Occupational exposure assessment

According to the best of our knowledge, there are no critical studies to date about associations between the work environment and prevalence of respiratory diseases and their symptoms among urban informal vendors in South Africa. This study followed a risk assessment methodology to assess the risks associated with the occurrence of respiratory health problems among 617 indoor and outdoor market vendors in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. A walkthrough survey using a checklist was conducted in 16 Markets for identification of respiratory risk factors and description of sanitary conditions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted amongst informal food vendors using a previously validated questionnaire to collect information on demographics and occupational and respiratory health. In addition, a single day area air pollution monitoring of PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2 , CO, and CO 2 was conducted in two stalls (indoor and outdoor). The Chi-squared test of association and frequency distribution were used to analyse data. Female vendors aged between 30 to 39 years dominated the trade. The results revealed that a majority of the vendors' work shifts are longer than the recommended eight hours per day (73%), six to seven days per week (90%), and most of them have been working for six to ten years (41%). Poor sanitary conditions were observed in 75% of the markets. The concentrations of air pollutants at the outdoor markets were much greater than those in the indoor markets. All air pollution concentrations were below the recommended national and international standards. The risk of outdoor vendors developing any symptoms were extremely greater than those of indoor vendors, especially cooking vendors. Upper respiratory symptoms were the highest amongst the vendors. The results demonstrated a significant association between work-related risk factors, such as type of work location, duration, type of cooking fuel or heat, vendor training, frequency of hand hygiene practice, and using of a mask, and the upper respiratory symptoms. Based on the findings, there is a need for formalization of the trade, improvement in infrastructure, respiratory health care assessments, and sustainable educational programs.

The South African mining industry is one of the largest producers of platinum (Pt) in the world. Workers in this industry are exposed to significant amounts of dust, and this dust consists of particles sizes that can penetrate deep inside the respiratory region. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate dust exposure risk at two Pt mine waste rock crusher plants (Facility A and B) in Limpopo, South Africa. Workers’ demographic and occupational information was collected through a structured questionnaire, a walk-through observation on facilities’ processes, and static dust sampling for the collection of inhalable and respirable dust particles using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOH) 7602 and the Methods for Determination of Hazardous Substance (MDHS) 14/4 as guidelines. Only 79% of Pt mine workers, used their respiratory protective equipment (RPE), sixty-five percent were exposed to work shifts exceeding the recommended eight hours and 8.8% had b...

OBJECTIVES -The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to styrene is associated with an increased risk for neopl asms of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues. METHODS -A historical cohort study was conducted in Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It involved 40 688 workers ever employed in the reinforced plastics industry, where high exposure to styrene occurs. Exposure to styrene was reconstructed through job histories and environmental and biological monitoring data. Cause-specific national death rates were used as the reference. Poisson regression was applied for internal comparisons. RESULTS -Among the exposed workers, no excess was observed for mortality from all neoplasms. Mortality from neoplasms of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues increased with time since first exposure and average level of exposure to styrene, but was not consistently associated with duration of exposure or with cumulative exposure. CONCLUSIONS-These findings leave open the possibility of an excess risk of neoplasms of the lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues among workers exposed to styrene. K EY TERMS -leukemia, lymphoma, neoplasms. Styrene is a widely used chemical in the pl ast ics and rubber indus try. In the late 1980s, the wo rld annual producti on was almost 10 million metric ton s CI) and it wa s es timated that about 270 000 workers we re ex posed to high levels of sty re ne . In epidemiol ogic studies, an increase in risk for leukemia or mal ignant ly m phoma ha s been suggested among workers in the

To investigate the carcinogenicity of styrene by reanalysing data from a previous international cohort study of workers in the reinforced plastics industry. Mortality from cancers of prior interest was analysed with more detailed consideration of exposure-response relations and an updated classification of leukaemias and lymphomas in data from a previous international cohort study of 37 021 reinforced plastics workers exposed to airborne styrene. Increased mortality from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was associated with the mean level of exposure to styrene in air (relative risk (RR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.12 per 100 ppm), but not with cumulative styrene exposure. Similar associations with mean exposure were observed for the oesophagus (RR 2.44, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.36 per 100 ppm) and pancreas (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.09). Oesophageal cancer mortality was also associated with cumulative styrene exposure lagged 20 years (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31). No other cancer, including lun...

Conclusions These is the preliminary results of RUCAN Study, first Brazilian cohort of rural workers. After with the complete sampling and the follow up, we hope to identify the health endpoints due pesticides exposure, as well each pesticides effects in the health endpoints.

Conclusions These is the preliminary results of RUCAN Study, first Brazilian cohort of rural workers. After with the complete sampling and the follow up, we hope to identify the health endpoints due pesticides exposure, as well each pesticides effects in the health endpoints.

BackgroundConsumption of alcohol and tobacco strongly increases risk of cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus, and are established risk factors also for cancer of the liver, colon, and rectum. It is well documented that these habits are unequally distributed among occupational groups. Most occupational cohort studies do not have information on these potentially important confounders, and may therefore be prone to bias.AimThe aim of the study was to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) adjusted for alcohol and tobacco by occupation, and to compare to the unadjusted SIRs.Material and methodsThe study is based on the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) database.We used confirmatory factor analysis models where the unobserved pattern of alcohol and tobacco consumption were considered a latent common factor, and the potential occupational variation on each cancer type latent site specific factors. Results were used to compute adjusted expected numbers of c...

For decades, occupational exposure to flour dust has been linked to a range of respiratory diseases, including occupational asthma, thought to result from exposure to fungi present in the flour. Antifungal resistance is of increasing prevalence in clinical settings, and the role of occupational and environmental exposures, particularly for specific fungal species, is of concern. Occupational exposure to flour dust can occur in a range of occupational settings, however, few studies have focused on restaurant workers. The objective of this study was to measure occupational exposure to flour and microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, in two small commercial bakeries and in a pizzeria. Personal full shift inhalable dust measurements were collected from workers, and were analyzed for inhalable dust and fungi, bacteria, azole resistance, and mycotoxins. Samples of settled dust were collected, and electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) were deployed and analyzed for microb...

Co-exposure to cadmium, cobalt, lead and other heavy metals occurs in many occupational settings, such as pigment and batteries production, galvanization and recycling of electric tools. However, little is known about interactions between several heavy metals. In the present study we determined DNA single strand break (DNA-SSB) induction and repair capacity for 8-oxoguanine in mononuclear blood cells of 78 individuals co-exposed to cadmium (range of concentrations in air: 0.05-138.00 µg/m 3), cobalt (range: 0-10 µg/m 3) and lead (range: 0-125 µg/m 3). Exposure to heavy metals was determined in air, blood and urine. Non-parametric correlation analysis showed a correlation between cadmium concentrations in air with DNA-SSB (P ⍧ 0.001, R ⍧ 0.371). Surprisingly, cobalt air concentrations correlated even better (P < 0.001, R ⍧ 0.401), whereas lead did not correlate with DNA-SSB. Logistic regression analysis including 11 possible parameters of influence resulted in a model showing that cobalt in air, cadmium in air, cadmium in blood and lead in blood influence the level of DNA-SSB. The positive result with cobalt was surprising, since exposure levels were much lower compared with the TRK-value of 100 µg/m 3. To examine, whether the positive result with cobalt is stable, we applied several logistic regression models with two blocks, where all factors except cobalt were considered preferentially. All strategies resulted in the model described above. Logistic regression analysis considering also all possible interactions between the relevant parameters of influence finally resulted in the following model: Odds ratio ⍧ 1.286 Co in air ⍥ 1.040 Cd in air ⍥ 3.111 Cd in blood ⍥ 0.861 Pb in air ⍥ 1.023 Co in air ⍥ Pb in air. This model correctly predicts an increased level of DNA-SSB in 91% of the subjects in our study. One conclusion from this model is the existence of more than multiplicative effects for co-exposures of cadmium, cobalt and lead.

AUTHORS: Kirkham, T., Demers, P. A., White, P. A., Stieb, D., Jardine, K., Lieu, T., Tyli, R., Arrandale, V., AUSTIN CC., Caban-Martinez, A., Cherry, N., Chevrier, J., , R. (Doug), DeMarini, D., Fent, K., Glass, D., Labreche, F., McGrath, P., Navarro, K., & Sritharan, J.

Abstract:
Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of known and suspected carcinogens. Due to the growing concern around firefighting and cancer in Canada, Health Canada and the Occupational Cancer Research Centre co-sponsored a workshop on firefighter cancer research priorities. The workshop was held in Ottawa, Canada on December 8-9, 2022. Workshop participants exchanged information on the current state of knowledge regarding cancer and firefighting and discussed knowledge gaps and priorities for research on cancer and firefighting.

Brazil is one of the major producers of chrysotile worldwide, but few studies evaluated its effects on the health of Brazilians. Moreover, there are concerns of miscoding of mesothelioma cases. A joint project was started between the Federal University of Paranà (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil, and the Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy to evaluate effect of chrysotile exposure. The project, supported by CAPES, Brasilia, include two main areas of research. The first is a cohort mortality study among asbestos-cement workers. From the Ministerio Publlico do Trabalho, Curitiba, we recently received lists of about 10 000 workers employed since the beginning of production (1974, 1974, and 1993) in three asbestos-cement factories in Curitiba and its Metropolitan Region. Data editing and evaluation of sources of information to perform the mortality follow-up are in progress. The second area involves the implementation of a registry of malignant mesothelioma ca...

IntroductionFirefighters are exposed to variety of stressors. Job related factors and shift-work system are the main stressors among Iranian firefighters. It seems necessary to study these related factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to find out what dimensions of job stress are associated with 24-hour shift-work schedule of firefighters.Materials and MethodsAfter studying the validity and reliability of Persian version of NIOSH Generic Job Stress Questionnaire, 228 firefighters completed it, together with the validated version of the Survey of Shift-worker (SOS) questionnaire. The Spearman, Chi 2, Mann-Whitney and ANOVA statistical analysis were conducted through SPSS 18.ResultsResults showed that some undesirable effects of Shiftwork in more than 60% of firefighters are medium to high. There was a significant relationship between variables of shiftwork (sleep disorders, the undesirable effects of shiftwork) and the variables of job stress (ambiguity in job future, workload,...

cancer, the most well-established risk factors are age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity [3]. Other factors of diet, obesity, smoking, sexual behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, genetic mutations, hormone levels, and occupation have shown mixed evidence [3-5]. There are currently no established occupational risk factors for prostate cancer; however, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded there is limited

Background: Silica and asbestos are recognized lung carcinogens. However, their role in carcinogenesis at other organs is less clear. Clearance of inhaled silica particles and asbestos fibers from the lungs may lead to translocation to sites such as the bladder where they may initiate carcinogenesis. We used data from a Canadian populationbased case-control study to evaluate the associations between these workplace exposures and bladder cancer. Methods: Data from a population-based case-control study were used to characterize associations between workplace exposure to silica and asbestos and bladder cancer among men. Bladder cancer cases (N = 658) and age-frequency matched controls (N = 1360) were recruited within the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System from eight Canadian provinces (1994-97). Exposure concentration, frequency and reliability for silica and asbestos were assigned to each job, based on lifetime occupational histories, using a combination of job-exposure profiles and expert review. Exposure was modeled as ever/never, highest attained concentration, duration (years), highest attained frequency (% worktime) and cumulative exposure. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using adjusted logistic regression. Results: A modest (approximately 20%) increase in bladder cancer risk was found for ever having been exposed to silica, highest attained concentration and frequency of exposure but this increase was not statistically significant. Relative to unexposed, the odds of bladder cancer were 1.41 (95%CI: 1.01-1.98) times higher among men exposed to silica at work for ≥27 years. For asbestos, relative to unexposed, an increased risk of bladder cancer was observed for those first exposed ≥20 years ago (OR:2.04, 95%CI:1.25-3.34), those with a frequency of exposure of 5-30% of worktime (OR:1.45, 95%CI:1.06-1.98), and for those with < 10 years of exposure at low concentrations (OR:1.75, 95%CI:1.10-2.77) and the lower tertile of cumulative exposure (OR:1.69, 95%CI:1.07-2.65). However, no clear exposure-response relationships emerged. Conclusions: Our results indicate a slight increase in risk of bladder cancer with exposure to silica and asbestos, suggesting that the effects of these agents are broader than currently recognized. The findings from this study inform evidence-based action to enhance cancer prevention efforts, particularly for workers in industries with regular exposure.

Objectives: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate potential associations between firefighting and police occupations, and prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Methods: Original epidemiological studies published from 1980 to 2017 were identified through PubMed and Web of Science. Studies were included if they contained specific job titles for ever/never firefighting and police work and associated prostate cancer risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Study quality was assessed using a 20-point checklist. Prostate cancer meta-risk estimates (mRE) and corresponding 95% CIs were calculated for firefighting and police work separately and by various study characteristics using random effects models. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using the I 2 score. Publication bias was assessed using Begg's and Egger's tests. Results: A total of 26 firefighter and 12 police studies were included in the meta-analysis, with quality assessment scores ranging from 7 to 19 points. For firefighter studies, the prostate cancer incidence mRE was 1.17 (95% CI = 1.08-1. 28, I 2 = 72%) and the mortality mRE was 1.12 (95% CI = 0.92-1.36, I 2 = 50%). The mRE for police incidence studies was 1. 14 (95% CI = 1.02-1.28; I 2 = 33%); for mortality studies, the mRE was 1.08 (95% CI = 0.80-1.45; I 2 = 0%). By study design, mREs for both firefighter and police studies were similar to estimates of incidence and mortality. Conclusion: Small excess risks of prostate cancer were observed from firefighter studies with moderate to substantial heterogeneity and a relatively small number of police studies, respectively. There is a need for further studies to examine police occupations and to assess unique and shared exposures in firefighting and police work.

RF or IF EMF and glioma or meningioma risk, and the majority of odds ratios (ORs) were <1.0. Some elevated ORs were observed in the highest exposure quantile (90 th) for both RF electric fields and IF magnetic fields in the 1-4 year exposure time window for glioma, but were not statistically significant. Conclusions Lifetime occupational RF and IF exposures based on our index were not associated with the risk of glioma or meningioma. Further work should include more exposed participants and examine alternative exposure or dose indices such as those incorporating thresholds on biological effects or combinations of static and RF magnetic fields.

Background Silica and asbestos are recognized lung carcinogens. However, their role in carcinogenesis at other organs is less clear. Clearance of inhaled silica particles and asbestos fibers from the lungs may lead to translocation to sites such as the bladder where they may initiate carcinogenesis. We used data from a Canadian population-based case-control study to evaluate the associations between these workplace exposures and bladder cancer. Methods Data from a population-based case-control study were used to characterize associations between workplace exposure to silica and asbestos and bladder cancer among men. Bladder cancer cases (N = 658) and age-frequency matched controls (N = 1360) were recruited within the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System from eight Canadian provinces (1994–97). Exposure concentration, frequency and reliability for silica and asbestos were assigned to each job, based on lifetime occupational histories, using a combination of job-exposure profi...

As there are no well-established modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer, further evidence is needed on possible factors such as occupation. Our study uses one of the largest Canadian worker cohorts to examine occupation, industry, and prostate cancer and to assess patterns of prostate cancer rates. The Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (CanCHEC) was established by linking the 1991 Canadian Census Cohort to the Canadian Cancer Database (1969-2010), Canadian Mortality Database (1991-2011), and Tax Summary Files (1981-2011). A total of 37,695 prostate cancer cases were identified in men aged 25-74 based on age at diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazards ratios and 95% confidence intervals. In men aged 25-74 years, elevated risks were observed in the following occupations: senior management (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20); office and administration (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27); finance services (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.14); education (...

When a study population is relatively healthy, such as an occupational population, epidemiological studies are likely to underestimate risk. We used a case study on the cancer risk of workers with exposure to acid mists, a well-documented carcinogen, to demonstrate that using proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) is more appropriate than mortality ratios in assessing risk in terms of mortality. The study included 10,229 employees of a telecommunication company who worked in buildings with battery rooms. In these buildings, the battery rooms had the highest levels of sulfuric acid in the air (geometric mean = 10.7 μg/m3). With the general population in Taiwan as a reference, a decreased standardized mortality ratio (0.42, p &lt; 0.01) from all causes combined, between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1996, was observed, indicating a healthy worker effect. When we reanalyzed the data using standardized PMR, elevated risks were observed for all cancers combined (1.46, p = 0.01) and cancer...

In this study, 129 exposure situations (ESs) with six or more measured inhalation exposures to dust from solids or vapour from liquids in occupational settings were compared with modelled European Centre of Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) targeted risk assessment tool, version 3 (TRAv3) estimates. The measurement data were extracted from previously published studies examining TRAv3 performance and pooled into a curated database. The comparison exercise focussed on the vapour exposure scenarios, as there were too few dust scenarios for a meaningful analysis of any required model corrections. A group of experts in the exposure modelling field retrieved and reviewed the input parameters used in these ESs. Where considered appropriate, modifications were applied to better match the input parameter definitions and the scope of applicability of the TRAv3. Differences and mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated between the log-transformed modelled exposure value and the 75th percentile of each measured data set and regression analysis was performed. The results indicated that the TRAv3 overestimated 80% of the measured data sets. Both over-and underestimations were mostly by factors 1-5. The calculated MAE for liquids was 0.7, indicating that on average the difference between the 75th percentile and the TRAv3 estimate was less than one order of magnitude. A multiple linear regression showed that some input parameters such as medium volatility, certain process categories (PROC), industrial setting, and the presence of local exhaust ventilation are associated with underestimations. The results of the regression analysis can be used by TRAv3 users to review the degree of over-or underestimation in their current exposure assessments, compared to the curated database. Although multiple linear regression is an appropriate methodology to characterize the TRAv3's performance, more data sets are still needed in view of some remaining data gaps. Nevertheless, the results of the current analysis are being used by ECETOC to further develop the tool as a suitably conservative screening tool for use in REACH chemical safety assessment of occupational exposure to chemicals.

Mortality and incidence studies have suggested that agricultural workers may be at an increased risk for some cancers including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We used a death certificatebased case-control study design to investigate whether farmers in Taiwan had an increased risk of dying from NHL (ICD-9 codes 200 and 202). Data on all deaths of Taiwan residents were obtained from the Taiwan Death Certification Registry. Cases were deaths from NHL that occurred between 1997 and 2009 who were at least 50 years of age at death. Controls were deaths from all causes other than cancers. From each death certificate we extracted information on sex, marital status, year of birth, year of death, cause of death, county of residence, and usual occupation. The mortality odds ratio (MOR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using logistic regression models. From 1997 to 2009, a total of 32 456 deceased farmers were identified. Of these 32 456 decedents, 205 deaths were coded as NHL. Farmers were at a slightly but statistically nonsignificant excess risk of NHL (aMOR=1.11, 95% CI=0.96-1.29) compared to nonfarmers. The MOR for NHL among farmers was higher among those who died at ages 65 or older (aMOR=1.25, 95% CI=1.06-1.48) than those who died at younger ages (aMOR=0.81, 95% CI=0.60-1.10). Further investigation of NHL among farmers is warranted.

Background The risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) to healthcare workers (HCWs) is well known. Under current European Union (EU) legislation, all employers have to perform a risk assessment to identify workers exposed to HBV and offer them vaccination. Immunisation should be done as early as possible after the start of their career to avoid HBV infection and the development of a carrier status. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey of representatives from the Occupational Medicine section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), to find out how policies have been put into practice in the European countries. Results Answers were received from 21 countries, representing 78% of the population in the EU-28. HBV vaccination was mandatory for medical and nursing staff in 10 countries, mandatory for other paramedical staff, medical and nursing students in nine countries, for paramedical students in eight countries. It was rec...

IntroductionIn 2010, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ‘Shiftwork that involves circadian disruption’ as a probable human carcinogen (group 2A), based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies and sufficient evidence from experimental animal studies. The epidemiological results were consistent for breast cancer. More recent publications suggested an increase in risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.Sleep deprivation is common in shift workers, and it leads to disruption of the transcription of genes implicated in the regulation of the immune response.ObjectivesAs depression of the immune system is a known risk factor for lymphomas, we explored the association between risk of lymphoma subtypes and nightshift work with a case-control study design.Materials and methodsBased on the lifetime occupational history available for 323 cases and 463 controls who participated in a case-control study on lymphoma eti...

This work characterizes levels of eighteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the breathing air zone of firefighters during their regular work shift at eight Portuguese fire stations, and the firefighters&#39; total internal dose by six urinary monohydroxyl metabolites (OH-PAHs). Total PAHs (ΣPAHs) concentrations varied widely (46.4-428ng/m(3)), mainly due to site specificity (urban/rural) and characteristics (age and layout) of buildings. Airborne PAHs with 2-3 rings were the most abundant (63.9-95.7% ΣPAHs). Similarly, urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyacenaphthene were the predominant metabolites (66-96% ΣOH-PAHs). Naphthalene contributed the most to carcinogenic ΣPAHs (39.4-78.1%) in majority of firehouses; benzo[a]pyrene, the marker of carcinogenic PAHs, accounted with 1.5-10%. Statistically positive significant correlations (r≥0.733, p≤0.025) were observed between ΣPAHs and urinary ΣOH-PAHs for firefighters of four fire stations suggesting that, at these sites,...

Objectives To evaluate the mortality experience among all workers (n = 3199) employed at a phosphate fertiliser plant in central Florida beginning 1953 and followed through 2005. Method All-cause, all-cancers, and cause-specific standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated with the U. S. population as referent. Lung cancer and leukaemia risks were further evaluated using conditional logistic regression. Employment duration was used as an exposure surrogate for dose-response analyses. Results The mortality due to all causes combined (SMR=1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-1.13, observed deaths n = 1124), lung cancer (SMR=1.25, 95% CI=1.04-1.49, n = 122), leukaemia (SMR=1.76, 95% CI=1.02-2.81, n = 17), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (SMR=1.45, 95% CI=1.09-1.89, n = 54) were significantly elevated. All-cancer mortality was elevated (SMR=1.09, 95% CI=0.97-1.22, n = 303) but not statistically significant for the cohort. Doseresponse modelling with adjustments for gender and race did not show statistically significant associations between employment duration (in years) and lung cancer (Odds Ratio (OR) =0.99, 95% CI=0.97-1.02) or leukaemia (OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.96-1.06) mortality. Conclusions Findings are suggestive of increased lung cancer and leukaemia mortality from exposures encountered in the phosphate fertiliser industry. Increased employment duration, however, did not have significant associations with increased lung cancer or leukaemia mortality.

Solvents are used in many workplaces and may be airway irritants but few studies have examined their association with asthma. We studied this question in CONSTANCES (cohort of ‘CONSulTANts des Centres d’Examens de Santé’), a large French cohort. Current asthma and asthma symptom scores were defined by participant-reported respiratory symptoms, asthma medication or attacks, and the sum of 5 symptoms, in the past 12 months, respectively. Lifetime exposures to 5 organic solvents, paints and inks were assessed by questionnaire and a population-based Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM). Cross-sectional associations between exposures and outcomes were evaluated by gender using logistic and negative binomial regressions adjusted for age, smoking habits and body mass index. Analyses included 115,757 adults (54% women, mean age 47 years, 9% current asthma). Self-reported exposure to ≥1 solvent was significantly associated with current asthma in men and women, whereas using the JEM, a significant assoc...

SS drafted the manuscript and conducted all statistical analysis. RC extracted the data. LF directed the study and is responsible for its overall design. AR, TD, DG, GB and SP were involved in the design of this study. All authors contributed to the development and revision of the manuscript.

Co-exposure to cadmium, cobalt, lead and other heavy metals occurs in many occupational settings, such as pigment and batteries production, galvanization and recycling of electric tools. However, little is known about interactions between several heavy metals. In the present study we determined DNA single strand break (DNA-SSB) induction and repair capacity for 8-oxoguanine in mononuclear blood cells of 78 individuals co-exposed to cadmium (range of concentrations in air: 0.05-138.00 µg/m 3), cobalt (range: 0-10 µg/m 3) and lead (range: 0-125 µg/m 3). Exposure to heavy metals was determined in air, blood and urine. Non-parametric correlation analysis showed a correlation between cadmium concentrations in air with DNA-SSB (P ⍧ 0.001, R ⍧ 0.371). Surprisingly, cobalt air concentrations correlated even better (P < 0.001, R ⍧ 0.401), whereas lead did not correlate with DNA-SSB. Logistic regression analysis including 11 possible parameters of influence resulted in a model showing that cobalt in air, cadmium in air, cadmium in blood and lead in blood influence the level of DNA-SSB. The positive result with cobalt was surprising, since exposure levels were much lower compared with the TRK-value of 100 µg/m 3. To examine, whether the positive result with cobalt is stable, we applied several logistic regression models with two blocks, where all factors except cobalt were considered preferentially. All strategies resulted in the model described above. Logistic regression analysis considering also all possible interactions between the relevant parameters of influence finally resulted in the following model: Odds ratio ⍧ 1.286 Co in air ⍥ 1.040 Cd in air ⍥ 3.111 Cd in blood ⍥ 0.861 Pb in air ⍥ 1.023 Co in air ⍥ Pb in air. This model correctly predicts an increased level of DNA-SSB in 91% of the subjects in our study. One conclusion from this model is the existence of more than multiplicative effects for co-exposures of cadmium, cobalt and lead.

Within the framework of Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of CHemicals (REACH), occupational exposure models are often used to predict the levels of exposure at a workplace. Poor inter-assessor agreement with their use poses a concern that may lead to different and dangerous risk conclusions. TREXMO (v1, 2016), a web tool providing parameter translations between six exposure models under REACH, is expected to improve the inter-assessor agreement. In this study, 18 assessors performed exposure assessment for six exposure situations within and outside the framework of this translation tool. In more than half of the evaluated cases, the results showed better agreement between assessors selecting the exposure parameters within the framework of TREXMO than when manually coding. The most affected were the parameters related to activity (such as “handling types” of Stoffenmanager) and exposure control (such as local controls). Furthermore, the agreement between the e...

Inhalation exposure to cadmium at the workplace has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and non-cancer respiratory effects. To ensure levels of cadmium remain below effect levels, air quality is monitored and regulations specifying an air limit value are implemented. The EU Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive of 2019 recommended values for the inhalable fraction and the respirable fraction but the latter only for a transitional period. Cadmium exposure has also been associated with systemic effects, following its storage in the kidneys and due to its long half-life. The accumulation of cadmium occurs via different exposure routes and from different sources, including workplace dust and fumes, food, and smoking. Biomonitoring (in blood, urine) has been identified as the most appropriate method to follow up cumulative exposure and total cadmium body burden, as it conveniently reflects intakes by all routes. However, it is not systematically implemented. This paper has...

Purpose: To optimize the maintenance of radiation shields, this study aims to analyze annual inspection files to assess the integrity of radiation shields and their associated factors with regard to defects in radiation shields in clinical settings. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The data from annual inspection files of 1019 clinical lead radiation shields were analyzed. The factors of shield shape, unit where a shield is used, shield thickness, short-term use and number of users were examined. In addition to the inspection file analysis, radiation attenuation measurements were obtained for a subset of shields to compare newly purchased shields with older shields. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and a t-test. Results: The results show that the highest percentage of failing shields were found in the emergency unit, fluoroscopy unit and operation room with a failure of approximately 7.14%, 5.61%, and 3.98%, respectively, of these shields. Fluoroscopy and operation room units were statistically significantly associated with shield defects. There was no association between shield damage and shape of shield, shield thickness, short-term use or number of users. Radiation attenuation measurements were similar for new and older shields. Conclusion: As fluoroscopy units and operating rooms have a higher percentage of damaged shields, it is recommended that the shields employed in these units should be regularly inspected more frequently than once a year. The study highlights that the shields' age, transmission measurements that confirm that the correct shields are purchased according to the required kVp, physical appearance, and cleanliness should be recorded in annual inspection files. This study highlights the need for uniform inspection files of radiation shields across hospitals. National and international organizations may apply these findings to develop appropriate recommendations.

Rotating and permanent night shiftwork schedules typically result in acute and sometimes chronic sleep deprivation plus acute and sometimes chronic disruption of the circadian time structure. Immune system processes and functionalities are organized as circadian rhythms, and they are also strongly influenced by sleep status. Sleep is a vital behavioral state of living beings and a modulator of immune function and responsiveness. Shiftworkers show increased risk for developing viral infections due to possible compromise of both innate and acquired immunity responses. Short sleep and sleep loss, common consequences of shiftwork, are associated with altered integrity of the immune system. We discuss the possible excess risk for COVID-19 infection in the context of the common conditions among shiftworkers, including nurses, doctors, and first responders, among others of high exposure to the contagion, of sleep imbalance and circadian disruption.

Objectives We aimed to characterize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the breathing zone and on the skin of wildland firefighters and to assess their contribution to urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) over repeated firefighting rotations. We asked if improved skin hygiene or discretionary use of an N95 mask would reduce absorption. Methods In collaboration with wildfire services of two Canadian provinces, Alberta and British Columbia (BC), we recruited wildland firefighters from crews willing to be followed up over successive rotations and to be randomly assigned to normal practice, enhanced skin hygiene (ESH), or ESH plus discretionary use of an N95 mask. We collected spot urine samples at the beginning and end of up to four rotations/firefighter. On designated fire days, as close as possible to the end of rotation, we collected skin wipes from the hands, throat, and chest at the beginning and end of the fire day and, in BC, start of fire-day urine samples. Volunteers carried ...

Objectives There is limited knowledge of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wildland firefighters, or of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce this. This study of wildland firefighters assessed whether PAHs were present and considered respiratory protection and enhanced skin hygiene as possible interventions. Methods 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-HP) was measured in urine samples collected pre-shift, post-shift, and next morning from wildland firefighters in Alberta and British Columbia. Skin wipes, collected pre- and post-shift, were analysed for eight PAHs. Breathing zone air samples were analysed for 11 PAHs. As pilot interventions, participants were randomized to either normal or enhanced skin hygiene. A sample of volunteers was assigned to a disposable N95 mask or a half facepiece mask with P100 organic vapour cartridge. Participants completed a brief questionnaire on activities post-shift and respiratory symptoms. Results Non-smoking firefighters (66 male and 2...

Leather tanning is principally the chemical preservation of raw hide by a process takes place in which binding of various chemicals to proteins.Tannery workers have the potential for exposure to many hazardous chemicals, including chromium salts;they are under constant threat of chromium (Cr) toxicity. The present study aimed to study the ventilatory status of workers occupationally exposed to Cr in their working environmental and study the role of cytogenetic changes in the workers with abnormal ventilatory functions (obstructive airways). Forty tannery workers and 59 control subjects were recruited. Physical examinations and Spirometric measurements were performed at the workplaces for all the included subjects. Cytogenetic analysis was carried out with standard procedures on heparinized venous blood leukocytes. Results revealed that Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were significantly decreased in the exposed workers compared to their controls. Chromosomal aberrations were higher in exposed workers compared to their controls, but not to the level of significance. Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) was significantly higher in the exposed workers and in the workers suffering from obstructive airways compared to the controls. This group of workers is likely at high risk of developing respiratory distress and could be up to lung cancer. The workers are in a stage, in which removal from further exposure to Cr is mandatory before carcinogenicity became well established, otherwise, change the environmental conditions to decrease the exposure levels in addition to use the protective measures and devices.

Background Increased mortality from cancers and other diseases has been reported in USA, Canadian, and Nordic firefighters. However, UK firefighters are understudied. Aims To determine whether UK firefighters suffer increased mortality from cancers and other diseases when compared with the general population. Methods Mortality from cancer and other diseases in Scottish male firefighters between 2000 and 2020 was compared with the general Scottish male population and expressed as standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) (with 95% confidence intervals, CI). Results Significant overall excess cancer mortality was found for Scottish firefighters compared with the general population (SMR 1.61, CI 1.42-1.81). Scottish firefighters were nearly three times more likely to die of malignant neoplasms (unspecified sites) (SMR 2.71, CI 1.71-4.00). Excess cancer mortality was also found for several site-specific cancers, including prostate (SMR 3.80, CI 2.56-5.29), myeloid leukaemia (SMR 3.17, CI 1.4...

Rotating and permanent night shiftwork schedules typically result in acute and sometimes chronic sleep deprivation plus acute and sometimes chronic disruption of the circadian time structure. Immune system processes and functionalities are organized as circadian rhythms, and they are also strongly influenced by sleep status. Sleep is a vital behavioral state of living beings and a modulator of immune function and responsiveness. Shiftworkers show increased risk for developing viral infections due to possible compromise of both innate and acquired immunity responses. Short sleep and sleep loss, common consequences of shiftwork, are associated with altered integrity of the immune system. We discuss the possible excess risk for COVID-19 infection in the context of the common conditions among shiftworkers, including nurses, doctors, and first responders, among others of high exposure to the contagion, of sleep imbalance and circadian disruption.

There is concern about the health effects of exposure to cosmic radiation during air travel. To study the potential health effects of this and occupational exposures, the authors investigated mortality patterns among more than 44,000 airline cabin crew members in Europe. A cohort study was performed in eight European countries, yielding approximately 655,000 person-years of follow-up. Observed numbers of deaths were compared with expected numbers based on national mortality rates. Among female cabin crew, overall mortality (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73, 0.88) and all-cancer mortality (SMR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.95) were slightly reduced, while breast cancer mortality was slightly but nonsignificantly increased (SMR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.48). In contrast, overall mortality (SMR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.18) and mortality from skin cancer (for malignant melanoma, SMR = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.70, 4.44) among male cabin crew were somewhat increased. The authors noted excess mortality from aircraft accidents and from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in males. Among airline cabin crew in Europe, there was no increase in mortality that could be attributed to cosmic radiation or other occupational exposures to any substantial extent. The risk of skin cancer among male crew members requires further attention. aviation; cohort studies; cosmic radiation; mortality; neoplasms; occupational exposure Abbreviations: AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; CI, confidence interval; ESCAPE, European Study of Cancer Risk among Airline Pilots and Cabin Crew; SMR, standardized mortality ratio. Approximately 440,000 flight attendants work onboard civil aircraft worldwide (1). Airline personnel have been concerned about potential health problems associated with their profession. Among other things, concerns have

Light is the most powerful synchronizer but, when exposure occurs at night then it disrupts the circadian rhythms. In night shift workers, there is misalignment between the internal circadian rhythm and the behavioural rhythm causing increased levels of stress hormone cortisol and ghrelin, decreased level of melatonin and leptin hormones.  Night Shift may produce variable disruption in circadian pattern of cortisol and melatonin hormone , which is neuro-endocrine chronomolecule. Methodology Study Design: Case control study 56 healthy nursing professionals, aged 20-40 year, performing day and night shift duties were recruited from the Trauma Center, KGMU, India.

Occupational factors can lead to breast cancer, though the relationship between these variables is not well established. The objective of this study was to search the relevant literature for information on the association between breast cancer and exposure to occupational risk factors. For that purpose, electronic databases were searched using the following keywords: breast cancer and occupational exposures. A total of 40 articles published in the 10-year period from 2009 to 2019 were included in this review. Workers exposed to metals such as cadmium, chemical products, radiation and night work were more susceptible to breast cancer. The findings showed significant evidence to support an association between breast cancer and some chemical products, ionizing radiation and night work. However, most studies have difficulty establishing a causal relationship between these variables, pointing to the need for further investigation of these issues. Keywords | cancer; breast cancer; workers' health; occupational illness. Resumo | Fatores ocupacionais podem causar câncer de mama, apesar de essa relação não estar bem definida. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, na literatura especializada, a associação entre câncer de mama e a exposição de fatores ocupacionais de risco. Para tanto, realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico em bases de dados eletrônicos com os seguintes descritores: câncer de mama e riscos ocupacionais. Foram identificados 40 artigos que faziam referência ao tema no período de 10 anos (2009/2019). Os trabalhadores expostos a metais como cádmio, produtos químicos, radiação e trabalho noturno estão suscetíveis ao câncer de mama. Conclui-se que há evidências significativas quanto à exposição de alguns produtos químicos, radiação ionizante e trabalho noturno. Entretanto, a maior parte dos estudos identifica a dificuldade no estabelecimento da relação de causa e efeito, sendo necessários mais estudos sobre esse tema. Palavras-chave | câncer; câncer de mama; saúde do trabalhador; doenças profissionais. 488 breast cancer and occupational exposures: an integrative review of the literature Câncer de mama e fatores de risco ocupacionais: revisão integrativa da literatura

Background and Objective: Silica dust is present in almost all mining operations and can cause various health problems such as silicosis in workers. The present study aimed to determine the total and respirable dust levels and the crystalline silica content of the soil in the breathing zone of workers in Iranian mines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016-2017 on six Iranian silica mines. Dust sampling was performed according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method No. 0600. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers at 114 stations in different units of the mines. The silica content was measured using the standard NIOSH method No. 7601. The crystalline silica content in bulk samples collected from the soil was determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy method. Results: The highest concentration of crystalline silica dust was 2.81±0.49 mg/m3 and was observed in the air of crushing unit o...