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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 -
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England) Jun 2024Sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystem, inflammatory condition associated with the formation of granulomas. Diagnosis can be challenging because of non-specific symptoms... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystem, inflammatory condition associated with the formation of granulomas. Diagnosis can be challenging because of non-specific symptoms complicating epidemiological investigations of its aetiology. Despite research efforts, a review of the current state of the evidence is needed.
AIMS
To assess the evidence for an association between occupational exposures and the development of sarcoidosis. To determine if workers in any occupation are at a greater risk of developing sarcoidosis.
METHODS
This rapid review follows the methodology suggested by the World Health Organization. Two electronic databases were systematically searched until April 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was critically appraised, and a best-evidence approach was used to synthesize the results.
RESULTS
Titles and abstracts of 2916 articles were screened, with 67 full-text articles reviewed for eligibility. Among the 13 studies eligible for this review, none were of high quality (i.e. low risk of bias). Six studies exploring the association between sarcoidosis and a range of occupations and exposures, and one previous systematic review were of low quality reporting inconsistent findings. Six studies examined the risk of sarcoidosis associated with occupational silica exposure, two of which were of acceptable quality. Overall, the study methodologies and results were inadequate to support causal relationships.
CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence of acceptable methodological quality to assess the risk of sarcoidosis associated with occupational exposures. There is a growing body of research examining occupational exposure to silica and sarcoidosis. Additional high-quality confirmatory research is needed.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Sarcoidosis; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 38776441
DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqae016 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023A steady increase in shooting practices is observed worldwide. Potential lead exposure at shooting ranges poses a risk to their employees and users, which is not widely...
A steady increase in shooting practices is observed worldwide. Potential lead exposure at shooting ranges poses a risk to their employees and users, which is not widely reported outside of the USA, especially in Poland. Exposure to lead results from the use of bullets containing lead and the main route of exposure to this metal at shooting ranges is inhalation, i.e., during shooting or cleaning. The aim of this study was to assess lead exposure of employees and users in selected indoor shooting ranges in central Poland. Airborne lead concentrations at all locations in the shooting ranges were above Polish occupational exposure limit (OEL, 0.05 mg m). Elevated blood and urine lead levels, and decreased 4-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D) were found in subjects participating in shooting even for only a few (< 10) hours per week. Lead exposure at shooting ranges in central Poland, as indicated by elevated blood lead levels and decreased ALA-D activity, could represent an elevated risk for adverse health effects. Thus, information on the possible health consequences of lead exposure should be provided at these sites, and biomonitoring appears to be reasonable for regular workers and shooters.
Topics: Humans; Lead; Poland; Firearms; Weapons; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37537329
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39847-3 -
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2023Biowaste pretreatment plants have been built within the last years in Denmark in order to recycle pre-sorted biowaste from houses, restaurants, and industry. We...
Biowaste pretreatment plants have been built within the last years in Denmark in order to recycle pre-sorted biowaste from houses, restaurants, and industry. We investigated the association between exposure and health at six biowaste pretreatment plants (visited twice) across Denmark. We measured the personal bioaerosol exposure, took blood samples, and administered a questionnaire. Thirty-one persons participated, 17 of them twice, resulting in 45 bioaerosol samples, 40 blood samples, and questionnaire answers from 21 persons. We measured exposure to bacteria, fungi, dust, and endotoxin, the total inflammatory potential of the exposures, and serum levels of the inflammatory markers serum amyloid A (SAA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and human club cell protein (CC16). Higher exposures to fungi and endotoxin were found for workers with tasks inside the production area compared to workers with main tasks in the office area. A positive association was found between the concentration of anaerobic bacteria and hsCRP and SAA, whereas bacteria and endotoxin were inversely associated with hsCRP and SAA. A positive association between hsCRP and the fungal species Penicillium digitatum and P. camemberti were found, whereas an inverse association between hsCRP and Aspergillus niger and P. italicum were found. Staff with tasks inside the production area reported more symptoms of the nose than those working in the office area. To conclude, our results indicate that workers with tasks inside the production area are exposed to elevated levels of bioaerosols, and that this may affect workers' health negatively.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Air Pollutants, Occupational; C-Reactive Protein; Environmental Monitoring; Bacteria; Endotoxins; Plants; Inflammation; Dust; Air Microbiology; Fungi; Aerosols
PubMed: 37269581
DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.042 -
NanoImpact Jan 2024A nanomaterial life-cycle risk assessment (Nano LCRA) of a graphene-enabled textile used in the construction of heat and fire-resistant personal protective equipment... (Review)
Review
A nanomaterial life-cycle risk assessment (Nano LCRA) of a graphene-enabled textile used in the construction of heat and fire-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE) was conducted to develop, analyze, and prioritize potential occupational, health and environmental risks. The analysis identifies potential receptors and exposure pathways at each product life-cycle stage and makes a qualitative evaluation of the potential significance of each scenario. A literature review, quality evaluation, and database were developed as part of the LCRA to identify potential hazards associated with graphene-based materials (GBMs) throughout the product life-cycle. Generally, risks identified from graphene-enabled textiles were low. Of the developed exposure scenarios, occupational inhalation exposures during raw material and product manufacturing ranked highest. The analysis identifies the key potential human and environmental hazards and exposures of the products across the product life-cycle of graphene enabled textiles. Priority research gaps to reduce uncertainty include evaluating long-term, low dose graphene exposures typical of the workplace, as well as the potential release and hazard characterization of graphene-acrylic nanocomposites.
Topics: Humans; Graphite; Occupational Exposure; Nanocomposites; Risk Assessment; Textiles
PubMed: 37940075
DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100488 -
Neurotoxicology Jan 2024Chronic low-level exposure to toxic compounds in airplane cabin air may result in Aerotoxic Syndrome (AS). Aetiologic agents are organophosphates and numerous volatile... (Review)
Review
Chronic low-level exposure to toxic compounds in airplane cabin air may result in Aerotoxic Syndrome (AS). Aetiologic agents are organophosphates and numerous volatile organic hydrocarbons originating from leaks of engine oil and hydraulic fluids. Despite a documented history spanning decades, the role of carbon monoxide remains controversial. What evidence exists that carbon monoxide (CO), present in the cocktail of toxic compounds in bleed air, contributes to the AS? We selected 22 publications encompassing 888 flights with 18 different aircraft types. In one study of 100 flights, fume events were confirmed in 38. Four studies were initialized after air quality incidents. The cabin CO concentrations could be categorized in three levels, 1) low (<5 ppm), without health implications, 2) moderate (5-10 ppm) with probably health implications in case of chronic exposure, and 3) high > 10 ppm, with health effects in case of acute and chronic exposure. These levels were recorded in 12, 6 and 4 studies respectively. In the six studies in category 2, max CO concentrations ranged from 5.8-9.4 ppm. The four studies with CO > 10 ppm comprised 376 of the 888 flights (42%) with six aircraft types. Toxic CO levels ranging between 13-60 ppm were identified in at least 129 of 888 (14.5%) flights. In one study with high CO levels four flight attendants were diagnosed with CO poisoning with elevated HbCO levels. Max CO levels in aviation are either the same or higher than current occupational exposure limits (OEL) for ground-based workplace exposures or levels for urban street transport environments. Specific aspects of aviation should be taken into consideration: the effect of low(er) air pressure at high altitudes increasing the toxicity of CO, and the binding of CO to CYP enzymes, leading to impaired organophosphate detoxification. We conclude that CO must be considered an important factor in the lubrication derived cocktail of airborne toxic compounds causing AS. In line with the WHO advice, a reduction of the OEL to 5 ppm over 8 hr time weighted average (TWA) for aircrew is strongly recommended. And we advocate continuous monitoring during all phases of flight and installation of CO detectors in the air supply ducts to the aircraft cabin.
Topics: Carbon Monoxide; Occupational Exposure; Aircraft; Organophosphates; Air Pollution, Indoor
PubMed: 38135191
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.12.008 -
Scandinavian Journal of Work,... Mar 2024This paper discusses the failure and success of society to decrease the adverse health effects of asbestos exposure on workers' health in relation to scientific... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This paper discusses the failure and success of society to decrease the adverse health effects of asbestos exposure on workers' health in relation to scientific knowledge.
METHODS
The findings are based on a narrative literature review.
RESULTS
Early warnings of the adverse health effects of workplace exposure to asbestos were published already in the 1930s. Serious health effects, such as malignancies and fibrosis due to occupational asbestos exposure, were highlighted in major medical journals and textbooks in late 1960s. New technologies could detect also asbestos fibers in the lung of non-occupational exposed persons in the 1970s. The first bans for using asbestos came in the early 1970s, and more general bans by authorities came in the 1980s and continue until today.
CONCLUSIONS
The rather late recognition of adverse effects of asbestos exposure in the general population and measures to decrease the exposure through more general bans came rather late. However, the very strong measures such as general bans in many countries have been a success. A Swedish study showed that the general ban and other measures have decreased the risk of malignancies due to occupational exposure. The effect of the bans on adverse effects in the general population has yet to be studied. Analysis of fibers in the lungs of persons born after the bans could be an efficient method.
Topics: Humans; Public Health; Asbestos; Occupational Exposure; Neoplasms; Occupational Health; Mesothelioma; Lung Neoplasms; Asbestosis
PubMed: 38323897
DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4146 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Jun 2024Research shows the highest rates of occupational heat-related fatalities among farm laborers and among Black and Hispanic workers in North Carolina (NC). The Hispanic...
OBJECTIVES
Research shows the highest rates of occupational heat-related fatalities among farm laborers and among Black and Hispanic workers in North Carolina (NC). The Hispanic population and workforce in NC have grown substantially in the past 20 years. We describe the epidemiology of heat-related fatal injuries in the general population and among workers in NC.
METHODS
We reviewed North Carolina death records and records of the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify heat-related deaths (primary International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis code: X30 or T67.0-T67.9) that occurred between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2017. Decedent age, sex, race, and ethnicity were extracted from both the death certificate and the medical examiner's report as well as determinations of whether the death occurred at work.
RESULTS
In NC between 1999 and 2017, there were 225 deaths from heat-related injuries, and 25 occurred at work. The rates of occupational heat-related deaths were highest among males, workers of Hispanic ethnicity, workers of Black, multiple, or unknown race, and in workers aged 55-64. The highest rate of occupational heat-related deaths occurred in the agricultural industry.
CONCLUSIONS
Since the last report (2001), the number of heat-related fatalities has increased, but fewer were identified as workplace fatalities. Rates of occupational heat-related deaths are highest among Hispanic workers. NC residents identifying as Black are disproportionately burdened by heat-related fatalities in general, with a wider apparent disparity in occupational deaths.
Topics: Humans; North Carolina; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Adult; Aged; Young Adult; Heat Stress Disorders; Adolescent; Hispanic or Latino; Occupational Diseases; Hot Temperature; Black or African American; Sex Distribution; Farmers; Age Distribution; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38624268
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23587 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... May 2024This paper sets out to explore the requirements needed to recommend a useable and reliable biomonitoring system for occupational exposure to copper and its inorganic... (Review)
Review
This paper sets out to explore the requirements needed to recommend a useable and reliable biomonitoring system for occupational exposure to copper and its inorganic compounds. Whilst workplace environmental monitoring of copper is used to measure ambient air concentrations for comparison against occupational exposure limits, biological monitoring could provide complementary information about the internal dose of workers, taking into account intra-individual variability and exposure from all routes. For biomonitoring to be of reliable use for copper, a biomarker and the analytical ability to measure it with sufficient sensitivity must be identified and this is discussed in a range of matrices. In addition, there needs to be a clear understanding of the dose-response relationship of the biomarker with any health-effect (clinical or sub-clinical) or, between the level of external exposure (by any route) and the level of the copper biomarker in the biological matrix being sampled, together with a knowledge of the half-life in the body to determine accurate sampling times. For many biologically non-essential metals the requirements for reliable biomarkers can be met, however, for 'essential' metals such as copper that are under homeostatic control, the relationship between exposure (short- or long-term) and the level of any copper biomarker in the blood or urine is complex, which may limit the use and interpretation of measured levels. There are a number of types of biomarker guidance values currently in use which are discussed in this paper, but no values have yet been determined for copper (or its inorganic compounds) due to the complexity of its essential nature; the US The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has however indicated that it is considering the development of a biological exposure index for copper and its compounds. In light of this, we present a review of the reliability of current copper biomarkers and their potential use in the occupational context to evaluate whether there is value in carrying out human biomonitoring for copper exposure. Based on the available evidence we have concluded that the reliable use of biomonitoring of occupational exposure to copper and its application in risk assessment is not possible at the present time.
Topics: Humans; Biological Monitoring; Copper; Reproducibility of Results; Occupational Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Workplace; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38531293
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114358 -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Aug 2024Chemical leukoderma, or chemical-based vitiligo, is a dermal disease triggered by exposure to chemicals and characterized by the emergence of depigmentation or... (Review)
Review
Chemical leukoderma, or chemical-based vitiligo, is a dermal disease triggered by exposure to chemicals and characterized by the emergence of depigmentation or hypopigmentation of the skin. The etiology of this condition is associated with exposure to various chemical substances present in both occupational and non-occupational settings. The precise mechanism that underlies chemical leukoderma remains elusive and is believed to result from the demise of melanocytes, which are responsible for producing skin pigments. This condition has gained particular prominence in developing countries like India. An interesting connection between chemical leukoderma and vitiligo has been identified; studies suggest that exposure to many household chemicals, which are derivatives of phenols and catechol, may serve as a primary etiological factor for the condition. Similar to autoimmune diseases, its pathogenesis involves contributions from both genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, over the last few decades, various studies have demonstrated that exposure to chemicals plays a crucial role in initiating and progressing chemical leukoderma, including cases stemming from occupational exposure.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Occupational Exposure; Melanocytes; India; Hypopigmentation; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38814634
DOI: 10.1177/07482337241257273