Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Kim, Minji
• Jeon, Sohyun
• Chung, In-Young
• Park, Kyunghwa
• Kim, Joo-Hyon

Titel

Evaluation of inhalation risk during quarantine work with quaternary ammonium compounds-based disinfectant

Ist Teil von

• The Science of the total environment, 2024-06, Vol.929, p.172488-172488, Article 172488

Ort / Verlag

Netherlands: Elsevier B.V

Erscheinungsjahr

2024

Quelle

Alma/SFX Local Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Quarantine work is widely recognized as an indispensable endeavor in curbing the propagation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the heavy workload places workers at a heightened risk of chemical exposure and respiratory damage. Consequently, it is paramount to systematically perform health risk assessments and meticulously oversee the work by wearing personal protective equipment to minimize these risks. To assess the inhalation exposure, this study examined data on disinfectant exposure from quarantine professional users who utilized disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium compounds. Through a survey of 6,199 cases conducted by 300 quarantine professional users who actively engaged in quarantine work, we assembled a database of exposure factors derived from their utilization of spray-type disinfectants for quarantine purposes. Based on these data, we formulated an inhalation exposure algorithm, which considers the time-weighted average (TWA) air concentrations. The test results demonstrated that the industrial-grade respirator mask could prevent a minimum of 68.3 % of particles, reducing respiratory exposure. Consequently, the hazard quotient (HQ) due to disinfectant exposure also decreased. This research is essential in safeguarding the safety and health of professional users engaged in quarantine-related tasks. By implementing strict measures like health risk assessments and personal protective equipment, individuals with quarantine experience can safely carry out their quarantine work. The results of this study are expected to serve as a framework for improving policies and regulations concerning quarantine work and safeguarding the health of professional users. [Display omitted] •Exposure factors were examined in 300 professional quarantine users.•The health risk of quaternary ammonium compounds-based disinfectant was evaluated.•The time-weighted average in the air was used to calculate inhalation exposure.