[Research] INRS Scientific Publications, september 2026

Hearing aids in the workplace

CHEVRET P. | DUCOURNEAU J.
Published in: Les Cahiers de l'audition, vol. 39 n° 3, 2026, pp.40-45, ill 
The employer must ensure that the workplace, equipment and working conditions are adapted to staff with hearing impairments so that they can carry out their work to the best of their ability, in accordance with their needs. Hearing aids (or prosthetics) are a complementary technical aid that helps staff with hearing impairments to remain in their roles, by facilitating communication, understanding of instructions and the safety of those concerned. However, if these devices are incorrectly fitted, they may prove ineffective and even lead to additional risks in noisy environments: excessive noise exposure; an accident if an alarm is not heard or if an instruction is misunderstood; or cognitive fatigue resulting from poor speech intelligibility. This article presents a questionnaire, developed by the INRS and specialists in hearing loss and hearing aids, to help occupational health and safety services, as well as hearing aid specialists, support employees with hearing loss in making a suitable choice and ensuring an optimised fitting tailored to their working situation.
For more information: 
Les aides auditives en milieu professionnel. - Portail documentaire INRS

Characterization of indoor air quality in logistics warehouses in France : environmental measurements and worker exposure assessments

ROBERT L. | GUICHARD R. | KLINGLER J.

Published in: Annals of Work Exposures and Health, vol. 70 n° 4, juin 2026, 12 p., ill., bibliogr.
The study, which is the subject of this article, aimed to characterise indoor air quality in seven French logistics warehouses representing a variety of activities: the storage of tyres, furniture, building materials, products and miscellaneous items. Active sampling for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes and total particulate matter was carried out over the course of a working day, at three to five points per building, as well as outside the buildings.

The results indicate that tyre warehouses have the poorest air quality. Individual exposure may exceed ambient levels, particularly during the manual unloading of tyres into a container, a confined space with poor air exchange. This study provides an initial benchmark for assessing the chemical exposure of workers in logistics warehouses, a sector that has previously been poorly documented.
For more information: 
Characterization of indoor air quality in logistics warehouses in France : environmental measurements and worker exposure assessments. = (Caractérisation de la qualité de l’air intérieur dans les entrepôts logistiques en France : mesures d’ambiance et évaluation de l’exposition des travailleurs). 70 - Portail documentaire INRS

Functionalised thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes are less toxic to lung cells in vitro than their native counterparts

SEIDEL C. | SEBILLAUD S. | DARNE C. | VIGOLO B. | MASCHERIN M. | COSNIER F. | GATE L. | ET COLL.
Published in: Archives of Toxicology, vol. 100 n° 8, août 2026, 15 p., ill., bibliogr.
The functionalisation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), designed to make them more hydrophilic, is a key step in their preparation for use in a wide range of industrial processes; however, the toxicological implications of these modifications remain a subject of debate due to the diversity of available experimental models. The toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), whether or not they carry hydroxyl (OH) or carboxyl (COOH) groups, is assessed in several pulmonary cell models selected in relation to the risk of inhalation exposure for workers handling nanomaterials. This article sheds light on functionalised MWCNTs, which induce lower toxicity in in vitro lung cell models. However, the residual toxicity means that all MWCNTs must be handled with care, regardless of their functionalisation.

For more information: 
Functionalised thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes are less toxic to lung cells in vitro than their native counterparts = (Les nanotubes de carbone multiparois fins fonctionnalisés sont moins toxiques pour les cellules pulmonaires in vitro que leurs homologues natifs). - Portail documentaire INRS

An intercomparison study of optical particle size spectrometers for aerosol number size distribution measurements

BAU S. | CRENN V. | LEGLISE J. | JACQUINOT S. | ET COLL.
Published in: Aerosol research, 2026, pp.255-264.
An interlaboratory comparison was organised in France to assess the metrological capabilities of optical spectrometers used to measure the number-based particle size distribution of aerosols. The study involved 16 organisations and covered 35 instruments. Each laboratory applied the same experimental protocol to the instruments under test, whilst also using a common instrument as a reference. Three test aerosols in powder form were studied: monodisperse amorphous silica particles, glass beads and maize starch powder. The article describes the experimental setup and sample preparation, and then compares the particle size distributions measured by the various instruments. The results are compared with observations made using scanning electron microscopy. This comparison enables discrepancies between instruments to be identified and good laboratory practices to be established in order to improve the reliability of measurements of aerosol particle size distribution.
For more information: 
An intercomparison study of optical particle size spectrometers for aerosol number size distribution measurements. = (Etude comparative de spectromètres optiques de mesure de la taille des particules destinés à l'analyse de la distribution granulométrique en nombre des aérosols). - Portail documentaire INRS
 

The impact of the assignment on work. A diachronic analysis of an SME

DUFOUR E. | GROSJEAN V. | JEOFFRION C.
Published in: Entreprise et société, vol. n°17, 2025, pp.135-154, ill., bibliogr.
The article examines the effects of adopting the status of a mission-driven company on work within a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the construction sector, and analyses how this recent framework plays out in practice, drawing on the concept of « real work » in its objective, subjective and collective dimensions. The study highlights the need to strengthen spaces for dialogue around work and to involve employees more closely in the implementation and adjustment of the mission in order to align economic performance, non-financial objectives and occupational health.
For more information:
Les effets de la mission sur le travail. Analyse diachronique du cas d’une PME. - Portail documentaire INRS

Methodological approach for using portable LIBS in the field of occupational health

ABBOUD Z. | GAUDEL N. | MATERA V. | FABRE C.
Published in: Spectrochimica Acta Part B : Atomic Spectroscopy, vol.239 mai 2026, 12 p., ill., bibliogr.
Accurate monitoring of workers’ exposure to metal aerosols is a major challenge in occupational health, particularly in the case of welding fumes, which are common in many sectors and associated with serious health effects. This article presents the results of a study on the development and validation of a reproducible pLIBS methodology for analysing welding fumes collected on PVC membranes, selected for their high collection efficiency, low intrinsic mass and limited spectral interference.
For more information: 
Methodological approach for using portable LIBS in the field of occupational health. (Approche méthodologique pour l'utilisation de la LIBS portable dans le domaine de l'hygiène industrielle). - Portail documentaire INRS

Measuring occupational exposure to very high frequencies noise : assessing measurement variability under controlled conditions

TERROIR J.
Published in: Applied Acoustics, vol.245 mars 2026, 11 p., ill., bibliogr.
Many occupational sectors are exposed to very high-frequency audible noise (VHF) or low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) and, despite numerous studies on such exposures, questions remain regarding the representativeness of measurements and the impact of certain metrological parameters. This article, based on an experiment conducted in an anechoic chamber using an anthropomorphic manikin, analyses the variability of exposure measurements under controlled conditions for different frequency ranges and source incidence angles, and provides insights to better characterise exposure.
For more information: 
Measuring occupational exposure to very high frequencies noise : assessing measurement variability under controlled conditions. (Mesure de l'exposition professionnelle au bruit à très haute fréquence : évaluation de la variabilité des mesures dans des conditions contrôlées). - Portail documentaire INRS 

Quantification of pollutant re-introduction through ventilation openings into a building: a benchmark based on wind-tunnel experiments

GUICHARD R. | JAYAKUMARI A.K.R. | GILLMEIER S. | BAHLOUL A.
Published in: Building and Environment, vol.291 mars 2026, 14 p., erratum, vol. 194, avril 2026, non paginé (1 p.), ill., bibliogr.
Unfiltered pollutants discharged outdoors via ventilation systems may be re-introduced through air intakes or windows in the original building or neighbouring buildings. To quantify this phenomenon, a test rig has been developed, based on a scaled-down model in an atmospheric wind tunnel, incorporating a mechanical ventilation system as well as the release and tracking of a tracer gas. It provides detailed measurements of indoor and outdoor concentrations for 13 wind directions and 3 wind speeds. These data are used to validate, under controlled conditions, pollutant dispersion models.
For more information: 
Quantification of pollutant re-introduction through ventilation openings into a building : a benchmark based on wind-tunnel experiments. (Quantification de la réintroduction de polluants par les prises d’air de ventilation d’un bâtiment : un benchmark basé sur des expériences en soufflerie). - Portail documentaire INRS

Occupational exposure to resorcinol and thyroid-disrupting effects : protocol for an exploratory field study in french hairdressers
RADAUCEANU A. | CAMBRAI-ERB A. | ADET B. | NIOULE M.I. | DENIS F. | PONS R.
Published in:  JMIR Research Protocols, vol.15 2026, 16 p., ill., bibliogr.
The aim of the study discussed in this article is to document the occupational exposure of French hairdressers to resorcinol, a thyroid disruptor suspected of reducing the synthesis of thyroid hormones and, in the event of maternal exposure in utero, of causing adverse effects on foetal and perinatal neurobehavioural development, as well as to analyse its link with biological indicators of thyroid function. A cross-sectional study is therefore being conducted in collaboration with 15 French inter-company occupational health and safety services (SPSTI). The expected results will help to strengthen tools for the diagnosis and prevention of chemical risks in hairdressing salons.
For more information: 
Occupational exposure to resorcinol and thyroid-disrupting effects : protocol for an exploratory field study in french hairdressers. (Exposition professionnelle au résorcinol et perturbation de la fonction thyroïdienne : protocole d'une étude de terrain chez les coiffeuses en France). - Portail documentaire INRS

Microbiological decontamination of indoor air using germicidal UV-C air purifiers

BEMER D. | LOISON P. | ALONSO L.
Published in: Salles propres, vol. 152, december 2025, pp. 53-58, ill., bibliogr.
In the tertiary sector, indoor air quality in offices and service premises is a major concern, particularly during respiratory outbreaks. The article describes laboratory tests conducted to evaluate two air purification systems using germicidal ultraviolet-C radiation.
For more information: 
Décontamination microbiologique de l’air intérieur par les épurateurs à UV-C germicide. - Portail documentaire INRS

Assessing motor skill progression based on smoothness during integration of a new tool among hairdressers

DELLAI J. | GILLES M.A. | CLERC-URMES I. | CLAUDON L. | DIETRICH G.
Published in: Applied Ergonomics, vol.128 october 2025, 14 p., ill., bibliogr.
The acquisition of new skills is traditionally assessed using productivity indicators, which reflect the speed at which a task is performed. However, the fluidity of movement can provide additional insights into learning progress by highlighting improvements in motor performance. This article presents research conducted in the hairdressing sector to assess the combined evolution of fluidity and productivity following a change of tool (cutting scissors). 
For more information: 
Assessing motor skill progression based on smoothness during integration of a new tool among hairdressers. = (Evaluation de la progression des habiletés motrices en fonction de la douceur lors de l'intégration d'un nouvel outil chez les coiffeurs). - Portail documentaire INRS

Preventing risks associated with wearing smart glasses whilst walking

LUX A. | MARCHAL P. | PERRIN N. | PIERRETTE M.
Book | RE 197 + Doc RE 197
Edition: Saint-Denis, Techniques de l'ingénieur, 2025
Smart glasses are augmented reality devices that enable hands-free remote communication. This technology raises concerns about the risk of accidents. An experimental study has highlighted significant disruptions under various conditions of use and with different types of smart glasses. These findings lead to a number of points for caution, which are discussed in this article.
For more information: 
Prévention des risques liés à l'utilisation de lunettes connectées en marchant. - Portail documentaire INRS

Duration of exposure to night work and cardiovascular risk factors : results from 52,234 workers of the CONSTANCES study

BOURGKARD E. | BOINI S. | GRZEBYK M. | DZIURLA M. | ET COLL.
Published in: BMC Public Health, vol.25 2025, 13 p., ill., bibliogr.

Prolonged exposure to night work is associated with a marked increase in cardiovascular risk, influenced by the duration of exposure, the type of work and gender. A study based on the CONSTANCES cohort analysed data from 52,234 French workers, assessing various indicators. The results, detailed in this article, highlight the importance of early and appropriate monitoring of risk factors among workers exposed to night work.
For more information: 
Duration of exposure to night work and cardiovascular risk factors : results from 52,234 workers of the CONSTANCES study. = (Durée d'exposition au travail de nuit et facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires : résultats à partir de 52 234 travailleurs de la cohorte CONSTANCES). - Portail documentaire INRS

Early-effect biomarkers and hazard index approaches to assessing risks from multiple exposure to metals among battery recyclers in France

HANSER O. | MARTIN REMY A. | MELCZER M. | GROVA N. | NDAW S.
Published in: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol.119 octobre 2025, 9 p., ill., bibliogr.

This article describes the research carried out at three French battery recycling plants involving 86 employees, with the aim of assessing the ability of early-effect biomarkers and a hazard index to estimate the risks associated with exposure to toxic metals. 
For more information: 
Early-effect biomarkers and hazard index approaches to assessing risks from multiple exposure to metals among battery recyclers in France. = (Biomarqueurs d'effet précoce et approche par indice de danger pour l’évaluation des risques liés aux expositions multiples aux métaux chez les recycleurs de batteries en France). - Portail documentaire INRS