Pub Date : 2016-10-26DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000249
A. Tungu, M. Bråtveit, S. Mamuya, B. Moen
Objective: Assessment of changes in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) across the shift was performed among cement production workers and controls. FENO was used as a possible marker of eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. In addition, the relations between personal total dust exposure and FENO changes across the work shift were examined. Methods: Pre-and post-shift FENO levels were determined among 55 non-smoking dust exposed cement production workers and among 31 non-smoking mineral water factory workers as controls. The FENO levels were examined for three consecutive days among the exposed and two consecutive days among controls. Personal total dust levels were collected in the breathing zone of each participant using cellulose acetate filters on the first day of FENO examination. A three-piece Millipore cassette was used to place the filters and the cassette was connected to a Side Kick Cassela pump at a flow rate of 2 l/minute. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in FENO levels among exposed workers, but not among controls. The reduction in FENO levels among the exposed was observed on each day of FENO examination. The cross-shift reduction in FENO levels among the exposed did not show possible associations with personal total dust exposure levels (r=-0.175, 95% CI: -0.36, 0.04). The geometrical mean for total dust exposure were 8.3 mg/m3 and 0.28 mg/m3, among exposed workers and controls, respectively. Conclusion: The results show a cross-shift reduction of FENO among cement workers and indicate that dust exposure is not associated with this finding. The reason for the reduction in FENO across the shift is unknown. Researchers in this field should be aware of potential unknown confounders when performing future studies.
{"title":"Cross-shift Reduction in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide among CementWorkers","authors":"A. Tungu, M. Bråtveit, S. Mamuya, B. Moen","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000249","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Assessment of changes in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) across the shift was performed among cement production workers and controls. FENO was used as a possible marker of eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. In addition, the relations between personal total dust exposure and FENO changes across the work shift were examined. Methods: Pre-and post-shift FENO levels were determined among 55 non-smoking dust exposed cement production workers and among 31 non-smoking mineral water factory workers as controls. The FENO levels were examined for three consecutive days among the exposed and two consecutive days among controls. Personal total dust levels were collected in the breathing zone of each participant using cellulose acetate filters on the first day of FENO examination. A three-piece Millipore cassette was used to place the filters and the cassette was connected to a Side Kick Cassela pump at a flow rate of 2 l/minute. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in FENO levels among exposed workers, but not among controls. The reduction in FENO levels among the exposed was observed on each day of FENO examination. The cross-shift reduction in FENO levels among the exposed did not show possible associations with personal total dust exposure levels (r=-0.175, 95% CI: -0.36, 0.04). The geometrical mean for total dust exposure were 8.3 mg/m3 and 0.28 mg/m3, among exposed workers and controls, respectively. Conclusion: The results show a cross-shift reduction of FENO among cement workers and indicate that dust exposure is not associated with this finding. The reason for the reduction in FENO across the shift is unknown. Researchers in this field should be aware of potential unknown confounders when performing future studies.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81090779","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 : 2016-10-13DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000248
S. Thygerson, S. Sanjel, S. Johnson
The ever expanding traditional brick industry in Nepal is a labour intensive, low technology activity found in the Kathmandu Valley and Terai regions of Nepal. Various studies have characterized the environmental pollutants associated with brick making, few studies have focused on the effects of these pollutants on the workers themselves. This review attempts to summarize recent evidences characterizing the occupational hazards associated with the brick industry and provide evidences for control of these hazards.
{"title":"Occupational and Environmental Health Hazards in the Brick ManufacturingIndustry in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal","authors":"S. Thygerson, S. Sanjel, S. Johnson","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000248","url":null,"abstract":"The ever expanding traditional brick industry in Nepal is a labour intensive, low technology activity found in the Kathmandu Valley and Terai regions of Nepal. Various studies have characterized the environmental pollutants associated with brick making, few studies have focused on the effects of these pollutants on the workers themselves. This review attempts to summarize recent evidences characterizing the occupational hazards associated with the brick industry and provide evidences for control of these hazards.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"38 4","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72625567","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 : 2016-10-07DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000247
S. Yousaf, Mansur-ud-din Ahmed, M. Asif, Shumila Yousaf, S. Munir
Good oral health is the indicator of good general health of an individual. Poor oral hygiene is the most important factor to cause dental diseases. Advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. Periodontal disease affects the gum and jaw bone. Gingival health is compromised during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This is called pregnancy gingivitis which is initial stage of periodontitis. Method: A matched case control study was conducted to identify the risk factors of periodontitis during pregnancy. Study duration was three months and it was conducted in tertiary care hospitals of Faisalabad (Madina teaching hospital, D.H.Q, Allied hospital). Cases were matched on the bases of month of pregnancy and number of pregnancy with control. Study sample was 282 (141 cases and 141 controls). Data were collected through questionnaire which comprises of two sections one is demographic data and one is questions related risk factors. Findings: Data were entered on SPSS software value was less than 0.05 and confidence interval was 95%. Multi logistic regression test was apply to identify the potential risk factors of periodontitis. Results have shown the different risk factors which can cause periodontitis. The most significant risk factors e.g. family history, systemic illness in which diabetes and hypertension were most common, poor eating habits due to lack of knowledge about oral health were common. Results will share with the health authorities of concerned hospitals.
{"title":"A Case Control Study to Identify the Risk Factors of Periodontitis in PregnantWomen in District Faisalabad","authors":"S. Yousaf, Mansur-ud-din Ahmed, M. Asif, Shumila Yousaf, S. Munir","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000247","url":null,"abstract":"Good oral health is the indicator of good general health of an individual. Poor oral hygiene is the most important factor to cause dental diseases. Advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. Periodontal disease affects the gum and jaw bone. Gingival health is compromised during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This is called pregnancy gingivitis which is initial stage of periodontitis. Method: A matched case control study was conducted to identify the risk factors of periodontitis during pregnancy. Study duration was three months and it was conducted in tertiary care hospitals of Faisalabad (Madina teaching hospital, D.H.Q, Allied hospital). Cases were matched on the bases of month of pregnancy and number of pregnancy with control. Study sample was 282 (141 cases and 141 controls). Data were collected through questionnaire which comprises of two sections one is demographic data and one is questions related risk factors. Findings: Data were entered on SPSS software value was less than 0.05 and confidence interval was 95%. Multi logistic regression test was apply to identify the potential risk factors of periodontitis. Results have shown the different risk factors which can cause periodontitis. The most significant risk factors e.g. family history, systemic illness in which diabetes and hypertension were most common, poor eating habits due to lack of knowledge about oral health were common. Results will share with the health authorities of concerned hospitals.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82517326","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 : 2016-10-05DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000246
M. Anshel
Researchers and practitioners have been only partially successful in developing and applying interventions that prevent or eliminate our unhealthy, self-destructive behaviors. New, more effective interventions and treatments are needed to help individuals create and maintain long-term adherence to routines that improve health and quality of life. My research over the past 15 years has consisted of helping individuals recognize the consequences of their unhealthy behavior patterns by detecting the inconsistency, or “disconnect,” between their values and their behaviors. The series of thoughts and actions that influences a person’s decision to change their actions is called the Disconnected Values Model (DVM).
{"title":"The Disconnected Values Model Helps Overcome Unhealthy Habits","authors":"M. Anshel","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000246","url":null,"abstract":"Researchers and practitioners have been only partially successful in developing and applying interventions that prevent or eliminate our unhealthy, self-destructive behaviors. New, more effective interventions and treatments are needed to help individuals create and maintain long-term adherence to routines that improve health and quality of life. My research over the past 15 years has consisted of helping individuals recognize the consequences of their unhealthy behavior patterns by detecting the inconsistency, or “disconnect,” between their values and their behaviors. The series of thoughts and actions that influences a person’s decision to change their actions is called the Disconnected Values Model (DVM).","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"16 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84416341","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 : 2016-09-14DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000245
E. Blaurock-Busch
Chelation therapists around the world incorporate chelation therapies into their daily medical practice, frequently using EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) compounds, unaware of the chemical difference of the various EDTA chelating agents. With this information, we aim to clarify the different mode of action of the EDTAs, including their appropriate medical use. In the USA, medical practitioners promote EDTA chelation, often as an alternative to conventional treatments for a variety of chronic diseases, including vascular problems. German nonmedical professionals use the ‘CaEDTA push’ as promoted by US web pages, although this is against standard protocol. CaEDTA has been FDA- approved for lead intoxication only, and Na2EDTA has not been approved for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These facts are often overlooked. Misunderstandings increase the risk of iatrogenic accidents. This information aims to prevent this.
{"title":"EDTA: Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid – A Review","authors":"E. Blaurock-Busch","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000245","url":null,"abstract":"Chelation therapists around the world incorporate chelation therapies into their daily medical practice, frequently using EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) compounds, unaware of the chemical difference of the various EDTA chelating agents. With this information, we aim to clarify the different mode of action of the EDTAs, including their appropriate medical use. In the USA, medical practitioners promote EDTA chelation, often as an alternative to conventional treatments for a variety of chronic diseases, including vascular problems. German nonmedical professionals use the ‘CaEDTA push’ as promoted by US web pages, although this is against standard protocol. CaEDTA has been FDA- approved for lead intoxication only, and Na2EDTA has not been approved for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These facts are often overlooked. Misunderstandings increase the risk of iatrogenic accidents. This information aims to prevent this.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"3 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86628047","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 : 2016-08-22DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000244
S. Nissinen, T. Leino, T. Oksanen, K. Saranto
Objective: To examine which data on patients’ primary care visits are considered relevant for documentation in the electronic records of occupational health services, to enable health information exchange between occupational health care professionals, the employee, employer, other health care professionals, and social insurance system actors. Methods: We used the Delphi method to evaluate which electronic health data are considered relevant for patient health information exchange by 37 occupational health team members (physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists). The surveys were conducted in three rounds. The response rates to the consecutive electronic questionnaires were 76%, 73% and 73%. We used content analysis to analyze the data. Results: The most relevant electronic patient data for health information exchange were individual action plans and their follow-ups, work-related primary care visits, professional assessment of employee's work capacity and the ability to cope at work, and work-related diseases and reported symptoms. Conclusion: The results show that occupational health professionals considered structurally documented electronic health records relevant for patient health information exchange between occupational health services and the employee, employer, other health care professionals and social insurance system actors. The National Patient Data Repository (Kanta) was considered one means with which to implement electronic health records in occupational health services. These results can be used in the further development of data structures and information exchange in occupational health services.
{"title":"Relevant Patient Data for Health Information Exchange: A Delphi Method Study among Occupational Health Professionals","authors":"S. Nissinen, T. Leino, T. Oksanen, K. Saranto","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000244","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To examine which data on patients’ primary care visits are considered relevant for documentation in the electronic records of occupational health services, to enable health information exchange between occupational health care professionals, the employee, employer, other health care professionals, and social insurance system actors. Methods: We used the Delphi method to evaluate which electronic health data are considered relevant for patient health information exchange by 37 occupational health team members (physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists). The surveys were conducted in three rounds. The response rates to the consecutive electronic questionnaires were 76%, 73% and 73%. We used content analysis to analyze the data. Results: The most relevant electronic patient data for health information exchange were individual action plans and their follow-ups, work-related primary care visits, professional assessment of employee's work capacity and the ability to cope at work, and work-related diseases and reported symptoms. Conclusion: The results show that occupational health professionals considered structurally documented electronic health records relevant for patient health information exchange between occupational health services and the employee, employer, other health care professionals and social insurance system actors. The National Patient Data Repository (Kanta) was considered one means with which to implement electronic health records in occupational health services. These results can be used in the further development of data structures and information exchange in occupational health services.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"65 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80721110","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 : 2016-08-05DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000243
G. M. Ferri, C. Guastadisegno, G. Intranuovo, V. Luisi, D. Cavone, B. Licchelli, Elena Viola Buononato, L. Macinagrossa, R. Molinini
Objectives: The association between asbestos exposure, measured by mean of Asbestos Cumulative Exposure Index (ACEI) and the latency period of non-malignant asbestos-related diseases (ARD) diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria was studied. Methods: 306 exposed asbestos workers in Bari, Italy, were included in a health surveillance program. By means of a standardized questionnaire we assessed asbestos exposure through ACEI. Latency period of Asbestos Related Diseases (ARD) was also assessed. Results: We found a significant inverse correlation between latency and ACEI increasing with ARD severity. ACEI and 30-35 years of age at time of first exposure were inversely associated with the latency period. The risk of ARD increased from baseline to the 2nd follow-up and among subjects exposed for the first time before 1960. Conclusions: The most important factors that caused a reduction in the latency period were the year of first exposure and the ACEI score while smoking habits did not show to play a significant role.
{"title":"Relationship between the Asbestos Cumulative Exposure Index (ACEI) and the Latency Period of Asbestos Related Diseases (ARD) within an Italian Study Group of Ex-Asbestos Workers","authors":"G. M. Ferri, C. Guastadisegno, G. Intranuovo, V. Luisi, D. Cavone, B. Licchelli, Elena Viola Buononato, L. Macinagrossa, R. Molinini","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000243","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000243","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: The association between asbestos exposure, measured by mean of Asbestos Cumulative Exposure Index (ACEI) and the latency period of non-malignant asbestos-related diseases (ARD) diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria was studied. \u0000Methods: 306 exposed asbestos workers in Bari, Italy, were included in a health surveillance program. By means of a standardized questionnaire we assessed asbestos exposure through ACEI. Latency period of Asbestos Related Diseases (ARD) was also assessed. \u0000Results: We found a significant inverse correlation between latency and ACEI increasing with ARD severity. ACEI and 30-35 years of age at time of first exposure were inversely associated with the latency period. The risk of ARD increased from baseline to the 2nd follow-up and among subjects exposed for the first time before 1960. \u0000Conclusions: The most important factors that caused a reduction in the latency period were the year of first exposure and the ACEI score while smoking habits did not show to play a significant role.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"21 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72792864","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 : 2016-08-01DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000241
P. Ruiz-Montero, Ó. Chiva-Bartoll, R. Martín-Moya
Ageing is a natural and inevitable process with degenerative changes in most of the physical, physiological and psychological functions. Furthermore, the ageing process has an impact on the physical of elderly people. Thus, the aim of this study is to provide to readers of information about effects of ageing and changes in physical fitness as one of the major causes of chronic diseases of ageing people. In addition, the association between physical fitness and physical activity in elderly shows health benefits in this population. In conclusion, the evolution of aging is essentially understood as a gradual accumulation of damage which produces the functional declination of any organism.
{"title":"Effects of Ageing in Physical Fitness","authors":"P. Ruiz-Montero, Ó. Chiva-Bartoll, R. Martín-Moya","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000241","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000241","url":null,"abstract":"Ageing is a natural and inevitable process with degenerative changes in most of the physical, physiological and psychological functions. Furthermore, the ageing process has an impact on the physical of elderly people. Thus, the aim of this study is to provide to readers of information about effects of ageing and changes in physical fitness as one of the major causes of chronic diseases of ageing people. In addition, the association between physical fitness and physical activity in elderly shows health benefits in this population. In conclusion, the evolution of aging is essentially understood as a gradual accumulation of damage which produces the functional declination of any organism.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89915459","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 : 2016-07-26DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000240
S. Ali
Tobacco is being used in various forms including cigarette, shisha, cigar and bidi smoking and smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco constitutes various forms of tobacco i-e paan/ betel quid, tobacco with lime, naswar, gutka, qiwam, tobacco tooth powder, minpuri, areca nut (supari) [1,2]. Qiwam consists of thick paste of boiled tobacco mixed with powdered spices such as saffron, cardamom, aniseed and aroma, while paan/ betel quid is a mixture of the leaf of the Piper betle vine, aqueous calcium hydroxide paste [slaked lime] [1,2]. Smokeless tobacco is commonly used in South Asia, where it has become part of South Asian culture. Furthermore, South Asia is a major producer and exporter of tobacco and over one-third of tobacco consumed in South Asia is smokeless [2]. Traditional forms like, tobacco with lime; betel quid and tobacco tooth powder are commonly used among South Asian population [2]. With the passage of time, tobacco usage is increasing not only among men but also among women of reproductive age, children, teenagers, medical and dental students [2].
{"title":"Use of Smokeless Tobacco in Medical Students and Hypertension","authors":"S. Ali","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000240","url":null,"abstract":"Tobacco is being used in various forms including cigarette, shisha, cigar and bidi smoking and smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco constitutes various forms of tobacco i-e paan/ betel quid, tobacco with lime, naswar, gutka, qiwam, tobacco tooth powder, minpuri, areca nut (supari) [1,2]. Qiwam consists of thick paste of boiled tobacco mixed with powdered spices such as saffron, cardamom, aniseed and aroma, while paan/ betel quid is a mixture of the leaf of the Piper betle vine, aqueous calcium hydroxide paste [slaked lime] [1,2]. Smokeless tobacco is commonly used in South Asia, where it has become part of South Asian culture. Furthermore, South Asia is a major producer and exporter of tobacco and over one-third of tobacco consumed in South Asia is smokeless [2]. Traditional forms like, tobacco with lime; betel quid and tobacco tooth powder are commonly used among South Asian population [2]. With the passage of time, tobacco usage is increasing not only among men but also among women of reproductive age, children, teenagers, medical and dental students [2].","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"25 1","pages":"1-1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81951624","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 : 2016-06-20DOI: 10.4172/2329-6879.1000239
S. Mahdevari, K. Shahriar
Background: By increasing the depth and extent of the underground mines, coal miners are at risk of developing lung diseases especially pneumoconiosis because of their regular exposure to airborne dusts and toxic gases. Mechanization results in accelerative production of higher dust levels and worst working conditions. Aim of the study: Annual statistics show that most of the underground coal miners in Iran, with experience more than five years, are suffering from lung diseases. Due to that, this research was conducted in order to investigate the risk of exposure to coal dust at Kerman coalfield, Iran. Participants and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out over 556 coal miners from three coal mines. Among them 460 persons directly worked at the coalface for at least five years. Spirometry tests were also done in order to determine the parameters of FEV1, FEV1/FVC and . Z-test with overall error set at 0.01 was used for comparison of the results. Results: Differences between the results of the spirometry measurements for face and non-face miners were meaningful indicating the more vulnerability of the face miners to the disease. In addition, the results showed a nonlinear decline in FEV1 over the first five years of employment, with a sharp decrease in the first two years. According to the results, the face miners are more prone to respiratory diseases, however all miners are at risk. Conclusion: Direct measurements showed that the dust levels in the coalfaces are high and exceed the recommended exposure limit of 1mg/m . Remedial and precautionary measures were found to be the most appropriate solution to mitigate the development of such tormented diseases. Therefore, a framework composed of the three major levels: precautionary measures, medical surveillance and remedial management was proposed by focus on the precautionary measures as the best solutions.
{"title":"A Framework for Mitigating Respiratory Diseases in Underground Coal Miningby Emphasizing on Precautionary Measures","authors":"S. Mahdevari, K. Shahriar","doi":"10.4172/2329-6879.1000239","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6879.1000239","url":null,"abstract":"Background: By increasing the depth and extent of the underground mines, coal miners are at risk of developing lung diseases especially pneumoconiosis because of their regular exposure to airborne dusts and toxic gases. Mechanization results in accelerative production of higher dust levels and worst working conditions. \u0000Aim of the study: Annual statistics show that most of the underground coal miners in Iran, with experience more than five years, are suffering from lung diseases. Due to that, this research was conducted in order to investigate the risk of exposure to coal dust at Kerman coalfield, Iran. \u0000Participants and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out over 556 coal miners from three coal mines. Among them 460 persons directly worked at the coalface for at least five years. Spirometry tests were also done in order to determine the parameters of FEV1, FEV1/FVC and . Z-test with overall error set at 0.01 was used for comparison of the results. \u0000Results: Differences between the results of the spirometry measurements for face and non-face miners were meaningful indicating the more vulnerability of the face miners to the disease. In addition, the results showed a nonlinear decline in FEV1 over the first five years of employment, with a sharp decrease in the first two years. According to the results, the face miners are more prone to respiratory diseases, however all miners are at risk. \u0000Conclusion: Direct measurements showed that the dust levels in the coalfaces are high and exceed the recommended exposure limit of 1mg/m . Remedial and precautionary measures were found to be the most appropriate solution to mitigate the development of such tormented diseases. Therefore, a framework composed of the three major levels: precautionary measures, medical surveillance and remedial management was proposed by focus on the precautionary measures as the best solutions.","PeriodicalId":19397,"journal":{"name":"Occupational medicine and health affairs","volume":"390 ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91461000","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}