We describe an inexpensive paper-based sensor for rapid detection of low concentrations (ppm) of hydrogen cyanide gas. A piece of filter paper pre-spotted with a dilute monocyanocobinamide [CN(H2O)Cbi] solution was placed on the end of a bifurcated optical fiber and the reflectance spectrum of the CN(H2O)Cbi was monitored during exposure to 1.0–10.0 ppm hydrogen cyanide gas. Formation of dicyanocobinamide yielded a peak at 583 nm with a simultaneous decrease in reflectance from 450–500 nm. Spectral changes were monitored as a function of time at several relative humidity values: 25, 50, and 85% relative humidity. With either cellulose or glass fiber papers, spectral changes occurred within 10 s of exposure to 5.0 ppm hydrogen cyanide gas (NIOSH recommended short-term exposure limit). We conclude that this sensor could provide a real-time end-of-service-life alert to a respirator user.

An inexpensive red, green, blue (RGB) color sensor was developed for detecting low ppm concentrations of hydrogen cyanide gas. A piece of glass fiber filter paper containing monocyanocobinamide [CN(HO)Cbi] was placed directly above the RGB color sensor and an on chip LED. Light reflected from the paper was monitored for RGB color change upon exposure to hydrogen cyanide at concentrations of 1.0-10.0 ppm as a function of 25%, 50%, and 85% relative humidity. A rapid color change occurred within 10 s of exposure to 5.0 ppm hydrogen cyanide gas (near the NIOSH recommended exposure limit). A more rapid color change occurred at higher humidity, suggesting a more effective reaction between hydrogen cyanide and CN(HO)Cbi. The sensor could provide the first real time respirator end-of-service-life alert for hydrogen cyanide gas.

An inexpensive paper-based sensor was developed for detecting low ppm concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas. A piece of filter paper containing aquohydroxocobinamide [OH(H2O)Cbi] was placed on the end of a bifurcated optical fiber, and the reflectance spectrum of the OH(H2O)Cbi was monitored during exposure to 10.0 ppm hydrogen sulfide gas (NIOSH recommended exposure limit). Reaction of sulfide (HS−) yielded an increase in reflectance from 400–450 nm, and decrease from 470–550 nm. Spectral changes were monitored as a function of time at 25, 50, and 85% relative humidity. Spectral shifts at high-er humidity suggested reduction of the Cbi(III) compound. The sensor was used to detect hydrogen sulfide breakthrough from respirator carbon beds and results correlated well with a standard electrochemical detector. The simple paper-based sensor could provide a real-time end-of-service-life alert for hydrogen sulfide gas.

The nationwide opioid crisis continues to affect not only people who use opioids but also communities at large by increasing the risk of accidental occupational exposure to illicit opioids. In addition, the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil increases the need to protect workers who may encounter unknown drug substances during job activities. To support the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Opioids Research Gaps Working Group, we examined the state of the literature concerning methods to protect workers against accidental occupational exposure to illicit opioids, and have identified unmet research needs concerning personal protective equipment, decontamination methods, and engineering controls. Additional studies are needed to overcome gaps in technical knowledge about personal protective equipment, decontamination, and control methods, and gaps in understanding how these measures are utilized by workers. Increasing our knowledge of how to protect against exposure to illicit opioids has the potential to improve occupational health across communities.

Given the recent increase in dust-induced lung disease among U.S. coal miners and the respiratory hazards encountered across the U.S. mining industry, it is important to enhance an understanding of lung disease trends and the organizational contexts that precede these events. In addition to exploring overall trends reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the current study uses MSHA’s enforcement database to examine whether or not compliance with health regulations resulted in fewer mine-level counts of these diseases over time. The findings suggest that interstitial lung diseases were more prevalent in coal mines compared to other mining commodities, in Appalachian coal mines compared to the rest of the United States, and in underground compared to surface coal mines. Mines that followed a relevant subset of MSHA’s health regulations were less likely to report a lung disease over time. The findings are discussed from a lung disease prevention strategy perspective.

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