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Fazel SS, Fenton S, Braun N, Forsman-Phillips L, Linn Holness D, Kalia S, Arrandale VH, Tenkate T, Peters CE. Tailored Sun Safety Messages for Outdoor Workers. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:43-49. [PMID: 36941943 PMCID: PMC10024223 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.01.001] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Messaging surrounding skin cancer prevention has previously focused on the general public and emphasized how or when activities should be undertaken to reduce solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Generic messages may not be applicable to all settings, and should be tailored to protect unique and/or highly susceptible subpopulations, such as outdoor workers. The primary objective of this study was to develop a set of tailored, practical, harm-reducing sun safety messages that will better support outdoor workers and their employers in reducing the risk of solar UVR exposure and UVR-related occupational illnesses. Methods We adapted a core set of sun safety messages previously developed for the general population to be more applicable and actionable by outdoor workers and their employers. This study used an integrated knowledge translation approach and a modified Delphi method (which uses a survey-based consensus process) to tailor the established set of sun safety messages for use for outdoor worker populations. Results The tailored messages were created with a consideration for what is feasible for outdoor workers, and provide users with key facts, recommendations, and tips related to preventing skin cancer, eye damage, and heat stress, specifically when working outdoors. Conclusion The resulting tailored messages are a set of evidence-based, expert- approved, and stakeholder-workshopped messages that can be used in a variety of work settings as part of an exposure control plan for employers with outdoor workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad S. Fazel
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2, Canada
| | - Shelby Fenton
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2, Canada
- CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nicole Braun
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Regina, SK, S4W 0G3, Canada
| | - Lindsay Forsman-Phillips
- CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - D. Linn Holness
- Occupational Medicine Division, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H2, Canada
| | - Sunil Kalia
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1, Canada
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E8, Canada
| | - Victoria H. Arrandale
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
| | - Thomas Tenkate
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Cheryl E. Peters
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2, Canada
- CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Corresponding author. Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, BC Cancer and BC CDC, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z4R4, Canada.
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Calvache Ruales MF, Westerhausen S, Zapata Gallo HA, Strehl B, Naza Guzman SD, Versteeg H, Stöppelmann W, Wittlich M. UVR Exposure and Prevention of Street Construction Workers in Colombia and Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127259. [PMID: 35742508 PMCID: PMC9223545 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
(1) Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses a major risk factor for developing skin cancer after years of chronic exposure. The irradiation is strongly dependent upon the activity or occupation carried out, but also on the climate conditions at the workplace. Knowledge of both has been tested within the occupational group of road construction workers in Colombia and Germany. (2) The GENESIS-UV measurement system has been used at both locations for consistency. A number of workers in both countries wore an electronic data logging dosimeter for several months to deliver detailed information on UVR exposure. (3) It was found that in a tropical climate, UVR exposure remains constant throughout the year, while in a temperate climate seasonal effects are visible, superimposed by behavioural aspects e.g., in springtime. The daily distribution of the radiation shows a distinct dip, especially in the Colombian data. Derived data show the high fraction of working days exceeding a threshold set by the skin type. (4) Road construction work involves high UVR exposure. In both countries, preventive measures are required to reduce the personal exposure to a minimum. Exceedance of the minimal erythema dose (MED) suggests a possible enhancing effect, especially in fair skinned people. Intercomparison of UVR exposure at workplaces is possible between countries and climate zones, emphasizing efforts for global action against skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Westerhausen
- Department of Ergonomics: Physical Environmental Factors, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany;
| | | | - Benjamin Strehl
- Department Accident Prevention: Digitalisation—Technologies, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany;
| | - Sergio D. Naza Guzman
- Risk Management Consultancy CGR, SURA, Cali 760046, Colombia; (M.F.C.R.); (S.D.N.G.)
| | - Helmut Versteeg
- Department Exposure and Risk Assessment, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany; (H.V.); (W.S.)
| | - Wiho Stöppelmann
- Department Exposure and Risk Assessment, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany; (H.V.); (W.S.)
| | - Marc Wittlich
- Department Accident Prevention: Digitalisation—Technologies, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-13001-3500
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Cherrie JW, Nioi A, Wendelboe-Nelson C, Cowan S, Cherrie M, Rashid S, Cowie H, Ritchie P, Lansdown TC. Exposure to Solar UV During Outdoor Construction Work in Britain. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:176-182. [PMID: 32155239 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun in summer can cause skin cancer and in Britain there are around 1500 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) each year, caused by exposure to solar UV at work. Little is known about the magnitude of UV exposure amongst outdoor construction workers in Britain, although this is one of the main groups at risk. The aim of this paper is to summarise measurements of erythema-weighted UVB radiation amongst construction workers in Scotland and the Southeast of England and interpret the data in terms of the risk of NMSC. The measurements were made as part of an intervention study using short mobile phone text messages to alter worker behaviour to either reduce UV exposure in summer or increase serum vitamin D in winter; the intervention is only briefly reported here. Data were collected from 67 workers from 9 worksites, of whom 41 provided measures of UV exposure for 758 working days. Daily exposure ranged from 0 to 13.47 standard erythema dose (SED), with the mean exposure for outdoor workers being 2.0 SED and the corresponding value for indoor workers being 0.7 SED. These data were obtained from a sensor located on the back of the workers hard hat; others have measured exposure on the wrist or upper arm and these locations probably, on average, have higher levels of UV exposure. It is likely that an outdoor construction worker in Britain could accumulate sufficient solar UV exposure over 30-40 years of work to more than double their risk of NMSC. We argue that employers in Britain should take a more proactive approach to manage sun safety and they should take responsibility for skin health surveillance for their workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Cherrie
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Occupational Medicine, Centre for Human Exposure Science, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Nioi
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Sue Cowan
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Cherrie
- Institute of Geography, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shahzad Rashid
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Centre for Human Exposure Science, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hilary Cowie
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Centre for Human Exposure Science, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter Ritchie
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Centre for Human Exposure Science, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Terry C Lansdown
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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Rydz E, Harper A, Leong B, Arrandale VH, Kalia S, Forsman-Phillips L, Holness DL, Tenkate T, Peters CE. Sun Protection Use at Work and Leisure by Outdoor Workers in Alberta, Canada. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:e138-e144. [PMID: 33395172 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and determinants of sun protection behaviours among outdoors workers at work and leisure in Alberta, Canada. METHODS We collected outdoor workers' demographics, skin cancer risk factors, job information, and sun habits at work and leisure using self-completed questionnaires. For both settings, we compared use of specific behaviours and modelled determinants of sun protection behaviour scores. RESULTS At work, wearing a sleeved shirt (81% often/always) and hat (73%) were most prevalent, while seeking shade (12%) and applying sunscreen (36%) were least prevalent. Workers had higher sun protection scores at work than leisure. Hours spent outdoors was a strong determinant for both models. Additional leisure model predictors were eye colour, sex, skin type, and job group. CONCLUSIONS Differences in behaviours across settings were observed and should be considered when developing solar UVR exposure reduction initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Rydz
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Ms Rydz, Ms Forsman-Phillips, Dr Peters); Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Control Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada (Mr Harper, Mr Leong, Dr Peters); Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Arrandale, Dr Holness); Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Arrandale); Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Dr Kalia); Photomedicine Institute and Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Dr Kalia); Departments of Cancer Control, BC Cancer, and Division of Dermatology, BC Children's Hospital, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Dr Kalia); Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Holness); Department of Medicine and MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Holness); School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Tenkate); Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre - Foothills Campus, Calgary, AB, Canada (Dr Peters)
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Abstract
During leisure time, people can decide if they want to expose themselves to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and to what extent. While working, people do not have this choice. Outdoor workers are exposed to solar UV radiation (UVR) on a daily basis. This may pose a certain health risk, which can be estimated when the personal solar UVR exposure (PE) is known. During past decades, a variety of studies were conducted to measure PE of outdoor workers and our knowledge of the PE of outdoor workers has increased remarkably. As shown by this review, studies clearly indicate that PE of most outdoor workers exceeds the internationally proposed threshold limit value, which is comparable to 1.0 to 1.3 standard erythema dose (SED), respectively, to 1.1 to 1.5 UV Index received over one hour. Besides working in a high UVR environ, monotonic workflow (limited movement, nearly static posture) is a risk factor. In such cases, PE can be higher than ambient UVR. In this review, we provide also a list of milestones, depicting the progress and the most important findings in this field during the past 45 years. However, in many respects our knowledge is still rudimentary, for several reasons. Different measuring positions have been used so that measured PE is not comparable. Few studies were designed to enable the extension of measured PE to other locations or dates. Although the importance of a proper calibration of the measuring devices in respect to the changing solar spectrum was pointed out from the beginning, this is often not performed, which leads to high uncertainties in the presented PE levels. At the end of our review, we provide some key points, which can be used to evaluate the quality of a study respectively to support the design of future studies.
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Rydz E, Harper A, Leong B, Arrandale VH, Kalia S, Forsman-Phillips L, Holness DL, Tenkate T, Peters CE. Solar ultraviolet radiation exposure among outdoor workers in Alberta, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109902. [PMID: 32980002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor workers are at risk of prolonged and high solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, which is known to cause skin cancer. The objectives of this study were to characterize the UVR exposure levels of outdoor workers in Alberta, Canada, and to investigate what factors may contribute to their exposure. METHODS This study collected objective solar UVR measurements from outdoor workers primarily in Alberta during the summer of 2019. Workers were recruited via the management or health and safety teams from building trade unions and employers. Calibrated, electronic UVR dosimeters were worn by workers on their hardhats, wrists, or lapels for five working days. Data on workers' demographics, jobs, sun protection behaviors, and personal risk factors were collected using questionnaires, and meteorological data for each sampling day were noted. Mean daily exposure measured as the standard erythemal dose (SED) was calculated and compared to the international occupational exposure limit guideline (1.3 SED). Marginal models were developed to evaluate potential determinants of occupational solar UVR exposure. RESULTS In total, 883 measurements were collected from 179 workers. On average, workerswere exposed to 1.93 SED (range: 0.03-16.63 SED) per day. Just under half of workers (45%) were exposed to levels exceeding the international exposure limit guideline. In the bivariate analyses, landscape and maintenance workers, as well as trade and recreation workers, had the highest levels of exposure (average: 2.64 and 1.84 SED, respectively). Regional variations were observed, with the "other" cities/regions (outside of Edmonton and Calgary) experiencing the highest average levels (2.60 SED). Workers who placed the dosimeters on their hardhats experienced higher levels compared to the other groups. Exposure was highest on sunny and mixed days. Education, trade, city, dosimeter placement, forecast, hair colour, and number of hours outside were included in the final exposure model, of which trade, dosimeter placement, forecast, and number of hours outside at work were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to elevated solar UVR levels is common among outdoor workers in Alberta. The study findings can help inform future monitoring studies and exposure reduction initiatives aimed at protecting workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Rydz
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew Harper
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, CancerControl Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brandon Leong
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, CancerControl Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Victoria H Arrandale
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sunil Kalia
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Photomedicine Institute and Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Cancer Control, BC Cancer, and Division of Dermatology, BC Children's Hospital, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Dorothy Linn Holness
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine and MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Tenkate
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, CancerControl Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre - Foothills Campus, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Peters CE, Tenkate T, Heer E, O'Reilly R, Kalia S, Koehoorn MW. Strategic Task and Break Timing to Reduce Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Outdoor Workers. Front Public Health 2020; 8:354. [PMID: 32850589 PMCID: PMC7417352 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Public health messaging about sun avoidance strategies is often not practical for outdoor workers. The objective of this study was to use personal monitoring data to determine when peak UVR exposure occurs for outdoor workers, estimate how much UVR could be reduced by altering the timing of shady tasks or breaks during peak exposure times, and descriptively compare these to peak periods of ambient UVR. Ultimately, we aim to provide evidence-based sun avoidance recommendations for outdoor workers in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: UVR exposure data [standard erythemal dose (SED)] were collected during the 2013 summer months in Vancouver, using personal electronic dosimeters that sampled once per minute for an average of 4.4 working days (range: 1-7 days). Mixed-effect models were used to estimate the 60-, 30-, and 15-min time intervals at which maximum exposure occurred for the months of July and August. Using these time intervals, UVR exposure during peak periods was summarized as SED and as a percentage of the total daily exposure. Ambient UVR was also collected using data from the nearest Brewer spectrophotometer station and parallel analyses were conducted. Results: There were 73 workers and 321 participant-days available for analysis. Models indicated that periods of maximum exposure for 15-, 30-, and 60-min intervals began at 12:28, 12:17 pm, and 11:52 am, respectively, for sunny days in July. These periods were similar in August. The median exposure during these time periods and the potential for reducing UVR was 0.03 SED (2.8% potential daily exposure reduction), 0.09 SED (7.1%), and 0.18 SED (15.9%), respectively. However, there was a large range in exposure estimates as some workers experienced up to 84.8% of their exposure in the peak 60-min interval. Conclusion: Skin cancer prevention messaging does not include practical messages for outdoor workers and providing times of peak UVR help to identify times when the greatest reductions in exposure can occur. Prevention measures including shady breaks, increased sun protection, and task reorganization during these peak times are recommended during these peak times to reduce UVR exposure among those at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl E Peters
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Thomas Tenkate
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Heer
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rachel O'Reilly
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sunil Kalia
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mieke W Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Kovačić J, Wittlich M, John SM, Macan J. Personal ultraviolet radiation dosimetry and its relationship with environmental data: A longitudinal pilot study in Croatian construction workers. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 207:111866. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Modenese A, Loney T, Ruggieri FP, Tornese L, Gobba F. Sun protection habits and behaviors of a group of outdoor workers and students from the agricultural and construction sectors in north-Italy. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2020; 111:116-125. [PMID: 32352425 PMCID: PMC7810007 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v111i2.8929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite the relevant frequency of ultraviolet induced adverse health effects in workers, solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is an occupational risk not adequately minimized in Italy. Objective: To assess the characteristics and prevalence of sun exposure habits and behaviors in a group of students and outdoor workers (OW) from the agricultural and construction sectors of a north-Italian region. Methods: Based on a previously developed standardized questionnaire, we collected full information on individual sun exposure habits at work and during leisure activities. Results: In 2018, 380 high school students and OW from the agricultural and construction sectors participated in a sun-safety campaign. More than a third (39.0%) of OW reported never using sunglasses, 52.8% never applied sunscreens at work, and a quarter never wear a UV protective hat. Considering leisure-time, students reported more frequent sunburns compared to OW: 25.0% vs. 13.8%; half (51.6%) of students and a third (36.4%) of OW reported never wearing a UV protective hat. A third (30.1%) of students and 37.2% of OW never or only seldom applied sunscreens on holidays. Discussion: The majority of OW in our study reported poor protective solar exposure habits. Young students of the construction and agricultural sectors indicated even worse sun-protective behaviors, both during apprenticeship and leisure activities. Our study highlights the low health literacy related to solar UVR in OW and apprentices. Further educational initiatives are required in Italy to improve the adoption of protective behaviors during outdoor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Modenese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena (IT) .
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
| | - Francesco Pio Ruggieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena (IT) .
| | - Lorenzo Tornese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena (IT) .
| | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena (IT) .
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Moldovan HR, Wittlich M, John SM, Brans R, Tiplica GS, Salavastru C, Voidazan ST, Duca RC, Fugulyan E, Horvath G, Alexa A, Butacu AI. Exposure to solar UV radiation in outdoor construction workers using personal dosimetry. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 181:108967. [PMID: 31806287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to solar UV radiation (SUVR), a Group 1 carcinogen according to the IARC classification is at high exposure levels in outdoor construction workers, usually above the suggested occupational limits. Furthermore, there are no regulations related to this exposure in the EU, except for the artificial UVR. Also, the use of the ICNIRP exposure guideline in an outdoor setting poses problems of adequate dose assessment. In this context, the main purpose of the study was to perform direct measurements of the SUVR dose in outdoor workers from the construction sector, using individual SUVR dosimeters (GENESIS-UV system), for a period of 7 months, from April to October, in a prospective, observational study in two groups of 10 outdoor workers in Romania, located at two different geographic sites. In term of cumulative standard erythema dose (SED), our study population of outdoor construction workers received high levels of solar UV radiation, ranging from 165 SED to 453 SED during 7 months of occupational activity, from April to October. Our results, ranging from 1.28 SED (standard erythema dose) per day to 6.4 SED per day pose an alarm signal to the national and European health authorities to take preventive action for outdoor workers, as the ICNIRP suggested limit value of 1.33 SED for mean daily erythemal UV exposure is vastly exceeded. We suggest that personal dosimetry for SUVR, from simple devices to complex systems as GENESIS-UV should be regularly and mandatory used in outdoor workers, similarly to the usage of personal dosimetry in occupational exposure to ionizing radiations, which could be included in European and national legislation to reduce both, the level of exposure and the detrimental effects on outdoor workers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horatiu Remus Moldovan
- George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu-Mures, Targu-Mures, Romania.
| | - Marc Wittlich
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, St. Augustin, Germany
| | - Swen Malte John
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany; Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm) at the University of Osnabrück, Lower-Saxonian Institute of Occupational Dermatology, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Richard Brans
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - George Sorin Tiplica
- 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Dermatology 2, "Colentina" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Salavastru
- 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dermato-oncology Research Unit, Paediatric Dermatology Discipline, "Colentina" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Septimiu Toader Voidazan
- George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu-Mures, Targu-Mures, Romania.
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Unit Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, National Health Laboratory (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Ecaterina Fugulyan
- Occupational Medicine Clinic, Mures County Clinical Hospital, Targu-Mures, Romania
| | - Gyopar Horvath
- Occupational Medicine Clinic, Mures County Clinical Hospital, Targu-Mures, Romania
| | - Andrei Alexa
- Occupational Medicine Clinic, Mures County Clinical Hospital, Targu-Mures, Romania
| | - Alexandra Irina Butacu
- 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Dermatology 2, "Colentina" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Burden of non-melanoma skin cancer attributable to occupational sun exposure in Canada. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 92:1151-1157. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01454-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Peters CE, Pasko E, Strahlendorf P, Holness DL, Tenkate T. Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure among Outdoor Workers in Three Canadian Provinces. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:679-688. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractIntroductionSolar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure places outdoor workers at risk of skin cancer and exposure is difficult to control. In response, the Sun Safety at Work Canada (SSAWC) project was undertaken (2014–2016). The purpose of this substudy was to characterize the UVR exposure levels of outdoor workers in the SSAWC project.MethodsThirteen workplaces in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia participated in an exposure monitoring campaign (late summer/early fall 2016). Study participants were workers from power utilities and municipalities. Participants wore a UVR measurement badge (light-sensitive polysulfone plastic) on their wrist, shoulder, or hardhat. Badge calibration and absorbance measurements were performed in the AusSun Research Lab. Personal UVR doses are presented as standard erythemal doses (SED) and compared with the internationally recommended exposure limit (1.3 SED), as well as to the total available UVR by date. Generalized linear models were used to examine determinants of solar UVR for personal UVR dose (for both SED and percent of ambient UVR). Models considered badge placement, date, province, industry, main job task, and the hours spent outdoors.ResultsMean personal UVR dose of participating workers was 6.1 SED (nearly 5× the recommended limit). Just 14% of workers experienced ‘acceptable’ levels of solar radiation; 10% were exposed at >10 times the limit. In univariate analyses, workers in Ontario had the highest levels (mean 7.3 SED), but even in the lowest exposed province (British Columbia), the mean personal UVR dose was 4.5 SED. Utility workers had double the exposure of municipal workers (10.4 and 5.5 SED, respectively). In the determinants of exposure models, the differences by province were muted, but utility line workers and those in general maintenance had higher predicted exposures. Those who wore their badge on their hardhat also had higher values of SED in the fully adjusted determinants models.ConclusionsSolar ultraviolet overexposure among outdoor workers is a concern, even in a country like Canada with relatively low ambient UVR. Implementation of sun safety programs should be supported in an effort to reduce exposure in this vulnerable group of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl E Peters
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elena Pasko
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Podium building Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Strahlendorf
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Podium building Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothy Linn Holness
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, College Cir, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, St Michael’s Hospital, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Tenkate
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Podium building Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Lee K, Lee S, Min J, Kim I. Occupational cancer claims in Korea from 2010 to 2016. Ann Occup Environ Med 2018; 30:64. [PMID: 30410771 PMCID: PMC6211432 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-018-0272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research on carcinogens causing occupational cancer has been updated. Further, social interest in occupational cancer has increased. In addition, the standard for recognizing cancer as a work-related disease has also been revised. The present study aims to describe the distribution of occupational cancer claims or its approval rate and their association with work-related variables. Methods We analyzed 1299 claim cases for occupational cancer from 2010 to 2016 provided by the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KCOMWEL). The status of approval rate was shown by year, sex, industry, occupation, age of diagnosis, duration from employment to diagnosis, and cancer site. Results The approval rate was 39.0% from 2010 to 2016 and tended to increase annually since 2011. Both the number of claims and the approval rate were higher in men. Mining and quarrying showed the highest approval rate (78.4%). The approval rates by age of diagnosis and duration from employment to diagnosis increased as the time periods increased. Respiratory organ had the highest number of claims and the highest approval rate by cancer site. Conclusions The approval rate of occupational cancer has shown an increasing trend since 2011. The increase of occupational carcinogens and cancer sites and the improvement of social awareness about occupational cancer could have resulted in this trend. The present study provides unique, and the latest and most accurate findings on occupational cancer data of recent 7 years that could be helpful to researchers or policy makers on occupational cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoon Lee
- 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763 Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Lee
- 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeehee Min
- 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, 222-1 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763 Republic of Korea
| | - Inah Kim
- 2Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763 Republic of Korea
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Determinants of Sunburn and Sun Protection of Agricultural Workers During Occupational and Recreational Activities. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 59:1089-1094. [PMID: 28858909 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify determinants of occupational sunburn in agricultural workers and assess their occupational and recreational sun protection habits. METHODS Specific surveys of agricultural workers in Switzerland and France were conducted (N = 1538). Multivariate logistic regressions identified occupational sunburn determinants. Occupational and recreational sun protection habits were estimated and correlated. RESULTS One-year occupational and recreational sunburn prevalences were 19.8% and 11.5%, respectively. Occupational sunburn increased with having a recent recreational sunburn, highly sensitive skin, young age, high perceived skin cancer risk, using sunscreen, and not wearing a hat. Correlation between protection habits during work and leisure was substantial (rs 0.5 to 0.7). Skin health knowledge was high and pro-tanning attitude moderate. CONCLUSION Potentially modifiable sunburn determinants and suboptimal recreational and occupational sun protection practices were identified in agricultural workers. Refining and tailoring sun protection messages targeting the agricultural sector are needed.
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