Non-exposed Workers Research Articles

Low dose ionizing radiation exposure and risk of thyroid functional alterations in healthcare workers

PurposeTo evaluate the possible role of occupational low dose ionizing radiation exposure in increasing the healthcare workers’ risk of thyroid functional alterations. Methods120 healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation (60 belonging to category A with a potential exposure to an annual dose between 6 and 20 mSv and 60 to category B potentially exposed to an annual dose between 1 and 6 mSv) were compared with a control group consisting of 60 unexposed healthcare subjects assessing serum levels of different thyroid function parameters as free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroid autoantibodies. Age, gender, history of thyroid diseases, job task, dosimetric values were analysed as possible influencing factors using linear and multiple logistic regression analysis. ResultsExposed workers showed significantly higher average levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, and lower average levels of free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine than non-exposed workers, although nonsignificant differences were observed between the two different exposure categories. According to the values of the thyroid hormones a condition of hypothyroidism has been considered in 11 exposed workers (9.2 %) and interestingly this clinical condition was significantly associated with ionizing radiation exposure. ConclusionsLow dose ionizing radiation exposure would seem to significantly influence levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, then suggesting a possible increased risk of hypothyroidism in healthcare workers although no relationship could be determined with exposure category. However, further studies are necessary to confirm such association on greater number of workers in order also to define a possible dose-response relationship.

Formaldehyde in hospitals can still represent a risk factor. Oxidative stress and GSTT1 polymorphism

Abstract Background Nurses employed in operating theatres and pathologists are workers professionally exposed to some environmental xenobiotics, such as drugs and formaldehyde (FA). Through experimental and epidemiological studies, both acute and chronic inhalation of FA has been associated with various health effects, including toxicity in the respiratory tract and cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between occupational exposure to FA and the intensity of oxidative stress (OS). Methods 87 female hospital workers were enrolled in a Turin hospital in Italy. Each subject filled a questionnaire and provided biological samples to measure OS biomarkers: 15-F2t-Isoprostane, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione content (GSX) in urine and inflammatory mediators and receptors (sIL-6R, VEGF-R2, TNFR1, TNFa, FGF2, CD30, CD27) in blood. All individuals were genotyped for CYP1A1, GSTT1, GSTM1, TNFa, and IL-6 polymorphisms. A personal passive air sampler, worn for a working shift (8h), assessed personal FA exposure. Results Subjects exposed to FA (27%) resulted to have a significant higher amount of 15-F2t-Isop (p = 0.000), MDA (p = 0.000), GSX (p = 0.001) compared with non-exposed workers. FA concentration was positively correlated with prevalence of reported respiratory symptoms (p = 0.004), 15-F2t-Isop (p = 0.044), GSX (p = 0.000), MDA (p = 0.000), FGF2 (p = 0.000), CD27 (p = 0.000) and negatively with sIL-6R (p = 0.001), VEGF-R2 (p = 0.000). A significant reduction was found in GSTT1 positive subjects concerning MDA levels (p = 0.000). The same relationship was found in the control group (b=-2.25; C.I. 0.21 - 0.516; p = 0.06). Conclusions FA exposure is confirmed to be an OS inductor and to be correlated with inflammatory response, highlighting how daily occupational exposure to this air pollutant can result in measurable biological outcomes. Key messages Daily occupational exposure to FA results in a disruption of oxidative status and inflammatory profile. GSTT1 gene polymorphism is able to influence the MDA levels in the control group.

The influence of occupational class and physical workload on working life expectancy among older employees.

Objective:This study investigates the impact of physical workload factors and occupational class on working life expectancy (WLE) and working years lost (WYL) in a sample of older Finnish workers.Methods:A 70% random sample of Finns in 2004 was linked to a job exposure matrix for physical workload factors and register information on occupational class and labor market status until 2014. Transitions between being at work, time-restricted work disability, unemployment, economic inactivity, disability retirement, retirement and death were estimated. A multistate Cox regression model with transition-specific covariates was used to estimate the WLE and WYL at age 50 up to 63 years for each occupational class and physical workload factor for men and women (N=415 105).Results:At age 50, male and female manual workers had a WLE of 10.13 and 10.14 years, respectively. Among both genders, manual workers had one year shorter WLE at age 50 than upper non-manual employees. This difference was largely attributable to unemployment (men: 0.60, women: 0.66 years) and disability retirement (men: 0.28, women: 0.29 years). Self-employed persons had the highest WLE (11.08 years). Men and women exposed to four or five physical workload factors had about one year lower WLE than non-exposed workers. The difference was primarily attributable to ill-health-related reasons, including disability retirement (men: 0.45 years, women: 0.53 years) and time-restricted work disability (men: 0.23, women: 0.33 years).Conclusions:Manual workers and those exposed to physical workload factors had the lowest WLE. The differences in WYL between exposure groups can primarily be explained by ill-health-based exit routes.

Redox Status, Dose and Antioxidant Intake in Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood redox status, dose and antioxidant dietary intake of different hospital staff groups exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIR) (Interventional Radiology and Cardiology, Radiation Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine) and non-exposed. Personal dose equivalent (from last year and cumulative), plasma antioxidant markers (total antioxidant capacity, extracellular superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio), oxidative stress markers (nitrites and nitrates, and lipid peroxidation) and dietary intake (antioxidant capacity using ORAC values) were collected and analyzed from 28 non-exposed healthcare workers and 42 healthcare workers exposed to LDIR. Hospital staff exposed to LDIR presented a redox imbalance in blood that seems to correlate with dose. Workers from the Nuclear Medicine Unit were the most affected group with the lowest value of plasma antioxidant response and the highest value of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS (indicator of lipid peroxidation) of all four groups. Cumulative personal dose equivalent positively correlated with nitrites and negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity in blood. The diet of healthcare workers from Nuclear Medicine Unit had higher ORAC values than the diet of non-exposed. Therefore, occupational exposure to LDIR, especially for the Nuclear Medicine Unit, seems to produce an imbalanced redox status in blood that would correlate with cumulative personal dose equivalent.

Use of Generalized Additive Model to Detect the Threshold of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Activity Reduced by Lead Exposure.

Background: Lead inhibits the enzymes in heme biosynthesis, mainly reducing δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, which could be an available biomarker. The aim of this study was to detect the threshold of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity reduced by lead exposure. Methods: We collected data on 121 lead workers and 117 non-exposed workers when annual health examinations were performed. ALAD activity was determined by the standardized method of the European Community. ALAD G177C (rs1800435) genotyping was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction and restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. In order to find a threshold effect, we used generalized additive models (GAMs) and scatter plots with smoothing curves, in addition to multiple regression methods. Results: There were 229 ALAD1-1 homozygotes and 9 ALAD1-2 heterozygotes identified, and no ALAD2-2 homozygotes. Lead workers had significantly lower ALAD activity than non-exposed workers (41.6 ± 22.1 vs. 63.3 ± 14.0 U/L, p < 0.001). The results of multiple regressions showed that the blood lead level (BLL) was an important factor inversely associated with ALAD activity. The possible threshold of BLL affecting ALAD activity was around 5 μg/dL. Conclusions: ALAD activity was inhibited by blood lead at a possible threshold of 5 μg/dL, which suggests that ALAD activity could be used as an indicator for lead exposure regulation.

A Comparative Study of Prevalence of Morbidities among Municipal Solid Waste Workers in Mumbai

Paper investigates the association between labour intensive work of solid waste collection and street sweeping with the development of skin disease, respiratory disease, eye infection, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and MSDs-related disabilities during the service. A primary survey was conducted with 540 municipal employees adopting multistage stratified systematic sampling in 6 out of 24 municipal wards in Mumbai. The data was collected between March and September 2015, and analysis was performed in STATA13. The prevalence of self-reported morbidities among municipal workers varies from 7 to 46% in the reference period of the past 6 and 12 months. Adjusted odds of major morbidities show that the waste collectors significantly more likely to have injury/accident (OR = 11.36; p < 0.01), skin disease (OR = 4.971; p < 0.01), eye infections (OR = 3.03; p < 0.01) and MSDs (OR = 2.04; p < 0.05) in reference to comparison group. Similarly, street sweepers significantly more likely to have injury/accident (OR = 4.08; p < 0.01), skin disease (OR = 4.50; p < 0.01), respiratory disease (OR = 2.63; p < 0.01), MSDs (OR = 2.17; p < 0.01) and disability (OR = 1.92; p < 0.05) in reference to comparison group. Propensity score matching method analysis suggests that the waste collecting and street sweeping occupation significantly increases the prevalence of morbidities among exposed workers than the matched non-exposed workers. The mean expenditure on treatment of morbidities show that street sweepers spends significantly (p < 0.05) higher amount of money for injury/accident, eye infections and MSDs followed by waste collectors compared with comparison group. Workers associated with the street sweeping and waste collecting occupation has higher burden of developing morbidities and health expenditure compared with other occupation.

Audiometric findings of printing press workers exposed to noise and organic solvents

Objective To determine if exposure to organic solvents and noise is associated with audiometric results among workers from a printing press in Mexico City. Design Cross-sectional study. Study sample One hundred and seventy-six male workers at a printing press in Mexico City exposed to noise and organic solvents, including xylene, and 103 non-exposed male workers as reference group. Hearing thresholds were assessed with pure-tone audiometry. Results Poorer hearing thresholds were observed among printing workers than non-exposed controls, particularly among groups with over 5 years of exposure. Hearing thresholds differences were observed in the frequencies above 500 Hz, especially in 4000 Hz in all exposure groups compared to the reference. Adjusted models for age and previous exposure to noise and organic solvents showed worse hearing thresholds as years of seniority increased –β coefficients (95% CI): ≤5 years: 3.06 dB (0.01, 6.10); >5–10 years: 4.51 dB (1.13, 7.89); >10 years: 4.58 dB (1.20, 7.96). Further analyses showed no interaction between noise and organic solvents on hearing thresholds, considering both current and previous occupational exposures. Conclusion Exposure to noise levels that were below recommended exposure limits and organic solvents were associated with poorer hearing thresholds than those observed among non-exposed study participants. This suggests that workers exposed to solvents should be included in hearing conservation programmes, even when noise exposures are below 85 dB. If only noise levels were taken into consideration in the risk assessment of this worker population, the risk of hearing effects could have been overlooked.

Association between duration of coal dust exposure and respiratory impairment in coal miners of West Bengal, India

Purpose. The prevalence and severity of respiratory disorders are very high among coal miners as continuous exposure of workers in such an environment leads to accumulation of dust in the lungs. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of lung function impairment and to determine whether there is any correlation between dust exposure duration and lung function indices. Materials. Two hundred and thirty underground coal dust-exposed workers and 130 age-matched non-exposed workers were recruited from an underground mine in West Bengal, India. A spirometry test was performed for lung function and also basic information on personnel’s dust exposure, smoking and respiratory morbidity was collected. Student’s t test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), uncorrected Pearson’s χ2 test and Fischer’s exact test were performed for statistical analysis. Results. Lung function indices were significantly (p < 0.050) impaired between the exposed (43.91%) and non-exposed (23.85%) groups. In addition, highly significant decrements in the pulmonary volumes of exposed subjects were also noted. Furthermore, a high negative correlation was observed between spirometric results and exposure time in the exposed group compared with the non-exposed group. Conclusion. This study suggested a positive relationship between exposure time and lung function deterioration.

Evaluation of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among workers exposed to 1,3-Butadiene in a petrochemical industry in Iran

This study aimed to evaluate pulmonary function among workers exposed to 1,3-butadiene and was carried out in a petrochemical industry in Iran. The study participants consisted of fifty male workers with current respiratory exposure to 1,3-butadiene and fifty non-exposed workers as the control group. Exposure to 1,3-butadiene was measured according to the NIOSH 1024 method. Respiratory symptom histories were collected through the American Thoracic Society respiratory symptom questionnaire. Lung functions were evaluated using spirometry method. The results showed that exposed participants had significantly higher prevalence rates of all respiratory symptoms compared to the control group. Statistical tests demonstrated a significant difference between pulmonary function tests of exposed and non-exposed personnel. Ultimately, the results of the present study indicate that respiratory exposure to 1,3-butadiene can lead to negative effects on pulmonary functions.

Association between Urinary Levels of Aflatoxin and Consumption of Food Linked to Maize or Cow Milk or Dairy Products.

The aim of this analysis was to assess the association between consumption of maize and dairy products and urine and serum levels of aflatoxin FM1 (AFM1) in a sample of 59 males occupationally exposed (29) and non-exposed (30) to aflatoxins. Two urine samples were collected for each person; each sample was accompanied by a questionnaire on food consumption in the preceding 96 h. Given the similar levels of contamination found in exposed and non-exposed workers, the association between food consumption and AFM1 levels was analyzed by pooling samples from exposed and non-exposed workers. No serum sample was found to be positive for AFM1, whereas 74% of the urine samples were positive; the average concentration of positive samples was 0.042 ng/mL (range < limit of detection (LoD) (0.002)–0.399 ng/mL). Of the 21 samples from maize consumers, 13 were positive for AFM1 (62%), with a mean concentration of 0.026 ng/mL (range 0.006–0.088 ng/mL), while 76% (74/94) of the samples from maize non-consumers were positive (mean 0.045, range < LoD (0.002)–0.399 ng/mL). No association was found with milk or dairy products. The high urine level of aflatoxins found in both exposed and non-exposed workers was not associated with the consumption of maize or cow milk products.

Psychosocial Stressors at Work and the Risk of Sickness Absence Due to a Diagnosed Mental Disorder

Mental health problems are associated with considerable occupational, medical, social, and economic burdens. Psychosocial stressors at work have been associated with a higher risk of mental disorders, but the risk of sickness absence due to a diagnosed mental disorder, indicating a more severe condition, has never been investigated in a systematic review and meta-analysis. To synthesize the evidence of the association of psychosocial stressors at work with sickness absence due to a diagnosed mental disorder among adult workers. Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences), 3 gray literature databases (Grey Literature Report, WHO-IRIS and Open Grey), and the reference lists of all eligible studies and reviews were searched in January 2017 and updated in February 2019. Only original prospective studies evaluating the association of at least 1 psychosocial stressor at work from the 3 most recognized theoretical models were eligible: the job demand-control-support model, including exposure to job strain (high psychological demands with low job control); effort-reward imbalance model; and organizational justice model. Study selection was performed in duplicate by blinded independent reviewers. Among the 28 467 citations screened, 23 studies were eligible for systematic review. This meta-analysis followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Data extraction and risk of bias evaluation, using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-Interventions tool, were performed in duplicate by blinded independent reviewers. Data were pooled using random-effect models. Sickness absence due to a mental disorder with a diagnosis obtained objectively. A total of 13 studies representing 130 056 participants were included in the 6 meta-analyses. Workers exposed to low reward were associated with a higher risk of sickness absence due to a diagnosed mental disorder compared with nonexposed workers (pooled risk ratio [RR], 1.76 [95% CI, 1.49-2.08]), as were those exposed to effort-reward imbalance (pooled RR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.37-2.00]), job strain (pooled RR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.24-1.74]), low job control (pooled RR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.02-1.53]), and high psychological demands (pooled RR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04-1.45]). This meta-analysis found that workers exposed to psychosocial stressors at work were associated with a higher risk of sickness absence due to a mental disorder. A better understanding of the importance of these stressors could help physicians when evaluating their patients' mental health and work capacity.

Assessment of the prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms among the Workers of Automobile Industry

Objective: To assess the prevalence of respiratory system symptoms among the workers of automobile industry who are frequently exposed to hazardous chemical agent and dust. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Nishtar Hospital Multan, Bahawal Victoria hospital Bahawalpur. from August 2018 to March 2019. Methodology: Sixty eight participants of which 34 were exposed and 34 were non-exposed workers of an automobile factory were selected. Age, BMI, smoking history, lung functions including FEV 1 , FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, PEF 25-75 and VC before and after the work shift, symptoms including dry throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, cough, phlegm, dyspnea, and wheeze; and chest tightness were compared between the cases and controls. Independent t-test, paired t-test and chi-square tests were applied. Data was analyzed with SPSS v.23.0 after considering p<0.05 statistically significant. Results: FEV 1 , PEF, and VC were significantly decreased in the exposed workers as compared those who were not exposed (p-value <0.001, <0.001 and 0.001, respectively). The decrease in FVC and FEV1/FVC and FEV1/VC ratio was also significant (p-value 0.011, 0.002 and 0.048, respectively). Dry throat, runny nose and fatigue were significantly more in cases (p-value 0.022, 0.016 and 0.018, respectively). Cough, phlegm, wheeze, and dyspnea; and chest tightness were more prevalent in the cases (p-value 0.015, <0.001, 0.001, <0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Decline in lung functions and prevalence of respiratory symptoms were significant in the workers exposed to dust and BTEX warranting the performance of lung function tests before and after the employment for the identification of the sensitive personnel. Keywords: automobile factories, respiratory symptoms, prevalence. DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/65-07 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Assessment of oxidative stress among refueling workers in an Egyptian setting.

Unlike developing countries, in Egypt, gasoline is dispensed at dedicated stations by gasoline filling workers. This leads to high levels of exposure to the aromatic compounds in gasoline [principally benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX)] with the consequences of adverse health effects including oxidative stress. To assess oxidative stress and trace metal levels among Egyptian gas filling workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 gasoline filling station workers (exposed group) and a matched group of 50 clerical workers (non-exposed group). Trace metal levels (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in sera of all enrolled participants using atomic absorption spectroscopy. BTEX levels were assessed in the environment of the studied gas filling stations using the MIRAN IR system. All the measured trace metal levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly lower among the exposed workers than among the non-exposed workers. All trace metals decreased significantly in relation to SOD activity among the exposed workers, whereas only Zn and Cu decreased in relation to SOD and GPx activity among the non-exposed workers. The exposed workers did not comply with the use of the required personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid the dangerous effects of BTEX exposure. Among BTEX components, benzene exceeded the allowable Egyptian TLV in the studied gasoline stations (110.4mg/m3 versus 1.6mg/m3, respectively). The hygienic effect (HE) of the BTEX pollutant mixture exceeded the allowed borderline HE in Egypt although it did not show a significant correlation with different oxidative stress biomarkers and trace metals. Exposure to BTEX at gasoline filling stations lowers the levels of antioxidant enzyme activities and trace metals due to the strong hygienic effect of BTEX. Individual protection using the proper PPE should therefore be enforced. Research assessing the need of providing refueling workers with supplements of necessary trace metals and antioxidants is warranted.

Occupational risk assessment of exposure to metals in chrome plating workers

Inhalation of xenobiotics during manufacture process in chrome plating bath produce hazards to workers’ health. Chromium (Cr) is a metal widely used by industry, and its hexavalent (VI) form has been classified as mutagenic and carcinogenic. This study aimed to evaluate the occupational risk of exposure to metals in chrome plating workers. Biological monitoring was performed through quantification of Cr, Pb, As, Ni, and V in blood by ICP-MS in 50 male chrome-plating workers from the exposed group and 50 male non-exposed workers. The inflammatory parameters assessed were β-2 integrin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and L-selectin expression in lymphocytes. The genotoxicity was evaluated with comet and micronucleus (MN) assays and as a biomarker of oxidative damage the lipid peroxidation (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO). The results demonstrated that Cr levels in blood and urine were increased in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. Although the biomarkers of exposure proved to be within the levels considered safe in exposed individuals, chrome plating workers presented significantly increase in the percentage of lymphocytes expressing β-2 integrin, ICAM-1, and L-selectin as well as DNA damage (comet assay) and plasmatic MDA and PCO levels. Therefore, it is possible also assign the injuries caused to lipids, proteins, and DNA assessed due to the increased presence of other metals such as Pb, As, Ni, and V in exposed subjects. These results suggest that exposure to xenobiotics present in the occupational environment in chrome plating industry could play a crucial role toward the inflammation, genetic, and oxidative damage.

Occupational impact of increased dust duration on pulmonary capacities of workers.

Occupational lung diseases are usually caused due to chronic exposure to dust or irritating toxic substance. In India, morbidity due to occupational lung diseases has been reported to be high. Therefore present study was carried out to determine the impact of long term occupational barites dust exposure on pulmonary capacities of workers. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 participants within age group of 22-60 years in 2013. Data regarding demographic, behavioural & occupational characteristics were collected by pre-designed questionnaire. Spirometry is an important tool for detection of pulmonary diseases in its earlier stages. Pulmonary functions were assessed by Schiller spirometry in 240 surface mine exposed workers who engaged in direct mining activities & 92 age matched healthy administrative staff workers as non exposed workers. Results: It was observed that 15.8% of exposed workers had restrictive pulmonary impairment as compared to 6.5% among non-exposed workers and the difference was statistically significant (p

Effects of occupational cobalt exposure on the heart in the production of cobalt and cobalt compounds: a 6-year follow-up

ObjectiveIt has been suspected that cobalt is toxic to the heart. It can cause cardiotoxicity in heavily exposed humans and in experimental systems. The issue of interest for this study is whether cobalt also affects the myocardium at occupational exposure levels.MethodsTo study the effect of occupational cobalt exposure on the heart, we conducted a follow-up of workers at a cobalt production plant. The workers’ hearts had been examined by echocardiography in 1999–2000. Altogether 93 exposed and 49 non-exposed workers examined in 1999–2000 were re-examined in 2006. Occupational history and health data were collected with a questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured, and electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory tests, Holter registration, and echocardiography were conducted for all participants. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the data.ResultsNo differences were found between the exposed and unexposed groups for any of the echocardiographic parameters in 2006. There were no differences in the laboratory values, the ECG parameters, or the results of the Holter registration of the exposed and unexposed workers.ConclusionsAlthough the previous results in 2000 suggested an association between cumulative exposure to cobalt and echocardiographic findings, the results of this new cross-sectional study with a tissue Doppler 6 years later did not confirm the association in the present cohort. If cobalt exposure affects heart muscle functions at this exposure level, the effects are smaller than those caused by physiological changes due to ageing, medication, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure.

Metabolome-Wide Association Study of Vanadium Exposure Reveals Exacerbated Fatty Acid Oxidation in Human Plasma and Human Lung Fibroblasts

Vanadium-containing products are manufactured and widely used in the modern industry. Yet the neurobehavioral toxicity due to occupational exposure to vanadium remained elusive. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the neurotoxic effects of occupational vanadium exposure. A total of 463 vanadium-exposed workers (exposed group) and 251 non-exposed workers (control group) were recruited from a Steel and Iron Group in Sichuan, China. A WHO-recommended neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB) and event-related auditory evoked potentials test (P300) were used to assess the neurobehavioral functions of all study subjects. A general linear model was used to compare outcome scores between the two groups while controlling for possible confounders. The exposed group showed a statistically significant neurobehavioral alteration more than the control group in the NCTB tests. The exposed workers also exhibited an increased anger-hostility, depression-dejection and fatigue-inertia on the profile of mood states (p < 0.05). Performances in the simple reaction time, digit span, benton visual retention and pursuit aiming were also poorer among exposed workers as compared to unexposed control workers (p < 0.05). Some of these poor performances in tests were also significantly related to workers’ exposure duration. P300 latencies were longer in the exposed group than in the control (p < 0.05). Longer mean reaction times and more counting errors were also found in the exposed workers (p < 0.05). Given the findings of our study and the limitations of neurobehavioral workplace testing, we found evidence of altered neurobehavioral outcomes by occupational exposure to vanadium.

A Study of Blood Multi-element Concentrations in Lead-exposed and Non-exposed Workers

A Study of Blood Multi-element Concentrations in Lead-exposed and Non-exposed Workers

Raynaud's phenomenon in the occupational context.

To review articles that evaluated the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. The search for articles was carried out in the Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) databases. 64 articles were obtained from the electronic search; 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. All studies discussed the exposure to vibrations in the upper limbs. In 6 of them, the thermal issue was directly or indirectly addressed. No studies have addressed exposure to vinyl chloride. In general, a higher prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon was found among vibratory tool operators compared to non-exposed workers, with an increase in the number of cases the higher the level of vibration and the time of exposure. Cold is a triggering and aggravating factor of the Raynaud phenomenon and seems to play an important role in the emergence of vascular manifestations of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Adverse Health Effects among Workers in an Egyptian Lead Crystal Glass manufacturing plant

Introduction: Glass production workers are exposed to several workplace factors that may affect their health.Lead encountered in the manufacture of crystal glass is known to cause harmful effects. It is necessary tohighlight the health effects of lead among Egyptian crystal glass workers. Aim of work: The aim of the studywas to identify some health disorders in relation to blood lead level (BLL) among Egyptian workers exposedto lead in a lead crystal glass factory and find the association between (BLL) and psychological morbiditiesand biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried outin the occupational health clinic at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. It included 50 workers from alead crystal glass manufacturing plant (exposed group) and 50 non-exposed workers. Data collected includedpersonal data, occupational and medical histories, clinical examination and body mass index (BMI). Blood leadlevel (BLL), serum calcium, serum uric acid, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, serum creatinine, andblood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured for both groups. A general health questionnaire was used to assesspsychological morbidities. Results: Exposed workers and controls were matched for gender and age. Exposedworkers had significantly more gastro-intestinal, neurological, heat-related, ear and nose symptoms. Regardingbiochemical parameters, BLL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher among exposed workers,while serum creatinine was higher among non-exposed workers. Psychological distress was statisticallysignificantly more prevalent among exposed workers and the difference was statistically significant. Amongthe exposed workers, only 60%, 56%, 56% and 26% used gloves, masks, uniform and boots, respectively.Conclusion: Elevated BLL is associated with higher BUN and psychological morbidity among exposedworkers.