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Annali Di Igiene : Medicina Preventiva... 2023The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the correlation between the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants and possible alteration of...
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the correlation between the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants and possible alteration of semen quality, focalizing the attention on the studies performed using a biomonitoring approach.
METHODS
The review was conducted from inception to May 11 2023, according to the PRISMA Statement 2020 and using the following databases: Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023405607). Studies were considered eligible if they reported data about the association between exposure to environmental pollutants and alteration of semen quality using human biomonitoring. The quality assessment was carried out by the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.
RESULTS
In total, 21 articles were included, conducted in several countries. The main matrices used for biomonitoring were urine and blood and the most sought-after contaminants were bisphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other inorganic trace elements. The results of the studies demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the increase of the pollutants' levels in the biological matrices examined and some alterations of the semen quality indicators, such as a decrease in motility, concentration and morphology of the spermatozoa.
CONCLUSIONS
Male fertility can be negatively affected by the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants. Human biomonitoring programs may be considered a useful tool for specific surveillance programs devoted to early highlight subjects who are more exposed to environmental pollutants in order to reduce risk exposure.
Topics: Humans; Male; Environmental Pollutants; Semen Analysis; Occupational Exposure; Semen; Spermatozoa; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37796470
DOI: 10.7416/ai.2023.2581 -
Environment International Aug 2023The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are developing joint estimates of the work-related burden of disease and injury... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres (silica, asbestos and coal): A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury.
BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are developing joint estimates of the work-related burden of disease and injury (WHO/ILO Joint Estimates), with contributions from a large number of individual experts. Evidence from human, animal and mechanistic data suggests that occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres (silica, asbestos and coal dust) causes pneumoconiosis. In this paper, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust. These estimates of prevalences and levels will serve as input data for estimating (if feasible) the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years that are attributable to occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust, for the development of the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse estimates of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust among working-age (≥ 15 years) workers.
DATA SOURCES
We searched electronic academic databases for potentially relevant records from published and unpublished studies, including Ovid Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and CISDOC. We also searched electronic grey literature databases, Internet search engines and organizational websites; hand-searched reference lists of previous systematic reviews and included study records; and consulted additional experts.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA
We included working-age (≥ 15 years) workers in the formal and informal economy in any WHO and/or ILO Member State but excluded children (< 15 years) and unpaid domestic workers. We included all study types with objective dust or fibre measurements, published between 1960 and 2018, that directly or indirectly reported an estimate of the prevalence and/or level of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and/or coal dust.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
At least two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria at a first stage and full texts of potentially eligible records at a second stage, then data were extracted from qualifying studies. We combined prevalence estimates by industrial sector (ISIC-4 2-digit level with additional merging within Mining, Manufacturing and Construction) using random-effects meta-analysis. Two or more review authors assessed the risk of bias and all available authors assessed the quality of evidence, using the ROB-SPEO tool and QoE-SPEO approach developed specifically for the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates.
RESULTS
Eighty-eight studies (82 cross-sectional studies and 6 longitudinal studies) met the inclusion criteria, comprising > 2.4 million measurements covering 23 countries from all WHO regions (Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, Europe, and Western Pacific). The target population in all 88 included studies was from major ISCO groups 3 (Technicians and Associate Professionals), 6 (Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers), 7 (Craft and Related Trades Workers), 8 (Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers), and 9 (Elementary Occupations), hereafter called manual workers. Most studies were performed in Construction, Manufacturing and Mining. For occupational exposure to silica, 65 studies (61 cross-sectional studies and 4 longitudinal studies) were included with > 2.3 million measurements collected in 22 countries in all six WHO regions. For occupational exposure to asbestos, 18 studies (17 cross-sectional studies and 1 longitudinal) were included with > 20,000 measurements collected in eight countries in five WHO regions (no data for Africa). For occupational exposure to coal dust, eight studies (all cross-sectional) were included comprising > 100,000 samples in six countries in five WHO regions (no data for Eastern Mediterranean). Occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust was assessed with personal or stationary active filter sampling; for silica and asbestos, gravimetric assessment was followed by technical analysis. Risk of bias profiles varied between the bodies of evidence looking at asbestos, silica and coal dust, as well as between industrial sectors. However, risk of bias was generally highest for the domain of selection of participants into the studies. The largest bodies of evidence for silica related to the industrial sectors of Construction (ISIC 41-43), Manufacturing (ISIC 20, 23-25, 27, 31-32) and Mining (ISIC 05, 07, 08). For Construction, the pooled prevalence estimate was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93, 17 studies, I 91%, moderate quality of evidence) and the level estimate was rated as of very low quality of evidence. For Manufacturing, the pooled prevalence estimate was 0.85 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.91, 24 studies, I 100%, moderate quality of evidence) and the pooled level estimate was rated as of very low quality of evidence. The pooled prevalence estimate for Mining was 0.75 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.82, 20 studies, I 100%, moderate quality of evidence) and the pooled level estimate was 0.04 mg/m (95% CI 0.03 to 0.05, 17 studies, I 100%, low quality of evidence). Smaller bodies of evidence were identified for Crop and animal production (ISIC 01; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); Professional, scientific and technical activities (ISIC 71, 74; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); and Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (ISIC 35; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level). For asbestos, the pooled prevalence estimate for Construction (ISIC 41, 43, 45,) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.87, six studies, I 99%, low quality of evidence) and the level estimate was rated as of very low quality of evidence. For Manufacturing (ISIC 13, 23-24, 29-30), the pooled prevalence and level estimates were rated as being of very low quality of evidence. Smaller bodies of evidence were identified for Other mining and quarrying (ISIC 08; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (ISIC 35; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); and Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation (ISIC 37; very low quality of evidence for levels). For coal dust, the pooled prevalence estimate for Mining of coal and lignite (ISIC 05), was 1.00 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.00, six studies, I 16%, moderate quality of evidence) and the pooled level estimate was 0.77 mg/m (95% CI 0.68 to 0.86, three studies, I 100%, low quality of evidence). A small body of evidence was identified for Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (ISIC 35); with very low quality of evidence for prevalence, and the pooled level estimate being 0.60 mg/m (95% CI -6.95 to 8.14, one study, low quality of evidence).
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, we judged the bodies of evidence for occupational exposure to silica to vary by industrial sector between very low and moderate quality of evidence for prevalence, and very low and low for level. For occupational exposure to asbestos, the bodies of evidence varied by industrial sector between very low and low quality of evidence for prevalence and were of very low quality of evidence for level. For occupational exposure to coal dust, the bodies of evidence were of very low or moderate quality of evidence for prevalence, and low for level. None of the included studies were population-based studies (i.e., covered the entire workers' population in the industrial sector), which we judged to present serious concern for indirectness, except for occupational exposure to coal dust within the industrial sector of mining of coal and lignite. Selected estimates of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to silica by industrial sector are considered suitable as input data for the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates, and selected estimates of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to asbestos and coal dust may perhaps also be suitable for estimation purposes. Protocol identifier: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.005. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018084131.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Occupational Diseases; Dust; Prevalence; Silicon Dioxide; Cross-Sectional Studies; Coal; Steam; Asbestos; Occupational Exposure; World Health Organization; Cost of Illness
PubMed: 37487377
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107980 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Aug 2023Formaldehyde is one of the most widely used substances in a variety of industries, although it was classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for... (Review)
Review
Formaldehyde is one of the most widely used substances in a variety of industries, although it was classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The present systematic review was conducted to retrieve studies related to occupational exposure to formaldehyde until November 2, 2022. Aims of the study were to identify workplaces exposed to formaldehyde, to investigate the formaldehyde concentrations in various occupations and to evaluate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by respiratory exposure to this chemical among workers. A systematic search was done in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases to find the studies done in this field. In this review, studies that did not meet the criteria specified by Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes (PECO) approach were excluded. In addition, the inclusion of studies dealing with the biological monitoring of FA in the body and review studies, conference articles, books, and letters to the editors were avoided. The quality of the selected studies was also evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for analytic-cross-sectional studies. Finally, 828 studies were found, and after the investigations, 35 articles were included in this study. The results revealed that the highest formaldehyde concentrations were observed in waterpipe cafes (1,620,000 μg/m) and anatomy and pathology laboratories (4237.5 μg/m). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk indicated the potential health effects for employees due to respiratory exposure as acceptable levels of CR = 1.00 × 10 and HQ = 1, respectively were reported to be exceeded in more than 71% and 28.57% of the investigated studies. Therefore, according to the confirmation of formaldehyde's adverse health effects, it is necessary to adopt targeted strategies to reduce or eliminate exposure to this compound from the occupational usage.
Topics: Humans; Carcinogens; Cross-Sectional Studies; Formaldehyde; Occupational Exposure; Industry; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 37236589
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121854 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Aug 2023Asbestos is one of the most important environmental and occupational carcinogens. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which asbestos fiber exposure causes chronic diseases... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Asbestos is one of the most important environmental and occupational carcinogens. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which asbestos fiber exposure causes chronic diseases are not fully understood. We performed the first systematic review on the epidemiological evidence to examine the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and oxidative stress and DNA damage.
METHODS
In this systematic review study, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for English-language publications. Eleven cross-sectional studies were included in the systematic review. A literature search was conducted by the main keywords including "Asbestos", "crocidolite", "chrysotile", "amphibole", "amosite", "Oxidative Stress", "DNA Damage", and "DNA injury". To evaluate the quality of studies, the "Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale" (NOS) was used.
RESULTS
Overall, 1235 articles were achieved by searching in databases. Finally, by considering the inclusion, and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were conducted for this study. These studies were published between 1986 and 2020. Oxidative stress and DNA damage can occur in exposure to asbestos. Among various biomarkers, 8-OHdG is the best. The analysis of 8-oxodG in asbestos workers can help identify subjects with a higher level of genotoxic damage.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review suggests that oxidative stress and DNA damage are two main outputs of asbestos exposure. Therefore, oxidative stress and DNA damage biomarkers can be used for identifying subjects at higher risk of cancer. These findings support policy initiatives aimed at detecting and eliminating asbestos fiber exposure and preventing potential health hazards in occupational settings.
PubMed: 37744536
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13400 -
PLOS Global Public Health 2023Prior research has demonstrated an association between lead exposure and criminal behavior at the population-level, however studies exploring the effect of lead exposure...
Prior research has demonstrated an association between lead exposure and criminal behavior at the population-level, however studies exploring the effect of lead exposure on criminal behavior at the individual-level have not been reviewed systematically. The intent of this study is to complete a systematic review of all studies assessing individual-level exposures to lead and the outcomes of crime and antisocial behavior traits. We included peer reviewed studies that were published prior to August 2022 and were classified as cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control. Studies measuring the outcomes of crime, delinquency, violence, or aggression were included. The following databases were searched using a standardized search strategy: ProQuest Environmental Science Database, PubMed, ToxNet and the Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS). Seventeen manuscripts met our inclusion criteria. Blood lead was measured in 12 studies, bone lead in 3 studies, and dentine lead levels in 2 studies. This systematic review identified a wide range of diverse outcomes between exposure to lead at multiple windows of development and later delinquent, criminal and antisocial behavior. A review of all potential confounding variables included within each study was made, with inclusion of relevant confounders into the risk of bias tool. There is limited data at the individual level on the effects of prenatal, childhood, and adolescent lead exposure and later criminal behavior and more evidence is necessary to evaluate the magnitude of the associations seen in this review. Our review, in conjunction with the available biological evidence, suggests that an excess risk for criminal behavior in adulthood exists when an individual is exposed to lead in utero or in the early years of childhood. The authors report no conflict of interest and no funding source. Clinical trial registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42021268379.
PubMed: 37527230
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002177 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... Sep 2023Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of chemicals that have been integrated into a wide variety of industrial processes and consumer... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of chemicals that have been integrated into a wide variety of industrial processes and consumer products since the 1950s. Due to their profuse usage and high persistence in human serum, understanding workplace exposures to PFAS is critical.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to characterize the PFAS exposure profiles of relevant occupational populations, elucidate trends in the PFAS exposure characterization process, and identify major research gaps that remain within the occupational PFAS exposure literature.
METHODS
A systematic search of four literature databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and 2021 on PFAS exposure in occupational settings was conducted.
RESULTS
Of the 2574 articles identified, 92 met the inclusion criteria. Fluorochemical workers were the target population in most early exposure assessment research; however, studies conducted within the last 10 years have evaluated a wider range of occupational populations and settings. The highest exposures were reported in fluorochemical workers, but, in comparison to reference populations, one or more PFAS were elevated in most workers and in most workplaces that were assessed. PFAS was most frequently assessed in worker serum using a discrete analytical panel of PFAS, with earlier studies restricted to a few long-alkyl chain PFAS while more recent studies have included more expansive panels due to more robust methods.
SIGNIFICANCE
Characterization of occupational exposure to PFAS is limited but expanding. Current analytical methods are not robust enough to fully capture the potential range of PFAS present across different workers and workplaces. While exposures to PFAS for certain occupational groups have been studied in detail, exposure information for other occupational groups with high potential for exposure are limited. This review highlights substantial findings and major research gaps within the occupational literature.
Topics: Humans; Fluorocarbons; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 36977833
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00536-y -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Aug 2023Studies focusing on the association between environmental and occupational solvent exposure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have yielded inconsistent results.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Studies focusing on the association between environmental and occupational solvent exposure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have yielded inconsistent results. Herein we present the results of a meta-analysis on the correlation between solvent exposure and ALS. We searched for eligible studies that reported ALS with exposure to solvents in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to December 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the article and a meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model. Thirteen articles, including two cohort studies and 13 case-control studies with 6365 cases and 173,321 controls were selected. The odds ratio (OR) for the association between solvent exposure and ALS was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.54) with moderate heterogeneity (I = 59.7%; p = 0.002). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the results, and publication bias was not detected. These results indicated that environmental and occupational solvent exposure was associated with the risk of ALS.
Topics: Humans; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Solvents; Occupational Exposure; Case-Control Studies; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 36897461
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06718-8 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Oct 2023Research on the effect of pesticide exposure on health has been largely focused on occupational settings. Few reviews have synthesized the associations between dietary... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Research on the effect of pesticide exposure on health has been largely focused on occupational settings. Few reviews have synthesized the associations between dietary pesticide exposure and health outcomes in non-occupationally exposed adults.
OBJECTIVE
We aim to summarize the evidence regarding dietary pesticide exposure and non-communicable diseases (NCD) in adults, using a systematic review of prospective studies.
METHODS
Electronic and manual searches were performed until July 2023. The inclusion criteria were the following: 1) adults aged ≥ 18years, 2) (non)-randomized trials, prospective cohort studies, 3) dietary exposure to pesticides. A bias analysis was carried out using the Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review guidelines based on the Cochrane ROBINS-I.
RESULTS
A total of 52 studies were retrieved and 6 studies that met the above criteria were included. Studies were conducted either in France or in the United States. The studies investigated the risk of cancer (n = 3), diabetes (n = 1), cardiovascular diseases (n = 1), and mortality (n = 1). The quality of the studies varied with overall grades derived from the bias analysis ranging from low to moderate bias. The level of evidence was estimated as low for the risk of cancer while the grading was not assignable for other outcomes, as only one study per outcome was available.
CONCLUSIONS
Although further research is warranted to examine more in depth the relationships between low-dose chronic exposure to pesticides through diet and NCD outcomes in non-occupationally-exposed adults, studies suggest a possible role of exposure to dietary pesticide on health. Standardized methodological guidelines should also be proposed to allow for comparison across studies.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Prospective Studies; Noncommunicable Diseases; Pesticides; Dietary Exposure; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37907942
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01020-8 -
Headache Oct 2023To systematically synthesize evidence from a broad range of studies on the association between air pollution and migraine. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically synthesize evidence from a broad range of studies on the association between air pollution and migraine.
BACKGROUND
Air pollution is a ubiquitous exposure that may trigger migraine attacks. There has been no systematic review of this possible association.
METHODS
We searched for empirical studies assessing outdoor air pollution and any quantified migraine outcomes. We included short- and long-term studies with quantified air pollution exposures. We excluded studies of indoor air pollution, perfume, or tobacco smoke. We assessed the risk of bias with the World Health Organization's bias assessment instrument for air quality guidelines.
RESULTS
The final review included 12 studies with over 4,000,000 participants. Designs included case-crossover, case-control, time series, and non-randomized pre-post intervention. Outcomes included migraine-related diagnoses, diary records, medical visits, and prescriptions. Rather than pooling the wide variety of exposures and outcomes into a meta-analysis, we tabulated the results. Point estimates above 1.00 reflected associations of increased risk. In single-pollutant models, the percent of point estimates above 1.00 were carbon monoxide 5/5 (100%), nitrogen dioxide 10/13 (78%), ozone 7/8 (88%), PM 13/15 (87%), PM 2/2 (100%), black carbon 0/1 (0%), methane 4/6 (75%), sulfur dioxide 3/5 (60%), industrial toxic waste 1/1 (100%), and proximity to oil and gas wells 6/13 (46%). In two-pollutant models, 16/17 (94%) of associations with nitrogen dioxide were above 1.00; however, more than 75% of the confidence intervals included the null value. Most studies had low to moderate risks of bias. Where differences were observed, stronger quality articles generally reported weaker associations.
CONCLUSIONS
Balancing the generally strong methodologies with the small number of studies, point estimates were mainly above 1.00 for associations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter with migraine. These results were most consistent for nitrogen dioxide.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone
PubMed: 37795754
DOI: 10.1111/head.14632 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Dec 2023Noise exposure in the workplace is one of the most common occupational hazards, which can affect sleep in the human. The effects of occupational noise can be different... (Review)
Review
Noise exposure in the workplace is one of the most common occupational hazards, which can affect sleep in the human. The effects of occupational noise can be different than that of environmental or social noise. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review on the effects of occupational noise on various characteristics of sleep. In this study, three electronic bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were systematically searched up to 14 December 2022. The search algorithm included two sets of keywords and possible combinations. The first group was keywords related to occupational noise, and the second group was keywords related to sleep. A total of 2082 articles were identified in the initial search, and 2034 articles were excluded based on exclusion criteria or lacking inclusion criteria. Finally, 48 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for final review. Among 13 articles identified as high quality, all studies (100%) showed that noise had a significant effect on sleep among workers in various occupations. Among 17 articles with moderate quality, thirteen studies (76.47%) indicated that noise had a significant effect on sleep among workers in different occupations. Among 18 low-quality articles, fifteen studies (83.33%) showed that noise had a significant effect on sleep. 41 out of 48 studies (85.42%) found that occupational noise can negatively impact sleep among employees in various occupations. There are at least four potential pathways for this effect, including the physiological effect of daytime noise exposure, the psychological effect of daytime noise exposure, the effect of nighttime noise exposure, and the effect of hearing problems due to noise.
Topics: Humans; Noise, Occupational; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37683554
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101846