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

ABSTRACT:

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.

Methods

Personal sampling was conducted from February 2017 to February 2019. PM in the thoracic and the respirable aerosol fractions was collected, and RCS was determined in the respirable aerosol fraction. Context information was collected on questionnaires. Bec

SUBMITTER: Leite M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10243924 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature