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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Aasbø K, Bråtveit M. Validation of a full-shift benzene exposure empirical model developed for work on offshore petroleum installations on the Norwegian continental shelf. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:460-467. [PMID: 37526465 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2242416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Workers on offshore petroleum installations might be exposed to benzene, a carcinogenic agent. Recently, a full-shift benzene exposure model was developed based on personal measurements. This study aimed to validate this exposure model by using datasets not included in the model. The exposure model was validated against an internal dataset of measurements from offshore installations owned by the same company that provided data for the model, and an external dataset from installations owned by another company. We used Tobit regression to estimate GM (geometric mean) benzene exposure overall and for individual job groups. Bias, relative bias, precision, and correlation were estimated to evaluate the agreement between measured exposures and the levels predicted by the model. Overall, the model overestimated exposure when compared to the predicted exposure level to the internal dataset with a factor of 1.7, a relative bias of 73%, a precision of 0.6, a correlation coefficient of 0.72 (p = 0.019), while the Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) was 0.53. The model underestimated exposure when compared to the external dataset with a factor of about 2, with a relative bias of -45%, a precision of 1.2, a correlation coefficient of 0.31 (p = 0.544), and a Lin's CCC of 0.25. The exposure model overestimated benzene exposure in the internal validation dataset, while the precision and the correlation between the measured and predicted exposure levels were high. Differences in measurement strategies could be one of the reasons for the discrepancy. The exposure model agreed less with the external dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Ridderseth
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) represents an air quality management challenge for confined swine production systems. Due to the limited space and ventilation rate, PM can reach relatively high concentrations in swine barns. PM in swine barns possesses different physical, chemical, and biological characteristics than that in the atmosphere and other indoor environments. As a result, it exerts different environmental and health effects and creates some unique challenges regarding PM measurement and mitigation. Numerous research efforts have been made, generating massive data and information. However, relevant review reports are sporadic. This study aims to provide an updated comprehensive review of swine barn PM, focusing on publications since 1990. It covers various topics including PM characteristics, sources, measurement methods, and in-barn mitigation technologies. As PM in swine barns is primarily of biological origins, bioaerosols are reviewed in great detail. Relevant topics include bacterial/fungal counts, viruses, microbial community composition, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, endotoxins, and (1→3)-β-D-glucans. For each topic, existing knowledge is summarized and discussed and knowledge gaps are identified. Overall, PM in swine barns is complicated in chemical and biological composition and highly variable in mass concentrations, size, and microbial abundance. Feed, feces, and skins constitute the major PM sources. Regarding in-barn PM mitigation, four technologies (oil/water sprinkling, ionization, alternation of feed and feeders, and recirculating air filtration) are dominant. However, none of them have been widely used in commercial barns. A collective discussion of major knowledge gaps and future research needs is offered at the end of the report.
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Coffman VR, Hall DJ, Pisanic N, Love DC, Nadimpalli M, McCormack M, Diener-West M, Davis MF, Heaney CD. Self-reported work activities, eye, nose, and throat symptoms, and respiratory health outcomes among an industrial hog operation worker cohort, North Carolina, USA. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:403-413. [PMID: 33616247 PMCID: PMC8046736 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory disease among industrial hog operation (IHO) workers is well documented; however, it remains unclear whether specific work activities are more harmful and if personal protective equipment (PPE), as used by workers, can reduce adverse health outcomes. METHODS IHO workers (n = 103) completed baseline and up to eight bi-weekly study visits. Workers reported typical (baseline) and transient (bi-weekly) work activities, PPE use, and physical health symptoms. Baseline and longitudinal associations were assessed using generalized logistic and fixed-effects logistic regression models, respectively. RESULTS At baseline, reports of ever versus never drawing pig blood, applying pesticides, and increasing years worked at any IHO were positively associated with reports of eye, nose, and/or throat irritation. Over time, transient exposures, associated with dustiness in barns, cleaning of barns, and pig contact were associated with increased odds of sneezing, headache, and eye or nose irritation, particularly in the highest categories of exposure. When PPE was used, workers had lower odds of symptoms interfering with sleep (odds ratio [OR]: 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.8), and eye or nose irritation (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.02-0.9). Similarly, when they washed their hands eight times or more per shift (median frequency) versus less frequently, the odds of any respiratory symptom were reduced (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.8). CONCLUSIONS In this healthy volunteer worker population, increasingly unfavorable IHO activities were associated with self-reported eye, nose, throat, and respiratory health symptoms. Strong protective associations were seen between PPE use and handwashing and the odds of symptoms, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R Coffman
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Devon J Hall
- Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help (REACH), Warsaw, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nora Pisanic
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David C Love
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maya Nadimpalli
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Stuart B. Levy Center for Integrated Management of Antimicrobial Resistance (Levy CIMAR), Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meredith McCormack
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie Diener-West
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meghan F Davis
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Education and Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Water Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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4
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Crawford MS, Nordgren TM, McCole DF. Every breath you take: Impacts of environmental dust exposure on intestinal barrier function-from the gut-lung axis to COVID-19. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G586-G600. [PMID: 33501887 PMCID: PMC8054554 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00423.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
As countries continue to industrialize, major cities experience diminished air quality, whereas rural populations also experience poor air quality from sources such as agricultural operations. These exposures to environmental pollution from both rural and populated/industrialized sources have adverse effects on human health. Although respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are the most commonly reported following long-term exposure to particulate matter and hazardous chemicals, gastrointestinal complications have also been associated with the increased risk of lung disease from inhalation of polluted air. The interconnectedness of these organ systems has offered valuable insights into the roles of the immune system and the micro/mycobiota as mediators of communication between the lung and the gut during disease states. A topical example of this relationship is provided by reports of multiple gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whereas the rapid transmission and increased risk of COVID-19 has been linked to poor air quality and high levels of particulate matter. In this review, we focus on the mechanistic effects of environmental pollution on disease progression with special emphasis on the gut-lung axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meli'sa S Crawford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Tara M Nordgren
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Declan F McCole
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
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5
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Moubadder L, McCullough LE, Flowers CR, Koff JL. Linking Environmental Exposures to Molecular Pathogenesis in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Subtypes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020; 29:1844-1855. [PMID: 32727723 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies, with about 60 subtypes that arise via various pathogenetic mechanisms. Although establishing etiology for specific NHL subtypes has been historically difficult given their relative rarity, environmental exposures have been repeatedly implicated as risk factors across many subtypes. Large-scale epidemiologic investigations have pinpointed chemical exposures in particular, but causality has not been established, and the exact biologic mechanisms underpinning these associations are unclear. Here we review chemical exposures that have been associated with development of NHL subtypes and discuss their biologic plausibility based on current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Moubadder
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren E McCullough
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher R Flowers
- Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jean L Koff
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Sigsgaard T, Basinas I, Doekes G, de Blay F, Folletti I, Heederik D, Lipinska-Ojrzanowska A, Nowak D, Olivieri M, Quirce S, Raulf M, Sastre J, Schlünssen V, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Siracusa A. Respiratory diseases and allergy in farmers working with livestock: a EAACI position paper. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:29. [PMID: 32642058 PMCID: PMC7336421 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Farmers constitute a large professional group worldwide. In developed countries farms tend to become larger, with a concentration of farm operations. Animal farming has been associated with negative respiratory effects such as work-related asthma and rhinitis. However, being born and raised or working on a farm reduces the risk of atopic asthma and rhinitis later in life. A risk of chronic bronchitis and bronchial obstruction/COPD has been reported in confinement buildings and livestock farmers. This position paper reviews the literature linking exposure information to intensive animal farming and the risk of work-related respiratory diseases and focuses on prevention. Animal farming is associated with exposure to organic dust containing allergens and microbial matter including alive microorganisms and viruses, endotoxins and other factors like irritant gases such as ammonia and disinfectants. These exposures have been identified as specific agents/risk factors of asthma, rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, COPD and reduced FEV1. Published studies on dust and endotoxin exposure in livestock farmers do not show a downward trend in exposure over the last 30 years, suggesting that the workforce in these industries is still overexposed and at risk of developing respiratory disease. In cases of occupational asthma and rhinitis, avoidance of further exposure to causal agents is recommended, but it may not be obtainable in agriculture, mainly due to socio-economic considerations. Hence, there is an urgent need for focus on farming exposure in order to protect farmers and others at work in these and related industries from developing respiratory diseases and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sigsgaard
- Department of Environment Occupation & Health, Dept of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Build. 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - I Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Doekes
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F de Blay
- Division of Asthma and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, University Hospital, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - I Folletti
- Occupational Medicine, Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - D Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Lipinska-Ojrzanowska
- Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - D Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member DZL, German Centre for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - M Olivieri
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Quirce
- Department of Allergy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ) and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Raulf
- IPA Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - J Sastre
- Department of Allergy, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - V Schlünssen
- Department of Environment Occupation & Health, Dept of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Build. 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - J Walusiak-Skorupa
- Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - A Siracusa
- Formerly Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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7
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Sauvé JF, Locke SJ, Josse PR, Stapleton EM, Metwali N, Altmaier RW, Andreotti G, Thorne PS, Hofmann JN, Beane Freeman LE, Friesen MC. Characterization of inhalable endotoxin, glucan, and dust exposures in Iowa farmers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 228:113525. [PMID: 32311660 PMCID: PMC8010939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The observed deficit of lung cancer in farmers has been partly attributed to exposure to organic dusts and endotoxins based largely on surrogate metrics. To move beyond these surrogates for etiological studies, we characterized task-based and time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to inhalable endotoxin, (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan, and dust in Iowa farmers. METHODS We collected 320 personal inhalable dust samples from 32 farmers during 69 sample days in 2015 and 2016. Samples were collected using Button aerosol samplers and analyzed for endotoxin using a kinetic chromogenic amebocyte lysate assay, and for (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan using a Limulus endpoint assay. We assessed relationships between bioaerosol concentrations and selected tasks and farm characteristics using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS Bedding work, hog handling, and working in barn/confinement buildings, grain bins, and grain elevators were associated with higher endotoxin exposure. We found a monotonic trend between higher endotoxin concentrations and increasing number of animals. Bedding work, cleaning, and feed/grain storage work were associated with higher (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan concentrations. The median concentrations by task spanned one order of magnitude for inhalable dust and two orders of magnitude for endotoxin and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan. Pearson correlations between endotoxin and glucan concentrations were 0.22 for TWA exposure and 0.56 for task samples. CONCLUSIONS This characterization of exposure factors that influence bioaerosol concentrations can support the development of refined bioaerosol exposure metrics for future etiologic analyses of cancer and other health outcomes in farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Sauvé
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sarah J Locke
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pabitra R Josse
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Emma M Stapleton
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ralph W Altmaier
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Gabriella Andreotti
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Melissa C Friesen
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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8
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Bønløkke JH, Duchaine C, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T, Veillette M, Basinas I. Archaea and Bacteria Exposure in Danish Livestock Farmers. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:965-974. [PMID: 31504156 PMCID: PMC6853703 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz058] [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: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Methanogenic archaea have been found to make up part of the bioaerosols in pig, cattle, and poultry farms. So far no attempts have been made to determine how season, farm type, and farm characteristics may affect workers’ exposure to archaea. Methods Personal filter samples from 327 farmers working on 89 Danish farms were analysed for the number of 16S rRNA gene copies from archaea and bacteria and for their dust and endotoxin content. The farms were visited during summer and winter. Information on farm type and stable characteristics were collected using self-reported activity diaries and walk-through surveys. Differences in archaea and bacteria levels with farm type and stable characteristics and correlations with dust and endotoxin levels were examined. Results Personal archaea exposure was documented in all farm types including, for the first time, during mink farming. At 7.3*104 gene copies m−3 the archaea levels were around two orders of magnitude lower than bacteria levels at 5.7*106 gene copies m−3. At 1.7*105 gene copies m−3 among pig farmers and 1.9*104 gene copies m−3 among cattle farmers the archaea levels differed with farm type (P < 0.0005). The archaea and bacteria levels correlated weakly with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.17. Neither archaea nor bacteria levels differed by season. In pig farms the archaea levels differed by type of ventilation and by wetness of the floor. Conclusions Archaea levels were not neglible and appeared to vary greatly between farm types. In pig farms they varied with some farm characteristics. Archaea levels appeared to depend on factors that differed from those of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Hjort Bønløkke
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- CRIUCPQ and Département de Biochimie, microbiologie et bioinformatique, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Section of Work, Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Center for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Section of Work, Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marc Veillette
- CRIUCPQ and Département de Biochimie, microbiologie et bioinformatique, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
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Kates AE, Dalman M, Torner JC, Smith TC. The nasal and oropharyngeal microbiomes of healthy livestock workers. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212949. [PMID: 30861031 PMCID: PMC6413945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Little information exists on the microbiomes of livestock workers. A cross-sectional, epidemiological study was conducted enrolling 59 participants (26 of which had livestock contact) in Iowa. Participants were enrolled in one of four ways: from an existing prospective cohort study (n = 38), from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Animal Feeding Operations database (n = 17), through Iowa county fairs (n = 3), and through snowball sampling (n = 1). We collected swabs from the nares and oropharynx of each participant to assess the microbiome via 16s rRNA sequencing. We observed livestock workers to have greater diversity in their microbiomes compared to those with no livestock contact. In the nares, there were 27 operational taxonomic units found to be different between livestock workers and non-livestock workers with the greatest difference seen with Streptococcus and Proteobacteria. In the oropharynx, livestock workers with swine exposure were more likely to carry several pathogenic organisms. The results of this study are the first to characterize the livestock worker nasal and oropharyngeal microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E. Kates
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Mark Dalman
- Kent State University, College of Public Health, Kent, OH, United States of America
| | - James C. Torner
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Tara C. Smith
- Kent State University, College of Public Health, Kent, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Shin SJ, Song ES, Kim JW, Lee JH, Gautam R, Kim HJ, Kim YG, Cho AR, Yang SJ, Acharya M, Kim CY, Lee BC, Kim CH, Oh HG, Kwag JH, Yoon DH, Kim HA, Heo Y. Major environmental characteristics of swine husbandry that affect exposure to dust and airborne endotoxins. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:233-243. [PMID: 30821635 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1584596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of organic dust or endotoxin in the dust is considered a major risk factor for occupational respiratory illnesses. Eighteen environmental characteristics associated with animal husbandry were surveyed at 36 swine farms in seven provinces throughout South Korea. Association of these factors with levels of indoor inhalable or respirable dust or endotoxin in each type of dust was analyzed using backward stepwise multiple linear regression models. Mean levels of inhalable and respirable dust were 0.5 ± 0.35 and 0.13 ± 0.12 mg/m3 air, respectively, and mean endotoxin levels were 676 ± 463 and 48.4 ± 68.2 EU/m3, respectively, in each dust. Factors negatively associated with inhalable dust levels included pig age, indoor farm temperature, number of pigs in the building, hr/week of indoor farm work, and partly slatted floor. Factors positively associated with inhalable dust levels included floor cleaning by manual scraping and slurry deposit duration. Factors negatively associated with the level of endotoxin in inhalable dust included pig age, temperature, number of pigs, hr/week of indoor farm work, and partly slatted floor. Factors negatively associated with respirable dust level included area of the confinement building, whereas factors positively associated with respirable dust level included the number of pigs and stocking density. Endotoxin levels in respirable dust were negatively associated with h/week of indoor farm work and partly slatted floor. Overall, data suggest that husbandry variables may be adjusted to control dust and airborne endotoxin levels in swine farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Jung Shin
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Seob Song
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Kim
- b Institute of Health & Environment, Graduate School of Public Health , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hee Lee
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ji Kim
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Gyeong Kim
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Rang Cho
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jeong Yang
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Manju Acharya
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Yul Kim
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Lee
- c Technology Services Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Han Kim
- c Technology Services Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong-Geu Oh
- c Technology Services Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Kwag
- d Animal Environment Division , National Institute of Animal Science , Wanju , Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hoon Yoon
- e Technology Services Department , Gyeonggi Agricultural Research Extension Services , Hwaseong , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ah Kim
- f Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine , The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- a Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences , Daegu Catholic University , Daegu , Republic of Korea
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Nadimpalli ML, Stewart JR, Pierce E, Pisanic N, Love DC, Hall D, Larsen J, Carroll KC, Tekle T, Perl TM, Heaney CD. Face Mask Use and Persistence of Livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage among Industrial Hog Operation Workers and Household Contacts, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:127005. [PMID: 30675826 PMCID: PMC6371678 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Industrial hog operation (IHO) workers may persistently carry antibiotic-resistant, livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus in their nasal cavities. It is unclear whether IHO work activities can alter IHO workers' and their household members' exposure to these bacteria. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate the relationship of IHO work activities with persistence of antibiotic-resistant, livestock-associated S. aureus nasal carriage among IHO workers and their household members. METHODS At biweekly intervals over 4 months, IHO workers and their household members completed questionnaires and provided nasal swabs that were assessed for S. aureus, multidrug-resistant S. aureus (MDRSA), and livestock-associated markers (tetracycline resistance, scn absence, spa type). We examined the association between transient and habitual IHO work activities and S. aureus nasal carriage outcomes. RESULTS One hundred one IHO workers and 79 household members completed 1,456 study visits. Face mask use (each 25% increase) was associated with reduced odds of nasal carriage of MDRSA (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.92], tetracycline-resistant S. aureus [OR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.97)], and S. aureus clonal complex (CC) 398/CC9 [OR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.99)]. IHO workers who ever (vs. never) gave pigs injections had higher odds of these outcomes. Among household members, living with an IHO worker who consistently ([Formula: see text] of the time) versus sometimes or never used a face mask was associated with reduced odds of carrying scn-negative S. aureus, tetracycline-resistant S. aureus, and S. aureus CC398/CC9 (OR range: 0.12-0.20, all [Formula: see text]), and consistent IHO worker coveralls use was associated with reduced odds of household member MDRSA carriage only. Living with an IHO worker who habitually had contact with [Formula: see text] hogs (vs. [Formula: see text]) was associated with higher odds of household member livestock-associated S. aureus carriage. CONCLUSIONS Consistent face mask use was associated with reduced exposure to antibiotic-resistant, livestock-associated S. aureus among IHO workers and their household members. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Nadimpalli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Pierce
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nora Pisanic
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David C Love
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Devon Hall
- Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help, Warsaw, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jesper Larsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen C Carroll
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Microbiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tsigereda Tekle
- Microbiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Trish M Perl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Madsen AM, Kurdi I, Feld L, Tendal K. Airborne MRSA and Total Staphylococcus aureus as Associated With Particles of Different Sizes on Pig Farms. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:966-977. [PMID: 30060058 PMCID: PMC6188509 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have previously been found on pig farms, which may lead to nasal deposition of MRSA in humans via inhalation. The anterior nares are the main niche for S. aureus, and S. aureus can cause, e.g. wound infection and pneumonia. The aim of this study was to acquire knowledge about the potential deposition of airborne MRSA, specifically, and of total S. aureus (including both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and MRSA, in the following called S. aureus) in the different parts of the airways during occupancy on pig farms. Measurements of airborne MRSA and S. aureus were performed on four pig farms using a six and a three-stage sampler during different work tasks, such as high-pressure cleaning and everyday inspection. MRSA were quantified using MRSA-selective agar, and S. aureus were quantified using Staphylococcus selective agar. The identity of the bacteria were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The geometric mean (GM) concentrations of MRSA and S. aureus were 447 cfu/m3 air and 1.8 × 103 cfu/m3 air, respectively. The highest concentrations of MRSA and S. aureus were found among pigs in a weaner stable and during high-pressure cleaning of an empty stable, respectively. The lowest concentrations of MRSA and S. aureus were found in a stable with sick pigs and in feed-storages, respectively. Most MRSA and S. aureus were associated with particles between 7 and 12 µm. On average, the particle size fractions potentially depositing in the upper airways constituted 70%, in the primary and secondary bronchi 22%, and in the terminal bronchi and alveoli 8% of the inhalable MRSA and S. aureus concentration. Across the sampled areas, the geometric mean diameter (Dg) of particles with MRSA and S. aureus were 7.2 and 6.4 µm, respectively, and no significant difference was found between these Dgs. The Dg of the airborne particles with the studied bacterium was significantly associated with the different locations on the farms. The largest Dgs were found in the air samples from the aisles and on the fence to the pens, while the smallest Dgs were found in samples from the pens among the pigs and in samples taken at greater distances from the pigs: in the hallway, feed-storage, and entry room. In conclusion, airborne MRSA and S. aureus were found in sample fractions potentially depositing in all six parts of the airways. However, the majority was found to potentially deposit in the upper airways. The concentration of airborne MRSA and S. aureus and MRSA, as well as the fraction potentially depositing in the different parts of the airways, depended on the specific work task being performed and the location on the farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Iman Kurdi
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Louise Feld
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kira Tendal
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Davidson ME, Schaeffer J, Clark ML, Magzamen S, Brooks EJ, Keefe TJ, Bradford M, Roman-Muniz N, Mehaffy J, Dooley G, Poole JA, Mitloehner FM, Reed S, Schenker MB, Reynolds SJ. Personal exposure of dairy workers to dust, endotoxin, muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia on large-scale dairies in the high plains Western United States. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2018; 15:182-193. [PMID: 29157144 PMCID: PMC8641559 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1403610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Dairy workers experience a high degree of bioaerosol exposure, composed of an array of biological and chemical constituents, which have been tied to adverse health effects. A better understanding of the variation in the magnitude and composition of exposures by task is needed to inform worker protection strategies. To characterize the levels and types of exposures, 115 dairy workers grouped into three task categories on nine farms in the high plains Western United States underwent personal monitoring for inhalable dust, endotoxin, 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OHFA), muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia through one work shift. Eighty-nine percent of dairy workers were exposed to endotoxin at concentrations exceeding the recommended exposure guidelines (adjusted for a long work shift). The proportion of workers with exposures exceeding recommended guidelines was lower for inhalable dust (12%), and ammonia (1%). Ergosterol exposures were only measurable on 28% of samples, primarily among medical workers and feed handlers. Milking parlor workers were exposed to significantly higher inhalable dust, endotoxin, 3-OHFA, ammonia, and muramic acid concentrations compared to workers performing other tasks. Development of large modern dairies has successfully made progress in reducing worker exposures and lung disease prevalence. However, exposure to endotoxin, dust, and ammonia continues to present a significant risk to worker health on North American dairies, especially for workers in milking parlors. This study was among the first to concurrently evaluate occupational exposure to assayable endotoxin (lipid A), 3-hydroxy fatty acids or 3-OHFA (a chemical measure of cell bound and noncell-bound endotoxins), muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia among workers on Western U.S. dairies. There remains a need for cost-effective, culturally acceptable intervention strategies integrated in OHS Risk Management and production systems to further optimize worker health and farm productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Davidson
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- f Edith Cowan University , Perth , Western Australila , Australia
| | - Joshua Schaeffer
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Maggie L Clark
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Elizabeth J Brooks
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Thomas J Keefe
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Mary Bradford
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Noa Roman-Muniz
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- c Department of Animal Science , Colorado State University, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - John Mehaffy
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Gregory Dooley
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Jill A Poole
- d University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska
| | - Frank M Mitloehner
- e Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , UC Davis , Davis , California
| | - Sue Reed
- f Edith Cowan University , Perth , Western Australila , Australia
| | - Marc B Schenker
- e Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , UC Davis , Davis , California
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
- f Edith Cowan University , Perth , Western Australila , Australia
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Raynor PC, Engelman S, Murphy D, Ramachandran G, Bender JB, Alexander BH. Effects of Gestation Pens Versus Stalls and Wet Versus Dry Feed on Air Contaminants in Swine Production. J Agromedicine 2018; 23:40-51. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2017.1387633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Raynor
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shannon Engelman
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Darby Murphy
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Bender
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bruce H. Alexander
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Hofmann JN, Shiels MS, Friesen MC, Kemp TJ, Chaturvedi AK, Lynch CF, Parks CG, Pinto LA, Hildesheim A, Alavanja MCR, Beane Freeman LE. Industrial hog farming is associated with altered circulating immunological markers. Occup Environ Med 2017; 75:212-217. [PMID: 29055885 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The previously observed inverse association between hog farming and risk of lung cancer in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) has been attributed to endotoxin exposure, the levels of which are particularly high in industrial hog confinement facilities. We conducted an investigation to explore the potential biological mechanisms underlying this association, as well as other immunological changes associated with hog farming. METHODS Serum immune marker levels were measured using a multiplexed bead-based assay in 61 active hog farmers and 61 controls matched on age, phlebotomy date and raising cattle. Both groups comprised non-smoking male AHS participants from Iowa. We compared natural log-transformed marker levels between hog farmers and controls using multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS Circulating levels of macrophage-derived chemokine (CCL22), a chemokine previously implicated in lung carcinogenesis, were reduced among hog farmers (17% decrease; 95% CI -28% to -4%), in particular for those with the largest operations (>6000 hogs: 26% decrease; 95% CI -39% to -10%; ptrend=0.002). We also found that hog farmers had elevated levels of other immune markers, including macrophage inflammatory protein-3 alpha (MIP-3A/CCL20; 111% increase, 95% CI 19% to 273%), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2; 93% increase, 95% CI 10% to 240%) and soluble interleukin-4 receptor (12% increase, 95% CI 1% to 25%), with particularly strong associations for MIP-3A/CCL20 and FGF-2 in winter. CONCLUSIONS These results provide insights into potential immunomodulatory mechanisms through which endotoxin or other exposures associated with hog farming may influence lung cancer risk, and warrant further investigation with more detailed bioaerosol exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N Hofmann
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Meredith S Shiels
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa C Friesen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Troy J Kemp
- HPV Immunology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Anil K Chaturvedi
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Christine G Parks
- Department of Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ligia A Pinto
- HPV Immunology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Allan Hildesheim
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael C R Alavanja
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Anthony TR, Cai C, Mehaffy J, Sleeth D, Volckens J. Performance of prototype high-flow inhalable dust sampler in a livestock production facility. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:313-322. [PMID: 27792469 PMCID: PMC5503137 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1240872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A high-flow inhalable sampler, designed for operational flow rates up to 10 L/min using computer simulations and examined in wind tunnel experiments, was evaluated in the field. This prototype sampler was deployed in collocation with an IOM (the benchmark standard sampler) in a swine farrowing building to examine the sampling performance for assessing concentrations of inhalable particulate mass and endotoxin. Paired samplers were deployed for 24 hr on 19 days over a 3-month period. On each sampling day, the paired samplers were deployed at three fixed locations and data were analyzed to identify agreement and to examine systematic biases between concentrations measured by these samplers. Thirty-six paired gravimetric samples were analyzed; insignificant, unsubstantial differences between concentrations were identified between the two samplers (p = 0.16; mean difference 0.03 mg/m3). Forty-four paired samples were available for endotoxin analysis, and a significant (p = 0.001) difference in endotoxin concentration was identified: the prototype sampler, on average, had 120 EU/m3 more endotoxin than did the IOM samples. Since the same gravimetric samples were analyzed for endotoxin content, the endotoxin difference is likely attributable to differences in endotoxin extraction. The prototype's disposable thin-film polycarbonate capsule was included with the filter in the 1-hr extraction procedure while the internal plastic cassette of the IOM required a rinse procedure that is susceptible to dust losses. Endotoxin concentrations measured with standard plastic IOM inserts that follow this rinsing procedure may underestimate the true endotoxin exposure concentrations. The maximum concentrations in the study (1.55 mg/m3 gravimetric, 2328 EU/m3 endotoxin) were lower than other agricultural or industrial environments. Future work should explore the performance of the prototype sampler in dustier environments, where concentrations approach particulates not otherwise specified (PNOS) limits of 10 mg/m3, including using the prototype as a personal sampler.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Renée Anthony
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 145 Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Changjie Cai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 145 Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - John Mehaffy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Darrah Sleeth
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - John Volckens
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
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Klous G, Huss A, Heederik DJ, Coutinho RA. Human-livestock contacts and their relationship to transmission of zoonotic pathogens, a systematic review of literature. One Health 2016; 2:65-76. [PMID: 28616478 PMCID: PMC5462650 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micro-organisms transmitted from vertebrate animals - including livestock - to humans account for an estimated 60% of human pathogens. Micro-organisms can be transmitted through inhalation, ingestion, via conjunctiva or physical contact. Close contact with animals is crucial for transmission. The role of intensity and type of contact patterns between livestock and humans for disease transmission is poorly understood. In this systematic review we aimed to summarise current knowledge regarding patterns of human-livestock contacts and their role in micro-organism transmission. METHODS We included peer-reviewed publications published between 1996 and 2014 in our systematic review if they reported on human-livestock contacts, human cases of livestock-related zoonotic diseases or serological epidemiology of zoonotic diseases in human samples. We extracted any information pertaining the type and intensity of human-livestock contacts and associated zoonoses. RESULTS 1522 papers were identified, 75 were included: 7 reported on incidental zoonoses after brief animal-human contacts (e.g. farm visits), 10 on environmental exposures and 15 on zoonoses in developing countries where backyard livestock keeping is still customary. 43 studies reported zoonotic risks in different occupations. Occupations at risk included veterinarians, culling personnel, slaughterhouse workers and farmers. For culling personnel, more hours exposed to livestock resulted in more frequent occurrence of transmission. Slaughterhouse workers in contact with live animals were more often positive for zoonotic micro-organisms compared to co-workers only exposed to carcasses. Overall, little information was available about the actual mode of micro-organism transmission. CONCLUSIONS Little is known about the intensity and type of contact patterns between livestock and humans that result in micro-organism transmission. Studies performed in occupational settings provide some, but limited evidence of exposure response-like relationships for livestock-human contact and micro-organism transmission. Better understanding of contact patterns driving micro-organism transmission from animals to humans is needed to provide options for prevention and thus deserves more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Klous
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J.J. Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Roel A. Coutinho
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Basinas I, Sigsgaard T, Bønløkke JH, Andersen NT, Omland Ø, Kromhout H, Schlünssen V. Feedback on Measured Dust Concentrations Reduces Exposure Levels Among Farmers. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:812-24. [PMID: 27245773 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mew032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high burden of exposure to organic dust among livestock farmers warrants the establishment of effective preventive and exposure control strategies for these workers. The number of intervention studies exploring the effectiveness of exposure reduction strategies through the use of objective measurements has been limited. OBJECTIVE To examine whether dust exposure can be reduced by providing feedback to the farmers concerning measurements of the exposure to dust in their farm. METHODS The personal dust levels of farmers in 54 pig and 26 dairy cattle farms were evaluated in two measurement series performed approximately 6 months apart. Detailed information on work tasks and farm characteristics during the measurements were registered. Participating farms were randomized a priori to a control (n = 40) and an intervention group (n = 40). Shortly after the first visit, owners of intervention farms only received a letter with information on the measured dust concentrations in the farm together with some general advises on exposure reduction strategies (e.g. use of respirators during certain tasks). Relationships between measured dust concentrations and intervention status were quantified by means of linear mixed effect analysis with farm and worker id as random effects. Season, type of farming, and work tasks were treated as fixed effects. Changes in exposure over time were explored primarily at a farm level in models combined, as well as separate for pig and cattle farmers. RESULTS After adjustment for fixed effects, an overall reduction of 23% in personal dust exposures was estimated as a result of the intervention (P = 0.02). Exposure reductions attributable to the intervention were similar across pig and cattle farmers, but statistically significant only for pig farmers. Intervention effects among pig farmers did not depend on the individuals' information status; but among cattle farmers a significant 48% reduction in exposure was found only among individuals that reported to have been informed. No systematic differences in changes over time considering the use of respiratory protection between the intervention and control groups were observed. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest reductions between 20 and 30% in personal exposure to inhalable dust to be feasible through simple information provided to the farm owners regarding actual levels of exposure together with instructions on basic measures of prevention. The exact reasons for these effects are unclear, but likely they involve changes in behavior and working practices among intervention farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Basinas
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jakob Hjort Bønløkke
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nils Testrup Andersen
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Øyvind Omland
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Havrevangen 1, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark; 3.Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7 D2, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hans Kromhout
- 4.Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; 5.National Research Center for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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David B, Moe RO, Michel V, Lund V, Mejdell C. Air Quality in Alternative Housing Systems May Have an Impact on Laying Hen Welfare. Part I-Dust. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:495-511. [PMID: 26479370 PMCID: PMC4598690 DOI: 10.3390/ani5030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The new legislation for laying hens in the European Union put a ban on conventional cages. Production systems must now provide the hens with access to a nest, a perch, and material for dust bathing. These requirements will improve the behavioral aspects of animal welfare. However, when hens are kept with access to litter, it is a concern that polluted air may become an increased threat to health and therefore also a welfare problem. This article reviews the literature regarding the health and welfare effects birds experience when exposed to barn dust. Dust is composed of inorganic and organic compounds, from the birds themselves as well as from feed, litter, and building materials. Dust may be a vector for microorganisms and toxins. In general, studies indicate that housing systems where laying hens have access to litter as aviaries and floor systems consistently have higher concentrations of suspended dust than caged hens with little (furnished cages) or no access to litter (conventional cages). The higher dust levels in aviaries and floor housing are also caused by increased bird activity in the non-cage systems. There are gaps in both the basic and applied knowledge of how birds react to dust and aerosol contaminants, i.e., what levels they find aversive and/or impair health. Nevertheless, high dust levels may compromise the health and welfare of both birds and their caretakers and the poor air quality often found in new poultry housing systems needs to be addressed. It is necessary to develop prophylactic measures and to refine the production systems in order to achieve the full welfare benefits of the cage ban.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce David
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, Oslo 0106, Norway.
| | - Randi Oppermann Moe
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., Oslo 0033, Norway.
| | - Virginie Michel
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses), P.O.Box 53, Ploufragan 22440, France.
| | | | - Cecilie Mejdell
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, Oslo 0106, Norway.
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McClendon CJ, Gerald CL, Waterman JT. Farm animal models of organic dust exposure and toxicity: insights and implications for respiratory health. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 15:137-44. [PMID: 25636160 PMCID: PMC4783132 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Modern food animal production is a major contributor to the global economy, owing to advanced intensive indoor production facilities aimed at increasing market readiness and profit. Consequences of these advances are accumulation of dusts, gases, and microbial products that diminish air quality within production facilities. Chronic inhalation exposure contributes to onset and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms and diseases in animals and workers. This article reviews literature regarding constituents of farm animal production facility dusts, animal responses to production building and organic dust exposure, and the effect of chronic inhalation exposure on pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS Porcine models of production facility and organic dust exposures reveal striking similarities to observations of human cells, tissues, and clinical data. Oxidative stress plays a key role in mediating respiratory diseases in animals and humans, and enhancement of antioxidant levels through nutritional supplements can improve respiratory health. SUMMARY Pigs are well adapted to the exposures common to swine production buildings and thus serve as excellent models for facility workers. Insight for understanding mechanisms governing organic dust associated respiratory diseases may come from parallel comparisons between farmers and the animals they raise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakia J. McClendon
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Energy and Environmental Systems, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
| | - Carresse L. Gerald
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Jenora T. Waterman
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
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Anthony TR, Altmaier R, Jones S, Gassman R, Park JH, Peters TM. Use of Recirculating Ventilation With Dust Filtration to Improve Wintertime Air Quality in a Swine Farrowing Room. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12:635-46. [PMID: 25950713 PMCID: PMC4756717 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1029616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The performance of a recirculating ventilation system with dust filtration was evaluated to determine its effectiveness to improve the air quality in a swine farrowing room of a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). Air was exhausted from the room (0.47 m(3) sec(-1); 1000 cfm), treated with a filtration unit (Shaker-Dust Collector), and returned to the farrowing room to reduce dust concentrations while retaining heat necessary for livestock health. The air quality in the room was assessed over a winter, during which time limited fresh air is traditionally brought into the building. Over the study period, dust concentrations ranged from 0.005-0.31 mg m(-3) (respirable) and 0.17-2.09 mg m(-3) (inhalable). In-room dust concentrations were reduced (41% for respirable and 33% for inhalable) with the system in operation, while gas concentrations (ammonia [NH3], hydrogen sulfide [H2S], carbon monoxide [CO], carbon dioxide [CO2]) were unchanged. The position of the exhaust and return air systems provided reasonably uniform contaminant distributions, although the respirable dust concentrations nearest one of the exhaust ducts was statistically higher than other locations in the room, with differences averaging only 0.05 mg m(-3). Throughout the study, CO2 concentrations consistently exceeded 1540 ppm (industry recommendations) and on eight of the 18 study days it exceeded 2500 ppm (50% of the ACGIH TLV), with significantly higher concentrations near a door to a temperature-controlled hallway that was typically often left open. Alternative heaters are recommended to reduce CO2 concentrations in the room. Contaminant concentrations were modeled using production and environmental factors, with NH3 related to the number of sow in the room and outdoor temperatures and CO2 related to the number of piglets and outdoor temperatures. The recirculating ventilation system provided dust reduction without increasing concentrations of hazardous gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Renée Anthony
- a Department of Occupational and Environmental Health University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa
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22
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Thilsing T, Madsen AM, Basinas I, Schlünssen V, Tendal K, Bælum J. Dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria exposure as determined by work task, season, and type of plant in a flower greenhouse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 59:142-57. [PMID: 25389370 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greenhouse workers are exposed to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria potentially causing airway inflammation as well as systemic symptoms. Knowledge about determinants of exposure is a prerequisite for efficient prevention through knowledge-based reduction in exposure. The objective of this study was to assess the occupational exposure in a flower greenhouse and to investigate the impact of work tasks on the intensity and variability in exposure. METHODS Seventy-six personal full-shift exposure measurements were performed on 38 employees in a Danish flower greenhouse producing Campanula, Lavandula, Rhipsalideae, and Helleborus. The samples were gravimetrically analysed for inhalable dust. Endotoxin was assessed by the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate test and culture-based quantification of bacteria and fungi was performed. Information on the performed tasks during sampling was extracted from the greenhouse electronic task logging system. Associations between log-transformed exposure outcomes, season, and work tasks were examined in linear mixed-effects regression with worker identity as random effect. RESULTS Measured concentrations ranged between 0.04 and 2.41mg m(-3) for inhalable dust and between 0.84 and 1097 EU m(-3) for endotoxin exposure, with the highest mean levels measured during Lavandula and Campanula handling, respectively. Personal exposure to fungi ranged between 1.8×10(2) and 3.4×10(6) colony-forming units (CFU) m(-3) and to bacteria between 1.6×10(1) and 4.2×10(5) CFU m(-3). Exposure to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria differed between seasons. Packing Lavandula, sticking, potting, and grading Rhipsalideae, and all examined tasks related to Campanula production except sticking increased dust exposure. Endotoxin exposure was increased during sticking Campanula and pinching or packing Rhipsalideae, and fungi exposure was elevated by subtasks performed in the research and development area for Campanula, and by potting, packing/dumping Campanula. Sticking and working with subtasks in the research and development area for Campanula increased bacteria exposure. CONCLUSION This study revealed moderate dust exposure levels compared to the levels observed in other greenhouse productions and other occupations with organic dust exposure such as farming. However, high exposures to bacteria and fungi were detected during selected tasks and the proposed health-based endotoxin exposure limit of 90 EU m(-3) was exceeded in 30% of the samples, which may have health implications for the employees. Exposure levels were found to vary depending on the tasks performed, and thereby results can be used to direct task-based initiatives to reduce workplace exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Thilsing
- Research Unit for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløvparken 19, 3., DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløvsvej 9A, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kira Tendal
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bælum
- Research Unit for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløvparken 19, 3., DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløvsvej 9A, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
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Occupational exposure to particulate matter in 2 Portuguese waste-sorting units. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2014; 27:854-62. [DOI: 10.2478/s13382-014-0310-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Basinas I, Sigsgaard T, Erlandsen M, Andersen NT, Takai H, Heederik D, Omland Ø, Kromhout H, Schlünssen V. Exposure-affecting factors of dairy farmers' exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:707-23. [PMID: 24748620 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies on determinants of dairy farmers' exposure to dust and endotoxin have been sparse and so far none has addressed the combined effect of tasks and farm characteristics. OBJECTIVE To study whether and how work tasks and specific stable characteristics influence the level of dairy farmers' personal exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin. METHODS We applied an observational design involving full-shift repeated personal measurements of inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure among 77 subjects (owners and farm workers) from 26 dairy farms. Performed tasks were self-registered in activity diaries, and information on stable characteristics was collected through personal interviews and walk-through surveys. Associations between exposure, tasks, and stable characteristics were examined in linear mixed-effect models with individual and farm treated as random effects. Separate as well as combined models for tasks and stable characteristics were elaborated. RESULTS The 124 personal samples collected had a geometric mean level (geometric standard deviation) of 360 EU m(-3) (3.8) for endotoxin exposure and of 1.0mg m(-3) (2.7) for dust exposure. Identified factors that increased endotoxin exposure included a lower outdoor temperature and use of slope-based or back-flushed slurry systems along with milking, distribution of bedding, and handling of feed and seeds in barns. For dust, exposure was higher when fully automatic (robotic) milking was used and during re-penning of animals, handling of feed and seeds, handling of silos and when distributing bedding. Dust exposure increased also as a result of use of rail feed dispensers in a model without fully automatic milking. CONCLUSIONS The current exposure to dust and in particular endotoxin among Danish dairy farmers demand effective strategies to reduce their exposure. The present findings suggest that future interventions should focus on feeding and manure handling systems. Use of respirators during handling of feed and distribution of bedding should be advised until adequate risk management measures have been established. The expected increased use of fully automatic milking in the future might increase dust exposure of dairy farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Basinas
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mogens Erlandsen
- 2.Department of Public Health, Institute of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nils T Andersen
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hisamitsu Takai
- 3.Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Finlandsgade 22, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Dick Heederik
- 4.Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Øyvind Omland
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark 5.Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Havrevangen 1, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hans Kromhout
- 4.Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- 1.Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark 6.Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Viegas S, Veiga L, Figueredo P, Almeida A, Carolino E, Sabino R, Veríssimo C, Viegas C. Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1 in swine production and possible contamination sources. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:944-951. [PMID: 24156697 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.826569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Although the adverse health consequences of ingestion of food contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are known, relatively few studies are available on the adverse effects of exposure in occupational settings. Taking this into consideration, our study was developed aiming to elucidate the possible effects of occupational exposure to AFB1 in Portuguese swine production facilities using a specific biomarker to assess exposure to AFB1. In total, 28 workers participated in this study, providing blood samples, and a control group (n = 30) was composed of subjects without any type of agricultural activity. Fungal contamination was also studied by conventional methods through air, surfaces, and new and used floor coverage. Twenty-one workers (75%) showed detectable levels of AFB1 with values ranging from <1 ng/ml to 8.94 ng/ml and with a mean value of 1.91 ± 1.68 ng/ml. In the control group, the AFB1 values were all below 1 ng/ml. Twelve different Aspergillus species were identified. Aspergillus versicolor presented the highest airborne spore counts (3210 CFU/m3) and was also detected in higher values in surfaces (>300 CFU/cm2). Data indicate that exposure to AFB1 occurs in swine barns, and this site serves as a contamination source in an occupational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Viegas
- a Environmental Health RG, Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnique Institute of Lisbon , Lisboa , Portugal
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