Journal of occupational and environmental medicine最新文献

Objective: Research suggests that PPE is underused during mold cleanup after hurricanes, despite mold's association with adverse health outcomes. This study aims to improve understanding of decision-making around PPE use to shape messaging after natural disasters.

Methods: A convenience sample of adult residents and workers in Louisiana parishes affected by Hurricane Ida responded to closed- and open-ended questions about mold cleanup perceptions. Content analysis drew on the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Results: Qualitative findings indicate that perceived barriers to PPE use included discomfort and inconvenience. Many respondents understood important concepts related to respirator user seal checks and/or fit tests; some responses indicated misunderstandings. Many sample residents ( n = 150/238, 63%) and workers ( n = 40/68, 59%) had not encountered state-driven health messages about mold cleanup.

Conclusions: Results could inform message development for promoting recommended PPE use in hurricane-affected areas.

Objectives: Dental and veterinary technicians performing dental work are predominately female. The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to high-frequency vibration, similar to that generated by dental tools, contributes to changes in sensory and vascular function.

Methods: The tails of female rats were exposed to vibration at 1250 Hz (constant acceleration of 49 m/s 2 ) for 4 hours per day, for 10 days. The effects on sensory nerve function, and vascular function were measured.

Results: Vibration increased sensitivity to applied pressure but not to transcutaneous electrical stimulation. It also resulted in changes in blood flow.

Conclusions: Changes in vascular and sensorineural function detected in this study are consistent with the idea that high-frequency vibration is injurious to soft tissues.

Objective: This study examined US Department of the Air Force (DAF) work-related finger, hand, and/or wrist (FHW) injuries and focused on injury characteristics, severity, and outcomes.

Methods: Characteristics, details, and severity of work-related, noncombat FHW injuries (2008-2018) were examined. Rates, patterns of severity, and identification of at-risk populations within DAF were calculated.

Results: Nearly a quarter of DAF injuries were FHW-related and decreased from 2008 to 2018. The highest rates were among males, younger workers, and enlisted workers. Odds of severe injury increased with age group. After adjustment, sex was not significantly different. Aircraft maintenance had the most severe injuries, whereas metal workers had the highest rate.

Conclusions: Surveillance and focused interventions of high-risk groups, standardized codes, and regular updating of training and procedures contribute to continued reduction of FHW injuries.

Objective: This study examined the prospective associations of workplace inclusion with psychological distress and work engagement, and assessed whether work arrangements moderate these associations among Japanese employees.

Methods: A web-based longitudinal survey was conducted in February and November 2024. Linear regression models were used to analyze 3851 responses, stratified by gender.

Results: Greater workplace inclusion was significantly associated with lower psychological distress and higher work engagement in both men and women. Among women, work arrangement moderated the effect of inclusion on work engagement, with significant positive effects observed only among office workers.

Conclusions: Workplace inclusion contributes to employee well-being and motivation over time. However, its effect on work engagement may differ by work arrangement, particularly among women, underscoring the need for tailored inclusion strategies in remote and hybrid settings.

Objective: Respiratory complaints during indoor training among elite professional soldiers.

Methods: During a four-hour period (3*15 min) eighteen male healthy non-smoking Caucasians practiced enemy neutralization and building security. At each session 65-246 blanks and dummy hand grenades were used and no respiratory protection. Each soldier underwent blood sampling and spirometry testing before and after the training session and monitored own exposure.

Results: The mean (range) exposure of total dust was 18.1 (6.0-25.5) mg/m 3 , Cu 17.4 (9.4-28.4) ug/m 3 and Zn 165.1 (63.4-328.7) ug/m 3 . Mean (95% CI) post-values for Forced Expiratory Volume after 1 second and Forced Vital Capacity were -130 mL (-180; -80) and -120 mL (-170; -70) lower than corresponding pre-values. Blood concentration of neutrophils increased from 48% to 57%.

Conclusion: Respiratory protection equipment is recommended in future indoor training sessions.

Objective: To identify potential predictors of serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) among a cohort of U.S. firefighters.

Methods: Serum PFAS concentrations were measured in 2,056 U.S. structural firefighters between July 2023 and October 2024. Data on demographics, lifestyle behaviors, occupational exposures, and fire agency policies were collected through individual and fire agency surveys and evaluated for associations with serum PFAS concentrations.

Results: Plasma and/or blood donation, drinking water source, military service, post-fire on-scene decontamination, turnout gear storage and transportation, rank, using aqueous film-forming foam, and carpet in fire station living quarters were all significant predictors of at least one PFAS chemical (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions: Both individual and departmental predictors of serum PFAS concentrations were identified. These findings can help guide the selection of PFAS exposure reduction activities by firefighters.

Objective: To assess associations between self-perceived mental well-being, work capacity and sustained work participation (SWP) in a cohort of the Swedish working population.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey data based on 7618 employees were linked to national registers to assess SWP over 1 year. Binary logistic regression models, including interaction terms, were used to examine the main and moderation effects.

Results: In the adjusted regression model, the Capacity to Work Index (C2WI) was independently and significantly associated with SWP. For each 1-point increase in C2WI, the odds of SWP decreased by 6% in women and 8% in men.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that self-perceived capacity to work is an important determinant of SWP. Although mental well-being is important from a public health perspective, efforts to improve cognitive and mental work capacity are vital for SWP.

Objective: To descriptively compare sleep outcomes between fire agencies utilizing different shift configurations.

Methods: Firefighters employed by three departments utilizing a 24/48, 48/96, 4 Platoon system (4P) and a control group of day shift first responders completed the Emergency Service Sleep Diary and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to compare sleep quantity and quality outcomes.

Results: After controlling for differences in nighttime emergency call volume, the 24/48 resulted in less on-duty sleep time than the 48/96, whereas the 4P was similar to 24/48. The 24/48 displayed greater total PSQI scores than all other shift configurations.

Conclusions: Sleep quantity and quality were worse among firefighters working a 24/48 shift compared to some shifts. Many firefighters across shifts did not obtain the recommended amount of sleep on- and off-duty.