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Nina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Stuart Harrad; Marie Ann Coggins. Response to Comment on “Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane”. Environmental Science & Technology 2020, 54, 11634 -11635.
AMA StyleNina Wemken, Daniel Simon Drage, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad, Marie Ann Coggins. Response to Comment on “Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane”. Environmental Science & Technology. 2020; 54 (18):11634-11635.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Stuart Harrad; Marie Ann Coggins. 2020. "Response to Comment on “Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane”." Environmental Science & Technology 54, no. 18: 11634-11635.
Glyphosate continues to attract controversial debate following the International Agency for Research on Cancer carcinogenicity classification in 2015. Despite its ubiquitous presence in our environment, there remains a dearth of data on human exposure to both glyphosate and its main biodegradation product aminomethylphosphonic (AMPA). Herein, we reviewed and compared results from 21 studies that use human biomonitoring (HBM) to measure urinary glyphosate and AMPA. Elucidation of the level and range of exposure was complicated by differences in sampling strategy, analytical methods, and data presentation. Exposure data is required to enable a more robust regulatory risk assessment, and these studies included higher occupational exposures, environmental exposures, and vulnerable groups such as children. There was also considerable uncertainty regarding the absorption and excretion pattern of glyphosate and AMPA in humans. This information is required to back-calculate exposure doses from urinary levels and thus, compared with health-based guidance values. Back-calculations based on animal-derived excretion rates suggested that there were no health concerns in relation to glyphosate exposure (when compared with EFSA acceptable daily intake (ADI)). However, recent human metabolism data has reported as low as a 1% urinary excretion rate of glyphosate. Human exposures extrapolated from urinary glyphosate concentrations found that upper-bound levels may be much closer to the ADI than previously reported.
Alison Connolly; Marie A. Coggins; Holger M. Koch. Human Biomonitoring of Glyphosate Exposures: State-of-the-Art and Future Research Challenges. Toxics 2020, 8, 60 .
AMA StyleAlison Connolly, Marie A. Coggins, Holger M. Koch. Human Biomonitoring of Glyphosate Exposures: State-of-the-Art and Future Research Challenges. Toxics. 2020; 8 (3):60.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlison Connolly; Marie A. Coggins; Holger M. Koch. 2020. "Human Biomonitoring of Glyphosate Exposures: State-of-the-Art and Future Research Challenges." Toxics 8, no. 3: 60.
For decades, occupational exposure to flour dust has been linked to a range of respiratory diseases, including occupational asthma, thought to result from exposure to fungi present in the flour. Antifungal resistance is of increasing prevalence in clinical settings, and the role of occupational and environmental exposures, particularly for specific fungal species, is of concern. Occupational exposure to flour dust can occur in a range of occupational settings, however, few studies have focused on restaurant workers. The objective of this study was to measure occupational exposure to flour and microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, in two small commercial bakeries and in a pizzeria. Personal full shift inhalable dust measurements were collected from workers, and were analyzed for inhalable dust and fungi, bacteria, azole resistance, and mycotoxins. Samples of settled dust were collected, and electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) were deployed and analyzed for microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, and mycotoxins. Geometric mean exposures of 6.5 mg m−3 were calculated for inhalable dust, however, exposures of up to 18.30 mg m−3 were measured—70% of personal exposure measurements exceeded the occupational exposure limit for flour dust of 1.0 mg m−3. The air and EDC fungal counts were similar to those reported in previous studies for similar occupational environments. The fungi were dominated by Penicillium genera, however Aspergillus genera, including Fumigati and Flavi sections, were observed using culture-based methods, and the Fumigati section was also observed by molecular tools. Both Aspergillus sections were identified on the azole resistance screening. Mycotoxins were also detected in the settled dust samples, dominated by deoxynivalenol (DON). The role of environmental exposure in both the development of antimicrobial resistance and the total mycotoxin body burden is a growing concern; therefore, the presence of azole-resistant fungi and mycotoxin contamination, although low in magnitude, is of concern and warrants further investigation.
Carla Viegas; Gerard T. A. Fleming; Abdul Kadir; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Quintal Gomes; Magdalena Twarużek; Robert Kosicki; Susana Viegas; Ann Marie Coggins; Viegas. Occupational Exposures to Organic Dust in Irish Bakeries and a Pizzeria Restaurant. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 118 .
AMA StyleCarla Viegas, Gerard T. A. Fleming, Abdul Kadir, Beatriz Almeida, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Anita Quintal Gomes, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Susana Viegas, Ann Marie Coggins, Viegas. Occupational Exposures to Organic Dust in Irish Bakeries and a Pizzeria Restaurant. Microorganisms. 2020; 8 (1):118.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Viegas; Gerard T. A. Fleming; Abdul Kadir; Beatriz Almeida; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Quintal Gomes; Magdalena Twarużek; Robert Kosicki; Susana Viegas; Ann Marie Coggins; Viegas. 2020. "Occupational Exposures to Organic Dust in Irish Bakeries and a Pizzeria Restaurant." Microorganisms 8, no. 1: 118.
The brominated flame retardants (BFRs) hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were measured in 16 pools of human milk from Ireland. Concentrations of BDEs-47, -99, -100, -153, and HBCDD were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in Irish human milk collected in 2011. In contrast, concentrations of BDE-209 in our study exceeded those in 2011, and while decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) was not detected in 2011 it was detected in 3 of our samples. This suggests increased use of DBDPE and that while restrictions on the Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations are reducing human exposure, those on Deca-BDE use have yet to reduce body burdens. Estimated exposures for nursing infants to all target BFRs do not suggest a health concern. A one compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to predict body burdens arising from BFR intakes via air, dust and diet. While for most targeted BFRs, predicted and observed body burdens derived from our human milk data compared reasonably well; predicted BDE-209 and DBDPE values were substantially lower than observed. This suggests exposure pathways not included in the model like dermal uptake from fabrics may be important, and highlights knowledge gaps about the human half-lives and bioavailability of these contaminants.
Nina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Claire Cellarius; Kathy Cleere; John J. Morrison; Sean Daly; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Christina Tlustos; Stuart Harrad; Marie Ann Coggins. Emerging and legacy brominated flame retardants in the breast milk of first time Irish mothers suggest positive response to restrictions on use of HBCDD and Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations. Environmental Research 2020, 180, 108805 .
AMA StyleNina Wemken, Daniel Simon Drage, Claire Cellarius, Kathy Cleere, John J. Morrison, Sean Daly, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Christina Tlustos, Stuart Harrad, Marie Ann Coggins. Emerging and legacy brominated flame retardants in the breast milk of first time Irish mothers suggest positive response to restrictions on use of HBCDD and Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations. Environmental Research. 2020; 180 ():108805.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Claire Cellarius; Kathy Cleere; John J. Morrison; Sean Daly; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Christina Tlustos; Stuart Harrad; Marie Ann Coggins. 2020. "Emerging and legacy brominated flame retardants in the breast milk of first time Irish mothers suggest positive response to restrictions on use of HBCDD and Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations." Environmental Research 180, no. : 108805.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in air and dust from cars, homes, offices, and school classrooms in Ireland, along with drinking water from homes and offices. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) dominated air and drinking water, while perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) dominated dust. This is the first report of PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), PFBS, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) in air inside cars and school classrooms. PFOS concentrations in classroom air exceeded significantly (p ≤ 0.05) those in homes. Atmospheric concentrations of PFOA, PFNA, and methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol (MeFOSE) (p ≤ 0.05) were significantly higher in cars containing child car seats than in cars without. PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, and PFHxS were all detected frequently in drinking water, but concentrations of PFASs were low, and although ΣPFASs were 64 ng/L in one bottled water sample, this fell below a Swedish Action Level of 90 ng ΣPFASs/L. The Irish population’s exposure to PFOS and PFOA via non-dietary sources is well below estimates of dietary exposure elsewhere in Europe. Moreover, even under a high-end exposure scenario, it falls below the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) provisional tolerable weekly intakes for PFOS and PFOA.
Stuart Harrad; Nina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Ann-Marie Coggins. Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water, Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland: Implications for Human Exposure. Environmental Science & Technology 2019, 53, 13449 -13457.
AMA StyleStuart Harrad, Nina Wemken, Daniel Simon Drage, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Ann-Marie Coggins. Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water, Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland: Implications for Human Exposure. Environmental Science & Technology. 2019; 53 (22):13449-13457.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStuart Harrad; Nina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Ann-Marie Coggins. 2019. "Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water, Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland: Implications for Human Exposure." Environmental Science & Technology 53, no. 22: 13449-13457.
Sand-based products are regularly used as footing material on indoor equestrian arenas, creating a potential occupational exposure risk for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) for equestrian workers training and exercising horses in these environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate an equestrian worker’s personal RCS and respirable dust (RD) exposure. Sixteen personal full-shift RD measurements were collected from an equestrian worker and analysed for RD, quartz and cristobalite. Geometric mean exposures of 0.12 mg m−3 and 0.02 mg m−3 were calculated for RD and RCS concentrations, respectively. RCS exposures of between 0.01 to 0.09 mg m−3 were measured on days when the indoor arena surface was not watered, compared to lower exposures (
Kathleen Bulfin; Hilary Cowie; Karen S. Galea; Alison Connolly; Marie Ann Coggins. Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 3226 .
AMA StyleKathleen Bulfin, Hilary Cowie, Karen S. Galea, Alison Connolly, Marie Ann Coggins. Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (17):3226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKathleen Bulfin; Hilary Cowie; Karen S. Galea; Alison Connolly; Marie Ann Coggins. 2019. "Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 17: 3226.
Concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 13 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) were measured in indoor air and dust collected from Irish homes, cars, offices, and primary schools during 2016-2017. Median concentrations of DBDPE in air (88 pg/m3) and dust (6500 ng/g) significantly exceed those previously reported internationally, with concentrations highest in offices and schools, suggesting that DBDPE is widely used in Ireland. Median concentrations of BDE-209 in air (340 pg/m3) and dust (7100 ng/g) exceed or are within the range of concentrations reported recently for the same microenvironments in the U.K., and exceed those reported in many other countries. Concentrations of BDE-209 in cars exceeded significantly (p < 0.05) those in other microenvironments. HBCDD was detected in all dust samples (median: 580 ng/g), and in 81% of air samples (median: 24 pg/m3) at concentrations similar to those reported recently for the U.K. and elsewhere. Estimates of exposure to DBDPE of Irish adults (92 ng/day) and toddlers (210 ng/day) as well as to BDE-209 (220 ng/day and 650 ng/day for adults and toddlers, respectively) substantially exceed those reported for the U.K. population. Moreover, our estimates of exposure of the Irish population to Σtrideca-PBDEs exceed previous estimates for Ireland via dietary exposure.
Nina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Stuart Harrad; Marie Ann Coggins. Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane. Environmental Science & Technology 2019, 53, 9826 -9836.
AMA StyleNina Wemken, Daniel Simon Drage, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad, Marie Ann Coggins. Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane. Environmental Science & Technology. 2019; 53 (16):9826-9836.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNina Wemken; Daniel Simon Drage; Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah; Stuart Harrad; Marie Ann Coggins. 2019. "Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane." Environmental Science & Technology 53, no. 16: 9826-9836.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently classified glyphosate as a Group 2A ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’. Due to this carcinogenic classification and resulting international debate, there is an increased demand for studies evaluating human health effects from glyphosate exposures. There is currently limited information on human exposures to glyphosate and a paucity of data regarding glyphosate's biological half-life in humans. This study aims to estimate the human half-life of glyphosate from human urine samples collected from amenity horticulture workers using glyphosate based pesticide products. Full void urine spot samples were collected over a period of approximately 24 h for eight work tasks involving seven workers. The elimination time and estimation of the half-life of glyphosate using three different measurement metrics: the unadjusted glyphosate concentrations, creatinine corrected concentrations and by using Urinary Excretion Rates (UER) (μg L−1, μmol/mol creatinine and UER μg L−1) was calculated by summary and linear interpolation using regression analysis. This study estimates the human biological half-life of glyphosate as approximately 5 ½, 10 and 7 ¼ hours for unadjusted samples, creatinine corrected concentrations and by using UER (μg L−1, μmol/mol creatinine, UER μg L−1), respectively. The approximated glyphosate half-life calculations seem to have less variability when using the UER compared to the other measuring metrics. This study provides new information on the elimination rate of glyphosate and an approximate biological half-life range for humans. This information can help optimise the design of sampling strategies, as well as assisting in the interpretation of results for human biomonitoring studies involving this active ingredient. The data could also contribute to the development or refinement of Physiologically Based PharmacoKinetic (PBPK) models for glyphosate.
Alison Connolly; Kate Jones; Ioannis Basinas; Karen S. Galea; Laura Kenny; Padraic McGowan; Ann Marie Coggins. Exploring the half-life of glyphosate in human urine samples. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2018, 222, 205 -210.
AMA StyleAlison Connolly, Kate Jones, Ioannis Basinas, Karen S. Galea, Laura Kenny, Padraic McGowan, Ann Marie Coggins. Exploring the half-life of glyphosate in human urine samples. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2018; 222 (2):205-210.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlison Connolly; Kate Jones; Ioannis Basinas; Karen S. Galea; Laura Kenny; Padraic McGowan; Ann Marie Coggins. 2018. "Exploring the half-life of glyphosate in human urine samples." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 222, no. 2: 205-210.
Glyphosate has recently received much public attention following its ‘Group 2A – probably carcinogenic to humans’ classification from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Despite the widespread use of glyphosate, there is limited data on potential exposures during common occupational uses. The study aimed to characterise occupational exposures to glyphosate among amenity horticulturists through the collection and analysis of urine samples following pesticide application. The impact of work practices on personal exposure, as well as suitability of collecting multiple spot urine samples as a sampling strategy for the assessment of occupational exposure for glyphosate were also examined. A minimum of three spot urine samples were collected per work task; before the work task began, after the work task completion and the following first morning void. All samples were analysed separately for glyphosate using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and for creatinine. Differences in urinary glyphosate concentrations between the pre-task samples versus the post-task and the peak urinary samples were both analysed using paired Student t-tests. Determinants of exposure on glyphosate urine concentrations were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression. A multivariate mixed effect model were elaborated to compare the glyphosate concentrations between post-task and following first morning void samples. In these models, worker identity was entered as a random effect to account for the presence of correlations between repeated measurements from the same individuals. Peak urine glyphosate concentrations measured for work tasks were 2.5, 1.9, 1.9 and 7.4 μg L−1 (arithmetic mean, geometric mean, median and maximum value, respectively). Concentrations were highest in samples taken up to 3 h after completing the work task. Regression analysis showed that workers who sprayed the day before the sampling task had higher glyphosate concentrations in pre-task samples than those who did not spray the day before (p < 0.01). Similarly, workers who took breaks during the work task had higher peak urinary glyphosate concentrations (p < 0.01). The multivariate mixed effect model showed that the following first morning void samples were approximately a factor 0.7 lower than post-task values. Occupational exposures to glyphosate among amenity horticulturalists are greater than those reported in environmental studies and comparable with previously reported agricultural studies. A suitable sampling strategy for occupational exposures to glyphosate is the collection of a spot urine sample up to 3 h after completing the application of a glyphosate based pesticide product, which provides a reliable marker of peak exposure.
Alison Connolly; Ioannis Basinas; Kate Jones; Karen S. Galea; Laura Kenny; Padraic McGowan; Ann Marie Coggins. Characterising glyphosate exposures among amenity horticulturists using multiple spot urine samples. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2018, 221, 1012 -1022.
AMA StyleAlison Connolly, Ioannis Basinas, Kate Jones, Karen S. Galea, Laura Kenny, Padraic McGowan, Ann Marie Coggins. Characterising glyphosate exposures among amenity horticulturists using multiple spot urine samples. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2018; 221 (7):1012-1022.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlison Connolly; Ioannis Basinas; Kate Jones; Karen S. Galea; Laura Kenny; Padraic McGowan; Ann Marie Coggins. 2018. "Characterising glyphosate exposures among amenity horticulturists using multiple spot urine samples." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 221, no. 7: 1012-1022.
Glyphosate is the highest volume herbicide used globally and has recently been classified as a 2 A 'probably carcinogenic to humans' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). There is limited data to evaluate the public health impacts from glyphosate exposure. The objective of this study is to conduct an exploratory glyphosate exposure assessment study among Irish adults, who were non-occupational users of glyphosate. A convenient sampling method was used, collecting one first morning void spot urine sample from each participant. A biomonitoring survey involving the collection and analysis of 20 ml spot urine samples from 50 Irish adults was conducted in June 2017. Participants completed a short questionnaire to collect information on demographics, dietary habits and lifestyle. Glyphosate was extracted using solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MC/MS). Of the 50 urine samples analysed, 10 (20%) contained detectable levels of glyphosate (0.80–1.35 µg L−1). Exposure concentrations are higher than those reported in comparable studies of European and American adults. Glyphosate was detectable in 20% of the samples collected from Irish adults. The low proportion of detectable glyphosate levels could be due to lower localised use of pesticides, having a small sample size or the higher analytical detection limit used in this study (0.5 µg L−1), which could underestimate the true exposure and warrants further investigation. Given the widespread use of glyphosate, further information on population exposure is required to advance our understanding of the relationship between chronic low dose exposure to glyphosate and human health risk.
Alison Connolly; Michelle Leahy; Kate Jones; Laura Kenny; Ann Marie Coggins. Glyphosate in Irish adults – A pilot study in 2017. Environmental Research 2018, 165, 235 -236.
AMA StyleAlison Connolly, Michelle Leahy, Kate Jones, Laura Kenny, Ann Marie Coggins. Glyphosate in Irish adults – A pilot study in 2017. Environmental Research. 2018; 165 ():235-236.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlison Connolly; Michelle Leahy; Kate Jones; Laura Kenny; Ann Marie Coggins. 2018. "Glyphosate in Irish adults – A pilot study in 2017." Environmental Research 165, no. : 235-236.
Fungi are amongst the bioaerosols of most importance, as indicated by the growing interest in this field of research. The aim was to characterize the exposure to fungal burden in podiatry clinics using culture-based and molecular methods. Methods: Airborne fungi were collected using an impaction air sampler and surface samples were also performed. Fourteen air samples were collected for direct detection of fungal DNA from filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. Overall, 63.6 % of the evening samples and 46 % of the morning samples surpassed the threshold values (150 CFU/m3). Molecular detection, by real time PCR, of the target fungal species/strains (Aspergillus and Stachybotrys species) was negative for all samples collected. Trichophyton rubrum was detected by PCR analysis in one DNA sample collected on day six. Results suggest the use of both culture-based and molecular methodologies are desirable for a complete evaluation of fungal burden in this particular health care setting.
Carla Viegas; Ann Marie Coggins; Tiago Faria; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Gomes; Raquel Sabino; Cristina Veríssimo; Nigel Roberts; David Watterson; Claire MacGilchrist; Gerard T.A. Fleming. Fungal burden exposure assessment in podiatry clinics from Ireland. International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2018, 28, 167 -177.
AMA StyleCarla Viegas, Ann Marie Coggins, Tiago Faria, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Anita Gomes, Raquel Sabino, Cristina Veríssimo, Nigel Roberts, David Watterson, Claire MacGilchrist, Gerard T.A. Fleming. Fungal burden exposure assessment in podiatry clinics from Ireland. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2018; 28 (2):167-177.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Viegas; Ann Marie Coggins; Tiago Faria; Liliana Aranha Caetano; Anita Gomes; Raquel Sabino; Cristina Veríssimo; Nigel Roberts; David Watterson; Claire MacGilchrist; Gerard T.A. Fleming. 2018. "Fungal burden exposure assessment in podiatry clinics from Ireland." International Journal of Environmental Health Research 28, no. 2: 167-177.
V Hogan; R Noone; J P Hayes; Ann Marie Coggins. The Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms in Irish Dairy Farmers. Irish medical journal 2018, 111, 698 .
AMA StyleV Hogan, R Noone, J P Hayes, Ann Marie Coggins. The Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms in Irish Dairy Farmers. Irish medical journal. 2018; 111 (2):698.
Chicago/Turabian StyleV Hogan; R Noone; J P Hayes; Ann Marie Coggins. 2018. "The Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms in Irish Dairy Farmers." Irish medical journal 111, no. 2: 698.
Background: Much of the research into health and safety in podiatric medicine to date has focused on measuring particular hazards. This study examines legislative awareness and compliance in Irish podiatric medical practices and aspects of health and safety practice. Methods: Podiatric physicians practicing in Ireland completed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey that included measures of health and safety knowledge and awareness, compliance with legislative requirements, perceived risks, and health status. Results: Of 250 podiatric physicians who were contacted, 101 completed the survey (response rate, 40%). Legislative knowledge and compliance were low among respondents. A Student t test revealed that the use of safety control measures was more frequent among podiatric physicians in practice for less than 20 years (P < .05). Musculoskeletal disorders and back injuries were the most frequently reported health concerns. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the need for interventions to increase awareness of legislative requirements among podiatric physicians as a first step to increase levels of regulatory compliance.
Victoria Hogan; Marie A. Coggins; Nigel Roberts; Martina Kelly. Health and Safety in Podiatric Medicine. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 2017, 107, 522 -530.
AMA StyleVictoria Hogan, Marie A. Coggins, Nigel Roberts, Martina Kelly. Health and Safety in Podiatric Medicine. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2017; 107 (6):522-530.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVictoria Hogan; Marie A. Coggins; Nigel Roberts; Martina Kelly. 2017. "Health and Safety in Podiatric Medicine." Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 107, no. 6: 522-530.
Áine Broderick; Miriam Byrne; Sean Armstrong; Jerome Sheahan; Ann Marie Coggins. A pre and post evaluation of indoor air quality, ventilation, and thermal comfort in retrofitted co-operative social housing. Building and Environment 2017, 122, 126 -133.
AMA StyleÁine Broderick, Miriam Byrne, Sean Armstrong, Jerome Sheahan, Ann Marie Coggins. A pre and post evaluation of indoor air quality, ventilation, and thermal comfort in retrofitted co-operative social housing. Building and Environment. 2017; 122 ():126-133.
Chicago/Turabian StyleÁine Broderick; Miriam Byrne; Sean Armstrong; Jerome Sheahan; Ann Marie Coggins. 2017. "A pre and post evaluation of indoor air quality, ventilation, and thermal comfort in retrofitted co-operative social housing." Building and Environment 122, no. : 126-133.
Pesticides and their potential adverse health effects are of great concern and there is a dearth of knowledge regarding occupational exposure to pesticides among amenity horticulturalists.This study aims to measure occupational exposures to amenity horticuturalists using pesticides containing the active ingredients, glyphosate and fluroxypyr by urinary biomonitoring.A total of 40 work tasks involving glyphosate and fluroxypyr were surveyed over the period of June - October 2015. Workers used a variety of pesticide application methods; manual knapsack sprayers, controlled droplet applicators, pressurised lance applicators and boom sprayers. Pesticide concentrations were measured in urine samples collected pre and post work tasks using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Differences in pesticide urinary concentrations pre and post work task, and across applications methods were analysed using paired t-tests and linear regression.Pesticide urinary concentrations were higher than those reported for environmental exposures and comparable to those reported in some agricultural studies. Log-transformed pesticide concentrations were statistically significantly higher in post-work samples compared to those in pre-work samples (paired t-test, p<0.001; for both μgL(-1) and μmol/mol creatinine). Urinary pesticide concentrations in post-work samples had a geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of 0.66 (1.11) μgL(-1) for glyphosate and 0.29 (1.69) μgL(-1) for fluroxypyr. Linear regression revealed a statistically significant positive association to exist between the time-interval between samples and the log-transformed adjusted (i.e. post- minus pre-task) pesticide urinary concentrations (β=0.0039; p<0.0001).Amenity horticulturists can be exposed to pesticides during tasks involving these products. Further research is required to evaluate routes of exposure among this occupational group.
Alison Connolly; Kate Jones; Karen S. Galea; Ioannis Basinas; Laura Kenny; Padraic McGowan; Marie Coggins. Exposure assessment using human biomonitoring for glyphosate and fluroxypyr users in amenity horticulture. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2017, 220, 1064 -1073.
AMA StyleAlison Connolly, Kate Jones, Karen S. Galea, Ioannis Basinas, Laura Kenny, Padraic McGowan, Marie Coggins. Exposure assessment using human biomonitoring for glyphosate and fluroxypyr users in amenity horticulture. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2017; 220 (6):1064-1073.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlison Connolly; Kate Jones; Karen S. Galea; Ioannis Basinas; Laura Kenny; Padraic McGowan; Marie Coggins. 2017. "Exposure assessment using human biomonitoring for glyphosate and fluroxypyr users in amenity horticulture." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 220, no. 6: 1064-1073.
Agricultural workers tend to have high exposures to organic dusts which may induce or exacerbate respiratory disorders. Studies investigating the effect of work tasks and farm characteristics on organic dust exposures among farm workers suggest that handling of animal feed is an important exposure determinant; however, the effect of the animal feeding system has not been explored in any detail. To measure the exposure of Irish dairy farmers to inhalable dust, endotoxin, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) during parlour work and to explore whether levels of exposure to these agents depend on the applied feeding system in the farms. Thirty-eight personal exposure measurements were collected from farmers across seven dairy farms. The farms used manual, loft, or semi-automated feeding systems. Information on worker tasks and farm characteristics was collected during the surveys. Associations between exposure concentrations and feeding systems, worker tasks, and other farm characteristics were explored in linear mixed-effect regression models with farmer identity treated as a random effect. Exposure concentrations were variable and had a geometric mean (GM; geometric standard deviation) of 1.5 mg m-3 (1.8) for inhalable dust and 128 EU m-3 (2.5) for endotoxin. More than 50% of the exposure measurements for endotoxin, and organic dust exceeded recommended health-based occupational exposure limits. Endotoxin levels were somewhat lower in farms using semi-automatic feeding systems when compared to those using manual feeding systems but in multivariate regression analysis associations were not statistically significant (β = -0.54, P = 0.4). Performance of activities related to handling and spreading of hay or straw was the strongest determinant for both inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure (β = 0.78, P ≤ 0.001; β = 0.72, P = 0.02, respectively). The level of dust exposure increased also as a consequence of a lower outdoor temperature, and higher ratio of distributed feed per cow (P = 0.01). Stationary measurements of TVOC and CO2 concentrations inside the dairy parlours had a GM of 180 ppb (1.9) and 589 ppb (1.3), respectively. The use of cow teat disinfectants and building ventilation were both strong predictors of TVOC concentrations within parlours. Dairy farm workers can be exposed to high and variable levels of inhalable dust and endotoxin and may be at risk of respiratory disease. Results from this study suggest that exposure control strategies for organic dusts and TVOCs exposures should consider building ventilation and work tasks such as spreading of bedding material, using spray disinfectants and animal feeding. Until effective permanent engineering controls are established farm workers should be encouraged to wear respiratory protective equipment during these tasks.
Ioannis Basinas; Garvin Cronin; Victoria Hogan; Torben Sigsgaard; James Hayes; Ann Marie Coggins. Exposure to Inhalable Dust, Endotoxin, and Total Volatile Organic Carbons on Dairy Farms Using Manual and Automated Feeding Systems. Annals of Work Exposures and Health 2017, 61, 344 -355.
AMA StyleIoannis Basinas, Garvin Cronin, Victoria Hogan, Torben Sigsgaard, James Hayes, Ann Marie Coggins. Exposure to Inhalable Dust, Endotoxin, and Total Volatile Organic Carbons on Dairy Farms Using Manual and Automated Feeding Systems. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. 2017; 61 (3):344-355.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIoannis Basinas; Garvin Cronin; Victoria Hogan; Torben Sigsgaard; James Hayes; Ann Marie Coggins. 2017. "Exposure to Inhalable Dust, Endotoxin, and Total Volatile Organic Carbons on Dairy Farms Using Manual and Automated Feeding Systems." Annals of Work Exposures and Health 61, no. 3: 344-355.
High and low flow rate respirable size selective samplers including the CIP10-R (10 l min−1), FSP10 (11.2 l min−1), GK2.69 (4.4 l min−1), 10-mm nylon (1.7 l min−1), and Higgins-Dewell type (2.2 l min−1) were compared via side-by-side sampling in workplaces for respirable crystalline silica measurement. Sampling was conducted at eight different occupational sites in the USA and five different stonemasonry sites in Ireland. A total of 536 (268 pairs) personal samples and 55 area samples were collected. Gravimetric analysis was used to determine respirable dust mass and X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine quartz mass. Ratios of respirable dust mass concentration, quartz mass concentration, respirable dust mass, and quartz mass from high and low flow rate samplers were compared. In general, samplers did not show significant differences greater than 30% in respirable dust mass concentration and quartz mass concentration when outliers (ratio 3.0) were removed from the analysis. The frequency of samples above the limit of detection and limit of quantification of quartz was significantly higher for the CIP10-R and FSP10 samplers compared to low flow rate samplers, while the GK2.69 cyclone did not show significant difference from low flow rate samplers. High flow rate samplers collected significantly more respirable dust and quartz than low flow rate samplers as expected indicating that utilizing high flow rate samplers might improve precision in quartz measurement. Although the samplers did not show significant differences in respirable dust and quartz concentrations, other practical attributes might make them more or less suitable for personal sampling.
Taekhee Lee; Martin Harper; Michael Kashon; Larry A. Lee; Catherine B. Healy; Marie A. Coggins; Pam Susi; Andrew O’Brien. Silica Measurement with High Flow Rate Respirable Size Selective Samplers: A Field Study. Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2015, 60, 334 -347.
AMA StyleTaekhee Lee, Martin Harper, Michael Kashon, Larry A. Lee, Catherine B. Healy, Marie A. Coggins, Pam Susi, Andrew O’Brien. Silica Measurement with High Flow Rate Respirable Size Selective Samplers: A Field Study. Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 2015; 60 (3):334-347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTaekhee Lee; Martin Harper; Michael Kashon; Larry A. Lee; Catherine B. Healy; Marie A. Coggins; Pam Susi; Andrew O’Brien. 2015. "Silica Measurement with High Flow Rate Respirable Size Selective Samplers: A Field Study." Annals of Occupational Hygiene 60, no. 3: 334-347.
The task of grinding sandstone with a 5-inch angle grinder is a major source of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), known to cause diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer among workers who work with these materials. A shroud may be a suitable engineering control for this task. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of four commercially available shrouds at reducing respirable dust and RCS levels during the task of grinding sandstone using tools and accessories typical of restoration stone work.
Catherine B. Healy; Marie A. Coggins; Martie Van Tongeren; Laura MacCalman; Padraic McGowan. An Evaluation of On-Tool Shrouds for Controlling Respirable Crystalline Silica in Restoration Stone Work. Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2014, 58, 1155 -1167.
AMA StyleCatherine B. Healy, Marie A. Coggins, Martie Van Tongeren, Laura MacCalman, Padraic McGowan. An Evaluation of On-Tool Shrouds for Controlling Respirable Crystalline Silica in Restoration Stone Work. Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 2014; 58 (9):1155-1167.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCatherine B. Healy; Marie A. Coggins; Martie Van Tongeren; Laura MacCalman; Padraic McGowan. 2014. "An Evaluation of On-Tool Shrouds for Controlling Respirable Crystalline Silica in Restoration Stone Work." Annals of Occupational Hygiene 58, no. 9: 1155-1167.
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) concentrations are related to the crystalline silica content of the rock being worked, which means stone workers working with high-silica-content materials can be exposed to excessive levels of respirable dust containing crystalline silica. Little information exists on the RCS exposure concentrations, work practices, and worker knowledge of the hazards associated with RCS exposure among stone workers in Ireland. The objective of this study is to collect information on health and safety practices and worker knowledge of the health risks associated with RCS among stone workers using a questionnaire survey. To design and execute a pilot study to collect personal RCS exposure measurements among a group of restoration stone workers. A self-report quantitative questionnaire was designed based on previously published work and administered to a convenience sample of 130 stone workers engaged in various stonework trades throughout the Republic of Ireland. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on worker demographics, work practices, health and safety practices, knowledge of the risks associated with RCS, and diagnosed respiratory illnesses. Personal exposure measurements of respirable dust were collected using direct reading and gravimetric sampling methods from a group of 14 restoration stone workers working at historic sites throughout Ireland. Respirable dust samples were further analysed for RCS. A questionnaire response rate of 48 % (n = 63) was achieved. Sixty-six percent of respondents reported regularly using power tools with high-silica-containing materials. The most frequently employed control measure used was respiratory protective equipment (RPE) (85 %), followed by general ventilation (60 %), and more than half of the respondents (58 %) used sweeping as their primary method of cleaning up their work area. Geometric mean 8-h, time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of RCS ranged from 0.002 to 1.38 mg/m3, higher concentrations were reported for work involving sandstone, with 78 % of exposure samples exceeding the Irish occupational exposure limit value (OELV) of 0.1 mg/m3. A training program focusing on inhalation exposure risks associated with RCS and effective engineering controls is needed for this occupational group. The results from this pilot study will be used to design a larger study, involving more exposure measurements, to investigate determinants of RCS exposure within restoration stone masonry. This will aid in the design of a technical intervention for high-risk exposure tasks, involving work with power tools and high-silica-content materials.
Catherine B. Healy; Ann Marie Coggins; Martie van Tongeren; Laura MacCalman; Padraic McGowan. Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures among Stone Workers in Ireland. Silica and Associated Respirable Mineral Particles 2013, 39 -53.
AMA StyleCatherine B. Healy, Ann Marie Coggins, Martie van Tongeren, Laura MacCalman, Padraic McGowan. Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures among Stone Workers in Ireland. Silica and Associated Respirable Mineral Particles. 2013; ():39-53.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCatherine B. Healy; Ann Marie Coggins; Martie van Tongeren; Laura MacCalman; Padraic McGowan. 2013. "Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures among Stone Workers in Ireland." Silica and Associated Respirable Mineral Particles , no. : 39-53.
Restoration stone work regularly involves work with high-silica-content materials (e.g., sandstone), but low-silica-content materials (82 %) were greater than the limit of detection, which indicates that these samplers are suitable for quantifying exposures, even with low-quartz materials.
Ann Marie Coggins; Catherine B. Healy; Taekhee Lee; Martin Harper. Performance of High-Flow-Rate Samplers for Respirable Crystalline Silica Measurement Under Field Conditions: Preliminary Study. Silica and Associated Respirable Mineral Particles 2013, 125 -138.
AMA StyleAnn Marie Coggins, Catherine B. Healy, Taekhee Lee, Martin Harper. Performance of High-Flow-Rate Samplers for Respirable Crystalline Silica Measurement Under Field Conditions: Preliminary Study. Silica and Associated Respirable Mineral Particles. 2013; ():125-138.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnn Marie Coggins; Catherine B. Healy; Taekhee Lee; Martin Harper. 2013. "Performance of High-Flow-Rate Samplers for Respirable Crystalline Silica Measurement Under Field Conditions: Preliminary Study." Silica and Associated Respirable Mineral Particles , no. : 125-138.