Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
Records 1-15 (of 15 Records) |
Query Trace: Pretty J [original query] |
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Use of 3-Dimensional Printers in Educational Settings: The Need for Awareness of the Effects of Printer Temperature and Filament Type on Contaminant Releases
Stefaniak AB , Bowers LN , Cottrell G , Erdem E , Knepp AK , Martin S , Pretty J , Duling MG , Arnold ED , Wilson Z , Krider B , LeBouf RF , Virji MA , Sirinterlikci A . J Chem Health Saf 2021 28 (6) 444-456 Material extrusion-type fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3-D printing is a valuable tool for education. During FFF 3-D printing, thermal degradation of the polymer releases small particles and chemicals, many of which are hazardous to human health. In this study, particle and chemical emissions from 10 different filaments made from virgin (never printed) and recycled polymers were used to print the same object at the polymer manufacturer's recommended nozzle temperature ("normal") and at a temperature higher than recommended ("hot") to simulate the real-world scenarios of a person intentionally or unknowingly printing on a machine with a changed setting. Emissions were evaluated in a college teaching laboratory using standard sampling and analytical methods. From mobility sizer measurements, particle number-based emission rates were 81 times higher; the proportion of ultrafine particles (diameter <100 nm) were 4% higher, and median particle sizes were a factor of 2 smaller for hot-temperature prints compared with normal-temperature prints (all p-values <0.05). There was no difference in emission characteristics between recycled and virgin acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid polymer filaments. Reducing contaminant release from FFF 3-D printers in educational settings can be achieved using the hierarchy of controls: (1) elimination/substitution (e.g., training students on principles of prevention-through-design, limiting the use of higher emitting polymer when possible); (2) engineering controls (e.g., using local exhaust ventilation to directly remove contaminants at the printer or isolating the printer from students); (3) administrative controls such as password protecting printer settings and establishing and enforcing adherence to a standard operating procedure based on a proper risk assessment for the setup and use (e.g., limiting the use of temperatures higher than those specified for the filaments used); and (4) maintenance of printers. |
Large-Format Additive Manufacturing and Machining Using High-Melt-Temperature Polymers. Part I: Real-Time Particulate and Gas-Phase Emissions
Stefaniak AB , Bowers LN , Martin SB Jr , Hammond DR , Ham JE , Wells JR , Fortner AR , Knepp AK , du Preez S , Pretty JR , Roberts JL , du Plessis JL , Schmidt A , Duling MG , Bader A , Virji MA . J Chem Health Saf 2021 28 (3) 190-200 The literature on emissions during material extrusion additive manufacturing with 3-D printers is expanding; however, there is a paucity of data for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) machines that can extrude high-melt-temperature polymers. Emissions from two LFAM machines were monitored during extrusion of six polymers: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), high-melt-temperature polysulfone (PSU), poly(ether sulfone) (PESU), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and Ultem (poly(ether imide)). Particle number, total volatile organic compound (TVOC), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) concentrations were monitored in real-time. Particle emission rate values (no./min) were as follows: ABS (1.7 × 10(11) to 7.7 × 10(13)), PC (5.2 × 10(11) to 3.6 × 10(13)), Ultem (5.7 × 10(12) to 3.1 × 10(13)), PPS (4.6 × 10(11) to 6.2 × 10(12)), PSU (1.5 × 10(12) to 3.4 × 10(13)), and PESU (2.0 to 5.0 × 10(13)). For print jobs where the mass of extruded polymer was known, particle yield values (g(-1) extruded) were as follows: ABS (4.5 × 10(8) to 2.9 × 10(11)), PC (1.0 × 10(9) to 1.7 × 10(11)), PSU (5.1 × 10(9) to 1.2 × 10(11)), and PESU (0.8 × 10(11) to 1.7 × 10(11)). TVOC emission yields ranged from 0.005 mg/g extruded (PESU) to 0.7 mg/g extruded (ABS). The use of wall-mounted exhaust ventilation fans was insufficient to completely remove airborne particulate and TVOC from the print room. Real-time CO monitoring was not a useful marker of particulate and TVOC emission profiles for Ultem, PPS, or PSU. Average CO(2) and particle concentrations were moderately correlated (r (s) = 0.76) for PC polymer. Extrusion of ABS, PC, and four high-melt-temperature polymers by LFAM machines released particulate and TVOC at levels that could warrant consideration of engineering controls. LFAM particle emission yields for some polymers were similar to those of common desktop-scale 3-D printers. |
Large-Format Additive Manufacturing and Machining Using High-Melt-Temperature Polymers. Part II: Characterization of Particles and Gases
Stefaniak AB , Bowers LN , Martin SB Jr , Hammond DR , Ham JE , Wells JR , Fortner AR , Knepp AK , du Preez S , Pretty JR , Roberts JL , du Plessis JL , Schmidt A , Duling MG , Bader A , Virji MA . J Chem Health Saf 2021 28 (4) 268-278 Extrusion of high-melt-temperature polymers on large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) machines releases particles and gases, though there is no data describing their physical and chemical characteristics. Emissions from two LFAM machines were monitored during extrusion of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) polymers as well as high-melt-temperature Ultem (poly(ether imide)), polysulfone (PSU), poly(ether sulfone) (PESU), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymers. Filter samples of particles were collected for quantification of elements and bisphenol A and S (BPA, BPS) and visualization of morphology. Individual gases were quantified on substance-specific media. Aerosol sampling demonstrated that concentrations of elements were generally low for all polymers, with a maximum of 1.6 mg/m(3) for iron during extrusion of Ultem. BPA, an endocrine disruptor, was released into air during extrusion of PC (range: 0.4 ± 0.1 to 21.3 ± 5.3 μg/m(3)). BPA and BPS (also an endocrine disruptor) were released into air during extrusion of PESU (BPA, 2.0-8.7 μg/m(3); BPS, 0.03-0.07 μg/m(3)). Work surfaces and printed parts were contaminated with BPA (<8-587 ng/100 cm(2)) and BPS (<0.22-2.5 ng/100 cm(2)). Gas-phase sampling quantified low levels of respiratory irritants (phenol, SO(2), toluene, xylenes), possible or known asthmagens (caprolactam, methyl methacrylate, 4-oxopentanal, styrene), and possible occupational carcinogens (benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde) in air. Characteristics of particles and gases released by high-melt-temperature polymers during LFAM varied, which indicated the need for polymer-specific exposure and risk assessments. The presence of BPA and BPS on surfaces revealed a previously unrecognized source of dermal exposure for additive manufacturing workers using PC and PESU polymers. |
Towards sustainable additive manufacturing: The need for awareness of particle and vapor releases during polymer recycling, making filament, and fused filament fabrication 3-D printing
Stefaniak AB , Bowers LN , Cottrell G , Erdem E , Knepp AK , Martin SB Jr , Pretty J , Duling MG , Arnold ED , Wilson Z , Krider B , Fortner AR , LeBouf RF , Virji MA , Sirinterlikci A . Resour Conserv Recycl 2022 176 Fused filament fabrication three-dimensional (FFF 3-D) printing is thought to be environmentally sustainable; however, significant amounts of waste can be generated from this technology. One way to improve its sustainability is via distributed recycling of plastics in homes, schools, and libraries to create feedstock filament for printing. Risks from exposures incurred during recycling and reuse of plastics has not been incorporated into life cycle assessments. This study characterized contaminant releases from virgin (unextruded) and recycled plastics from filament production through FFF 3-D printing. Waste polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastics were recycled to create filament; virgin PLA, ABS, high and low density polyethylenes, high impact polystyrene, and polypropylene pellets were also extruded into filament. The release of particles and chemicals into school classrooms was evaluated using standard industrial hygiene methodologies. All tasks released particles that contained hazardous metals (e.g., manganese) and with size capable of depositing in the gas exchange region of the lung, i.e., granulation of waste PLA and ABS (667 to 714 nm) and filament making (608 to 711 nm) and FFF 3-D printing (616 to 731 nm) with waste and virgin plastics. All tasks released vapors, including respiratory irritants and potential carcinogens (benzene and formaldehyde), mucus membrane irritants (acetone, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and methyl methacrylate), and asthmagens (styrene, multiple carbonyl compounds). These data are useful for incorporating risks of exposure to hazardous contaminants in future life cycle evaluations to demonstrate the sustainability and circular economy potential of FFF 3-D printing in distributed spaces. © 2021 |
An evaluation of the relationship among urine, air, and hand measures of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in US manufacturing workers
Hines CJ , Christianson AL , Jackson MV , Ye X , Pretty JR , Arnold JE , Calafat AM . Ann Work Expo Health 2018 62 (7) 840-851 Background: Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can be assessed using external and internal exposure measures. We examined the relationship between two measures of external BPA exposure (air and hand-wipe samples) and one of internal exposure (total BPA in urine) for a group of US manufacturing workers. Methods: During 2013-2014, we recruited 78 workers from six US companies that made BPA or made products with BPA. We quantified BPA in seven urine samples, two full-shift air samples and in pre- and end-shift hand-wipe samples collected from workers over 2 consecutive days. We examined correlations between creatinine-corrected urinary concentrations of total BPA (total BPACR) and BPA levels in air and hand wipes using Pearson's correlation coefficient. We also applied mixed-effects regression models to examine the relationship between total BPACR with BPA in air (urine~air model) and with BPA in end-shift hand wipes (urine~hand model), separately and together (urine~air+hand model), after adjusting for covariates. Results: End-shift total BPACR strongly correlated with BPA in air (rp = 0.79, P < 0.0001) and nearly as strongly with BPA in end-shift hand wipes (rp = 0.75, P < 0.0001). In mixed-effect models, BPA air concentration and end-shift hand-wipe BPA level were significantly and positively associated with end-shift total BPACR (P < 0.0001 each). We found a significant effect of the Day 1 BPA air concentration on Day 2 total BPACR (P = 0.0104). When BPA air concentration and end-shift hand-wipe BPA level were in the same model, the air concentration (P < 0.0001) was more significant than the hand-wipe level (P = 0.0106). Conclusion: BPA levels in air and end-shift hand wipes strongly correlated with total BPACR, suggesting that both inhalation and dermal contract were likely exposure routes; however, inhalation, on average, appeared to be a more dominant exposure route than dermal contact for these manufacturing workers. |
Air, hand wipe, and surface wipe sampling for bisphenol A (BPA) among workers in industries that manufacture and use BPA in the United States
Hines CJ , Jackson MV , Christianson AL , Clark JC , Arnold JE , Pretty JR , Deddens JA . J Occup Environ Hyg 2017 14 (11) 882-897 For decades, bisphenol A (BPA) has been used in making polycarbonate, epoxy, and phenolic resins and certain investment casting waxes, yet published exposure data are lacking for U.S. manufacturing workers. In 2013-2014, BPA air and hand exposures were quantified for 78 workers at six U.S. companies making BPA or BPA-based products. Exposure measures included an inhalable-fraction personal air sample on each of two consecutive work days (n = 146), pre- and end-shift hand wipe samples on the second day (n = 74 each), and surface wipe samples (n = 88). Potential determinants of BPA air and end-shift hand exposures (after natural log transformation) were assessed in univariate and multiple regression mixed models. The geometric mean (GM) BPA air concentration was 4.0 microg/m3 (maximum 920 microg/m3). The end-shift GM BPA hand level (26 microg/sample) was 10-times higher than the pre-shift level (2.6 microg/sample). BPA air and hand exposures differed significantly by industry and job. BPA air concentrations and end-shift hand levels were highest in the BPA-filled wax manufacturing/reclaim industry (GMAir = 48 microg/m3, GMHand-End = 130 microg/sample) and in the job of working with molten BPA-filled wax (GMAir = 43 microg/m3, GMHand-End = 180 microg/sample), and lowest in the phenolic resins industry (GMAir = 0.85 microg/m3, GMHand-End = 0.43 microg/sample) and in the job of flaking phenolic resins (GMAIR = 0.62 microg/m3, GMHand-End = 0.38 microg/sample). Determinants of increased BPA air concentration were industry, handling BPA containers, spilling BPA, and spending ≥50% of the shift in production areas; increasing age was associated with lower air concentrations. BPA hand exposure determinants were influenced by high values for two workers; for all other workers, tasks involving contact with BPA-containing materials and spending ≥50% of the shift in production areas were associated with increased BPA hand levels. Surface wipe BPA levels were significantly lower in eating/office areas (GM = 9.3 microg/100 cm2) than in production areas (GM = 140 microg/100 cm2). In conclusion, worker BPA exposure was associated with tasks and conditions affecting both inhalation and dermal exposure. The potential for BPA-related health effects among these workers is unknown. |
Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Olson D , Watkins LK , Demirjian A , Lin X , Robinson CC , Pretty K , Benitez AJ , Winchell JM , Diaz MH , Miller LA , Foo TA , Mason MD , Lauper UL , Kupfer O , Kennedy J , Glode MP , Kutty PK , Dominguez SR . Pediatrics 2015 136 (2) e386-94 BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an uncommon, sporadic disease and outbreaks are rare. In November 2013, an outbreak of SJS was identified at Children's Hospital Colorado. METHODS: Outbreak cases were children aged 5-21 with a discharge diagnosis of SJS admitted from September 1 to November 30, 2013. Medical charts were reviewed using standardized data collection forms. Respiratory specimens were tested for viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We conducted a separate 4-year retrospective case-control study comparing hospitalized SJS cases with and without evidence of Mp infection. RESULTS: During the outbreak, 8 children met SJS criteria. Median age was 11.5 years (range 8-16 years); 5 (63%) were boys and 5 (63%) were Mp-PCR-positive. Of the 5 PCR-positive children, none had preceding medication exposure, and all had radiographic pneumonia. All outbreak Mp isolates were macrolide susceptible. The retrospective case-control analysis showed that Mp-associated SJS episodes (n = 17) were more likely to have pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 10.0, confidence interval [CI] 1.3-5.1), preceding respiratory symptoms (OR 30.0, CI 1.6-72.6), an erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥35 mg/dL (OR 22.8, CI 2.1-244.9), and ≤3 affected skin sites (OR 4.5, CI 1.2-17.4) than non-Mp-associated SJS episodes (n = 23). CONCLUSIONS: We report the largest outbreak of SJS in children, which was also predominately associated with Mp infection. Mp-associated SJS was associated with a distinct clinical presentation that included less extensive skin disease, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and evidence of a preceding respiratory infection. |
Strengthening the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process: Report of the 3rd WHO Informal Consultation for Improving Influenza Vaccine Virus Selection held at WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, 1-3 April 2014.
Ampofo WK , Azziz-Baumgartner E , Bashir U , Cox NJ , Fasce R , Giovanni M , Grohmann G , Huang S , Katz J , Mironenko A , Mokhtari-Azad T , Sasono PM , Rahman M , Sawanpanyalert P , Siqueira M , Waddell AL , Waiboci L , Wood J , Zhang W , Ziegler T . Vaccine 2015 33 (36) 4368-82 Despite long-recognized challenges and constraints associated with their updating and manufacture, influenza vaccines remain at the heart of public health preparedness and response efforts against both seasonal and potentially pandemic influenza viruses. Globally coordinated virological and epidemiological surveillance is the foundation of the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process. Although national influenza surveillance and reporting capabilities are being strengthened and expanded, sustaining and building upon recent gains has become a major challenge. Strengthening the vaccine virus selection process additionally requires the continuation of initiatives to improve the timeliness and representativeness of influenza viruses shared by countries for detailed analysis by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Efforts are also continuing at the national, regional, and global levels to better understand the dynamics of influenza transmission in both temperate and tropical regions. Improved understanding of the degree of influenza seasonality in tropical countries of the world should allow for the strengthening of national vaccination policies and use of the most appropriate available vaccines. There remain a number of limitations and difficulties associated with the use of HAI assays for the antigenic characterization and selection of influenza vaccine viruses by WHOCCs. Current approaches to improving the situation include the more-optimal use of HAI and other assays; improved understanding of the data produced by neutralization assays; and increased standardization of serological testing methods. A number of new technologies and associated tools have the potential to revolutionize influenza surveillance and response activities. These include the increasingly routine use of whole genome next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput approaches. Such approaches could not only become key elements in outbreak investigations but could drive a new surveillance paradigm. However, despite the advances made, significant challenges will need to be addressed before next-generation technologies become routine, particularly in low-resource settings. Emerging approaches and techniques such as synthetic genomics, systems genetics, systems biology and mathematical modelling are capable of generating potentially huge volumes of highly complex and diverse datasets. Harnessing the currently theoretical benefits of such bioinformatics ("big data") concepts for the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process will depend upon further advances in data generation, integration, analysis and dissemination. Over the last decade, growing awareness of influenza as an important global public health issue has been coupled to ever-increasing demands from the global community for more-equitable access to effective and affordable influenza vaccines. The current influenza vaccine landscape continues to be dominated by egg-based inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, with a small number of cell-based and recombinant vaccines. Successfully completing each step in the annual influenza vaccine manufacturing cycle will continue to rely upon timely and regular communication between the WHO GISRS, manufacturers and regulatory authorities. While the pipeline of influenza vaccines appears to be moving towards a variety of niche products in the near term, it is apparent that the ultimate aim remains the development of effective "universal" influenza vaccines that offer longer-lasting immunity against a broad range of influenza A subtypes. |
Detection of 5-fluorouracil surface contamination in near real time
Smith JP , Sammons DL , Pretty JR , Kurtz KS , Robertson SA , DeBord DG , Connor TH , Snawder JE . J Oncol Pharm Pract 2015 22 (3) 396-408 OBJECTIVES: Contamination of workplace surfaces by antineoplastic drugs presents an exposure risk for healthcare workers. Traditional instrumental methods to detect contamination such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are sensitive and accurate but expensive and incapable of producing results in real time. This limits their utility in preventing worker exposure. We are currently developing monitors based on lateral flow immunoassay that can detect drug contamination in near real time. In this report, we describe the laboratory performance of a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) monitor. METHODS: The monitor was evaluated by spiking ceramic, vinyl, composite, stainless steel, and glass surfaces of 100 cm2 area with 5-FU masses of 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 ng. The surface was sampled with a wetted cotton swab, the swab was extracted with buffer, and the resulting solution was applied to a lateral flow monitor. Two ways of evaluating the response of these monitors were used: an electronic method where a lateral flow reader was used for measuring line intensities, and a visual method where the intensity of the test line was visually compared to the control line. RESULTS: The 5-FU monitor is capable of detecting 10 ng/100 cm2 (0.1 ng/cm2) using the electronic reader and 25 ng/100 cm2 (0.25 ng/cm2) using the visual comparison method for the surfaces studied. The response of the monitors was compared to LC-MS/MS results for the same samples for validation and there was good correlation of the two methods but some differences in absolute response, especially at higher spiking levels for the surface samples. |
Detection and measurement of surface contamination by multiple antineoplastic drugs using multiplex bead assay
Smith JP , Sammons DL , Robertson SA , Pretty JR , DeBord DG , Connor TH , Snawder JE . J Oncol Pharm Pract 2014 22 (1) 60-7 OBJECTIVES: Contamination of workplace surfaces by antineoplastic drugs presents an exposure risk for healthcare workers. Traditional instrumental methods to detect contamination such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are sensitive and accurate but expensive. Since immunochemical methods may be cheaper and faster than instrumental methods, we wanted to explore their use for routine drug residue detection for preventing worker exposure. METHODS: In this study we examined the feasibility of using fluorescence covalent microbead immunosorbent assay (FCMIA) for simultaneous detection and semi-quantitative measurement of three antineoplastic drugs (5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin). The concentration ranges for the assay were 0-1000 ng/ml for 5-fluorouracil, 0-100 ng/ml for paclitaxel, and 0-2 ng/ml for doxorubicin. The surface sampling technique involved wiping a loaded surface with a swab wetted with wash buffer, extracting the swab in storage/blocking buffer, and measuring drugs in the extract using FCMIA. RESULTS: There was no significant cross-reactivity between these drugs at the ranges studied indicated by a lack of response in the assay to cross analytes. The limit of detection (LOD) for 5-fluorouracil on the surface studied was 0.93 ng/cm2 with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 2.8 ng/cm2, the LOD for paclitaxel was 0.57 ng/cm2 with an LOQ of 2.06 ng/cm2, and the LOD for doxorubicin was 0.0036 ng/cm2 with an LOQ of 0.013 ng/cm2. CONCLUSION: The use of FCMIA with a simple sampling technique has potential for low cost simultaneous detection and semi-quantitative measurement of surface contamination from multiple antineoplastic drugs. |
Validation of an HPLC-MS/MS and wipe procedure for mitomycin C contamination
B'Hymer C , Connor T , Stinson D , Pretty J . J Chromatogr Sci 2014 53 (4) 619-24 A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of mitomycin C, an anticancer drug, from contamination on various surfaces. Mitomycin C is often used in various forms of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and operating room healthcare worker exposure to this drug is possible. The surface testing method consisted of a wiping procedure utilizing a solution of 20/45/35 (v/v/v) of acetonitrile-isopropanol-water made 0.01 M in ammonium citrate (apparent pH 7.0). The wipe solutions were analyzed by means of HPLC-MS/MS using a reversed-phase gradient system and electrospray ionization in positive ion mode with a triple-quadrupole MS detector. Accuracy and precision of this method were demonstrated by a series of recovery studies of both spiked solutions and extracted wipes from various surfaces (stainless steel, vinyl and Formica(R)) spiked with known levels of mitomycin C. Recoveries of spiked solutions containing the analyte demonstrate mean recoveries (accuracy) ranged from 93 to 105%. Precision as measured by the relative standard deviation (% RSD) of multiple samples (n= 10) at each concentration level demonstrated values of 7.5% or less. The recoveries from spiked surfaces varied from 30 to 99%. The limit of detection for this methodology is approximately 2 ng/100 cm2 equivalent surface area, and the limit of quantitation is approximately 6 ng/100 cm2. |
Diabetes prevention and management: the thrill is not gone
Albright A . Diabetes Spectr 2014 27 (1) 63-68 It is a thrilling time to be working in diabetes. That is not to say that everything is wonderful, and some of it makes you pretty anxious. But it is a time when the need has never been greater, and there is so much on the line. Are we going to prevent enough new cases of diabetes before we reach a threshold at which one out of three people has it? Are we going to improve diabetes care in ways that will allow all of those affected to be healthy and productive and not leave far too many people experiencing the ravages of this disease? Will we find cures so that, in the future, no one ever has to face this disease in any of its forms? I would like to address some of these questions, and in so doing, I hope to demonstrate that, in the field of diabetes prevention and management, the thrill is not gone. |
Sampling and mass spectrometric analytical methods for five antineoplastic drugs in the healthcare environment
Pretty JR , Connor TH , Spasojevic I , Kurtz KS , McLaurin JL , B' Hymer C , Debord DG . J Oncol Pharm Pract 2010 18 (1) 23-36 CONTEXT: Healthcare worker exposure to antineoplastic drugs continues to be reported despite safe handling guidelines published by several groups. Sensitive sampling and analytical methods are needed so that occupational safety and health professionals may accurately assess environmental and biological exposure to these drugs in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: To develop liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analytical methods for measuring five antineoplastic drugs in samples from the work environment, and to apply these methods in validating sampling methodology. A single method for quantifying several widely used agents would decrease the number of samples required for method development, lower cost, and time of analysis. Methods for measuring these drugs in workers' urine would also be useful in monitoring personal exposure levels. RESULTS: LC-MS/MS methods were developed for individual analysis of five antineoplastic drugs in wipe and air sample media projected for use in field sampling: cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil. Cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and paclitaxel were also measured simultaneously in some stages of the work. Extraction methods for air and wipe samples were developed and tested using the aforementioned analytical methods. Good recoveries from the candidate air and wipe sample media for most of the compounds, and variable recoveries for test wipe samples depending on the surface under study, were observed. Alternate LC-MS/MS methods were also developed to detect cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel in urine samples. CONCLUSIONS: The sampling and analytical methods were suitable for determining worker exposure to antineoplastics via surface and breathing zone contamination in projected surveys of healthcare settings. |
Evaluation of antineoplastic drug exposure of health care workers at three university-based U.S. cancer centers
Connor TH , DeBord DG , Pretty JR , Oliver MS , Roth TS , Lees PS , Krieg EF Jr , Rogers B , Escalante CP , Toennis CA , Clark JC , Johnson BC , McDiarmid MA . J Occup Environ Med 2010 52 (10) 1019-27 OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated health care worker exposure to antineoplastic drugs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study examined environmental samples from pharmacy and nursing areas. A 6-week diary documented tasks involving those drugs. Urine was analyzed for two specific drugs, and blood samples were analyzed by the comet assay. RESULTS: Sixty-eight exposed and 53 nonexposed workers were studied. Exposed workers recorded 10,000 drug-handling events during the 6-week period. Sixty percent of wipe samples were positive for at least one of the five drugs measured. Cyclophosphamide was most commonly detected, followed by 5-fluorouracil. Three of the 68 urine samples were positive for one drug. No genetic damage was detected in exposed workers using the comet assay. CONCLUSIONS: Despite following recommended safe-handling practices, workplace contamination with antineoplastic drugs in pharmacy and nursing areas continues at these locations. |
The power of Mom in communicating health
Daniel KL . Am J Public Health 2009 99 (12) 2119 As a Mom, I make or influence health decisions and actions for my children, my spouse, my friends, my parents, and even my pets. I schedule my husband's colonoscopy appointment, get my kids immunized, buy the car safety seats, convince my Dad to use his hearing aids, and keep the family medical records. Sometimes I even care for my own health! Before seeing the pediatrician, I check my kid's developmental milestones, and a Web site or two. My Mom checked with our pediatrician, Doctor Dennis; I've got “Doctor Google” (www.google.com). Multiply my behaviors by every Mom in the country, and we're a pretty powerful segment that influences the public's health. | Yet, although I play this critical role, public health doesn't seem to recognize my potential. If it did, it would work with me instead of at me. Instead, public health preaches to me, scares me, doles out bits of information, and doesn't really acknowledge my influence. Public health bemoans, but mainly ignores, the powerful pull that mass media has on my attention. Public health knows that advertising works, but rarely uses counter-marketing to increase its own impact. |
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