Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene
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J Occup Environ Hyg · Mar 2019
Pilot study on the efficiency of water-only decontamination for firefighters' turnout gear.
Firefighters are exposed to toxic environments upon entering burning structures. Many structures contain synthetic materials which release toxic chemicals when on fire. These chemicals can enter the body through multiple routes of exposure, including inhalation and skin absorption. ⋯ All firefighters came to a central location for sampling after completing their job responsibilities. Water only decontamination did not appear to be effective, resulting in an overall 42% increase in PAH contamination. The unexpected increase may have been due to disparate pre- and post-decontamination sampling sites on turnout gear.
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J Occup Environ Hyg · Feb 2019
Bacterial colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in the ICU and effectiveness of sanitization.
Extra-European studies report high rates of multi-drug resistant bacteria colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in intensive care units. We aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in an intensive care unit in France and the effectiveness of a sanitization product. We designed a prospective, monocentric study in a 15-bed intensive care unit within a 300-bed private hospital. ⋯ Disinfecting the phones with bactericidal wipes is not completely effective. Specific sanitization protocols and recommendations regarding the management of healthcare workers' mobile phones in intensive care units should be developed. Additionally, good hand hygiene after touching mobile phones should be kept in mind to prevent cross-infections.
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J Occup Environ Hyg · Apr 2018
Firefighter attitudes, norms, beliefs, barriers, and behaviors toward post-fire decontamination processes in an era of increased cancer risk.
Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during fires and from their personal protective equipment (PPE). Recent research has shown that decontamination processes can reduce contamination on both gear and skin. ⋯ Overall, firefighters reported positive attitudes, beliefs, and perceived norms about decontamination, but showering after a fire was the only decontamination process that occurred regularly, with field decontamination, use of cleansing wipes, routine gear cleaning, and other behaviors all occurring less frequently. Firefighters reported time and concerns over wet gear as barriers to decontamination.
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J Occup Environ Hyg · Apr 2018
Influence of facial hair length, coarseness, and areal density on seal leakage of a tight-fitting half-face respirator.
OSHA regulations state that an employer shall not permit tight-fitting respirators to be worn by employees who have facial hair that comes between the skin and facepiece seal. Studies have shown that facial hair in the face seal zone can increase penetration and decrease the fit factor (FF), although the relationship between the amount and characteristics of facial hair and the increase in penetration is not well quantified. This article examines the influence of facial hair length, areal density, and coarseness on FF for one model of half-face elastomeric negative-pressure air purifying respirator. ⋯ Beard length and areal density negatively influence FF. However, tight-fitting half-face negative-pressure respirator fit tests can achieve adequate fit factor scores even with substantial facial hair in the face seal area.