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Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
Teen workers' exposures to occupational hazards and use of personal protective equipment
Carol W Runyan1, Catherine J Vladutiu, Kimberly J Rauscher
1University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7505, USA. carol_runyan@unc.edu
Background:
Prior research indicates that working adolescents seek care for the toxic effects of on-the-job chemical and environmental hazard exposures.
Methods:
This cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 866 adolescent workers in the retail and service sector examines their exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and training.
Results:
Two-thirds of respondents were exposed to continuous, very loud noise, 55% to thermal hazards and 54% to chemical hazards. Few teens reported using any PPE, though those who had been trained reported somewhat higher usage.
Conclusions:
Teens working in the retail and service sectors experience a variety of chemical, thermal, biologic and noise exposures. Efforts to eradicate such exposures need to be complemented by increased provision of PPE and appropriate training in their use by employers.
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