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Reviews on Environmental Health Mar 2022Several studies on the health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported; however, only few studies have summarized the overall and systematic health effects... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Several studies on the health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported; however, only few studies have summarized the overall and systematic health effects of heat exposure on workers. This study aims to review the scientific reports on the health status of workers exposed to high temperatures in the workplace.
METHODS
We reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies that address health effects of heat exposure among workers.
RESULTS
In total, 459 articles were identified, and finally, 47 articles were selected. Various health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported, such as heat-related diseases, deaths, accidents or injuries, effects on the urinary system, reproductive system, and on the psychological system.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review suggests that many workers are vulnerable to heat exposure, and this has a health effect on workers.
Topics: Hot Temperature; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Workplace
PubMed: 33752272
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0158 -
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology... Jun 2023The Lower Olefins and Aromatics (LOA) REACH Consortium, which includes toluene registrants in the EU, established a Working Group (WG) to conduct a review of the... (Review)
Review
The Lower Olefins and Aromatics (LOA) REACH Consortium, which includes toluene registrants in the EU, established a Working Group (WG) to conduct a review of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for toluene. The review focussed on CNS and neuro-behavioural toxicity, ototoxicity, effects on colour vision, reproductive and developmental effects, as safety signals for these effects were identified. The WG also examined the need for a skin notation and/or a short-term exposure limit (STEL). The WG critically reviewed and discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the available published information describing the effects of toluene in animals and humans, to assess its adequacy as a potential point of departure for the establishment of an OEL for toluene and to derive an OEL. As a result, the WG recommendation for a toluene OEL is 20 ppm 8-h TWA, with a 15-min STEL of 100 ppm and a skin notation.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Toluene; Occupational Exposure; Threshold Limit Values
PubMed: 37169161
DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105387 -
Neurotoxicology Jan 2017In 2004, a review by the Institute of Environment and Health (IEH) made recommendations on occupational exposure limits (OELs) for manganese and its inorganic compounds... (Review)
Review
In 2004, a review by the Institute of Environment and Health (IEH) made recommendations on occupational exposure limits (OELs) for manganese and its inorganic compounds for inhalable and respirable fractions respectively. These OELs were based on a detailed comprehensive evaluation of all the scientific data available at that time. Since then, more published studies have become available and a number of occupational standard-setting committees (EU SCOEL, US ACGIH-TLV, and German MAK) have proposed OEL's for manganese and its inorganic compounds that are somewhat lower that those proposed in the 2004 review. Based on current understanding, the key toxicological and human health issues that are likely to influence a health-based recommendation relate to: neurotoxicology; reproductive and developmental toxicology; and mutagenicity/carcinogenicity. Of these, it is generally considered that neurotoxicity presents the most sensitive endpoint. As such, many of the studies that have been reported since the IEH review have sought to use those neurofunctional tests that appear to be particularly sensitive at identifying the subtle neurological changes thought to associate with manganese toxicity. These recent studies have, however, continued to be limited to a significant extent by reliance on cross-sectional designs and also by use of unreliable exposure estimation methods. Consequently the strength of the potential association between manganese exposure and these subtle subclinical cognitive or neuromotor changes is still poorly characterised and the relevance of these minor differences in terms of either their clinical or quality of life consequences remains unknown. Based upon the overall evidence, it is concluded that the 8-h time weighted averages (TWA) for respirable (0.05mg/m as Mn) and inhalable (0.2mg/m as Mn) fractions as recommended by the SCOEL in 2011 are the most methodologically-sound, as they are based on the best available studies, most suited to the development of health-based OELs for both respirable and inhalable fractions. The dose-response characterisation informed by the examined studies used can be considered to establish a true human NOAEL for all the neurofunctional endpoints examined within the selected studies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Manganese; Occupational Exposure; Threshold Limit Values
PubMed: 27519548
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.08.005 -
The Science of the Total Environment Nov 2022Telomere length is a common biomarker for the cumulative effect of environmental factors on aging-related diseases, therefore an association has been hypothesized... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Telomere length is a common biomarker for the cumulative effect of environmental factors on aging-related diseases, therefore an association has been hypothesized between occupational exposure to pesticides and shorter telomere length.
OBJECTIVE
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to examine the association between telomere length and occupational exposure to pesticides.
METHODS
We systematically searched in SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases for all observational studies containing measurements of telomere length on groups occupationally exposed to pesticides. Data were synthesized through qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. We estimated the associations between exposed and non-exposed groups by using the natural log of the response ratio (lnRR). Heterogeneity was quantified using the Cochran Q test and I statistics.
RESULTS
Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis, with a total of 480 participants exposed to pesticides. The time of exposure evaluated 391 participants that had a range of 5 to >30 years of occupational exposure. Most studies presented shorter telomere length in the occupationally exposed group. From the six studies included in the meta-analysis, three presented telomere length measurement as a single copy gene (T/S), and three presented telomere length measurement as base pairs (bp). The statistical analysis pooled estimates (log ratio of means) of the telomere length in both measurements (T/S and bp) showed a shortening of telomere length in the exposed group when compared with the non-exposed (control) group. Two of six studies reported longer telomere length in the group exposed to pesticides.
DISCUSSION
Our findings suggest an association between occupational exposure to pesticides and shorter telomere length. However, we found a small number of studies to include in our meta-analysis, being required more high-quality studies to strengthen our findings and conclusions.
Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Pesticides; Telomere
PubMed: 35914599
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157715 -
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT May 2022Frameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL-analogue values (such as derived-no-effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and...
Frameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL-analogue values (such as derived-no-effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and at national level in Germany were analysed. Reasons for differences between frameworks and possible means of improving transparency and harmonisation were identified. Differences between assessment factors used for deriving exposure limits proved to be one important reason for diverging numerical values. Distributions for exposure time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation were combined by probabilistic methods and compared with default values of assessment factors used in the various OEL frameworks in order to investigate protection levels. In a subchronic inhalation study showing local effects in the respiratory tract, the probability that assessment factors were sufficiently high to protect 99% and 95% of the target population (workers) from adverse effects varied considerably from 9% to 71% and 17% to 87%, respectively, between the frameworks. All steps of the derivation process, including the uncertainty associated with the point of departure (POD), were further analysed with two examples of full probabilistic assessments. It is proposed that benchmark modelling should be the method of choice for deriving PODs and that all OEL frameworks should provide detailed guidance documents and clearly define their protection goals by stating the proportion of the exposed population the OEL aims to cover and the probability with which they intend to provide protection from adverse effects. Harmonisation can be achieved by agreeing on the way to perform the methodological steps for deriving OELs and on common protection goals.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Risk Assessment; Threshold Limit Values
PubMed: 35188277
DOI: 10.1002/jat.4307 -
Thorax Oct 2020
Topics: Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 32900837
DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215567 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2023Nanomaterials offer new technical and commercial opportunities. However, they may also pose risks to consumers and the environment and raise concerns about occupational... (Review)
Review
Nanomaterials offer new technical and commercial opportunities. However, they may also pose risks to consumers and the environment and raise concerns about occupational health and safety. An overview of the standardization in the area of nanomaterials is presented. Focus is given to the standard ISO/TS 12901-2:2014, which describes the use of a control banding approach for controlling the risks associated with occupational exposures to nano-objects and their aggregates and agglomerates greater than 100 nm. The article also presents a case study on a textile finishing company that implements two chemical finishes containing nanomaterials. A risk analysis was conducted to assess the hazards associated with workers handling nanomaterials. Control banding was applied, and measures such as appropriate ventilation and use of protective equipment are proposed to mitigate risks. In some cases, additional measures, such as a closed booth and smoke extractor, are required. The safety data sheets are a primary source of information on how to handle and care for products containing nanomaterials, but the information provided is still limited in terms of the specific hazards and risks posed by nanomaterials.
Topics: Humans; Nanostructures; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Risk Assessment; Workplace
PubMed: 37297615
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116011 -
Journal of Occupational and... Nov 2022The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a low-dose exposure to nickel, as it is present in urban air, on thyroid hormones and on thyrotropin in outdoor...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a low-dose exposure to nickel, as it is present in urban air, on thyroid hormones and on thyrotropin in outdoor workers exposed to urban pollutants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 164 outdoor workers were studied and divided by sex and smoking habit. Each worker underwent measurement of urinary nickel and of blood triiodothyronine, L-thyroxine, and thyrotropin levels. The statistical analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Statistical analysis shows a significant and positive correlation between urinary nickel and L-thyroxine, both in total sample and in males.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The study suggests that occupational exposure to a low dose of nickel may affect thyroid function in municipal police workers. These data may provide information on other categories of outdoor workers with similar exposure.
Topics: Male; Humans; Thyroxine; Nickel; Police; Occupational Exposure; Thyrotropin; Thyroid Hormones
PubMed: 35941736
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002660 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Dec 2021The objective of the study was to identify and analyse the research done on the occurrence of cancer among pesticide applicators by conducting a systematic review of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The objective of the study was to identify and analyse the research done on the occurrence of cancer among pesticide applicators by conducting a systematic review of the scientific literature. PRISMA Guidelines was followed to conduct the study. Search was done in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases with search terms "PESTICIDE APPLICATORS", "CANCER" using Boolean operator "AND". Meta-analysis and review articles were excluded from the study. A total of 32 studies were identified among which the average sample size was found to be 60,521. Increased RRs/ORs and positive exposure-response relationships were observed for 31 pesticides. Organophosphate and organochlorine classes of pesticides were the most to be associated with cancer. Lung cancer was observed the most followed by prostate, multiple myeloma and colon cancers among pesticide applicators. It was concluded that there is an increased risk of cancer among the pesticide applicators, whereby which bringing into focus the need to educate and train the workers on following adequate safety measures and making them aware of the hazardous chemicals. Further evaluation on the carcinogenicity of pesticides is also required.
Topics: Agricultural Workers' Diseases; Hazardous Substances; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Occupational Exposure; Pesticides
PubMed: 34821114
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0121 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022Sex-related biological differences might lead to different effects in women and men when they are exposed to risk factors. A scoping review was carried out to understand... (Review)
Review
Sex-related biological differences might lead to different effects in women and men when they are exposed to risk factors. A scoping review was carried out to understand if sex could be a discriminant in health outcomes due to benzene. Studies on both animals and humans were collected. In vivo surveys, focusing on genotoxicity, hematotoxicity and effects on metabolism suggested a higher involvement of male animals (mice or rats) in adverse health effects. Conversely, the studies on humans, focused on the alteration of blood parameters, myeloid leukemia incidence and biomarker rates, highlighted that, overall, women had significantly higher risk for blood system effects and a metabolization of benzene 23-26% higher than men, considering a similar exposure situation. This opposite trend highlights that the extrapolation of in vivo findings to human risk assessment should be taken with caution. However, it is clear that sex is a physiological parameter to consider in benzene exposure and its health effects. The topic of sex difference linked to benzene in human exposure needs further research, with more numerous samples, to obtain a higher strength of data and more indicative findings. Sex factor, and gender, could have significant impacts on occupational exposures and their health effects, even if there are still uncertainties and gaps that need to be filled.
Topics: Benzene; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Occupational Exposure; Risk Assessment; Sex Characteristics; Sex Factors
PubMed: 35206525
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042339