Tapani Tuomi

Mycotoxins in Crude Building Materials from Water-Damaged Buildings

ABSTRACT We analyzed 79 bulk samples of moldy interior finishes from Finnish buildings with moisture problems for 17 mycotoxins, as well as for fungi that could be isolated using one medium and one set of growth conditions. We found the aflatoxin precursor, sterigmatocystin, in 24% of the samples and trichothecenes in 19% of the samples. Trichothecenes found included satratoxin G or H in five samples; diacetoxyscirpenol in five samples; and 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol, verrucarol, or T-2-tetraol in an additional five samples. Citrinine was found in three samples. Aspergillus versicolor was present in most sterigmatocystin-containing samples, and Stachybotrys spp. were present in the samples where satratoxins were found. In many cases, however, the presence of fungi thought to produce the mycotoxins was not correlated with the presence of the expected compounds. However, when mycotoxins were found, some toxigenic fungi usually were present, even if the species originally responsible for producing the mycotoxin was not isolated. We conclude that the identification and enumeration of fungal species present in bulk materials are important to verify the severity of mold damage but that chemical analyses are necessary if the goal is to establish the presence of mycotoxins in moldy materials.

Detection of polar and macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins from indoor environments

A method is described for the qualitative and semi-quantitative simultaneous determination of both non-macrocyclic and macrocyclic trichothecene biotoxins from samples derived from indoor environments. The method includes extraction, sample pre-treatment and reversed-phase HPLC separation followed by tandem mass spectrometric identification and quantification using electrospray ionization on a quadrupole ion trap mass analyser. Aqueous methanol was used in the initial extraction and solvent partitioning and solid-phase extraction in the purification of samples. The HPLC separation was run on-line with electrospray ionization MS-MS detection. The detection limits and recoveries of the procedure varied from 1 to 1000 pg and from 31 to 92%, respectively. As the method includes few and not very labour intensive sample treatment steps, it should allow for a high throughput of samples with good prospects of automation.

Emission of Ozone and Organic Volatiles from a Selection of Laser Printers and Photocopiers

To estimate the impact of office equipment on the quality of indoor air, the emission of ozone and organic volatiles was measured from one photocopier and four laser printers, three of which operated according to traditional corona discharge technology. The laser printers equipped with traditional technology emitted significant amounts of ozone and formaldehyde. Lesser amounts of other volatile aldehydes were emitted during printing. The photocopier emitted mainly ozone. In a well-ventilated office environment, the amounts encountered here for individual volatiles were within recommended maximum exposure limits for a reasonable density of printers. Because it is not known whether the concentration of irritating volatiles, such as formaldehyde, should be kept lower in an ozone rich environment or not, and because emissions in the immediate vicinity of the printers exceeded recommendations, the authors recommend that laser printers equipped with the traditional corona rods not be placed beside or immediately at the working site of office personnel. This way, ozone concentrations can be kept below recommended maximum exposure limits, provided that the ventilation rate is adequate. Further, it seems that if a reliable quantitative comparison of total organic volatiles prior to and during printing is to be made, the inertness of the sorbent toward ozone should be confirmed.

Airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and ammonia in Finnish office buildings with suspected indoor air problems.

A database of indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (n = 528), formaldehyde (n = 76), and ammonia (n = 47) in office environments was analyzed to suggest interpretation guidelines for chemical measurements in office buildings with suspected indoor air problems. Indoor air samples were collected for VOCs from 176 office buildings, 23 offices for formaldehyde, and 14 office buildings for ammonia in 2001–2006. Although the buildings had reported indoor air complaints, a walk-through inspection by indoor air specialists showed no exceptional sources of indoor air pollutants. The measurements of chemical pollutants did not indicate any clear reason for the complaints. The geometric mean concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) was 88 μg m−3 in office rooms and 75 μg m−3 in the open plan offices. The mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation significantly (p < 0.004) decreased the indoor air concentration of TVOC. The highest mean concentration and frequency distributions were determined for the individual VOCs. The most common VOCs found in ⩾ 84% of the indoor samples include toluene, xylene (p,m), 1-butanol, nonanal, and benzene. According to concentrations, the most abundant VOCs were 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and toluene. The geometric mean concentration of formaldehyde and ammonia in the office buildings was 11 μg m−3 (3–44 μg m−3 and 14 μg m−3 (1–49 μg m−3, respectively. On the basis of statistical analyses, the guideline value indicating a usual concentration of the pollutant in office buildings is 70 μg m−3 for TVOC, 7 μg m−3 for most individual VOCs, 10 μg m−3 for formaldehyde, and 12 μg m−3 for ammonia… The guidance value suggested for TVOC is 250 μg m−3, for formaldehyde 15 μg m−3, and for ammonia 25 μg m−3. If the guidance value is exceeded, this may indicate the existence of an exceptional source and the need for additional environmental investigations. The levels should not be used for the evaluation of health risks. The guideline values are applicable in a subarctic climate for modern, urban office buildings.

Detection of aflatoxins (G1–2, B1–2), sterigmatocystin, citrinine and ochratoxin A in samples contaminated by microbes

A method is described for the simultaneous determination of common aflatoxins (G1, G2, B1, B2) and their precursor sterigmatocystin, and also citrinine and ochratoxin A. The method was applied to a building material matrix artificially contaminated with mycotoxin-producing fungi. The method includes extraction, sample pre-treatment and reversed-phase HPLC separation with tandem mass spectrometric identification and quantification using electrospray ionisation on a quadrupole ion trap mass analyser (ESI-MS-MS). Aqueous methanol was used in the initial extraction and solvent partitioning and solid phase extraction in the purification of samples. The HPLC separation was run on-line with the ESI-MS-MS detection. The limit of quantification of the procedure was 200 ng for all compounds. Recoveries of the sample pre-treatment varied from 28 to 99%. The average compound- and concentration-dependent accuracy and precision (RSD) were 21 and 113%, respectively. The method includes small sample volumes (approximately 1 g in 20 ml) and few, non-labour intensive, sample treatment steps. It should allow for a high throughput of samples with good prospects of automation.

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol A in Five Different Production Companies in Finland

&NA; The aim of the study was to assess occupational exposure to bisphenol A in Finland. Five companies took part in the research project: two paint factories (liquid and powder paints), a composite product factory, a thermal paper factory, and a tractor factory. Exposure was assessed by measuring total bisphenol A excretion (free and conjugated) from urine samples, and its concentrations in the air. The results revealed the specific work tasks in two of five companies in which significant occupational exposure to bisphenol A may occur. In the manufacturing of liquid paint hardener, urine samples collected after the working day showed bisphenol A levels of up to 100‐170 &mgr;g l‐1. Workers in thermal paper manufacturing were also exposed to bisphenol A, especially those working in the manufacture of coating material and operating coating machines. Median concentrations of the post‐shift urine samples of coating machine workers were in the range of 130‐250 &mgr;g l‐1. The highest bisphenol A concentrations were in the range of 1000‐1500 &mgr;g l‐1. Recommendations for more effective personal protection resulted in decreased exposure, particularly among coating machine operators. In the rest of the companies, urinary bisphenol A levels were typically in the range of those of the general population. Bisphenol A concentrations in air samples were typically low (<40 &mgr;g m‐3), except in some short‐term duties related to the handling of solid bisphenol A (maximum 17.6 mg m‐3). Low air levels, even in the companies with high urinary levels, suggest exposure via dermal contact. According to the results, exposure to bisphenol A may occur particularly in work tasks that involve the use of pure bisphenol A. In these tasks, special attention should be paid to the prevention of skin exposure. Inhalation exposure may become relevant in dusty work tasks. Since skin exposure is of potential concern in these tasks, biomonitoring is recommended as the method for assessing occupational exposure to bisphenol A.

Fiber fractions from processing of barley in production and conservation of a biologic control agent

Carriers are frequently used to overcome problems associated with microbial survival in soil after inoculation. Moreover, the use of carriers can prolong the shelf lives and lessen dusting of both biofungicides and biologic fertilizers. This study investigated the suitability of barley-based fiber fractions as growth media and immobilization matrices in the cultivation of a Streptomyces griseoviridis biologic control agent, as well as for the conservation of obtained biomass in dehydrated hydrogel capsules. The second main ingredient in all the examined carrier matrices was alginate. The aim was to find a hydrogel formulation suited for a production process in which all individual steps, including cultivation of the organism; downstream processing; and formulation, storage, and application of the product (i.e., biologic control agent), are carried out in the hydrogel matrix. Of the tested fractions, brewer’s spent grain was the best choice, when considering the price vs the nutrient contents as well as the storage time and ease of processing of the crude and the finished products. It seems that cereal fibers can be replenished with cereal fractions less rich in fiber but having a higher content of utilizable nutrients and, hence, better suited for the production of biomass. A high content of water-insoluble fiber favorably influenced the appearance as well as the applicability of the products.

Total prohibition of smoking but not partial restriction effectively reduced exposure to tobacco smoke among restaurant workers in Finland

ObjectivesTo assess work-related exposure to tobacco smoke in Finnish restaurants, a series of nationwide questionnaire surveys were conducted among restaurant workers and the levels of indoor air nicotine concentrations were measured in restaurants. The survey aimed to evaluate the impact of the smoke-free legislation in general and in particular after the total smoking ban launched in 2007.Materials and MethodsIn 2003–2010, four national questionnaire surveys were conducted among restaurant workers and the concentration of nicotine in indoor air was measured in different types of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.ResultsBetween 2003 and 2010, the proportion of restaurant workers reporting occupational exposure to tobacco smoke dropped from 59% to 11%. Among pub workers, the decrease was from 97% to 18% and in workers of dining restaurants from 49% to 10%, respectively. The median concentration of nicotine in indoor air of all restaurants decreased from 11.7 μg/m3 to 0.1 μg/m3. The most significant decrease was detected in pubs where the decrease was from 16.1 μg/m3 to 0.1 μg/m3. Among all restaurant workers, in 2003–2010 the prevalence of daily smokers was reduced from 39% to 31% in men and from 35% to 25% in women.ConclusionTotal prohibition of smoking but not partial restriction in restaurants was effective in reducing work-related exposure to tobacco smoke. Strict tobacco legislation may partly be associated with the significant decrease of daily smoking prevalence among restaurant workers.

Exposure to Quartz in Finnish Workplaces Declined during the First Six Years after the Signing of the NEPSI Agreement, but Evened out between 2013 and 2017

To reduce the incidence of occupational diseases related to exposure to respirable silica at work, the main industries in the EU associated with respirable silica agreed on measures to improve working conditions through the application of good practices. These practices were included in “The Agreement on Workers Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it” (NEPSI agreement), signed in April 2006. In Finland, we have previously seen a decline in exposure to respirable quartz in relevant industries upon the treaty coming into effect, during the years 2006–2013. The present paper examines trends in exposure to respirable crystalline silica in Finland from 2006 to the end of 2017. In addition, we looked at changes in the number of exposed workers and the prevalence of silicosis and lung cancer associated with the exposure during the same period. The aim was to find out whether the decline in exposure previously recorded had continued, and whether this, in addition to the previously reported descent in exposure, was reflected in the amount and prevalence of occupational diseases associated with inhaling respirable quartz. In the present study, during the period 2013 to 2017 no further improvements were observed. The exposure remained at an average level of 20–50% of the current OEL8h. This is not necessarily sufficient to eliminate silicosis, lung cancer or other health effects associated with exposure to respirable silica in affected workplaces. To bring about further improvements in exposure, we suggest the present OEL8h in Finland (0.05 mg/m3) and particularly in the many EU countries with an OEL8h of 0.1 mg/m3 be lowered to 0.020–0.025 mg/m3. Secondly, branches outside of the NEPSI treaty where the number of exposed workers is increasing in Finland and possibly in some other EU countries as well, namely building and refinery industries, would be advised to sign the treaty. In addition, as a result of signing, good practices should be developed for work tasks where exposure to respirable silica is of concern in these industries.

Managing Exposure to Benzene and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons at Two Oil Refineries 1977–2014

Air concentrations of and inhalation exposure to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and benzene was monitored separately at two oil refineries from 1977 to 2014. Prevention policies and control measures that may explain changes were surveyed. The aim was to evaluate how the application of of Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series OHSAS 18001.04 principles as well as Environmental protection Agency EPA and European Oil Company Organisation for Environment, Health and Safety CONCAWE practices have influenced air concentrations. Benzene air concentrations declined in 11 of 17 units, six of which were associated with declining exposures. Benzene air concentrations declined across all units on average by 46%. This amounts to an average yearly decline of 1.7%. TPH air concentrations declined in 10 of 17 units, seven of which were associated with declining exposures. The average decline in TPH air concentrations was 49%, corresponding to 1.3% per year. As a result, average working day exposure in 10 of 17 units have declined significantly and today, benzene and TPH exposure in most units are well below 10% of the current Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL8h:s). A decline in air concentrations have coincided with consistent implementation of control measures. Such measures include on-line monitoring of leaks; benzene recovery; floating container roofs; improved valves and seals; hermetic pumps; recovery of loading gases and instalment of torches in terminals; cutback in coke combustion; a new production line spanning directly from the dock to aromatics production; and recovery of loading gases in the doc. Other tools in exposure management include personal leak monitors, on-line measurements, monitoring campaigns, risk assessment, and availability and user training of protective equipment. However, improvements are still needed. Hydrocarbon or benzene air concentrations have not declined in 8 of 17 units, in some of which concentrations exceed 10% of the relevant OEL8h value. In addition, for benzene even 10% of the current OEL, 0.1 ppm, might still possess a risk. With this in mind, methods to estimate exposure at the refineries need to be improved to enable measuring benzene concentrations <0.1 ppm. Shut downs of the refinery have been associated with peaks in exposure concentrations. Consequently, effort should be placed on safe working methods pertaining to shutdowns. Also, the connection and detachment of hoses continues to be problematic from the point of view of controlling exposure.