Non-exposed Employees Research Articles

Workplace sexual and gender-based harassment in Denmark: a comparison of the self-labelling and behavioural list method.

Knowledge about the prevalence of sexual and gender-based harassment is hampered by disagreements about definitions and measurement methods. The two most common measurement methods are the self-labelling (a single question about exposure to sexual harassment) and the behavioural list method (an inventory of sexually harassing behaviours). The aim of this paper was to compare the self-labelling and the behavioural list methods for measuring sexual harassment and assess the association with depressive symptoms. The study is based on a convenience sample of 1686 individuals employed in 29 workplaces in Denmark. Survey data were collected from November 2020 until June 2021 and there were 1000 participants with full data on key variables. We used a linear mixed-effects model to examine the relationship between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms. In total, 2.5% self-labelled as being sexually harassed, while 19.0% reported exposure to at least one type of sexual and gender-based harassment using the behavioural list method. Both groups reported higher levels of depressive symptoms compared with non-exposed employees. The most common types of behaviours were: that someone spoke derogatorily about women/men (11.6%); being belittled because of one's gender or sexuality (4.7%); and unwanted comments about one's body, clothes or lifestyle (4.5%). The behavioural list method yielded a higher prevalence of sexual and gender-based harassment compared with the self-labelling method. Self-labelling and reporting at least one type of sexual and gender-based harassment was associated with depressive symptoms.

The untapped cases of Workplace Bullying and its concealed impacts on Healthcare Employees

The stress caused by workplace bullying affects not only mental health but also impacts physical and social life of employees. Thus, bullying is a red wolf for organizations by affecting employee performance. One of the most critical organizations affected by bullying is healthcare facilities. The competence, coordination, and mental, physical and social relations of healthcare workers determine their work performance during duty hours and is a matter of life and death for ailing patients. This research paper tries to identify the prevalence and intensity of workplace bullying among employees. For this study, the collection of data was carried out from 318 hospital working employees. The findings reveal a higher prevalence in the targets found through negative acts behavior than self-identified as a target. Besides, this study explores that the intensity of bullying is the same in all groups, i.e. targets, witnesses and non-exposed employees. The results show that workplace bullying affects the work quality of employees and its a negative impact on work performance.

Quality of life in employees exposed to organic solvents: A study of 196 cases

IntroductionOccupational exposure to organic solvents remains a real risk for exposed employees, particularly in mental health and quality of life.Objectives- To evaluate the quality of life of employees exposed to organic solvents- To research the professional and extra-professional determinants of this quality of life.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study that compared 196 employees exposed to organic solvents with 64 non-exposed employees from the same socio-professional environment. The investigation took place in four different companies in the governorate of Tunis. An environmental study combining an evaluation of working conditions and atmospheric monitoring was carried out to identify and quantify exposure to solvents. Quality of life was assessed using the SF36 questionnaire in its Arabic version.ResultsThe solvent mixtures to which the employees were exposed mainly contained hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexane, and perchloroethylene. Exposure to these solvents is primarily from glues and paint products. The study population was relatively young (34.1 years +/-9.8), predominantly male (sex ratio=2.2), with an education level of no more than secondary school in 90% of cases, with an average work experience of 10.3 years (+/-8.2) and represented mainly by manual workers (75.4%). The pathological history of the exposed patients was dominated by chronic neuropsychological disorders (48.1%). The global score of SF36 (SFG) was significantly poorer in the solvent-exposed group (SFG= 64.1+/- 21.1 versus 70.1+/-23.3) (p=0.05). Among the eight dimensions of the SF36, a very significant alteration of the dimensions: “perceived health ”, “psychological health” and “repercussion of psychological health on daily activities ” was noted in the solvent-exposed group.The main determinants of the quality of life of workers exposed to solvents were: level of education, frequency of exposure, length of exposure, and company.According to the job-exposure matrix, only “perceived health” appeared to be impaired by high levels of cumulative solvent exposure (p= 0.0006).ConclusionsAccording to this study, organic solvents can affect the quality of life of exposed employees by acting essentially on perceived health, psychological health, and the “impact of psychological health on daily activities”.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Respiratory functions and health risk assessment in inhalational exposure to vinyl acetate in the process of carpet manufacturing using Monte Carlo simulations

Vinyl acetate (VA) is a volatile compound and the main compound of the carpenter’s glue. VA causes upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, and hoarseness in occupational exposure. As Iran is one of the biggest carpet producers in the world, this study was carried out to determine the inhalational health risk for employees exposed to VA. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first health risk assessment and the first evaluation of the lung functions and respiratory symptoms in employees exposed to VA. In the six finishing shops of carpet manufacturing industry in Kashan city, Iran the cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2022. The subjects comprised of forty male employees exposed to VA and of forty non-exposed employees in the reference group. VA analyses in the workers’ breathing zones were performed based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1453 Method. VA concentrations were measured using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Inhalational risk assessment to VA was performed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method and the Monte Carlo simulations. Respiratory functions were determined using the spirometry indices. In the exposed employees, considerably higher prevalence rates of pulmonary symptoms were observed in comparison with the control group. Statistical analysis showed a remarkable difference between lung function parameters measured in the case and the control groups. The VA Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for all working posts, except the quality control unit, were > 1 indicating the substantial inhalational non-cancerogenic risk. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the VA concentrations and exposure time had the most significant contribution in the uncertainty assessment. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease exposure to VA concentrations and to reduce the working time of exposed employees.

Genotoxic effect of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in asphalt workers

Asphalt workers are at risk due to exposure to asphalt fumes containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The main purpose of this study was to measure the urinary metabolite of PAHs and to determine its effect on micronucleus (MN) formation as an indicator of genotoxic damage. In this cross-sectional study, the MN frequency in 48 male asphalt workers exposed to PAHs was measured and compared with 48 male non-exposed employees. PAHs exposure was evaluated by determining urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). The mean concentrations of 1-OHP in the exposed and non-exposed groups were 0.58 ± 0.41 μmol/mol creatinine and 0.38 ± 0.25 μmol/mol creatinine, respectively. 1-OHP concentration was significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers in both exposed and non-exposed groups. Moreover, the mean MN frequency in the exposed group was significantly higher than in the non-exposed group. The MN frequency was significantly higher in asphalt workers with a work history of ≥ 15 years compared to workers with lower work history. In a fully adjusted model, there was a statistically significant association between exposure to PAHs, with MN and 1-OHP concentration, and between smoking status with 1-OHP. The findings of the present study indicated that occupational exposure to PAHs was associated with increased urinary 1-OHP as well as DNA damage in the asphalt workers.

Low-level Eexposure to lead dust in unusual work schedules and hematologic, renal, and hepatic parameters

BackgroundMany workers are exposed to lead dust in lead‐‑zinc mines. Exposure to this heavy toxic metal and its compounds can cause irreversible adverse health effects. ObjectiveTo assess possible hematotoxic, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic potentials of low levels of lead in a group of mine workers exposed to this heavy metal in an unusual work schedule. MethodsA total of 73 exposed and 70 non-exposed employees were interviewed. Demographic data, and occupational and medical history of the employees were obtained by questionnaires. Air monitoring was performed to determine the workers' time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to lead dust. The threshold limit value (TLV) for lead was adjusted for unusual work schedules according to the model developed by the University of Montreal and the Institute de Recherche en Sante et en Securite du Travail (IRSST). Blood samples were collected for complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests. Data were analyzed using version 21.0 of the SPSS software. ResultsThe TWA exposure of workers was 24 μg/m3. On average, the worker's exposure to lead dust did not exceed the 8-h OSHA and ACGIH TLV-TWA of 50 μg/m3. Significant associations were found only between exposure to lead and platelet count, red cell distribution width, total protein, and albumin. ConclusionsExposure to low levels of lead dust in unusual work schedules was not associated with overt hematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. However, mild, sub-clinical, pre-pathologic significant changes were noted in some blood parameters of the exposed employees as compared with their referent counterparts.

ASSESSMENT OF LYMPHOID NEOPLASM RISK FACTORS IN PEOPLE OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO PROLONGED IONIZING RADIATION

Objective: To estimate the incidence of malignant neoplasms of lymphoid tissue (MNLT) among employees of the siberian chemical combine (SCC) occupationally exposed to prolonged ionizing radiation.Material and methods. The study included 44,041 employees of the SCC, of whom 16,938 were occupationally exposed to prolonged low-intensity ionizing radiation (IR). Of 295 cases with hemoblastoses, there were 89 with occupational exposure to IR. The structure and incidence of hemoblastoses (based on the number of person-years of observation, (PYO), as well as the standardized relative risk (SRR) of their development and excess relative risk (err) per unit dose of radiation (GR) were evaluated. Calculation of SRR was carried out for the following intervals of the total dose of external exposure: 0; >0–0.05; >0.05–0.10; >0.10-0.15; >0.15–0.20; >0.20-0.30; >0.30-0.50; >0.5–1.0; ≥ 1.0 Gy. The control group consisted of occupationally non-exposed employees of the SCC. The calculation of SRR and err was performed using the poisson regression using the amfit module of the EPICURE package.Results. The incidence of MNLT among males of SCC was 17.1 per 100,000 PYO, with the highest incidence rates for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic leukemia (CL) excluding CLL. Among females of the SCC, the incidence of MNLT was 21.3 per 100,000 PYO. It was found that in none of the intervals of the external exposure there was no statistically significant excess of the SRR compared with the control group. The results of ERR/GY calculation also did not demonstrate the increased risk of hemoblastosis among people occupationally exposed to IR.Conclusion. Occupational exposure in the studied dose range does not increase the risk of developing MNLT.

Impact du bruit professionnel sur le développement de l’hypertension artérielle : enquête réalisée au sein d’une centrale de production d’électricité et de gaz en Tunisie

BackgroundNoise pollution is one of the major environmental pollutants that can adversely affect public health. Cardiovascular diseases are the primary out-auditory adverse outcome caused by occupational noise exposure. AimsTo investigate the association between occupational exposure to high level of noise and blood pressure among a group of workers in a company of electricity production in the Centre of Tunisia. Material and methodsA total of 120 occupational noise-exposed workers and 120 non-exposed employees were recruited to conduct a cross-sectional survey exploring the association between occupational noise-exposed and arterial hypertension. Data collection was based on a questionnaire, a clinical exam and biomarkers. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer following a standard protocol. The occupational noise level was measured with a portable calibrated sound meter. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) of noise exposure adjusted by potential confounders. ResultsThe noise level to which our population was exposed ranged from 75dB to 103dB with an average noise level of 89dB. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the prevalence of hypertension were significantly higher in exposed individuals than in non-exposed. In multivariate analysis, elevated SBP in exposed workers was associated with high-salt diet (OR adjusted=1.71, 95% CI adjusted [1.14–1.98]) and occupational seniority more than 8 years (adjusted OR=5.31, 95% CI [2.22–12.72]). The factors associated with high BP in the exposed group were diabetes (OR adjusted to 15.31; 95% adjusted CI [2.61–89.58]), history of hypertension in the family (OR adjusted to 11.46; 95% adjusted CI [5.18–83][1.58–83.05]), mean of age (OR adjusted to 6.65; 95% adjusted CI [1.87–23.59]) and high-salt diet (OR adjusted to 0.29; 95% adjusted CI [0.09–0.95]). ConclusionOccupational chronic noise exposure was associated with higher levels of SBP, DBP, and the risk of hypertension. These findings indicate that effective and feasible measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of hypertension caused by occupational noise exposure in companies of electricity production.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydophila Psittaci among Employees of Two German Duck Farms.

Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci. To determine the occupational risk of getting the infection, we investigated the seroprevalence of C. psittaci among employees of two German duck farms and two slaughterhouses according to their level of exposure to the pathogen during the years 2010, 2007, and 2004. In summary, we found low seroprevalence (≈ 8%) throughout the study population almost irrespective of the duty of a given worker. Surprisingly, in 2010, the anti-C. psittaci-specific antibody prevalence in the group of slaughterer (38.9%) was significantly increased in comparison to the non-exposed employees (p = 0.00578). This indicates that individuals in the surrounding of slaughterhouses exposed especially to aerosols containing C. psittaci elementary bodies bear a greater occupational risk of getting infected.

Effort-reward imbalance at work and risk of depressive disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Objective The aim of this review was to determine whether employees exposed to effort-reward imbalance (ERI) at work have a higher risk of depressive disorders than non-exposed employees. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published prospective cohort studies examining the association of ERI at baseline with onset of depressive disorders at follow-up. The work was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and a detailed study protocol was registered before literature search commenced (Registration number: CRD42016047581). We obtained a summary estimate for the association of ERI with risk of depressive disorders by pooling the study-specific estimates in a meta-analysis. We further conducted pre-defined sensitivity analyses. Results We identified eight eligible cohort studies, encompassing 84 963 employees and 2897 (3.4%) new cases of depressive disorders. Seven of the eight studies suggested an increased risk of depressive disorders among employees exposed to ERI. The pooled random-effects estimate was 1.49 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.23-1.80, P<0.001], indicating that ERI predicts risk of depressive disorders. The estimate was robust in sensitivity analyses stratified by study quality, type of ERI ascertainment and type depressive disorder ascertainment, respectively. Conclusions Employees exposed to ERI were at increased risk of depressive disorder. Future studies on ERI and depressive disorders should examine if this association is stronger or weaker when ERI is measured repeatedly during follow-up and with other methods than self-report or when depressive disorders are ascertained with clinical diagnostic interviews.

Working conditions and occupational risk exposure in employees driving for work

IntroductionAn analysis of the occupational constraints and exposures to which employees facing road risk at work are subject was performed, with comparison versus non-exposed employees. Objective was to improve knowledge of the characteristics of workers exposed to road risk in France and of the concomitant occupational constraints. The descriptive study was based on data from the 2010 SUMER survey (Medical Monitoring of Occupational Risk Exposure: Surveillance Médicale des Expositions aux Risques professionnels), which included data not only on road risk exposure at work but also on a range of socio-occupational factors and working conditions. Materials and methodsThe main variable of interest was “driving (car, truck, bus, coach, etc.) on public thoroughfares” for work (during the last week of work). This was a dichotomous “Yes/No” variable, distinguishing employees who drove for work; it also comprised 4-step weekly exposure duration: <2h, 2–10h, 10–20h and ≥20h. Results75% of the employees with driving exposure were male. Certain socio-occupational categories were found significantly more frequently: professional drivers (INSEE occupations and socio-occupational categories (PCS) 64), skilled workers (PCS 61), intermediate professions and teaching, health, civil service (functionaries) and assimilated (PCS 46) and company executives (PCS 36). Employees with driving exposure more often worked in small businesses or establishments.Constraints in terms of schedule and work-time were more frequent in employees with driving exposure. Constraints in terms of work rhythm were more frequent in non-exposed employees, with the exception of external demands requiring immediate response. On the Karasek's Job Demand-Control Model, employees with driving exposure less often had low decision latitude. Prevalence of job-strain was also lower, as was prevalence of “iso-strain” (combination of job-strain and social isolation). Employees with driving exposure were less often concerned by hostile behavior and, when they did report such psychological violence (inspired on the Leymann questionnaire), it was significantly more frequently due to clients, users or patients. DiscussionEmployees with driving exposure at work showed several specificities. The present study, based on a representative nationwide survey of employees, confirmed the existence of differences in working conditions between employees with and without driving exposure at work. In employees with driving exposure, constraints in terms of work-time and rhythm increased with weekly exposure duration, as did tension at work and exposure to hostile behavior.

Respiratory Morbidity Associated with Long-Term Occupational Inhalation Exposure to High Concentrations of Hydrated Calcium Sulfate Dust

Despite wide application of hydrated calcium sulfate, possible respiratory effects of long-term occupational exposure to high concentrations of this chemical have only been investigated in a limited number of epidemiological studies. This study is undertaken to examine this issue, more thoroughly. This cross-sectional study is carried out at a local gypsum plant in Shiraz, capital of Fars province situated in south western Iran. All exposed subjects (20 male workers) and 20 healthy non-exposed male individuals as the referent group are investigated. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the studied subjects is evaluated and they undergo spirometry test (twice for the exposed group and once for the unexposed employees). Moreover, to assess the extent to which workers are exposed to gypsum dust and using standard methods, inhalable and respirable fractions of this compound are measured in different dusty worksites. Average airborne concentration of inhalable dust fraction is estimated to be 24 ± 14.76 mg/m3 which is higher than the recommended threshold limit value (TLV) for this chemical. Respiratory symptoms such as phlegm, wheezing and dyspnea are significantly more prevalent in exposed subjects than in non-exposed employees (p < 0.05). The results of ventilatory function tests (pre- shift) don’t show any significant differences between both groups. However, some post-shift parameters of ventilatory function such as FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio are significantly lower than those of preshift and referent group. Exposure to high atmospheric concentrations of gypsum dust is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms along with acute reversible significant decreases in some parameters of ventilatory function.

Respiratory Morbidity Induced by Occupational Inhalation Exposure to High Concentrations of Wheat Flour Dust

Introduction. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory effects of exposure to high airborne concentrations of wheat flour dust. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out at a local wheat flour mill in Shiraz, southern Iran. Thirty-five male workers exposed to flour dust and 32 healthy male non-exposed employees were investigated. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among them was evaluated and parameters of their pulmonary function were measured. Moreover, to assess the extent to which subjects were exposed to flour dust, airborne concentrations of its inhalable and respirable fractions were measured. Results. Airborne concentrations of dust exceeded current permissible level. The prevalence of regular cough, productive cough, wheezing, phlegm and dyspnea was significantly higher in exposed subjects than in non-exposed employees. Similarly, both acute and chronic significant (p < .05) decrements in most parameters of pulmonary function were noted. Conclusions. Our findings provide corroborative evidence to further support the notion that exposure to flour dust is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms as well as ventilator disorders of the lungs.

The association between symptoms and exposure is stronger in dropouts than in non-dropouts among employees in Norwegian smelters: a five-year follow-up study

PurposeWe have investigated the association between respiratory symptoms and dust exposure among employees in 18 Norwegian smelters using a longitudinal design.MethodsAll employees (N = 3,084) were examined annually for 5 years (12,996 health examinations). At each examination, the subjects reported if they had respiratory symptoms, coded as 1 (yes) or 0 (no), on a respiratory questionnaire. Symptom score was constructed as the sum of symptoms (0–5). Full-time workers in the production line were classified as line operators; subjects never exposed in the production line were regarded as non-exposed. The remaining individuals were classified as non-line operators. A job-exposure matrix regarding dust exposure was also available. Analyses of repeated measurements were performed using generalised linear mixed model with log-link (Poisson regression). Adjustments were made for overdispersion.ResultsThe mean age at inclusion was 39.0 years, and 89% were men. The median dust exposure in tertiles 1–3 was 0.19, 1.76 and 3.47 mg/m3. The longitudinal analyses showed that the association between symptoms-score ratio (SSR) and job category was significantly stronger in dropouts compared with non-dropouts (p = 0.01). Among the dropouts, SSR was 1.61 (95% confidence interval: 1.27–2.05) and 1.39 (1.09–1.77) in line operators and non-line operators compared with non-exposed employees, respectively. The corresponding SSR for subjects who completed the study was 1.13 (1.01–1.27) and 1.12 (1.00–1.26), respectively. Similarly, among the dropouts, the SSR between the second and the first tertile was 1.28 (1.05–1.55) and 1.37 (1.13–1.66) between the third tertile and the first tertile.ConclusionsLine operators had more respiratory symptoms than non-exposed employees. This effect was significantly stronger in dropouts than in those who continued their jobs, indicating that there is a selection of subjects without respiratory symptoms in this industry.

Respiratory Morbidity Induced by Occupational Inhalation Exposure to Formaldehyde

The potential of formaldehyde to produce chronic respiratory tract disease remains a controversial issue. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory effects, if any, of long term occupational exposure to formaldehyde. This cross-sectional study was carried out at a local melamine-formaldehyde resin producing plant. The study population consisted of seventy exposed and 24 non-exposed (referent) employees. Using respiratory questionnaire, data on respiratory symptoms were gathered. Atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde were measured at different contaminated areas of the plant. Similarly, the parameters of pulmonary function were measured at the beginning (preshift) and at the end (postshift) of the first working day of the week. The results showed that airborne concentrations of formaldehyde exceeded current permissible levels. Additionally, significant decrements in some preshift and postshift parameters of pulmonary function of exposed workers were noted. However, a relative recovery in lung functional capacity observed following temporary cessation of exposure (preshift values). Furthermore, exposed workers had higher prevalence rates of regular cough, wheezing, phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness and episodes of chest illness associated with cold. The findings of this study collectively indicate that exposure to formaldehyde may induce respiratory symptoms, acute partially reversible and chronic irreversible functional impairments of the lungs.

Prevalence of airflow limitation among employees in Norwegian smelters: a longitudinal study

AimsTo investigate the association between airflow limitation and occupational exposure and to compare a fixed limit with an age adjusted limit for airflow limitation.Methods3924 employees in 24 Norwegian smelters and...

Asthma and lower respiratory symptoms in New York State employees who responded to the World Trade Center disaster

To investigate whether New York State employees who responded to the World Trade Center disaster were more likely to report asthma or lower respiratory symptoms (LRS; cough, wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath) than non-exposed employees, 2 years post-September 11. Participants (578 exposed, 702 non-exposed) completed mailed questionnaires in 2003. A unique exposure assessment method was used; exposure scores were divided at the mean (at/below, above). Poisson regression was used. Exposure was associated with LRS, but not asthma. Participants with exposure scores at/below the mean had a twofold increased risk of most LRS. Those with scores above the mean had a three to fourfold increased risk. For scores above the mean, the magnitude of effect was consistently higher for smoke exposure. Moderately exposed responders may experience health impacts from exposures in later stages of a disaster. Exposure to smoke may have had a greater lower respiratory impact than resuspended dust.

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Exposure among Employees in Norwegian Smelters

To generate a job exposure matrix (JEM) for dust exposure in Norwegian smelters to be used in an epidemiologic study of respiratory diseases and to identify determinants of exposure. The arithmetic mean and geometric mean (GM) of 2619 personal dust exposure measurements were applied in constructing the JEM, which was assigned to 2620 employees participating in a respiratory survey including yearly spirometry and a respiratory questionnaire. A qualitative exposure classification was constructed: (i) line operators were those employed full time in the production line, (ii) non-exposed employees were those who did not work in production and (iii) the remainder were classified as non-line operators. In the ferrosilicon alloy and silicon metal production group (FeSi/Si-metal), the median GM of dust exposure was 2.3 mg m(-3) (0.04-5.6) (10-90% percentiles) compared with 1.6 mg m(-3) (0.02-2.3) in the silicomanganese, ferromanganese and ferrochromium production group (SiMn/FeMn/FeCr). Multivariate analyses showed that dust exposure concentration levels decreased significantly with increasing age (FeSi/Si-metal), was significantly lower in females than in males and was significantly higher in current smokers than in never-smokers. Dust exposure concentration levels were also higher in employees reporting previous exposure to dust, fumes and gases than in employees without such previous exposure, though, significant only in the FeSi/Si-metal production group. The dust exposure levels of the employees were higher in the FeSi/Si-metal production group than in the SiMn/FeMn/FeCr production group. Age, gender, smoking status and previous exposure were significant determinants of dust exposure and should be evaluated in future analyses of the relationship between health outcomes and dust exposure in this industry.

Decreased lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters

In the smelting industry airborne pollutants are emitted into the workplace atmosphere during the production process. Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship between production and lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters. Spirometry was performed on 3,924 employees, who also completed a standardized questionnaire. The employees were classified by job functions: (i) line operators were employed full-time on the production line, (ii) non-exposed employees did not work in production, and (iii) the remainder of the employees were classified as non-line operators. The mean age of the participants was 38.6 (range 20.0-55.0) years, 88.5% were males. The multivariate analyses showed that, compared to the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) in non-exposed employees, the FEV(1) (95% confidence interval) was 87 (33-141) ml and 65 (12-118) ml lower in line and non-line operators, respectively. The prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) below the 5th percentile of the predicted value) was 4.7% in non-exposed employees, 7.5% in non-line operators and 8.3% in line operators. Compared with non-exposed employees, impairment of lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters was significantly related to the job categories of line operator and non-line operator.

Investigation of respirable particulate matter pollutants on air-breathing zone workers in the Beam Rolling Mills Factory (Iran National Steel Industrial Group), Ahvaz, Iran

Workers of iron and steel factories are exposed to a wide range of pollutants depending on the particular process, the materials involved, the effectiveness of monitoring and the control measures. Adverse effects are determined by the physical state and propensities of the pollutant involved, the intensity and duration of the exposure, the extent of pollutant accumulation in the body and the sensitivity of the individual to its effects. The main aim of this study is to assess the levels of the indoor respirable particulate matter (RPM) and to compare the health condition of exposed workers, with nonexposed employees group. Line 630 has only one furnace of 40 tons and line 650 has two furnaces of 20 and 40 tons capacity due to which the mean of the RPM concentrations in the breathing zone was significantly different (P < 0.05) in line 650 but not in line 630 as compared with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene's (3 mg/m3). The average of the RPM concentrations in production line 650 is higher than that of production line 630, with the 95% confidence interval in saw cabin station number 1 of production line 650.