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Putus T, Suominen E, Atosuo J, Vilén L. Occupational Risk Factors for Hoarseness Among Police Officers in Finland. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00008-5. [PMID: 36717312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.01.009] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Police officers have many work-related risks. In Finland, hoarseness and other respiratory symptoms and related risk factors have not been investigated on a national level. In many of the work tasks carried out by the police, an excellent physical and mental condition is essential. METHOD Our aim was to determine the prevalence of hoarseness and related respiratory symptoms and to investigate eventual occupational risk factors associated with hoarseness. We also compared different work tasks and remediation procedures in three police stations with indoor air problems. MATERIAL In all, 767 persons completed a nation-wide e-mail survey. The study population is approximately 11% of the total police force in Finland. Half of the study population were men. In three cities, we evaluated the outcome of different type of remediation methods after the moisture damaged buildings were renovated. The prevalence of hoarseness was compared in different work tasks and the risk associated with indoor air, work-related stress, and background factors were estimated. Information on the remediation was obtained from the employer. RESULTS Altogether, 30.5% of the respondents had hoarseness and 15.5% had work-related stress. Almost 9% were smokers and 43% had pets at home. Of all the respondents, 13% had asthma. Hoarseness was not related to work-related stress. The strongest risk factors for hoarseness were asthma and exposure to mold odor, dusts and cold temperatures after adjusting for age, gender, smoking and pet-owning. When three renovation techniques were compared, the best results were found in the building with a thorough remediation and the removal of mold from the building. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the exposure to irritant gases, fumes, and bioaerosols should be minimized whenever possible in order to avoid incident asthma and voice problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuula Putus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Environmental Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Clinical Research Unit TROSSI, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Eetu Suominen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Environmental Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Clinical Research Unit TROSSI, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Biotechnology, The Laboratory of Immunochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Janne Atosuo
- Clinical Research Unit TROSSI, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Biotechnology, The Laboratory of Immunochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Vilén
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Environmental Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Clinical Research Unit TROSSI, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Marika M, Marketa D, Lada S, Marian R, Filip K, Adam V, Věra V, Kristina K, Dagmar J, Tuula H. New approach methods for assessing indoor air toxicity. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100090. [PMID: 36281315 PMCID: PMC9587284 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor air is typically a mixture of many chemicals at low concentrations without any adverse health effects alone, but in mixtures they may cause toxicity and risks to human health. The aim of this study was by using new approach methods to assess the potential toxicity of indoor air condensates. In specific, different in vitro test methods including cyto-and immunotoxicity, skin sensitization and endocrine disruption were applied. In addition to biological effects, the indoor air samples were subjected to targeted analysis of 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Genapol X-80 (a nonionic emulsifier) suspected to be present in the samples, and to a non-targeted "total chemical scan" to find out whether the chemical composition of the samples is associated with the biological effects. The results confirm that assessing health risks of indoor air by analysing individual chemicals is not an adequate approach: We were not able to detect the VOCs and Genapol X-80 in the indoor air samples, yet, several types of toxicity, namely, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, skin sensitization and endocrine disruption were detected. In the non-targeted total chemical scan of the indoor air samples, a larger number of compounds were found in the cytotoxic samples than in the non-cytotoxic samples supporting the biological findings. If only one biological method would be selected for the screening of indoor air quality, THP-1 macrophage/WST-1 assay would best fit for the purpose as it is sensitive and serves as a good representative for different sub-toxic end points, including immunotoxicity, (skin) sensitization and endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mannerström Marika
- The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 1, 33014 Tampere University, Finland,Corresponding author at: Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33014 Tampere University, Finland.
| | - Dvorakova Marketa
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Svobodova Lada
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic,Medical Faculty of Palacky University, Hnevotinska 976/3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Rucki Marian
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Kotal Filip
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Vavrouš Adam
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Vrbíková Věra
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Kejlova Kristina
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Jirova Dagmar
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Heinonen Tuula
- The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 1, 33014 Tampere University, Finland
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Vaali K, Tuomela M, Mannerström M, Heinonen T, Tuuminen T. Toxic Indoor Air Is a Potential Risk of Causing Immuno Suppression and Morbidity—A Pilot Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020104. [PMID: 35205859 PMCID: PMC8877819 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to establish an etiology-based connection between the symptoms experienced by the occupants of a workplace and the presence in the building of toxic dampness microbiota. The occupants (5/6) underwent a medical examination and urine samples (2/6) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS for mycotoxins at two time-points. The magnitude of inhaled water was estimated. Building-derived bacteria and fungi were identified and assessed for toxicity. Separate cytotoxicity tests using human THP-1 macrophages were performed from the office’s indoor air water condensates. Office-derived indoor water samples (n = 4/4) were toxic to human THP-1 macrophages. Penicillium, Acremonium sensu lato, Aspergillus ochraceus group and Aspergillus section Aspergillus grew from the building material samples. These colonies were toxic in boar sperm tests (n = 11/32); four were toxic to BHK-21 cells. Mycophenolic acid, which is a potential immunosuppressant, was detected in the initial and follow-up urine samples of (2/2) office workers who did not take immunosuppressive drugs. Their urinary mycotoxin profiles differed from household and unrelated controls. Our study suggests that the presence of mycotoxins in indoor air is linked to the morbidity of the occupants. The cytotoxicity test of the indoor air condensate is a promising tool for risk assessment in moisture-damaged buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Vaali
- SelexLab Oy, Kalevankatu 17 A, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-50-550-1131
| | - Marja Tuomela
- Co-op Bionautit, Viikinkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marika Mannerström
- The Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33014 Tampere, Finland; (M.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Tuula Heinonen
- The Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33014 Tampere, Finland; (M.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Tamara Tuuminen
- Medical Center Kruunuhaka Oy, Kaisaniemenkatu 8B a, 00100 Helsinki, Finland;
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Damiani G, Alessandrini M, Caccamo D, Cormano A, Guzzi G, Mazzatenta A, Micarelli A, Migliore A, Piroli A, Bianca M, Tapparo O, Pigatto PDM. Italian Expert Consensus on Clinical and Therapeutic Management of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111294. [PMID: 34769816 PMCID: PMC8582949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem, recurrent, environmental disorder that flares in response to different exposures (i.e., pesticides, solvents, toxic metals and molds) under the threshold limit value (TLV) calculated for age and gender in the general population. MCS is a syndrome characterized by cutaneous, allergic, gastrointestinal, rheumatological, endocrinological, cardiological and neurological signs and symptoms. We performed a systematic review of the literature to summarize the current clinical and therapeutic evidence and then oriented an eDelphi consensus. Four main research domains were identified (diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization and emergency) and discussed by 10 experts and an MCS patient. Thus, the first Italian MCS consensus had the double aim: (a) to improve MCS knowledge among healthcare workers and patients by standardizing the clinical and therapeutic management to MCS patients; and (b) to improve and shed light on MCS misconceptions not supported by evidence-based medicine (EBM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Damiani
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
- PhD Degree Program in Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences, & Morpho-Functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Andrea Cormano
- International Society of Doctors for Environment, 82100 Benevento, Italy;
| | - Gianpaolo Guzzi
- Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research—A.I.R.M.E.B., 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Mazzatenta
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Micarelli
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
- ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), 02032 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Migliore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Rheumatology, San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alba Piroli
- Department of MeSVA, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | | | | | - Paolo Daniele Maria Pigatto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-9971
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Hyvönen S. Response to the Critics by Pekkanen et al. Saf Health Work 2020; 11:380-382. [PMID: 32995064 PMCID: PMC7502613 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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The Roles of Autoimmunity and Biotoxicosis in Sick Building Syndrome as a "Starting Point" for Irreversible Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome. Antibodies (Basel) 2020; 9:antib9020026. [PMID: 32580407 PMCID: PMC7345570 DOI: 10.3390/antib9020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The terminology of "sick building syndrome" (SBS), meaning that a person may feel sick in a certain building, but when leaving the building, the symptoms will reverse, is imprecise. Many different environmental hazards may cause the feeling of sickness, such as high indoor air velocity, elevated noise, low or high humidity, vapors or dust. The Aim: To describe SBS in connection with exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota (DM). Methods: A search through Medline/Pubmed. Results and Conclusions: Chronic course of SBS may be avoided. By contrast, persistent or cumulative exposure to DM may make SBS potentially life-threatening and lead to irreversible dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome (DMHS). The corner feature of DMHS is acquired by dysregulation of the immune system in the direction of hypersensitivities (types I-IV) and simultaneous deprivation of immunity that manifests as increased susceptibility to infections. DMHS is a systemic low-grade inflammation and a biotoxicosis. There is already some evidence that DMHS may be linked to autoimmunity. Autoantibodies towards, e.g., myelin basic protein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, ganglioside GM1, smooth muscle cells and antinuclear autoantibodies were reported in mold-related illness. DMHS is also a mitochondropathy and endocrinopathy. The association of autoimmunity with DMHS should be confirmed through cohort studies preferably using chip-based technology.
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