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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 -
Annals of Work Exposures and Health Sep 2023There is a lack of data on pesticide exposure levels during spraying with a knapsack, while it could have important implications for their users' health.
CONTEXT
There is a lack of data on pesticide exposure levels during spraying with a knapsack, while it could have important implications for their users' health.
METHODS
We assessed levels and determinants of exposure in 24 male private landscapers/gardeners and municipal workers in France in 2011. Actual dermal exposure to glyphosate was assessed with cotton undergarments and gloves, and a cotton coverall changed between mixing and spraying to assess the contribution of each phase and body area to overall contamination. A field monitor observed the whole workshift and filled in a standardized observation grid.
RESULTS
The median actual contamination was 5,256 µg for the body, and 4,620 µg for hands. Spraying was more exposing than mixing/loading for all body parts except hands, which contributed to nearly 90% of body exposure during mixing/loading, and 30% during spraying, followed by back (14%). In the most exposed quartile, levels were close to some observations in agriculture.
CONCLUSION
Our study provides new data on pesticide exposure levels of knapsack sprayer users; it should lead to a reinforced prevention, in order to make exposures as low as possible and lessen the risk of chronic diseases.
Topics: Humans; Male; Herbicides; Occupational Exposure; Pesticides; Agriculture; Hand
PubMed: 37619214
DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad045 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Nov 2023Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is associated with the development of lung cancer. However, there is uncertainty around the exposure threshold at which exposure to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is associated with the development of lung cancer. However, there is uncertainty around the exposure threshold at which exposure to RCS may pose a clear risk for the development of lung cancer. The objective of this study was to review the cut-off points at which the risk of mortality or incidence of lung cancer due to occupational exposure to RCS becomes evident through a systematic review.
METHODS
We conducted a search in PubMed, including cohort and case-control studies which assessed various categories of RCS exposure. A search was also conducted on the webpages of institutional organizations. A qualitative data synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were included. Studies that assessed lung cancer mortality and incidence displayed wide variability both in RCS exposure categories and related risks. Although most studies found no significant association for RCS exposure categories, it appears to be a low risk of lung cancer for mean concentrations of less than 0.07mg/m. Regulatory agencies set annual RCS exposure limits ranging from 0.025mg/m through 0.1mg/m.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a wide degree of heterogeneity in RCS exposure categories, with most studies observing no significant risk of lung cancer for the lowest exposure categories. Cut-off points differ between agencies but are nonetheless very similar and do not exceed 0.1mg/m.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Inhalation Exposure; Dust; Occupational Exposure; Silicon Dioxide; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38031062
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01036-0 -
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 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas that poses significant health risks, particularly lung cancer, due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature,... (Review)
Review
Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas that poses significant health risks, particularly lung cancer, due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature, which makes detection challenging without formal testing. It is found in soil, rock, and water, and it infiltrates indoor environments, necessitating regulatory standards and guidelines from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the World Health Organization, and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency to mitigate exposure. In this paper, we present various methods and instruments for radon assessment in occupational and environmental settings. Discussion on long- and short-term monitoring, including grab sampling, radon dosimetry, and continuous real-time monitoring, is provided. The comparative analysis of detection techniques-active versus passive-is highlighted from real-time data and long-term exposure assessment, including advances in sensor technology, data processing, and public awareness, to improve radon exposure evaluation techniques.
Topics: Radon; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Radiation Monitoring; Air Pollution, Indoor; Air Pollutants, Radioactive; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38793821
DOI: 10.3390/s24102966 -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Sep 2023Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) are a class of inorganic fibrous materials that include glass and mineral wools, continuous glass filaments, and refractory ceramic... (Review)
Review
Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) are a class of inorganic fibrous materials that include glass and mineral wools, continuous glass filaments, and refractory ceramic fibers valued for their insulative properties in high temperature applications. Potential health effects from occupational exposure to MMVF have been investigated since the 1970s, with focus on incidence of respiratory tract cancer among MMVF-exposed production workers. The general population may experience exposure to MMVF in residential and/or commercial buildings due to deterioration, construction, or other disruption of materials containing these fibers. Numerous studies have characterized potential exposures that may occur during material disruption or installation; however, fewer have aimed to measure background MMVF concentrations in residential and commercial spaces (i.e., non-production settings) to which the general population may be exposed. In this study, we reviewed and synthesized peer-reviewed studies that evaluated respirable MMVF exposure levels in non-production, indoor environments. Among studies that analyzed airborne respirable MMVF concentrations, 110-fold and 1.5-fold differences in estimated concentrations were observed for those studies utilizing phase contrast optical microscopy (PCOM) versus transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. A positive correlation was observed between respirable air concentrations of MMVF and total surface concentrations of MMVF in seldom-cleaned areas. Ultimately, available evidence suggests that both ambient air and surface concentrations of MMVF in indoor environments are consistently lower than exposure limits developed to prevent negative health outcomes among sensitive populations.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Neoplasms; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 37528749
DOI: 10.1177/07482337231187092 -
Annals of Work Exposures and Health Aug 2023Indoor microbial exposure may cause negative health effects. Only little is known about the occupational microbial exposure in nursing homes and the factors that...
Indoor microbial exposure may cause negative health effects. Only little is known about the occupational microbial exposure in nursing homes and the factors that influence the exposure. The exposure in nursing homes may be increased due to close contact with elderly persons who may carry infectious or antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and due to handling of laundry, such as used clothing and bed linen. We investigated the microbial exposure in 5 nursing homes in Denmark, by use of personal bioaerosol samples from different groups of staff members taken during a typical working day, stationary bioaerosol measurements taken during various work tasks, sedimented dust samples, environmental surface swabs, and swabs from staff members' hands. From the samples, we explored bacterial and fungal concentrations and species composition, endotoxin levels, and antimicrobial resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. Microbial concentrations from personal exposure samples differed among professions, and geometric means (GM) were 2,159 cfu/m3 (84 to 1.5 × 105) for bacteria incubated on nutrient agar, 1,745 cfu/m3 (82 to 2.0 × 104) for bacteria cultivated on a Staphylococcus selective agar, and 16 cfu/m3 air for potential pathogenic fungi incubated at 37 °C (below detection limit to 257). Bacterial exposures were elevated during bed making. On surfaces, the highest bacterial concentrations were found on bed railings. The majority of bacterial species found were related to the human skin microflora, such as different Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium species. Endotoxin levels ranged from 0.02 to 59.0 EU/m3, with a GM of 1.5 EU/m3. Of 40 tested A. fumigatus isolates, we found one multiresistant isolate, which was resistant towards both itraconazole and voriconazole, and one isolate resistant towards amphotericin B. In conclusion, we give an overview of the general microbial exposure in nursing homes and show that microbial exposures are higher for staff with more care and nursing tasks compared with administrative staff.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Occupational Exposure; Endotoxins; Agar; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Environmental Monitoring; Bacteria; Staphylococcus; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37300561
DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad032 -
Journal of Occupational and... Jul 2023Cannabis cultivation and processing is becoming an important industry in the United States and Canada. The industry employs over 400,000 workers in the United States and...
Cannabis cultivation and processing is becoming an important industry in the United States and Canada. The industry employs over 400,000 workers in the United States and is growing rapidly. Both natural sunlight and artificial lamp-generated radiation are commonly used to grow cannabis plants. These optical sources can contain both visible and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) wavelengths, and overexposure to UVR is associated with negative health effects. The severity of these adverse health effects is governed by the specific wavelengths and exposed dose of UVR, yet worker exposure to UVR within cannabis-growing facilities has not been studied. In this study, worker exposure to UVR was assessed at five cannabis production facilities in Washington State, including indoor, outdoor, and shade house facilities. Lamp emission testing was performed at each facility and worker UVR exposures were measured for 87 work shifts. Observations of worker activities and use of personal protective equipment in association with UVR exposure measurements were recorded. For lamp emission measurements, at 3 feet from the center of the lamp, the average irradiances were 4.09 × 10, 6.95 × 10, 6.76 × 10, 3.96 × 10, and 1.98 × 10 effective W/cm for germicidal lamps, metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, fluorescent lamps, and light emitting diodes, respectively. The average measured UVR exposure was 2.91 × 10 effective J/cm (range: 1.54 × 10, 1.57 × 10 effective J/cm). Thirty percent of the work shifts monitored exceeded the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.003 effective J/cm. Exposures were highest for workers who spent all or part of the work shift outdoors, and solar radiation was the primary source of worker UVR exposure for most of the work shifts that exceeded the TLVs. Outdoor workers can reduce UVR exposure by applying sunscreen and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Although the artificial lighting used in the cannabis production facilities included in this study did not contribute substantially to the measured UV exposures, in many cases the lamp emissions would generate theoretical exposures at 3 feet from the center of the lamp that would exceed the TLV. Therefore, employers should choose low UVR emitting lamps for indoor grow operations and should use engineering controls (e.g., door-interlocks to de-energize lamps) to prevent worker exposure to UVR from germicidal lamps.
Topics: Humans; Ultraviolet Rays; Cannabis; Sunlight; Industry; Canada; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37146269
DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2207616 -
PloS One 2023Occupational respiratory disorders are a major global public health concern among workers exposed to dust particles in dust-generating workplaces. Despite fragmented... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Occupational respiratory disorders are a major global public health concern among workers exposed to dust particles in dust-generating workplaces. Despite fragmented research findings on the magnitude of respiratory problems and the lack of a national occupational respiratory disease recording and reporting system at the Ethiopian factory, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among factory workers were unknown. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize and pool estimates from studies that reported the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and predictors among Ethiopian factory workers who worked in dusty environments.
METHODS
A systematic literature searches were conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Web of Science). The primary and secondary outcomes were prevalence of respiratory symptoms and predictors, respectively. The STATA version 17 was used to analyze the data. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Eggers test with p-value less than 5%, as well as the funnel plot, were used to assess publication bias.
RESULTS
The searches yielded 1596 articles, 15 of which were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Ethiopian factory workers was 54.96% [95% confidence interval (CI):49.33-60.59%]. Lack of occupational health and safety (OSH) training [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95%CI:1.56-3.52], work experience of over 5 years [OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.33-7.65], not using personal protective equipment (PPE) [OR = 1.76, 95%CI:1.30-2.39], and working more than eight hours per day [OR = 1.89, 95%CI:1.16-3.05] were all significant predictors of respiratory symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of respiratory symptom was found to be high in Ethiopian factory workers. To prevent workers from being exposed to dust, regular provision and monitoring of PPE use, workers OSH training, and adequate ventilation in the workplace should be implemented.
Topics: Humans; Dust; Occupational Exposure; Lung Diseases; Lung; Personal Protective Equipment; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 37478114
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284551 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Dec 2023Control banding (CB) is a risk assessment strategy that has been applied globally to a variety of occupational hazards. This article describes how this method can be... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Control banding (CB) is a risk assessment strategy that has been applied globally to a variety of occupational hazards. This article describes how this method can be applied, recent developments in the CB literature, an example of how it is utilized for a large, diverse worksite, and where the future of CB is headed.
RECENT FINDINGS
Over the past several years, the applications of CB have widened significantly and have accordingly helped bolster the public and occupational safety, health, and hygiene (OSHH) professionals' understanding of occupational exposure to various hazards. The fields of workplace chemicals, nanomaterials, and airborne pathogens (i.e., COVID-19), specifically have seen remarkable increases in the development of CB tools. Extensive CB tool validation efforts have also lent increasing credibility to this alternative approach. CB is a simplified strategy of assessing occupational exposures and providing commensurate controls and solutions to reduce workplace risks. CB can be used as a primary or tiered risk assessment and risk management approach which can be utilized by both OSHH professionals and nonexperts alike to identify solutions for reducing work-related exposures. The need for health and safety expertise will continue to grow as technological advancements, environmental changes, and economic forces increase workplace hazard complexity, and CB will continue to be a useful tool for those performing risk assessments.
Topics: Humans; Risk Assessment; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Nanostructures; Workplace
PubMed: 37884803
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00416-5