How to handle import containers safely

Baur, Xaver; Horneland, Alf-Magne; Fischer, Anastasia; Stahlmann, Ralf; Budnik, Lygia Therese

doi:10.5603/imh.2014.0029

Cited by 10 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Similarly to the ndings by Pedersen et al [18] and Baur et al [40], our study has revealed that the occupational health and safety professionals and warehouse managers have insu cient knowledge about the chemical pollutants and the applied health and safety practices at the logistics companies cannot adequately manage the potential occupational chemical exposure that is a "side effect" of the transportation and storage of non-dangerous goods. While the respondents were familiar with the risks arising from the handling of dangerous goods, the investigated problem seems to be underestimated among the professionals.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Chemical Pollutants in Closed Spaces of Transportation and Storage of Non-Dangerous Goods: A Combined Qualitative Approach

Lovas

Varga

Ádám

2020

Preprint

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Background: Several chemical pollutants can accumulate in closed spaces of transportation and storage of non-dangerous goods, leading to high concentrations. Pollutants are mainly residues of pesticides used to prevent the spread of harmful organisms in intercontinental transportation, volatile organic compounds and components of diesel engine exhaust. The objectives of this cross-sectional qualitative study were to identify and evaluate the regulations in connection with the occupational chemical exposures caused by chemical pollutants in closed environments of transportation and storage, and to survey the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of occupational health and safety professionals and logistics managers related to this global workplace issue. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of legal instruments was carried out in international, European Union and Hungarian legislation databases. Legal documents relevant for occupational chemical exposure at workplaces were included in the study and the legal relationships between selected documents were mapped. The systematic search of legal instruments identified 4737 records, of which 16 were included in the in-depth content analysis. According to the second objective, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with occupational health and safety professionals and warehouse managers at logistics companies located in Hungary. Results: The analysis of the documents highlighted the lack of explicit regulation on prevention from exposures caused by chemical pollutants in closed environments of transportation and storage of non-hazardous materials. The 21 completed interviews revealed that the professionals had very limited knowledge about the potential presence of chemical residues in closed spaces of transportation and storage. They deemed such chemical exposure rare and the related health effects negligible. Although legislation requires the risk assessment of workplaces, the assessment is misleading if potential hazards are not identified. Conclusions: The increasing risk of rapid global spread of harmful organisms due to climate change and dense international traffic results in growing need for fumigation, which, together with increasing temperature and transportation time, generates an emerging occupational and public health challenge. The revealed limitations point out that the chemical safety of transportation and storage of non-dangerous goods should be more specifically regulated and responsible professionals should be better informed about such workplace hazards.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Chemical Pollutants in Closed Spaces of Transportation and Storage of Non-Dangerous Goods: A Combined Qualitative Approach

Lovas

Varga

Ádám

2020

Preprint

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“…Acute exposures to bromomethane have been observed at Rotterdam for 2 men unloading import containers and a truck driver [6]. Same conditions have been noted for 3 custom officers and a consignee's agent [14].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Neuropsychological symptoms occurring several years after an accidental exposure (1 to 7 in Netherlands, 5 in French mover) are rarely linked to occupational exposure but they have high social and health impact for workers. Most of them have to move from their jobs, they have long sick leave period and high impact in non-occupational daily activities [6,14,17].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exposure to fumigants in containers: a questionnaire assessment on 125 French dockers

Lucas

Budnik

Baur³

2019

International Maritime Health

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Background: Cases of intoxications to gas from container's atmosphere have been described. For diagnosis, Fum Ex 2 questionnaire has been developed by the European Society for Environmental and Occupational Medicine. The aim of this study was to enhance knowledge on health effects of toxic substances in containers and to validate this questionnaire in medical follow-up and diagnosis. Materials and methods: In 2014, 125 French dockers answered the questionnaire in a face-to-face interview. Results: 83.5% declared no exposure to fumigants or pesticides. Most frequently declared symptoms were fatigue and neurological disorders for dockers and respiratory irritation for refrigeration technicians. Only 28 workers wore regularly individual protection equipment. Conclusions: A "healthy worker" effect could explain low level of symptoms. Fum Ex 2 questionnaire is relevant for diagnosis. Workers in all steps of the logistic transport chain and consumers are exposed to containers' atmosphere.

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“…To ensure preservation and quality of these goods, chemical agents (e.g. methyl bromide) for pest control or to stop the introduction of non-indigenous species are added either to the shipped items or to transport units [3, 4]. Treatment of materials with volatile chemical agents referred to as fumigation is regulated by the international standards of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for phytosanitary measures (ISPM 15).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental outgassing of toxic chemicals to simulate the characteristics of hazards tainting globally shipped products

et al. 2017

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Ambient monitoring analyses may identify potential new public health hazards such as residual levels of fumigants and industrial chemicals off gassing from products and goods shipped globally. We analyzed container air with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (TD-2D-GC-MS/FPD) and assessed whether the concentration of the volatiles benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane exceeded recommended exposure limits (REL). Products were taken from transport containers and analyzed for outgassing of volatiles. Furthermore, experimental outgassing was performed on packaging materials and textiles, to simulate the hazards tainting from globally shipped goods. The mean amounts of benzene in analyzed container air were 698-fold higher, and those of ethylene dichloride were 4.5-fold higher than the corresponding REL. More than 90% of all containers struck with toluene residues higher than its REL. For 1,2-dichloroethane 53% of containers, transporting shoes exceeded the REL. In standardized experimental fumigation of various products, outgassing of 1,2-dichloroethane under controlled laboratory conditions took up to several months. Globally produced transported products tainted with toxic industrial chemicals may contribute to the mixture of volatiles in indoor air as they are likely to emit for a long period. These results need to be taken into account for further evaluation of safety standards applying to workers and consumers.

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How to handle import containers safely

Cited by 10 publications

References 6 publications

Chemical Pollutants in Closed Spaces of Transportation and Storage of Non-Dangerous Goods: A Combined Qualitative Approach

Chemical Pollutants in Closed Spaces of Transportation and Storage of Non-Dangerous Goods: A Combined Qualitative Approach

Exposure to fumigants in containers: a questionnaire assessment on 125 French dockers

Experimental outgassing of toxic chemicals to simulate the characteristics of hazards tainting globally shipped products

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