Pub Date : 2015-01-01Epub Date: 2015-04-07DOI: 10.5455/jeos.20150403060427
Ricky L Langley, Yimin Kao, Sandra A Mort, Allen Bateman, Barbara D Simpson, Brian J Reich
Aim: Heavy metals such as manganese, arsenic and lead can act as neurotoxins. There have been few human studies of neurobehavioral/neurodevelopmental effects of arsenic and manganese on children in the United States. Since 1998, North Carolina has tested all new private wells for manganese, arsenic and lead. This study was conducted to evaluate adverse neurodevelopmental effects (delayed milestones, speech/language disorders and hearing loss) in children and metal concentrations in well water.
Methods: A quasi-regression model of the number of children (0-35 months of age) with adverse neurodevelopmental effects as outcome measures and aggregate mean metal concentration (arsenic, lead, and manganese) in private well water in each county as exposures.
Results: Over 70,000 private well water samples from 1998 to 2011 were analyzed for metal content. From 2008 to 2011, an average of 17,000 children was enrolled in the Infant Toddler Program. On average, 1.7% of children in this age range in each county had a speech/language disorder, 0.24% had a diagnosis of delayed milestones, and 0.026% had a diagnosis of hearing loss. The county mean manganese concentration was significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of delayed milestones and hearing loss in the children. No association was found for metal concentrations and speech/language disorders.
Conclusion: This ecological study indicates that further investigation of manganese in well water and associated neurodevelopmental health outcomes in children is needed.
{"title":"Adverse neurodevelopmental effects and hearing loss in children associated with manganese in well water, North Carolina, USA.","authors":"Ricky L Langley, Yimin Kao, Sandra A Mort, Allen Bateman, Barbara D Simpson, Brian J Reich","doi":"10.5455/jeos.20150403060427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/jeos.20150403060427","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Heavy metals such as manganese, arsenic and lead can act as neurotoxins. There have been few human studies of neurobehavioral/neurodevelopmental effects of arsenic and manganese on children in the United States. Since 1998, North Carolina has tested all new private wells for manganese, arsenic and lead. This study was conducted to evaluate adverse neurodevelopmental effects (delayed milestones, speech/language disorders and hearing loss) in children and metal concentrations in well water.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-regression model of the number of children (0-35 months of age) with adverse neurodevelopmental effects as outcome measures and aggregate mean metal concentration (arsenic, lead, and manganese) in private well water in each county as exposures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 70,000 private well water samples from 1998 to 2011 were analyzed for metal content. From 2008 to 2011, an average of 17,000 children was enrolled in the Infant Toddler Program. On average, 1.7% of children in this age range in each county had a speech/language disorder, 0.24% had a diagnosis of delayed milestones, and 0.026% had a diagnosis of hearing loss. The county mean manganese concentration was significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of delayed milestones and hearing loss in the children. No association was found for metal concentrations and speech/language disorders.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This ecological study indicates that further investigation of manganese in well water and associated neurodevelopmental health outcomes in children is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"4 2","pages":"62-69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/92/a0/nihms846095.PMC5364800.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"34856916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20150530024122
D. Verma, J. Purdham, Karen des Tombe
Aim: The objective of this paper was to summarize a comprehensive survey of airborne dust, radiation, and diesel exhaust in two Ontario uranium mines which was conducted by the Occupational Health Protection Branch of Ontario Ministry of Health in 1974. Materials and Methods: About 1000 dust samples of various types were collected from the mine and mill areas under normal routine working conditions. Dust sampling was conducted using various sampling devices including midget impingers, konimeters, and both area and personal respirable dust samplers. About 400 measurements of radon daughter concentrations were made, usually in the same area where dust samples were taken. Diesel exhaust gases, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and oxides of nitrogen, were measured using Drager colorimetric tubes, as an index of diesel exposure. Unburnt carbon from diesel exhaust was determined from some of the dust samples. Results: The results show that dust exposure, including crystalline silica (α‑quartz), was generally higher than the recommended exposure limits of the time. Radon exposure was also in excess of the exposure limits of the time in some work areas. Diesel exhaust gases were mostly below the threshold limit value of the time. Conclusions: The data set described in this paper would be useful in future epidemiological or health studies of the uranium miners group for establishing the work‑relatedness for diseases such as lung cancer from radon exposure and silica, respiratory diseases such as silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and autoimmune diseases. It would also be useful in estimating exposure of individual miners for the assessment of compensation claims.
{"title":"Dust, Radiation and Diesel Exhaust Exposures in Ontario Uranium Mines and Mills","authors":"D. Verma, J. Purdham, Karen des Tombe","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20150530024122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20150530024122","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The objective of this paper was to summarize a comprehensive survey of airborne dust, radiation, and diesel exhaust in two Ontario uranium mines which was conducted by the Occupational Health Protection Branch of Ontario Ministry of Health in 1974. Materials and Methods: About 1000 dust samples of various types were collected from the mine and mill areas under normal routine working conditions. Dust sampling was conducted using various sampling devices including midget impingers, konimeters, and both area and personal respirable dust samplers. About 400 measurements of radon daughter concentrations were made, usually in the same area where dust samples were taken. Diesel exhaust gases, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and oxides of nitrogen, were measured using Drager colorimetric tubes, as an index of diesel exposure. Unburnt carbon from diesel exhaust was determined from some of the dust samples. Results: The results show that dust exposure, including crystalline silica (α‑quartz), was generally higher than the recommended exposure limits of the time. Radon exposure was also in excess of the exposure limits of the time in some work areas. Diesel exhaust gases were mostly below the threshold limit value of the time. Conclusions: The data set described in this paper would be useful in future epidemiological or health studies of the uranium miners group for establishing the work‑relatedness for diseases such as lung cancer from radon exposure and silica, respiratory diseases such as silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and autoimmune diseases. It would also be useful in estimating exposure of individual miners for the assessment of compensation claims.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"3 1","pages":"70-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73645712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20150630111726
S. Usman, Temitope Oluwakayode Ipinmoye
Objectives: Motorized automobile accident is a substantial cause of ailments and death in our neighbourhood and driving under the influence of various agents affecting the central nervous system such as alcohol have been associated with the occurrence of auto accidents as most users believe these agents will help control probable sleep while driving. This study is therefore designed to examine the use of alcohol among long distance commercial drivers in the course of driving in Akure, Nigeria. Methodology: An open-ended structured questionnaire was administered consecutively to 405 consenting male long distance commercial drivers by interviewer in each of the selected parks. The cross-sectional survey questionnaire comprised sections on socio-demographic data, driving experience, ocular history, auto-accident history as well as information about alcohol consumption. Results: The mean age (SD) was 38.4 (9.5) years while the mean (SD) driving duration was 8.1 (5.8) years. 144 respondents (35.6%) had primary school leaving certificate while 103 respondents (25.4%) had secondary school leaving certificate with 22 respondents (5.4%) having no form of western education. 155 drivers (38.3%) had been involved into auto accident in the past five years. The prevalence of alcohol consumption shortly before or while driving was 20.5%. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is very rampant among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, Nigeria. Thus, more education on the possible hazards of this conduct is required for these drivers alongside the entire populace so as ascertain safer roads in the country.
{"title":"Driving under influence among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, South West Region, Nigeria. -","authors":"S. Usman, Temitope Oluwakayode Ipinmoye","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20150630111726","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20150630111726","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: Motorized automobile accident is a substantial cause of ailments and death in our neighbourhood and driving under the influence of various agents affecting the central nervous system such as alcohol have been associated with the occurrence of auto accidents as most users believe these agents will help control probable sleep while driving. This study is therefore designed to examine the use of alcohol among long distance commercial drivers in the course of driving in Akure, Nigeria. Methodology: An open-ended structured questionnaire was administered consecutively to 405 consenting male long distance commercial drivers by interviewer in each of the selected parks. The cross-sectional survey questionnaire comprised sections on socio-demographic data, driving experience, ocular history, auto-accident history as well as information about alcohol consumption. Results: The mean age (SD) was 38.4 (9.5) years while the mean (SD) driving duration was 8.1 (5.8) years. 144 respondents (35.6%) had primary school leaving certificate while 103 respondents (25.4%) had secondary school leaving certificate with 22 respondents (5.4%) having no form of western education. 155 drivers (38.3%) had been involved into auto accident in the past five years. The prevalence of alcohol consumption shortly before or while driving was 20.5%. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is very rampant among long distance commercial drivers in Akure, Nigeria. Thus, more education on the possible hazards of this conduct is required for these drivers alongside the entire populace so as ascertain safer roads in the country.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"45 1","pages":"128-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86678050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20150509113537
S. Oduro-Kwarteng, S. Munir, I. Monney, B. Keraita
Objective: This study was undertaken to examine the potential of pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) as a cost recovery mechanism, its impacts on solid waste collection services and the challenges associated with its implementation in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Data were collected by weighing 262 head-loads of solid waste at communal container sites and recording their corresponding user charges in 14 low and middleincome communities in Kumasi. A household survey involving 80 randomly selected households patronizing communal disposal systems was undertaken to assess their perceptions of PAYT. In-depth interviews with heads of six private solid waste management companies and one with the Waste Management Department of the local authority were also conducted. Results: The study showed that the average revenue generated per ton of waste disposed into communal containers was GH¢ 17.07 (US$11.38). This is 70% higher than the collection fee paid to private waste management companies prior to the implementation of the PAYT. Each communal container accrues an average revenue of GH¢ 153 (≈US$103) when filled to capacity. However, a significant proportion of residents (80%) claimed not to have been informed about the PAYT mechanism prior to its implementation. Although PAYT has improved service levels due to regular pickup of communal containers, it is confronted with challenges including, inequitable user charges, illegal dumping of waste into communal containers at night; non-payment of user charges; and indiscriminate dumping of waste at unapproved locations. Conclusion: PAYT approach has the potential to ensure cost recovery and should be sustained. The local authority need to ensure equitable user charges; allocate buy-back points; undertake intensive public education on the PAYT; and monitor private waste management companies against exorbitant user charges.
{"title":"The potential, impacts and challenges of Pay-As-You-Throw for municipal solid waste services in Ghana -","authors":"S. Oduro-Kwarteng, S. Munir, I. Monney, B. Keraita","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20150509113537","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20150509113537","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: This study was undertaken to examine the potential of pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) as a cost recovery mechanism, its impacts on solid waste collection services and the challenges associated with its implementation in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Data were collected by weighing 262 head-loads of solid waste at communal container sites and recording their corresponding user charges in 14 low and middleincome communities in Kumasi. A household survey involving 80 randomly selected households patronizing communal disposal systems was undertaken to assess their perceptions of PAYT. In-depth interviews with heads of six private solid waste management companies and one with the Waste Management Department of the local authority were also conducted. Results: The study showed that the average revenue generated per ton of waste disposed into communal containers was GH¢ 17.07 (US$11.38). This is 70% higher than the collection fee paid to private waste management companies prior to the implementation of the PAYT. Each communal container accrues an average revenue of GH¢ 153 (≈US$103) when filled to capacity. However, a significant proportion of residents (80%) claimed not to have been informed about the PAYT mechanism prior to its implementation. Although PAYT has improved service levels due to regular pickup of communal containers, it is confronted with challenges including, inequitable user charges, illegal dumping of waste into communal containers at night; non-payment of user charges; and indiscriminate dumping of waste at unapproved locations. Conclusion: PAYT approach has the potential to ensure cost recovery and should be sustained. The local authority need to ensure equitable user charges; allocate buy-back points; undertake intensive public education on the PAYT; and monitor private waste management companies against exorbitant user charges.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"17 1","pages":"84-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72607785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20150514034952
R. Tiwari, Anjali Sharma, S. Zodpey, Shruti Patel
Aim: This paper attempts to take the views of stakeholders of occupational health about the occupational health nursing (OHN) courses in India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed to gather the requisite information and was mailed to the stakeholders such as academicians, occupational health physicians, workers, factory owners and nurses to get their opinion about the OHN course in India. Results: This study was carried out among 90 stakeholders of occupational health in India, which included industry owners (29%), occupational health physicians and nurses (25.5% each) and academicians (20%). Most of the stakeholders were postgraduates while only 33.3% received training on occupational health services. Only 36.7% of the stakeholders were aware about any course on occupational health nurse. 97.8% agreed for the need an OHN course in India and most of them (62.5%) suggested that 3-6 months should be the duration of such training course. Almost all believed (87.8%) that there are job prospects for such trained nurses. Discussion: Occupational health nurse is one of the important members of any occupational health team. This is a novice concept in India and according to the stakeholders there is a need of OHN manpower in India, which can be fulfilled through the commencement of a course to train such manpower.
{"title":"Occupational health nursing course in India: Stakeholder’s perspective -","authors":"R. Tiwari, Anjali Sharma, S. Zodpey, Shruti Patel","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20150514034952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20150514034952","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This paper attempts to take the views of stakeholders of occupational health about the occupational health nursing (OHN) courses in India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed to gather the requisite information and was mailed to the stakeholders such as academicians, occupational health physicians, workers, factory owners and nurses to get their opinion about the OHN course in India. Results: This study was carried out among 90 stakeholders of occupational health in India, which included industry owners (29%), occupational health physicians and nurses (25.5% each) and academicians (20%). Most of the stakeholders were postgraduates while only 33.3% received training on occupational health services. Only 36.7% of the stakeholders were aware about any course on occupational health nurse. 97.8% agreed for the need an OHN course in India and most of them (62.5%) suggested that 3-6 months should be the duration of such training course. Almost all believed (87.8%) that there are job prospects for such trained nurses. Discussion: Occupational health nurse is one of the important members of any occupational health team. This is a novice concept in India and according to the stakeholders there is a need of OHN manpower in India, which can be fulfilled through the commencement of a course to train such manpower.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"3 1","pages":"111-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81283086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20151029110613
S. Counter, L. H. Buchanan, F. Ortega
Aim: Chronic lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with neurocognitive impairment in children and adults, including deficits in attention, intelligence, memory, executive functions and behavior. Pediatric Pb exposure results in poor performance on neurocognitive tests that may be irreversible. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term neurocognitive status of children with a history of chronic and high environmental Pb exposure. Methods: Pb exposure over time was determined by measurements of blood Pb levels (PbB) at two different test periods. Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and the Digit Span test of auditory memory/attention were used to measure neurocognitive functioning. The study group of 28 Ecuadorian Andean children ranged in age from 4.8 to 15 years. Results: The mean PbB level of the children at the time of the first RCPM test was 49.3 μg/dL (SD: 30.1; range: 4.4-119.1), and indicative of Pb poisoning. The mean PbB level at the time of the second RCPM test was 37.4 μg/dL (SD: 23.1; range: 5-94.3), and consistent with chronic Pb exposure. Although PbB levels declined in the study group between the two test periods, performance on the RCPM and Digit Span tests tended to become poorer over time, suggesting long-term adverse neurocognitive effects of chronic Pb exposure. Conclusion: The findings of this study on children with chronic Pb exposure showed poorer performance on measures of visual-spatial intelligence and auditory memory/attention over a period of several years, suggesting increasing adverse neurocognitive effects of chronic Pb exposure.
目的:慢性铅暴露与儿童和成人的神经认知障碍有关，包括注意力、智力、记忆、执行功能和行为方面的缺陷。儿童铅暴露导致神经认知测试表现不佳，这可能是不可逆转的。本研究的目的是评估长期和高环境铅暴露史的儿童的长期神经认知状况。方法:在两个不同的测试阶段，通过测量血铅水平(PbB)来确定随时间的铅暴露。采用Raven colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM)和digital Span test of auditory memory/attention测量神经认知功能。研究小组包括28名厄瓜多尔安第斯儿童，年龄从4.8岁到15岁不等。结果:患儿第一次RCPM检测时PbB平均水平为49.3 μg/dL (SD: 30.1;范围:4.4-119.1)，提示铅中毒。第二次RCPM试验时PbB平均水平为37.4 μg/dL (SD: 23.1;范围:5-94.3)，与慢性铅暴露一致。虽然在两个测试期间，研究组的PbB水平有所下降，但在RCPM和数字广度测试中的表现往往随着时间的推移而变差，这表明慢性Pb暴露对神经认知有长期不利影响。结论:本研究结果表明，慢性铅暴露儿童的视觉空间智力和听觉记忆/注意力在数年内表现较差，表明慢性铅暴露对神经认知的不良影响越来越大。
{"title":"Neurocognitive Status of Andean Children with Chronic Environmental Lead Exposure","authors":"S. Counter, L. H. Buchanan, F. Ortega","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20151029110613","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20151029110613","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Chronic lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with neurocognitive impairment in children and adults, including deficits in attention, intelligence, memory, executive functions and behavior. Pediatric Pb exposure results in poor performance on neurocognitive tests that may be irreversible. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term neurocognitive status of children with a history of chronic and high environmental Pb exposure. Methods: Pb exposure over time was determined by measurements of blood Pb levels (PbB) at two different test periods. Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and the Digit Span test of auditory memory/attention were used to measure neurocognitive functioning. The study group of 28 Ecuadorian Andean children ranged in age from 4.8 to 15 years. Results: The mean PbB level of the children at the time of the first RCPM test was 49.3 μg/dL (SD: 30.1; range: 4.4-119.1), and indicative of Pb poisoning. The mean PbB level at the time of the second RCPM test was 37.4 μg/dL (SD: 23.1; range: 5-94.3), and consistent with chronic Pb exposure. Although PbB levels declined in the study group between the two test periods, performance on the RCPM and Digit Span tests tended to become poorer over time, suggesting long-term adverse neurocognitive effects of chronic Pb exposure. Conclusion: The findings of this study on children with chronic Pb exposure showed poorer performance on measures of visual-spatial intelligence and auditory memory/attention over a period of several years, suggesting increasing adverse neurocognitive effects of chronic Pb exposure.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"19 1","pages":"179-184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80309088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20150920025053
R. Tiwari, Shruti Patel, Annie Soju, P. Trivedi, Deepak Purohit
Background: Mercury is seen as one of the leading environmental contaminants in the world as it is lethal even in trace amount and can travel long distance from the original source of emission. Objective: To assess the differences in knowledge, attitude and practices of student nurses from government run and private run nursing colleges regarding ill effects of mercury and its safe disposal. Setting: This cross sectional study included 409 students from government run and 131 from private run nursing colleges of Ahmedabad were included in the study. Interview technique was used as a tool for data collection on predesigned questionnaire. Results: Significantly higher proportion of private group participants responded that mercury is a neurotoxic substance causing harm to central nervous system. 21.4% participants from private group were unaware about the hazardous nature of mercury waste as compared 14.9% in the government group and the difference was statistically significant (2=7.79, df=2, p=0.02). In the private group significantly lower workplaces had colored boxes for segregation of wastes (2=37.58, df=2, p=0.00) and significantly lower proportion participants received training on biomedical waste management (2=47.48, df=2, p=0.00). Conclusion: There is a need to impart knowledge regarding mercury and other harmful chemicals and their safe disposal to health care workers.
{"title":"Mercury disposal practices: Differences in awareness and attitude in students from government and private run nursing colleges.","authors":"R. Tiwari, Shruti Patel, Annie Soju, P. Trivedi, Deepak Purohit","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20150920025053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20150920025053","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Mercury is seen as one of the leading environmental contaminants in the world as it is lethal even in trace amount and can travel long distance from the original source of emission. Objective: To assess the differences in knowledge, attitude and practices of student nurses from government run and private run nursing colleges regarding ill effects of mercury and its safe disposal. Setting: This cross sectional study included 409 students from government run and 131 from private run nursing colleges of Ahmedabad were included in the study. Interview technique was used as a tool for data collection on predesigned questionnaire. Results: Significantly higher proportion of private group participants responded that mercury is a neurotoxic substance causing harm to central nervous system. 21.4% participants from private group were unaware about the hazardous nature of mercury waste as compared 14.9% in the government group and the difference was statistically significant (2=7.79, df=2, p=0.02). In the private group significantly lower workplaces had colored boxes for segregation of wastes (2=37.58, df=2, p=0.00) and significantly lower proportion participants received training on biomedical waste management (2=47.48, df=2, p=0.00). Conclusion: There is a need to impart knowledge regarding mercury and other harmful chemicals and their safe disposal to health care workers.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"15 4 1","pages":"141-144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82578479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2015-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20150605032731
M. A. Medina
Aim: A proposed local sustainable development index (LSDI) is developed using 16 indicators which are locally available, internationally accepted, and coherent with national development goals. Methods: Indicator values were normalized using the Min-Max technique. Equal weighting and linear additive aggregation method was also done for the computation. The LSDI was then pilot tested to compare 6 cities in Davao Region, Philippines. The study was conducted in June, 2012. Results: The index revealed that Mati City has the highest LSDI score due to its high scores especially in terms of ecological indicators. On the other hand, the Island Garden City of Samal has the lowest LSDI score which is mainly attributed to its high poverty incidence as well as low scores in health and nutrition. Conclusions: Though the LSDI does not absolutely reflect the sustainability of cities, it can be helpful in identifying future development programs as it identifies weak and strong points of a city in comparison with other areas.
{"title":"A proposed local sustainable development index: An application to cities of Davao Region, Philippines -","authors":"M. A. Medina","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20150605032731","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20150605032731","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: A proposed local sustainable development index (LSDI) is developed using 16 indicators which are locally available, internationally accepted, and coherent with national development goals. Methods: Indicator values were normalized using the Min-Max technique. Equal weighting and linear additive aggregation method was also done for the computation. The LSDI was then pilot tested to compare 6 cities in Davao Region, Philippines. The study was conducted in June, 2012. Results: The index revealed that Mati City has the highest LSDI score due to its high scores especially in terms of ecological indicators. On the other hand, the Island Garden City of Samal has the lowest LSDI score which is mainly attributed to its high poverty incidence as well as low scores in health and nutrition. Conclusions: Though the LSDI does not absolutely reflect the sustainability of cities, it can be helpful in identifying future development programs as it identifies weak and strong points of a city in comparison with other areas.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"26 1","pages":"106-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87278799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-09-20DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140904041308
M. F. A. El-Salam, S. Ibrahim
Aim: The present study investigated the antimicrobial properties of 39 diversified essential plant oils (EOs). The most bioactive EO was selected and tested for its environmental hygiene efficacy in the preservation of stored raw food. Methods: The antimicrobial efficacy of 39 EOs was examined against 13 representative food-borne microorganisms. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracted apricot (Prunus armeniaca) seed EO was evaluated. Different concentrations of extracted oil were applied to four types of low-fat raw foods under cold dry storage. Results: The results of the microbial sensitivity assay showed considerable positive responses to only 23 out of 39 EOs. Pru. armeniaca exhibited the most significant antimicrobial efficacy. Different MIC values of extracted Pru. armeniaca oil were documented as a result of strain variability of representative food-borne microorganisms. Extracted apricot EO concentration delayed bacterial food spoilage at 1000 μgml-1 while fungal spoilage delayed at 2000 μgml-1. Total bacterial viable count (TVC) of raw food samples treated with 1000 μgml-1 oil decreased sharply when compared with TVC of samples not treated with oil. Fungal growth was completely inhibited in samples treated with 2000 μgml-1 oil. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of Pru. armeniaca EO and the growth of the 13 representative food-borne microorganisms, it was mostly 500μgml-1. Conclusion: The achieved study results support using of Pru. armeniaca EO in controlling shelf-life of raw foods stored under dry cold conditions.
{"title":"Antimicrobial Properties of 39 Essential Oils against Thirteen Food-borne Microorganisms; Efficacy and Environmental Hygiene of Prunus armeniaca in Raw Food Preservation under Cold Storage -","authors":"M. F. A. El-Salam, S. Ibrahim","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140904041308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140904041308","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The present study investigated the antimicrobial properties of 39 diversified essential plant oils (EOs). The most bioactive EO was selected and tested for its environmental hygiene efficacy in the preservation of stored raw food. \u0000Methods: The antimicrobial efficacy of 39 EOs was examined against 13 representative food-borne microorganisms. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracted apricot (Prunus armeniaca) seed EO was evaluated. Different concentrations of extracted oil were applied to four types of low-fat raw foods under cold dry storage. \u0000Results: The results of the microbial sensitivity assay showed considerable positive responses to only 23 out of 39 EOs. Pru. armeniaca exhibited the most significant antimicrobial efficacy. Different MIC values of extracted Pru. armeniaca oil were documented as a result of strain variability of representative food-borne microorganisms. Extracted apricot EO concentration delayed bacterial food spoilage at 1000 μgml-1 while fungal spoilage delayed at 2000 μgml-1. Total bacterial viable count (TVC) of raw food samples treated with 1000 μgml-1 oil decreased sharply when compared with TVC of samples not treated with oil. Fungal growth was completely inhibited in samples treated with 2000 μgml-1 oil. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of Pru. armeniaca EO and the growth of the 13 representative food-borne microorganisms, it was mostly 500μgml-1. \u0000Conclusion: The achieved study results support using of Pru. armeniaca EO in controlling shelf-life of raw foods stored under dry cold conditions.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"12 1","pages":"162-169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85547102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-03-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20131114012611
H. Bragadóttir, S. Gunnarsdottir, H. Ingason
Aim: The aim of this study was to gain deeper understanding of the work of nurses and shed light on the factors influencing their work in acute care. Professional nursing care makes a difference to patient outcomes. Therefore it is important to identify potential improvements in nurses’ work to make better use of their knowledge and time for the benefit of patient safety. Method: Participants were 8 registered nurses (RNs) and 10 practical nurses (PNs) in one university hospital, observed during their work. Rich multilayer real-time quantitative data were collected with qualitative field notes on nurses’ work, factors influencing their work, movements and time. Following each shift, participants were interviewed by observers. Data were entered onto a handheld computer during. Data collection took place in 2008 and data analysis in 2009-2010. Results: Nursing work was characterized by frequent shifting of attention, interruptions, operational failures, multitasking and constant movements which influenced their work. On average, RNs and PNs encountered influencing factors 4.2 and 2.0 times per hour, respectively, the most common one being face-to-face communication initiated by a co-worker. However, participants described their shifts as quiet and manageable, and without interruptions and delays. Conclusions: Study findings provide a picture of the complex interplay of nurses’ work, influencing factors and movements, with frequent attention shifting in chronological order. Participants were interrupted within an interruption leading to layers of interruptions, adding to the complexity of their work. Study findings demonstrate the importance of approaching and measuring nursing work as a complex phenomenon.
{"title":"What the work of nurses really looks like: Identifying factors influencing the work of nurses in hospital","authors":"H. Bragadóttir, S. Gunnarsdottir, H. Ingason","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20131114012611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20131114012611","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of this study was to gain deeper understanding of the work of nurses and shed light on the factors influencing their work in acute care. Professional nursing care makes a difference to patient outcomes. Therefore it is important to identify potential improvements in nurses’ work to make better use of their knowledge and time for the benefit of patient safety. \u0000Method: Participants were 8 registered nurses (RNs) and 10 practical nurses (PNs) in one university hospital, observed during their work. Rich multilayer real-time quantitative data were collected with qualitative field notes on nurses’ work, factors influencing their work, movements and time. Following each shift, participants were interviewed by observers. Data were entered onto a handheld computer during. Data collection took place in 2008 and data analysis in 2009-2010. \u0000Results: Nursing work was characterized by frequent shifting of attention, interruptions, operational failures, multitasking and constant movements which influenced their work. On average, RNs and PNs encountered influencing factors 4.2 and 2.0 times per hour, respectively, the most common one being face-to-face communication initiated by a co-worker. However, participants described their shifts as quiet and manageable, and without interruptions and delays. \u0000Conclusions: Study findings provide a picture of the complex interplay of nurses’ work, influencing factors and movements, with frequent attention shifting in chronological order. Participants were interrupted within an interruption leading to layers of interruptions, adding to the complexity of their work. Study findings demonstrate the importance of approaching and measuring nursing work as a complex phenomenon.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"3 5 1","pages":"13-20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79087921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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