Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-7 (of 7 Records) |
Query Trace: Babik K[original query] |
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Characterization and workplace exposure assessment of nanomaterial released from a carbon nanotube-enabled anti-corrosive coating
Brame JA , Alberts EM , Schubauer-Berigan MK , Dunn KH , Babik KR , Barnes E , Moser R , Poda AR , Kennedy AJ . NanoImpact 2018 12 58-68 Improvement of methods to quantify the release and characterization of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) from nano-enabled products is essential to enhance the accuracy and usability of environmental health and safety evaluations. An anticorrosive coating containing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was analyzed for nano-scale material and workplace exposure potential. Worker breathing zone measurements for elemental carbon (EC) and electron-microscopy-based structure counts showed negligible MWCNT exposure to workers during laboratory and spray-painting operations over the course of two 8-hour shifts (arithmetic mean inhalable EC and electron microscopy structure count concentrations were 6.47 g/m3 and 0.084 structures/cm3 respectively). UV weathering prior to abrasion testing increased the nano-size fraction of released material as measured by a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS) and visual inspection by SEM indicated increased presence of exposed MWCNTs embedded in the polymer matrix. However, no free MWCNTs were identified, despite evidence of MWCNTs embedded in airborne particles. TiO2, used as a pigment in the coating and not anticipated as a candidate for nano-specific scrutiny, contained a small fraction (3.5% in number) of nano-sized constituents (100 nm). This work emphasizes need for rigorous characterization of additive materials to properly assess potential health hazards and to better our understanding of what qualifies as nano. |
Standardizing industrial hygiene data collection forms used by workers' compensation insurers
Babik KR , Shockey TM , Moore LL , Wurzelbacher SJ . J Occup Environ Hyg 2018 15 (9) 1-26 Workers' compensation (WC) insurers collect large amounts of industrial hygiene (IH) data in the United States. The data collected is not easily accessible for research or surveillance purposes. Individual WC insurers are using computerized systems to standardize and store the IH data, leaving a gap in standardization among the different WC insurers. This study sought to standardize IH data collection among WC insurers and to determine the feasibility of pooling collected IH data. IH air and noise survey forms were collected from WC insurers. Data fields on the forms were evaluated for importance and a study list of core fields was developed. The core study list was presented to an IH review panel for review before finalization. The final core study list was compared to recommendations published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Fifty-nine forms from 10 organizations were collected. Industrial hygienists from research organizations, state-based WC insurers, and private WC insurers participated in the data field evaluation and on the review panel. For both air and noise survey forms, more than half the data fields (55% and 54%, respectively) were ranked as "essential." Three of the four fields in the worker and control observations category ranked "essential" were found less than half of the time on both types of survey forms. The study list of core data elements consisted of more than half of the data fields from both the air and noise survey forms. Three additional fields were added based on the comparison to the ACGIH-AIHA recommendations. Data fields essential to standardizing IH data collection were identified and verified. The "essential" data fields will be made available and have the potential to be incorporated into WC insurers electronic IH data management systems. Future research should focus on other IH survey forms, such as those used in ergonomic assessments and specific chemical exposures, and methods to transfer data fields to electronic platforms. |
Occupational exposure monitoring data collection, storage, and use among state-based and private workers' compensation insurers
Shockey TM , Babik KR , Wurzelbacher SJ , Moore LL , Bisesi MS . J Occup Environ Hyg 2018 15 (6) 1-19 Despite substantial financial and personnel resources being devoted to occupational exposure monitoring (OEM) by employers, workers' compensation insurers, and other organizations, the United States (US) lacks comprehensive occupational exposure databases to use for research and surveillance activities. OEM data are necessary for determining the levels of workers' exposures; compliance with regulations; developing control measures; establishing worker exposure profiles; and improving preventive and responsive exposure surveillance and policy efforts. Workers' compensation insurers as a group may have particular potential for understanding exposures in various industries, especially among small employers. This is the first study to determine how selected state-based and private workers' compensation insurers collect, store, and use OEM data related specifically to air and noise sampling. Of 50 insurers contacted to participate in this study, 28 completed an online survey. All of the responding private and the majority of state-based insurers offered industrial hygiene (IH) services to policyholders and employed one to three certified industrial hygienists on average. Many, but not all, insurers used standardized forms for data collection, but the data were not commonly stored in centralized databases. Data were most often used to provide recommendations for improvement to policyholders. Although not representative of all insurers, the survey was completed by insurers that cover a substantial number of employers and workers. The 20 participating state-based insurers on average provided 48% of the workers' compensation insurance benefits in their respective states or provinces. These results provide insight into potential next steps for improving the access to and usability of existing data as well as ways researchers can help organizations improve data collection strategies. This effort represents an opportunity for collaboration among insurers, researchers, and others that can help insurers and employers while advancing the exposure assessment field in the US. |
Airborne contaminants during controlled residential fires
Fent KW , Evans DE , Babik K , Striley C , Bertke S , Kerber S , Smith D , Horn GP . J Occup Environ Hyg 2018 15 (5) 1-34 In this study, we characterize the area and personal air concentrations of combustion byproducts produced during controlled residential fires with furnishings common in 21(st) century single family structures. Area air measurements were collected from the structure during active fire and overhaul (post suppression) and on the fireground where personnel were operating without any respiratory protection. Personal air measurements were collected from firefighters assigned to fire attack, victim search, overhaul, outside ventilation, and command/pump operator positions. Two different fire attack tactics were conducted for the fires (6 interior and 6 transitional) and exposures were compared between the tactics. For each of the 12 fires, firefighters were paired up to conduct each job assignment, except for overhaul that was conducted by four firefighters. Sampled compounds included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs e.g., benzene), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and particulate (area air sampling only). Median personal air concentrations for the attack and search firefighters were generally well above applicable short-term occupational exposure limits, with the exception of HCN measured from search firefighters. Area air concentrations of all measured compounds decreased after suppression. Personal air concentrations of total PAHs and benzene measured from some overhaul firefighters exceeded exposure limits. Median personal air concentrations of HCN (16,300 ppb) exceeded the exposure limit for outside vent firefighters, with maximum levels (72,900 ppb) higher than the immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) level. Median air concentrations on the fireground (including particle count) were above background levels and highest when collected downwind of the structure and when ground-level smoke was the heaviest. No statistically significant differences in personal air concentrations were found between the two attack tactics. The results underscore the importance of wearing self-contained breathing apparatus when conducting overhaul or outside ventilation activities. Firefighters should also try to establish command upwind of the structure fire, and if this cannot be done, respiratory protection should be considered. |
Characterizing workforces exposed to current and emerging non-carbonaceous nanomaterials in the U.S
Babik KR , Dahm MM , Dunn KH , Dunn KL , Schubauer-Berigan MK . J Occup Environ Hyg 2017 15 (1) 0 OBJECTIVE: Toxicology studies suggest that exposure to certain types of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may cause adverse health effects, but little is known about the workforce in the United States that produces or uses these materials. In addition, occupational exposure control strategies in this industry are not well characterized. This study identified US ENM manufacturers and users (other than carbon nanotubes and nanofibers, which have been characterized elsewhere), determined workforce size, characterized types and quantities of materials used, occupational exposure control strategies, and the feasibility of occupational ENM exposure studies. METHODS: Eligible companies were identified and information was collected through phone surveys on nanomaterials produced or used, workforce size, location, work practices, and exposure control strategies. The companies were classified into groups for additional examinations. RESULTS: Forty-nine companies producing or using ENMs in the US were identified. These companies employed at least 1500 workers. Most companies produced or used some form of nanoscale metal. More than half of the eligible companies were suppliers for the coatings, composite materials, or general industries. Each company provided information about worker exposure reduction strategies through engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment. Production-scale companies reported greater use of specific exposure control strategies for ENMs than laboratory-scale companies. CONCLUSIONS: Workplaces producing or using ENMs report using engineering and administrative controls as well as personal protective equipment to control worker exposure. Industrywide exposure assessment studies appear feasible due to workforce size. However, more effort must be taken to target industries using specific ENMs based on known toxicological effects and health risks. |
Disseminated Acanthamoeba infection in a heart transplant recipient treated successfully with a miltefosine-containing regimen: Case report and review of the literature
Brondfield MN , Reid MJ , Rutishauser RL , Cope JR , Tang J , Ritter JM , Matanock A , Ali I , Doernberg SB , Hilts-Horeczko A , DeMarco T , Klein L , Babik JM . Transpl Infect Dis 2017 19 (2) Disseminated acanthamoebiasis is a rare, often fatal, infection most commonly affecting immunocompromised patients. We report a case involving sinuses, skin, and bone in a 60-year-old woman 5 months after heart transplantation. She improved with a combination of flucytosine, fluconazole, miltefosine, and decreased immunosuppression. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successfully treated disseminated acanthamoebiasis in a heart transplant recipient and only the second successful use of miltefosine for this infection among solid organ transplant recipients. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in transplant recipients with evidence of skin, central nervous system, and sinus infections that are unresponsive to antibiotics. Miltefosine may represent an effective component of a multidrug therapeutic regimen for the treatment of this amoebic infection. |
Raccoon roundworm infection associated with central nervous system disease and ocular disease - six states, 2013-2015
Sircar AD , Abanyie F , Blumberg D , Chin-Hong P , Coulter KS , Cunningham D , Huskins WC , Langelier C , Reid M , Scott BJ , Shirley DA , Babik JM , Belova A , Sapp SG , McAuliffe I , Rivera HN , Yabsley MJ , Montgomery SP . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (35) 930-933 Baylisascaris procyonis, predominantly found in raccoons, is a ubiquitous roundworm found throughout North America. Although raccoons are typically asymptomatic when infected with the parasite, the larval form of Baylisascaris procyonis can result in fatal human disease or severe neurologic outcomes if not treated rapidly. In the United States, Baylisascaris procyonis is more commonly enzootic in raccoons in the midwestern and northeastern regions and along the West Coast. However, since 2002, infections have been documented in other states (Florida and Georgia) and regions. Baylisascariasis is not a nationally notifiable disease in the United States, and little is known about how commonly it occurs or the range of clinical disease in humans. Case reports of seven human baylisascariasis cases in the United States diagnosed by Baylisascaris procyonis immunoblot testing at CDC are described, including review of clinical history and laboratory data. Although all seven patients survived, approximately half were left with severe neurologic deficits. Prevention through close monitoring of children at play, frequent handwashing, and clearing of raccoon latrines (communal sites where raccoons defecate) are critical interventions in curbing Baylisascaris infections. Early treatment of suspected cases is critical to prevent permanent sequelae. |
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