Average Exposure Levels Research Articles

Early life air pollution exposures and thyroid function in children: A prospective cohort study

Studies on early life ambient air pollution exposures and childhood thyroid function are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between early life fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm; PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposures and thyroid function in children. We measured the levels of thyrotropin, triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine in children (n = 684) residing in a rural Korean area at age 2, 4, 6, or 8 years from 2012 to 2020 in the Environment and Development of Children cohort. The relationship between residential average exposure levels of PM2.5 and NO2 during pregnancy and 1-year average levels before visit and thyroid function during childhood were analyzed. Inverse association between increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 during the first trimester and thyrotropin levels at aged 4 (β, −0.12; 95% CI: −0.22, −0.02) and 6 years (β, −0.16; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.06) were observed. No association was found between PM2.5 exposure during the second and third trimester and childhood TSH levels. Childhood PM2.5 exposure was positively associated with thyrotropin rise at aged 4 (β, 0.2; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.35) and 6 years (β, 0.16; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.29) and inversely related with free thyroxine levels at aged 8 years (β, −0.04; 95% CI: −0.07, −0.01). No relationship between NO2 exposure and thyroid function was found. In conclusion, association between PM2.5 exposure and childhood thyrotropin levels varied depending on exposure timing. Early gestational exposure showed an inverse relationship, whereas childhood exposure were positively associated with childhood thyrotropin levels. The long-term effects of early life air pollution exposure and underlying mechanisms should be investigated in future studies.

Characterizing the role of unpredictability within different dimensions of early life adversity.

Dimensional models of early life adversity highlight the distinct roles of deprivation and threat in shaping neurocognitive development and mental health. However, relatively little is known about the role of unpredictability within each dimension. We estimated both the average levels of, and the temporal unpredictability of deprivation and threat exposure during adolescence in a high-risk, longitudinal sample of 1354 youth (Pathways to Desistance study). We then related these estimates to later life psychological distress, and Antisocial and Borderline personality traits, and tested whether any effects are mediated by future orientation. High average levels of both deprivation and threat exposure were found to be associated with worse mental health on all three outcomes, but only the effects on Antisocial and Borderline personality traits were mediated by decreased future orientation, a pattern consistent with evolutionary models of psychopathology. Unpredictability in deprivation exposure proved to be associated with increased psychological distress and a higher number of Borderline traits, but with increased future orientation. There was some evidence of unpredictability in threat exposure buffering against the detrimental developmental effects of average threat levels. Our results suggest that the effects of unpredictability are distinct within different dimensions of early life adversity.

Greater exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with lower corneal nerve measures: the Maastricht study - a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEpidemiological and toxicological studies indicate that increased exposure to air pollutants can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. To further confirm this relationship, we evaluated the association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and corneal nerve measures as a surrogate for neurodegeneration, using corneal confocal microscopy.MethodsWe used population-based observational cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study including N = 3635 participants (mean age 59.3 years, 51.6% were women, and 19.9% had type 2 diabetes) living in the Maastricht area. Using the Geoscience and hEalth Cohort COnsortium (GECCO) data we linked the yearly average exposure levels of ambient air pollutants at home address-level [particulate matter with diameters of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), and ≤ 10.0 µm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and elemental carbon (EC)]. We used linear regression analysis to study the associations between Z-score for ambient air pollutants concentrations (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and EC) and Z-score for individual corneal nerve measures (corneal nerve bifurcation density, corneal nerve density, corneal nerve length, and fractal dimension).ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounders (age, sex, level of education, glucose metabolism status, corneal confocal microscopy lag time, inclusion year of participants, smoking status, and alcohol consumption), higher Z-scores for PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with lower Z-scores for corneal nerve bifurcation density, nerve density, nerve length, and nerve fractal dimension [stβ (95% CI): PM2.5 -0.10 (-0.14; -0.05), -0.04 (-0.09; 0.01), -0.11 (-0.16; -0.06), -0.20 (-0.24; -0.15); and PM10 -0.08 (-0.13; -0.03), -0.04 (-0.09; 0.01), -0.08 (-0.13; -0.04), -0.17 (-0.21; -0.12)], respectively. No associations were found between NO2 and EC and corneal nerve measures.ConclusionsOur population-based study demonstrated that exposure to higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are associated with higher levels of corneal neurodegeneration, estimated from lower corneal nerve measures. Our results suggest that air pollution may be a determinant for neurodegeneration assessed in the cornea and may impact the ocular surface health as well.

Workplace Bullying and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions: A Scoping Review.

Workplace bullying is broadly defined as a detrimental form of negative micro-political interaction(s) incorporating a range of aggressive interpersonal behaviours. While targeted toxic behaviour based upon legally protected grounds such as ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation is conceptualised as harassment, this paper positions harassment as a constituent subset of workplace bullying-distinct, but inextricably linked to the broader landscape of workplace predation and incivility. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies demonstrate a robust relationship between being bullied and compromised health, and some sectors, e.g., education, display higher than average levels of exposure, suggesting that contexts matter. The higher education sector is the focus of this scoping review. High rates of bullying have been reported in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), where many of the organisational factors that drive bullying are present. One systematic literature review has been carried out on bullying in HEIs, reviewing papers prior to 2013. Since the sector has seen considerable contextual change since that time, another review is timely. This systematic scoping review aims to identify the volume, range, nature, and characteristics of studies of workplace bullying in HEIs between 2003 and 2023, with a specific focus on how the context of HEIs contributes to the enactment and/or the response to workplace bullying. To this end, 3179 records were identified, with 140 papers charted to identify methods, institution, population, and country. Forty-seven papers were subjected to full-text review for the exploration of contextual factors. Priorities for future research lie in addressing the pernicious effects of neoliberal governance models as well as the complex and intersecting power relations that are unique to higher education.

A detailed methodology for estimating health-related hazards of workplace exposure to indoor formaldehyde vapours

A comprehensive risk assessment method was applied to examine the risks associated with airborne formaldehyde occupational exposure among hospital laboratory staff. The method assessed exposure levels and health impacts by integrating area and personal air sampling, biological monitoring, and self-reported health data. Samples were collected from 74 workplaces across various departments using NIOSH method 3500 and were analyzed via UV-vis spectrophotometry. The data showed significant differences in exposure levels between departments (p≤0.05) and confirmed the efficacy of the method in identifying risk differences. Despite average personal exposure levels being measured lower than occupational limits, individual assessments indicated that some participants surpassed these limits, emphasizing the necessity of personal monitoring for workers with higher risks. The high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, such as cough and wheezing among staff, indicated the need for further investigation and targeted interventions. Although estimated cancer and non-cancer risks were within safe thresholds, the study emphasized the importance of continuous exposure monitoring and the implementation of effective control measures in hospital laboratory departments with formaldehyde emission. This integrated method improved the reliability and generalizability of formaldehyde exposure risk assessments and aided in the development of safe occupational health practices.•The method integrated personal and area sampling with advanced calibration for precise occupational exposure evaluation in laboratories.•The method used of biomarkers to assess formaldehyde absorption in the body estimating both cancerous and non-cancerous health risks associated with occupational exposure.•Addressed traditional method limitations and integrated risk components to improve data reliability for workplace safety and health risk management.

The association between airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure level and primary open-angle glaucoma

The eye is vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. Previous experimental study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) had a direct toxic effect on intraocular tissues. However, clinical evidence for the impact of air pollutants exposure on functional and structural changes in glaucoma remains scarce. A total of 120 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who met the inclusion criteria were included in this retrospective study. The standardized ophthalmic examination, such as intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field, optical coherence tomography, and comprehensive physical examination, were performed. The air pollution data, including PM2.5 concentration and air quality index (AQI), were collected. PM2.5 and AQI for the day of the medical examination, as well as one month, and three months before the medical examination date, were investigated. In our results, higher average exposure levels for one-month and three-month, were associated with increased IOP (r=0.229, P=0.013; r=0.204, P=0.028, respectively) and decreased visual field mean sensitivity (MS) (r=-0.212, P=0.037; r=-0.305, P=0.002, respectively). PM2.5 concentrations for the day of the medical examination was not significantly associated with ocular parameters. In multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for demographic and clinical factors, higher PM2.5 exposure for one month was associated with elevated IOP (P=0.040, β=0.173, 95 %CI=0.008–0.337). We also found an association between PM2.5 and MS (one-month exposure: β=-0.160, P=0.029; three-month exposure: β=-0.238, P=0.002). The logistic regression analysis found that three-month average PM2.5 exposure level was significantly associated with the disease severity (β=0.043, P=0.025, 95 %CI=1.005–1.084). In conclusion, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between air pollution and detailed ocular parameters of POAG patients in Shanghai over a three-year period, and to explore the effects of different exposure times of PM2.5 on glaucoma. This study found that PM2.5 exposure was correlated with elevated IOP and decreased MS. The one-month PM2.5 exposure level had the most significant effects on IOP. The three-month PM2.5 exposure level was an independent risk factor for POAG severity. Current evidence suggests there may be an association between PM2.5 exposure and POAG.

Estimates and measurements of radiofrequency exposures in smart-connected homes.

The aim of this research was to quantify the levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF-EME) in a residential home/apartment equipped with a range of wireless devices, often referred to as internet of things (IoT) devices or smart devices and subsequently develop a tool that could be useful for estimating the levels of RF-EME in a domestic environment. Over the course of 3 years measurements were performed in peoples' homes on a total of 43 devices across 16 device categories. Another 12 devices were measured in detail in a laboratory setup. In all a total of 55 individual devices across 23 device categories were measured. Based on this measurement data we developed predictive software that showed that even with a single device in 23 device categories operating near maximum they would, in total, produce exposures at a distance of 1 m of 0.17% of the ICNIRP (2020) public exposure limits. Measurements were also made in two separate smart apartments-one contained over 50 IoT devices and a second with over 100 IoT devices with the devices driven as hard as could reasonably be achieved. The respective 6-min average exposure level recorded were 0.0077% and 0.44% of the ICNIRP (2020) 30-min average public exposure limit.

Comparative assessment of dry- and humid-heat extremes in a warming climate: Frequency, intensity, and seasonal timing

Dry and humid-heat extremes are two types of heat extremes, each exhibiting unique climatological characteristics and impacts on different sectors of society. Using historical simulations and projections produced under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) by models from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), we show a comparative assessment of the future changes in dry- and humid-heat extremes over global land. Relative to 1995–2014, projections for the mid-term future (2041–2060) and long-term future (2081–2100) periods suggest that most global regions will experience an increase in frequency and intensity of both dry- and humid-heat extremes, especially the tropical regions. In these future periods, the peak occurrences of dry- and humid-heat extremes in mid-to high-latitude regions often occur within the same month. However, there will be a one-to two-month gap between the peak occurrences of dry- and humid-heat extremes in tropical regions, primarily due to monsoonal circulations that introduce variability by causing dry-heat extremes before the onset of monsoons and humid-heat extremes as the monsoons commence. This suggests the need for sector-specific adaptation strategies during different periods of the year for tropical regions. Under both future scenarios, whether considering individual exposure or land area, the average level of exposure to extreme humid-heat days is projected to increase more significantly compared to dry-heat days. The above results highlight the risks associated with the intensification of humid heat in future climate scenarios and warrant the development of effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects.

Noise exposure assessment of workers inspecting construction machinery vehicles in the Republic of Korea.

Previous studies have investigated the health hazards caused by exposure to the noise of heavy equipment used at construction sites. Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport operates a registration system for construction machinery, and regular safety inspections are mandatory. Although workers inspecting construction machinery vehicles are exposed to unwanted noise, no noise exposure assessment has been made regarding these workers in Korea. The time-weighted average (TWA) daily average noise exposure level among construction machinery inspectors at 18 inspection centers was 75.3 dB(A). Among the inspection steps, the exhaust gas inspection step was found to exhibit the highest noise exposure level, up to 100 dB(A). In Korea, if the noise level of a workplace exceeds 85 dB(A) as a TWA, workers are required to undergo special medical examinations. This study found that special medical examinations were required for two of the 18 target inspection centers (approximately 115 workers) as the 8-hour TWA noise level exceeded 85 dB(A). Therefore, regular noise exposure assessment and special medical examinations for noise are required to prevent inspectors from developing hearing disorders due to noise exposure.

Medical radiation exposure in inflammatory bowel disease: an updated meta-analysis

BackgroundThere have been previous studies and earlier systematic review on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and radiation exposure. With the diversification of current test methods, this study intended to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the IBD radiation exposure in recent years.MethodsThree databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDICINE) for relevant literature up to May 1, 2023 were searched. The statistical data meeting requirements were collated and extracted.Results20 papers were enrolled. The overall high radiation exposure rate was 15% (95% CI = [12%, 19%]) for CD and 5% (95% CI = [3%, 7%]) for UC. The pooled result found that high radiation exposure rate was 3.44 times higher in CD than in UC (OR = 3.44, 95% CI = [2.35, 5.02]). Moreover, the average radiation exposure level in CD was 12.77 mSv higher than that in UC (WMD = 12.77, 95% CI = [9.93, 15.62] mSv). Furthermore, radiation exposure level of CD after 2012 was higher than those before 2012 (26.42 ± 39.61vs. 23.76 ± 38.46 mSv, P = 0.016), while UC did not show similar result (11.99 ± 27.66 vs. 10.01 ± 30.76 mSv, P = 0.1). Through subgroup analysis, it was found that disease duration (WMD = 2.75, 95% CI = [0.10, 5.40] mSv), complications (OR = 5.09, 95% CI = [1.50, 17.29]), and surgical history (OR = 5.46, 95% CI = [1.51, 19.69]) significantly increased the proportion of high radiation exposure.ConclusionThis study found that radiation exposure level of IBD patients was high, which revealed the radiation risk in the process of diagnosis and treatment of IBD patients. In the future, longer follow-up and prospective studies are needed to reveal the relationship between high radiation exposure and solid tumorigenesis.

Association Between Long‑Term Exposure to Air Pollution and the Rate of Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery in Patients Older Than 60 Years: Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan.

To enhance postoperative patient survival, particularly in older adults, understanding the predictors of mortality following hip fracture becomes paramount. Air pollution, a prominent global environmental issue, has been linked to heightened morbidity and mortality across a spectrum of diseases. Nevertheless, the precise impact of air pollution on hip fracture outcomes remains elusive. This retrospective study aims to comprehensively investigate the profound influence of a decade-long exposure to 12 diverse air pollutants on the risk of post-hip fracture mortality among older Taiwanese patients (older than 60 years). We hypothesized that enduring long-term exposure to air pollution would significantly elevate the 1-year mortality rate following hip fracture surgery. From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we obtained the data of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between July 1, 2003, and December 31, 2013. Using patients' insurance registration data, we estimated their cumulative exposure levels to sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulate matter having a size of <10 μm (PM10), particulate matter having a size of <2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOX), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total hydrocarbons (THC), nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and methane (CH4). We quantified the dose-response relationship between these air pollutants and the risk of mortality by calculating hazard ratios associated with a 1 SD increase in exposure levels over a decade. Long-term exposure to SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, NOX, NO, NO2, THC, NMHC, and CH4 demonstrated significant associations with heightened all-cause mortality risk within 1 year post hip fracture surgery among older adults. For older adults, each 1 SD increment in the average exposure levels of SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, NOX, NO, NO2, THC, NMHC, and CH4 corresponded to a substantial escalation in mortality risk, with increments of 14%, 49%, 18%, 12%, 41%, 33%, 38%, 20%, 9%, and 26%, respectively. We further noted a 35% reduction in the hazard ratio for O3 exposure suggesting a potential protective effect, along with a trend of potentially protective effects of CO2. This comprehensive nationwide retrospective study, grounded in a population-based approach, demonstrated that long-term exposure to specific air pollutants significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality within 1 year after hip fracture surgery in older Taiwanese adults. A reduction in the levels of SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, NOX, NO, NO2, THC, NMHC, and CH4 may reduce the risk of mortality after hip fracture surgery. This study provides robust evidence and highlights the substantial impact of air pollution on the outcomes of hip fractures.

Low-level ambient ozone exposure associated with neutrophil extracellular traps and pro-atherothrombotic biomarkers in healthy adults

Background and aimsUncertainty of the causality determinations for ambient ozone (O3) on cardiovascular events is heightened by the limited understanding of the mechanisms involved in humans. We aimed to examine the pro-atherothrombotic impacts of O3 exposure and to explore the potential mediating roles of dysfunctional neutrophils, focusing on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsA longitudinal panel study of 152 healthy adults was conducted in the cool to cold months with relatively low levels of O3 between September 2019 and January 2020 in Beijing, China. Four repeated measurements of indicators reflecting atherothrombotic balance and NETs were performed for each participant. ResultsDaily average exposure levels of ambient O3 were 16.6 μg/m3 throughout the study period. Per interquartile range increase in average concentrations of O3 exposure at prior up to 7 days, we observed elevations of 200.1–276.3% in D-dimer, 27.2–36.8% in thrombin-antithrombin complex, 10.8–60.3% in plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, 13.9–21.8% in soluble P-selectin, 16.5–45.1% in matrix metalloproteinase-8, and 2.4–12.4% in lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2. These pro-atherothrombotic changes were accompanied by endothelial activation, lung injury, and immune inflammation. O3 exposure was also positively associated with circulating NETs indicators, including citrullinated histone H3, neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase, and double-stranded DNA. Mediation analyses indicated that NETs could mediate O3-associated pro-atherothrombotic responses. The observational associations remained significant and robust after controlling for other pollutants, and were generally greater in participants with low levels of physical activity. ConclusionsAmbient O3 exposure was associated with significant increases in NETs and pro-atherothrombotic potential, even at exposure levels well below current air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization.

Association between air pollution and cerebrospinal fluid alpha-synuclein in urban elders: the CABLE study.

Increasing evidence suggests that air pollution has a significant impact on the development of synucleinopathies, but the potential neurobiological mechanisms are unknown. We aimed to explore the associations of air pollution (including ozone [O3], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], and particulate matter [PM2.5]) with CSF α-syn levels in urban older adults. We included 933 urban participants from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE study. The 5-year average levels of air pollution exposure were estimated in the areas of residence. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to detect the correlation of air pollution with CSF α-syn levels. Subgroup analyses by age, gender, season, and history of coronary heart disease (CHD) were performed. Moreover, restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were applied to explore the potential nonlinear relationships. We found a significant correlation of CSF α-syn level with PM2.5 in urban participants. Specifically, multiple linear regression showed a significant negative association between PM2.5 and CSF α-syn level (p = 0.029), which was more significant in female, midlife, non-CHD, and cold season subgroups. Besides, RCS models showed that O3 had an inverse J-shaped association with CSF α-syn levels in urban participants (p for nonlinearity = 0.040), and the harmful effect possibly appeared when O3 was above 37.9 ppb. Long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with lower CSF α-syn levels, which may offer a new direction for exploring and preventing synucleinopathies.

Шумовое загрязнение территории многоэтажных жилых застроек города Ставрополя

The article provides measurement results and an assessment of the noise load on the territory of the «Perspektivny» and «Rossiysky» residential complexes in Stavropol. Noise measurements were carried out in the spring-summer and autumn-winter periods of 2022–2023. The measurement results are presented as average noise exposure levels. Based on the data obtained, a mathematical model of the propagation of noise from traffic flow during the deciduous and leafless period was built. To conduct a study and assess the noise load in a multistorey building on the territory of the South-Western district of Stavropol. The measurement of the noise load was carried out in accordance with GOST 23337-2014 “Noise. Methods for measuring noise in residential areas and in residential and public buildings”. To analyze and compare the data obtained with the maximum permissible value, SanPiN 1.2.3685-21 “Hygienic standards and requirements for ensuring the safety and (or) harmlessness of environmental factors for humans” was used. The measurement results revealed excess of maximum permissible noise level on the territory of the residential complex «Perspektivny» and «Rossiysky», and the houses within the residential complex «Perspektivny» suffer most from the proximity of the roadway and the absence or partial landscaping. Noise values were recorded near residential buildings in the range of 70 dBA. On the territory of the residential complex “Rossiysky”, high indicators are found on the sidewalk near the South-Western bypass. No excess of maximum permissible noise load level was noticed directly at the houses. The resulting mathematical model reflects the dependence of the noise level on the presence and absence of foliage and the density of traffic flow. Based on the data obtained, we can conclude that the residential complexes «Perspektivny» and «Rossiysky» are subject to significant noise pollution. This can be attributed to shortcomings in the planning of territory development and the increase in the number of vehicles.

Operating Room Noise Environment and Behavior in Children Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Excessive operating room noise impairs communication, distracts from monitoring equipment, and may increase patient and provider stress. This study investigates the effects of reduced noise on perioperative behavior in children undergoing general anesthesia and on anesthesia provider response time. Healthy children (the American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-II), 2-8 years of age, and their anesthesia providers were randomized into a control or treatment group exposed to reduced stimulation during induction and emergence. Primary outcomes were patient behavior and provider response time. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain scores, provider responses exceeding 30 seconds, and median and maximum noise exposure. 64 children (27 females and 37 males) were randomized into a control or treatment group, of whom 32 (50%) underwent tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy and 32 (50%) underwent dental procedures. The average age was 4.6 (SD 1.43) years. Children exposed to reduced noise were less likely to be "fussy about eating" (p=0.042), more "interested in what goes on around them" (p=0.008), and had fewer temper tantrums (p=0.004) on postoperative day one or two and on postoperative day five, six, or seven. No other differences were found between groups in behavioral assessment scores or provider response times. Our study is the first to show that a low-stimulus environment improves postdischarge behavior. Provider response time was unaffected by reduced noise, and the average and peak noise exposure levels did not exceed national safety guidelines. This trial is registered with NCT03507855 and NCT03504553.

Exposure of Global Rail and Road Infrastructures in Future Record‐Breaking Climate Extremes

AbstractTransport infrastructures built on historical experience are expected to face multiple threats under climate change, especially the continuous interruptive losses and additional maintenance costs caused by more intense or frequent record‐breaking extreme climate events. In this study, we investigated the change in the exposure of global rail and road infrastructures to eight record‐breaking meteorological hazards using the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate data, including extreme temperature and extreme precipitation. Our findings suggest that higher extreme heat and increasing thaw‐freezing index ratio pose great threats to global rail and road infrastructures. The expected annual exposures of these two hazards are 4 and 2 times the average exposure level of eight hazards, respectively. Moreover, the exposure rapidly increases due to sharply increasing drought and heavy rain compound events as emissions growth and development accelerate, rising from 7% to 18% in eight hazard exposures. Sustainable and lower radiative forcing pathways would contribute to the exposure mitigation, with the peak exposure of eight hazards under the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP1‐2.6 scenarios averaging 29% and 52% lower, respectively, than that under the SSP3‐7.0, which is an extreme scenario we may be on track for under current global efforts. However, the fact that most areas will still be affected by multiple hazards is probably unavoidable. Thus, in parallel with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we recommend that the transport sector incorporate locally appropriate climate change adaptation strategies to avoid losses induced by record‐breaking extreme climate events.

A Study on Assessment of Noise Levels in Various Construction Activities

Construction industry is one of the occupational hazardous workplaces. Most of the construction activities are involved with various risks, prone to occupational hazards. Noise is a physical hazard, resulting from simple headache to permanent hearing loss. Noise is not only confined to work involved but also involves surrounding activities like traffic, commercial activities of the construction sites. Each construction activity is associated with various tools, machinery, producing moderate to severe noise. Workers are exposed to repeated noise levels during worktime. The present study is to identify the machinery and tools producing high noise levels, calculating the average noise exposure levels, the dose levels pertaining to time weighted average levels during high work time. The survey, interview, observation based method adopted in collection and analysing the data .A collective number of noise levels were measured using Noise meter during the study . Ms excel sheet was used to analyse the dose levels and Time weighted average (TWA) . Construction activities exceeding the OSHA standards 85 dB, identified as noise hazard. Analysis concluded that concrete pouring activity produces a noise of 90 dB, exceeded the OSHA limit and carpentry activity just exceeds the limit. Based on survey 44.4% of the construction workers are responded as construction noise is not tolerable and 61.1% are not showing interest towards wearing of PPE.

Evaluation of Exposure to Noise and Vibration and Its Effect on Work-related Fatigue

Introduction: Exposure to vibration and noise has been identified to potentially contribute to work-related fatigue, consequently causing a range of adverse effects on job performance.Method: In this study, a sample of 62 city bus drivers underwent examination to evaluate noise levels through the utilization of a TES dosimeter. Additionally, vibration measurements were conducted using an SV 106 vibration meter. Furthermore, the level of occupational fatigue was determined through the utilization of a Swedish fatigue questionnaire. Results: In the conducted study, it was observed that bus drivers were subjected to an average exposure level of 82.18 dB and 0.99 m/s2 for noise and whole-body vibration, respectively, throughout their work shifts. Additionally, their average job fatigue score was measured to be 26.21 out of a total of 200. To comprehensively evaluate the influence of various factors on (WRF), both single-variable and multi-variable analyses were conducted. The result of the univariate tests exhibited a notable association between job fatigue and the Lon life of the vehicle, the type of car seat (spring or inflatable), as well as the level of exposure to vibration and job satisfaction. Moreover, when considering the influencing factors concurrently in the multivariate test, a significant correlation between occupational fatigue and exposure to vibration, as well as the type of chair, was established. Conclusion: Improving the quality of buses by implementing modernized features that minimize vibrations and reduce noise levels can greatly contribute to mitigating fatigue among urban bus drivers.

P013 The Effect of Noise Exposure during Sleep on the Cortisol Awakening Response

Abstract Introduction Environmental noise could negatively impact the sleep and well-being of nearby residents. This study tested for overnight noise exposure effects on the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a potential marker of noise-related stress responses, and for differences in CAR and hair cortisol between different prior noise exposure groups. Methods A randomised controlled laboratory trial was conducted in 68 individuals from four groups; including WFN-exposed residents n=14 with and n=18 without WFN-related complaints, n=18 quiet rural control and n=18 urban traffic-noise exposed residents. Across six nights, after an initial adaptation night, participants were exposed in random order to different noise conditions, which included intermittent WFN and road traffic noise (RTN), WFN at average exposure levels throughout wake, sleep or both and a quiet control night. Salivary CAR responses were evaluated from 5 serial saliva samples collected following awakening. Hair cortisol levels were also collected. Mixed effects models were used to examine group and night effects on CAR and group effects on hair cortisol. Results There was a significant main effect of condition on CAR (p=0.038), but no significant pairwise differences between the control night and noise exposure nights, and no further differences between nights or groups on CAR or hair cortisol concentrations. Conclusions Acute in-laboratory noise-related sleep disturbance at the levels used in this study do not appear to alter acute cortisol awakening responses. A better understanding of chronic noise exposure effects and stress responses is important to help clarify and mitigate potential environmental noise exposure effects on nearby residents.

Adequate Intake of Dietary Fiber May Relieve the Detrimental Impact of Blood Lead on Dyslipidemia among US Adults: A Study of Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database.

Lead (Pb) exposure is a well-established risk factor for dyslipidemia, and people are exposed to it in multiple ways daily. Dietary fiber is presumed to improve lipid metabolism disorders, but it is still unknown whether it can relieve the detrimental impact of Pb on dyslipidemia. We used publicly accessible data from the 2011-2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 2128 US adults were enrolled for the subsequent analysis. Heavy metal concentrations in blood were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A weighted logistic regression was conducted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The dose-response relationship between blood heavy metals and dyslipidemia was explored using a weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. After fully adjusting for potential confounding factors (age, gender, race, education level, ratio of family income to poverty, marital status, body mass index, physical activity, waist circumference, smoke, alcohol drinking and history of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes), a positive association between blood Pb levels and dyslipidemia risk was revealed (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.40). Dietary fiber intake may significantly modify the association between blood Pb levels and dyslipidemia (p-interaction = 0.049), with a stronger association (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05-1.52) being revealed in individuals with an inadequate intake of dietary fiber (<14 g/1000 kcal/day), but a null association (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.72-1.42) being observed in those with an adequate intake of dietary fiber (≥14 g/1000 kcal/day). Moreover, the weighted RCS analysis showed that compared with the average blood Pb exposure level (4.24 µg/dL), a lower blood Pb exposure level (3.08 µg/dL) may contribute to the risk of dyslipidemia in the group with an inadequate dietary fiber intake. Our findings suggest that Pb exposure in blood may be a risk factor for dyslipidemia. However, an adequate dietary fiber intake may offset the risk of dyslipidemia caused by blood Pb exposure. Since avoiding Pb exposure in daily life is difficult, increasing dietary fiber intake in the future might be a promising approach to alleviate dyslipidemia caused by Pb exposure.