-
Global Public Health Dec 2022The increase in pesticide consumption has a negative health impact. Studies point to an association between exposure to pesticides and cardiovascular disease (CVD), one...
The increase in pesticide consumption has a negative health impact. Studies point to an association between exposure to pesticides and cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the leading causes of world mortality. This review synthesize evidence on the association between occupational exposure and environmental contamination by pesticides with CVDs from 1750 references databases (EBSCO, Medline, Science Direct, Scielo, Lilacs and Ovid) without date or language restriction. Selected 24 articles by PRISMA and Downs & Black methodologies, were included from inclusion criteria: original studies (case-control, cohort or cross-sectional design); clear CVD definition and exposure to pesticides; representative sample of the target population. The results show the occupational exposure to pesticides chlorpyrifos, coumafos, carbofuran, ethylene bromide, mancozeb, ziram, metalaxyl, pendimethalin and trifluralin was associated a risk of 1.8 to 3.2 for acute myocardial infarction. Primaphos, fenitrothion, malathion and deltamethrin pesticides were associated with a blood pressure increase. Environmental contamination by tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was associated with CVD with risk of 1.09 to 2.78 and organochlorine, 1.19 to 4.54; heavy metals, arsenic, trimethylarsine and dimethylarsinic acid with atherosclerosis and systemic arterial hypertension. These findings point to the association between exposure to pesticides and CVD, signaling the importance of greater rigor in the public policy related to pesticides.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Environmental Exposure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 32816635
DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1808693 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2022Introduction: Vietnamese nail salon technicians are continuously exposed to neurotoxins linked to cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined...
Introduction: Vietnamese nail salon technicians are continuously exposed to neurotoxins linked to cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined the association of occupational exposure with cognitive function and depressive symptoms among Vietnamese nail salon technicians. Methods: The sample included 155 current or former Vietnamese female nail technicians and 145 control group participants. Measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: Average cognitive functioning was significantly higher for the control compared to the nail technician group (mean difference = 1.2, p < 0.05). No differences were observed for depression. Multivariate findings revealed that exposure was negatively associated with cognitive functioning (β = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.05, p < 0.05). Discussion: Nail salon work and the extent of occupational exposure were associated with lower cognitive functioning among Vietnamese nail technicians. Longitudinal research can further examine the risk for cognitive decline and dementia for this vulnerable population.
Topics: Beauty Culture; California; Cognition; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Vietnam
PubMed: 35457501
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084634 -
Early Human Development Feb 2020A biased sex ratio at birth in human populations has been associated with numerous economic, psychosocial, environmental and demographic factors, and has been declining... (Review)
Review
A biased sex ratio at birth in human populations has been associated with numerous economic, psychosocial, environmental and demographic factors, and has been declining in most developed countries. One of the most often invoked explanation for this decline has been the growing environmental and occupational exposure to man-made chemicals that affect the reproductive physiology, putatively leading to altered sex ratios at birth. In this paper the current state of knowledge on the association between toxins and sex ratio at birth is presented and critically assessed. The evidence for the effect of toxins on sex ratio at birth is conflicting, with paternal exposure showing more promising results than maternal exposure. The obstacles in establishing more direct relation between toxins and sex ratio at birth involve different hormonal responses of mothers and fathers under the influence of toxins, the specific metabolic action of toxins, and the constraints of observational studies.
Topics: Endocrine Disruptors; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Occupational Exposure; Pesticides; Sex Ratio
PubMed: 31506206
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.104873 -
Archives of Environmental &... 2022The study aim was to determine whether styrene exposure was associated with respiratory outcomes in a dose-response manner in the fibreglass reinforcement industry....
The study aim was to determine whether styrene exposure was associated with respiratory outcomes in a dose-response manner in the fibreglass reinforcement industry. Workers (=254) from a fibreglass reinforcement factory were subjected to a standardised interview, spirometry and styrene monitoring. Cumulative exposure was calculated across different jobs and levels of exposure. Logistic regression modelling estimated risk for symptoms, respiratory diseases and lung function change across exposure tertiles. The geometric means of styrene in the General Laminating and Fitting Departments were 48.2 mg/m (95% CI 36.3-64.1 mg/m) and 20.7 mg/m (95% CI: 15.6-27.5 mg/m), respectively. The cumulative exposure odds ratios for chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing and breathlessness for high exposure was 3.1 (95% CI 1.1-8.6), 5.3 (95% CI 1.7-16.6), 3.3 (95% CI 1.2-9.1) and 5.5 (95% CI 1.15-26.4), respectively. The cumulative exposure associated reduction in FEV/FVC ratio, percent predicted FEV and FVC was 0.01, 0.04% and 0.05%, respectively. Styrene exposure increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and is associated with reduced lung function.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Plastics; Respiratory Function Tests; Styrene
PubMed: 34545769
DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1972279 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Sep 2019Population-based studies increasingly link task-based occupational questionnaire responses collected from subjects to exposure estimates via transparent, programmable... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Population-based studies increasingly link task-based occupational questionnaire responses collected from subjects to exposure estimates via transparent, programmable decision rules. We reviewed recent applications and methodological developments of rule-based approaches.
RECENT FINDINGS
Agent-specific decision rules require interviews incorporating work-task-based questions. Some studies have developed rules before the interviews took place, while others developed rules after the interviews were completed. Agreement between rule-based estimates and exposures assigned using job-by-job expert review were generally moderate to good (Kappa = 0.4-0.8). Rules providing quantitative intensity levels using measurement data or that integrate multiple independent exposure sources for the same job represent further advances to improve the characterization of occupational exposures in population studies. Decision rules have provided transparent and reproducible assessments, reduce job-by-job review, and facilitate sensitivity analyses in epidemiologic studies. Future studies should consider the development of decision rules concurrent with the questionnaire design to facilitate occupational exposure assessment efforts.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Case-Control Studies; Decision Making; Environmental Monitoring; Epidemiologic Studies; Humans; Models, Statistical; Occupational Exposure; Research Design; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vehicle Emissions
PubMed: 31297745
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00240-w -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2021Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particles smaller than 100 nanometers that are produced unintentionally during human activities or natural phenomena. They have a higher...
Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particles smaller than 100 nanometers that are produced unintentionally during human activities or natural phenomena. They have a higher biological reactivity than bigger particles and can reach the placenta after maternal exposure. One study has shown an association between maternal occupational exposure to UFPs and fetal growth restriction. Yet few studies have focused on the effects of UFP exposure on placental histopathological lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal occupational exposure to UFPs and histopathological lesions of their placenta. The analyses were based on data from the ARTEMIS Center. A job-exposure matrix was used to assess occupational exposure to UFPs. The histopathological placental exam was performed by two pathologists who were blinded to the exposure of each subject. The examination was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Amsterdam consensus. The study sample included 130 placentas (30 exposed, 100 unexposed). Maternal occupational exposure to UFPs during pregnancy is significantly associated with placental hypoplasia (the phenomenon affected 61% of the exposed patients and 34% of the unexposed ones, < 0.01). Further research is needed to explain its pathophysiological mechanisms.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Female; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Particle Size; Particulate Matter; Placenta; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34886445
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312719 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Intensive pesticide use increased concern about the potential acute and chronic health effects of pesticides in general and among applicators in particular. This study...
Intensive pesticide use increased concern about the potential acute and chronic health effects of pesticides in general and among applicators in particular. This study aims to explore occupational and environmental pesticide exposure and health risks among pesticide applicators and residents. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,073 individuals. We examined the health effects potentially attributable to pesticide exposure using regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR). A higher proportion of good knowledge of pesticides [75 vs. 14%; APR = 1.542 (1.358-1.752), < 0.001] and a higher mean score of perceived health risk of pesticide use [4.21 vs. 3.90; APR = 1.079 (1.004-1.159), < 0.05] were observed among applicators than residents. A significantly higher proportion of applicators experienced health effects presumably related to pesticide exposure among themselves (36%) than residents (16%), and a higher proportion of them used prescribed drugs in the past 12 months [51 vs. 32%; APR = 1.140 (1.003-1.295), < 0.05]. Skin irritation, shortness of breath, cough, and dizziness were more likely reported by applicators than residents. Perceived toxicity of currently applied pesticide products, mix pesticides without gloves, regularly maintain and wash sprayer tank after application, occurrence of an incidental splash during mixing and application, and using home-based care after experiencing a symptom presumably due to pesticide exposure were significantly associated with health effects among applicators. Use of face mask and visiting health facility when experiencing a symptom presumably due to pesticide exposure were significantly positively correlated with attending training on the health risks and use of pesticides. A substantial proportion of applicators reported improper use of preventive measures and methods of pesticide waste disposal. These observations point out that applicators can face high health risks of occupational pesticide exposure in Ethiopia. Even trained applicators pursued poor preventive practices; hence, comprehensive practice-oriented in-depth training focusing on safety precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment, and provision of adequate pesticide waste disposal means are crucial interventions.
Topics: Humans; Pesticides; Cross-Sectional Studies; Agriculture; Ethiopia; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 36530710
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1017189 -
Journal of Occupational and... May 2022To study occupational exposure totrichloramine and endotoxins in air at adventure and rehabilitation swimming pool facilities from an adverse health effects perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To study occupational exposure totrichloramine and endotoxins in air at adventure and rehabilitation swimming pool facilities from an adverse health effects perspective.
METHODS
Air concentrations of trichloramine and endotoxins were measured in five adventure and 10 rehabilitation facilities. Respiratory and ocular symptoms were self-reported, and spirometry and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FEno) were measured.
RESULTS
Compared to rehabilitation facilities, the mean trichloramine concentrations in the adventure facilities were higher, both personal (80 μg/m3 (n = 41) vs 19 μg/m3 (n = 21)) and stationary (183 μg/m3 (n = 51) vs 23 μg/m3 (n = 32)), with higher frequency of ocular and respiratory symptoms. Low stationary endotoxin levels (<0.64 to 25 EU/m3) were found, compared to the reference value (90 EU/m3).
CONCLUSIONS
Higher trichloramine concentrations in air and more ocular and respiratory symptoms in adventure facilities call for adequate occupational exposure limits.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Chlorides; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Endotoxins; Humans; Nitrogen Compounds; Occupational Exposure; Swimming Pools
PubMed: 35019895
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002483 -
Toxins Aug 2020In occupational settings where exposure to organic dust occurs (e.g., intensive animal production, waste management, farming and many others) workers can also be exposed... (Review)
Review
In occupational settings where exposure to organic dust occurs (e.g., intensive animal production, waste management, farming and many others) workers can also be exposed to mycotoxins. However, recognizing exposure to mycotoxins in workplace environments does not happen commonly and, consequently, remains as a not identified occupational risk factor. In the last decade, work developed in different occupational settings, using different sampling approaches reported that occupational exposure to mycotoxins occurs and it's of upmost importance to be seen as an occupational concern that needs to be tackled. This paper intends to discuss the several possibilities available for assessing and characterizing the occupational exposure to mycotoxins through the description of the advantages and limitations of the different sampling strategies. Overviewing the approaches and the main achievements used in several field campaigns developed in Portugal, the knowledge obtained will be used to support the identification of the main aspects to consider when designing new occupational studies. The need for additional research work will also be discussed where new directions to follow will be debated.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Mycotoxins; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Portugal; Risk Factors; Risk Management
PubMed: 32796626
DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080513 -
Semergen Mar 2021
Topics: Accidents, Occupational; COVID-19; Health Personnel; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Spain
PubMed: 33757626
DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2021.03.001