Non-occupational Group Research Articles

‘Evaluation of occupational and nonoccupational interstitial lung disease in railway workers’

Introduction Occupational lung diseases include a wide variety of respiratory diseases with clinical manifestations and diagnostic test results that have features similar to nonoccupational diseases. Aim To determine the prevalence of occupational Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) among confirmed ILD patients admitted to the chest department of Egyptian Railway Medical Centre and the assessment of the outcome. Patients and methods A total of 155 patients with confirmed ILD, were subdivided into two groups: group (A) 79 patients with occupational exposure and group (B) 76 patients with nonoccupational exposure. Both groups were subjected to a detailed history, radiological assessment, arterial blood gases, and Spirometry. Data of days of hospital stay were also recorded. Results The prevalence of confirmed cases of ILD among occupational exposure was 1.49% versus 1.1% in the nonoccupational. Range of age in occupational group was between (31and 68 years). Chest X ray (CXR) findings were positive in 58.2% and 30.2% of occupational and nonoccupational group, respectively. Among group (A), 47.1% of the patients stayed between 11 and 15 days), 15.76% admitted to ICU, and 5.2% were mechanically ventilated. While 48% of hospitalized nonoccupational patients stayed between 6 and 10 days, 8% were admitted to ICU and 4% were mechanically ventilated, Conclusion The prevalence of interstitial lung diseases with occupational exposure was 1.49%, higher than non-occupational interstitial lung diseases. They were younger in age, had history of domiciliary oxygen therapy, frequent exacerbations, and previous hospital admissions. They had prolonged length of hospital stay, particularly those not using protective measures.

Occupational disease claims and non-occupational morbidity in a prospective cohort observation of nickel electrolysis workers

Exposure to nickel aerosol in the nickel production is associated with greater occupational risk, yet little is known how many workers will develop an occupational disease and claim compensation. The aim of this analysis was to prospectively observe a cohort of nickel electrolysis workers and quantitatively assess confirmed occupational disease claims. We observed a cohort of nickel electrolysis workers (N = 1397, median age 39, 68% males) from 2008 till 2020 in one of the largest nickel producers in the Russian High North. Cumulative incidence of confirmed occupational disease claims in seven occupational groups, including electrolysis operators, hydrometallurgists, crane operators, final product cleaners, metalworkers, electricians and ‘other’ was analyzed and supplemented with Cox proportional hazards regression, yielding hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of occupational disease claims for each group. N patients with occupational disease claims varied from 1 in 2016 to 22 in 2009, and in total 87 patients developed one or more occupational diseases (cumulative incidence 6.2%, p < 0.001 between seven groups). Accounting for 35,527 person-years of observation in total, cleaners exhibited the greatest risk (HR 2.58 (95% CI 1.43–4.64)), also adjusted for smoking, number of non-occupational diseases and group 2 (hydrometallurgists). Smoking was independently associated with having an occupational disease claim in all groups (p < 0.001), as was the number of non-work-related diseases in six groups of seven. Despite consistent improvement in the exposure control measures in nickel production, occupational morbidity persists. More effort is needed to reduce exposure in final product cleaners.

Human brucellosis epidemiological characteristics in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 2004–2019

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Qiqihar of Heilongjiang province from 2004–2019, and provide scientific evidence for the development of brucellosis prevention and control strategy. Methods The time, geographical and population distributions of laboratory confirmed brucellosis case were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological method. Results A total of 25 999 laboratory-confirmed human brucellosis cases, without death, were reported online in Qiqihar from 2004 to 2019. The average annual incidence rate was 29.50/100 000, 11.17 times higher than national average (2.64/100 000) during the same period. The incidence of human brucellosis in Qiqihar was at a high level. There were two peaks in 2005 and 2012. The incidence increased significantly in 2019, with incidence rates of 23.56/100 000, the highest incidence was during March–July. The cases were aged from 9 months to 92 years. Most cases were middle-aged, men, farmers and herdsmen. The spread area of the disease was wide, the cases were reported in 94.60% of townships and 57.70% of all villages in 16 counties in 2012. In the non-occupational group, the proportions of the jobless or unemployed, students, workers, children outside child care settings were relatively high. The proportion of the jobless or employed was in increase. Conclusion The incidence of brucellosis in Qiqihar was much higher than the national level, Animal husbandry departments should strengthen the prevention and control of brucellosis. To reduce the incidence of human brucellosis, the quarantine, immunization and culling of livestock should be further strengthened, and health education and promotion should be implemented.

Assessment of volatile methylsiloxanes in environmental matrices and human plasma

Volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) are widely used in various personal-care products and industrial additives and products. This study focused on VMSs exposure in the general population, workers, and the families of workers living in residential and industrial areas of southwestern China. VMSs concentrations in indoor environmental matrices from six industrial facilities were 3.4 × 102 to 9.0 × 102 μg m−3 in gas-phase samples, 4.7 × 102 to 1.5 × 104 μg g−1 in PM2.5 samples, and 2.3 × 102 to 7.2 × 103 μg g−1 in dust samples, which were two to four orders of magnitude higher than the concentrations measured in residential areas. Exposure to VMSs was investigated by analysis of plasma samples from workers in residential and industrial areas for the presence of cyclic (D4–D6) and linear (L3–L16) VMSs. VMSs concentrations in plasma samples ranged from 84 to 2.3 × 102 ng ml−1 in workers, one to two orders of magnitude higher than those in the general population (2.2 ng ml−1). Daily VMSs indoor exposure via inhalation and ingestion in individuals from residential and industrial areas were estimated and assessed under working-time and leisure-time conditions. This study showed that exposure to VMSs in industrial areas is approximately two to four or one to two orders of magnitude higher than that in residential areas during the working- or leisure-time scenario, respectively. Furthermore, the families of workers (the non-occupational group) experienced higher levels of exposure to VMSs in their homes compared with the general population. The ratios of exposure to linear VMSs via PM2.5 inhalation to that via the gas phase ranged from 7.8% to 43.1% in industrial areas. This study suggests that intake of linear VMSs via PM2.5 inhalation should be considered when estimating human exposure to VMSs in areas with high levels of PM2.5 air pollution.

Sero-prevalence of antibodies against avian influenza virus among people in poultry occupations in Guangdong province

Objective To detect the positive rates of antibodies against avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes H5, H6, H7 and H9 among people in poultry occupations in Guangdong province and to analyze the transmission of various subtypes of AIV from poultry to human contacts for the prevention and control of novel AIV infection in human beings. Methods Serum specimens were collected from 1066 people in poultry occupations (occupational group) and 205 people not in poultry occupations (non-occupational group) in 10 cities of Guangdong province. The inactivated AIV strains, isolated from poultry or environment of Guangdong province, were used as antigens to detect antibodies against AIV subtypes H5, H6, H7 and H9 by using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Results The positive rates of antibodies against AIV subtypes H5, H6, H7 and H9 carried by people from the occupational group were respectively 0.44%, 0%, 0.30% and 0.30% in 2013 and 1.08%, 0.0%, 0.0% and 0.27% in 2014. Only the anti-H9 antibodies were detected in serum samples collected form people in the non-occupational group in 2013 with a positive rate of 0.95%. No significant differences with the positive rates of anti-AIV antibodies were found between the occupational group and the non-occupational group. However, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of anti-AVI antibodies in people from the occupational group was higher than that of the non-occupational group. Conclusion Although a grand spread of AIV from avian to human is not likely to happen yet, contacting with poultry is the risk factor for AIV infection in Guangdong population. A long-term surveillance of anti-AIV antibodies in serum should be strengthened among people in poultry occupations for the timely prevention and control of novel AIV outbreak. Key words: Avian influenza virus; Occupational group; Antibody detection

개인 노출량 조사를 통한 한국인의 극저주파 자기장 노출 수준

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the exposure level to extremely low frequency-magnetic fields (ELF-MF) among a selected Korean population using 24-hour personal exposure measurement. Methods: Participants were randomly selected for the measurement of MF exposure under the assumption that the subjects are representative of the overall Korean population. Levels of personal exposure to MF were measured according to the subject’s daily activities. Results: The 24-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 250 participants was 1.56 ± 4.56 mG (GM, GSD: 0.79, 2.46 mG). Personal exposure levels for females were higher than for males. The highest personal exposure level was shown in the age group between 20-60 years old. Personal exposure levels according to job category were higher for the non-occupational group than for the occupational group. Conclusions: Our results showed MF exposure exceeding 2 mG per day among 11.3% of the Korean population, indicating a somewhat higher percentage compared to the EMF RAPID Program’s results for the U.S

Biological monitoring for occupational acrylamide exposure from acrylamide production workers

We conducted a repeated-measurement study to (1) investigate the correlation between occupational exposure to airborne acrylamide (AA) and the time-dependent behavior of urinary AAMA, GAMA2, and GAMA3 and (2) calculate the estimated biological exposure index at the permissible exposure limit (PEL) level of 30 μg/m(3). Forty-four workers were recruited--8 were AA-exposed and 36 were controls. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were collected from the exposed group in parallel with personal sampling for 8 consecutive days and only 1 day for the control group and analyzed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Post-shift urinary AAMA level was significantly associated with personal AA exposure (p < 0.001), indicating that urinary AAMA was a better AA exposure biomarker. The estimated urinary excretion of AAMA was 3.0 mg/g creatinine for nonsmoking workers exposed to the PEL of 30 μg/m(3). The median GAMA (the sum of GAMA2 and GAMA3)/AAMA ratio for exposed workers was 0.03 (range, 0.005-0.14), relatively lower than that of the nonoccupational group. Although sample size in this study was small, the repeated-measurement data provide useful reference for future studies related to biological monitoring of occupational exposure to AA.

Impact of occupational and inhalant allergy on rhinitis-specific quality of life in employees of bell pepper greenhouses in the Netherlands

Rhinitis symptoms among bell pepper greenhouse employees can be caused by an allergy to occupational allergens, such as bell pepper pollen and predatory mites, and common inhalant allergens. To estimate the effect of sensitization to these allergens on rhinitis-specific quality of life (QoL) during and outside the flowering period and to evaluate whether the QoL of sensitized employees is comparable with that of chrysanthemum greenhouse employees with rhinitis and an average population sample with perennial rhinitis. We invited 233 employees with rhinitis symptoms to complete 2 rhinitis QoL questionnaires and to undergo skin prick testing with common inhalant allergens and occupational allergen extracts. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of sensitization to the various allergens on QoL. Sensitization to bell pepper pollen had a significant negative effect on all the domain and mean QoL scores. The other allergens had no effect on QoL. A significant decrease in all the rhinitis scores was found outside the flowering period. There were no relevant differences in the mean scores of the different domains for both occupational groups. Greenhouse employees scored higher on limitations in activities and much lower on emotional, sleeping, and practical problems compared with individuals with perennial rhinitis. Bell pepper greenhouse employees are impaired in QoL because of their sensitization to bell pepper pollen, suggesting that bell pepper pollen is the most important occupational allergen in greenhouse workers with allergic symptoms. A common allergy does not have more impact on a person's day-to-day life than an occupational allergy; however, there is a clear difference in the way in which an occupational group is hampered compared with a nonoccupational group.

Exposure of Workers to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields and Electric Appliances

Exposure of Workers to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields and Electric Appliances: Yoon Shin Kim, et al. Institute of Environmental and Industrial Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Korea—The purpose of this study was to investigate personal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. Thirty‐seven subjects in occupational and 65 subjects in nonoccupational groups were measured for personal 24 h continual exposure, using EMDEX II (for 40‐800 Hz, Enertech Consultant, Inc.), from March 1996 through December 1999. The mean personal exposure levels of the occupational group was 0.46μT, whereas the value for the non‐occupational group was 0.08μT. Occupational groups were exposed more intensely while at work. Among the electric appliances examined, a massage unit showed the highest mean value of 247.07μT, followed by an electric blanket with 5.24μT. Finally, this study was expected to provide significant data for future study of exposure assessment of magnetic fields. A large scale study concerning more detailed exposure assessment should provide important information on health risk assessment of MFs.

Occupational spinal cord injury

Most spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are the result of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). There are no published reports specifically addressing SCIs that occur in the workplace. We report a cohort survey study examining the frequency and etiology of SCI in the workplace. Through a cooperative program, an evaluation of all SCIs seen in Colorado during a 5 1/2-year period (January 1, 1986 through June 6, 1991) is presented. We report a detailed analysis of specific data of all SCIs occurring in the workplace. There were a total of 566, with 74 (13.1%) due to injuries that occurred during the course of employment. The most common cause of occupational SCI was falls, which occurred in 37 (50%), as compared with only 15.9% of non-occupational SCIs. Only 14 (18.9%) occupational SCIs resulted from MVAs, compared with 59.3% of non-occupational SCIs. Other major etiologies for occupational SCI included being hit by a falling object in 14 individuals (18.9%), gunshot wound in three (4%), skiing in one (1.4%), stabbing in one (1.4%), and other causes in four (5.4%). Construction occupations were over-represented in occupational SCIs with 41.9% of cases as compared with only 6.3% for the non-occupational group. Because of the large percentage of occupational SCIs, efforts should be aimed at educating workers in at-risk occupations to prevent this serious injury.

An epidemiological comparison between occupational and non-occupational hand eczema

Thirty-four per cent of 2110 patients with eczema attending a contact dermatitis clinic had hand eczema. Fifty-five per cent (395 of 721) had contact dermatitis and 45% (326 of 721) had endogenous/unclassifiable eczema. Thirty-five per cent of cases (217 of 721) were occupational eczema. An epidemiological comparison of patients with occupational and non-occupational hand eczema (defined as eczema occurring on the hands up to the wrist line) was made. Hand eczema was more common in males in both groups, and there was a significantly larger proportion of males in the occupational group (65%) than the non-occupational group (51%) (P less than 0.001). The prevalence of a personal or family history of atopy was significantly lower in the occupational group (7%) than the non-occupational group (15%) (P less than 0.005). Irritant contact dermatitis occurred in a larger proportion of patients in the occupational group (76%) than the non-occupational group (39%) (P less than 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the proportions of patients with positive patch test reactions in the occupational group (34%) and the non-occupational group (41%). Potassium dichromate, and epoxy resin allergy occurred significantly, more frequently, in the occupational group whereas fragrance-mix allergy was significantly more frequent in the non-occupational group.

Actual causes of certain occupational dermatoses. III. A further study with special reference to effect of alkali on the skin, effect of soap on pH of skin, modern cutaneous detergents.

IN PREVIOUS reports 1 study was made of cutaneous diseases in patients observed by us who presented claims for compensation under the Pennsylvania law. In these studies we classified actual causes into groups rather than emphasizing occupation in relation to cause or making the simplest of classifications, namely, division of responsible agents into chemical, physical and biologic ones. We believe it is preferable to emphasize actual causes, since attention is focused on these causes. Prevention and investigative measures are suggested, and teaching of the subject is facilitated. 2 The cases previously reported total 2,297; of the patients 1,729 were male and 568 female. The diseases of 1,059 (46.1 per cent) were diagnosed as occupational in origin and those of 1,238 as nonoccupational. The nonoccupational group was comprised of a variety of diseases of the skin. Diagnosis of the cutaneous lesion is the initial requirement in differentiating occupational from nonoccupational cause.

ACTUAL CAUSES OF CERTAIN OCCUPATIONAL DERMATOSES

A study was made of 1,113 cases of cutaneous diseases in patients observed by me who presented claims for compensation under the Pennsylvania law. My purpose was to determine outstanding causal factors of occupational dermatoses, in order to discuss these factors by groups in relation to a practical outline of teaching occupational dermatoses.1 Of the 1,113 patients 909 were males and 204 were females. The diseases of 527 were diagnosed as occupational2in origin and those of 586 as nonoccupational. These figures do not include conditions encountered during the inspection of employees at various plants. The nonoccupational group comprised thirty-nine different diseases of the skin. The most frequent were: eczematous dermatitis, tinea of the hands and feet, pyoderma, pityriasis rosea, miliaria, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, urticaria, herpes zoster and erythema multiforme. Such diseases as syphilis (early and late lesions), pemphigus vulgaris and lupus erythematosus were observed. Diagnosis