PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
This study evaluates the effectiveness of self-assessed exposure (SAE) data collection for characterization of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) risks in water and wastewater management, challenging the adequacy of traditional random or campaign sampling strategies. We compared 3 datasets derived from distinct strategies: expert data with activity metadata (A), SAE without metadata (B), and SAE with logbook metadata (C). The findings reveal that standard practices of random sampling (dataset A) fail to capture the sporadic nature of H2S exposure. Instead, SAE methods enhanced by logbook metadata and supported by reliable detection and calibration infrastructure (datasets B and C) are more effective. When assessing risk, particularly peak exposure risks, it is crucial to adopt measures that capture exposure variability, such as the range and standard deviations. This finer assessment is vital where high H2S peaks occur in confined spaces. Risk assessment should incorporate indices that account for peak exposure, utilizing variability measures like range and standard or geometric standard deviation to reflect the actual risk more accurately. For large datasets, a histogram is just as useful as statistical measures. This approach has revealed that not only wastewater workers but also water distribution network workers, can face unexpectedly high H2S levels when accessing confined underground spaces. Our research underscores the need for continuous monitoring with personal electrochemical gas detector alarm systems, particularly in environments with variable and potentially hazardous exposure levels.
摘要：
这项研究评估了自我评估暴露（SAE）数据收集的有效性，以表征水和废水管理中的硫化氢（H2S）风险。挑战传统随机或活动抽样策略的充分性。我们比较了3个来自不同策略的数据集：专家数据和活动元数据(A)，没有元数据的SAE(B)，和SAE与日志元数据(C)。研究结果表明，随机抽样的标准做法（数据集A）无法捕获H2S暴露的零星性质。相反，由日志元数据增强并由可靠的检测和校准基础设施(数据集B和C)支持的SAE方法更有效。在评估风险时，特别是峰值暴露风险，采取捕捉暴露变异性的措施是至关重要的，如范围和标准偏差。在密闭空间中出现高H2S峰的情况下，这种更精细的评估至关重要。风险评估应纳入考虑峰值暴露的指标，利用范围和标准或几何标准偏差等可变性度量来更准确地反映实际风险。对于大型数据集，直方图和统计测量一样有用。这种方法揭示了不仅废水工人，而且供水管网工人，进入密闭的地下空间时，可能会面临意外的高H2S水平。我们的研究强调了使用个人电化学气体探测器报警系统进行连续监测的必要性，特别是在具有可变和潜在危险暴露水平的环境中。
