What will the project investigate?
STAMI has initiated a new research project that examines working conditions in Norwegian incineration plants. With an increasing focus on bioenergy as a sustainable energy solution, it is important to understand the workplace risks that workers in this sector face. Exposure is believed to vary significantly based on the type of waste being processed, storage conditions, and various work operations. Therefore, the project will study exposure to biological aerosols (bioaerosols), metals, PAHs, and VOCs, as well as potential exposure-related health effects.
This project aims to characterize aerosols in the workplace and to identify biomarkers that can be linked to the early detection of health effects, including respiratory. By combining advanced sampling methods and biomonitoring, the project will contribute to a better understanding of work-exposure and exposure-related health effects in this growing industry.
How will exposure be measured?
Exposure in the incineration plants will be mapped by full-shift personal air-sampling. This includes total dust, inhalable and respirable fractions, as well as a specific analysis of bioaerosols, including fungi and endotoxins, VOCs, PAHs, and EC/NO2. Seasonal variations and variations in the types of materials being burned will be investigated through repeated measurement campaigns. In addition to air sampling, the project will sample blood and nasal lavage samples to identify biomarkers for exposure. The samples will be analysed for levels of proteins/peptides and other signalling molecules that indicate inflammation and immune response in the respiratory tract. This will include the use of proteomics and multiplex biomarker technology (LUMINEX) for a comprehensive understanding of how exposure impacts workers’ immune systems.
Why do we need to study this?
The bioenergy-sector is expected to increase in the future as part of Norway’s goals for sustainable energy production. At the same time, many employees work daily in incineration plants under conditions that may expose them to bioaerosols and other potentially harmful substances. Exposure to bioaerosols, particularly microorganisms and their components, can lead to health challenges such as acute respiratory issues (cough and shortness of breath), chronic diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and rarer conditions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In addition to respiratory effects, recent research indicated the risks of skin conditions and systemic effects, including impacts on fertility and cancer.
STAMI aims to generate knowledge for this rapidly growing sector with the goal to identify specific risks and exposure scenarios to improve workers’ health and safety.
Project leader: Elke Eriksen
Project group members: Pål Graff, Jan Haug Anonsen, Mina Marthinsen Langfjord, Hanne-Line Daae, Ingrid Bakke, Monica Eidhammer, Lina Kvadsheim Loen
Collaborators and Contributors
The project is carried out in collaboration with stakeholders from the bioenergy sector and selected incineration plants, where STAMI will work closely with health, safety, and environment (HSE) professionals to establish good processes for data collection and analysis. Hafslund Celsio AS, Statkraft Varme AS, Eidsiva Energi AS, and Returkraft AS are providing financial support for the project.
More information is to be found on the Norwegian project page.