H Hassani, F Golbabaei, H Shirkhanloo, A Rahimi Foroushani,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational exposure to manganese can cause neurobehavioral symptoms. The aim of present study was to survey neurobehavioral symptoms of welders exposed to manganese- containing welding fumes and compare the frequency of these symptoms with unexposed group.
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Material and Method: Twenty seven of welders as exposed group, and 30 administrative workers as unexposed controls, were participated in this study. Neurobehavioral symptoms data were gathered using Q16 questionnaire. Manganese concentrations were determined according to the NIOSH 7300 method. After preparing of blood samples using microwave assisted acid digestion method, all samples were analyzed to determine manganese by graphite furnace- atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS).
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Result: The mean exposure to air manganese was 0.023± 0.012 mg/m3. Manganese concentrations in blood samples of welders (15.88± 7.11 µg/l) were significantly higher than unexposed workers (9.37± 8.70 µg/l), (P-V<0.05). The frequency of neurobehavioral symptoms of welders was significantly higher compared to unexposed workers (P-V<0.05). The correlation between neurobehavioral symptoms and blood manganese was significant for welders (P-V<0.05).
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Conclusion: Welders’ exposure to manganese and its potential health effects should be evaluated periodically and effective control measures should be applied in order to to prevent neurobehavioral symptoms.
F. Golbabaei, S. Moradi Hanifi, H. Hassani, H. Shirkhanlo, M. Hossini,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Pollutants in gas turbine air intake can cause erosion ،corrosion، fouling as well as reduction of power and efficiency of turbine and noticeable economic losses. In order to select the appropriate filtration system, air monitoring of turbine inlet and its filtration is essential. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the quality of gas turbines inlets in a gas power plant in Tehran.
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Material and Method: In this cross- sectional study, the concentration of particulates contained in air intake of 4 types of gas turbines, including: Fiat, Assec, Hitachi and mitsubishi were evaluated in second-half of spring season. For this means, 12 series of air samples were collected using 8 stages cascade Impactor, model AN -200 made by OGAWA company on cellulose – ester filters . The dust concentrations were determined gravimetrically in different ranges of sizes . Then the concentrations of 8 metals including Sodium, Potassiumu Lead, Mercury, Aluminum ,Copper and Cadmium were measured using ,Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy method and the data were statistically analyzed by SPSS Software, version16.
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Results: The results showed that the mean of particulate concentration with the diameter less than 4.7 µ were 64% ,66% ,60% ,67% for Fiat, Assec, Hitachi, mitsubishi respectively and it was 64.25% totally. The concentrations of all assessed metals in particulates less than 4.7 µ were greater than of larger than 5 µ. There were not any differences between particulate concentration in the inlet of Fiat and Hitachi (P>0.05), while in the case of other gas turbine intakes , there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05).
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Conclusion: Based on mass distribution of particles, the highest concentration belongs to particles with diameter of less than 4.7 µ. These particles could damage turbine blades, especially due to the presence of sodium and potassium as corrosive elements in this range (200 µg/m3). Therefore,this range of particle size must be considered in selecting the air intake filtration system.
Seyed Husein Naziri, Mostafa Pouyakian, Sedigheh Sadegh Hassani, Somayeh Farhang Dehghan,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Due to uncertainties regarding the risks of engineered nanomaterials for human health and the environment, different organizations and researchers have developed various management frameworks and assessment tools to mitigate hazards during the procedures and applications of engineered nanomaterials. However, most of these techniques do not meet all the individual requirements. This study provides a review and introduction to the techniques developed for the management of safety, health, and environmental risks associated with engineered nanomaterials.
Material and Methods: In order to find pertinent documents on the safe handling of engineered nanomaterials, a search was conducted using the following keywords: “Engineered nanomaterials”, “Framework”, “Tool”, “Risk management”, “Occupational exposure”, “Environment”, “Risk assessment”, and “Nanotechnology”. The search was conducted on various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, NIOSH, ECHA, and ISO. Among the search results, tools and frameworks that specifically focus on the safety, health, and environmental risk management or assessment of engineered nanomaterials were selected.
Results: Among the search results, 17 frameworks and 11 developments in the field of managing occupational, environmental, and toxicological risks associated with engineered nanomaterials were discussed. Various frameworks and tools for identifying, evaluating, and managing the potential risks of engineered nanomaterials vary in terms of their scope, goals, risk assessment approaches, and output, offering diverse applications.
Conclusion: Various tools and frameworks, each with unique properties, applications, and limitations, can assist organizations in achieving their goals related to safety, health, and environmental issues in the field of nanotechnology. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal approach for assessing the risks of nanomaterials, underscoring the necessity for additional research, development, and collaboration in this field.
