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International Journal of Occupational... Mar 2022. This article focuses on detailed studies regarding the analysis of occupational risk factors on health and occupational disease, namely, the influence of noise,...
. This article focuses on detailed studies regarding the analysis of occupational risk factors on health and occupational disease, namely, the influence of noise, hand-arm vibration, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index and exposure to particulates. . This study measured the equivalent acoustic level (), daily vibration exposure ((8)), WBGT index and particulate concentration in the respirable area of the worker. The inferential analysis consisted of the application of specific statistical methods: a probability plot with 95% confidence interval, the Anderson-Darling statistic and 87th percentile estimation. A sample of 107 chainsaw operators was medically evaluated, out of which 30 workers were suspected of having professional pathologies and were hospitalized in the university clinic. The measurements highlight: exceeding the legal limit for noise exposure; 13% of cases exceeding the limit of 2.5 m/s for hand-arm vibration; dust exposure generally within legal limits; WBGT shows the thermal stress of the workers. Following the medical evaluation, osteomusculoskeletal disorders (25.23%), Raynaud's syndrome (0.93%) and bilateral hearing loss (3.74%) were identified. . Analysis of the levels of exposure to the risk factors, the typology and the incidence of occupational diseases requires the need to adopt new preventive measures.
Topics: Forestry; Humans; Incidence; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Occupations; Risk Factors; Vibration
PubMed: 32126935
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1703336 -
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 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021This study aimed to identify sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers of early cyto-genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory effects for exposure to volatile organic compounds...
This study aimed to identify sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers of early cyto-genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory effects for exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in shipyard painters. On 17 (11 spray and 6 roller) painters (previously characterized for VOCs exposure to toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, ethyl acetate) and on 18 controls, we performed buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay; Fpg-comet assay on lymphocytes; detection of urinary 8-oxoGua (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine), 8-oxodGuo (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine) and 8-oxoGuo (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine), and cytokines release on serum. We found induction of cyto-genotoxicity by BMCyt assay and inflammatory effects (IL-6 and TNFα) in roller painters exposed to lower VOC concentrations than spray painters. In contrast, in both worker groups, we found direct and oxidative DNA damage by comet assay (with slightly higher oxidative DNA damage in roller) and significant increase of 8-oxoGuo and decrease of 8-oxodGuo and 8-oxoGua in respect to controls. The cyto-genotoxicity observed only on buccal cells of roller painters could be related to the task's specificity and the different used protective equipment. Although limited by the small number of subjects, the study shows the usefulness of all the used biomarkers in the risk assessment of painters workers exposed to complex mixtures.
Topics: Biomarkers; Comet Assay; DNA Damage; Humans; Mouth Mucosa; Occupational Exposure; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 33925554
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094645 -
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 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2019The exposure for workers handling and recycling offshore drilling waste are previously not described, and given the potential for exposure to hazardous components, there...
The exposure for workers handling and recycling offshore drilling waste are previously not described, and given the potential for exposure to hazardous components, there is a need for characterizing this occupational exposure. In this study five plants recycling offshore drilling waste with different techniques were included. Measurements were conducted in both winter and summer to include seasonal exposure variations. Altogether >200 personal air-exposure measurements for oil mist, oil vapor, volatile organic compounds (VOC), hydrogen sulfide (HS) and solvents were carried out respectively. Microorganisms related to drilling waste were identified in bulk samples and in stationary air measurements from two of the plants. The exposure to oil mist and oil vapor were below 10% of the current Norwegian occupational exposure limits (OEL) for all measured components. The plants using the Resoil or TCC method had a statistically significant higher exposure to oil vapor than the plant using complete combustion (p-value <0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the different treatment methods for oil mist. The exposure to solvents was generally low (additive factor < 0.03). Endotoxin measurements done during winter showed a median concentration of 5.4 endotoxin units (EU)/m. Levels of HS above the odor threshold of 0.1 ppm were measured at four plants. Both drill mud and slop water contained a high number and diversity of bacteria (2-4 × 10 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL), where a large fraction was Gram-negative species. Some of the identified microorganisms are classified as potentially infectious pathogens for humans and thus might be a hazard to workers.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Biodiversity; Endotoxins; Environmental Monitoring; Extraction and Processing Industry; Humans; Norway; Occupational Exposure; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 31121403
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.131 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022
Editorial: Environmental or occupational exposure to optical radiation: Risk evaluation, health effects and prevention - tangible innovation for public and occupational health?
Topics: Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35923973
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.969245 -
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 -
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 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jan 2021Risk assessment is an important tool in predicting the possible risk to health. It heightens awareness by estimating the probability of adverse health effects in humans...
Risk assessment is an important tool in predicting the possible risk to health. It heightens awareness by estimating the probability of adverse health effects in humans who are exposed to chemicals in the course of their work. Therefore, the present work aims to determine the occupational exposure of operating room staff to the volatile anesthetic gases, isoflurane and sevoflurane, and estimates non-cancer risk using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method. Air samples from the breathing zone of staff members were collected using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Method 103 and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The results indicate that the measured concentrations of isoflurane and sevoflurane are below the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health standard (2 ppm) for technicians and nurses, but not for anesthesiologists and surgeons. Moreover, the estimated non-cancer risk due to isoflurane is above the acceptable value for anesthesiologists (but acceptable for other occupational categories). A sensitivity analysis indicates that exposure time has the most effect on calculated risk (53.4%). Occupational exposure to anesthetic gases may endanger the health of operating room personnel. Therefore, control measures, such as daily testing of anesthetic devices, ensuring the effectiveness of ventilation systems, advanced scavenging methods, and regular training of staff are highly recommended.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Humans; Isoflurane; Occupational Exposure; Operating Rooms; Risk Assessment; Sevoflurane; United States
PubMed: 32949927
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111270 -
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