Inhalation Of Dust Research Articles

Serum Concentration of Prostaglandin E2 as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Patients With Silicosis: A Case-Control Study.

Silicosis is a prevalent incurable pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of silica dust. Study aimed to investigate inflammatory, hematological, and biochemical parameters as additional biomarkers for diagnosing or monitoring silicosis. Research enrolled 14 workers with silicosis and 7 healthy controls (without exposure and silicosis). The serum level of prostaglandin E2, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, biochemical, and hematological parameters were measured. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine diagnostic sensitivity of each biomarker. Patients with silicosis have a significantly higher level of prostaglandin E2, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit than patients without silicosis. Prostaglandin E2, hemoglobin, and the erythrocyte count are significant in separating the silicosis cases from healthy controls. Prostaglandin E2 might be an adjuvant peripheral diagnostic biomarker for silicosis, while hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit) might be prognostic biomarkers.

Exposure sources and pathways of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, with emphasis on potential effects in humans: A systematic review.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitous in the environment, and may be a potential threat to human health. This review describes the MP exposure sources and pathways through drinking water, food intake, and air inhalation. The unregulated discharge of MPs in water sources and the absence of required MP filter technology in water treatment plants are important routes of MP exposure through drinking water. The presence of MPs in food may lead to the accumulation of MPs in the body. Exposure to MPs can occur through airborne fallout and dust inhalation in both indoor and outdoor environments. This review summarizes the MP exposure sources and possible pathways in the human body, and illustrates that the intake of drinking water, food consumption, and air inhalation should be assessed in during routine activities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1422-1432. © 2023 SETAC.

Knowledge and Awareness of Occupational Respiratory Diseases in Abia State, Nigeria

Occupational respiratory diseases can occur at the workplace when workers inhale gaseous pollutants. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in 2 urban centers of Abia State, Nigeria to investigate the knowledge and awareness of residents to occupational respiratory diseases. The simple random sampling technique was adopted to choose participants for the study. The residents gave an informed consent to be part of the study and were interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire. Results showed that out of 322 subjects that participated in this study, 277(86.02%) of the subjects responded “strongly agree” to “dusts and gases are emitted at aluminium plants”; 20(6.21%) responded “agree”; 301(93.48%) responded “strongly agree” to “inhalation of dusts and gases can cause respiratory problems”, 13(4.04%) responded “agree”; 291(90.37%) responded “strongly agree” to “exposure to high levels of CO can lead to death”, 30(9.32%) responded “agree”; 301(93.48%) responded “strongly agree” to “exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss”, 15(4.66%) responded “agree”; 309(95.96%) responded “strongly agree” to “long-term exposure to gases and chemicals can cause lung and renal diseases”, 7(2.17%) responded “agree”. It was concluded that residents in Abia State, Nigeria were aware that inhalation of dusts and gases can cause respiratory problems. Further studies in the rural centers of the country were recommended. Keywords: Knowledge, Awareness, Respiratory diseases, Occupational diseases, Lung

The protective role of HMGB1 in affecting the balance between autophagy and pyroptosis to maintain neutrophils homeostasis during β-glucan-induced mice lung inflammation

Fungal contamination is omnipresent, and inhalation of fungi-contaminated organic dust leads to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), in which neutrophils played a pivotal role. Existing studies have suggested that cell homeostasis is crucial for the pathogenesis of the inflammatory disease. Although HMGB1 has been shown to contribute to suppressing HP, there is a lack of studies on its mechanisms, especially the regulation of neutrophil homeostasis. This study aims to investigate how HMGB1 regulates neutrophil function by affecting neutrophil homeostasis, and then affects lung inflammation induced by β-glucan, the exposure marker of fungi. Our results showed that deficient HMGB1 led to neutrophil death by disrupting the balance between autophagy and pyroptosis after β-glucan treatment. And HMGB1 deficiency exacerbated the β-glucan-induced lung inflammation and neutrophil dysfunction both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, HMGB1 contributed to remodeling neutrophil function by restricting autophagy and aggravating pyroptosis β-glucan exposure. Our funding suggested that HMGB1 deficiency could break the balance between autophagy and pyroptosis towards pyroptosis to cause neutrophil dysfunction during the exacerbated inflammatory response, which provides insights into the pathogenesis of HP and the potential biological targets for its treatment. Data AvailabilityThe datasets used during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request

Exposure to occupational risk factors is associated with the severity and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results from a complex interaction between genes and the environment, and occupational exposures are an underappreciated risk factor. Until now, little research attention has been paid to the potential impact of occupational risk factor exposure on the COPD in China. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the role of occupational risk factor exposure on the severity and progression of COPD for exploring new prevention strategies for this disease. This study adopted a random cluster-sampling method. Five grade-A tertiary hospitals that met the inclusion criteria were selected as the survey sites, and patients with COPD hospitalized in these hospitals from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were selected as the research subjects. Data of the patients diagnosed with COPD met the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (2019) criteria and were collected from the computerized medical record databases. Among 4082 investigated COPD patients, 1063 (26%) were found to have occupational risk factor exposure history. The top 3 industries with a large COPD case number and a history of occupational risk factor exposure ranked in the order of agriculture (including farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery), manufacturing, and mining. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that when setting a low exposure level as a reference, medium and high exposure levels were correlated with the severity of COPD (odds ratio values were 2.837 and 6.201, respectively, P < .05). Linear regression analysis showed that cumulative exposure to occupational risk factors was negatively correlated with the forced expiratory volume in 1-second percentage of COPD patients, with a correlation coefficient of 0.68. Our results indicated that occupational risk factor exposure levels were related to the severity of COPD significantly. The incubation period of COPD in the exposure group was significantly shorter than that in the non-exposure group. To prevent worked-related COPD, special attention and control efforts should be taken to reduce the level of occupational risk factors such as organic dust, irritating chemicals, etc in the work environments, especially in the industries of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, manufacturing, and mining.

Investigation of respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the U.S. underground and surface coal mines

Dust is an inherent byproduct of mining activities that raises notable health and safety concerns. Cumulative inhalation of respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to obstructive lung diseases. Despite considerable efforts to reduce dust exposure by decreasing the permissible exposure limits (PEL) and improving the monitoring techniques, the rate of mine workers with respiratory diseases is still high. The root causes of the high prevalence of respiratory diseases remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate contributing factors in RCMD and RCS dust concentrations in both surface and underground mines. To this end, a data management approach is performed on MSHA’s database between 1989 and 2018 using SQL data management. In this process, all data were grouped by mine ID, and then, categories of interests were defined to conduct statistical analysis using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model. The total number of 12,537 and 9050 observations for respirable dust concentration are included, respectively, in the U.S. underground and surface mines. Several variables were defined in four categories of interest including mine type, geographic location, mine size, and coal seam height. Hypotheses were developed for each category based on the research model and were tested using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the analysis indicate higher RCMD concentration in underground compared to RCS concentration which is found to be relatively higher in surface coal mines. In addition, RCMD concentration is seen to be higher in the Interior region while RCS is higher in the Appalachia region. Moreover, mines of small sizes show lower RCMD and higher RCS concentrations. Finally, thin-seam coal has greater RCMD and RCS concentrations compared to thicker seams in both underground and surface mines. In the end, it is demonstrated that RCMD and RCS concentrations in both surface and underground mines have decreased. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the efficacy of the current mass-concentration-based monitoring system.

Occupational exposures to airborne per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-A review.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetically-made chemicals with diverse functional properties that have become ubiquitous in our environment because of their widespread use. PFAS exposure has been associated with adverse health effects, and it is therefore vital to know how exposure may occur. Many studies have focused on environmental exposure from drinking water, but there is a paucity of data on inhalation exposure, especially in occupational settings. In this study, through a comprehensive literature search, measured airborne (i.e., aerosols, volatiles, and dust) inhalation exposure and area levels were compiled for various occupations to compare reported levels of PFAS exposure. Airborne PFAS levels measured in various occupations such as ski waxing, textile manufacturing, firefighting, and floor waxing were analyzed and compared. Results of this review demonstrate that workers experience varying levels of PFAS exposure contingent on the workplace and industry and the work tasks performed within the workplace. Out of all occupations, ski waxing exhibited the highest total PFAS airborne concentrations when compared to all other reported occupational and residential exposures. Further research is recommended to estimate the risk of PFAS exposures in the occupations reviewed and to identify other potential occupations at risk of PFAS exposure. In addition, informed recommendations to implement safety measures ought to be developed to protect workers from adverse health effects.

Byssinosis and lung health among cotton textile workers: baseline findings of the MultiTex trial in Karachi, Pakistan

ObjectivesTo assess the association of exposure in cotton mills in Karachi with different definitions of byssinosis and lung health.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey took place between June 2019 and October 2020 among...

Exposure Characterization of Wood Dust Particulate, Endotoxins, and (1-3)-β-d-Glucans, and Their Determinants in Mozambiquan Wood Processing Workers.

Dust generated from wood processing comprises a heterogeneous mixture of inorganic and organic particles, including wood fragments, microorganisms, endotoxins, (1-3)-β-d-glucans, and allergens. This study characterized exposure to wood dust and its determinants in the Mozambiquan wood processing industry. A total of 124 personal inhalable samples, collected from a stratified random sample of 30 workers, were analysed for dust particulate, endotoxins, and (1-3)-β-d-glucans. Mixed-effects models were developed to investigate significant exposure determinants. The geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust particulate concentrations were 3.29 mg m-3, 98 endotoxin units (EU) m-3, and 123 ng m-3 for (1-3)-β-d-glucans. Significant predictors for higher particulate levels included machinery (GMR = 1.93), sawing (GMR = 2.80), carpentry (GMR = 2.77), or painting (GMR = 3.03) tasks. Lebombo-ironwood species was associated with higher dust particulate levels (GMR = 1.97). Determinants of endotoxin concentrations included working with dry wood and damp cleaning methods, which were associated with lower levels. Working in closed buildings (GMR = 3.10) and dry sweeping methods were associated with higher (1-3)-β-d-glucan concentrations (GMR = 1.99). Work tasks in certain exposure groups (machinery, sawing, carpentry, painting), processing certain wood species (Lebombo-ironwood) and working in closed buildings were associated with higher exposures, whilst using dry wood and damp cleaning practices reduced exposure levels.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure in relation to the kidneys: A review of current available literature.

Perfluorooctanoic acid is an artificial and non-degradable chemical. It is widely used due to its stable nature. It can enter the human body through food, drinking water, inhalation of household dust and contact with products containing perfluorooctanoic acid. It accumulates in the human body, causing potential harmful effects on human health. Based on the biodegradability and bioaccumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid in the human body, there are increasing concerns about the adverse effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure on kidneys. Research shows that kidney is the main accumulation organ of Perfluorooctanoic acid, and Perfluorooctanoic acid can cause nephrotoxicity and produce adverse effects on kidney function, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this review, we summarize the relationship between Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and kidney health, evaluate risks more clearly, and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research.

Environmental Risk Assessment, Principal Component Analysis, Tracking the Source of Toxic Heavy Metals of Solid Gold Mine Waste Tailings, South Africa

This study collected 21 soil samples from 30 to 120 cm depth, from 9 solid gold mine waste dumps in the Witwatersrand basin, South Africa. The samples were analysed using ICP-OES method to determine the concentrations of heavy metals. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to track sources of heavy metals, migration passages, their distributions and spatial variations at the study sites. The results of this study showed that the soil screening values (mg/kg) ranged from 2.20–7,070.00 Pb, 0.20–11.00 As, 0.06–2,630.00 Hg, 1.00–69.00 U, 0.02 − 4.20 Cd, and exceeded the background concentrations of the continental crust. The study results further showed that the average concentrations (mg/kg) of Pb (432.08), U (13.75), Tl (4.41), Ag (1.07), Cd (0.34) were highest at Durban Deep. Arsenic (59.86) and Sn (2.03) were highest at Krugersdorp, Kagiso, New Canada, and Shaft 17. The average values of Hg (625.56 µg/kg) and Au (17.67 µg/kg) were highest at Mogale City, Fleurhof, Krugersdorp, Shaft 17, and Davidsonville. These values reflected moderate to extreme contamination, supported by geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and contamination factor (Cf i) values. According to PCA, F1 was responsible for heavy metal generations from the local gold processing and waste dumping facilities. The F1 loading for Cd and Pb was 0.845 and 0.835, respectively, whereas F1 and F2 contribution of the variable % were greater than 0.70 for Ag, As, Au, Cd, Pb, Sn, Tl, and U, suggesting that they were generated from the waste dumps, transported by rain water and subsequently deposited in downstream soil. The heavy metal concentrations were traced upstream at the dumps where the highest averages were recorded, whereas the lowest values were measured from downstream samples. Thus, the gold mine tailing dumps are considered the primary sources of the high measured values of the heavy metals in the study sites. The ecological risk values were ranked in the order of As > Cd > Hg > Pb and exceeded the permissible health risk value suggested by the South African and global standards. Excessive Hg concentration with 160 ≤ E r i < 320 was recorded at Krugersdorp, whilst Pb with 320 ≤ E r i was recorded at Durban Deep. Thus, the estimated high E r i values insinuate higher ecological risk of heavy metals that can accumulate in the human body through absorption, inhalation and ingestion of dust, or ingestion of food grown from the contaminated soil.

Histology, prevalence, and environmental sources for pulmonary silicates depositions in domestic and wild animals.

The source and significance of pulmonary silicate crystals in animals and people are poorly understood. To estimate the prevalence and characterize the pulmonary crystalline material in animals from St. Kitts, tissue samples from dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, mongooses, and monkeys were examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA), and x-ray diffraction. Crystalline material was seen in 201 of 259 (77.6%) lung samples as perivascular and interstitial accumulations of heterogeneous crystalline particulate material, free or within macrophages (silicate-laden macrophages [SLMs]), mostly lacking evidence of chronic inflammation or fibrosis. The crystalline material was birefringent, basophilic on acid-fast, and composed of silicas on SEM/EDXA. Mongooses (100%) and monkeys (98%) had the highest prevalence of SLM, followed by cattle and chickens. Lesions were graded on a 3-point scale based on the histologic location and extent of silicates and SLM and were significantly more severe in mongooses (median = 3) than in monkeys (median = 2), dogs (median = 2), and chickens (median = 1). On EDXA, the crystalline material from lungs, air, and topsoil was composed of silicon, oxygen, aluminum, and iron, with a particulate matter size between 2.5 and 10 µm. We hypothesize Saharan dust, volcanic ash, topsoil, and rock quarry dust are potential sources of siliceous dust inhalation and SLM accumulations lacking chronic inflammation (silicosis); dust generation may be potentiated by road vehicle or wind suspension. Future investigations are warranted on the role of silicate inhalation and respiratory comorbidities in people, with monkeys, mongooses, or chickens serving as possible sentinels for exposure.

Concentrations of organophosphate esters in drinking water from the United Kingdom: Implications for human exposure

Data on the presence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in drinking water and its significance as a pathway of exposure are limited. In this study, we measure for the first time, concentrations of eight OPEs in 50 UK drinking water samples. Arithmetic mean concentrations of ∑8OPEs were: 6.4 and 11 ng/L in bottled (n = 25) and tap water samples (n = 25), respectively. Concentrations of ∑8OPEs in tap water (mean: 11 ng/L) exceed significantly those in bottled water (mean: 6.4 ng/L) (p ˂ 0.01). Moreover, UK tap water is more contaminated with chlorinated, aryl-, and alkyl-OPEs than bottled water. The predominant OPEs detected were: tris (butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) with arithmetic mean concentrations in the two water sample types ranging between (3.5–3.8 ng/L), (0.60–3.0 ng/L), and (1.02–2.9 ng/L), respectively. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) (mean and high-end exposure) via drinking water for different sectors of the UK population were: infants (0.93 and 6.4 ng/kg bw/day) ˃ toddlers (0.46 and 3.1 ng/kg bw/day) ˃ children (0.35 and 2.3 ng/kg bw/day) ˃ adults (0.28 and 2.1 ng/kg bw/day). Based on these data, exposure to Σ8OPEs via drinking water is much lower than via: food, indoor dust ingestion, inhalation, and dermal uptake for adults and toddlers. Reassuringly, our EDIs were lower than relevant reference dose (RfD) values. However, combining our drinking water ingestion data with exposure via other pathways revealed overall exposure to 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) and TCIPP to approach health-based limit values for UK toddlers under a high-end exposure scenario.

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust.

Silicosis can be caused by exposure to respiratory crystalline silica dust (CSD) in an industrial environment. The pathophysiology, screening, and treatment of silicosis in humans have all been extensively studied using the mouse silicosis model. By repeatedly making mice inhale CSD into their lungs, the mice can mimic the clinical symptoms of human silicosis. This methodology is practical and efficient in terms of time and output and does not cause mechanical injury to the upper respiratory tract due to surgery. Furthermore, this model can successfully mimic acute/chronic transformation process of silicosis. The main procedures were as follows. The sterilized 1-5 µm CSD powder was fully ground, suspended in saline, and dispersed in an ultrasonic water bath for 30 min. Mice under isoflurane-induced anesthesia switched from shallow rapid breathing to deep, slow aspiration for approximately 2 s. The mouse was placed in the palm of a hand, and the thumb tip gently touched the lip edge of the mouse's jaw to straighten the airway. After each exhalation, the mice breathed in the silica suspension drop by drop through one nostril, completing the process within 4-8 s. After the mice's breathing had stabilized, their chest was stroked and caressed to prevent the inhaled CSD from being coughed up. The mice were then returned to the cage. In conclusion, this model can quantify CSD along the typical physiological passage of tiny particles into the lung, from the upper respiratory tract to the terminal bronchioles and alveoli. It can also replicate the recurrent exposure of employees due to work. The model can be performed by one person and does not need expensive equipment. It conveniently and effectively simulates the disease features of human silicosis with high repeatability.

Novel Brominated Flame Retardants in Dust from E-Waste-Dismantling Workplace in Central China: Contamination Status and Human Exposure Assessment.

Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have been widely used as alternatives to legacy BFRs. However, information on the contamination status and human exposure risks of electronic waste (e-waste)-derived NBFRs in the e-waste workplace is limited. In this study, six NBFRs and the legacy BFRs, hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), were analyzed in 50 dust samples from an e-waste-dismantling workplace in Central China. The dust concentration of NBFRs in e-waste-dismantling workshops (median, 157-169 ng/g) was found to be significantly higher than those in an outdoor environment (17.3 ng/g) (p &lt; 0.01). Differently, the highest median concentration of HBCDs was found in dust from the dismantling workshop for cellphones and computers (367 ng/g) among studied areas. The bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-phthalate (BEHTBP) was the predominant compound, which contributed 66.0-88.0% of measured NBFR concentrations. NBFRs might originate from plastic and rubber materials in wastes based on the correlation and principal component analysis. Moreover, the total estimated daily intakes (average scenario) of NBFRs were calculated at 2.64 × 10-2 ng/kg bw/d and 2.91× 10-2 ng/kg bw/d for the male and female dismantling workers, respectively, via dust ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact pathways, which were lower than the reference dose values, and thus indicated a limited human exposure risk for NBFRs at the current level. Although the dust concentrations and daily intakes of NBFRs were still lower than those of other emerging pollutants (e.g., organophosphate and nitrogenous flame retardants) measured in the same sampling set, the elevated levels of NBFRs suggested the progressive BFR replacement process in China, which deserves more attention regarding their adverse effects on both the environment and human health.

RESPIRATORY HEALTH EFFECTS OF COTTON INHALABLE DUST ON WORKERS IN THE GARMENT PROCESSING UNIT

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 garment factory workers selected with stratified random sampling technique to examine their lung impairment with respect to cotton dust. Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) and forced expiratory flow (FEF (25%-75%)) were obtained according to American Thoracic Society criteria. Exposure to cotton inhalable dust concentration was measured in accordance with National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health criteria. Mann Whitney U test was used for comparison among target groups and statistical significance of the study was set at p&lt;0.05. Cough, phlegm and dyspnea was observed in 78%, 51% and 44% patients (workers) respectively. Personal exposure of the subjects to cotton inhalable dust was measured in stitching, button hall and special effect sections of the garment processing unit at mean dust levels of .603±.436 mg/m3, .446±.257 mg/m3 and .382±.174 mg/m3 respectively. The exposed group was categorized into three groups having normal, obstructive and restrictive pattern of disease. This study provided evidence for relationship between exposure to cotton dust and other respiratory impairments without any association to smoking.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Durational Effect of Cement Dust Exposure on Haematological Profile of Albino Rat

Background: This research work studied the durational effects of cement dust inhalation on the haematological parameters of exposed Albino rats. In this study, a glass house animal exposure chamber was fabricated using a plexi-glass and two blowing fans of adjustable revolution.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty five Albino rats were divided into five groups. Group A served as the control, while group B, C, D and E served as the test, and were exposed for 15, 30, 45 and 60 days interval respectively, for one hour daily to cement dust (200g), at a revolution of 3000rpm of the fans. At the end of the exposure, the animals were sacrificed, blood collected in EDTA bottle and was analysed for some haematological variables.&#x0D; Results: The result showed that there were significant durational increase (p &lt; 0.05) in the levels of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Lymphocyte, Monocytes and Eosinophils of the test group compared to control group but there was no significant difference in the Wbc, Basophils, Platelets and Neutrophils levels among the groups (p &gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a durational exposure haematotoxic effect of cement dust inhalation on rat exposed to cement dust.

Prevalence of concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with newly diagnosed silicosis in a tertiary care center in South India

Background: Long-term exposure to silica dust makes people prone for silicosis which raises the risk of the individual in developing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Silicosis is a progressive lung disease characterize with shortness of breath, cough, fever, and bluish skin, caused due to inhalation of crystalline silica dust found in abundance in sand, rock, and quartz. Aims and Objectives: The disease is known to effect the functioning of macrophages making it unable to defend mycobacterium species, thus allowing the bacterium to invade and develop tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study is carried out to estimate the prevalence of PTB in newly diagnosed silicosis patients at Madurai Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. All the patients who got registered in Occupational Lung Diseases Registry from January 2016 to December 2021 are included in the study. Silicosis patients tested positive on sputum CBNAAT are considered as silicotubercular patients, whose prevalence is calculated. Results: Our study included a total of 54 subjects (90.8% males and 8.2% female) with mean SD age of 38±6.7 years ranging from 26 to 53 years. Of which 22 patients, 40.7% tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) on sputum CBNAAT. The prevalence of MTB in among silicosis patients was found to be 40.7%. Conclusions: Association of TB and silicosis is very strong with the prevalence of TB among silicosis patients as 40.7%. Our study also observed the male sex and elder age as elevated risk of developing silicotuberculosis. All the people getting exposed to silica dust need to be educated in the usage and usefulness of protective equipment.

Biomonitoring, exposure routes and risk assessment of chlorinated paraffins in humans: a mini-review.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), which were conventionally classified into short- (SCCPs), medium- (MCCPs) and long- (LCCPs) chain CPs, have received growing attention due to their wide usage and extensive detection in environmental samples and biota. The number of studies regarding the biomonitoring of CPs in human beings increased rapidly and their health risk gained great concern. This review summarized their occurrence and homologue patterns in human matrices including blood/serum, placenta, cord serum and breast milk. As the production and usage of SCCPs was progressively banned after being listed in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, the production of MCCPs and LCCPs was stimulated. Accordingly, the ratio of MCCPs/SCCPs in human samples has increased rapidly in the last 5 years. The current understanding of exposure routes and risk assessments of CPs was also reviewed. Oral dietary intake is the most predominant source of daily CP intake, but dust ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure is also nonnegligible, especially for MCCPs and LCCPs. Furthermore, the reported upper bound of the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) in various risk assessment studies was close to or exceeded the tolerable daily intakes (TDIs). Considering the bioaccumulation and long-lasting exposure of CPs, their health impacts on humans and the ecosystem required continuous monitoring and evaluation.

Gendered mining landscapes and health implications in Ghana's artisanal and small-scale gold mining industry

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has expanded rapidly in recent decades, with scholars suggesting increasing feminization of the industry. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Ghana, we examine gendered dimensions of mining, from state officials' claims that mining is “men's work,” to on-site gendered divisions of labor. We then show how gendered extractive practices combine with the material environment (pits, dust, tunnels, etc.) to expose men and women to different health issues. For instance, pit collapse and related injuries and deaths are predominant among men working in underground spaces. By contrast, women 'shankers' are most vulnerable to dust inhalation and related respiratory diseases. We draw from feminist geography to demonstrate that ASGM-related health conditions are unevenly experienced and shaped by gendered divisions of labor and mining materialities.