1
|
Janssen ER, Nielen M, Spithoven JJG, van Werven T, Wouters IM. Observational study on occupational exposure of dairy farmers to formaldehyde. Occup Environ Med 2023:oemed-2022-108753. [PMID: 37945343 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide insights into exposure of Dutch dairy farmers to formaldehyde derived from formalin footbaths used for cows. Dutch safety norms are set at a limit of 0.122 ppm during an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 0.407 ppm for a 15-min TWA. METHODS At 20 farms formaldehyde air concentrations were determined using stationary active air sampling with impingers next to the footbath and in the milking parlour during footbath usage. Formalin footbath concentrations were tested and meteorological conditions were collected using a climate monitor to assess associations with formaldehyde concentrations. A structured interview inquired on potential exposure routes and exposure duration. RESULTS Formaldehyde concentrations next to the footbath ranged from <0.003 to 0.316 ppm, with seven measurements exceeding the 8-hour TWA threshold. None of the measurements exceeded the 15-min TWA threshold at either location. Formaldehyde air concentrations in the milking parlour were generally lower, yet at two farms exceeded the 8-hour TWA limit during sampling. Self-reported exposure time of the dairy farmers to the formalin footbath never exceeded 15 min. Although due to the small sample size, no significant associations between most predictor variables and formaldehyde levels in the air were found, the direction of effects were as expected. CONCLUSIONS The exposure of Dutch dairy farmers presumably falls within the established safety norms. Nonetheless, substantial levels of formaldehyde could be detected. This study further emphasises the importance of substitution of formalin in dairy practice and the relevance of informing dairy farmers on proper handling of formalin to reduce exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esmée Rianne Janssen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Nielen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tine van Werven
- Department Population Health Sciences, Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University Farm Animal Practice, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Maria Wouters
- Department Population Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
As livestock production systems have changed to intensive commercial structures to meet the increasing demand for animal-based products, there has been an increase in food production diseases, subsequently resulting in animal welfare issues. After mastitis and infertility, lameness is one of the three major issues affecting dairy cattle globally, resulting in reduced productivity, economic losses, and animal welfare problems. Lameness is associated with reduced milk yield, lack of weight gain, poor fertility, and frequently, animal culling. Environmental (temperature, humidity) and animal risk factors contribute to disease severity, making this multifaceted disease difficult to eradicate and control. As such, prevalence rates of lameness in dairy herds ranges from 17% to 35% globally. Clinical lameness is often treated with antibiotic therapy, which is undesirable in food-producing animals, as outlined in the One Health and the European Farm to Fork food sustainability goals. Lameness is not a single disease in dairy cows but is the manifestation a range of issues, making lameness control one of the greatest challenges in dairy farming. Lameness prevention, therefore, must be a key focus of farm management and sustainable food production. There is an urgent need to establish farm-level aetiology of disease, promote the recognition of lameness, and implement effective control measures to lower incidence and transmission of disease within herds.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cammalleri V, Pocino RN, Marotta D, Protano C, Sinibaldi F, Simonazzi S, Petyx M, Iavicoli S, Vitali M. Occupational scenarios and exposure assessment to formaldehyde: A systematic review. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12949. [PMID: 34708443 PMCID: PMC9298394 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the systematic review were to: identify the work sectors at risk for exposure to formaldehyde; investigate the procedures applied to assess occupational exposure; evaluate the reported exposure levels among the different settings. An electronic search of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and ToxNet was carried out for collecting all the articles on the investigated issue published from January 1, 2004 to September 30, 2019. Forty-three papers were included in the review, and evidenced a great number of occupational scenarios at risk for formaldehyde exposure. All the included studies collected data on formaldehyde exposure levels by a similar approach: environmental and personal sampling followed by chromatographic analyses. Results ranged from not detectable values until to some mg m-3 of airborne formaldehyde. The riskiest occupational settings for formaldehyde exposure were the gross anatomy and pathology laboratories, the hairdressing salons and some specific productive settings, such as wooden furniture factories, dairy facilities and fish hatcheries. Notice that formaldehyde, a well-known carcinogen, was recovered in air at levels higher than outdoor in almost all the studied scenarios/activities; thus, when formaldehyde cannot be removed or substituted, targeted strategies for exposure elimination or mitigation must be adopted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cammalleri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Roberta Noemi Pocino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Daniela Marotta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Federica Sinibaldi
- Department of Anatomical Histological Medical Legal Sciences and Locomotor ApparatusUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Stefano Simonazzi
- Department of Anatomical Histological Medical Legal Sciences and Locomotor ApparatusUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Marta Petyx
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and HygieneINAIL ResearchRomeItaly
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and HygieneINAIL ResearchRomeItaly
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Protano C, Buomprisco G, Cammalleri V, Pocino RN, Marotta D, Simonazzi S, Cardoni F, Petyx M, Iavicoli S, Vitali M. The Carcinogenic Effects of Formaldehyde Occupational Exposure: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:165. [PMID: 35008329 PMCID: PMC8749969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Formaldehyde, classified as a carcinogen in 2004, as of today is widely used in many work activities. From its classification, further studies were performed to evaluate its carcinogenicity. The aim of the systematic review is to update the evidence on occupational exposure to formaldehyde and cancer onset. METHODS The review, in accordance with the PRISMA statement, includes articles in English reporting original results of studies conducted on workers exposed to formaldehyde, considering all types of cancer, published from 1 January 2000 to 30 July 2021 and selected from the Pubmed and Scopus databases. The studies' quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS A total of 21 articles were included, conducted in different European, American, and Asian countries. The most investigated occupational areas are those characterized by a deliberate use of formaldehyde. Some studies evaluated all types of cancer, whereas others focused on specific sites such as thyroid and respiratory, lymphohematopoietic, or central nervous systems. The results showed weak associations with lung cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the need for further original studies carried out on representative samples of workers exposed to measured levels of FA. These studies should be designed to reduce the bias due to co-exposure to other carcinogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (V.C.); (R.N.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Buomprisco
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (S.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Vittoria Cammalleri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (V.C.); (R.N.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Roberta Noemi Pocino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (V.C.); (R.N.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Marotta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (V.C.); (R.N.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Stefano Simonazzi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (S.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesca Cardoni
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (S.S.); (F.C.)
| | - Marta Petyx
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (S.I.)
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (S.I.)
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (V.C.); (R.N.P.); (D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Neirurerová P, Strapák P, Strapáková E, Juhás P. Impact of Claw Disorders in Dairy Cattle on Health, Production and Economics and Practicable Preventive Methods. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2021. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun.2021.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
6
|
Panikkar B, Barrett MK. Precarious Essential Work, Immigrant Dairy Farmworkers, and Occupational Health Experiences in Vermont. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073675. [PMID: 33915975 PMCID: PMC8038053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Migrant dairy workers in Vermont face a wide range of occupational and health hazards at work. This research examines the environmental risks, occupational health hazards, and health outcomes experienced by migrant dairy farm workers in Vermont. This research draws on a triangulation of sources including analysis of data—surveys and interviews with migrant dairy farmworkers gathered by the organization Migrant Justice since 2015 as well as relevant key informant interviews with community organizations across the state to characterize the occupational health experiences of migrant dairy workers in Vermont. Our results show that Vermont migrant dairy farmworkers received poor health and safety training and lacked sufficient protective gear. Over three quarters of the respondents reported experiencing harm from chemical and biological risks. Close to half the survey respondents reported headaches, itchy eyes and cough; a quarter reported breathing difficulties; three fourths reported being hurt by animal-related risks. These exposures and existing health concerns are avoidable. Migrant workers require better social representation and advocates to negotiate better work-related protection and training, access to health services, and social welfare to ensure their health and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Panikkar
- Bindu Panikkar, Environmental Studies Program and the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Mary-Kate Barrett
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Vermont, 146 University Place, Morril Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effect of footbath protocols for prevention and treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2019; 164:56-71. [PMID: 30771895 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious bacterial disease affecting cattle feet. Footbaths are a common herd-level control method for DD; however, variations in product, concentration, and frequency of use complicate comparisons between protocols. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate all walk-through footbath protocols reported that determined efficacy for prevention and treatment of DD lesions in dairy cattle. An extensive literature search was conducted, including electronic databases and gray literature updated until March 2018. Studies identified included all liquid walk-through footbath protocols that were compared to other footbath protocols or no footbath. Only studies with treatment or prevention of DD lesions as an outcome were included. Literature search and subsequent screening identified 14 publications with 24 treatment comparisons and 24 prevention comparisons. Studies included mostly had low and/or unclear risks of bias. Descriptive analyses were performed according to prevention and treatment outcomes, with case and success definitions summarized as odds ratios (OR). A subsequent network meta-analysis was conducted of 11 studies, comparing 17 protocol comparisons for the prevention outcome and 10 studies comparing 19 protocol comparisons for the treatment outcome, using semi-informative priors in a Bayesian statistical framework. Results of a random effects Bayesian network meta-analysis indicated only 5% copper sulfate used at least 4 times/wk was superior to both no footbath (OR: 5.26; 95% CrI: 1.27-28.8) and a water placebo (OR: 9.47; 95% CrI: 1.03-85.8) in treatment of DD. No other protocol was associated with a reduction in DD, and there were no differences in pair-wise comparisons between any active treatments. Unfortunately, for both outcomes (treatment and prevention), small sample sizes (adjusted for clustering) limited the power to detect substantial differences between protocol effects. Thus, despite widespread use of footbaths, limited strength of evidence for use remains and standardized protocols with large sample sizes are needed to further investigate effectiveness of footbath protocols for control of DD. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Collapse
|
8
|
Orsel K, Plummer P, Shearer J, De Buck J, Carter SD, Guatteo R, Barkema HW. Missing pieces of the puzzle to effectively control digital dermatitis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65 Suppl 1:186-198. [PMID: 29124910 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Since the first report of bovine digital dermatitis (DD) in 1974, there is a large body of the literature published; however, effective prevention and control of the disease remain elusive. Although many aspects of the pathogenesis of DD have been investigated, even some of the most basic questions such as the aetiology of this disease remain under debate. Treponema spp. have been strongly associated with DD lesions and occur in abundance in advanced lesions; however, efforts to induce disease with pure cultures of these organisms have been largely underwhelming and inconsistent. Furthermore, although the disease has been presented for several decades, there is limited scientific evidence regarding effective treatment of DD. Apparent discrepancies between effectiveness in vitro and in vivo have challenged the scientific community to identify new potential treatment options. With no treatment resulting in a 100% cure rate, the current expectation is manageable control, but prospects for the eradication of the disease are unlikely using current approaches. In order to develop more effective approaches to control DD on-farm, there is a critical need for a deeper understanding regarding the causation, ecology, transmission and treatment of this disease. In this article, we attempt to provide insights into specific research needs related to DD in order to assist the industry, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and research sponsors with decision-making and identified research gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - P Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
| | - J Shearer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
| | - J De Buck
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - S D Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Guatteo
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - H W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jacobs C, Orsel K, Mason S, Gray K, Barkema H. Comparison of the efficacy of a commercial footbath product with copper sulfate for the control of digital dermatitis. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:5628-5641. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
10
|
Wilson-Welder JH, Alt DP, Nally JE. Digital Dermatitis in Cattle: Current Bacterial and Immunological Findings. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1114-35. [PMID: 26569318 PMCID: PMC4693204 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally; digital dermatitis is a leading form of lameness observed in production dairy cattle. While the precise etiology remains to be determined; the disease is clearly associated with infection by numerous species of treponemes; in addition to other anaerobic bacteria. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the current literature; focusing on discussion of the polybacterial nature of the digital dermatitis disease complex and host immune response. Several phylotypes of treponemes have been identified; some of which correlate with location in the lesion and some with stages of lesion development. Local innate immune responses may contribute to the proliferative, inflammatory conditions that perpetuate digital dermatitis lesions. While serum antibody is produced to bacterial antigens in the lesions, little is known about cellular-based immunity. Studies are still required to delineate the pathogenic traits of treponemes associated with digital dermatitis; and other host factors that mediate pathology and protection of digital dermatitis lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | - David P Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|