About 4% of TSP were estimated for EC from their exposure data and a respirable fraction of EC was 25%, as suggested by Erdely et al. [ 10].
Also, one should keep in mind that differences between published exposure data, and how respirable and thoracic particles relate respectively to our PM2.5 and PM10 results depend on the granulometric distribution of flour, which is not documented in the literature and is most probably site and time specific, according to flour production processes.
Figure 3 presents data on 24-hr respirable endotoxin concentrations from the Malawian homes burning charcoal or wood.
Respirable particles (PM ≤2.5 μm in diameter) data were available only from 1998 through 2001 and were not included in our analysis.
Environmental exposure data included measures of inhalable and respirable dust, and noise.
Data on five outdoor air pollutants including SO2, NO2, respirable suspended particulates (RSP) understood as particulate matter 10 and 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10 and PM2.5), respectively, and also ozone (O3) were obtained from the Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong SAR [ 6].
Over 2 million employees were exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the construction industry (based on CAREX data), nearly 2 million female night-shift workers were exposed to a possible risk of breast cancer and 1.3 million farmers and farm workers had past exposure to dioxin-contaminated (and non-arsenical) pesticides.
The data further suggest that the presence of these mycotoxins in airborne respirable dust might present a hazard to exposed workers.
Strengths of our cross-sectional study are the comprehensive data collected in a large group of welders, personal measurements of respirable welding fume in the breathing zone together with measures of systemic exposure, and statistical modeling to estimate exposure effects adjusted for potential confounders.
Secondly, on powder respirability, taking into account aerodynamic diameter, emitted dose, and respirable fraction.
