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  1. Biomonitoring of Exposures to Solvents and Metals in Electronics Manufacturing Facilities in Batam, Indonesia
    Lee JH, Gatera VA, Smith T, Panimbang F, Gonzalez A, Abdulah R, et al.
    New Solut, 2024 Feb;33(4):220-235.
    PMID: 38112404 DOI: 10.1177/10482911231218478
    Concerns about chemical exposure in the electronics manufacturing industry have long been recognized, but data are lacking in Southeast Asia. We conducted a study in Batam, Indonesia, to evaluate chemical exposures in electronics facilities, using participatory research and biological monitoring approaches. A convenience sample of 36 workers (28 exposed, 8 controls) was recruited, and urine samples were collected before and after shifts. Five solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, and xylenes) were found in 46%-97% of samples, and seven metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, lead, and vanadium) were detected in 60%-100% of samples. Biological monitoring and participatory research appeared to be useful in assessing workers' exposure when workplace air monitoring is not feasible due to a lack of cooperation from the employer. Several logistical challenges need to be addressed in future biomonitoring studies of electronics workers in Asia in factories where employers are reluctant to track workers' exposure and health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational*
  2. Development of Welding Fumes Health Index (WFHI) for Welding Workplace's Safety and Health Assessment
    Hariri A, Paiman NA, Leman AM, Md Yusof MZ
    Iran J Public Health, 2014 Aug;43(8):1045-59.
    PMID: 25927034
    This study aimed to develop an index that can rank welding workplace that associate well with possible health risk of welders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational
  3. Combustion of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using bimetallic chromium-copper supported on modified H-ZSM-5 catalyst
    Abdullah AZ, Bakar MZ, Bhatia S
    J Hazard Mater, 2006 Feb 28;129(1-3):39-49.
    PMID: 16310938
    The paper reports on the performance of chromium or/and copper supported on H-ZSM-5(Si/Al = 240) modified with silicon tetrachloride (Cr1.5/SiCl4-Z, Cu1.5/SiCl4-Z and Cr1.0Cu0.5/SiCl4-Z) as catalysts in the combustion of chlorinated VOCs (Cl-VOCs). A reactor operated at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 32,000 h(-1), a temperature between 100 and 500 degrees C with 2500 ppm of dichloromethane (DCM), trichloromethane (TCM) and trichloroethylene (TCE) is used for activity studies. The deactivation study is conducted at a GHSV of 3800 h(-1), at 400 degrees C for up to 12 h with a feed concentration of 35,000 ppm. Treatment with silicon tetrachloride improves the chemical resistance of H-ZSM-5 against hydrogen chloride. TCM is more reactive compared to DCM but it produces more by-products due to its high chlorine content. The stabilization of TCE is attributed to resonance effects. Water vapor increases the carbon dioxide yield through its role as hydrolysis agent forming reactive carbocations and acting as hydrogen-supplying agent to suppress chlorine-transfer reactions. The deactivation of Cr1.0Cu0.5/SiCl4-Z is mainly due to the chlorination of its metal species, especially with higher Cl/H feed. Coking is limited, particularly with DCM and TCM. In accordance with the Mars-van Krevelen model, the weakening of overall metal reducibility due to chlorination leads to a loss of catalytic activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/chemistry*
  4. Indoor air pollution evaluation with emphasize on HDI and biological assessment of HDA in the polyurethane factories
    Mirmohammadi M, Hakimi Ibrahim M, Ahmad A, Kadir MO, Mohammadyan M, Mirashrafi SB
    Environ Monit Assess, 2010 Jun;165(1-4):341-7.
    PMID: 19444630 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-0950-5
    Today, many raw materials used in factories may have a dangerous effect on the physiological system of workers. One of them which is widely used in the polyurethane factories is diisocyanates. These compounds are widely used in surface coatings, polyurethane foams, adhesives, resins, elastomers, binders, and sealants. Exposure to diisocyanates causes irritation to the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, and respiratory tract. Hexamethylene diamine (HDA) is metabolite of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). It is an excretory material by worker's urine who is exposed to HDI. Around 100 air samples were collected from five defined factories by midget impinger which contained dimethyl sulfoxide absorbent as a solvent and tryptamine as reagent. Samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with EC\UV detector using NIOSH 5522 method of sampling. Also, 50 urine samples collected from workers were also analyzed using William's biological analysis method. The concentration of HDI into all air samples were more than 88 microg/m(3), and they have shown high concentration of pollutant in the workplaces in comparison with NIOSH standard, and all of the workers' urine were contaminated by HDA. The correlation and regression test were used to obtain statistical model for HDI and HDA, which is useful for the prediction of diisocyanates pollution situation in the polyurethane factories.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*; Air Pollutants, Occupational/urine
  5. Fulltext Occupational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in a plastic injection molding factory in Malaysia
    Kouidhi W, Thannimalay L, Soon CS, Ali Mohd M
    Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2017 Jul 14;30(5):743-750.
    PMID: 28584331 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00917
    OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study has been to assess ambient bisphenol A (BPA) levels in workplaces and urine levels of workers and to establish a BPA database for different populations in Malaysia.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urine samples were collected from plastic factory workers and from control subjects after their shift. Air samples were collected using gas analyzers from 5 sampling positions in the injection molding unit work area and from ambient air. The level of BPA in airborne and urine samples was quantified by the gas chromatography mass spectrometry - selected ion monitoring (GCMS-SIM) analysis.

    RESULTS: Bisphenol A was detected in the median range of 8-28.3 ng/m³ and 2.4-3.59 ng/m³ for the 5 sampling points in the plastic molding factory and in the ambient air respectively. The median urinary BPA concentration was significantly higher in the workers (3.81 ng/ml) than in control subjects (0.73 ng/ml). The urinary BPA concentration was significantly associated with airborne BPA levels (ρ = 0.55, p < 0.01).

    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first evidence that workers in a molding factory in Malaysia are occupationally exposed to BPA. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):743-750.

    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*; Air Pollutants, Occupational/urine
  6. Indoor air quality in an automotive assembly plant in Selangor, Malaysia
    Edimansyah BA, Rusli BN, Naing L, Azwan BA, Aziah BD
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2009 Jan;40(1):187-92.
    PMID: 19323052
    The purpose of this study was to determine the indoor air quality (IAQ) status of an automotive assembly plant in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia using selected IAQ parameters, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), temperature, relative humidity (RH) and respirable particulate matter (PM10). A cross-sectional study was conducted in the paint shop and body shop sections of the plant in March 2005. The Q-TRAK Plus IAQ Monitor was used to record the patterns of CO, CO2, RH and temperature; whilst PM10 was measured using DUSTTRAK Aerosol Monitor over an 8-hour time weight average (8-TWA). It was found that the average temperatures, RH and PM10 in the paint shop section and body shop sections exceeded the Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) standards. The average concentrations of RH and CO were slightly higher in the body shop section than in the paint shop section, while the average concentrations of temperature and CO2 were slightly higher in the paint shop section than in the body shop section. There was no difference in the average concentrations of PM10 between the two sections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*
  7. Fulltext Nitrous oxide pollution in the operating room. A comparison of two modes of ventilation
    Noorddin Y, Raha AR, Jaafar MZ, Rozaidi SH, Muraly S, Marlizan MY
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):127-9.
    PMID: 18705444 MyJurnal
    The use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an alternative to the endotracheal tube (ETT) is becoming more popular in the practice of anesthesia. It is undeniable that this device has numerous advantages over endotracheal tube, however it does not provide an airtight seal between the airway and atmospheric gases. This may lead to pollution of the operating room environment with nitrous oxide. One hundreds adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia were divided into two groups. The airway in Group I was maintained with LMA with spontaneous ventilation and ETT with intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) was used for Group II. The result demonstrated that the ETT group recorded concentrations of nitrous oxide that were well above the NIOSH recommended eight hour time weighted average of 25ppm throughout the duration of surgery when compared to patients using LMA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*
  8. Carbon monoxide exposure assessment among toll operators in Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Niza S, Jamal HH
    Int J Environ Health Res, 2007 Apr;17(2):95-103.
    PMID: 17616865
    A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to determine tollbooth carbon monoxide (CO) levels and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels among the tollbooth operators and office workers in the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur. All tollbooths were equipped with well functioning air-conditioning. The total number of respondents was 180: 90 toll operators and 90 office workers aged between 19 and 52 years. The highest peak of CO level recorded was 61 ppm. The highest average peak CO level within a shift was 30 ppm. The CO level was higher during peak traffic at 6.00 - 8.00 a.m. There was no significant correlation between average peak CO level with vehicle load (r = -0.007, p = 0.474). The toll operators' median COHb level (1.0%, IQR = 0.8%) was significantly higher (p = 0.008) compared to office workers (0.7%, IQR = 0.8). There was a weak and significant correlation between COHb levels with average peak CO levels (r = 0.228, p = 0.031). In conclusion, tollbooth operators were chronically exposed to CO leading to higher COHb levels compared to office workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*
  9. Radiation dose assessment at amang processing plants in Malaysia
    Omar M, Sulaiman I, Hassan A, Wood AK
    Radiat Prot Dosimetry, 2007;124(4):400-6.
    PMID: 17510205
    Measurements of external radiation level, radon/thoron daughters concentrations in air and uranium/thorium concentrations in airborne mineral dust at 16 amang plants in Malaysia were carried out for three consecutive months to assess radiation dose to workers. Estimated occupational dose was within the range of 1.7-10.9 mSv y(-1). The mean total dose at the amang plants was 4.1 mSv y(-1). Overall, it was found that the major dose contribution of 80% came from external radiation. Radon/thoron daughters and airborne mineral dust contributed to only 11 and 9% of the total dose, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*
  10. Ethnic differences in blood lead concentration among workers in a battery manufacturing factory
    Chia SE, Chia KS, Ong CN
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1991 Nov;20(6):758-61.
    PMID: 1803964
    Blood lead levels of two ethnic groups (11 Chinese and 25 Malays) of workers in a factory manufacturing lead accumulator battery were studied. The mean adjusted (for environmental lead levels, age, exposure duration and stick-years of smoking by analysis of covariance) blood lead level of the Malays was 34.8 micrograms/dl as compared to 22.4 micrograms/dl for the Chinese. This difference was significant (p less than 0.02). Oral ingestion of lead, through eating of food with hands contaminated by lead compound, among the Malay workers was suggested as a possible cause for the difference in the mean blood lead levels. Preventive measures and recommendations to overcome the problem among this particular group of workers were discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis
  11. An evaluation of the significance of mouth and hand contamination for lead absorption in lead-acid battery workers
    Far HS, Pin NT, Kong CY, Fong KS, Kian CW, Yan CK
    Int Arch Occup Environ Health, 1993;64(6):439-43.
    PMID: 8458660
    The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of ingestion through hand and mouth contamination in the absorption of lead in 25 lead-acid battery workers. Levels of personal exposure to airborne lead ranged from 0.004 to 2.58 mg/m3 [geometric mean 0.098, with 25% of samples exceeding threshold limit values (ACGIH) of 0.15 mg/m3]; the mean (SD) blood lead level was 48.9 (10.8) micrograms/dl. Mean hand lead contents increased 33-fold from preshift levels on Monday mornings (33.5 micrograms/500 ml) to midshift levels on Thursday afternoons (1121 micrograms/500 ml). Mouth lead contents increased 16-fold from 0.021 micrograms/50 ml on Mondays to 0.345 micrograms/50 ml on Thursdays. The typical Malay racial habit of feeding with bare hands and fingers without utensils (closely associated with mouth and hand lead levels on Mondays) explained the bulk of the variance in blood lead levels (40%), with mouth lead on Thursdays (closely associated with poor personal hygiene) explaining a further 10%. Air lead was not a significant explanatory variable. The implementation of a programme of reinforcing hand-washing and mouth-rinsing practices resulted in a reduction of the blood lead level by 11.5% 6 months later. These results indicate that parenteral intake from hand and mouth contamination is an important cause of lead absorption in lead-exposed workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*
  12. Impacts of PM2.5 on respiratory system among traffic policemen
    Putri Anis Syahira MJ, Karmegam K, Nur Athirah Diyana MY, Irniza R, Shamsul Bahri MT, Vivien H, et al.
    Work, 2020;66(1):25-29.
    PMID: 32417810 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203147
    BACKGROUND: Malaysian traffic policemen are constantly exposed to unhealthy air in the outdoor environment, which results in various health problems. This study investigates the relationship of the personal exposure level to PM2.5 and lung functions in traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

    METHODS: A pulmonary function test using a spirometer was carried out to measure the lung function of the traffic policemen. The personal exposure level to PM2.5 was measured using a pump with a PVC filter and 5.0μm pore size. A questionnaire requesting the background data, such as age, height, and weight, was also used for testing lung function abnormalities.

    RESULTS: The PM2.5 personal exposure level was found to be significantly related to lung function (predicted FEV1 and predicted FVC) at p-value 

    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/adverse effects*
  13. PM2.5 and ozone in office environments and their potential impact on human health
    Othman M, Latif MT, Yee CZ, Norshariffudin LK, Azhari A, Halim NDA, et al.
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2020 May;194:110432.
    PMID: 32169727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110432
    It is important to have good indoor air quality, especially in indoor office environments, in order to enhance productivity and maintain good work performance. This study investigated the effects of indoor office activities on particulate matter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) concentrations, assessing their potential impact on human health. Measurements of indoor PM2.5 and O3 concentrations were taken every 24 h during the working days in five office environments located in a semi-urban area. As a comparison, the outdoor concentrations were derived from the nearest Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station. The results showed that the average 24 h of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 3.24 ± 0.82 μg m-3 and 17.4 ± 3.58 μg m-3 respectively, while for O3 they were 4.75 ± 4.52 ppb and 21.5 ± 5.22 ppb respectively. During working hours, the range of PM2.5 concentrations were 1.00 μg m-3 to 6.10 μg m-3 while for O3 they were 0.10 ppb to 38.0 ppb. The indoor to outdoor ratio (I/O) for PM2.5 and O3 was <1, thus indicating a low infiltration of outdoor sources. The value of the hazard quotient (HQ) for all sampling buildings was <1 for both chronic and acute exposures, indicating that the non-carcinogenic risks are negligible. Higher total cancer risk (CR) value for outdoors (2.67E-03) was observed compared to indoors (4.95E-04) under chronic exposure while the CR value for acute exposure exceeded 1.0E-04, thus suggesting a carcinogenic PM2.5 risk for both the indoor and outdoor environments. The results of this study suggest that office activities, such as printing and photocopying, affect indoor O3 concentrations while PM2.5 concentrations are impacted by indoor-related contributions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis*
  14. Heavy metals found in the breathing zone, toenails and lung function of welders working in an air-conditioned welding workplace
    Hariri A, Mohamad Noor N, Paiman NA, Ahmad Zaidi AM, Zainal Bakri SF
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2018 Dec;24(4):646-651.
    PMID: 28849717 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1368950
    Welding operations are rarely conducted in an air-conditioned room. However, a company would set its welding operations in an air-conditioned room to maintain the humidity level needed to reduce hydrogen cracks in the specimen being welded. This study intended to assess the exposure to metal elements in the welders' breathing zone and toenail samples. Heavy metal concentration was analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The lung function test was also conducted and analysed using statistical approaches. Chromium and manganese concentrations in the breathing zone exceeded the permissible exposure limit stipulated by Malaysian regulations. A similar trend was obtained in the concentration of heavy metals in the breathing zone air sampling and in the welders' toenails. Although there was no statistically significant decrease in the lung function of welders, it is suggested that exposure control through engineering and administrative approaches should be considered for workplace safety and health improvement.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis
  15. Does GSTP1 polymorphism contribute to genetic damage caused by ageing and occupational exposure?
    Eshkoor SA, Ismail P, Rahman SA, Moin S
    Arh Hig Rada Toksikol, 2011 Dec;62(4):291-8.
    PMID: 22202462 DOI: 10.2478/10004-1254-62-2011-2088
    The aim of our study was to see the effects of GSTP1 polymorphism on biomarkers of ageing, including micronuclei (MN), comet tail length, and relative telomere length in automobile repair workers, who are exposed to a broad spectrum of potential mutagens. The analysis was performed on buccal cells collected from occupationally exposed and non-exposed (control) subjects. Samples were analysed using cytogenetic and molecular methods, including restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), MN test, comet assay, and real-time PCR. The results confirmed the DNA damaging effects of substances used in the mechanical workshops, but did not confirm the influence of GSTP1 gene polymorphism on DNA damage. However, further studies on both occupationally exposed and control populations are needed to understand the relationship between GSTP1 polymorphism and genome damage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/adverse effects*
  16. Aerosol particle and organic vapor concentrations at industrial work sites in Malaysia
    Armstrong RW, Rood MJ, Sani S, Mohamed M, Rashid M, Jab AT, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2001;13(1):24-9.
    PMID: 12109256 DOI: 10.1177/101053950101300106
    The objective of this study was to establish baseline data about air pollutants potentially related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the Federal Territory and Selangor, Malaysia. During 1991-1993, ambient air quality was monitored at 42 work sites representing ten industrial sectors: adhesive manufacturing, foundries, latex processing, metalworking, plywood/veneer milling, ricemilling, rubber tire manufacturing, sawmilling, shoemaking, and textile related industries. At each work site, aerosol particle size distributions and concentrations of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, and furfural were measured. Mean aerosol particle concentrations ranged from 61 micrograms/m3 in foundries to 5,578 micrograms/m3 in ricemills, with five industries (adhesives, metalworking, ricemilling, sawmilling, and shoemaking) exceeding the US EPA 24-hr ambient air standard for PM-10. Formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) in adhesives factories. Other vapours and elements measured were well below TLVs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/adverse effects*
  17. Fulltext Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship
    Hamzah NA, Mohd Tamrin SB, Ismail NH
    Int J Occup Environ Health, 2016 07;22(3):224-232.
    PMID: 27392157 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1207040
    BACKGROUND: Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC) were determined using spirometer.

    RESULTS: Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1-3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV1/FVC (Adj b = -1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours.

    CONCLUSIONS: There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational/adverse effects*; Air Pollutants, Occupational/analysis
  18. Ergonomic study on the manual component insertion lines for occupational health and safety improvements
    Sen RN, Yeow PH
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2003;9(1):57-74.
    PMID: 12636892
    The study aimed at reducing the occupational health and safety problems faced by the manual component insertion operators. Subjective and objective assessments, and direct observations were made in the printed circuit assembly factory. Simple and low-cost ergonomic interventions were implemented, that is, repairing chairs, reducing high workloads, assigning operators to a maximum of 2 workstations, confining machines that emitted bad smell and much noise, and providing finger work aids. The results of the interventions were reductions in operators' work discomforts, that is, chair discomfort (by 90%), high work stress, and discomfort due to profound change in their workstations. Their health hazards were also eliminated, that is, inhalation of toxic fumes, exposure to too much noise, and pain due to pressing sharp components.
    Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Occupational
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