions are important determinants of health. The aims of this article are to 1) ident... more Working conditions are important determinants of health. The aims of this article are to 1) identify working conditions and work characteristics that are associated with workers' perceptions that their work is harmful to their health and 2) identify with what symptoms these working conditions are associated. We used the Swiss dataset from the 2005 edition of the European Working Conditions Survey. The dependent variable was based on the question "Does your work affect your health?". Logistic regression was used to identify a set of vari-ables collectively associated with self-reported work-related adverse health effects. A total of 330 (32%) participants reported having their health affected by work. The most frequent symptoms included backache (17.1%), muscular pains (13.1%), stress (18.3%) and overall fatigue (11.7%). Scores for self-reported exposure to physicochemical risks, postural and physical risks, high work demand, and low social support were all significantl...
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015
Occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure was evaluated in a population-based sample in France. A ra... more Occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure was evaluated in a population-based sample in France. A random survey was conducted in 2012 in individuals aged 25 to 69 years. The median daily standard erythemal UV dose (SED) was estimated from exposure time and place and matched to satellite UV records. A total of 889 individuals were exposed to solar UV with highest doses observed among gardeners (1.19 SED), construction workers (1.13 SED), agricultural workers (0.95 SED), and culture/art/social science workers (0.92 SED). Information and communication technology, industry, and transport workers were highly exposed (>0.70 SED). Significant factors associated with high occupational UV exposure were sex (P < 0.0001), phototype (P = 0.0003), and taking lunch outdoors (P < 0.0001). This study identified not only expected occupations with high UV exposure but also unexpected occupations with high exposures. This could serve as a basis for future prevention.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, 2011
Captan and folpet are fungicides largely used in agriculture. They have similar chemical structur... more Captan and folpet are fungicides largely used in agriculture. They have similar chemical structures, except that folpet has an aromatic ring unlike captan. Their half-lives in blood are very short, given that they are readily broken down to tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI) and phthalimide (PI), respectively. Few authors measured these biomarkers in plasma or urine, and analysis was conducted either by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography with UV detection. The objective of this study was thus to develop simple, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APCI-MS/MS) methods to quantify both THPI and PI in human plasma and urine. Briefly, deuterated THPI was added as an internal standard and purification was performed by solid-phase extraction followed by LC/APCI-MS/MS analysis in negative ion mode for both compounds. Validation of the methods was conducted using spiked blank plasma...
2008 3rd International Conference on Geometric Modeling and Imaging, 2008
The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of indiv... more The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of individual exposure to solar Ultra-Violet (UV). UV exposure depends on ambient irradiation level and individual factors related to activity (position to the sun, clothing, duration of exposure, and other forms of sun protection). We predict exposure levels of body parts on basis of ambient irradiation levels and information about postural activity. The prediction system uses existing techniques in the field of 3D rendering to visually sketch an accurate estimation of the exposure distribution over body parts represented as a 3D triangular mesh. The results are compared against individual dosimetric measurements. Our approach is based on the similarities between our assumptions about the individual UV exposure model and the rendering of 3D computer generated scenes.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2004
Background Waterproofing agents are widely applied to leather and textile garments; they are also... more Background Waterproofing agents are widely applied to leather and textile garments; they are also used as floor stain protectors by professionals. Acute respiratory injury is described in three cases of young healthy adults following occupational inhalation of a new waterproofing formulation containing an acrylate fluoropolymer. Within 1 or 2 h after exposure they developed a rapidly progressive dyspnoea; two of them had hypoxaemia and flu-like reactions. All patients improved with supportive treatment in a few days. The mechanism of toxicity is still under investigation, but experimental data suggest the role of this new acrylate fluoropolymer. Conclusion Tilers should be warned against spraying floor stain repellents; there is also a need to make consumers aware that the spraying of waterproofing agents in a closed environment and concomitant smoking should be avoided.
… and Imaging, 2008. …, 2008
The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of indiv... more The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of individual exposure to solar Ultra-Violet (UV). UV exposure depends on ambient irradiation level and individual factors related to activity (position to the sun, clothing, duration of exposure, and other forms of sun protection). We predict exposure levels of body parts on basis of ambient irradiation levels and information about postural activity. The prediction system uses existing techniques in the field of 3D rendering to visually sketch an accurate estimation of the exposure distribution over body parts represented as a 3D triangular mesh. The results are compared against individual dosimetric measurements. Our approach is based on the similarities between our assumptions about the individual UV exposure model and the rendering of 3D computer generated scenes.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004
A computerized handheld procedure is presented in this paper. It is intended as a database comple... more A computerized handheld procedure is presented in this paper. It is intended as a database complementary tool, to enhance prospective risk analysis in the field of occupational health. The Pendragon forms software (version 3.2) has been used to implement acquisition procedures on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and to transfer data to a computer in an MS-Access format. The data acquisition strategy proposed relies on the risk assessment method practiced at the Institute of Occupational Health Sciences (IST). It involves the use of a systematic hazard list and semi-quantitative risk assessment scales. A set of 7 modular forms has been developed to cover the basic need of field audits. Despite the minor drawbacks observed, the results obtained so far show that handhelds are adequate to support field risk assessment and follow-up activities. Further improvements must still be made in order to increase the tool effectiveness and field adequacy.
Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis, Jan 23, 2015
Occupational exposure modeling is widely used in the context of the E.U. regulation on the regist... more Occupational exposure modeling is widely used in the context of the E.U. regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals (REACH). First tier tools, such as European Centre for Ecotoxicology and TOxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) targeted risk assessment (TRA) or Stoffenmanager, are used to screen a wide range of substances. Those of concern are investigated further using second tier tools, e.g., Advanced REACH Tool (ART). Local sensitivity analysis (SA) methods are used here to determine dominant factors for three models commonly used within the REACH framework: ECETOC TRA v3, Stoffenmanager 4.5, and ART 1.5. Based on the results of the SA, the robustness of the models is assessed. For ECETOC, the process category (PROC) is the most important factor. A failure to identify the correct PROC has severe consequences for the exposure estimate. Stoffenmanager is the most balanced model and decision making uncertainties in one modifying factor are less...
Safety Science, 2003
This paper will discuss the current uses and application perspectives of Petri Nets (PNs) in the ... more This paper will discuss the current uses and application perspectives of Petri Nets (PNs) in the fields of risk analysis and accident modelling. Severe time and combinatory limitations are encountered when trying to model complex events sequences with classical methods. Due to their large calculation capabilities and the development of recent tools, the PNs should be able to overcome these limitations. We will first review and briefly discuss the previous applications of PNs in the field of safety. The second aim of this paper is also to highlight the tool's capabilities through a ''translation'' catalogue in which common concepts in safety are expressed in the PNs formalism. Despite these promising examples and properties, safety oriented applications in the field of safety are still scarce. The lack of comprehensive tools available and PN inherent complexity may explain this situation. We can hope that the increasing attractiveness of PNs may somehow overcome these difficulties. As a matter of fact, due to the tool continuous development (i.e. recent stochastic reward net or object-oriented nets development), PNs may play a significant role in risk analysis or accident modelling in the future. #
Safety Science, 2009
... networking, modal transfer and to the general increase of transportation speed (for improved ... more ... networking, modal transfer and to the general increase of transportation speed (for improved mobility), the ... The functional blocs can be easily re-arranged to take into account design evolutions or ... The construction and use of the hierarchical structure approach is shown in Fig. ...
Risk Analysis, 2004
Because of the increase in workplace automation and the diversification of industrial processes, ... more Because of the increase in workplace automation and the diversification of industrial processes, workplaces have become more and more complex. The classical approaches used to address workplace hazard concerns, such as checklists or sequence models, are, therefore, of limited use in such complex systems. Moreover, because of the multifaceted nature of workplaces, the use of single-oriented methods, such as AEA (man oriented), FMEA (system oriented), or HAZOP (process oriented), is not satisfactory. The use of a dynamic modeling approach in order to allow multiple-oriented analyses may constitute an alternative to overcome this limitation. The qualitative modeling aspects of the MORM (man-machine occupational risk modeling) model are discussed in this article. The model, realized on an object-oriented Petri net tool (CO-OPN), has been developed to simulate and analyze industrial processes in an OH&S perspective. The industrial process is modeled as a set of interconnected subnets (state spaces), which describe its constitutive machines. Process-related factors are introduced, in an explicit way, through machine interconnections and flow properties. While man-machine interactions are modeled as triggering events for the state spaces of the machines, the CREAM cognitive behavior model is used in order to establish the relevant triggering events. In the CO-OPN formalism, the model is expressed as a set of interconnected CO-OPN objects defined over data types expressing the measure attached to the flow of entities transiting through the machines. Constraints on the measures assigned to these entities are used to determine the state changes in each machine. Interconnecting machines implies the composition of such flow and consequently the interconnection of the measure constraints. This is reflected by the construction of constraint enrichment hierarchies, which can be used for simulation and analysis optimization in a clear mathematical framework. The use of Petri nets to perform multiple-oriented analysis opens perspectives in the field of industrial risk management. It may significantly reduce the duration of the assessment process. But, most of all, it opens perspectives in the field of risk comparisons and integrated risk management. Moreover, because of the generic nature of the model and tool used, the same concepts and patterns may be used to model a wide range of systems and application fields.
Revue médicale suisse, Jan 16, 2015
This study explores biomonitoring communication with workers exposed to risks. Using a qualitativ... more This study explores biomonitoring communication with workers exposed to risks. Using a qualitative approach, semi-directive interviews were performed. Results show that occupational physicians and workers share some perceptions, but also point out communication gaps. Consequently, informed consent is not guaranteed. This article proposes some recommendations for occupational physicians' practices.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 2015
Occupational hygiene practitioners typically assess the risk posed by occupational exposure by co... more Occupational hygiene practitioners typically assess the risk posed by occupational exposure by comparing exposure measurements to regulatory occupational exposure limits (OELs). In most jurisdictions, OELs are only available for exposure by the inhalation pathway. Skin notations are used to indicate substances for which dermal exposure may lead to health effects. However, these notations are either present or absent and provide no indication of acceptable levels of exposure. Furthermore, the methodology and framework for assigning skin notation differ widely across jurisdictions resulting in inconsistencies in the substances that carry notations. The UPERCUT tool was developed in response to these limitations. It helps occupational health stakeholders to assess the hazard associated with dermal exposure to chemicals. UPERCUT integrates dermal quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) and toxicological data to provide users with a skin hazard index called the dermal hazard ratio (DHR) for the substance and scenario of interest. The DHR is the ratio between the estimated 'received' dose and the 'acceptable' dose. The 'received' dose is estimated using physico-chemical data and information on the exposure scenario provided by the user (body parts exposure and exposure duration), and the 'acceptable' dose is estimated using inhalation OELs and toxicological data. The uncertainty surrounding the DHR is estimated with Monte Carlo simulation. Additional information on the selected substances includes intrinsic skin permeation potential of the substance and the existence of skin notations. UPERCUT is the only available tool that estimates the absorbed dose and compares this to an acceptable dose. In the absence of dermal OELs it provides a systematic and simple approach for screening dermal exposure scenarios for 1686 substances.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 15459620490490084, Aug 17, 2010
Measurements and simulations were performed to assess workers&amp... more Measurements and simulations were performed to assess workers' exposure to solvent vapors and aerosols during the waterproofing of a tiled surface. This investigation followed two recent incidents in the same company where workers experienced acute respiratory illness after spraying a stain-repellent resin containing fluorinated polymers on stone-tiled walls and floors. Because the waterproofing activity had been done for years at the tile company without encountering any exposure problems prior to these cases, it was strongly suspected that the incidents were linked to a recent change in the composition of the coating mixture. Experimental measurements and simulations indicated that the emission rate of particles smaller than 10 microm may be estimated at 0.66 mg/sec (SD 0.10) for the old resin and at 0.37 mg/sec (SD 0.04) for the new one. The measurement of the solvent emission rate from surfaces coated with the two resins indicated that shortly after spraying, the emission was in the range of 18 to 20 mg/sec x m2 and was similar for both products. Solvent and overspray emission rates were introduced in a two-zone compartment model. The results obtained in the near-field indicate significant exposure to overspray mist (7 and 34 mg/m3 for new resin) and solvent vapors (80 to 350 ppm for the new resin). It was also shown that the introduction of the new resin tended to significantly decrease the levels of solvents and particulates in the workers' breathing zone. These results strongly suggest that cases of acute respiratory illness are related to the specific toxicity of the fluorinated polymer itself. The fact that the same polymer is used in various commercial products raises concern regarding other possible occupational and domestic exposures.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr 1, 2011
Purpose Recent work practices in the conservation and restoration involve the use of cyclododecan... more Purpose Recent work practices in the conservation and restoration involve the use of cyclododecane (CDD, CAS 294-62-2) to protect fragile artifacts during their handling or transportation. Little is known about its toxicity, and no previous exposure has been reported. A short field investigation was conducted to characterize the exposure conditions to both CDD vapors and aerosols. Methods Measurements were conducted in the laboratory of conservation and restoration of the archeological service in Bern (Switzerland). Three indoor and four outdoor typical work situations, either during brush or spray gun applications, were investigated. Measurements were performed on charcoal adsorbent tube and analyzed by a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Results Measurements have been conducted during both brush and spray gun applications. Indoor exposures were of 0.75-15.5 mg/m 3 , while outdoors exposures were 19.5-53.9 mg/m 3 . Exposures appear to be extremely localized due to both physicochemical properties and application methods of the CDD. Vapor exposure increases dramatically with the confinement of the workplace. Conclusion Preventive measures should be undertaken to limit as much as possible these exposures. Field work in confined areas (ditches, underground) is of particular concern. CDD-coated artifacts or materials should be stored in ventilated areas to avoid delayed exposures.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine / American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015
Solar ultraviolet has been recognized as the main causative factor for skin cancer and is current... more Solar ultraviolet has been recognized as the main causative factor for skin cancer and is currently classified as a carcinogenic agent by International Agency for Research on Cancer. Results from a previous phone survey conducted in 2012 in France were used to assess exposure conditions to sun among outdoor workers. Satellite data were used in combination with an exposure model to assess anatomical exposure. The yearly median exposure of the outdoor worker population is 77 kJ/m to 116 kJ/m. Road workers, building workers, and gardeners are the more exposed. About 70% of the yearly dose estimate is due to the cumulative summer and spring exposures. This study highlights the role of individual factors in anatomical exposure and ranks the most exposed body parts and outdoor occupations. Prevention messages should put emphasis on spring exposure, which is an important contributor to the yearly dose.
Working conditions are important determinants of health. The aims of this article are to 1) ident... more Working conditions are important determinants of health. The aims of this article are to 1) identify working conditions and work characteristics that are associated with workers' perceptions that their work is harmful to their health and 2) identify with what symptoms these working conditions are associated. We used the Swiss dataset from the 2005 edition of the European Working Conditions Survey. The dependent variable was based on the question "Does your work affect your health?". Logistic regression was used to identify a set of vari-ables collectively associated with self-reported work-related adverse health effects. A total of 330 (32%) participants reported having their health affected by work. The most frequent symptoms included backache (17.1%), muscular pains (13.1%), stress (18.3%) and overall fatigue (11.7%). Scores for self-reported exposure to physicochemical risks, postural and physical risks, high work demand, and low social support were all significantl...
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015
Occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure was evaluated in a population-based sample in France. A ra... more Occupational ultraviolet (UV) exposure was evaluated in a population-based sample in France. A random survey was conducted in 2012 in individuals aged 25 to 69 years. The median daily standard erythemal UV dose (SED) was estimated from exposure time and place and matched to satellite UV records. A total of 889 individuals were exposed to solar UV with highest doses observed among gardeners (1.19 SED), construction workers (1.13 SED), agricultural workers (0.95 SED), and culture/art/social science workers (0.92 SED). Information and communication technology, industry, and transport workers were highly exposed (>0.70 SED). Significant factors associated with high occupational UV exposure were sex (P < 0.0001), phototype (P = 0.0003), and taking lunch outdoors (P < 0.0001). This study identified not only expected occupations with high UV exposure but also unexpected occupations with high exposures. This could serve as a basis for future prevention.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, 2011
Captan and folpet are fungicides largely used in agriculture. They have similar chemical structur... more Captan and folpet are fungicides largely used in agriculture. They have similar chemical structures, except that folpet has an aromatic ring unlike captan. Their half-lives in blood are very short, given that they are readily broken down to tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI) and phthalimide (PI), respectively. Few authors measured these biomarkers in plasma or urine, and analysis was conducted either by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography with UV detection. The objective of this study was thus to develop simple, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APCI-MS/MS) methods to quantify both THPI and PI in human plasma and urine. Briefly, deuterated THPI was added as an internal standard and purification was performed by solid-phase extraction followed by LC/APCI-MS/MS analysis in negative ion mode for both compounds. Validation of the methods was conducted using spiked blank plasma...
2008 3rd International Conference on Geometric Modeling and Imaging, 2008
The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of indiv... more The research presented in this paper aims at developing and validating a predictive tool of individual exposure to solar Ultra-Violet (UV). UV exposure depends on ambient irradiation level and individual factors related to activity (position to the sun, clothing, duration of exposure, and other forms of sun protection). We predict exposure levels of body parts on basis of ambient irradiation levels and information about postural activity. The prediction system uses existing techniques in the field of 3D rendering to visually sketch an accurate estimation of the exposure distribution over body parts represented as a 3D triangular mesh. The results are compared against individual dosimetric measurements. Our approach is based on the similarities between our assumptions about the individual UV exposure model and the rendering of 3D computer generated scenes.