Occupational Exposure Research Articles

Occupational Exposures, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Tomographic Findings in the Spanish Population.

Self-reported occupational exposure was previously associated with COPD in the Spanish population. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between occupational exposure to various chemical and biological agents, COPD, emphysema, and the bronchial wall area, which was determined by lung computed tomography (CT) in 226 individuals with COPD and 300 individuals without COPD. Lifetime occupational exposures were assessed using the ALOHA(+) job exposure matrix, and CT and spirometry were also performed. COPD was associated with high exposure to vapours, gases, dust and fumes (VGDF) (OR 2.25 95% CI 1.19-4.22), biological dust (OR 3.01 95% CI 1.22-7.45), gases/fumes (OR 2.49 95% CI 1.20-5.17) and with exposure to various types of solvents. High exposure to gases/fumes, chlorinated solvents and metals (coefficient 8.65 95% CI 1.21-16.09, 11.91 95%CI 0.46- 23.36, 14.45 95% CI 4.42-24.49, respectively) and low exposure to aromatic solvents (coefficient 8.43 95% CI 1.16-15.70) were associated with a low 15th percentile of lung density indicating emphysema. We conclude that occupational exposure to several specific agents is associated with COPD and emphysema in the Spanish population.

Dupuytren’s disease and occupational mechanical exposures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The risk of developing Dupuytren’s disease among workers exposed to occupational mechanical exposures has been reported in few systematic reviews, mainly related to vibration. Expanding the investigation to all occupational...

Ethical Issues Regarding Dermatopathology Care for Service-Members: A Review.

Dermatologic care within the military faces unique ethical challenges. Service members are stationed across nationally and globally diverse settings, and therefore, dermatologic care rendered ranges from within resource-rich, advanced military medical treatment facilities to austere, resource-limited, deployed field environments. Additionally, military service members are often at unique risk for dermatologic disease, given occupational, environmental, and geographic exposures not commonly faced by their civilian counterparts. This review explores topics in dermatoethics via case analyses of ethical considerations within the scope of dermatologic care for military service members.

Analysis of Health Effects Reported by Agricultural Workers and the Adverse Human Effects Indicated on Pesticide Labels: A Systematic Review

Human pesticide exposure remains a significant issue, impacting both the environment and human health. Occupational pesticide exposure is primarily linked to improper worker practices, often due to a lack of knowledge or difficulty interpreting label information and other technical aspects of pesticide application. This systematic review aims to identify the pesticides most used by agricultural workers, the symptoms they experience due to exposure, and the GHS hazard statements on these pesticide labels. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the search identified 16 articles addressing health effects associated with the most frequently used pesticides. These studies predominantly come from Asia (68.8%), Africa (25%), and America (6.2%), with most pesticides being outside the list approved by the EC. Related symptoms were reported in 80 to 100% of the studies that included these pesticides. An evident relationship has been identified between GHS hazard statements and associated symptoms for certain pesticides. Therefore, companies and public authorities must collaborate to improve workers’ training, particularly in reading and interpreting product labels. Additionally, they must thoroughly explain the risks associated with improper pesticide practices and application to safeguard workers’ health.

‘How can you not be traumatised’: Experience of paramedics occupationally exposed to suicide

Background: Exposure to suicide is widely recognised as a major occupational hazard for mental health professionals due to the impacts this can have on their professional and personal lives. Less research has focused on paramedics, who are often the first responders to suicide-related callouts and who also have higher suicide rates themselves. Aims: This article explores the lived experiences of paramedics exposed to suicide in the line of their work, unpacking the impacts and consequences of this exposure on their mental well-being. Method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to examine the lived experiences of nine paramedics in New Zealand. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: Four themes were developed: (1) It's complex and challenging work, as suicide events required different skills from those utilised in other work, leading paramedics to rely on intuition and experience to manage the scenario in the absence of specific protocols; (2) Feeling frustrated and helpless, explored suicide encounters experienced as distressing due to the high volume of calls and lack of perceived responsiveness in the broader health system; (3) The conflict between emotions and ethos, describing suicide exposure as a challenge to maintain their emotional control in the scenes, and perceiving this lack of control as a threat to their competence; (4) Living with the consequences: How can you not be traumatised?, focused on how occupational exposure to suicide impacted participants’ personal relationships and well-being. Conclusion: The challenges posed by occupational exposure to suicide can lead to negative consequences among paramedics. Research should focus on how to diminish the impacts of this traumatic experience on this occupational group.

Gastrointestinal cancer and occupational diesel exhaust exposure: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Diesel exhaust exposure and cancer other than the lungs have been limitedly investigated. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between occupational exposure to diesel exhaust and gastrointestinal cancers. Two researchers performed a systematic literature review to identify all cohort studies on occupational exposure to diesel exhaust and risk of cancers other than lung. Of the 30 retained studies, 10 reported risk estimates for oesophageal, 18 on gastric, 15 on colon and 14 on rectal cancer. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to calculate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ever-exposure to diesel exhaust. We calculated summary RR = 1.08 (95% CI 0.97-1.21, P heterogeneity = 0.06) for oesophageal, 1.06 (95% CI 0.99-1.14, P < 0.001) for gastric, 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-1.00, P = 0.453) for colon, and RR = 1.04 (95% CI 0.97-1.11, P = 0.013) for rectal cancer. Drivers showed an association with oesophageal (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.99-1.62), gastric (RR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.91-1.59) and rectal cancer (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.75); machine operators with oesophageal (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.20) and gastric (RR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.20) and handlers with oesophageal cancer (RR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.23-3.09). Studies from Europe revealed an association with gastric cancer while those from North America did not (P < 0.05). No difference was found by quality score except for gastric cancer, where high-quality studies but not low-quality ones showed increased risk (P heterogeneity = 0.04). There was no evidence of publication bias. An increased but insignificant risk of oesophageal, gastric and rectal, but not colon cancer, was suggested in workers exposed to diesel exhaust. Residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Occupational exposures and sarcoidosis: a rapid review of the evidence.

Occupational exposures and sarcoidosis: a rapid review of the evidence.

Virtual screening study for biological activity assessment and metabolism pathway of a fuel dye in airborne exposure scenario.

The utilization of synthetic dyes increases the risk to human health. Despite the progress of information on azo dyes, very little attention has been reported on toxicity assessment of anthraquinone dyes. Solvent Blue 35 (SB35) is one of the anthraquinone dyes likely to be encountered because of its increasing use in various industries. Whereas the design of laboratory tests is very expensive, in silico screening was used to predict the metabolic profile and toxicity effect of SB35. MetaTox software was used to predict the metabolites of phase I and II in two layers. Since airborne exposure has been considered, the pathways of inhalation and dermal absorption of SB35 were investigated through the SwissADME model based on the modified Lipinski's rule of five. To predict the biological effect and toxicity of SB35 and each of the metabolites, PASS online software was used. Chemical activity was considered according to the probability of activation values (Pa) higher than the probability of inactivation values (Pi). N- dealkylation of SB35 was predicted in the first layer, while seven active compounds were obtained in the second layer from phases I and II reactions. Investigating the physicochemical properties of SB35 confirmed inhalation absorption for occupational exposure scenarios. All metabolites are absorbed from intestinal routes based on the RO5 rules. SB35 and their metabolites have an effective substrate role for the sub-type of CYP 450 enzymes. The toxicity effect of carcinogenicity for SB35 and mutagenicity for metabolites are predicted while confirmed with some biological effects. However, reproductive disorders are pointed with SB35 by probability higher than 70%. Virtual screening methods are efficient tools for creating cost-effective predictions in the hazard's evaluation of SB35. However, a perspective view is suggested before decision-making for laboratory designing tests.

Organophosphate ester exposure in nail salons: Health implications for workers

Organophosphates esters (OPEs) have become a preferred alternative in nail polish as plasticizers due to health concerns over previously used additives like dibutyl phthalate. However, the true extent of nail technicians' exposure to OPEs is largely unknown. This study shows that nail salon workers are significant exposed to OPEs, with varied concentrations found in air, dust, masks, and urine. The total concentrations of 11 OPEs in ultrasonic personal air samplers (UPAS) ranged from 251 to 1007 ng/m³, and in air conditioner filter dust from 371 to 14473 ng/g. Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) was the most abundant compound found in the nail polishes used in these salons. On average, the concentrations of TPHP and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) in workers' urine after work were 5.2 and 1.8 times higher than those before work, respectively. Two nail salons that had the highest nail polish usage also had very high concentrations of TPHP in surgical masks, dust, and UPAS. TPHP concentrations in workers’ urine after work were 19 and 13 times those before work, respectively, in these two salons. Human internal exposure assessment showed that the average exposure dose of TPHP after work was 1.8 times higher than that before work. On average, use of masks reduced OPEs in urine by 77%. In conclusion, frequent mask replacement is highly recommended, especially in long working circumstances. Without regular replacement, masks may accumulate OPEs from the air, potentially becoming another source of human exposure to OPEs. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the occupational exposure of nail salon workers to OPEs, particularly considering that most practitioners in this industry are young women of reproductive age.

Abstract C173: Influence of Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors on Lung Cancer Incidence Among African American and European American

Abstract The persistent gap in cancer incidence and outcomes between African American (AA) and European American (EA) populations remains a significant public health challenge. Understanding these discrepancies is pivotal for crafting targeted interventions to mitigate health disparities. To comprehensively assess these inequalities, this study delves into the association between smoking and lung cancer incidence within a diverse cohort of 5270 participants, comprising both AA (868 participants) and EA (3137 participants) individuals. Among the 2901 lung cancer patients identified in our analysis, diagnoses ranged from Malignant Tumors of the Lung to various subtypes of Non-Small Cell and Small Cell Lung Cancer. Surprisingly, only a significant subset of these patients were smokers, with statistical analysis indicating a p&amp;lt;0.001, pointing to other influential demographic factors. Employing the Chi-Square Test of Independence, Logistic Regression, and Multivariate Analysis, we evaluated the impact of smoking alongside additional variables on lung cancer incidence. Factors such as Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Occupational Exposures, Geographic Location, Family History of Cancer, Comorbidities, and Lifestyle Factors were considered in the multivariate analyses to ascertain their contribution to lung cancer risks. Our findings from Relative Risk (RR) and Attributable Risk (AR) assessments suggest that while smoking constitutes a notable risk factor, a substantial proportion of lung cancer cases in this cohort were not linked to smoking. Stratified and Sensitivity Analyses further unveiled nuanced risk profiles within subgroups, elucidating the intricate interplay between lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions. Our study highlights that a significant portion of lung cancer cases, particularly among EA and AA populations, occur in non-smokers, with smoking often associated with other comorbidities rather than solely lung- specific diseases. This underscores the multifaceted nature of lung cancer risk factors across different racial groups, advocating for public health strategies that address a broader spectrum of influences beyond smoking to combat cancer disparities within these communities effectively. Citation Format: Murugesh Eswaran, Briana A Briana A Brock, Hina Abdulrehman Mir, Eric L. Flenaugh, Oprea M. Gabriela, Brian Rivers, Rajesh Singh, Shailesh Singh. Influence of Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors on Lung Cancer Incidence Among African American and European American [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C173.

Examining Management and Employees' Perceptions of Occupational Heat Exposure and the Effectiveness of a Heat Stress Prevention Intervention on Safety and Well-Being among Natural Gas Construction Workers: A Qualitative Field-Based Study.

Numerous risk factors have been identified as significantly influencing outdoor workers' risk for heat stress and heat-related conditions, impacting their health, well-being, and productivity. However, the specific effects of these factors on construction workers' safety, health, and well-being remain under-researched. With climate change increasing temperatures, assessing heat stress among construction workers is imperative. To identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the safety of natural gas construction workers and evaluate an implemented heat stress intervention. In the summer of 2023, two semi-structured interviews and six focus groups were conducted with twenty-one stakeholders at a Texas natural gas construction site. Key facilitators include employee preparedness, use of employer-provided resources, hydration logs, and real-time communication tools. Contrarily, the barriers include daily work schedules, access to dehydrating beverages, and generational differences with the non-implementation of mandatory rest breaks. The heat stress program was perceived as effective, surpassing recommended guidelines. To advance construction workers' safety, health, and well-being, both employee involvement and employer management are needed, along with no-cost accessible resources. Additionally, implementing a required routine rest break and comprehensive heat stress education, particularly for older workers, will significantly promote safety and safe work practices in hot environments. Note: in this study, the terms 'worker' and 'employee' are used interchangeably.

An amide-based covalent organic framework chemically anchored on silica nanoparticles for headspace microextraction sampling of halogenated hydrocarbons in air

A needle trap device (NTD) was developed using an amide-based covalent-organic framework (COF), chemically bonded to silica nanoparticles. The NTD was coupled with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and employed for the headspace microextraction analysis of halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs) in the air. The adsorbent was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques.Optimal values for the experimental variables were assessed using response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD), thereby reducing the number of experiments, material consumption, costs, and time. The optimal values for desorption time and temperature were obtained 5 min and 260 °C, respectively. Breakthrough volume (BtV) was studied over the range of 0.5 - 3 times the occupational exposure limit (OEL) and its optimal value was found to be 1200 mL. The optimal sampling temperature and relative humidity (RH) were obtained 20 °C, and 15 %, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were ranged from 0.013 to 0.077 μg l-1 and 0.041 to 0.21 μg l-1, respectively, with a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 0.04 to 100 μg l-1. The method's repeatability and reproducibility (RSD %) were observed over the ranges of 5.3 - 6.4 % and 4.7 -6.9 %, respectively. A statistically validated agreement was observed between the NTD-GC-FID method and the NIOSH 1003 standard procedure for the sampling and determination of HHCs in real workplace air samples, demonstrating the reliability and accuracy of the developed approach.

A Novel Shielding Device for Cardiac Cath Labs

Abstract This research evaluates the effectiveness of a large specialized cardiac catheterization laboratory shielding device (SCCLSD) placed perpendicular to the patient compared to traditional shielding methods in reducing occupational exposure to scattered x rays, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of radiation safety in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) setting. An experimental setup involving an anthropomorphic phantom on the catheterization table simulated radiation scatter from a patient. Measurements were taken systematically at various grid points and heights in the CCL using a Fluke 451P ion chamber while mimicking a real interventional scenario. In-air peak exposure rates were analyzed at head, chest, and waist heights in the anteroposterior (AP) position. Results demonstrated that the SCCLSD provided a superior radiation shadow and effective whole-body radiation exposure reduction compared to conventional shielding devices. Considering that conventional shielding requires staff to wear lead aprons, an effective dose equivalent correction factor was applied for exposure measurements without the SCCLSD. Even after the correction factor, the SCCLSD continued outperforming lead aprons and offered whole-body protection, including the head and arms, which is typically neglected with conventional shielding. The SCCLSD also reduces exposure to the eyes, aligning with lower occupational exposure recommendations from ICRP and NCRP. However, proper CCL staff positioning is important in maximizing the effectiveness of the SCCLSD. Future research avenues may explore exposure rates at different C-arm angles to more completely assess the SCCLSD’s impact on occupational exposure.

Sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma in northern Portugal: a woodworker’s occupational hazard

Abstract Background Sinonasal carcinomas (SNC) constitute about 3% of all head and neck carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma being the most common histologic subtype. Some geographical patterns in incidence are observed, as occupational exposure to wood dust is associated with intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC). Aims This study aims to describe the prevalence and characteristics of sinonasal ITAC cases in a region of northern Portugal with a robust wood industry. Methods A retrospective study of all sinonasal malignancies diagnosed over 5 years, in a tertiary hospital, primarily focused on ITAC subtypes. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected through electronic medical records and telephonic assessments. Results Of all 33 cases, 85% were ITAC. ITAC predominantly affected males (96%) with a mean age of 66.2 years. Most patients diagnosed with sinonasal ITAC had occupational wood dust exposure (96%), particularly to hardwoods. Initial symptoms included unilateral nasal obstruction (75%) and epistaxis (71%). Despite a median time of 3 months from symptoms to consultation, 50% presented at an advanced stage, with a 29% mortality rate. Conclusions Sinonasal ITAC is an occupational hazard of woodworkers and represents the vast majority of SNC in the region. This study advocates for targeted community interventions, emphasizing occupational safety measures and healthcare awareness to reduce morbimortality associated with this occupational cancer.

Occupational exposure to hazardous cancer drugs: protecting nurses through practice, products and research

Occupational exposure to hazardous cancer drugs: protecting nurses through practice, products and research

Filovirus outbreak responses and occupational health effects of chlorine spraying in healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of alternative disinfectants and application methods.

In the context of filovirus outbreaks, chlorine spraying has been the standard for infection prevention and control. Due to potential occupational health risks, public health institutions now recommend wiping, which is labor-intensive and may increase the risk of heat stress for healthcare workers wearing personal protective equipment. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the health effects of occupational exposure to chlorine-based products compared to other disinfectants, and the effects of spraying compared to general disinfection tasks (GDTs) like wiping and mopping, in healthcare settings. MEDLINE, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies addressing the association between exposure to disinfectants applied by different application methods and occupational diseases in healthcare settings. Risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers using a validated tool. Two reviewers independently screened and performed data extraction and synthesis. A third reviewer resolved disagreements. Meta-analyses were conducted using fixed- and random-effects models based on the Higgins I2 statistic. 30 studies investigating chlorine-based products (7,123 participants), glutaraldehyde (6,256 participants), peracetic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (4,728 participants), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) (9,270 participants), use of spray (4,568 participants) and GDTs (3,480 participants) were included. Most had a cross-sectional design and high risk of bias. Meta-analysis indicates a significant association between respiratory conditions and exposure to chlorine-based products (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.41-2.08), glutaraldehyde (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.14-1.81), QACs (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.06-1.60), use of spray (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.61-3.14) and GDTs (OR 2.20, 95%CI 1.66-2.90). The relative odds ratio (ROR) of respiratory conditions for chlorine-based products compared to QACs was 0.76 (95%CI 0.62-0.94). The ROR for the use of spray compared to GDTs was 0.98 (95%CI 0.74-1.29). Strengths include evaluating respiratory health risks of disinfectants, applying a validated tool, using both fixed- and random-effects models, and comparing pooled effect sizes. Limitations include high risk of bias for the majority of included articles, varying confounder adjustments, underreported non-respiratory outcomes, and unspecified disinfectants and PPE use for spray and GDTs articles. Chlorine-based disinfectants significantly increase respiratory risk compared to QACs. Sprays and general disinfection tasks present similar risks. Our findings advocate for using less hazardous products like QACs, rather than banning sprays in filovirus outbreak responses to enhance disinfection safety. CRD42023479363.

Revisiting Pulmonary Sporotrichosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of an Overlooked Fungal Infection

Introduction Pulmonary sporotrichosis (PST) is a rare and neglected but severe disease. Its optimal management remains challenging, as recommendations are primarily derived from case reports. This study summarizes PST patients' presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome. Methods Studies were identified through a search on Google Scholar and PubMed. The collected data included study characteristics, demographic data, risk factors, comorbidities, clinical status, presentations, imaging findings, diagnostic methods, disease focality, fungal species, treatment methods, complications, ICU admission status, and outcomes. Results Most of the studies were conducted in the USA (71.7%). In total, 34.7% of the cases were smokers, 30.7% had occupational exposure to dust and soil, 5.3% had contact with pets or roses or wooden materials, and 2.7% had environmental exposure. Overall, 32% of the patients were alcoholic, 29.3% had bacterial infections, 24% had respiratory or pulmonary diseases, and 17.3% were found to have HIV. The most frequently reported symptom was coughing (61.3%). The most common imaging finding was cavitary lesions (53.3%). The most commonly utilized diagnostic approach was sputum culture (69.3%). A combined conservative regimen was the treatment of choice in 26 patients (34.7%). The survival rate was 69.3%, with a recurrence rate of 5.8%. Conclusion The coexistence of multiple risk factors may trigger the disease. Its low incidence in endemic areas suggests the potential for missed or misdiagnosed cases. Treatment approaches include a combined conservative regimen or in combination with surgery. The survival rate is high, but the mortality rate should not be overlooked.

Frequency of exposure incidents in hospital workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the hospital status and the use of personal protective equipment: a descriptive study with a historical comparison group

BackgroundAn occupational exposure, i.e. exposure incident (EI), is contact with potentially contaminated material that may contain bloodborne pathogens and that occurs during occupational activities inside or outside a health care facility, either during direct work with a patient or during contact with a patient’s body fluids and tissues. This study aimed to compare the frequency of EIs in a university hospital before and during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsThis was a descriptive study with a historical comparison group conducted at the Dubrava University Hospital (DUH) in Zagreb, Croatia. We compared the frequency of EIs among healthcare and non-healthcare workers before (from March 11, 2018, to March 10, 2020) and during (from March 11, 2020, to March 11, 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed as the number of EIs per number of hospitalized patients and the total number of hospital activities. We analyzed data based on the status of the hospital (a COVID-19 hospital or not) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended by the World Health Organization.ResultsDuring the total analyzed period, 241 EIs were reported in DUH. Before the pandemic, 128 EIs were reported, compared to 113 during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, 91% of EIs were recorded in healthcare workers, while during the pandemic, 96% of EIs were recorded in healthcare workers. Slightly more EIs were recorded during the period of mixed work form and de-escalation of PPE. The rate of EIs relative to the total number of hospital patients was significantly higher during the pandemic (3.9/1000) than in the pre-pandemic period (2.5/1000). The rate of EIs relative to the total number of hospital activities was significantly higher during the pandemic (0.4/1000) than in the pre-pandemic period (0.2/1000).ConclusionThe rate of EIs relative to the total number of hospitalized patients and the total number of hospital activities in DUH was significantly higher during the pandemic, and the rate of total EIs increased among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study show that it is necessary to constantly and effectively work on the prevention of EI.

Occupational Exposure of On-Shift Ottawa Firefighters to Flame Retardants and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

Firefighters can be exposed to complex mixtures of airborne substances, including hazardous substances released during structural fires. This study employed silicone wristbands (SWBs) as passive samplers to investigate potential exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and flame retardants (FRs). SWBs were deployed at different areas of four fire stations, in four truck cabins, and at an office control location; they were also donned outside the jackets of 18 firefighters who responded to fire calls. Overall, office areas had significantly lower PAHs than fire station areas. Vehicle bays and truck cabins had significantly higher concentrations of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs than sleeping and living room areas. For organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) were detected in all the samples; 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) was more frequently detected in the fire station areas. Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) concentrations were highest in the truck cabin and office areas, and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) was highest in truck cabins. Thirteen of 16 PAHs and nine of 36 OPFRs were detected in all the SWBs worn by firefighters, and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) was the predominant OPFR. Levels of LMW PAHs were significantly lower when firefighters did not enter the fire. LMW PAHs, HMW (high molecular weight) PAHs, and EHDPP were significantly elevated when heavy smoke was reported. This work highlights the potential for occupational exposure to PAHs and flame retardants in some fire station areas; moreover, factors that may influence exposure during fire suppression. Whilst firefighters' occupational exposure to PAHs is likely related to fire suppression and exposure to contaminated gear and trucks, exposure to OPFRs may be more related to their presence in truck interiors and electronics.

Integrated evaluation of workplace exposures and biomarkers of bladder cancer among textile dyeing workers

BackgroundThe textile industry is the second risk factor for bladder cancer, after smoking. Previous studies focused on the impact of exposure to high concentrations of bladder carcinogenic chemicals in the textile dyeing industry on the elevation of bladder cancer biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate bladder carcinogenic air pollutants in a textile dyeing factory and investigate its role and the role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vit. D) on cancer bladder biomarkers in exposed workers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Particulate and vapor forms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored in the printing, dyeing, and preparing sections of a textile factory. Bladder tumor antigen (BTA), nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP-22), and 25-OH vit. D were estimated in all the exposed workers (147 exposed workers) and in workers not occupationally exposed to chemicals (130 unexposed workers).ResultsAromatic bladder carcinogenic compounds were either in low concentrations or not detected in the air samples of working areas. BTA and NMP-22 of exposed workers were not significantly different from the unexposed. However, 25-OH vit. D was significantly lower in the exposed than unexposed workers. There was a significant inverse correlation between 25-OH vit. D and duration of exposure in exposed workers.ConclusionThe mean levels of PAHs and VOCs were within the safe standard levels in the working areas. The non-significant difference in BTA and NMP-22 between the exposed and unexposed groups suggests the presence of occupational exposures to safe levels of bladder carcinogenic aromatics, while the significantly lower 25-OH vit. D levels among the exposed than the unexposed groups could suggest the potential association of 25-OH vit. D with occupational exposures to low levels of PAHs and VOCs, and this association was found to be inversely correlated with the duration of exposures. Accordingly, more specific predictor tests must be applied for early diagnosis of bladder cancer among the exposed workers.