Probable Health Effects Research Articles

Factors predicting pro-environmental behavior: the case of baby diapers

PurposeIn addition to being one of the most commonly purchased items by infant caretakers, disposable baby diapers (DBDs) are among the most detrimental products to the environment. Shifting to a diapering method that is less harmful to the environment is an example of pro-environmental conduct. Hence, this study aims to examine how motivation, subjective norms, perceived benefits and perceived threats influence pro-environmental behavior (PEB) intention.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a two-stage disjoint approach of partial least squares structural equation modeling to examine the data. In the conceptual model, a combination of reflective-reflective second-order constructs is used in the motivation, perceived benefits and perceived threats. A total of 233 respondents from a developing economy in Southeast Asia provide the data.FindingsThis study suggests that perceived benefits (i.e. environmental, monetary and symbol) and threats (i.e. susceptibility and severity) are significant determinants of PEB. Surprisingly, motivation and subjective norms had no significant relationship with consumers' adoption of non-DBD alternatives.Research limitations/implicationsTo persuade caretakers to act in an environmentally responsible manner, the findings of this study imply that, where relevant, considerations for a wide variety of benefits and health risks should be made apparent. Environmental, financial and symbolic benefits should be shared with prospective target audiences. Caretakers should be warned of probable health effects of not being environmentally friendly. This study argues that caretakers' lack of information of non-DBD options may explain the insignificance of subjective norms and motivation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the social marketing literature by examining the influence of motivation, subjective norms, perceived benefits and perceived threats on the intention to use more-environmentally friendly alternatives to DBDs as a manifestation of PEB.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles via Black and Green Tea and Study its Toxicity on few Vital Organs of Female Mice

This study included synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a green method using AgNO3 solution with glucose exposed to microwave radiation. The prepared NPs were also characterized using ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV/vis spectroscopy confirmed the production of AgNPs, while SEM analysis showed that the typical spherical AgNPs were 30 nm and 50 nm in size for the NPs prepared using black tea (B) and green tea (G) as reducing agent, respectively. The changes in some of the biochemical parameters related to the liver and kidneys have been analyzed to evaluate the probable toxic effects of AgNPs. 40 adult male mice were included in this study. To assess the probable health effects of the prepared AgNPs, an experiment has been designed that includes 40 adult mice, and it was randomly divided into three groups as follows: Group I (C): The control group consisting of 10 animals was injected intraperitoneally with PBS for 15 days. Second (G): included 10 animals who were injected with 0.1 mL of (2) mg/kg (G) intraperitoneally for 15 days. Group B included 10 animals injected with 0.1 mL of (2 mg/kg) (B) solution intraperitoneally for 15 days. Changes in some biochemical parameters related to the liver and kidneys were analyzed to assess potential toxic effects on the function of these vital organs. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)(IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (IU/L), and cholesterol (mg/dL) as parameters of liver function were analyzed, and the serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, and urea (mg/dL) were analyzed as parameters of kidney function. The results revealed that no significant changes occurred in organ weight in groups treated with AgNPs compared with the control. However, the results showed a significant increase in ALT enzyme level in the third group compared with its level in the control group. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in ALT level between the second group and the control. The level of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) enzyme was significantly increased in both groups (2 and 3) in comparison with its level in the control group. No significant differences were found in cholesterol levels between the groups. Also, there were no significant differences found in uric acid levels between the groups. At the same time, creatinine level increased significantly in group 2 (where the NPs prepared using Black tea as a reducing agent) compared to its level in the control group. Urea level increased significantly in both groups (2 and 3) in comparison with its level in the control group. We conclude that the submission to AgNPs causes toxicity in the liver and kidneys.

CALCULATION OF THE SAFE TIME OF GSM MOBILE PHONES USAGE

A cellular mobile radio technology has become an important part of our everyday life as it provides a convenient communication services during user’s mobility. These facilities result in increasing the user numbers of this technology at an extra ordinary rates. Widespread usage of cellular mobile communication systems has generated public concern about the possible environmental, and health effects of human exposure to electromagnetic energy emitted by base stations and cellular phones as an amount of this energy is absorbed by the human body which works as an efficient receiving antenna.This paper discusses the probable health effects of cellular mobile system emissions, and presents two proposed methods to calculate the time of the safe usage of the mobile phones that operate under the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

Natural Arsenic Pollution and Hydrochemistry of Drinking Water of an Urban Part of Iran

Natural contamination of surface and groundwater resources with arsenic is a worldwide problem. The present study aimed to investigate and report on the quality of drinking water resources with special focus on arsenic presence in an urban part of Iran. Arsenic concentrations were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). In both surface and groundwater samples, arsenic concentrations ranged from 6 - 61 µg/L with an average value of 39 ± 20 µg/L. Concentration of arsenic, which was up to six times greater than guideline values (10 µg/L) indicates the presence of arsenic bearing materials in the geological structure of the region. It was found that the quality of treated surface water produced by the water treatment facility was good in respect to arsenic (9 µg/L) and solid content (EC = µs/cm). However, in drinking water samples of wells, total solids (mean EC = 1580 ± 150 µs/cm), total hardness (mean = 479 + 94 mg/L as CaCO3) and arsenic (mean = 42 + 16 µg/L) were significantly higher. Correspondingly, there was a significant correlation between arsenic concentration and EC, Na+, K+ and Cl- values. The type of water in most of groundwater samples (70%) was determined as HCO3- Na+. Considering the population of the city and probable health effects due to exposure to arsenic through drinking water, comprehensive measures as well as application of arsenic removal processes in water treatment facilities and replacement of contaminated wells with safe wells are required.

Radiation protection aspects of the operation in a cyclotron facility

The activated accelerator cyclotron components and the radioisotope production may impact on the personnel radiation exposure of the workers during the routine maintenance and emergency repair procedures and any modification of the equipment. Since the adherence of the principle of ALARA (as low as reasonable achievable) constitutes a major objective of the cyclotron management, it has become imperative to investigate the radiation levels at the workplace and the probable health effects to the worker caused by radiation exposure. The data analysis in this study was based on the individual monitoring records during the period from 2007 to 2011. Monitoring of the workplace was also performed using gamma and neutron detectors to determine the dose rate in various predetermined spots. The results of occupational radiation exposures were analysed and compared with the values established in national standards and international recommendations. Important guidelines have been developed to reduce the individual dose.

Occupational Safety and Health Studies in Nepal

Occupational safety and health are key issues today, with growing industrialization and labor market. To introduce and maintain a high standard of safety and health at workplace, it is essential to have an overall picture of the present workplace scenario, different hazards and probable health effects. This is a review of all previously published articles on occupational safety and health in Nepal. Key words such as Nepal, Occupation, Safety, and Health were used to search for relevant articles in PUBMED and Google Scholar. A total of 15 research articles were found, which dealt with different forms of work, like agriculture, health services, child labor, small scale household industries, brick kilns, and textile factories. The overall status of occupational safety and health does not look satisfactory. Standard work situations and criteria have to be set up and regular monitoring should be done to ensure the maintenance of quality at work. Key Words: environment; exposure; hazards; labor; work place DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4725 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 19-26

Effects of organic and conventional growth systems on the content of carotenoids in carrot roots, and on intake and plasma status of carotenoids in humans

The demand for organic food products has increased during the last decades due to their probable health effects, among others. A higher content of secondary metabolites such as carotenoids in organic food products has been claimed, though not documented, to contribute to increased health effects of organic foods. The aim was to study the impact of organic and conventional agricultural systems on the content of carotenoids in carrots and human diets. In addition, a human cross-over study was performed, measuring the plasma status of carotenoids in humans consuming diets made from crops from these agricultural systems. The content of carotenoids in carrot roots and human diets was not significantly affected by the agricultural production system or year, despite differences in fertilisation strategy and levels. The plasma status of carotenoids increased significantly after consumption of the organic and conventional diets, but no systematic differences between the agricultural production systems were observed. The expected higher content of presumed health-promoting carotenoids in organic food products was not documented in this study.

Whole-body vibration exposure experienced by motorcycle riders – An evaluation according to ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5 standards

Riders of twelve motorcycles, comprising 6 full-scale motorbikes and 6 motor-scooters, and 5 sedan vehicles, performed test runs on a 20.6 km paved road composed of 5 km, 5 km, and 10.6 km of rural, provincial and urban routes, respectively. Each test run of motorcycle was separately performed under speed limits of 55 km/h and 40 km/h. Tri-axial accelerations of whole-body vibration (WBV) were obtained by using a seat pad and a portable data logger, and the driver's view was videotaped with a portable media recorder. Root mean square ( RMS) acceleration, 8-h estimated vibration dose value ( VDV (8)) and 8-h estimated daily dose of static compression dose ( S ed ) were determined from the collected data in accordance with ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5 standards. Experimental results indicate that the WBV values of the sedan vehicle drivers have low RMS, VDV (8) and S ed values ( RMS 0.27–0.32 m/s 2; VDV (8) 6.3–8.3 m/s 1.75; S ed 0.21–0.26 MPa). However, over 90% of the motorcycle riders had VDV (8) (mean 23.5 m/s 1.75) exceeding the upper boundary of health guidance caution zone (17 m/s 1.75) recommended by ISO 2631-1, or had S ed (mean 1.17 MPa) exceeding the value associated with a high probability of adverse health effects (0.8 MPa) recommended by ISO 2631-5. Over 50% of the motorcycle riders reached these boundary values for VDV and S e in less than 2 h. The WBV exposure levels of the full-scale motorbikes riders and motor-scooter riders were not significantly different. However, the RMS and VDV (8) values of motorcycle riders indicate significant roadway effect ( p < 0.001), while their S ed values indicate significant speed limit effect ( p < 0.05). This study concludes that the WBV exposure levels of common motorcycle riders are distinctively higher than those of sedans, even on a regular paved road. The impact on health of WBV exposure in motorcycle riders should be carefully addressed with reference to ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5. Relevance to industry This study compares the predicted health risks of motorcycle riders according to ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5 standards. Experimental data suggest that the vibration dose value of ISO 2631-1 and daily dose of equivalent static compression stress of ISO 2631-5 have roughly equivalent boundaries for probable health effects.

Predictions of health risks associated with the operation of load-haul-dump mining vehicles: Part 1—Analysis of whole-body vibration exposure using ISO 2631-1 and ISO-2631-5 standards

Predicted health risks, associated with the operation of load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicles, based on ISO 2631-1 criteria are limited and have not yet been determined according to ISO 2631-5 criteria. Therefore, health risks predicted by ISO 2631-1 and 2631-5 criteria are reported and compared in this paper. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure was measured according to procedures established in ISO 2631-1. A tri-axial seat pad accelerometer was used to measure vibration exposure at the operator/seat interface. According to ISO 2631-1 criteria, calculated 8-h equivalent vibration dose values placed three of the seven LHD operators above the health guidance caution zone (HGCZ) boundaries and four LHD operators within the HGCZ. However, health risks predicted by the ISO 2631-5 criteria were always lower than the risks predicted by ISO 2631-1 criteria. Relevance to industry In 2004, ISO released a new standard for the evaluation of WBV, ISO-2631-5. The boundaries for probable health effects were established using the best guidance at the time; however, they have not been epidemiologically validated and very few studies have reported health risks based on ISO 2631-5 criteria. This study provides a comparison of predicted health risks based on ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5 and provides data that could suggest the ISO 2631-5 boundaries for probable health effects may be set too high. Alternatively, the data presented in this paper suggests more dialogue is required to identify the appropriate application of ISO 2631-1 and 2631-5 given the different health risks predicted for a data set with high shock content.

Medical and Public Health Consequences of Natural and Biological Disasters

Better epidemiologic knowledge of the causes of death and types of injuries and illnesses caused by disasters is clearly essential to determine appropriate relief supplies, equipment, and personnel needed to effectively respond to such situations. The overall objective of health disaster managers is to measure and describe as accurately as possible the health effects of disasters and contributing factors to these effects, with the goals of assessing the needs of disaster-affected populations, efficient matching of resources to needs, further prevention of adverse health effects, evaluation of program effectiveness, and for contingency planning. In addition, public health professionals have an important role to play in providing informed advice about the probable health effects that may arise in the future, in establishing priorities for action, and in emphasizing the need for accurate information as the basis for relief decisions. This paper outlines a number of important areas where public health can contribute to making overall disaster management more effective.

Disaster Epidemiology: Challenges for Public Health Action

Better epidemiologic knowledge of the causes of death and types of injuries and illnesses caused by disasters is clearly essential to determine appropriate relief supplies, equipment and personnel needed to respond effectively to such situations. The overall objective of disaster epidemiology is to scientifically measure and describe the health effects of disasters and contributing factors to these effects, with the goals of assessing the needs of disaster-affected populations, efficient matching of resources to needs, further prevention of adverse health effects, evaluation of program effectiveness, and contingency planning. In addition, the epidemiologist has an important role to play in providing informed advice about the probable health effects which may arise in the future, in establishing priorities for action and in emphasizing the need for accurate information as the basis for relief decisions. This presentation outlines a number of important areas where epidemiologists can contribute to making disaster management more effective.

Discussion: Drummond's “resource allocation decisions in health care: A role for quality of life assessment?”

DECISIONS about the allocation of resources in health care are being made throughout the world and promise to become more obvious and difficult as budgets become tighter. The issue is how allocation decisions are to be made, and what kinds of information and techniques are to be marshalled to guide decision makers. Michael Drummond’s paper introduces the issue of using quality of life indicators beyond clinical encounters to formulate policy, especially public policy. His paper presents an insightful overview of the growing use of economic evaluations for this purpose. He defines the problem of resource allocation; describes the components, processes, and uses of economic evaluations; and raises key issues about incorporating quality of life assessments into these evaluations. My comments center on the different frameworks of economic analysis and the use of results. They are intended primarily to clarify and less frequently to take issue with aspects of Drummond’s exposition. The role of quality of life indicators in economic evaluations can be clarified by examining the continuum of analytical frameworks that can be used. Consider the question of whether to use extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy or open surgery for certain stones in the upper urinary tract. Possible health effects to consider include mortality; days of illness, discomfort, and distress; and long-term consequences, such as damage and eventual loss of the kidney. If the probable health effects of the alternative medical interventions are the same, the problem becomes one of cost minimization, that is, managing the treatment of urinary stones with the least costly use of resources. But if, as is more likely, probable health effects differ among the alternatives and health effects go beyond mortality, one needs an index to combine health effects, so alternatives can be compared. This task calls on the expertise of biomedical researchers, clinicians, health services researchers, and policy analysts. And, as Margolese pointed out, health effects in additional to mortality are of greater importance with chronic disease than with acute infectious disease. Cost-benejit analysis addresses the problem of combining different health effects by using monetary units to express all effects. As Drummond explains, reduced morbidity can be valued by the extra productivity gained from increased working time or by the patients’ willingness to pay to avoid the discomfort associated with a medical condition. Despite the initial use of cost-benefit analysis in the health field during the 1950s and 196Os, there has been a decided trend away from using the technique and toward using cost-effectiveness analysis [ 11, probably because of the distaste for attaching a dollar value to health and life. Cost -e@tiveness analysis examines differences in monetary cost and health effects from using one medical intervention instead of another [2]. The cost-effectiveness ratio expresses the net cost to be expended to achieve a net change in health effects. Health effects may be measured in years of life, in cases of disease, or by a health index, such as quality-adjusted life years. Such an index adjusts changes in years of

Interrelation between health and population: Observations derived from field experiences

This paper presents information and concepts concerning the health of populations in less developed countries as background for discussions of more focused and detailed papers on these and related subjects. It begins with a review of health status and trends in developing countries since 1950, followed by a section identifying the major health problems and their causes. The third part includes analyses of associations between health resources, water and sanitation facilities, food availability, and economic and social indicators taken as independent variables and measures of health status—life expectancy, crude death rates, and infant mortality—as the dependent variables. The final section discusses health policies and their implementation and offers an analysis of the resource requirements and health effects of different methods of organizing and combining health programs in a few developing countries. The objective is to illustrate a method of determining preferred activities at any given level of investment and the probable health effects of varying increases in the level of health expenditures.

Electrolysis between the feet and the ground and its probable health effects

This paper describes experiments which show that a person with bare feet on the ground or with conducting sole shoes, sets up between his feet a redox cell (1), and that current of a significant magnitude flows up one leg and down the other. It suggests that this electrolytic activity could have very wide significance in various aspects of health.