Chronic Occupational Exposure Research Articles

Evaluation of human vulnerability and toxic effects of chronic and acute occupational exposure to ammonia: A case study in an ice factory.

The hazardous material release has frequently occurred worldwide. As a respiratory stimulant and a toxic substance, ammonia has numerous adverse effects on human health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the human vulnerability and toxic effects of both chronic and acute respiratory exposure to ammonia. This study was conducted in an ice factory. Ammonia reservoirs were selected as the danger center. The scenarios were evaluated from the perspective of the worst-case. The Emergency Response Planning Guidelines 1-3 was used to predict the dangerous concentrations in acute exposure. The probability of human vulnerability was estimated using the Probit model. PHAST 7.2 software was used to model consequences. As a measure of chronic exposure to ammonia, NMAM 6016 was used. A respiratory symptom questionnaire developed by the American Thoracic Society was used for collecting respiratory symptom histories. The ERPG3 level or concentration of 750 ppm was found at a distance of 617.71 and 411.01 meters from tanks, respectively, as a result of a rupture in reservoir 1 over a period of two halves of the year. It was found that the highest probit values for tank 2 at distances of zero, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 meters were 9.55, 5.92, 5.47, 4.82, 4.23, 3.56 and 2.96, respectively. The prevalence of pulmonary symptoms, which include coughing, dyspnea, phlegm, and wheezing, was 28%, 19%, 15%, and 26% in the chronic exposure group. In the event that an ammonia reservoir ruptures catastrophically, it may cause human injury at ERPG-2 or ERPG-3 levels. Results revealed that exposure to this substance can impose many pulmonary symptoms on the respiratory system of workers in industries. In order to reduce the vulnerability of humans to potential release scenarios, control measures must be implemented. Also, preventive and mitigation measures can be designed to enhance safety and resilience against the release of hazardous materials.

Incidence risk of hepatobiliary malignant neoplasms in the cohort of workers chronically exposed to ionizing radiation

The increased risk of liver malignancies was found in workers of the first Russian nuclear production facility, Mayak Production Association, who had been chronically exposed to gamma rays externally and to alpha particles internally due to plutonium inhalation. In the present study, we updated the radiogenic risk estimates of the hepatobiliary malignancies using the extended follow-up period (1948–2018) of the Mayak worker cohort and the improved «Mayak worker dosimetry system–2013». The cohort comprised 22,377 workers hired at the Mayak PA between 1948 and 1982. The analysis considered 62 liver malignancies (32 hepatocellular carcinomas, 13 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 16 angiosarcomas, and 1 anaplastic cancer) and 33 gallbladder adenocarcinomas. The analysis proved the positive significant association of the liver malignancy risk (the total of histological types, hepatocellular carcinoma) with the liver absorbed alpha dose from internal exposure. The excess relative risk per Gy (95% confidence interval) of alpha dose (the linear model) was 7.56 (3.44; 17.63) for the total of histological types and 3.85 (0.95; 13.30) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Indications of non-linearity were observed in the dose–response for internal exposure to alpha radiation. No impact of external gamma-ray exposure on the liver malignancy incidence was found. In the study cohort, the number of angiosarcomas among various types of liver malignancies was very high (25.8%), and most of these tumors (73.3%) were registered in individuals internally exposed to alpha radiation at doses ranging between 6.0 and 21.0 Gy. No association with chronic occupational radiation exposure was observed for the incidence of gallbladder malignancies.

The impact of Extremely Low Frequency Electro- Magnetic Fields on Depression Anxiety and Stress

IntroductionAccording to World Health Organisation (WHO), Extremely Low Frequency Electro-Magnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) include frequencies ranging from 0 to 300 Hz. They are widespread in our daily life and in the workplace. These fields have an impact on physical and mental health including depression and anxiety.ObjectivesTo assess the impact of chronic occupational exposure to ELF-EMF on Depression, Anxiety and Stress among workers in the Tunisian Electricity and GasCompany of Sousse, Tunisia.MethodsIn this cross-sectionalstudy, participants were enrolled into two groups: an “exposed group” including workers in a power plant and an “unexposed group” including administrative workers belonging to the same company. The Exposure to ELF EMFs was assessed by spot measurements using a portable magnetometer. Depression,Anxiety and Stress were assessed by the the Depression,Anxiety and Stress Scale(DASS-21).ResultsThis study included 77 exposed subjects and 88 unexposed subjects. The median age was 37 years for the exposed group and 43,5 years for the unexposed ones. Almost half of the exposed group were technicians and had a work experience of 9 years. The median value of EMF was 5,86 uT in the power plant[Min 0,1 Max 40,34 ut].The interpretation of DASS-21 showed that 24.7% of the exposed group and 3.4% of the unexposed group had depression (p<10-3). Anxiety was reported by, 23.4% of the exposed group and by none of the unexposed group. Stress was observed among 46.8% of the exposed group and by none of the unexposed group. After multivariate analysis, ELF-EMF exposure was significantly associated only with depression (p<10-3 ; OR=1,45 [1,17-1,81]) ).ConclusionsChronic occupational exposure to ELF-EMF increases the risk ofDepression, anxiety and Stress. Underlying mechanisms are not established yet suggesting the need of further studies.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The risk of colorectal cancer incidence in a cohort of individuals occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

The increased risk of colorectal cancer following ionizing radiation exposure was demonstrated in a number of epidemiological studies. Earlier, no impact of occupational radiation exposure on colorectal cancer incidence or mortality was observed in a cohort of workers of the nuclear industrial facility, Mayak Production Association (PA). Extension of the follow-up of the cohort and improvement of dose estimates for personnel made it possible to update the earlier findings. The study objective is to assess the risk of colorectal cancer incidence associated with chronic occupational radiation exposure taking into account non-radiation factor effects. The study cohort included 22,377 workers employed at the reactor, plutonium-producing and radiochemical plants of Mayak PA (hiring period 1948–1982; follow-up period ended on December 31, 2018). Using the Poisson regression (EPICURE software), the relative risks (RRs with 95 % confidence intervals, (95 % CI)) of colorectal cancer incidence were estimated depending on the most significant non-radiation factors (sex, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive body mass and obesity, intestinal polyps, chronic colitis). These values were also calculated for certain ranges of occupational exposure doses relying on data provided by ‘The Mayak Worker Dosimetry System – 2013’. The linear model was used to analyze the dose-response relationship. In the study cohort, the RR of colorectal cancer incidence was lower in females than in males: 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.55; 0.96) for colon and 0.48 (95 % CI: 0.34; 0.67) for rectum. The increased RR of the rectum cancer incidence was observed for cases with intestinal polyps: 3.42 (95 % CI: 1.68; 6.19). The colon cancer incidence risk increased with increasing age of workers, but other non-radiation factors were not shown to affect the results. This study supported the earlier results: no association was observed between the risk of colorectal cancer incidence and doses of occupational external gamma-ray or internal alpha-particle exposures.

Риск заболеваемости раком кишечника в когорте работников, подвергшихся хроническому профессиональному облучению

The increased risk of colorectal cancer following ionizing radiation exposure was demonstrated in a number of epidemiological studies. Earlier, no impact of occupational radiation exposure on colorectal cancer incidence or mortality was observed in a cohort of workers of the nuclear industrial facility, Mayak Production Association (PA). Extension of the follow-up of the cohort and improvement of dose estimates for personnel made it possible to update the earlier findings. The study objective is to assess the risk of colorectal cancer incidence associated with chronic occupational radiation exposure taking into account non-radiation factor effects. The study cohort included 22,377 workers employed at the reactor, plutonium-producing and radiochemical plants of Mayak PA (hiring period 1948–1982; follow-up period ended on December 31, 2018). Using the Poisson regression (EPICURE software), the relative risks (RRs with 95 % confidence intervals, (95 % CI)) of colorectal cancer incidence were estimated depending on the most significant non-radiation factors (sex, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive body mass and obesity, intestinal polyps, chronic colitis). These values were also calculated for certain ranges of occupational exposure doses relying on data provided by ‘The Mayak Worker Dosimetry System – 2013’. The linear model was used to analyze the dose-response relationship. In the study cohort, the RR of colorectal cancer incidence was lower in females than in males: 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.55; 0.96) for colon and 0.48 (95 % CI: 0.34; 0.67) for rectum. The increased RR of the rectum cancer incidence was observed for cases with intestinal polyps: 3.42 (95 % CI: 1.68; 6.19). The colon cancer incidence risk increased with increasing age of workers, but other non-radiation factors were not shown to affect the results. This study supported the earlier results: no association was observed between the risk of colorectal cancer incidence and doses of occupational external gamma-ray or internal alpha-particle exposures.

Tobacco Smoking as a Risk Factor of Hearing Impairment in Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise: A Literature Review

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss ranks first among occupational diseases in workers of noisy occupations. Recent studies have proven the role of tobacco smoking as a risk factor for hearing impairment in workers exposed to industrial noise. Objective: To summarize and systematize the results of studying the impact of tobacco smoking on hearing impairment in workers employed in noisy jobs. Materials and methods: We have searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and RSCI databases for the studies published in 1990–2023 using the following keywords and phrases in Russian and English: smoking, hearing loss, occupational noise-induced hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, noise, and pathogenesis. Materials from 36 full-text sources containing information on the role of tobacco smoking and the pathogenetic mechanisms of hearing loss in individuals exposed to noise at work were used for the review. Results: Currently, there is no consensus on primary targets and the main pathogenetic mechanism of hearing loss. An increasing role in its development has been assigned recently to metabolic disorders with subsequent activation of signaling pathways leading to cell apoptosis. We have established that tobacco smoking can be an independent risk factor for hearing loss at high frequencies, while the combined exposure to tobacco smoking and occupational noise has an additive effect. Smoking can act as an independent factor causing hearing impairment at lower noise levels in the workplace, and quitting smoking reduces the risk of hearing loss. Conclusion: Our findings allow us to expand the understanding of the role of tobacco smoking in hearing loss in workers employed in noisy jobs and the pathogenetic mechanisms of hearing impairment related to chronic occupational noise exposure in smokers in order to substantiate a comprehensive, integrated approach to its treatment and prevention.

Chronic occupational exposures to irritants and asthma in the CONSTANCES cohort

ObjectivesThe impact of chronic occupational exposures to irritants on asthma remains discussed. We studied the associations between occupational exposures and asthma, with specific interest for chronic exposure to irritants, including...

Exposure to low-dose radiation in occupational settings and ischaemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ionising radiation is a human carcinogen, but the evidence is less clear that exposure to low-dose ionising radiation (LDIR) increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We synthesised the literature...

Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis andEmphysema ina Patient With Chronic Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene.

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a clinical syndrome of upper-zone-predominant emphysema on high-resolution CT and a peripheral and basal-predominant diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. Multiple occupational and inhalational exposures have been associated with CPFE. We describe a U.S. veteran, who developed CPFE after a prolonged, intense exposure to trichloroethylene as an aircraft maintenance worker. We believe that this may be another example of occupational-associated CPFE.

Chronic Occupational Exposure to Traffic Pollution Is Associated with Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Healthy Urban Traffic Control Police.

Urban traffic officers in many low- and middle-income countries are exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) while working vehicle control on heavily congested streets. The impact of chronic TRAP exposure on the cardiovascular health, including the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), of this outdoor occupational group remains unclear. This cross-sectional study compared the average mean and maximum CIMT measurements of two groups of relatively young, healthy traffic police (32 ± 7 years; 77% male) in Quito, Ecuador, who were without clinical evidence of serious cardiovascular or other disease. Previously published background data on PM10 (a TRAP surrogate) indicated that street levels of the pollutant were several orders of magnitude higher at the street intersections worked by traffic police compared to those working only in an office. Accordingly, officers permanently assigned to daily traffic control duties requiring them to stand 0-3 m from heavily trafficked street intersections were assigned to the high exposure group (n = 61). The control group (n = 54) consisted of officers from the same organization who were permanently assigned to office duties inside an administration building. Mean and maximum CIMT were measured with ultrasound. General linear models were used to compare the CIMT measurements of the high exposure and control groups, adjusting for covariates. The adjusted average mean and maximum CIMT measures of the high exposure group were increased by 11.5% and 10.3%, respectively, compared to the control group (p = 0.0001). These findings suggest that chronic occupational exposure to TRAP is associated with increased CIMT in traffic police. This is important since even small increases in arterial thickening over time may promote earlier progression to clinical disease and increased premature mortality risk.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF LIP CANCER: A CASE REPORT

A 53-year-old white male complained of a tongue alteration, noted by the dentist. On clinical examination, besides the lingual lesion, other changes were also observed: multiple red and blackened papules on the facial skin and atrophy of the lower lip, with loss of the interface between the skin and the labial mucosa, along with superficial and color changes, suggestive of actinic lesions (keratosis and cheilitis). Incisional biopsies were performed, and the histopathological reports were of the presence of epithelial atypia with the absence of malignancy in the tongue, compatible with microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma in the lip. The patient was an ex-smoker and had a history of chronic occupational sun exposure. This report highlights the importance of a thorough anamnesis and physical examination of the lips, often neglected by dentists. Thus, incisional biopsy and histopathological examination in actinic cheilitis, when indicated, are essential for the early detection of lip cancer. A 53-year-old white male complained of a tongue alteration, noted by the dentist. On clinical examination, besides the lingual lesion, other changes were also observed: multiple red and blackened papules on the facial skin and atrophy of the lower lip, with loss of the interface between the skin and the labial mucosa, along with superficial and color changes, suggestive of actinic lesions (keratosis and cheilitis). Incisional biopsies were performed, and the histopathological reports were of the presence of epithelial atypia with the absence of malignancy in the tongue, compatible with microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma in the lip. The patient was an ex-smoker and had a history of chronic occupational sun exposure. This report highlights the importance of a thorough anamnesis and physical examination of the lips, often neglected by dentists. Thus, incisional biopsy and histopathological examination in actinic cheilitis, when indicated, are essential for the early detection of lip cancer.

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers: a hospital-based cohort study

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) were the first to be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to estimate the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic infection among HCWs in Portuguese...

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТИ ЗЛОКАЧЕСТВЕННЫМИ НОВООБРАЗОВАНИЯМИ ЖЕНСКИХ ПОЛОВЫХ ОРГАНОВ В КОГОРТЕ ЖЕНЩИН, ПОДВЕРГШИХСЯ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОМУ ОБЛУЧЕНИЮ

Purpose: To assess the association of incidence rates of malignant neoplasms of female genital organs (MNs of FGO) in women who were chronically occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) with radiation and non-radiation factors. Material and methods: To perform the study, the cohort of females employed at the Mayak PA during 1948–1982 and followed up until 31 December 2018 was considered. All members of the considered cohort were chronically exposed to IR. Results: 83.6 % of females were first diagnosed with a MN of FGO at age after 50 years. More than 50 % of MNs of FGO were reported during 1991–2010. Standardized rates of MNs FGO varied with the calendar period with the highest rates observed during 1996–2005. The analysis of the variation of the standardized rates with time demonstrated a significant tendency to increase by the end of the follow-up (R²=0.67, p=0.03). The incidence rates of MNs of FGO on average increased annually by 1.0 % (95 % CI 0.3–1.6). The standardized rates of MNs of FGO were significantly higher in females who had been diagnosed with endometriosis prior to MNs of FGO. The standardized rates of MNs of FGO were significantly higher in females externally exposed to gamma-rays at uterus absorbed dose of 0.2–0.5 Gy and above 0.5 Gy compared to females who had been exposed at lower doses. MNs of the uterine body were the most common among total MNs of FGO. More than 90 % of MNs of the uterine body were registered during menopause. The standardized rate of MNs of the uterine body in females of the study cohort was 0.37 ± 0.05. The decrease in the standardized rate of the MNs of the uterine body was observed in 1986–1995 calendar period. The spline regression analysis of the variation of the standardized rate of MNs of the uterine body demonstrated the annual increment by 0.9 % (95 % CI 0.7–2.5) on average. The analysis demonstrated a tendency of the standardized rate of MNs of the uterine body to increase in the study cohort of females (R²=0.46, p=0.16). The standardized rates of MNs of the uterine body were significantly higher in females who had been diagnosed with endometriosis prior to MNs of the uterine body. Standardized rates of MNs of the uterine body were significantly higher in females externally exposed to gamma rays at the cumulative uterus absorbed dose above 0.5 Gy compared to females exposed at lower doses. Conclusion: MNs of FGO were associated with both known non-radiation factors (age, calendar period, endometriosis) and the cumulative uterus absorbed dose from chronic occupational exposure to ionizing radiation.

Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Italian Multicentric Retrospective Analysis of Patient Profiles and Therapeutic Approaches

Background: Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (aCSCC) represents an area of unmet clinical need, with no standardized treatments until the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies of a real-life Italian cohort of aCSCC patients managed at the beginning of cemiplimab approval as compassionate use in Italy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed by 10 Italian centers in the period January 1, 2018–May 31, 2020. Patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with aCSCC (locally aCSCC and metastatic CSCC) were eligible for the study. Analysis of patients’ characteristics and treatment strategies was performed. Results: 239 patients were initially recruited in the study: 19 patients were excluded due to incomplete data collection, yielding a final cohort of 220 patients, of which 191 and 220 were included for patients’ clinical characteristics and therapeutic intervention analysis, respectively. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 81 years (range: 72–86); nodal metastases were detected in 64/220 (29%) patients, and distant metastatic spread was reported in 33/220 (15%) patients. Most of our patients referred chronic occupational and/or recreational sun exposure, experienced ≥1 sunburn during their lifetime, never wore hats or used photoprotective filters, and presented with signs of cumulative sun damage (solar lentigines and/or actinic keratosis). Majority of our cohort received at least one intervention directed to the primary tumor (n = 212, 96.3%); surgery and radiotherapy were the most common therapeutic choices. Immunotherapy was administered to a small number of patients as compassionate use, especially in the metastatic setting. Conclusions: Our study outlines the complex and heterogeneous clinical and therapeutic landscape of aCSCC patients at the beginning of ICI era, highlighting the need of a standardized care for this fragile and high-need patient population.

The role of exposure to airborne pollutants in the workplace on the prevalence and severity of chronic respiratory disease in Italy

occupational exposure to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes (VGDF) plays an important role in the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible association of occupational exposure to airborne pollutants and chronic respiratory diseases. multicase-control study. cases of chronic respiratory diseases and controls from the Italian multicentric study Gene Environment Interaction in Respiratory Diseases (GEIRD). the occurrence of rhinitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma severity, spirometry data, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were examined in relation to chronic and acute occupational exposures to airborne pollutants using multiple regression models. 2,943 subjects were enrolled in the study. Regularm exposure to VGDF was associated with a higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis/COPD (OR 1.40, 95%CI 0.98-1.99), especially in those also having asthma (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.14-2.85), a lower prevalence of remittent asthma (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.29-0.96) and, in those with asthma, an increased activity of the disease (severity score) (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.20-2.60). No associations were observed between occupational exposure and prevalence of rhinitis, spirometry and FeNO data. Finally, an association was found between acute exposure to airborne pollutants (occupational and non-occupational) and the respiratory diseases investigated, in particular active asthma and asthma associated chronic bronchitis/BPCO. these data confirm a significant role of occupational exposure to airborne pollutants on respiratory health, underlying the importance of workplace exposure prevention, in particular for more susceptible subjects, as those with respiratory diseases.

Search for polymorphic variants of candidate genes contributing to individual radiosensitivity

Background.Cytogenetic damage (СD) in lymphocytes induced by low doses (up to 0.1 Sv) of ionizing radiation (IR) is the main cytogenetic sign of individual radiosensitivity of the human body. In addition to DNA repair and cell death, which affect the formation of СD and its elimination, IR effects on the cell can be manifested through changes in proliferation of cells with unrepaired DNA damage. The system of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), which provide coordination of mitotic events during passage of a cell through the cell cycle, plays a crucial role in regulation of cell proliferation.Aim.To evaluate the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cell cycle genes with an increased frequency of СD in workers of a nuclear power plant affected by chronic occupational radiation exposure in the dose range of 100–500 mSv.Materials and methods.The object of the study was blood of 55 conditionally healthy workers of Siberian Chemical Plant (SCP) who were affected by chronic occupational radiation exposure (gamma radiation) in the dose range of 100–500 mSv. A standard cytogenetic analysis of blood lymphocytes was performed for all examined individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood of the workers using the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Germany). DNA was genotyped using 257 SNPs of cyclin genes and neighboring intergenic regions using DNA microarrays from the high-density CytoScan HD Array (Affymetrix, USA).Results.Taking into account the Bonferroni correction, only statistically significant associations of SNPs with the frequency of dicentric chromosomes were found; all other types of chromosomal aberrations did not show statistical significance. The rs803054CCNI2was associated with an increased frequency of dicentric chromosomes arising under the influence of chronic occupational radiation exposure.Conclusion.The discovered SNP (rs803054), whose recessive genotype is associated with an increased frequency of dicentric chromosomes in workers of SCP exposed to radiation at doses of 100–500 mSv over a long time, can be considered as a potential marker of individual radiosensitivity. To confirm the identified associations, further validation studies are needed on an expanded sample of people affected by chronic occupational radiation exposure.

Unscrambling the Role of Redox-Active Biometals in Dopaminergic Neuronal Death and Promising Metal Chelation-Based Therapy for Parkinson's Disease.

Biometals are all metal ions that are essential for all living organisms. About 40% of all enzymes with known structures require biometals to function correctly. The main target of damage by biometals is the central nervous system (CNS). Biometal dysregulation (metal deficiency or overload) is related to pathological processes. Chronic occupational and environmental exposure to biometals, including iron and copper, is related to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Indeed, biometals have been shown to induce a dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. Although the etiology of PD is still unknown, oxidative stress dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of both the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are related to dopaminergic neuronal death. Herein, we addressed the involvement of redox-active biometals, iron, and copper, as oxidative stress and neuronal death inducers, as well as the current metal chelation-based therapy in PD.

Effects of Occupational Formaldehyde Exposure on Passive Avoidance Conditioning and Anxiety Levels in Wistar rats

Background: Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound widely used in industry and medical fields such as Anatomy and Pathology. Exposure to this chemical negatively affects the skin, mucous membrane, and respiratory system. It can pass through the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing neurotoxicity. According to studies, formaldehyde might be involved in memory impairment and the cognitive decline process in Alzheimer disease (AD). Objectives: This study aimed to simulate chronic occupational formaldehyde exposure in rats and study its impacts on passive avoidance conditioning and anxiety. Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 6 rats each. After an adaptation period, the rats were exposed to 1, 2, and 3 ppm formaldehyde vapor in an exposure chamber, 6 hours per day for 7 days. The control group was exposed to saline. After the exposure period, a shuttle box for passive avoidance conditioning and an elevated plus-maze test for assessing anxiety levels were performed. The data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test for group comparison in SPSS and SAS software. Results: In the shuttle box test, formaldehyde dose-dependently decreased escape-through latency and increased the percentage of dark compartment entries (P<0.0001). In the elevated plus maze test, the percentage of time spent in open arms decreased by increasing the dosage (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Based on these findings, formaldehyde exposure can negatively alter brain function and cause memory impairment and anxiety.

Association of occupational noise exposure with hypertension: A cross-sectional study.

The effects of chronic occupational noise exposure on hypertension are debated. We aimed to investigate the association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of hypertension. The cross-sectional data were collected from 2017 to 2018 using occupational physical examination data from a local aircraft manufacturing enterprise in Xi'an. We categorized occupational noise exposure as high (≥85 dBA) and low noise exposure (<85 dBA). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension, and associations were further evaluated using subgroup analyses for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Of the 4746 participants (median age, 43 years; 73.4% men), 9.57% (454/4746) had hypertension and 32.4% (1540/4746) were exposed to high noise. Compared to the participants with low occupational exposure to noise, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hypertension prevalence was 1.30 (1.05-1.62) for those with high occupational noise exposure. Subgroup analyses revealed that the noise-hypertension association only existed in young participants (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.40). This study revealed a harmful association between high occupational noise exposure and hypertension in young adults. The study suggests occupational noise exposure as a target for worksite interventions to prevent hypertension.

Profesionalna izloženost stresu: rizik profesije

Caring for the mental health of professionals working with vulnerable groups, such as victims of violence and migrants, includes measures taken to be monitored, protect and promote the well-being of people employed in these professions. It involves a system of different tools, practices and structures that have been developed to support the well-being of mental health professionals. The subject of this paper is the consideration of the relationship between professional exposure to stress and mental health. The aim of the work is to examine the experiences of professionals who provide psychosocial support to victims of violence, and who are consequently professionally exposed to stress. The method used in the paper is a thematic, semi-structured interview. The results showed that chronic occupational exposure to stress affects mental health. This requires a well-designed organisational approach to the problem, including training and preparation of staff for trauma and stress at work, and providing supervisory support at work.