Organic Dust Research Articles

Fine particular matter and its constituents in air pollution and gestational diabetes mellitus

BackgroundAmbient air pollution has been linked to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, previous studies provided inconsistent findings and no study has examined the effects of complex chemical constituents of the particular matter on GDM, especially in developing countries. Therefore, we aim to investigate the associations of exposure to PM2.5 (particular matter ≤ 2.5 μm) and its constituents with GDM, and to identify susceptible exposure window in a large survey in China. MethodsThe China Labor and Delivery Survey was a cross-sectional investigation conducted in 24 provinces in China between 2015 and 2016. A random sample of all deliveries in each participating hospital was selected and detailed obstetric and newborn information was extracted from medical records. Average concentrations of PM2.5 and six constituents (organic matter, black carbon, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and soil dust) were estimated (1 km × 1 km) using a combined geoscience-statistical model. GDM was diagnosed based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation and according to IADPSG criteria. Generalized linear mixed models were used to adjust for potential confounders. ResultsA total of 54,517 subjects from 55 hospitals were included. The incidence of GDM was 10.8%. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 exposure in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased GDM risk in the single pollutant model, [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.11 and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.22]. Exposure to organic matter (aOR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.05–1.23), black carbon (aOR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.07–1.25) and nitrate (aOR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.02–1.24) during 2nd trimester were associated with increased risks of GDM. Associations between constituents and GDM were robust after controlling for total PM2.5 mass and accounting for multi-collinearity. ConclusionsExposure to PM2.5 in 2nd trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of GDM. Organic matter, black carbon and nitrate may be the main culprits for the association.

Characterization of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in dairy farmers

BackgroundAlthough farming is often considered a risk factor for COPD, data regarding the burden and characteristics of COPD in dairy farmers are sparse and conflicting. ObjectivesTo characterize COPD in dairy farmers. Methods4788 subjects entered two parallel COPD screening programs, one in agricultural workers and one in general practice from 2011 to 2015. Subjects with COPD were invited to participate in the characterization phase of the study. Those who accepted were included in two subgroups: dairy farmers with COPD (DF-COPD) (n = 101) and non-farmers with COPD (NF-COPD) (n = 85). Patients with COPD were frequency-matched with subjects with normal spirometry for age, sex and tobacco smoking (pack-years and status) (DF-controls n = 98, NF-controls n = 89). All subjects from these four groups underwent lung function and exercise testing, questionnaires and blood analysis. ResultsThe frequency of COPD in dairy farmers was 8.0% using the GOLD criterion and 6.2% using the lower limit of normal criterion and was similar in non-farming subjects (7.3% and 5.2%, respectively) although dairy farmers had lower tobacco consumption (screening phase). DF-COPD had better pulmonary function, exercise capacity and quality of life, fewer symptoms and comorbidities than NF-COPD, and higher levels of some Th2 biomarkers (MCP-2, periostin) (characterization phase). In farmers, COPD was not related to occupational exposure factors, supporting the role of host factors. ConclusionCOPD secondary to organic dust exposure (dairy farming) appears less severe and associated with fewer comorbidities than COPD secondary to tobacco smoking.

Trends and seasonal variation of hospitalization and mortality of interstitial lung disease in the United States from 2006 to 2016

BackgroundIn the recent years, the overall trends in hospital admission and mortality of interstitial lung disease (ILD) are unknown. In addition, there was some evidence that interstitial lung disease death rate highest in the winter but this finding was only available in one study. This study will investigate the trend and seasonal variations in hospital admission and mortality rates of ILD from 2006 to 2016.MethodFrom the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we collected all cases with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 or ICD-10 codes of ILD excluding identifiable external causes (drug, organic or inorganic dusts) from 2006 to 2016. Hospitalization rates of each year were calculated based on U.S Census population data. Monthly hospitalization and in-hospital mortality rates were analyzed by seasonal and trend decomposition. Subgroups of idiopathic interstitial fibrosis (IPF), acute respiratory failure (ARF), pneumonia were analyzed.ResultsFrom 2006 to 2016, all-cause hospital admission rate of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and IPF-only subgroup declined but their overall mortality remained unchanged (except IPF subgroup and acute respiratory failure subgroup). Acute respiratory failure related admission account for 23% of all causes and pneumonia 17.6%. Mortality of ILD in general and subgroup of ILD with ARF was highest in winter, up to 8.13% ± 0.60 and 26.3% ± 10.2% respectively. The seasonal variations of hospital admission and mortality of ILD in general was not changed when infectious pneumonia cases were ruled out. All cause admission rates were highest in months from January to April. Subgroup analysis also showed seasonal variations with highest hospitalization rates for all subgroups (IPF, ARF, pneumonia) in the months from December to April (winter to early Spring).ConclusionFrom 2006 to 2016, admission rates of ILD of all causes and IPF subgroup declined but in-hospital mortality of ILD of all causes remained unchanged. Mortality of IPF subgroup and acute respiratory failure subgroup trended down. All-cause hospital admissions and mortality of ILD have a strong seasonal variation. Hospitalization rates for all subgroups (IPF, ARF, pneumonia) were highest in the months from December to April.

Chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function and associated factors among flour mill factory workers in Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia: \u201ccomparative cross-sectional study\u201d

BackgroundOccupational related respiratory diseases arise as a result of the deposition of dust particles in the lungs. Flour milling industries; generate organic dust during industrial processes, such as cleaning, milling, packaging, and loading which release dust into the air and later inhaled by workers. Flour mill workers are at 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, lung function and associated factors among flour mill factory workers.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 flour mill factory workers and 210 soft drinks factory workers. We selected study participants using a systematic sampling technique. We assessed the chronic respiratory symptoms using the questionnaire adopted from the British Medical Research Council. Binary logistic regression analysis with 95% CI and p < 0.05 was used to identify the factors. Lung function parameters; Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and ratio FEV1/FVC was measured by using spirometer and analyzed by using an independent t-test.ResultsWe included 406 (96.7%) workers in this study. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher among flour mill workers as compared to soft-drinks factory workers (56.6% vs.12.9%). Primary education (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI, 1.3–23.2), mixing department (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.68–16.56), work experience 6–9 years (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI = 2.05–12.48), work experience ≥10 years (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.01–6.11) and working over eight hours (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI, 1.16–5.10) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers. FVC (p < 0.002), FEV1 (p < 0.001) and FEV1/FVC (p < 0.012) were significantly reduced among flour mill workers.ConclusionsWe found chronic respiratory symptoms to be high among flour mill workers. Lower education level, mixing department, increased work experience, and longer working hours were identified factors. The flour mill dust exposed worker’s lung function parameters were highly reduced. This study suggested that workers’ dust exposure reduction and control methods in flour mill factories need to be implemented.

Screening of flour mill workers for respiratory morbidities: a cross-sectional study in rural Bangalore

Background: Flour mill workers are highly exposed to organic wheat flour dust with a large diversity of antigenic/allergic component leading to respiratory morbidity and skin allergies. This work environment may affect workers health and safety if the effects are unchecked periodically.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 194 workers of 4 flour mills in Bangalore Rural district. Prior permission (factory) and informed consent *(workers) were obtained. Pre-structured interview-schedule was administered. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) readings were measured by using wrights flow meter and best of 3 readings recorded. Respiratory morbidity was assessed on PEFR classification - based on American lung association (ALA) colour coding - red, yellow and green zones. Respiratory morbidity was compared with years of experience, type of work, smoking habits and usage of appropriate PPEs. Data was analyzed using Epi-info 08.Results: Among 194 workers studied, 188 were males, 6 were females. They were in the age group of 15-50 years. 143 (73.7%) were engaged in work with direct dust exposure. 84 (43%) were working for more than 3 years, 50 (25%) between 1-3 years and 60 (30%) for less than a year. 7.2% regularly smoked. According to ALA classification, PEFRs of 71 (36%) of the workers were classified into RED, 91 (46%) to yellow and 32 (16%) to green zones respectively. Usage of PPEs was only among 126 (64%).Conclusions: Respiratory morbidity among flour mill workers was high. Adequate use of PPEs was low. Half of the workers fell into yellow zone that had a potential to fall into red zone if external factors were not considered.

Validation of Questionnaire-based Case Definitions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Various questionnaire-based definitions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been applied using the US representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), but few have been validated against objective lung function data. We validated two prior definitions that incorporated self-reported physician diagnosis, respiratory symptoms, and/or smoking. We also validated a new definition that we developed empirically using gradient boosting, an ensemble machine learning method. Data came from 7,996 individuals 40-79 years who participated in NHANES 2007-2012 and underwent spirometry. We considered participants "true" COPD cases if their ratio of postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity was below 0.7 or the lower limit of normal. We stratified all analyses by smoking history. We developed a gradient boosting model for smokers only; predictors assessed (25 total) included sociodemographics, inhalant exposures, clinical variables, and respiratory symptoms. The spirometry-based COPD prevalence was 26% for smokers and 8% for never smokers. Among smokers, using questionnaire-based definitions resulted in a COPD prevalence ranging from 11% to 16%, sensitivity ranging from 18% to 35%, and specificity ranging from 88% to 92%. The new definition classified participants based on age, bronchodilator use, body mass index (BMI), smoking pack-years, and occupational organic dust exposure, and resulted in the highest sensitivity (35%) and specificity (92%) among smokers. Among never smokers, the COPD prevalence ranged from 4% to 5%, and we attained good specificity (96%) at the expense of sensitivity (9-10%). Our results can be used to parametrize misclassification assumptions for quantitative bias analysis when pulmonary function data are unavailable.

Increased Serum KL-6/MUC1 Level, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes Sputum in Malang Splendid Bird Market Workers

Backgrounds: People who work in the bird market have a high exposure risk of air pollution in large numbers, particulate pollutans including organic dust, loose feathers, insects or ticks, food aerosol particles, bird’s excreta (amonia) and various of gram bacteria, fungal and virus. Exposure to particles will stimulate the immune system against harmful pathogens in the form of an inflammatory response. An infection or injury will stimulate secretion of KL-6/MUC1 (Krebs von den Lungen-6 is a high molecular weight, mucin-like glycoprotein in human (MUC1)) by AEC type II and bronchial epithelial cells in response to cell damage and regeneration. &#x0D; Methods: This was an observational analytic cross-sectional study on 35 subjects, which examined and analyzed the characteristics of workers, percentage count of neutrophils, lymphocytes in induced sputum and KL-6/MUC1 serum levels using ELISA sandwich. &#x0D; Results: Mean KL-6/MUC1 serum levels in the bird market workers increased (1152.67+583.92 U/ml) from normal levels (105.3-401.2 U/ml). There was a significant positive correlation between the length of exposure and KL-6/MUC1 serum levels (r=0.624; P

Application of an Enhanced Version of Recursive Operability Analysis for Combustible Dusts Risk Assessment.

Organic dust explosions were and are still today a critical issue in the food, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industry. Materials such as flour, corn starch, sugar and APIs represent a cause of severe accidents. In this framework, we investigated a modified version of Recursive Operability Analysis−Incidental Sequence Diagrams (ROA–ISD), called ROA Plus−ISD, specifically tailored to describe industrial processes involving organic combustible dusts. Compared to more classical techniques such as Hazard and Operability (HazOp), ROA−ISD allows for a direct generation of fault trees, providing a useful tool to connect Qualitative with Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA). ROA Plus−ISD is very similar to ROA−Cause Consequence Diagrams (CCD), which has already proven to be an effective tool to perform both risk assessment on existing plants and reconstructing already occurred accidents, given its logical structure and width of the application fields. In this work, we modified specific parts of the standard ROA−CCD method: (1) the Failure Mode and Operability Analysis (FMEA) database has been structured in order to retrieve the well-known explosion pentagon (for dusts) and all the instruments, devices, apparatuses and controllers typical of industries which process organic dusts; (2) a new comprehensive list of process variables has been compiled. In this way, it is possible to tailor the information required for the generation of the fault trees concerning top events involving mainly dust explosions and fires. This method has been implemented in order to reconstruct the dynamics of the February 2008 Imperial Sugar refinery plant accident (Port Wentworth, GA, USA). Results demonstrated the applicability of the enhanced method by highlighting the criticalities of the process already showed by a previously detailed reconstruction performed by the Chemical Safety Board.

MyD88 regulates a prolonged adaptation response to environmental dust exposure-induced lung disease

BackgroundEnvironmental organic dust exposures enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists can reduce allergic asthma development but are associated with occupational asthma and chronic bronchitis. The TLR adaptor protein myeloid differentiation factor88 (MyD88) is fundamental in regulating acute inflammatory responses to organic dust extract (ODE), yet its role in repetitive exposures is unknown and could inform future strategies.MethodsWild-type (WT) and MyD88 knockout (KO) mice were exposed intranasally to ODE or saline daily for 3 weeks (repetitive exposure). Repetitively exposed animals were also subsequently rested with no treatments for 4 weeks followed by single rechallenge with saline/ODE.ResultsRepetitive ODE exposure induced neutrophil influx and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were profoundly reduced in MyD88 KO mice. In comparison, ODE-induced cellular aggregates, B cells, mast cell infiltrates and serum IgE levels remained elevated in KO mice and mucous cell metaplasia was increased. Expression of ODE-induced tight junction protein(s) was also MyD88-dependent. Following recovery and then rechallenge with ODE, inflammatory mediators, but not neutrophil influx, was reduced in WT mice pretreated with ODE coincident with increased expression of IL-33 and IL-10, suggesting an adaptation response. Repetitively exposed MyD88 KO mice lacked inflammatory responsiveness upon ODE rechallenge.ConclusionsMyD88 is essential in mediating the classic airway inflammatory response to repetitive ODE, but targeting MyD88 does not reduce mucous cell metaplasia, lymphocyte influx, or IgE responsiveness. TLR-enriched dust exposures induce a prolonged adaptation response that is largely MyD88-independent. These findings demonstrate the complex role of MyD88-dependent signaling during acute vs. chronic organic dust exposures.

Characterization of inhalable endotoxin, glucan, and dust exposures in Iowa farmers.

The observed deficit of lung cancer in farmers has been partly attributed to exposure to organic dusts and endotoxins based largely on surrogate metrics. To move beyond these surrogates for etiological studies, we characterized task-based and time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to inhalable endotoxin, (1→3)-β-D-glucan, and dust in Iowa farmers. We collected 320 personal inhalable dust samples from 32 farmers during 69 sample days in 2015 and 2016. Samples were collected using Button aerosol samplers and analyzed for endotoxin using a kinetic chromogenic amebocyte lysate assay, and for (1→3)-β-D-glucan using a Limulus endpoint assay. We assessed relationships between bioaerosol concentrations and selected tasks and farm characteristics using linear mixed-effects models. Bedding work, hog handling, and working in barn/confinement buildings, grain bins, and grain elevators were associated with higher endotoxin exposure. We found a monotonic trend between higher endotoxin concentrations and increasing number of animals. Bedding work, cleaning, and feed/grain storage work were associated with higher (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentrations. The median concentrations by task spanned one order of magnitude for inhalable dust and two orders of magnitude for endotoxin and (1→3)-β-D-glucan. Pearson correlations between endotoxin and glucan concentrations were 0.22 for TWA exposure and 0.56 for task samples. This characterization of exposure factors that influence bioaerosol concentrations can support the development of refined bioaerosol exposure metrics for future etiologic analyses of cancer and other health outcomes in farmers.

Organic extract of indoor dust induces estrogen-like effects in human breast cancer cells

Indoor dust often contains organic contaminants, which adversely impacts human health. In this study, the organic contaminants in the indoor dust from commercial offices and residential houses in Nanjing, China were extracted and their effects on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were investigated. Both dust extracts promoted proliferation of MCF-7 cells at ≤24 μg/100 μL, with cell viability being decreased with increasing dust concentrations. Based on LC50, house dust was less toxic than office dust. At 8 μg/100 μL, both extracts caused more MCF-7 cells into active cycling (G2/M + S) and increased intracellular Ca2+ influx, with house dust inducing stronger effects than office dust. Further, the expression of estrogen-responsive genes for TFF1 and EGR3 was enhanced by 3-9 and 4-9 folds, while the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes for cyclin D was enhanced by 2-5 folds. The results suggested that organic dust extract influenced cell viability, altered cell cycle, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, and activated cell cycle regulatory and estrogen-responsive gene expressions, with house dust showing lower cytotoxicity but higher estrogenic potential on MCF-7 cells. The results indicate the importance of reducing organic contaminants in indoor dust to mitigate their adverse impacts on human health.

Occupational exposures and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

A recent meta-analysis of data from international case-control studies reports a population attributable fraction of 16% for occupational factors in the cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Smoking, genetic factors and other prevalent diseases only partly explain IPF, and so this review aims to summarize recent progress in establishing which occupational exposures are important in cause. IPF is a rare disease, although it is the commonest idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Epidemiological study suggests that incidence of IPF is increasing, particularly in older men. There are significant associations with IPF and occupational exposures to organic dust, including livestock, birds and animal feed, metal dust, wood dust and silica/minerals. Estimates of effect vary between studies, and are influenced by the distribution of employment, study design and case definition. Inhalation of asbestos fibres is a known cause of usual interstitial pneumonia (as seen histologically in IPF), though there are significant linear relationships between asbestos consumption, and mortality from both IPF and mesothelioma, leading to the hypothesis that low-level asbestos exposure may cause IPF. Research must focus on exposure-response relationships between asbestos and other occupational inhaled hazards, and IPF. Funding bodies and policy makers should acknowledge the significant occupational burden on IPF.

Activation of a nerve injury transcriptional signature in airway-innervating sensory neurons after lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation.

The lungs and the immune and nervous systems functionally interact to respond to respiratory environmental exposures and infections. The lungs are innervated by vagal sensory neurons of the jugular and nodose ganglia, fused together in smaller mammals as the jugular-nodose complex (JNC). Whereas the JNC shares properties with the other sensory ganglia, the trigeminal (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG), these sensory structures express differential sets of genes that reflect their unique functionalities. Here, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in mice to identify the differential transcriptomes of the three sensory ganglia types. Using a fluorescent retrograde tracer and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we isolated a defined population of airway-innervating JNC neurons and determined their differential transcriptional map after pulmonary exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major mediator of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after infection with gram-negative bacteria or inhalation of organic dust. JNC neurons activated an injury response program, leading to increased expression of gene products such as the G protein-coupled receptor Cckbr, inducing functional changes in neuronal sensitivity to peptides, and Gpr151, also rapidly induced upon neuropathic nerve injury in pain models. Unique JNC-specific transcripts, present at only minimal levels in TG, DRG, and other organs, were identified. These included TMC3, encoding for a putative mechanosensor, and urotensin 2B, a hypertensive peptide. These findings highlight the unique properties of the JNC and reveal that ALI/ARDS rapidly induces a nerve injury-related state, changing vagal excitability.

Review of NIOSH Cannabis-Related Health Hazard Evaluations and Research.

Since 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has received 10 cannabis-related health hazard evaluation (HHE) investigation requests from law enforcement agencies (n = 5), state-approved cannabis grow operations (n = 4), and a coroner's office (n = 1). Earlier requests concerned potential illicit drug exposures (including cannabis) during law enforcement activities and criminal investigations. Most recently HHE requests have involved state-approved grow operations with potential occupational exposures during commercial cannabis production for medicinal and non-medical (recreational) use. As of 2019, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has banned cannabis as a Schedule I substance on the federal level. However, cannabis legalization at the state level has become more common in the USA. In two completed cannabis grow operation HHE investigations (two investigations are still ongoing as of 2019), potential dermal exposures were evaluated using two distinct surface wipe sample analytical methods. The first analyzed for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) using a liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4 nanograms (ng) per sample. A second method utilized high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection to analyze for four phytocannabinoids (Δ9-THC, Δ9-THC acid, cannabidiol, and cannabinol) with a LOD (2000 ng per sample) which, when comparing Δ9-THC limits, was orders of magnitude higher than the LC-MS-MS method. Surface wipe sampling results for both methods illustrated widespread contamination of all phytocannabinoids throughout the tested occupational environments, highlighting the need to consider THC form (Δ9-THC or Δ9-THC acid) as well as other biologically active phytocannabinoids in exposure assessments. In addition to potential cannabis-related dermal exposures, ergonomic stressors, and psychosocial issues, the studies found employees in cultivation, harvesting, and processing facilities could potentially be exposed to allergens and respiratory hazards through inhalation of organic dusts (including fungus, bacteria, and endotoxin) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. These hazards were most evident during the decarboxylation and grinding of dried cannabis material, where elevated job-specific concentrations of VOCs and endotoxin were generated. Additionally, utilization of contemporary gene sequencing methods in NIOSH HHEs provided a more comprehensive characterization of microbial communities sourced during cannabis cultivation and processing. Internal Transcribed Spacer region sequencing revealed over 200 fungal operational taxonomic units and breathing zone air samples were predominantly composed of Botrytis cinerea, a cannabis plant pathogen. B. cinerea, commonly known as gray mold within the industry, has been previously associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This work elucidates new occupational hazards related to cannabis production and the evolving occupational safety and health landscape of an emerging industry, provides a summary of cannabis-related HHEs, and discusses critical lessons learned from these previous HHEs.

Construction of polluted aerosol in accumulation that affects the incidence of lung cancer

BackgroundThis model demonstrated the correlation between lung cancer incidences and the parts of ambient air pollution according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s high resolution technology satellites. MethodsChemical type of aerosols was investigated by the Aerosol Diagnostics Model such as black carbon, mineral dust, organic carbon, sea-salt and SO4. The model investigated associations between the six year accumulation of each aerosol and lung cancer incidence by Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal model. Which also represented integrated geophysical parameters. ResultsIn analyses of accumulated chemical aerosol component from 2010 – 2016, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of patients in 2017 were estimated. We observed a significant increasing risk for organic carbon exposure (IRR 1.021, 95%CI 1.020–1.022), SO4, (IRR 1.026, 95% CI 1.025–1.028) and dust, (IRR 1.061, 95% CI 1.058–1.064). There was also suggestion of an increased risk with, every 1 ug/m3 increase in organic carbon compound is associated with 21% increased risk of lung cancer, whereas a 26% excess risk of cancer per 1 ug/m3 increase in mean SO4 and 61% increased risk of lung cancer for dust levels. The other variables were the negative IRR which did not increase the risk of the exposed group. ConclusionWith our results, this process can determine that organic carbon, SO4 and dust was significantly associated with the elevated risk of lung cancer.

Features of Environmental Dust Exposure Induced Lung Disease Regulated by MyD88 Result in a Prolonged Adaptation Response

Environmental organic dust exposures, rich in Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, can reduce allergic asthma development, but are associated with occupational asthma and chronic bronchitis. The TLR adaptor protein MyD88 is fundamental in the acute inflammatory response to organic dust extract (ODE), yet MyD88’s role in regulating the lung response with repetitive exposures is unknown and could inform future preventative and therapeutic strategies. Wild-type (WT) and MyD88 knockout (KO) mice were exposed intranasally to ODE or saline daily for three weeks and euthanized (repetitive exposure) or rested with no treatments for four weeks (recovery phase) followed by challenge once with saline/ODE. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung tissues, and serum were collected. Repetitive ODE exposure-induced neutrophil influx and release of Th1 inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were profoundly reduced in KO mice. In comparison, ODE-induced cellular aggregates, B cells, and mast cell infiltrates and serum IgE levels remained elevated whereas bronchiolar epithelial mucous cell metaplasia was increased in KO animals. Following recovery and then re-challenge with ODE, inflammatory cytokines, but not neutrophil influx, was reduced in WT mice pre-treated with ODE, suggesting an adaptation response. However, the alarmin cytokine IL-33 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were significantly increased in the lungs of these same WT mice. Repetitively exposed KO mice lacked responsiveness upon ODE re-challenge. MyD88-dependent signaling is essential in mediating the classic airway inflammatory response to repetitive organic dust exposures, but targeting MyD88 does not reduce mucous cell metaplasia, lymphocyte influx, or generalized IgE responsiveness. TLR-enriched dust exposures induce a prolonged adaptation response.

Coal Dust and Acute Respiratory Infections in South Kalimantan PT ‘X’ Coal Mining Workers.

Occupational illness is a disease caused by a person's work or work environment. This disease is caused by the actions of someone who is unsafe (unsafe act) and unsafe condition (unsafe condition) in carrying out his work activities. The unsafe act is an act of someone who deviates from the rules of security standards that have been set in doing work. While unsafe conditions are conditions that can endanger workers. Acute respiratory infection is an acute inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract caused by infection with microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and rickets, without or accompanied by pulmonary parenchyma. Factors that affect a person affected by ARI are environmental factors, individual characteristics, and worker behavior. Environmental factors include air pollution (air pollution due to industrial output and smoke from burning fuel). Dust particles that can cause acute respiratory problems from industrial products that pollute the air such as coal dust, cement, cotton, asbestos, chemicals, toxic gases, dust in rice mills (organic dust).

Owner Compliance to an Environmental Management Protocol for Severe Equine Asthma Syndrome

Severe equine asthma (SEA) syndrome is a chronic recurrent respiratory disease, common among adult horses. The disease occurs in genetically susceptible individuals after their exposure to organic dust. Thus, environmental management has proved essential in controlling airway challenge and disease exacerbation. This is a demanding process that can only be achieved through the horse owners’ cooperation. One year after initial diagnosis of SEA in a group of 39 horses, owner compliance to an environmental management protocol was evaluated. The overall compliance to the protocol was poor and the horses’ clinical health and need for pharmacological management was related to the successful implementation of the environmental recommendations provided on disease diagnosis.

Investigation on the Explosion and Combustion of Various Carbon–Starch Blended Dust

AbstractThe effect of different carbon allotropes on the explosion and combustion of potato‐starch dust is preliminarily investigated by modified Hartmann tube and cone calorimeter (CC), using expandable graphite (EG), naturally flaky graphite, vermicular graphite, and carbon black as the dust suppressants, respectively. The results show that the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) decreases from 0.66 to 0.39 MPa and the peak heat release rate reduces from 31.45 to13.64 kW·m−2 for the EG‐starch blended dust, due to the physically shielding effect of the fluffy and charring layer. It clarifies that the combustion of starch is mainly governed by Zhuralev–Lesokin–Tempelman 3D diffusion calculated by the modified Coats–Redfern integral method; the carbonaceous materials block the pyrolysis and migration of volatiles, leading to a decrease in DTGmax. It establishes a comprehensive method to evaluate the explosion and combustion of organic combustible dust, combining the CC with combustion kinetics effectively.

Parental occupational organic dust exposure and selected childhood cancers in Denmark 1968–2016

BackgroundParental occupational exposures are suggested as contributing causes of childhood cancer. MethodsChildren age< = 19, born in Denmark and diagnosed with leukemia, central nervous system (CNS) cancers and likely prenatally initiated cancers [hepatoblastoma, medulloblastoma, Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and acute lymphoid leukemia] n = 4268 were identified using Danish registries. We randomly selected twenty-five controls per case matched on birth year and sex. Parents and their employment histories were extracted from nationwide registries. We examined occupational dust exposures perinatally and postnatally in both parents. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. ResultsMaternal wood dust exposure from birth to diagnosis was associated with increased risks of leukemia (OR 1.44, 95 % CI 1.08–1.94) and acute myeloid leukemia (OR 2.14, 95 % CI 1.13–4.03); exposure to paper dust was associated with CNS cancer (OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.22–4.2).. Paternal exposure to wood dust was associated with astrocytoma in both periods (OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.05–1.96 and 1.42, 1.09–1.86, respectively) and CNS cancer (OR 1.24, 95 % CI 1.00–1.53) in the perinatal period. The increased risk observed for potentially prenatally-initiated cancers in relation to wood was driven by ORs for neuroblastoma (1.54, 95 % CI 1.03–2.29) and hepatoblastoma (2.41, 95 % CI 0.99–5.88). An OR of 2.58 (95 % CI 1.10–6.05) for CNS cancer was associated with both parents working in textile industries postnatally. ConclusionThe study suggests that parental exposure to wood dust may increase risk of specific childhood cancers.