Occupational Dust Exposure Research Articles

Estimating nickel exposure in respirable dust from nickel in inhalable dust.

The conversion of dust components is of high importance for retrospective evaluations of exposure levels, of occupational diseases or the time trend of occupational dust exposure. For this purpose, possibilities to convert nickel concentrations from inhalable to respirable dust are discussed in this study. Therefore, 551 parallel measurements of nickel concentrations in inhalable and respirable dust fractions were extracted from the exposure database MEGA (maintained at the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance) and investigated by linear regression analysis of ln-transformed concentrations. Inhalable dust is the most important predictor variable, showing an adjusted coefficient of determination (adj. R2) of 0.767 (R2 adjusted to sample size). Since multilinear regression analysis, cannot be applied, further description of data is gained by splitting the whole dataset into working activity groups (e. g. 'high temperature processing', adj. R2=0.628,' filling/transport/storage' adj. R2=0.741, 'machining/abrasive techniques', adj. R2=0.777). From these groups, four task restrictive subgroups, so-called 'heuristic groups', can be derived by pooling similar working tasks with similar regression coefficients and enhanced quality measures (adj. R2 between 0.724 and 0.924): 'welding (grinding time fraction [GTF]<5%)', 'welding (grinding time fraction [GTF]>5%)', 'high temperature cutting' and 'grinding'. For the working activity group 'high temperature processing' and the heuristic group 'welding' the determination of the grinding time fraction and its inclusion or exclusion from a dataset has a huge impact on the description of data and whether a transformation of nickel concentrations using the natural logarithm (ln) is necessary or not. In case of GTF < 5%, the conversions functions are linear, all other conversion functions are power functions with exponents between 0.713 and 0.986. It is possible to develop conversion functions for estimating the nickel concentration in the respirable dust fraction (cR(Ni)) out of the nickel concentration in the inhalable dust fraction (cI(Ni)). For the estimation of Nickel in respirable dust other studies, it is recommend to use the conversion functions of the heuristic trial and error groups. Limitations of the possibility to use the conversion functions are discussed.

Assessing Personal PM2.5 Exposure and Respiratory Virus Infections among Farmworkers in the Southeastern United States

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Occupational studies have identified exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution as an emerging concern among crop farmworkers, with previous data suggesting that harvesting tasks contribute to the highest occupational PM exposures among this population. Particulates from agricultural dust may be composed of multi-pollutant mixtures of pesticides, heavy metals, mineral silicas, and microbes. Moreover, chronic respiratory conditions, as well as mortality attributable to acute respiratory infections, are notably elevated among crop farmworkers. In the United States, this workforce is comprised primarily of migrant and immigrant populations that face a multitude of social inequities. METHODS: Our pilot study uses personal air samplers to assess occupational exposure to respirable agricultural dust (PM2.5) among a hard-to-reach and vulnerable population of mostly Mexican-American farmworkers harvesting crops in the southeastern US. Participants worked in fernery harvesting, nursery greenhouses, and strawberry harvesting. We conduct prospective, weekly follow-up of participants during influenza season to determine the incidence of acute respiratory symptoms and viral respiratory infections. RESULTS:We collected nasal swab biospecimens from symptomatic participants and tested these samples for SARS-Cov-2 and 20 different respiratory pathogens using a panel array (Biofire). Thus far, we have collected n=30 occupational PM2.5 exposure samples. A majority of occupational PM2.5 exposure levels were above the US EPA limit for annual PM2.5 concentration, with four participants exposed above the OSHA PEL. Of the participants that enrolled in weekly follow-ups (n=20), four participants reported acute respiratory symptoms. Molecular analysis of collected biospecimen were positive for human rhinovirus (n=2), SARS-Cov-2 (n=1), and two samples are pending laboratory analysis. CONCLUSIONS:Follow-up of participants and chemical analysis of PM2.5 filters is ongoing. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess occupational PM2.5 exposure and incidence of respiratory infections in Southeastern US-hired farmworkers, while characterizing the chemical composition of occupational dust exposures. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Epidemiology, Exposure assessment, Infectious diseases, Particulate matter, Occupational exposures

Fraternal Coopers Develop Sinonasal Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma

Abstract We describe 2 brothers with a history of working in the family business of whiskey barrel making who both developed sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinomas (ITACs) around their seventh decade of life. This highlights the strong association of ITAC with occupational wood dust exposure, and the typical development of disease occurring around the sixth to seventh decade of life. Intestinal-type adenocarcinomas show morphologic and phenotypic similarities to their primary intestinal counterparts, particularly expression of CDX2 and CK20. Despite the morphologic and phenotypic similarities, the molecular alterations that are common to many adenocarcinomas of the intestinal tract are not present in ITAC. This description highlights the wide morphologic spectrum of ITAC and the often protracted course of this disease process.

Effects of Occupational Inorganic Dust Exposure on Plasma Glutathione.

The article’s abstract is not available.

Occupational Cement Dust Exposure and Inflammatory Nemesis: Bangladesh Relevance.

BackgroundProlonged, repeated exposure to cement dust, depending on duration and sensitivity of cement dust-exposed workers, may cause deteriorating effects on the skin, eye, respiratory and hematological system. Toxic cement dust causes inflammatory damage to different body organs. White blood cells (WBCs) are considered cellular markers of ongoing tissue inflammation.Aim of the StudyDetermining the influence of occupational cement dust exposure on WBCs with its differentials (inflammatory markers) in workers from the cement manufacturing plant.MethodologyNinety-two seemingly healthy male subjects (46 workers of cement plant and 46 control subjects, who do not contact cement dust, residing in Dhaka) aged between 20 and 50 years participated in this cross-sectional study. This study took place in Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh, between the years of 2017 and 2018. An automated hematoanalyser was used to assess both the total and differential count of WBC. Data were analyzed with multivariate regression analysis, independent samples t-test, and correlation test.ResultsThe total WBC count, differential count of lymphocyte, and eosinophil were significantly (p< 0.05) higher in cement dust-exposed recruits than in the control group. Additionally, multivariate regression analysis revealed that duration of cement dust exposure showed a significant association with total WBC count [odds ratio (OR)=4.42,95%, confidence level (CI) 1.56,12.47, p 0.005]. Furthermore, univariate analysis revealed that the control group (not exposed to cement dust) was less likely to have the total WBC count alteration (OR = 0.122, 95% CI =0.047 to 0.311) than the cement dust-exposed group. The total WBC count showed a significant positive correlation with exposure duration to this toxic dust.ConclusionCement dust exposure causes harmful inflammatory responses, as evidenced by increased total and differential WBC count. The period of contact with this toxic dust has an impact on WBC count.

Alteration in antioxidant status in slow and fast alleles of EPHX1 gene polymorphisms among wood workers.

Occupational wood dust exposure may be associated with various health effects, especially in wood industry. These effects may be due to inducing oxidative stress which is related to inflammations. Biochemical assessment of antioxidant enzyme activities illustrated role of oxidative stress (OS) on its depletion. Super oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in 50 exposed workers and 50 control subjects. Also, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 was assessed among these workers as it was produced upon dust exposure. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) enzyme shared in the protective mechanism against wood dust oxidative stress. It plays a dual role in the metabolism of environmental pollutants, detoxification, and bioactivation. Gene polymorphisms of EPHX1 may be associated with variations in enzyme activity. Polymorphisms in exons 3 and 4 have resulted in either decreased (slow conjugating allele) or increased (fast conjugating allele) activity in vitro. We aimed to evaluate the associations between EPHX1 polymorphisms and change in antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, and GPx) among wood dust exposed workers. EPHX1 genotyping in exon 3 and exon 4 polymorphisms was carried out by PCR-RFLP. Our result shows a significant reduction in enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GPx) levels with significant rise in MIP-2 levels in worker group. Also, there are significant variations in SOD, CAT, and GPx levels as well as in MIP-2 in different genotypes of EPHX polymorphisms in exon 3 or 4 (specially in Hist-Hist genotypes in both exons). We can conclude an alteration in antioxidant status in both slow and fast allele of EPHX gene polymorphisms with release of MIP-2 protein in wood workers.

Prognostic and socio-economic significance of using the mental health assessment system model

In modern psychiatric discourse, the problem of developing preventive measures aimed at timely detection and prevention of mental disorders exacerbation among the general population has not lost its relevance. In this context, special attention is paid to non-psychotic mental disorders, as the most common and masked form of mental pathology, in workers of industrial enterprises, as the least studied category of persons with a specific pool of biopsychosocial factors affecting their mental health. The aim of the work is to evaluate the prognostic and socio-economic significance of the principles of a systematic approach to mental health assessment in the contingent of industrial workers. Contingents and methods. On the basis of Municipal Non-Commercial Enterprise “Regional Clinical Institution for Provision of Psychiatric Care” of Zaporizhzhia Regional Council, 982 workers of industrial enterprises, who underwent a preventive psychiatric examination according to the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1465 dated December 27, 2000, were examined after obtaining their informed consent. Clinical-epidemiological, clinical-psychopathological, clinical-analytical, psychodiagnostic and statistical methods were used in the study. As a basic tool for the study was the “Basic Chart for Clinical and Epidemiological Studies”, which included socio-demographic and anamnestic data, a clinical component describing the symptoms and syndromes. Results. It was revealed that the following factors had the greatest influence on the development of psycho-maladjustment in the workers of industrial enterprises: moderate workload, increased occupational noise levels, female, age 50–60 years. The development of neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders were mostly associated with moderate workload, night shift work, 12-hour duty, occupational dust exposure, female, age 50–60 years, emotional tension. The development of personality and behavior disorders was due to an overall length of service of 5–10 years, length of specialized service up to 10 years, moderate workload, age 18–29 years. The development of mental disorders related to brain dysfunction resulted from the overall length of service up to 40 years, moderate workload, manual work, occupational vibration and heat exposure, female, age 50–60 years, periodical alcohol consumption. Conclusions. The identified factors for non-psychotic mental disorders were divided according to the criterion of their correction possibility and structured into blocks for mental health assessment within the developed diagnostic and psychoprophylactic model.

High alveolar nitric oxide is associated with steeper lung function decline in foundry workers

Occupational dust exposure induces inflammatory responses that often precede the onset of clinical disease. Inflammation in the peripheral part of the lung can be demonstrated by measuring the alveolar NO concentration (CANO) in exhaled breath. The aim of the study was to assess whether cumulative dust exposure affects the change in CANO during follow-up and whether baseline CANO can predict an impairment in lung function during follow-up in foundry workers. We examined 74 dust-exposed and 42 nonexposed foundry workers and measured CANO and lung function at baseline and after 7 years of follow-up. An increase in CANO during the follow-up period was positively associated with cumulative dust exposure in foundry work (p = 0.035). Furthermore, a higher baseline CANO was associated with an accelerated decline in the forced vital capacity (FVC) during the follow-up period (absolute decrease in FVC p = 0.021, relative decrease in FVC p = 0.017). Higher cumulative dust exposure in foundry work is associated with a greater increase in CANO during follow-up, suggesting ongoing pulmonary inflammation in these subjects. Importantly, a high baseline CANO is associated with an accelerated decline in lung function, suggesting that CANO measurements might serve as a screening tool for high-risk workers.

Assessment of dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in medium scale woodwork factories in Ethiopia; a cross sectional study

BackgroundWood dust in a form of inhalable particulates can penetrate the lung tissues and affect respiratory health. Woodwork factory workers are at a greater risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, associated factors, and concentration of personal total wood dust level among medium-scale woodwork factory workers.MethodsAn institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 woodwork factory workers. We selected study participants using a simple random sampling technique. We assessed chronic respiratory symptoms using the British Medical Research Council respiratory symptoms questionnaire with a few modifications. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors. Forty dust measurements were collected from 20 randomly selected workers using a closed-face cassette (CFC) personal sampler. We analyzed the dust samples gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale.ResultsWe recruited a random sample of 506 workers in the study with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among woodworkers was 69.8% with a prevalence of cough (54.6%), phlegm (52.2%), wheezing (44.6%), breathlessness (42.1%), and chest pain (42.9%). Past occupational dust exposure history (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI; 1.09–4.01), work experience > 5 years (AOR = 9.18, 95% CI; 5.27–16.00), using bio-fuel as energy for cooking (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI; 1.44–4.07), and having no occupational safety and health training (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI; 1.20–9.49) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among woodwork workers. The geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level among woodworkers was 10.27 mg/m3, which exceeded the limit of 10 mg/m3 set by the ACGIH.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was reported from woodwork factory workers. Increased work- experience, using bio-fuel as an energy source for cooking, past occupational dust exposure history, and having no occupational safety and health training were identified risk factors. The measured average personal wood dust exposure level was above the recommended occupational threshold limit value. Therefore, workers’ wood dust exposure reduction and control methods and respiratory health awareness programs should be implemented.

Impact of occupational dust exposure on dermatologic symptoms among Korean workers.

Occupation-related dust exposure is common, especially with increased industrialization. While occupational dust-related health issues caused by inhalation or ingestion have been well studied, only a few studies have examined the dermatologic effects of occupational dust exposure. This study aimed to investigate the association between occupational dust exposure and dermatologic symptoms in Korean workers. Among the large-scale representative data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, 45,700 workers were selected for study. Occupational dust exposure level was categorized as none, moderate, and severe, and dermatologic symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire on health problems. We analyzed the association between occupational dust exposure and dermatologic symptoms using multivariate logistic regression. Risks of skin problems and work-related skin problems were significantly associated with the level of occupational dust exposure in a dose-dependent manner (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): moderate, 1.51 (1.14-2.01); severe, 2.39 (1.74-3.29) in general skin problems; moderate, 1.72 (1.22-2.42); severe, 3.06 (2.11-4.44) in work-related skin problems). We, thus, demonstrate an association between occupational dust exposure and skin problems. As skin absorption of dust is a major route of dust exposure at the workplace, it is necessary to determine the efficacy of continuous management of occupational dust exposure.

The effect of noise and dust exposure on oxidative stress among livestock and poultry feed industry workers.

Simultaneous exposure to noise and dust may have detrimental health effects. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to noise and dust on oxidative stress. In this cross-sectional study, 82 employees of two livestock and poultry feed factories in Golestan Province, Iran, were selected as the exposed group and 82 office workers were selected as the control group. Occupational noise and dust exposure were measured using a dosimeter, sampling pump, and vinyl chloride filter. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood samples. T-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the data. The levels of MDA and SOD in the exposed group were significantly higher and lower than the control group (p < 0.001), respectively. The results showed the subgroup with both over the threshold dust and noise exposure had the highest MDA levels. The SOD level among those exposed to noise more than the recommended level, in the subgroup with more dust exposure, was significantly less than the subgroup with low noise exposure (p = 0.017). Noise and dust exposure probably increase the level of oxidative stress by increasing the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reducing the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD).

Association of occupational dust exposure with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study in China.

ObjectivesOccupational dust exposure may induce various lung diseases, including pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The features of combined COPD and pneumoconiosis have not been well described, and this may hamper the management. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics as well as the risk factors of the combined diseases.DesignA cross-sectional study.Setting and participants758 patients with pneumoconiosis were recruited at a single-medical centre. Of these, 675 patients with pneumoconiosis, including asbestosis, silicosis, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and other pneumoconiosis, was eligible for analysis.Primary outcome measuresCOPD was diagnosed based on clinical features and/or history of exposure to risk factors and post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7. Clinical data were collected from predesigned medical reports. The patients underwent both chest radiograph and high-resolution CT scans. Risk factors for combined COPD and pneumoconiosis were analysed using regression analysis.ResultsCOPD prevalence overall was 32.7% (221/675) and was the highest in silicosis (84/221) and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (100/221). COPD prevalence increased with smoking pack-years, dust exposure duration and pneumoconiosis stage. Patients with combined diseases had lower body mass index, higher smoking index and worse pulmonary function. Risk factors for combined diseases included heavy smoking, silica or coal exposure and advanced pneumoconiosis. The interaction between dust exposure and smoking in COPD was also identified. The risk of combined COPD significantly increased with heavy smoking and silica or coal exposure (OR 5.49, 95% CI 3.04 to 9.93, p<0.001).ConclusionsCOPD is highly prevalent in patients with pneumoconiosis, especially patients with silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. Occupational dust exposure as well as heavy smoking is associated with an increased risk of combined COPD and pneumoconiosis, which demands an effective preventive intervention.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by inhalation of dust: A meta-analysis.

Background:A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and occupational dust exposure, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of COPD caused by occupational factors.Methods:PubMed and Embase databases were used to search for original epidemiological literature related to theme. Both random and fixed effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Review Manager was used to perform data analysis.Results:Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis in accordance with the inclusion criteria. There was a significantly obvious correlation between occupational dust exposure and COPD of the population-based studies assessed in this article. The risk of developing COPD for workers exposed to dust was 1.51 times higher than for controls (I2 = 40%, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-1.79). The presence of publication bias was not found.Conclusion:The study provided evidence supporting the association between occupational dust exposure and the risk of developing COPD.

Control strategies to reduce occupational dust exposure at a mechanical grinding workshop

In this research, real-time changes in dust concentration were monitored at a typical grinding and sealing workshop during actual operation. Results indicated that particle size was between 10.0 and 50.0 µm, and the most abundant elements were Si and Al. The average daily dust exposure value (ADD) was taken as basis when performing the occupational risk assessment. The largest ADD values for the workshop were obtained at heights between 1.5 and 3.0 m. In order to reduce workers exposure to dust, a new type of circulating ventilation and dust removal system was designed. Operation of the new system showed that the shortest response time occurred a ratio of 60.0% of circulating air and 40.0% of fresh air. These data was compared with the ADD obtained under the conventional displacement ventilation system. The results indicated that the new system designed in the present research might significantly improve the environmental quality of the whole workshop (reducing the PM10 concentration in the breathing zone by nearly 9 times) and provide a fast response (reducing the response time to half). The system could provide an efficient measure in reducing hazards in industrial grinding workshops in the future.

Early genotoxic damage through micronucleus test in exfoliated buccal cells and occupational dust exposure in construction workers: a cross-sectional study in L'Aquila, Italy

AimThe city of L'Aquila (central Italy) was hit by a strong earthquake in 2009 that caused the collapse of several buildings, deaths and injured people. In the following years, a great number of building sites were activated, building workers resulted intensely exposed and represent a relevant target for research on environmental mutagenesis and epidemiological surveillance. Cells of buccal mucosa are considered an appropriate site for early detecting of cytogenetic damage, since it represents the first barrier in inhalation or ingestion and can metabolize carcinogenic agents into reactive chemicals. Our study is aimed 1) at comparing the early genotoxic damage as measured by the buccal mucosa micronucleus test in two subgroups of workers defined by different occupational exposure and 2) at evaluating possible confounding variables such as lifestyle factors. Methods and resultsA cross-sectional study was conducted in L'Aquila, on 24 outdoor workers (OWs) highly exposed on the construction sites and 26 indoor workers (IWs), all subjected to the compulsory occupational surveillance system, in the period 2017–2018. Buccal cells samples were collected and, based on the Micronucleus test, the exfoliated cells were classified in respect of nuclear changes observed. Moreover, a self-report questionnaire composed of 84 items, was administered to the workers. ResultsSignificant differences were observed between Exp+ (OWs) and Exp− (IWs) in the number of the analyzed cells (expressed as mean value out of 1000 cells): respectively 954.46 vs 990.06 normal cells, (p < 0.001); 19.79 vs 4.95 micronucleated cells, as marker of chromosomal damage (p < 0.001); 13.93 vs 8.96 binucleated cells, as marker of failed cytokinesis (p < 0.001); 2.09 vs 1.18 karyolytic cells, as marker of cell death and damaged DNA (p < 0.05). According with a multivariate regression analysis, in addition to the job exposure (OW vs IW, beta = 12.221, p < 0.001), the only variable independently associated with an increase in Micronuclei (MNs) is the smoking habit (OWs vs IWs, beta = 6.683, p < 0.001) which, even if not associated with dust exposure, worsens cell integrity. Moreover, this worsening effect is weaker in workers not exposed to the site dust (moderation effect). Within social demographic factors, the high educational level only apparently seems to affect MNs number: even if unbalanced in favor of IWs vs OWs, this variable resulted a confounder, since its effect disappears when the interaction between these two factors is considered, because it is a covariate of smoking habit as well as of the job condition. ConclusionDespite some limitation, our findings clearly confirm the role of occupational exposure as a marker of cytogenetic damage associated with MNs number in construction workers. Moreover, smoking status appears as the only other investigated factor independently associated to the outcome. The statistical model, in addition, highlights possible moderation and confounding effects, such as interaction between smoking and occupational exposure and the unbalanced school education level in workers. Micronucleus test in exfoliated buccal cells would be considered a suitable method for studying the early genotoxic damage in the construction occupational setting as well as in evaluating the efficacy of preventive practices.

Analysis on awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status and related knowledge in patients with COPD in China, 2014-2015

Objective: To understand the awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status and awareness of COPD-related knowledge and its influencing factors in COPD patients aged ≥40 years in China in 2014-2015. Methods: The study subjects were selected through multi-stage stratified cluster sampling from 125 COPD surveillance points in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China. The number of the subjects was 75 107. The relevant variables about COPD diagnosis and COPD-related knowledge awareness were collected by electronic questionnaire in face to face interviews. A total of 9 134 participates with post-bronchodilator FEV(1)/FVC<70% were diagnosed with COPD. Based on the complex sampling design, the awareness rate of COPD status and related knowledge were estimated, and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results: A total of 9 132 COPD patients were included in the analysis. Among COPD patients aged ≥40 years in China, 0.9% were aware of their COPD status (95%CI: 0.6%-1.1%), and 5.7% were aware of COPD related knowledge (95%CI: 4.8%-6.6%), and 3.4% were aware of pulmonary function test (95%CI: 2.8%-4.0%). The COPD status awareness rate was 3.9% in the patients with history of chronic respiratory disease (95%CI: 2.9%-4.8%), 2.4% in the patients with respiratory symptoms (95%CI: 1.7%-3.1%), and 7.1% in the patients with COPD related knowledge awareness (95%CI: 4.5%-9.8%) respectively. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that chronic respiratory disease history, respiratory symptoms, occupational dust and/or harmful gas exposure and COPD related knowledge awareness had influences on the awareness rate of COPD status. Educational level and chronic respiratory disease history had influences on the awareness rate of COPD related knowledge. And ethnic groups, educational level and history of chronic respiratory diseases had influences on the awareness rate of pulmonary function test. Conclusions: The awareness rates of COPD status, COPD-related knowledge and pulmonary function test in COPD patients in China were low. The comprehensive intervention of COPD should be carried out to improve the level of diagnosis and the awareness COPD status of COPD patients.

Circulating miRNAs as molecular markers of occupational grain dust exposure

Dust from grain and feed production may cause adverse health effects in exposed workers. In this study we explored circulating miRNAs as potential biomarkers of occupational grain dust exposure. Twenty-two serum miRNAs were analyzed in 44 grain dust exposed workers and 22 controls. Exposed workers had significantly upregulated miR-18a-5p, miR-124-3p and miR-574-3p, and downregulated miR-19b-3p and miR-146a-5p, compared to controls. Putative target genes for the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in a range of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathways, and ‘Pathways in cancer’ and ‘Wnt signaling pathway’ were common for all the five miRNAs. MiRNA-diseases association analysis showed a link between the five identified miRNAs and several lung diseases terms. A positive correlation between miR-124-3p, miR-18a-5p, and miR-574-3p and IL-6 protein level was shown, while miR-19b-3p was inversely correlated with CC-16 and sCD40L protein levels. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis of the five miRNA showed that three miRNAs (miR-574-3p, miR-124-3p and miR-18a-5p) could distinguish the grain dust exposed group from the control group, with miR-574-3p as the strongest predictor of grain dust exposure. In conclusion, this study identified five signature miRNAs as potential novel biomarkers of grain dust exposure that may have potential as early disease markers.

JA:2021-41. CS-CASH Pilot Grant: Improving Agricultural Worker Health and Safety Awareness through Multimodal, Case-Based Physician Assistant Education

ABSTRACT Purpose: Agricultural workers, especially those who farm full-time, are at substantial risk for developing long-term health problems related to occupational dust, chemical, and vibratory noise exposures. There is clear evidence of risk factors for acute agricultural injury; however, literature regarding risk factors for long-term occupational health problems, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), agricultural chemical exposure (ACE), and inhalation injury, is more limited. The literature poses conflicting information on agricultural workers and personal protective equipment (PPE); agricultural workers understand the importance of PPE use, yet the lack of PPE use is pervasive in agricultural workers across numerous studies. Education of agricultural workers on the role of PPE in chronic disease prevention has shown promise. Methods: Our research seeks to identify a replicable model of Physician Assistant (PA) student education on agricultural worker health and safety, including patient education and disease prevention. This model will equip future health-care providers with the knowledge and skills to provide patient education on farming-associated, preventable chronic diseases, as it is a documented tool for increasing PPE use. Didactic curriculum objectives include agriculturally related respiratory health issues, chemical exposure, and noise-induced hearing loss. Curricular content delivery includes traditional classroom learning as well as adjunctive small group and simulation activities. Upon completion of the didactic phase, students complete a 15-month clinical learning phase, including a 12-week primary care rotation in a rural setting, serving many agricultural workers throughout the Midwest. Student logs of patient encounters track diagnoses related to agricultural exposure, as well as monitor agricultural patient treatment modalities, including patient education on PPE use. Distribution of patient education and PPE materials occurs through clinical site visits to primary care rotation sites. Practical Application: Our educational model intends to improve health outcomes of patients in the rural Midwest. Our ongoing research will collect data on agriculturally related diagnoses in the Midwest and patient-provider communication, ideally enhancing patient awareness of risk factors and compliance with treatment plans, as well as decreasing chronic disease severity. The measured effects of this educational intervention will serve as a basis for future research and health-care provider education.

Investigation of the Pulmonary Function Level in Municipal Solid Waste Collectors: A Case of Bandar Abbas City During 2015 - 2017

Background: In Iran, most of the cleaning processes are performed manually in urban areas. Sweepers are exposed to respiratory pollutants, infectious substances, and other hazardous substances such as chemicals, animal feces, and sharp objects during improper disposal of waste. Respiratory pollutants in these occupations can cause inflammation and damage to the respiratory system. Moreover, prolonged exposure to respiratory pollutants in the workplace can reduce lung function and cause numerous health problems. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of workplace exposures of municipal solid waste collectors on the reduction of the pulmonary function level. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 198 municipal solid waste collectors aged 18 to 55 years who were employed in this profession for at least two years. The sampling method was census, and demographic data were extracted from occupational examination records. Results: Examining the relationship between pulmonary function decline and the studied variables showed a significant relationship between smoking and reduction of FVC, FEV1, and FEF25 -75. However, no significant relationship was observed between dust exposure and pulmonary function decline. Conclusions: No significant relationship was observed between pulmonary function loss and occupational dust exposure in municipal solid waste collectors. This means that the occupational exposure of these individuals was not severe enough to cause pulmonary function loss.

Trends in Pneumoconiosis Deaths - United States, 1999-2018.

Pneumoconioses are preventable occupational lung diseases caused by inhaling dust particles such as coal dust or different types of mineral dusts (1). To assess recent trends in deaths associated with pneumoconiosis, CDC analyzed multiple cause-of-death data*,† for decedents aged ≥15 years for the years 1999-2018, and industry and occupation data collected from 26 states§ for the years 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2007-2013. During 1999-2018, pneumoconiosis deaths decreased by 40.4%, with the exception of pneumoconiosis attributed to other inorganic dusts (e.g., aluminum, bauxite, beryllium, iron, and tin oxide), which increased significantly (p-value for time trend <0.05). The largest observed decreases in pneumoconiosis deaths were for those associated with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (69.6%) and silicosis (53.0%). Asbestosis was the most frequently reported pneumoconiosis and was associated with working in the construction industry. The ongoing occurrence of deaths associated with pneumoconiosis underscores the importance of occupational dust exposure reduction, early case detection, and continued surveillance to monitor trends.