Annals Of Work Exposures and Health最新文献

Introduction: Agricultural workplaces have a high number of incidents and fatalities, with the majority occurring from machinery use. Farmers' behaviour plays a critical role in maintaining safety, as improper or unsafe practices often lead to injuries and fatalities. This review categorises interventions targeting farm machine safety, examining both the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used and their reported outcomes to understand how the techniques influence safety practices and outcomes on farms.

Methods: The systematic review is reported in accordance with the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Seven electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published before June 2024, and the quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools. Analysis of intervention behavioural components was guided by the behaviour change wheel framework and BCT taxonomy (v1). The findings were synthesised using a narrative review.

Results: Nine studies were included and a total of 21 BCTs were identified. The most frequently coded BCTs were 4.1 (instruction on how to perform the behaviour), 10.8 (incentive [outcome]), and 16.3 (vicarious consequences) (each n = 6). Reported outcomes included reductions in injury rates, improved adoption of safety devices, implementation of safety measures, and positive shifts in safety norms and perceptions. However, due to variations in intervention design and reporting, assessing the direct impact of specific BCTs on these outcomes proved challenging.

Discussion: The use of BCT taxonomy provided a common language for describing intervention components and enabled the standardisation of intervention content analysis. While patterns were observed regarding the commonly used BCTs, their implementation and outcomes, the heterogeneity and limited details provided by studies limited our ability to discern their effectiveness. Providing (i) greater transparency in reporting active intervention components and (ii) clearer connections between components and specific outcomes, will enable enhanced comparisons of future studies, and facilitate a greater understanding of how to support safe machine-related behaviours on farms.

Background: There is an international epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) in agricultural working populations. Particulate air pollution is a likely contributing factor in populations at risk for CKDu, but there is little personal breathing zone data for these workers.

Methods: We collected 1 to 3 personal breathing zone particulate matter <5 microns (PM5) gravimetric measurements in 143 male sugarcane harvesters over 2 seasons and concurrent ambient samples using personal sampling pumps and cyclone inlets as a sampling train. Due to very high concentrations observed during a pilot of these methods, personal breathing zone sampling duration was set to 4 h, beginning either at the start of a work shift (AM) or delayed for 4 h (PM). To obtain full-shift exposure concentrations we calculated 8-h time-weighted average (TWA, in µg/m3) estimates of each worker's full-shift personal breathing zone PM5 exposure concentration by averaging their individual monitored concentration with the median concentration of the unmonitored AM or PM segment from all workers that day to obtain an 8-h TWA.

Results: Median full-shift personal TWA PM5 concentrations were 449 μg/m3 (range 20.5 to 1,930 μg/m3), which were much higher than ambient concentrations in these fields (median 136, range 22.5 to 2,360 μg/m3). These findings document very high personal breathing zone PM5 exposure in workers at risk for CKDu: median concentrations for all workers were 3.5 (range <1 to 33.6) times as high as concurrent ambient concentrations.

Significance: These findings suggest that ambient measurements of particulate matter are insufficient to estimate personal exposure in this population and that personal breathing zone monitoring should be used to fully explore air pollution as a risk factor for CKDu. Given that particulate matter from this source likely has multiple hazardous constituents, future research should focus on characterizing all constituents and explore associations with biomarkers of kidney injury.

Introduction: Outdoor workers are exposed to high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes skin cancer and is a risk factor for cataract and other short- and long-term health effects, but there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the exposure-response relations based on quantitative measures of UVR exposure. We developed a quantitative UVR job-exposure matrix (JEM) for the general working population of Europe.

Methods: Three experts from each of Northern, Central, and Southern Europe rated duration of outdoor work for all 372 occupations defined by the International Standard Classification of Occupations from 1988 (ISCO-88(COM)). A systematic literature search identified 12 studies providing 223 sets of summary workday UVR exposure for 49 ISCO-88(COM) occupations based on 75,711 personal workday measurements obtained from 2,645 participants and reported as arithmetic mean standard erythemal dose (SED). We combined the expert ratings with the measured occupational UVR exposure data and estimated harmonized workday UVR exposures for all 372 occupations in a linear mixed effects model.

Results: Monotonically increasing workday UVR exposure of 0.68, 1.57, 1.80, and 2.49 SED were seen by increasing expert ratings of 0, 1 to 2, 3 to 4, and ≥5 h of daily outdoor work. The UVR exposure showed a 6-fold increase from lowest to highest exposed occupation. Farm hands, roofers, concrete placers, and other occupations within craft and related trades were among the highest exposed, while bartenders, wood-processing-plant operators, and several white-collar occupations who typically work indoor were among the lowest exposed.

Conclusion: This quantitative JEM for solar UVR exposure proves able to provide substantial discrimination between occupations, shows good agreement with expert assessments, and may facilitate epidemiological studies characterizing the exposure-response relation between occupational solar UVR exposure and different health effects.

This study examines occupational exposure to perchloroethylene among dry cleaning workers in Bogotá, Colombia, where its use remains prevalent despite global trends toward alternatives. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 9 workers to measure perchloroethylene exposure levels and blood concentrations. Additionally, a case-control study assessed gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as biomarkers for hepatocellular damage. Workers were classified into 3 job categories: dry cleaning operators, ironers, and cold washing operators. Results indicated that dry cleaning operators experienced significantly higher exposure levels (0.72 to 7.22 ppm) compared to ironers and cold washers (0.001 to 3.39 ppm). All exposure levels were below the adjusted threshold limit of 19.58 ppm, and blood perchloroethylene concentrations were below detection limits. No significant differences in GGT and ALT levels were observed between exposed workers and the control group. Given the small sample size, further research is warranted to better understand exposure risks in this sector. Emphasizing a culture of prevention is crucial due to the carcinogenic potential of perchloroethylene, even at low environmental exposure levels.

Decent work, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, is built on the ethical treatment of workers and ensures respect of their security, freedom, equity, and dignity. In the future, a wide range of technological forces may pose significant impediments to the availability and quality of decent work. This paper applies a prescriptive taxonomy to categorize evidence of the psychosocial impacts technology may bring to the future of work and elucidate the associated ethical concerns. Ethical objectives in support of a future defined by decent work are also offered. Central to this technoethical discourse are the principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice, and respect for persons. Expanded technoethical education, ethical technology assessments, ethical foresight analysis, and revised ethical standards are important ways to address technology-related ethical challenges on a larger scale. The findings in this paper may serve as a foundation for the systemic prevention and control of adverse effects and ethical concerns from the use of technology in the workplace of the future.

In the summer season, road construction workers perform physically demanding tasks outdoors, placing them at greater risk for exertional heat illness conditions. Assessing core temperature (Tcore) is critical as it serves as a key indicator of heat strain and helps to estimate the risk of heat-related illness. Despite the increased risk of hyperthermia, previous research has not assessed Tcore in road construction workers in the United States during summer work.

Purpose: To report heat strain and environmental heat stress in a pilot study of road construction workers during work in the summer.

Methods: Seven male road construction workers in New Mexico were observed performing physically demanding work during a summer work shift. Environmental heat stress (heat index [HI], dry/wet bulb temperature, and relative humidity), Tcore, and skin temperature (Tskin) were measured continuously at a single job site throughout the workday. Hydration was assessed pre- and post-shift via measurements of urine specific gravity (USG) and changes in body weight.

Results: The peak HI recorded throughout the workday was 34.1 °C, corresponding to a "warning" heat risk level according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Heat Safety Tool App. Two of seven (29%) workers reached a peak Tcore of greater than 38.0 °C, and 4 (57%) began the work shift dehydrated, indicated by a USG >1.020.

Conclusions: Findings from this pilot study suggest that road construction workers may begin their shifts dehydrated and some experience moderate hyperthermia while performing physically demanding work in hot environmental conditions.

Introduction: US home care (HC) aide visits to clients' homes typically involve cleaning and disinfecting (C&D) environmental surfaces, particularly in bathrooms. Some ingredients in C&D products are associated with respiratory illness: sodium hypochlorite (bleach), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study assessed and compared aides' respiratory exposures to specific VOCs and QACs while using 2 conventional and 1 "green" household C&D spray products during bathroom cleaning. Measured exposures were compared to ingredients listed on publicly available sources.

Methods: Three C&D products were selected with principal active disinfecting ingredients: 1% to 5% sodium hypochlorite by weight ("bleach-based"); 0.1% to 1% QACs ("QACs-based"); and 0.05% thymol ("green"). Twenty-two aides were recruited to perform C&D tasks in a simulated residential bathroom constructed in an environmental monitoring laboratory. A balanced experimental study design involved each aide visiting the lab 4 times to perform typical cleaning tasks with the 3 products and distilled water (as a control), randomly assigned across the 4 visits. Aides wore air sampling equipment for breathing zone samples: canisters to collect whole air for VOC analyses and filter cassettes for QACs analyses.

Results: Aides performed 84 cleaning visits contributing approximately 20 air samples each for VOCs and QACs, for each of the 3 products and distilled water. In total, 38 unique VOCs were identified in the canister whole air samples: 20 in the QACs-based product samples, 15 in the bleach-based, and 10 in the green. Most VOCs were not listed in publicly available sources of cleaning product ingredients. Toxicity information was limited. Few VOCs had occupational exposure limits. The QACs-based product generated QACs aerosol: benzalkonium chloride (BAC)12 (geometric mean (GM) = 6.98 µg/m3), BAC14 (GM=2.97 µg/m3), BAC16 (GM=0.78 µg/m3); and the 3 QACs summed (GM=10.86 µg/m3).

Discussion: The use of C&D spray products for residential cleaning can generate respiratory exposures to complex mixtures of volatile and nonvolatile compounds. Notably, we measured aerosols containing QACs during the use of the QACs-based product. Dermal is usually considered the main route of exposure because QACs are nonvolatile salts. This study provides evidence that QACs inhalation exposure should be recognized and minimized in addition to the well-accepted dermal exposure routes. The green product generated the fewest VOCs. However, more toxicity information is needed on the health impacts of green C&D products. Spraying of C&D products, conventional and green, should be avoided.

Conclusions: Aides' respiratory health should be protected from chemical exposures while performing C&D in home care.

Objectives: Information systems focusing on occupational carcinogen exposure, whether categorized by industry or occupation, play a pivotal role in the prevention of occupational cancers. Recently, the Korean CARcinogen EXposure (K-CAREX) system was developed to assess carcinogen exposure by industry. However, corresponding information categorized by occupation has yet to be developed. This study aimed to develop an occupation-based exposure matrix for occupational carcinogens as an extension of the K-CAREX framework.

Methods: The Work Environment Measurement Database (WEMD) and the Special Health Examination Database (SHED) were combined to estimate exposure intensity by occupation. The WEMD supplied exposure levels, whereas the SHED provided occupation information. Additionally, the SHED served as the primary data source for constructing an indicator of exposure prevalence by occupation, utilizing standard occupational classification.

Results: A total of 22 carcinogens were selected for evaluating exposure intensity, and 20 carcinogens were selected for assessing exposure prevalence. Exposure intensity and prevalence were assigned to 156 occupational groups based on these carcinogens. For instance, in terms of welding fume exposure, welders were assigned an exposure intensity rating of 3 and exhibited exposure prevalence of 26%.

Conclusions: Our findings complement the previously developed K-CAREX, which offered an industry-based exposure matrix. The resultant comprehensive K-CAREX, incorporating both industry- and occupation-based matrices, can be utilized for occupational cancer prevention and epidemiological studies.

Introduction: Mining is a high-hazard industry with significant occupational disease risks. Despite this there is limited data describing current exposure conditions. The aim of this short communication is to share recent exposure data from underground mines in Ontario, Canada.

Methods: Data from underground mines were accessed through a freedom of information request. Data were cleaned and standardized. Data contained measurements of several hazards from 2013 to 2018; analysis focused on personal samples for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and elemental carbon (EC) from 2014 to 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated overall and by sampling year; comparisons were made to current occupational exposure limits. Linear regression models were constructed to examine time trends.

Results: EC exposures decreased significantly, ~10% per year over the measurement period (2014 to 2018). Overall 14% of EC measurements were above the current mining exposure limit (0.12 mg/m3 EC) in Ontario, Canada. Results for silica did not show a statistically significant trend but did suggest a reduction of ~1.8% per year. Almost one-third of the RCS measurements were above the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended threshold (0.025 mg/m3).

Conclusions: Current exposure data is needed to understand workers' exposure and support occupational disease prevention. Recent data from the Ontario mining industry suggests that exposure to elemental carbon decreased significantly from 2014 to 2018, but the annual reduction for silica exposure was not nearly as substantial. Mining workers continue to be exposed to levels of EC and RCS that are hazardous to health.

Introduction: Very little is known about the effects on the health of work as a wildland firefighter over repeated fire seasons. In Alberta, where the fire season runs from 1 March to 31 October, the great majority of firefighters are hired seasonally. We examined whether there was a dose-response relationship between hours of firefighting and ill-health.

Methods: A cohort was established linking employment records from Alberta Wildfire to administrative health data and cancer records. The employment records contained information on each deployment for all firefighters with employment from 1998 to 2022. Health records had details of diagnoses recorded at all physician consultations for the same period. Cancer records included diagnostic information for all confirmed cancers in the province. Exposure indices (hours worked) were related to health outcomes, with relative risk estimated by multilevel Poisson regression, using data lagged by 10 years for cancer outcomes.

Results: Of 16,816 firefighters with employment records, 12,731 were matched on name, age, and sex in health records and were living in Alberta at the end of at least one fiscal year. One in three had only been employed for one fire season with 10% employed in 10 or more years. The overall mean cumulative exposure was 795 h with 568 h of sustained attack (SA). In multivariable regression, adjusted for age, sex, and inferred First Nation origin, the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia increased with hours of firefighting on foot and decreased with fighting less complex fires or holding a permanent appointment. Hours of firefighting in the year of health report were protective for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mental ill-health but the risk of injury from external causes increased with firefighting hours. The risk of COPD, pneumonia, and asthma increased with cumulative hours over multiple fire seasons of SA firefighting and decreased with cumulative hours fighting less complex fires. Risks of CVD and mental ill-health were also positively related to cumulative hours of SA. No increase in risk was found with cancer incidence (all cancers, bladder cancer, lung cancer, skin: melanoma or nonmelanoma), with exposures unlagged or lagged by 10 years.

Conclusion: Wildland firefighters were found to be at increased risk of lung conditions, both acutely in the year of firefighting and in subsequent years. No increased risk was found for cancer.