Outdoor Workplaces Research Articles

Occupational exposure to particulate matter from air pollution in the outdoor workplaces in Almaty during the cold season.

BackgroundA large fraction of population in Almaty and other Kazakhstan cities is employed in the outdoor jobs and likely exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) during the cold season. The magnitude of such occupational exposure remains unknown; therefore, the aim was to quantify the levels of exposure to PM10 in the outdoor workplaces in Almaty in order to guide future interventions of primary prevention.MethodsOutdoor security non-smoking guards (N = 12) wore TSI DustTrack AM520 aerosol monitors with a 10-μm impactor for 8 hours of outdoor shift. Ten samples (k = 10) from each worker were obtained for the cold season (November-March) from various locations across Almaty. Total sampling time was 57600 minutes. We compared normalized time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations for 8-hour shifts within and between workers using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and assessed compliance with environmental exposure limit (EEL) (0.060 mg/m3) via exceedance (γ) and probability of overexposure (θ).ResultsPM10 TWA ranged from 0.050 to 2.075 mg/m3 with the geometric mean 0.366 and median 0.352 mg/m3. PM10 TWA distribution was left-skewed with large variation. The fold-range of within-person variability, containing 95% of the exposure concentration (wR0.95) was 13, whereas between-person fold-range (bR0.95) was 3. However, between-person variance exceeded the one within with F-ratio 2.797 (p = 0.003) with statistical power 97% at α = 0.05. Only two of 120 samples had TWA below EEL, yielding γ = 0.995 and θ = 1.ConclusionsOutdoor workers in polluted cities like Almaty are exposed to very high levels of PM10 during the cold season. Urgent action should be taken to regulate such occupational exposure and to raise awareness of workers and employers on hazards associated with it.

Gathering the evidence and identifying opportunities for future research in climate, heat and health in South Africa: The role of the South African Medical Research Council.

A changing climate is likely to have widespread and varying impacts on ecosystems and human health. South Africa (SA) is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, given the projected increases in temperature, and changes in the amount and patterns of rainfall. Moreover, SA's vulnerability is exacerbated by extreme inequality and poverty. To prepare for the impacts of climate change and to ensure timeous adaptation, a perspective is given on essential heat and health research in the country.Objectives. To gather studies conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)'s Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU) to illustrate the range of possible research key areas in the climate, heat and health domain and to present future research priorities.Methods. Studies conducted by the SAMRC's EHRU were gathered and used to illustrate the range of possible research key areas in the climate, heat and health domain. Using national and international published and grey literature, and tapping into institutional research experiences, an overview of research findings to date and future research priorities were developed.Results. Heat and health-related research has focussed on key settings, for example, schools, homes and outdoor work places, and vulnerable groups such as infants and children, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases. The need to address basic needs and services provision was emphasised as an important priority.Conclusions. High and low temperatures in SA are already associated with mortality annually; these impacts are likely to increase with a changing climate. Critical cross-sectoral research will aid in understanding and preparing for temperature extremes in SA.

Workplace Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure Among U.S. Nonsmoking Workers, 2015.

Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure contributes to ill health and disease, including heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke (1). Although cigarette smoking has declined among U.S. workers, workplace exposure to SHS remains high, particularly among workers in certain industries, such as construction (2,3). Implementation of smoke-free laws has proven to be beneficial in reducing SHS exposure in general (1). CDC analyzed data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Occupational Health Supplement to assess the prevalence of self-reported workplace SHS exposure among nonsmoking workers by smoke-free policy status in the workers' states of residence and in detailed industry categories and subcategories. In 2015, 19.9% of nonsmoking workers reported any exposure to SHS at work during the 12 months preceding the interview, and 10.1% reported frequent exposure (twice a week or more). Nonsmoking workers who resided in states with comprehensive smoke-free laws in all three categories of venues (private worksites, bars, and restaurants) were least likely to report frequent exposure to workplace SHS. Nonsmoking workers employed in the commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance industry reported the highest prevalences of any workplace SHS exposure (65.1%), whereas the construction industry had the highest reported number of exposed workers (2.9 million); these industry categories/subcategories include outdoor workplaces and other settings that are unlikely to be protected by smoke-free laws. Identifying specific at-risk workplaces and implementing targeted intervention strategies could help reduce SHS exposure at work and protect workers' health.

Pollution Characteristics and Occupational Exposure Risk of Heavy Metals in Indoor and Outdoor Ambient Particles at a Scaled Electronic Waste Dismantling Plant, Northwest China

Atmospheric particle samples (PM1.0、PM2.5、PM10) were collected from three sampling sites (indoor and outdoor workplaces of a formal e-waste dismantling plant, and upwind area) in an arid area of Northwest China. The contents of six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were analyzed using ICP-OES. Based on this data, the concentration levels, size distribution characteristics, and occupational exposure risks of heavy metals at the indoor and outdoor dismantling workplaces were studied. Particle analysis showed that Zn (4890 ng·m-3 indoors, 1245 ng·m-3 outdoors)、Pb (indoors 1201 ng·m-3, outdoors 240 ng·m-3), and Cu (indoors 1200 ng·m-3, outdoors 110 ng·m-3) showed higher pollution levels indoors and outdoors at the dismantling workplace. Moreover, the indoor concentration was much higher than that outdoors, indicating that the dismantling activity was the main cause of the high levels of heavy metal contamination. The indoor and outdoor air pollution characteristics were closely related to the types of electronic waste dismantled. Occupational exposure risk assessments showed that the total non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) of the indoor and outdoor dismantling workshops was 1.62×10-3, and 3.60×10-4, respectively, and the carcinogenic risk values were 2.69×10-7 and 2.59×10-9. Cd caused the greatest carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks at both indoor and outdoor dismantling workplaces, but it was still far below the limits (1.0) and acceptable ranges (1×10-6) stipulated by U.S. EPA, indicating that the health risks caused by heavy metals were minor or negligible. Heavy metals in the ambient particulate matter released from an adequately equipped and formally managed e-waste dismantling plant would not lead to any public health risk. The sedimentation characteristics of particulate heavy metals in different organs of the human respiratory system exhibited that the smaller the particle size was, the greater the proportion of deposition in the depths of the respiratory system was. Enterprises should make scientific and effective decisions on the respiratory health risks caused by such fine particles to the health of professional workers.

Objective assessment of glare at outdoor workplaces

Lighting system in a modern building environment involves many different aspects of workplaces, primarily visual comfort and health. The glare may reduce visual comfort and may be one of the indirect causes of accidents at work. Glare assessment at outdoor workplaces is a difficult task. In this instance, the Glare Rating (GR) is used as a numeric measure of glare sensation. International standards set out the rules for determining the GR as well as the required limit values of GR that provide acceptable glare sensation for specific workplaces. In practice, GR is not measured and simulation software is used to determine the GR value. However, such an assessment of the glare is not always reliable. We present the GR measurement method for outdoor workplaces using imaging luminance measuring device (ILMD). The conditions that are necessary for the proper measurement of GR were also described. The presented method was tested in laboratory conditions and in real industrial environment. Using two laboratory rooms and three different glare sources we created a set of working conditions with different glare sensation. The results of the GR measurements were consistent with the simulation in the DIALux software (mean relative difference of 2.5%). We also conducted tests in six industrial plants at 26 workplaces. In 73% of analyzed cases, the workers' subjective assessment of the glare was consistent with the results of GR measurement. A number of laboratory tests and assessments in real industrial environment confirmed the correctness of the proposed measurement method.

Participatory action research, mixed methods, and research teams: learning from philosophically juxtaposed methodologies for optimal research outcomes

BackgroundWorkplace health interventions incorporating qualitative and quantitative components (mixed methods) within a Participatory Action Research approach can increase understanding of contextual issues ensuring realistic interventions which influence health behaviour. Mixed methods research teams, however, face a variety of challenges at the methodological and expertise levels when designing actions and interventions. Addressing these challenges can improve the team’s functionality and lead to higher quality health outcomes. In this paper we reflect on the data collection, implementation and data analysis phases of a mixed methods workplace health promotion project and discuss the challenges which arose within our multidisciplinary team.MethodsThis project used mixed methods within a Participatory Action Research approach to address workers’ sun safety behaviours in 14 outdoor workplaces in Queensland, Australia, and elucidate why certain measures succeeded (or failed) at the worker and management level. The project integrated qualitative methods such as policy analysis and interviews, with a range of quantitative methods – including worker surveys, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure measurement, and implementation cost analyses.ResultsThe research team found the integration of qualitative and quantitative analyses within the Participatory Action Research process to be challenging and a cause of tensions. This had a negative impact on the data analysis process and reporting of results, and the complexity of qualitative analysis was not truly understood by the quantitative team. Once all researchers recognised qualitative and quantitative data would be equally beneficial to the Participatory Action Research process, methodological bias was overcome to a degree to which the team could work cooperatively.ConclusionsMixed methods within a Participatory Action Research approach may allow a research team to discuss, reflect and learn from each other, resulting in broadened perspectives beyond the scope of any single research methodology. However, cohesive and supportive teams take constant work and adjustment under this approach, as knowledge and understanding is gained and shared. It is important researchers are cognisant of, and learn from, potential tensions within research teams due to juxtaposed philosophies, methodologies and experiences, if the team is to function efficiently and positive outcomes are to be achieved.

Quantifying the effect of rain events on outdoor thermal comfort in a high-density city, Hong Kong.

Rainfall events often cause a modification to atmospheric conditions. The impact of this phenomenon on human thermal comfort has however been less well studied. Therefore, this paper quantifies the effect of rainfall events on human thermal comfort in a hot-humid subtropical city, Hong Kong. Firstly, rainfall events were categorized based on time of occurrence, i.e., morning (on or before 11:00 LST), afternoon (12:00-15:00, LST), early evening (16:00-18:00), and all-day events. Thereafter, human thermal comfort on typical non-rainy (sunny) days and rainy days was estimated and compared by using the radiation-driven physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and non-radiation-driven temperature-humidity index (THI) and compared. Results revealed variable and stable hourly patterns of PET and THI thermal classification, respectively under different rainfall event category. The insensitivity of THI values could be due to the retained strong contribution of both input parameters (air temperature and relative humidity) on both rainy and non-rainy (sunny) days. An understanding of the mechanism of thermal changes before, during, and after rainfall events based on statistical analysis suggests a strong interplay between moisture content and air temperature as determinants of thermal comfort in the hot-humid city and not necessarily the radiation parameter. This finding suggests that while PET clearly shows the impact of rain-event; it is principally due to the strong contribution of the lowered radiant temperature in its calculation while in reality, the critical determinants of thermal comfort in such period in a hot-humid subtropical environment like Hong Kong are the moisture content and ambient temperature. Finding from the study could enhance occupational health and safety management of outdoor workplaces.

Sun Safety at Work Canada: Baseline evaluation of outdoor workplaces recruited to participate in a sun safety knowledge transfer and exchange intervention

PurposeIn 2014, an estimated 7000 skin cancer cases were attributed to occupational solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure in Canada (CAREX Canada, 2015). A knowledge transfer and exchange intervention project was initiated in three Canadian provinces to enhance sun safety in 14 workplaces with outdoor workers in two industry sectors – municipalities and electrical utilities. This manuscript is a detailed description of the method used for, and results from, the pre-intervention, developmental evaluation that was conducted in the first year of this two-year project. Design/methodologyA theory-based conceptual model helped direct a cross-case analysis of 22hours of interview and focus group data. The deductive and inductive analysis helped explore the workplace characteristics that emerged as potentially significant for the adoption of sun safety by participating workplaces, and helped evolve a project-specific conceptual model. FindingsThe electrical utilities (the utilities) and municipalities differed in their organizational structure, organizational safety culture, and readiness to change. These variables have been identified as being potentially predictive of a workplace’s engagement in implementing sun safety policies and practices. Originality/valueThe study is a knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) intervention looking to enhance sun safety in 14 outdoor workplaces across Canada, which span the public and private sectors, while working within different legislative frameworks. The cross-case analysis methodology facilitated comparisons within and between cases to understand the factors that may lead to successful uptake of occupational sun safety knowledge and practice.

Offering a model for estimating black globe temperature according to meteorological measurements

ABSTRACTBlack globe temperature (Tg) is one of the most common measurement variables used for assessing heat stress; however, it is usually not reported in meteorological data. This study developed a model to estimate Tg based on meteorological measurements, in order to calculate the occupational heat stress index in outdoor workplaces. This descriptive and analytical study was conducted from May to September 2013 in Qom, Iran. Environmental variables such as natural wet‐bulb temperature (Tnw), dry‐bulb temperature (Ta), solar radiation (SR) and relative humidity (RH) were measured by meteorological instruments in weather stations and Tg was measured by a globe thermometer in the same situations at different times. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS16. Independent variables including Tnw, Ta, SR and RH and the dependent variable Tg were introduced to the software, and several regression models were obtained. Finally, a model that had the most appropriate correlation with a significance level of 0.05 was chosen as the best model. The correlation co‐efficients between Tg and Tnw, Ta, SR and RH were obtained as 0.84, 0.63, 0.75 and −0.75, respectively. The results showed that Ta, SR and RH can justify about 90% of the variation in Tg. There was a significant relationship between Tg and Ta, SR and RH (p < 0.05). The correlation co‐efficient between actual and estimated data was 0.95 (p < 0.001). The model obtained can be trusted to estimate the black globe temperature in a hot and dry environment and can be useful in assessing occupational heat stress in outdoor workplaces.

Application of Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for assessment of occupational heat stress in open-pit mines.

The purpose of this article is to examine the applicability of Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) index as an innovative index for evaluating of occupational heat stress in outdoor environments. 175 workers of 12 open-pit mines in Tehran, Iran were selected for this research study. First, the environmental variables such as air temperature, wet-bulb temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity and air flow rate were measured; then UTCI, wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and heat stress index (HSI) indices were calculated. Simultaneously, physiological parameters including heart rate, oral temperature, tympanic temperature and skin temperature of workers were measured. UTCI and WBGT are positively significantly correlated with all environmental parameters (p<0.03), except for air velocity (r<−0.39; p>0.05). Moreover, a strong significant relationship was found between UTCI and WBGT (r=0.95; p<0.001). The significant positive correlations exist between physiological parameters including oral temperature, tympanic and skin temperatures and heart rate and both the UTCI and WBGT indices (p<0.029). The highest correlation coefficient has been found between the UTCI and physiological parameters. Due to the low humidity and air velocity (~<1 m/s) in understudied mines, UTCI index appears to be appropriate to assess the occupational heat stress in these outdoor workplaces.

Occupational risk factors for skin cancer and the availability of sun protection measures at German outdoor workplaces.

Germany implemented a new occupational disease "squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis due to natural UV radiation (UVR)" into the German ordinance on occupational diseases. Since primary prevention is very important, the aim of this study was to assess the provision of sun protection measures by the employers in vocational school students for outdoor professions. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the availability of sun protection measures at German workplaces and the risk of occupational sunburn by surveying 245 vocational school students working in outdoor occupations. More than 40% of the students did not receive any sun protection measures by their employer, and 34.5% of the students got sunburned during work. Working in the shade was a protective factor for occupational sunburn but was merely available for 23.7% of the outdoor workers. Our study reveals a strong need for effective sun protection measures, including both administrative controls like education and personal protection measures at German outdoor workplaces.

An approximation of occupational lifetime UVR exposure: algorithm for retrospective assessment and current measurements

Since non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been adopted as an occupational disease in Germany, in any single suspected case a retrospective estimation of the outdoor workers' occupational UVR exposure is mandatory. The aim of this study was to introduce the recent German standard procedure as a mathematical algorithm for retrospectively estimating individual occupational UVR lifetime exposure. In addition, to present results of exemplary on-the-job UVR dosimetry measurements on outdoor workers during their various occupational activities. These dosimetry data form the basis of the mathematical model for UVR exposure estimation. On-the-job personal dosimetry in various outdoor professions was conducted using the GENESIS-UV measurement system for individual UVA/UVB exposure assessment. The algorithm is derived from the results of these pars pro toto exemplary dosimetric measurements. For retrospective UVR lifetime estimation in suspected cases, a standardized patient interview serves as input and delivers all necessary information for using the algorithm. With defined factors, an individual adjustment is achieved. Inserting the data derived from the patient interview, the algorithm shows to be feasible to calculate the lifetime UVR exposure retrospectively. As an example, an assessment for a 67-year-old agricultural teacher with three distinct occupational UVR exposure episodes is calculated. The presented algorithm has proven to facilitate the anamnestic procedure to estimate the lifetime UVR dose of exposed outdoor workers. With a recently developed computer-based tool, standardized interviews of suspected workers with NMSC become simple. UVR dose as well as matching of requirements for recognition as an occupational disease in an individual worker are calculated automatically. Furthermore, with ongoing on-the-job measurements, a database is created to continuously adjust the algorithm's reference values for the various UVR-exposed occupations. In addition, a job exposure matrix UVA/UVB is created as a pivotal tool for improved health and safety of outdoor workplaces and prevention of occupational actinic damage to the skin.

Climate change impact on microclimate of work environment related to occupational health and productivity.

Climate change is a global emergency that influences human health and occupational safety. Global warming characterized by an increase in temperature of the ambience and humidity affects human health directly impairing body thermoregulation with serious consequences: dehydration, fatigue, heat stroke and even death. Several studies have demonstrated negative effects of climate change on working populations in a wide variety of workplaces with particular regard to outdoor and uncooled indoor workplaces. Most vulnerable workers are outdoor workers in tropical and subtropical countries usually involved in heavy labor during hot seasons. Many of the consequences therefore, regarding working people are possible, even without health symptoms by reducing work productivity. The scope of this review is to investigate effects of climate change on workers both in relation to health and work productivity. This study has been realized by analyzing recent international literature. In order to reduce negative effects of climate change on working populations it is essential to implement preventive measures with a multidisciplinary strategy limiting health risks and improving work productivity.

A Comparative Analysis of Occupational Accidents between Indoor and Outdoor Workers in Telecommunications Industry

Objective: This study aims to analyze the characteristics of occupational accidents and injuries of telecommunications line and cable workers by type of workplace and operational process of cabling service and to provide baseline data in establishing the preventive policies for occupational accidents and injuries. Background: In order to set up the preventive policies for occupational injuries and illness systematically, the accident analysis by industry should be preceded. To establish more effective policies, it should be done by occupation for persons who work in various kinds of occupation rather than by industry for persons who do in the same occupation. Method: In this study, the 176 occupational accidents and injuries were classified by type of workplace - indoor (inside building) and outdoor (at the top of utility pole, in a manhole, or in the fields) - and also done by operational process involved at the time of the accident. By analyzing the characteristics of occupational injuries and illness by type of workplace and operational process, respectively, this study can be helpful in establishing the preventative policies for occupational accidents and injuries. Results: The characteristics of occupational accidents and injuries by type of workplace showed that there were differences in terms of accident rate between indoor and outdoor on age of the injured, while not on employment-size and work experience of the injured. In addition, the characteristics on accident type, agency of accident, parts of body affected, and operational process between indoor and outdoor workplaces were statistically different each other. Conclusion and Application: The findings of occupational accidents’ characteristics can be applied to the establishment of systematic preventative policies for occupational accidents of telecommunications line/equipment workers.

The relationship between NQO1 C609T and CAT C-262Tgenetic polymorphisms and the risk of age-related cataracts.

Cataract is multi-factorial eye disease identified by the disturbance of the transparent ocular lens. There is significant evidence suggesting oxidative damage as a major cause of initiation and progression of numerous diseases including cataracts. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1; OMIM: 125860) and catalase (CAT, OMIM: 115500) are antioxidant enzymes that prevent cells from oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between NQO1 C609T (Pro189Ser, rs1800566) and CAT promoter C-262T (rs1001179) genetic polymorphisms and the susceptibility to cataracts. A case-control study including 190 cataracts cases and 190 healthy subjects was carried out. Genotype distributions of NQO1 and CAT polymorphisms were examined using polymerase chain reactions and a restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach to investigate the possible role of these polymorphisms as risk factors in the development of cataracts. Variant CT heterozygous and TT genotypes of the NQO1 C609T polymorphism were found to be associated with an increased risk of cataracts (CT vs CC, OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.02-2.52, P=0.038), (CT/TT vs CC, OR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.02-2.4, P=0.040). In addition, compared to indoor work places and the CC genotype of NQO1, outdoor work places and CT/TT genotypes of NQO1 were found to increase the risk of age-related cataracts (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.20-6.33, P=0.017). The analysis did not reveal, however, any statistically significant (P>0.05) difference between CAT C-262T polymorphism and the risk of cataracts.

Exposure to secondhand smoke and attitudes toward smoke-free workplaces among employed U.S. adults: findings from the National Adult Tobacco Survey.

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and attitudes toward smoke-free workplaces among employed U.S. adults. Data came from the 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey, a landline and cellular telephone survey of adults aged ≥18 years in the United States and the District of Columbia. National and state estimates of past 7-day workplace SHS exposure and attitudes toward indoor and outdoor smoke-free workplaces were assessed among employed adults. National estimates were calculated by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, annual household income, sexual orientation, U.S. region, and smoking status. Among employed adults who did not smoke cigarettes, 20.4% reported past 7-day SHS exposure at their workplace (state range: 12.4% [Maine] to 30.8% [Nevada]). Nationally, prevalence of exposure was higher among males, those aged 18-44 years, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic American Indians/Alaska natives compared to non-Hispanic Whites, those with less education and income, those in the western United States, and those with no smoke-free workplace policy. Among all employed adults, 83.8% and 23.2% believed smoking should never be allowed in indoor and outdoor areas of workplaces, respectively. One-fifth of employed U.S. adult nonsmokers are exposed to SHS in the workplace, and disparities in exposure exist across states and subpopulations. Most employed adults believe indoor areas of workplaces should be smoke free, and nearly one-quarter believe outdoor areas should be smoke free. Efforts to protect employees from SHS exposure and to educate the public about the dangers of SHS and benefits of smoke-free workplaces could be beneficial.

Air Pollution Particles PM10, PM2,5 and the Tropospheric Ozone Effects on Human Health

Abstract Air pollution is one of the most serious problems for modern society. Tt has both temporal effects, on the short, medium and long term, and spatial effects, as it is mobile and can and affects large areas. The harmful action of dust and gas on human being is manifested by a wide variety of effects from olfactory problems to chronic diseases, severe poisoning and even death. This article looks at the monitoring of air quality which is useful as it provides data for the years 2006, 2008 on three major areas, urban, suburban and rural and the effects on the environment, the population's health, safety and health for outdoor workplaces. The case study was conducted by monitoring inhalable dust particles of 10 !Jm and 2.5 !Jm in the tropospheric ozone at the breathing level of a worker in public services and in urban traffic operating in the open.

Living with African Bees in Florida's Outdoor Workplaces

ENY-146, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by M. K. O’Malley and J. D. Ellis, offers African honey bee related recommendations and precautions specific to outdoor workers in Florida. Includes additional resources. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2008. ENY-146/IN783: Living with African Bees in Florida's Outdoor Workplaces (ufl.edu)

222Rn concentrations in greenhouses in Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Greenhouses are possible places with high 222Rn concentrations, since soil, the source of 222Rn, is directly exposed inside them. To examine this point, 222Rn concentrations in 28 greenhouses at five locations in Aomori Prefecture were measured for approximately 1 year with passive Rn detectors. For 1 week, measurements of 222Rn concentration and working level were also carried out with active detectors to get equilibrium factors and the ratio of 222Rn concentration in working time to non-working time in selected greenhouses. The geometric mean of annual 222Rn concentrations in greenhouses was 13 Bq m −3, and the same as that in dwellings and lower than that in indoor workplaces in the prefecture. However, variation of the 222Rn concentrations was far larger than in other environments, and ranged from the lowest level in outdoor workplaces to the highest level in indoor workplaces. Significant seasonal variation was also observed in 222Rn concentrations. The mean effective dose from 222Rn and its progenies was estimated to be 0.047 mSv year −1 for a farmer working in a greenhouse.

Exposure to and effects of glare from high mast lighting on workers at a timber terminal

High mast floodlighting at outdoor workplaces has economic advantages but suffers from shortcomings such as glare. This study was made to collect and evaluate data from a situation with glare from a physical and occupational health standpoint. When unloading timber, the worker's gaze is frequently directed upward, whereas conventional glare indexes for luminaires assume the gaze is diagonally downwards. It was found that reduced visual acuity could cause difficulty in normal working routines.