Exposure Of Workers Research Articles

Local and Global Public Health and Emissions from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in the USA: A Scoping Review.

Up to 1.6 million tons of waste is produced annually by each of more than 21,000 concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) located in the United States (USA). These operations give rise to externalities, including adverse local and global health impacts from CAFO waste emissions, which can potentially outweigh their economic viability. However, a shortage of evidence synthesis research exclusively on the impacts of USA-based CAFO waste emissions may hinder effective policy development. This scoping review (ScR) study, adhering to the guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute, conducted a search in databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase in May 2020, resulting in ten publications that met the inclusion criteria. The results suggest possible exposure of CAFO workers to multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA), campylobacteriosis, and cryptosporidiosis. Communities near CAFOs experienced higher rates of adverse health impacts compared to those in non-CAFO areas, with patterns suggesting that proximity may correlate with increased odds of detrimental health effects. Implicit global health threats include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), MDRSA, campylobacteriosis, tuberculosis, and cryptosporidiosis. These studies provide foundational insights into CAFO proximity, density patterns, and adverse public health effects, indicating a need for evidence-informed environmental health policies to minimize local and global risks.

Vaccinating the Frontlines: A Qualitative Exploration of Hospital Healthcare Worker Perspectives on Influenza and COVID-19 Immunization.

Although they face higher occupational risk of contracting viral respiratory infections, hospital healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy persists. While most studies have used survey methods to quantify the prevalence of and reasons for healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy, this study employs a qualitative approach to understand their attitudes and beliefs associated with influenza and COVID-19 vaccination. To understand frontline healthcare worker experiences and perspectives on influenza and COVID-19 vaccination, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted in summer/fall 2022 with staff recruited from two Johns Hopkins hospitals in Maryland. An in-depth, key informant interview was conducted with an expert in public health audience engagement. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic and Framework analysis using NVivo software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). Healthcare workers engaged in little influenza vaccine information seeking due to their familiarity with the disease and low perceived disease severity. Approximately half (n=16) of healthcare workers reported no vaccine hesitancy towards influenza or COVID-19 vaccines. No physicians or physician assistants expressed any vaccine hesitancy, while most nurses expressed some (n=10). More than half of the women (n=14) expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy compared to none of the men. Structural factors including hospital tier, unit assignment, and professional role influenced perceived risk of disease exposure and subsequent healthcare worker vaccination decisions. Institutional policies, including mandates and a pro-vaccine environment encouraged vaccination uptake. Healthcare workers reported being more receptive to vaccine messaging that focused on protection from disease, scientific and public health data and their heightened occupational exposure to pathogens. Despite their medical knowledge, healthcare workers are susceptible to vaccine hesitancy. Strategies to address specific concerns are needed and can be informed by our findings. A flexible and multi-pronged approach that considers individual anxieties, workplace structures, and the need for open communication with tailored messaging is necessary to promote vaccine acceptance in healthcare settings. What is already known on this topic: Healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy has been associated with many factors including race, gender, age and concerns about vaccine safety.What this study adds: Much of the research on healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy has used surveys and questionnaires giving a broad description of the prevalence and patterns of vaccine hesitancy in the healthcare workforce. This qualitative study examines vaccine behavior (rather than merely intent) through a cross comparison of healthcare workers' experiences and attitudes towards influenza and COVID-19 vaccination.How this study might affect research, practice or policy: Study findings can be used to help tailor vaccine messaging to hospital healthcare workers which could offset concerns regarding vaccine efficacy and risk, to promote vaccine uptake.

Electrospinning and Partial Etching Behaviors of Core-Shell Nanofibers Directly Electrospun on Mesh Substrates for Application in a Cover-Free Compact Air Filter.

The exposure of workers to propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) in manufacturing environments can result in potential health risks. Therefore, systems for PGMEA removal are required for indoor air quality control. In this study, core-shell zeolite socony mobil-5 (ZSM-5)/polyvinylpyrrolidone-polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers were directly electrospun and partially wet-etched on a mesh substrate to develop a cover-free compact PGMEA air filter. The electrospinning behaviors of the core-shell nanofibers were investigated to optimize the electrospinning time and humidity and to enable the manufacture of thin and light air-filter layers. The partial wet etching of the nanofibers was undertaken using different etching solvents and times to ensure the exposure of the active sites of ZSM-5. The performances of the ZSM-5/PVDF nanofiber air filters were assessed by measuring five consecutive PGMEA adsorption-desorption cycles at different desorption temperatures. The synthesized material remained stable upon repeated adsorption-desorption cycles and could be regenerated at a low desorption temperature (80 °C), demonstrating a consistent adsorption performance upon prolonged adsorption-desorption cycling and low energy consumption during regeneration. The results of this study provide new insights into the design of industrial air filters using functional ceramic/polymer nanofibers and the application of these filters.

Utilizing Technology to Fill the Ambulatory Care Communicable Disease Practice Gap

Background: Infection Prevention (IP) practices in ambulatory care are often reactive and many communicable diseases in the community often do not fall onto IP’s radar until the patient becomes ill enough to seek inpatient services. The gap between ambulatory and inpatient care can lead to increased transmission and illness severity. Early identification has substantial impacts on timely implementation of IP mitigation strategies, appropriate handoff upon entry into other care settings, and timely reporting to public health organizations. Current IP processes underutilize electronic health record (EHR) capabilities by relying upon lab driven notifications. This project sought to redesign the IP’s workflows, advancing the health system beyond the acute care setting and into the ambulatory care setting by adding the power of diagnosis codes to close a practice gap. Method: Infection Prevention and Information Technology collaborated to build silent best practice advisories (BPAs) in the EHR that utilized diagnosis codes related to Varicella zoster (VZV) infection charted by ambulatory care providers. These BPAs function by triggering infection statuses that populate the patient chart and include instructions to front line staff on personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. These BPAs also trigger real-time notifications to the IP team to determine the validity of the infection status and exposure work-up necessity. Chart reviews of diagnosis codes utilized in pre and post intervention timeframes were completed to understand the impact of the silent BPAs. Percentages of patients captured, and Healthcare Worker (HCW) exposure reviews reported were evaluated to demonstrate effectiveness. Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) was utilized to respond to gaps, increase efficiency, and limit erroneous infection statuses. Result: The one-year pre-intervention period revealed 36 total diagnosis codes used for Varicella zoster (VZV) infection; 3% of these infection cases were captured and 4% of eligible cases were reported for HCW exposure review. The one-year post intervention period revealed 40 total diagnosis codes used for VZV infection; 80% of these infection cases were captured and 70% of eligible cases were reported for HCW exposure review. PDSA quality improvement cycles allowed for refinement of the BPA logic that further increased infection cases captured to 100% with 100% of eligible cases reported for HCW exposure review. Conclusion: Utilizing the EHR, the organization appreciated enhanced identification of patients in real-time with VZV infection that allowed for appropriate mitigation strategies to be implemented. This proactive workflow design helps minimize the risk of transmission between ambulatory and acute settings and facilitated HCW exposure reviews.

Radioactivity estimation of radioactive hotspots using a Compton camera and derivation of dose rates in the surrounding environment

At the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, radiation sources released in the accident were deposited on various equipment and building structures. During decommissioning, it is crucial to understand the distribution of radiation sources and ambient dose equivalent rates to reduce worker exposure and implement detailed work planning. In this study, the author introduces a method for visualizing radiation sources, estimates their radioactivity using a Compton camera, and derives the dose rate around the radiation sources. In the demonstration test, the Compton camera was used to visualize radioactive hotspots caused by 137Cs radiation sources deposited in the outdoor environment and estimated the radioactivity. Furthermore, the dose rate around the hotspots was calculated from the estimated radioactivity, which confirmed that the calculated dose rate correlated with the dose rate measured using a survey meter. This approach is novel, where a series of analyses were conducted using the Compton camera to visualize radioactive hotspots, estimate the radioactivity, and derive the dose rate in the surrounding environment.

Ergo-mechanical evaluation of the post-harvest drying process on a small scale based on participatory principles

Using direct sunlight for the post-harvest drying process is easy and cheap for most small farmers in rural areas in developing areas. This method has weaknesses, namely the emergence of musculoskeletal complaints, fatigue, and additional workload due to unnatural working postures and exposure to hot sun on workers. Apart from that, the drying temperature is not optimal because it relies only on environmental temperature and is weather-dependent. As an alternative, a dryer can be used by applying ergo-mechanical principles. Ergo-mechanical is used to overcome work problems in the drying process and produce an ergonomic mechanical structure, thereby creating health, safety, and work sustainability. Ergo-mechanical applications are based on workers' participation as users, known as participatory principles. Participatory, as part of applying ergonomics concepts, aims to create harmony between work tools and workers. Ergo-mechanical is applied in designing dryers through ergonomic and mechanical studies to produce dryers that suit their needs and avoid causing new problems for small farmers. To design dryers, ergonomic studies were carried out using anthropometric data of workers as users. Meanwhile, mechanical studies were carried out by applying the principle of heat transfer between two fluids, namely fuel and environmental air.

Relação entre a exposição ocupacional a Radiação Ionizante em Trabalhadores da Saúde e o desenvolvimento de Cancro de Mama

Introduction Every year more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer are registered, making it the most common type of cancer among adults. The association between breast cancer and occupational factors is an issue that has been studied in the literature since the beginning of the 18th century. Technological developments have allowed a more in-depth study of the relationship between breast cancer and occupational factors such as exposure to chemicals, pesticides, metals and also sources of exposure to ionising and non-ionising radiation.The aim of the present literature review is to complete an update on the scientific knowledge about the relationship between occupational exposure to ionising radiation in healthcare workers and the development of breast cancer. Methodology A research was carried using Medline with the PubMed search engine and Elsevier with the Science Direct search engine. The search words used were a combination of breast cancer, occupational exposure, ionizing radiation and healthcare workers. A research was also carried out in the Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional, using the terms “Breast Cancer” and “Ionizing Radiation”. Discussion/Conclusions Current literature is not unanimous about the specific clinical and pathological features of breast cancer possibly linked to occupational settings. Healthcare professionals such as radiology technicians, nurses, orthopaedic surgeons and interventional cardiologists are especially vulnerable to this type of exposure, particularly to ionising radiation. However, some studies have pointed to a difficulty in establishing a causal relationship between these factors due to the number of variables involved, such as the duration and intensity of exposure and the influence of other risk factors. Changes in equipment, procedures and protective measures have resulted in lower doses in recent years, which means that the risk of breast cancer is low at current levels of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Keywords: breast cancer, occupational exposure, ionizing radiation, healthcare workers, occupational medicine and occupational safety.

STUDYING THE IMPACT OF DUST EXPOSURE AND ASSESSING THE RISK TO EMPLOYEE HEALTH

Purpose. This article is dedicated to the experimental determination of the level of dust pollution during ore crushing and the study of the long-term impact of dust exposure on workers, as well as the assessment of their health risk. Design/methodology/approach. To achieve this goal, we carried out full-scale measurements of dust pollution in real working conditions, performed mathematical modelling to analyse the data and predict the dust load over a certain period, and calculated the conditional risk to employees. Conclusions. As a result of the experiment, it was found that during the operation of the crusher, the concentration of dust in the air significantly exceeds the maximum permissible concentration (2 mg/m3). A mathematical dependence describing the dynamics of changes in the concentration of dust in the air was obtained. The average dust load per worker during a work shift and the average daily dust load, the conditional risk of an inhalation occupational disease in workers, the dust load per worker for different periods of time depending on the use/non-use of a respirator are calculated and it is proved that the use of PPE significantly reduces the impact of dust load on the worker. Limitations/consequences of research. The proposed methods for calculating conditional risk and predicting dust exposure for workers are universal for those professions in which there is significant dust pollution in the workplace. Practical consequences. The results of the study can be used to calculate and assess the dust exposure of employees during different periods of work, which will help to select the optimal personal protective equipment for employees. Originality/meaning. For the first time, an integrated method has been applied, which includes field studies of dust pollution in the workshop of a business entity, namely a mining and processing plant, mathematical modelling with modern applied software tools and, accordingly, a reasonable prediction of the consequences of long-term exposure to dust load, taking into account the conditional risk of respiratory disease.

Assessment of the occupational exposures within homes for home healthcare workers in the United Kingdom

Many of the tasks being conducted by home healthcare workers are associated with significant complex demands. Each home is a unique work environment with potentially different exposures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the plethora of exposures for home healthcare workers in the United Kingdom. The study was a cross-sectional study that utilized a trained supervisor to complete the direct observation of the healthcare worker (nursing aide and nurse). Environmental hazards that were captured included mold/mildew (8.7%) and dogs (14.5%), and secondhand smoking (15.9% with smell in home and 8.7% with active smoking). Verbal abuse was prominent for nurse aides (31% experiencing it). Ergonomic hazards were observed through various tasks such as repositioning in bed (34.8%), transfer from bed to chair (30.4%), transfer from bed to chair (26.1%), and transfer from chair to chair (26.1%) and particularly for nursing aides. The results of the current observations indicated that home healthcare workers faced a multitude of exposures that could lead to injuries. This provides a rigid platform for occupational safety and ergonomics specialists to appreciate the occupational exposures and challenges that home health care workers face in the unique home care environment and proactively identify mitigation measures of the respective occupational hazards.

Occupational Risks of Agricultural Workers Exposed to Heat: Literature Review

Proposal: The aim of this study is to conduct a literature review on the occupational hazards of agricultural workers exposed to heat while carrying out their activities. Theoretical Framework: Heat exposure poses a serious occupational risk for agricultural workers, increasing the incidence of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves a literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. Data collection was carried out through a bibliographic survey from the period 2005 to 2024 in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search used keywords such as "risks," "workers," "agriculture," and "heat." Results and Discussion: The results revealed the selection of 109 articles, and after reading the abstracts, those that did not align with the research proposal were excluded. After filtering, 07 articles remained, whose topics showed affinity with the research. The literature points to a growing trend of studies addressing thermal discomfort as an occupational hazard, prevalent in open and semi-open environments. Specific studies for certain agricultural operations, such as groups of workers dealing with grain dryers and furnaces, are scarce and have limited conclusions. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practical aspects in the field of occupational heat exposure for agricultural workers. These implications can encompass various sectors of post-harvest grain processing. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by gathering information published in different databases on occupational heat exposure. The significance and value of this research are highlighted by a limited number of works in the literature, stressing the need for further research in the field. Based on this premise, more studies on agricultural work in heat-prone environments and consequent thermal discomfort should be encouraged to stimulate discussions on actions to eliminate the risks involved in these operations.

Power saw noise levels during steel stud cutting tasks on commercial construction sites: a tool characterization from a worker exposure standpoint.

Construction framers who cut and install steel studs as part of their daily tasks are exposed to hazardous noise levels during their work shift in large part due to the power saws they use to cut steel studs. This investigation characterized the sound pressure levels of power saws used to cut steel studs on active construction sites. Further, the length of time it took to cut various studs on a construction site was investigated to understand worker exposure times to saw noise. In general, power saws used on the study sites to cut steel studs had a mean A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) of 107.2 dB and a C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCpeak) of 120.1 dB. Three of the saws-the chopsaw, the cut-off saw, and the grinder-had similar noise levels, whereas the cordless circular saw had higher noise levels. It took an average of 13.2 s to cut each stud, and workers in the study used power saws to cut steel studs for an average of 371.5 s per day. This average exposure time at the average recorded sound pressure levels (SPLs) suggests these saws can increase the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations.

Assessment of occupational exposure to lead among workers engaged in a city bus garage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundLead is one of the most nonessential toxic heavy metal agents found in automotive garages. The occupational exposure of garage workers to lead commonly poses acute and chronic health risks that can be prevented. In Ethiopia, there have been limited studies on lead exposure among garage workers, who overemphasize exposure to lead. This study aimed to assess occupational blood lead levels and associated factors in garage workers using a cross-sectional comparative design.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare the occupational blood lead levels of 36 randomly selected garage workers and 34 office workers who were matched by age and sex. Blood specimens were collected by trained medical laboratory experts. The collected blood samples were tested in a certified laboratory using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) device at a wavelength of 405.78 nm. Excel and SPSS Version 26 were used for data management and analysis, respectively.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the exposed group was 39.0 (7.5) years, whereas the mean age of the unexposed group was 38.0 (6.1) years. The occupational mean (SD) blood-lead-level in the exposed groups was 29.7 (12.2) µg/dl, compared to 14.8 (9.9) µg/dl among the unexposed groups. The mean blood-lead level among the exposed workers was significantly different from that among the unexposed workers (P < 0.01). Of all the study participants, only 22.2% of the exposed groups had blood lead levels higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 40 µg/dl. The main significant predictors of occupational blood-lead-level exposure among workers were extra working hours, service years, and having a previous (prior) employment history in a garage. The occupations of the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of blood-lead levels (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe BLL of the Garage workers was significantly greater than that of the Non-Garage workers. Hence, it is advised that garage management should encourage workers to use exposure prevention methods, such as washing their hands before eating and taking showers after the completion of work, by providing regular occupational safety training.

Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality Linked to Metalworking Fluid Exposure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, and occupational exposures, including metalworking fluid (MWF) exposure, have been implicated as potential risk factors. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology to investigate the association between MWF exposure and prostate cancer risk among male workers. Methods: Eligible studies include cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies published until between 1990 and 2023 focusing on MWF exposure and prostate cancer risk in male workers. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data using a standardized form, conduct a meta-analysis using random-effects models, and assess study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity will be assessed, and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore sources of bias. Results: Anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive list of eligible studies, a synthesized analysis using random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the association between MWF exposure and prostate cancer risk, and a quality assessment report of included studies. Subgroup analyses based on MWF type, exposure duration, and study design will be performed to explore heterogeneity. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aim to provide robust evidence on the association between MWF exposure and prostate cancer risk among male workers. The anticipated findings will have implications for occupational health practices and may guide future research and intervention strategies.

Central nervous system tumours and occupational ionising radiation exposure: a nested case–control study among the ORICAMs cohort of healthcare workers in France

ObjectiveThis study aimed at investigating the relationship between occupational exposure to external ionising radiation and central nervous system (CNS) tumours mortality in healthcare workers working in France.Design and settingThe Occupational...

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO AMMONIA DURING INDUSTRIAL-SCALE ANAEROBIC DIGESTION COMPOSTING OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE

Biodegradable waste material can be exploited through anaerobic digestion, an oxygen-free multi-stage process often completed by a composting step, which harnesses the power of microorganisms to break down organic matter. This waste-treatment sector is growing rapidly in France as it allows the production of valuable digestates and biogas (biomethane). One of the main occupational health concerns in this sector is exposure to ammonia. The present work focused on ammonia emitted over the course of several stages in the anaerobic digestion and composting process, and assessed employee exposure to this pollutant. Exposure was measured for distinct worker activities and work areas, as well as during the various steps of the process. The results revealed non-negligible ammonia exposure for workers operating in the dehydration (until 55 ppmV in the workplace and 17 ppmV on the worker) and composting (until 45 ppmV in the workplace and 17 ppmV on the loader driver) areas on several sites. A classical monitoring approach was supplemented by the identification of explanatory parameters contributing to exposure: material emissivity, amounts stored or handled, and ventilation systems in use. Based on these elements, recommendations were made on prevention choices, including reducing emissions at source namely by process improvement and management of stored quantities, improving existing preventive systems such as capture at source or general ventilation, and employee education to raise awareness of waste management risks and improve practices.

Improving the reliability of internal dosimetry for uranium workers: Application of the ICRP/OIR uranium model to long-term occupational intakes

In the Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides (OIR) report series, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published updated biokinetic models and dosimetric data associated with the internal exposure of workers, which are consistent with the recommendations of ICRP Publication 103. The present study focused on the application of the new OIR uranium model published in ICRP Publication 137, which is relevant for the interpretation of measurements of activity in the body and in excreta, and for calculating the committed effective dose. The main objective of this study was to assess the impacts of the new OIR biokinetic models and dose coefficients compared with the old ones based on ICRP Publications 60/78/119. CIEMAT and the University of Salamanca in Spain have been working on re-interpreting in vitro bioassay data obtained from workers with long-term exposure to inhaling uranium oxides during the fabrication of nuclear fuel elements using low enriched uranium, which is now classified as OIR type M/S material. The effects on the retention/excretion models and dose coefficients were studied for 234U, 235U, 238U, and the uranium mixture. Committed effective doses were re-assessed using BIOKMOD code by applying the new OIR excretion model and dose coefficients considering acute and/or chronic inhalation intake scenarios. A reduction by roughly a factor of four was obtained compared with former doses based on ICRP Publications 60/78/119, which is an important effect to take into consideration.

Validation of a sampling method and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis method for measurement of fentanyl and five other illicit drugs.

With the increased provision of services by health authorities and community organizations allowing supervised inhalation of illicit substances comes concerns about the potential for secondhand exposure to the substances being used, whether in the adjacent community or to workers at the sites. In order to address community concerns surrounding secondhand illicit substance exposure and better protect harm reduction workers, a validated sampling and LC-MS/MS analysis method was developed for 6 illicit drugs: fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, etizolam, and bromazolam. It was found that the filter used needed to be silanized to be made more inert and avoid loss of analyte due to degradation. Using the silanized filters, recoveries were good (>90%) and the collected samples were found to be stable at room temperature for 2 wk. The sampling volume validated was up to 960 L. The sensitivity and range of the method make it appropriate for short-term (15 min), full shift (8 h), or environmental sampling.

Evaluation of environmental antibiotic contamination by surface wipe sampling in a large care centre.

Exposure of healthcare workers to antibiotics may cause adverse health effects. Results of environmental contamination with antibiotics, obtained by taking surface wipe samples, can be used as an indicator for potential exposure to these sensitizing drugs. The objective was to describe the results of repeated measurements of contamination with antibiotics on multiple surfaces in hospital wards. Standardized needle and syringe preparation techniques and cleaning procedures were used. The preparation table and the floor around the waste bin in six wards were sampled and analysed for contamination with the antibiotics amoxicillin, benzylpenicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, flucloxacillin, meropenem, piperacillin and vancomycin. Sampling was performed in four trials during 8 months. Depending on the outcome of the trials, the cleaning procedure was adapted. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was used for the analysis of the drugs. During the four trials, contamination with all eight antibiotics was omnipresent on all preparation tables and floors in the six wards. The highest contamination was found for amoxicillin (1291 ng/cm2). Changing the cleaning procedure did not reduce the level of contamination. Surface contamination with the antibiotics was widespread and most probably caused by spillage during the preparation in combination with an ineffective cleaning procedure. Strategies should be developed and implemented by institutions for safe handling of antibiotics to reduce environmental contamination and potential exposure of healthcare workers to these sensitizing drugs.

Exploring Blood Lead Level Determinants in Refinery Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Occupational lead exposure poses a significant risk to workers in industrial settings, especially in petroleum refineries. The study aimed to examine the prevalence and determinants of high blood lead concentrations among refinery workers in Kirkuk, Iraq. It has also been aimed to provide evidence-based approaches to identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 workers from three departments (transportation, storage, and production) in a petroleum refinery from August 2023 to April 2024. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS)(Agilent, Santa Clara, CA). The elevated BLLs were defined as lead levels in blood samples greater than 10 µg/dL. Data on demographic characteristics, such as occupations, smoking habits, and drinking milk, were collected using a researcher-developed information sheet. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson Chi-Square test, and logistic regression was used to address the determinants of elevated BLLs. The corresponding associations were reported using odds ratios (OR) and adjusted OR(AOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eighty-five percent of the workers had high BLLs, with a median BLL of 17.11 µg/dL. The findings revealed that workers employed in outdoor settings had 4.25 times higher AOR(95% CI: 1.24-14.48) of experiencing high BLLs compared to those working indoors, after adjusting for other factors. This was especially true for workers who spent nine to 16 hours outdoors. Additionally, age and smoking were also found to be associated with an increased risk of high BLLs. On the other hand, the analysis indicated that drinking milk had a protective effect against high BLLs. The high prevalence of elevated BLLs among refinery workers in Kirkuk underscores the urgency for immediate interventions. Regular monitoring of BLLs, improved training, dietary adjustments (e.g., consuming calcium and phosphate-rich milk, which can help lower BLLs), and smoking cessation programs are recommended to reduce lead exposure and safeguard workers' health. Furthermore, the results suggest that drinking milk could potentially reduce BLLs among petroleum refinery workers. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and to continue monitoring exposure levels.

Assessment of indoor air quality of the furniture manufacturers in Binh Duong industrial parks, Vietnam

Abstract Wood furniture and related products are created from raw wood and or wood products that require cutting, sanding, and other handling activities that generate wood dust. Exposure to indoor factory air pollutants can have significant health consequences for workers and nearby communities. Therefore, it was necessary to implement the assessment of indoor air quality in furniture manufacturers. This study mainly aimed to assess the indoor air quality status of physical and chemical aspects at 3 different furniture factories. Each sample was analysed for eight parameters including TSP, PM10, PM2.5, noise, temperature, humidity, wind, and light. Sampling and sample handling techniques were performed based on the usage test methods of Vietnam standards. The concentrations of TSP (194 – 493 μg/m3), PM10 (106.7 – 153.8 μg/m3), PM2.5 (72.8 – 95.6 μg/m3); and, the variables of noise (70.4 – 80.3 dBA), temperature (29.4 – 32.4 °C), humidity (58.0 – 69.4 %), wind (0.29 – 0.49) and light (327 – 573) these considered at 3 furniture manufacturers were within the allowable thresholds of QCVN 02:2019/BYT (Permissible exposure limit value of dust at the workplace), QCVN24:2016/BYT (Permissible exposure levels of noise in the workplace), QCVN26:2016/BYT (Permissible value of microclimate in the workplace); and, QCVN22:2016/BYT (Permissible levels of lighting in the workplace). However, long-term direct exposure of workers to these pollutants would also result in potential health risks. This study also suggested the management and technical control solutions to contribute to improving air quality for furniture manufacturers.