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Bulletin Du Cancer Nov 2023Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a previous cancer can lead to subsequent myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, these therapy-related cases are hypothesized to... (Review)
Review
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a previous cancer can lead to subsequent myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, these therapy-related cases are hypothesized to explain only 5 % of diagnosed MDS cases. Environmental or occupational exposure to chemicals or radiations has also been reported to be associated with higher risk of MDS. The present review analyses those studies evaluating the association of MDS with environmental or occupational risk factors. There is sufficient evidence that environmental or occupational exposure to ionizing radiation or benzene can cause MDS. Tobacco smoking is also a sufficiently documented riskfactor for MDS. A positive association has been reported between exposure to pesticides and MDS. However, there is only limited evidence that this association could be causal.
Topics: Humans; Case-Control Studies; Risk Factors; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Occupational Exposure; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
PubMed: 37419729
DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.02.024 -
Annals of Work Exposures and Health Aug 2023Recycling of domestic waste and a number of employees in the recycling industry is expected to increase. This study aims to quantify current exposure levels of inhalable...
INTRODUCTION
Recycling of domestic waste and a number of employees in the recycling industry is expected to increase. This study aims to quantify current exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms and to identify determinants of exposure among recycling workers.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 170 full-shift measurements from 88 production workers and 14 administrative workers from 12 recycling companies in Denmark. The companies recycle domestic waste (sorting, shredding, and extracting materials from waste). We collected inhalable dust with personal samplers that were analysed for endotoxin (n = 170) and microorganisms (n = 101). Exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms and potential determinants of exposure were explored by mixed-effects models.
RESULTS
The production workers were 7-fold or higher exposed to inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi than the administrative workers. Among production workers recycling domestic waste, the geometric mean exposure level was 0.6 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, 10.7 endotoxin unit (EU)/m3 for endotoxin, 1.6 × 104 colony forming units (CFU)/m³ of bacteria, 4.4 × 104 CFU/m³ of fungi (25 °C), and 1.0 × 103 CFU/m³ of fungi (37 °C). Workers handling paper or cardboard had higher exposure levels than workers handling other waste fractions. The temperature did not affect exposure levels, although there was a tendency toward increased exposure to bacteria and fungi with higher temperatures. For inhalable dust and endotoxin, exposure levels during outdoor work were low compared to indoor work. For bacteria and fungi, indoor ventilation decreased exposure. The work task, waste fraction, temperature, location, mechanical ventilation, and the company size explained around half of the variance of levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi.
CONCLUSION
The production workers of the Danish recycling industry participating in this study had higher exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi than the administrative workers. Exposure levels of inhalable dust and endotoxin among recycling workers in Denmark were generally below established or suggested occupational exposure limits (OEL). However, 43% to 58% of the individual measurements of bacteria and fungi were above the suggested OEL. The waste fraction was the most influential determinant for exposure, and the highest exposure levels were seen during handling paper or cardboard. Future studies should examine the relationship between exposure levels and health effects among workers recycling domestic waste.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Endotoxins; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Dust; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Monitoring; Inhalation Exposure; Bacteria; Fungi; Denmark
PubMed: 37191914
DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad025 -
Critical Reviews in Toxicology Dec 2023Boric acid and sodium borates are classified as toxic to reproduction and development under category 1B, with the hazard statement of H360FD (May damage fertility. May... (Review)
Review
Boric acid and sodium borates are classified as toxic to reproduction and development under category 1B, with the hazard statement of H360FD (May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child) in the EU-CLP regulation. This classification triggered environmental and occupational epidemiology studies on boron in China, Türkiye, and Argentina. The highest mean total daily boron exposure (DBE) levels in mining areas or processing plants in China and Türkiye were 41.2 and 47.17 mg/day, respectively. These DBE levels are higher than the proposed reference doses (RfDs) for the developmental (9.6 mg B/day) and reproductive effects (20.3 mg B/day) of boron in females and males. Despite these high exposure levels in occupational settings, boron-mediated reproductive and developmental effects have not been reported. Blood (or serum) boron concentrations were also reported in these studies. The highest mean blood-boron concentration reported for the boron-exposed male workers in Türkiye is 570.6 ng B/g (ppb). This blood-boron concentration is still much lower than the blood boron concentrations corresponding to the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for both developmental and reproductive effects in rats. Given the blood boron concentrations reported in current epidemiological studies, the lack of reproductive and developmental effects in humans is not surprising. Recent epidemiological studies have proven that it will not be possible to reach the critical blood boron concentrations in humans for the reproductive and developmental effects, especially in daily life.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Rats; Animals; Boron; Occupational Exposure; Reproduction; China; No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level
PubMed: 37351904
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2222151 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and leading cause of death worldwide, whose pathogenesis has been linked to toxic environmental exposures. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and leading cause of death worldwide, whose pathogenesis has been linked to toxic environmental exposures. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (i) to compile, and group by exposure setting (non-specified general; residential; occupational), environmental factors reported to modulate the risk of developing PD and (ii) to map and geospatially analyze global regions of both research activity and paucity. Among the broader environmental settings, occupational exposures had the highest average odds ratio value at 3.82, followed by general (non-specified or mixed) exposures at 3.07, and residential exposures at 2.36. Occupational exposure to industrial toxins was the highest ranked subset of exposures with an odds ratio of 10.74. Among the studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 75 % were conducted in Europe or the Western United States. The number of individuals partaking per study ranged from a high of 55,585 (Taiwan) to a low of 233 (Faroe Islands), with a mean of n = 14,462. The top three environmental factors associated with high odds ratios for increased risk of developing PD were (i) exposure to dyes (25.33), (ii) methylene chloride (16.5) and specifically in adult men (iii) consumption of fatty whale meat (10.57), which is known to harbor a broad spectrum of so called persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic (PBT) pollutants. Geospatially, the highest odds ratio values were identified in European countries, whereas notable data gaps were revealed for South America, Australia, Africa, and the majority of Asia with the exception of Taiwan. Whereas occupational exposures to industrial chemicals, such as harmful dyes and methylene chloride, ranked highest in risk values, available data suggest notable opportunities for reducing PD cases globally by limiting harmful environmental exposures to a spectrum of toxic chemicals, particularly via the food intake route. Thus, current efforts in improving environmental quality globally by limiting toxic emission may deliver the added benefit of helping to reign in PD. Agents of concern in this respect include pesticides (e.g., paraquat, demeton, monocrotophos), particulate matter associated with air pollution, and a spectrum of organic and inorganic neurotoxins including heavy metals.
Topics: Parkinson Disease; Humans; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Risk Factors; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38685425
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172838 -
Workplace Health & Safety Sep 2023The International Safety Center disseminates the Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) surveillance system to standardize a system for healthcare facilities...
BACKGROUND
The International Safety Center disseminates the Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) surveillance system to standardize a system for healthcare facilities to track mucocutaneous blood and body fluid exposures.
METHODS
Occupational exposure incidents to blood and body fluids were recorded within the participant health systems and hospitals ( = 41), using the EPINet Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Report Form. Forms include detailed questions about the circumstances surrounding the exposure, including the type of exposure, body part(s) involved, and if the employee reporting the incident was wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
RESULTS
There were statistically significant differences between participants who wore PPE at time of exposure versus those who did not. Differences were noted by job category (χ =32.91, -value = <.001); where the exposure occurred (χ = 32.31, -value = <.001); what the exposure was a result of (χ = 50.19, -value = <.001); and day versus night shift (χ = 11.47, -value = .001).
CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE
The study found that occupational exposure to blood and body fluids in 2021 remain high risk given the frequency with which they happen, the exposure site (face) and lack of PPE use. The pandemic seemed to matter little in changing frequencies despite high awareness and growing PPE availability and supply. The findings provide robust information about how exposures occur, why they remain high risk, and how important it is to improve reporting and surveillance to prevent occupational exposures and disease in healthcare in future.
Topics: Humans; United States; Personal Protective Equipment; Body Fluids; Health Personnel; Hospitals; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37232173
DOI: 10.1177/21650799231163132 -
BMC Public Health Sep 2023Reinforced concrete production is widespread, but little is known about the occupational exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) in such workplaces, including from...
BACKGROUND
Reinforced concrete production is widespread, but little is known about the occupational exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) in such workplaces, including from metalworking and concrete processing. Therefore, the aim was to characterize exposure to fine PM in the typical workplaces of the whole production cycle and to quantify the risk of respiratory symptoms and lung function in a cohort of reinforced concrete parts production industry.
METHODS
At a reinforced concrete parts producing facility in Almaty, we collected 50 personal PM samples from the main exposure sites and the measured mass concentrations using gravimetric method. Workers also completed questionnaires on a detailed working history, respiratory symptoms (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Tool (CAT)), followed by spirometry. The association of cumulative dose with CAT score and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was tested with multiple regression.
RESULTS
The highest PM concentrations were found in the concrete-mixing unit (median 1180 µg/m), followed by metalworking (510 µg/m), armature workshop (375 µg/m) and molding site (245 µg/m), different from the concentrations in the office (29.5 µg/m), Kruskall-Wallis p < 0.001. Cumulative PM dose, mg/m-year (beta 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05; 0.15)) was strongly associated with CAT score, whereas production with FEV/FVC (beta -4.96 (-8.31; -1.61)), independent of smoking and chronic bronchitis and sex.
CONCLUSIONS
Mixing concrete and metalworks pose the greatest risk for worker's health in the reinforced concrete production from the inhalational exposure to aerosol, adversely affecting respiratory health.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Bronchitis, Chronic; Forced Expiratory Volume; Particulate Matter; Lung
PubMed: 37723523
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16753-x -
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England) Dec 2023The impact of long-term occupational exposures on health in older adults is increasingly relevant as populations age. To date, no studies have reported their impact on...
BACKGROUND
The impact of long-term occupational exposures on health in older adults is increasingly relevant as populations age. To date, no studies have reported their impact on survival free of disability in older adults.
AIMS
We aimed to investigate the association between long-term occupational exposure and disability-free survival (DFS), all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in initially healthy older adults.
METHODS
We analysed data from 12 215 healthy participants in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study whose mean age was 75 years. Their work history was collated with the 'ALOHA-plus JEM' (Job Exposure Matrix) to assign occupational exposures. The primary endpoint, DFS, was a composite measure of death, dementia or persistent physical disability. The secondary endpoint, mortality, was classified according to the underlying cause. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for confounders.
RESULTS
A total of 1835 individuals reached the DFS endpoint during the median 4.7 years follow-up period. Both ever-high and cumulative exposure to all dusts and all pesticides during a person's working years were associated with reduced DFS. Compared to no exposure, men with high exposure to dusts and pesticides had a reduced DFS. Neither of these exposures were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Men with high occupational exposure to solvents and women exposed to dusts experienced higher all-cause and cancer-related mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
Long-term occupational exposure to all dusts and pesticides was associated with a reduced DFS and increased mortality in community-dwelling healthy older adults.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Aged; Aspirin; Occupational Exposure; Dust; Pesticides; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37948123
DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad105 -
Mutation Research. Genetic Toxicology... Jan 2024The current study aimed to investigate genomic instabilities in healthcare workers who may experience varying levels of radiation exposure through various radiological...
The current study aimed to investigate genomic instabilities in healthcare workers who may experience varying levels of radiation exposure through various radiological procedures. It also sought to determine if factors related to the work environment and dosimeter reading could effectively explain the observed genomic instabilities. Utilizing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) on peripheral blood lymphocytes, we assessed a spectrum of genomic aberrations, including nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear budding (NBUD), micronucleus (MN) formation, and total DNA damage (TDD). The study uncovered a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of distinct DNA anomalies among radiology workers (with a significance level of P < 0.0001 for all measurements). Notably, parameters such as total working hours, average work duration, and time spent in projection radiography exhibited significant correlations with MN and TDD levels in these workers. The dosimeter readings demonstrated a positive correlation with the frequency of NPB and NBUD, indicating a substantial association between radiation exposure and these two genomic anomalies. Our multivariable models identified the time spent in projection radiography as a promising parameter for explaining the overall genomic instability observed in these professionals. Thus, while dosimeters alone may not fully explain elevated total DNA damage, intrinsic work environment factors hold potential in indicating exposure levels for these individuals, providing a complementary approach to monitoring.
Topics: Humans; Micronucleus Tests; Occupational Exposure; DNA Damage; Lymphocytes; Genomic Instability; Health Personnel
PubMed: 38272632
DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503726 -
La Medicina Del Lavoro Aug 2023Globally, hundreds of millions of outdoor workers are exposed to solar radiation (SR) for the majority of their working life. Such occupational exposure is known to...
Globally, hundreds of millions of outdoor workers are exposed to solar radiation (SR) for the majority of their working life. Such occupational exposure is known to induce various adverse health effects to the eyes, mainly related to its ultraviolet (UV) component. The present work is a call-to-action aimed at raising the awareness on the need of health surveillance for the prevention of the chronic ocular diseases in outdoor workers. Photo-chemical chronic damage can induce pterygium at the outer layer of the eye and cataract in the lens. Considering carcinogenic effects, rare squamous-cells tumors of the cornea and/or of the conjunctiva and the ocular melanomas are associated with UV radiation exposure. Solar UV-related eye diseases should be considered as "occupational diseases" when there is sufficient exposure in workers, but they are often not recognized, and/or frequently not reported to the national compensation authorities. Therefore, to prevent the burden of these work-related eye pathologies, an adequate risk assessment with identification of appropriate preventive measures, and a provision of periodic health surveillance to the exposed workers, in particular considering those at higher risk of exposure or with individual susceptibility, should be urgently implemented.
Topics: Humans; Ultraviolet Rays; Sunlight; Risk Assessment; Cataract; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37534422
DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v114i4.14657 -
Journal of Endourology Jan 2024Radiation safety education is important as fluoroscopy is commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation is... (Review)
Review
Radiation safety education is important as fluoroscopy is commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of cancer and other adverse health effects; therefore, it is essential that urologists and trainees are educated on the safe use of radiation. Unfortunately, radiation education and occupational safety is not standardized for this group and there are currently no review studies examining radiation safety for urologists in the clinical setting. This review aims at investigating the various levels of radiation safety education and practices used in urology. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant publications reporting on radiation knowledge and randomized controlled trials, non-randomized comparative studies, and observational studies were included. Reviews, abstracts, editorial comments, non-urologic studies, and incomplete articles were excluded. Within these articles, there were 16 observational studies. Frequency of radiation exposure ranged from <1 × to >15 × /week. There were higher rates of adherence to use of lead aprons and thyroid shields than lead eyeglasses and gloves. Radiation safety education was infrequent. Radiation safety knowledge was especially low for the risks of radiation exposure. Most studies highlight the need for increased awareness and training on radiation safety for both urology trainees and consultants. Radiation safety education and practices are an important issue in urology. Improvements to education and compliance to radiation safety practices are critical to ensuring urologists and trainees use ionizing radiation in a safe and responsible manner.
Topics: Humans; Urology; Fluoroscopy; Urologists; Radiation Protection; Radiation Exposure; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37917109
DOI: 10.1089/end.2023.0327