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Benaim EH, Jaspers I. Surgical smoke and its components, effects, and mitigation: a contemporary review. Toxicol Sci 2024; 198:157-168. [PMID: 38243717 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Energy-based surgical instruments produce surgical smoke, which contains harmful byproducts, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and viable microorganisms. The research setting has shifted from the laboratory to the operating room. However, significant heterogeneity in the methods of detection and placement of samplers, diversity in the tissue operated on, and types of surgeries tested has resulted in variability in detected levels and composition of surgical smoke. State regulation limiting surgical smoke exposure through local evacuators is expanding but has yet to reach the national regulatory level. However, most studies have not shown levels above standard established limits but relatively short bursts of high concentrations of these harmful by-products. This review highlights the limitations of the current research and unsupported conclusions while also suggesting further areas of interest that need more focus to improve Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezer H Benaim
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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Patel J, Gimeno Ruiz de Porras D, Mitchell LE, Carson A, Whitehead LW, Han I, Pompeii L, Conway S, Zock JP, Henneberger PK, Patel R, De Los Reyes J, Delclos GL. Cleaning Tasks and Products and Asthma Among Health Care Professionals. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:28-34. [PMID: 37801602 PMCID: PMC10841035 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health care workers are at risk for work-related asthma, which may be affected by changes in cleaning practices. We examined associations of cleaning tasks and products with work-related asthma in health care workers in 2016, comparing them with prior results from 2003. METHODS We estimated asthma prevalence by professional group and explored associations of self-reported asthma with job-exposure matrix-based cleaning tasks/products in a representative Texas sample of 9914 physicians, nurses, respiratory/occupational therapists, and nurse aides. RESULTS Response rate was 34.8% (n = 2421). The weighted prevalence rates of physician-diagnosed (15.3%), work-exacerbated (4.1%), and new-onset asthma (6.7%) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness symptoms (31.1%) were similar to 2003. New-onset asthma was associated with building surface cleaning (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.33), use of ortho-phthalaldehyde (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.15-2.72), bleach/quaternary compounds (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.10-3.33), and sprays (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.12-3.47). CONCLUSION Prevalence of asthma/bronchial hyperresponsiveness seems unchanged, whereas associations of new-onset asthma with exposures to surface cleaning remained, and decreased for instrument cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenil Patel
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), San Antonio, TX, USA
- Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura E. Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arch Carson
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lawrence W. Whitehead
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Inkyu Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Pompeii
- Research in Patient Services, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jan-Paul Zock
- Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul K. Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Riddhi Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joy De Los Reyes
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George L. Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
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Casey VJ, McNamara LM. Instrumental in Surgery: A Narrative Review on Energy-based Surgical Cutting Devices and Surgical Smoke. Ann Surg 2023; 278:e457-e465. [PMID: 36762559 PMCID: PMC10414159 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an informed understanding of existing energy-based surgical cutting technologies and aerosol-generating surgical procedures. We provide a perspective on the future innovation and research potential in this space for the benefit of surgeons, physicians, engineers, and researchers alike. BACKGROUND Surgery is a treatment for many medical conditions, the success of which depends on surgical cutting instruments that enable surgeons to conduct surgical procedures for tissue cutting and manipulation. Energy-based surgical cutting tools improve accuracy and limit unnecessary destruction of healthy tissues and cells, but can generate surgical smoke and aerosols, which can be handled using surgical smoke evacuation technology. METHODS A narrative review was conducted to explore existing literature describing the history and development of energy-based surgical instruments, their mechanisms of action, aerosol-generating medical procedures, surgical smoke and aerosols from aerosol-generating medical procedures, and the recommended mitigation strategies, as well as research on rapid biological tissue analyzing devices to date. CONCLUSIONS Smoke evacuation technology may provide diagnostic information regarding tissue pathology, which could eliminate health concerns and revolutionize surgical accuracy. However, further research into surgical smoke is required to quantify the measurable risk to health it poses, the cutting conditions, under which it is generated and to develop advanced diagnostic approaches using this information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J. Casey
- Mechanobiology and Medical Devices Research Group (MMDRG), Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, Galway, Ireland
| | - Laoise M. McNamara
- Mechanobiology and Medical Devices Research Group (MMDRG), Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, Galway, Ireland
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Dang KTL, Garrido AN, Prasad S, Afanasyeva M, Lipszyc JC, Orchanian‐Cheff A, Tarlo SM. The relationship between cleaning product exposure and respiratory and skin symptoms among healthcare workers in a hospital setting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e623. [PMID: 35509379 PMCID: PMC9059197 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Several studies from multiple work settings have reported an increase in asthma and asthma‐like respiratory symptoms in workers exposed to cleaning or disinfecting agents. Hospital workers perform many cleaning and disinfecting activities and may be vulnerable to respiratory and skin symptoms caused by these agents. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to quantify the risk of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in hospital workers exposed to cleaning/disinfecting agents. A secondary aim is to assess associated risks of skin symptoms in those studies. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, CDSR, CENTRAL, CINAHL databases, and references of relevant review articles were searched. NHLBI quality assessment tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. A total of 2550 articles were retrieved and 34 studies met criteria to be included. The software R version 4.0.5 was used to perform the meta‐analysis. The random‐effects model was used to pool the results due to within‐studies heterogeneity. Results Meta‐analysis of 10 studies evaluating the association between occupational cleaning exposures and asthma demonstrated a 35% increased risk in exposed hospital workers (meta‐RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.68). The risk of asthma increased when workers were exposed to bleach compared with nonexposed workers (meta‐RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.54–4.18), but was not statistically significant. Two studies investigated the relationship between respiratory and skin symptoms and produced mixed results. Conclusions The results suggest a need for preventive practices to reduce the risk of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in hospital workers exposed to occupational cleaning/disinfecting agents. Trial registration number: CRD42020137804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly T. L. Dang
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Ameth N. Garrido
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Institute for Medical Sciences Toronto Ontario Canada
- Toronto, Departments of Medicine University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Shivonne Prasad
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Marina Afanasyeva
- Departments of Medicine Humber River Hospital, Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Joshua C. Lipszyc
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Ani Orchanian‐Cheff
- Toronto, Departments of Medicine University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Susan M. Tarlo
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Institute for Medical Sciences Toronto Ontario Canada
- Toronto, Departments of Medicine University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- St Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
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Geier CM, Barnes KH, Simon BT, Thieman Mankin KM. The effect of a smoke‐evacuation unit on ultrafine particle concentrations in the operating room during approach to the proximal tibia for tibial plateau‐leveling osteotomy surgery in dogs. Vet Surg 2022; 51:809-815. [DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy M. Geier
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - Katherine H. Barnes
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - Bradley T. Simon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - Kelley M. Thieman Mankin
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
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Xie W, Dumas O, Varraso R, Boggs KM, Camargo CA, Stokes AC. Association of Occupational Exposure to Inhaled Agents in Operating Rooms With Incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among US Female Nurses. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2125749. [PMID: 34542617 PMCID: PMC8453320 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.25749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Employment in operating rooms (ORs) may involve exposure to several inhaled agents, including surgical smoke and disinfectants, which are associated with adverse respiratory health effects. However, the association of long-term employment in ORs and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of working in an OR with incidence of COPD among female nurses in the US. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study used data from the Nurses' Health Study for US female registered nurses who provided information on questionnaires regarding OR employment history in 1984 and job type in 1982 and who had no history of COPD in 1984 (baseline). Data analyses were conducted from April 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. EXPOSURES Duration of nursing in the OR and job type. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The associations of any employment as an OR nurse, duration of employment, and duration and job type with incidence of self-reported, physician-diagnosed COPD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models stratified by age and calendar year. Models were adjusted for covariates, with model 1 adjusting for age, model 2 also adjusting for cigarette smoking status and pack-year of smoking, and model 3 also adjusting for race and ethnicity, US Census region, and body mass index. RESULTS Among 75 011 female nurses included in the analyses, the mean (SD) age at baseline was 50.5 (7.2) years; 29% had a history of employment in an OR, and 3% had 15 or more years of OR experience. In model 3, employment in an OR for 15 or more years was associated with a 46% increased risk of developing COPD compared with no history of OR employment (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10-1.93). Compared with nurses who never worked in an OR and had an administrative or nursing education function or a nonnursing job in 1982, the risk of developing COPD was greater among nurses who provided outpatient care (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47) and nurses employed in inpatient units (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.59) who had no history of OR employment and was 69% greater among nurses with OR experience of 15 years or more (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.28). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, OR employment of 15 years or more was associated with an increased risk of developing COPD among female nurses. Additional studies with more recent and direct environmental monitoring data of multiple occupational exposures are needed to assess the relative role of exposure to surgical smoke and disinfectants in the observed association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubin Xie
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Orianne Dumas
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Paris-Sud, Inserm, Équipe d’Épidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Villejuif, France
| | - Raphaëlle Varraso
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Paris-Sud, Inserm, Équipe d’Épidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Villejuif, France
| | - Krislyn M. Boggs
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Carlos A. Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Andrew C. Stokes
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chiu CH, Chen CT, Cheng MH, Pao LH, Wang C, Wan GH. Use of urinary hippuric acid and o-/p-/m-methyl hippuric acid to evaluate surgical smoke exposure in operating room healthcare personnel. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 217:112231. [PMID: 33862429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toluene and xylene are common components of surgical smoke, whereas hippuric acid (HA) and methylhippuric acid (MHA) are the products of toluene and xylene metabolism in humans, respectively. HA and MHA can be used as indicators to evaluate the exposure hazards of toluene and xylene. In this study, we used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously analyze the HA, o-/m-/p-MHA, and creatinine contents in the urine of healthcare personnel. Concentrations of HA and o-/m-/p-MHAs were normalized to those of creatinine and used to analyze urine samples of 160 operating room (OR) healthcare personnel, including administrative staff, surgical nurses, nurse anesthetists, and surgeons. The results showed that the five analytes could be accurately separated and exhibited good linearity (r > 0.9992). The rate of recovery was between 86% and 106%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 5%. Urine from administrative staff presented the highest median concentration of hippuric acid (0.25 g/g creatinine); this was significantly higher than that found in the urine of surgeons (0.15 g/g). The concentrations of urinary o-/m-/p-MHAs in surgical nurses were higher than those in administrative staff, nurse anesthetists, and surgeons. Furthermore, the type, sex, and age of healthcare personnel were associated with changes in urine HA and o-/m-/p-MHA concentrations. Healthcare personnel should be aware of the risk of exposure to surgical smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry and Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Tsung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Huei Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Heng Pao
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry and Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkuo Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Nursing, Linkuo Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Gwo-Hwa Wan
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Environmental Sustainability and Human Health, Ming Chi University of Technology, Taishan, New Taipei, Taiwan.
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Cheng MH, Chiu CH, Chen CT, Chou HH, Pao LH, Wan GH. Sources and components of volatile organic compounds in breast surgery operating rooms. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111855. [PMID: 33385676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The composition and concentration distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in surgical smoke had seldomly been reported. This study aimed to investigate the profile of VOCs and their concentration in surgical smoke from breast surgery during electrocautery in different tissues, electrosurgical units, and electrocautery powers. METHODS Thirty-eight surgical smoke samples from 23 patients performed breast surgery were collected using evacuated stainless steel canisters. The concentrations of 87 VOCs in surgical smoke samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The human tissues, electrosurgical units, and electrocautery power were recorded. RESULTS The median level of total VOCs concentrations in surgical smoke samples from mammary glands (total VOCs: 9953.5 ppb; benzene: 222.7 ppb; 1,3-butadiene: 856.2 ppb; vinyl chloride: 3.1 ppb) using conventional electrosurgical knives were significantly higher than that from other tissues (total VOCs: 365.7-4266.8 ppb, P < 0.05; benzene: 26.4-112 ppb, P < 0.05; 1,3-butadiene: 15.6-384 ppb, P < 0.05; vinyl chloride: 0.6-1.8 ppb, P < 0.05) using different electrosurgical units. A high methanol concentration was found in surgical smoke generated during breast surgery (641.4-4452.5 ppb) using different electrosurgical units. An electrocautery power of ≥ 27.5 watts used for skin tissues produced a higher VOCs concentration (2905.8 ppb). CONCLUSIONS The surgical smoke samples collected from mammary glands using conventional electrosurgical knives had high VOCs concentrations. The carcinogens (including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and vinyl chloride) and methanol were found in the surgical smoke samples from different electrosurgical units. The type of electrosurgical unit and electrocautery power used affected VOCs concentrations in surgical smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Huei Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Hui Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry and Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Tsung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hsu-Huan Chou
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of General Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Heng Pao
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry and Technology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkuo Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Gwo-Hwa Wan
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Environmental Sustainability and Human Health, Ming Chi University of Technology, Taishan, New Taipei, Taiwan.
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Rollins SM, Su F, Liang X, Humann MJ, Stefaniak AB, LeBouf RF, Stanton ML, Virji MA, Henneberger PK. Workplace indoor environmental quality and asthma-related outcomes in healthcare workers. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:417-428. [PMID: 32154609 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma-related health outcomes are known to be associated with indoor moisture and renovations. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of these indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors in healthcare facilities and their association with asthma-related outcomes among workers. METHODS New York City healthcare workers (n = 2030) were surveyed regarding asthma-related symptoms, and moisture and renovation factors at work and at home during the last 12 months. Questions for workplace moisture addressed water damage (WD), mold growth (MG), and mold odor (MO), while for renovations they addressed painting (P), floor renovations (FR), and wall renovations (WR). Regression models were fit to examine associations between work and home IEQ factors and multiple asthma-related outcomes. RESULTS Reports of any moisture (n = 728, 36%) and renovations (n = 1412, 70%) at work were common. Workplace risk factors for asthma-related outcomes included the moisture categories of WD by itself, WD with MO (without MG), and WD with MG and MO, and the renovation category with the three factors P, FR, and WR. Reports of home IEQ factors were less frequent and less likely to be associated with health outcomes. Data analyses suggested that MG and/or MO at work and at home had a synergistic effect on the additive scale with a symptom-based algorithm for bronchial hyperresponsiveness. CONCLUSIONS The current study determined that moisture and renovation factors are common in healthcare facilities, potentially putting workers at risk for asthma-related outcomes. More research is needed to confirm these results, especially prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Rollins
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Feng‐Chiao Su
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Xiaoming Liang
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Michael J. Humann
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Aleksandr B. Stefaniak
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Ryan F. LeBouf
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Marcia L. Stanton
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Mohammed A. Virji
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Paul K. Henneberger
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Morgantown West Virginia
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Swerdlow BN. Surgical smoke and the anesthesia provider. J Anesth 2020; 34:575-584. [PMID: 32296937 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-020-02775-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Surgical smoke generated by use of electrosurgical units (ESUs), lasers, and ultrasonic scalpels constitutes a physical, chemical, and biological hazard for anesthesia personnel. Inhalation of particulate matter with inflammatory consequences, pulmonary injury from products of tissue pyrolysis, exposure to mutagens and carcinogens, and the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) and possibly other pathogens represent a spectrum of adverse effects associated with the occupational exposure to surgical plume. While adequate operating room ventilation and use of high filtration-efficiency masks offer some protection from these conditions, the most effective method of safeguarding against surgical smoke involves its removal with a dedicated smoke evacuation device (SED). Despite the fact that many professional and governmental agencies have endorsed widespread usage of SEDs, anesthesia providers have been largely silent on this subject, with few reports within the field of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine regarding these hazards. SED use is relatively infrequent in most surgeries, and this condition reflects surgeons' reluctance to employ these devices, likely resulting from lack of education and less than optimal technology. Anesthesia societies and academic centers can serve critical roles in advocating employment of SEDs in much the same way that they have supported perioperative smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry N Swerdlow
- Nurse Anesthesia Program, Oregon Health and Science University, SON #521, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Dumas O, Boggs KM, Quinot C, Varraso R, Zock J, Henneberger PK, Speizer FE, Le Moual N, Camargo CA. Occupational exposure to disinfectants and asthma incidence in U.S. nurses: A prospective cohort study. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:44-50. [PMID: 31692020 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to disinfectants among healthcare workers has been associated with respiratory health effects, in particular, asthma. However, most studies are cross-sectional and the role of disinfectant exposures in asthma development requires longitudinal studies. We investigated the association between occupational exposure to disinfectants and incident asthma in a large cohort of U.S. female nurses. METHODS The Nurses' Health Study II is a prospective cohort of 116 429 female nurses enrolled in 1989. Analyses included 61 539 participants who were still in a nursing job and with no history of asthma in 2009 (baseline; mean age: 55 years). During 277 744 person-years of follow-up (2009-2015), 370 nurses reported incident physician-diagnosed asthma. Occupational exposure was evaluated by questionnaire and a Job-Task-Exposure Matrix (JTEM). We examined the association between disinfectant exposure and subsequent asthma development, adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, smoking status, and body mass index. RESULTS Weekly use of disinfectants to clean surfaces only (23% exposed) or to clean medical instruments (19% exposed) was not associated with incident asthma (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for surfaces, 1.12 [0.87-1.43]; for instruments, 1.13 [0.87-1.48]). No association was observed between high-level exposure to specific disinfectants/cleaning products evaluated by the JTEM (formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol quats, or enzymatic cleaners) and asthma incidence. CONCLUSIONS In a population of late career nurses, we observed no significant association between exposure to disinfectants and asthma incidence. A potential role of disinfectant exposures in asthma development warrants further study among healthcare workers at earlier career stage to limit the healthy worker effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Dumas
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA‐Aging and Chronic DiseasesEpidemiological and Public Health ApproachesVillejuif France
- UMR‐S 1168Univ Versailles St‐Quentin‐en‐YvelinesMontigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Krislyn M. Boggs
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
| | - Catherine Quinot
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA‐Aging and Chronic DiseasesEpidemiological and Public Health ApproachesVillejuif France
- UMR‐S 1168Univ Versailles St‐Quentin‐en‐YvelinesMontigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Raphaëlle Varraso
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA‐Aging and Chronic DiseasesEpidemiological and Public Health ApproachesVillejuif France
- UMR‐S 1168Univ Versailles St‐Quentin‐en‐YvelinesMontigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Jan‐Paul Zock
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)Barcelona Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)Barcelona Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)Madrid Spain
| | - Paul K. Henneberger
- Respiratory Health DivisionNational Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthMorgantown West Virginia
| | - Frank E. Speizer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
| | - Nicole Le Moual
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA‐Aging and Chronic DiseasesEpidemiological and Public Health ApproachesVillejuif France
- UMR‐S 1168Univ Versailles St‐Quentin‐en‐YvelinesMontigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Carlos A. Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBoston Massachusetts
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12
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Caridi MN, Humann MJ, Liang X, Su FC, Stefaniak AB, LeBouf RF, Stanton ML, Virji MA, Henneberger PK. Occupation and task as risk factors for asthma-related outcomes among healthcare workers in New York City. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 222:211-220. [PMID: 30327176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested an association of asthma onset and exacerbation with cleaning and disinfecting activities in a number of industries, including healthcare. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association of asthma and related outcomes with occupations and tasks in urban healthcare workers in the United States. METHODS A questionnaire was implemented in a sample of workers from nine healthcare occupations in New York City. We used regression models to examine the association of post-hire asthma, current asthma, exacerbation of asthma, a symptom algorithm for bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR-related symptoms), a symptom-based asthma score, and the symptom wheeze with occupation and four healthcare tasks, while adjusting for other risk factors and potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 2030 participants completed the questionnaire. The task of cleaning fixed surfaces was significantly associated with most outcome variables, including current asthma (odds ratio (OR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.68), moderate exacerbation (OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.25-7.67), and BHR-related symptoms (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.08-1.77). In comparison to nursing assistants, the occupations environmental service workers and registered nurses were at higher risk for current asthma, and licensed practical nurses were at higher risk for moderate exacerbation. Other tasks associated with outcomes were administering aerosolized medications with current asthma and moderate exacerbation, and sterilizing medical equipment with BHR-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These findings add to the growing body of evidence for the association of asthma with cleaning and other activities in healthcare. Further research is especially needed to investigate the association of asthma-related outcomes with exposure metrics based on tasks, products, and chemical exposures in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan N Caridi
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Michael J Humann
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Xiaoming Liang
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Feng-Chiao Su
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Aleksandr B Stefaniak
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Ryan F LeBouf
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Marcia L Stanton
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - M Abbas Virji
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Paul K Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV, United States.
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13
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Karjalainen M, Kontunen A, Saari S, Rönkkö T, Lekkala J, Roine A, Oksala N. The characterization of surgical smoke from various tissues and its implications for occupational safety. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195274. [PMID: 29649244 PMCID: PMC5896939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrosurgery produces surgical smoke. Different tissues produce different quantities and types of smoke, so we studied the particle characteristics of this surgical smoke in order to analyze the implications for the occupational health of the operation room personnel. We estimated the deposition of particulate matter (PM) from surgical smoke on the respiratory tract of operation room personnel using clinically relevant tissues from Finnish landrace porcine tissues including skeletal muscle, liver, subcutaneous fat, renal pelvis, renal cortex, lung, bronchus, cerebral gray and white matter, and skin. In order to standardize the electrosurgical cuts and smoke concentrations, we built a customized computer-controlled platform. The smoke particles were analyzed with an electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI), which measures the concentration and aerodynamic size distribution of particles with a diameter between 7 nm and 10 μm. There were significant differences in the mass concentration and size distribution of the surgical smoke particles depending on the electrocauterized tissue. Of the various tissues tested, liver yielded the highest number of particles. In order to better estimate the health hazard, we propose that the tissues can be divided into three distinct classes according to their surgical smoke production: 1) high-PM tissue for liver; 2) medium-PM tissues for renal cortex, renal pelvis, and skeletal muscle; and 3) low-PM tissues for skin, gray matter, white matter, bronchus, and subcutaneous fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Karjalainen
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Anton Kontunen
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sampo Saari
- Aerosol Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Topi Rönkkö
- Aerosol Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jukka Lekkala
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antti Roine
- Department of Surgery, Hatanpää Hospital, Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Niku Oksala
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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Lee T, Soo JC, LeBouf RF, Burns D, Schwegler-Berry D, Kashon M, Bowers J, Harper M. Surgical smoke control with local exhaust ventilation: Experimental study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2018; 15:341-350. [PMID: 29283318 PMCID: PMC6460469 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1422082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This experimental study aimed to evaluate airborne particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from surgical smoke when a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system is in place. Surgical smoke was generated from human tissue in an unoccupied operating room using an electrocautery surgical device for 15 min with 3 different test settings: (1) without LEV control; (2) control with a wall irrigation suction unit with an in-line ultra-low penetration air filter; and (3) control with a smoke evacuation system. Flow rate of LEVs was approximately 35 L/min and suction was maintained within 5 cm of electrocautery interaction site. A total of 6 experiments were conducted. Particle number and mass concentrations were measured using direct reading instruments including a condensation particle counter (CPC), a light-scattering laser photometer (DustTrak DRX), a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS), and a viable particle counter. Selected VOCs were collected using evacuated canisters using grab, personal and area sampling techniques. The largest average particle and VOCs concentrations were found in the absence of LEV control followed by LEV controls. Average ratios of LEV controls to without LEV control ranged 0.24-0.33 (CPC), 0.28-0.39 (SMPS), 0.14-0.31 (DustTrak DRX), and 0.26-0.55 (APS). Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol were dominant in the canister samples. Acetaldehyde, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, hexane, styrene, and toluene were detected but at lower concentrations (<500 μg/m3) and concentrations of the VOCs were much less than the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit values. Utilization of the LEVs for surgical smoke control can significantly reduce but not completely eliminate airborne particles and VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taekhee Lee
- Exposure Assessment Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Jhy-Charm Soo
- Exposure Assessment Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan F. LeBouf
- Field Study Branch Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Dru Burns
- Field Study Branch Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Diane Schwegler-Berry
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Michael Kashon
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Jay Bowers
- West Virginia University Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Martin Harper
- Exposure Assessment Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
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15
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Back to Basics: Environmental Cleaning Hazards. AORN J 2017; 106:424-432. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aorn.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Dumas O, Wiley AS, Quinot C, Varraso R, Zock JP, Henneberger PK, Speizer FE, Le Moual N, Camargo CA. Occupational exposure to disinfectants and asthma control in US nurses. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/4/1700237. [PMID: 28982772 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00237-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Disinfectant use has been associated with adverse respiratory effects among healthcare workers. However, the specific harmful agents have not been elucidated. We examined the association between occupational exposure to disinfectants and asthma control in the Nurses' Health Study II, a large cohort of female nurses.Nurses with asthma were invited in 2014 to complete two questionnaires on their current occupation and asthma (response rate 80%). Asthma control was defined by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Exposure to major disinfectants was evaluated by a job-task-exposure matrix (JTEM).Analyses included 4102 nurses with asthma (mean age 58 years). Asthma control was poor (ACT score 16-19) in 12% of nurses and very poor (ACT score ≤15) in 6% of nurses. Use of disinfectants to clean medical instruments (19% exposed) was associated with poorly (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.05-1.79) and very poorly (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.38-2.56) controlled asthma (ptrend=0.004, after adjustment for potential confounders). Using JTEM estimates, exposure to formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hypochlorite bleach, hydrogen peroxide and enzymatic cleaners was associated with poor asthma control (all ptrend<0.05); exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohol was not.Use of several disinfectants was associated with poor asthma control. Our findings suggest targets for future efforts to prevent worsening of asthma control in healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Dumas
- INSERM U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, Villejuif, France .,Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMRS 1168, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aleta S Wiley
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Quinot
- INSERM U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, Villejuif, France.,Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMRS 1168, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Raphaëlle Varraso
- INSERM U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, Villejuif, France.,Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMRS 1168, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paul K Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Frank E Speizer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Le Moual
- INSERM U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, Villejuif, France.,Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMRS 1168, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Dept of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma due to cleaning products has been known for 20 years, and the interest in this topic is still large because of the number of cleaning workers with respiratory problems. In this review, we sought to highlight the most recent findings on the relationship between exposure to cleaning products and asthma and to summarize the specific literature published between 2013 and 2016. RECENT FINDINGS Women are confirmed as most of workers exposed to cleaning products and have a higher frequency than men of work-related respiratory symptoms and diseases. Many cases of asthma due to cleaning products occur in healthcare occupations. The increased risk of asthma has been shown to be related to the number of years in the job and to early life disadvantage. Recent evidence suggests that predisposition to adult-onset asthma may be related to interaction between genes and occupational exposure to low-molecular weight agents/irritants. There is some evidence that an irritant mechanism is more common, although several case reports showed animmunologic mechanism (e.g. disinfectants, amine compounds, aldehydes and fragrances). SUMMARY The review updated recent findings on epidemiology, cleaning agents and their mechanism, and prevention of asthma due to cleaning agents. This article provides new information on the level of exposure, which is still high in professional cleaners and even more in domestic cleaners, and on the frequency of asthma in professional and domestic cleaners. An irritant mechanism is more common, although an immunological mechanism is possible, especially in healthcare workers exposed to disinfectants.
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18
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Harris D, Fitzgerald L. Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA): a comparison of commercial flooring. FACILITIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/f-10-2015-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The business case for facility expenditures is grounded in the knowledge that life-cycle economics is significant to the continued viability of the facility. The aim of this study is to develop an algorithm for life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and evaluate flooring products to inform decision makers about the long-term cost of ownership.
Design/methodology/approach
The protocol for executing an LCCA is defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including defining the problem, identifying feasible alternatives and establishing common assumptions and parameters, as well as acquiring financial information. Data were provided by an independent third-party source.
Findings
The results of this study are twofold: assess functionally equivalent flooring alternatives to determine the best financial value and develop a replicable protocol and algorithm for LCCA. The study found that modular carpet was the best financial solution. As a tool for decision makers, this LCCA informs asset management about the long-term cost of ownership, providing a protocol for making practical, informed decisions for the lowest cost solution for functionally equivalent alternatives.
Research limitations/implications
Projecting LCCA beyond 15 years may have limited value based on potential changes in the financial climate. Further research should focus on the implications of changes in the discount rate over time and testing the algorithm on other building systems.
Practical implications
Maintenance costs are considerable when compared to initial cost of flooring. Equipment costs have a significant impact on long-term cost of ownership. Using LCCA to inform specifications and to determine the best solution for a building system such as flooring provides an evidence-based process for building design and facility management.
Social implications
Life-cycle costs have a significant impact on the financial health of an organization. Using LCCA to make informed decisions about facility design and specifications may contribute to increased financial stability and resources to benefit the organization’s long term goals.
Originality/value
This study contributes an algorithm instrument for buildings and building systems. The flooring tested with this protocol provides evidence to inform flooring selection based on lowest cost while considering other factors that inform appropriate selection of flooring materials.
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19
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Dumas O, Wiley AS, Henneberger PK, Speizer FE, Zock JP, Varraso R, Le Moual N, Boggs KM, Camargo CA. Determinants of disinfectant use among nurses in U.S. healthcare facilities. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:131-140. [PMID: 27862135 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disinfectant use among healthcare workers has been associated with respiratory disorders, especially asthma. We aimed to describe disinfectants used by U.S. nurses, and to investigate qualitative and quantitative differences according to workplace characteristics and region. METHODS Disinfectant use was assessed by questionnaire in 8,851 nurses. Hospital characteristics were obtained from the American Hospital Association database. RESULTS Working in a hospital was associated with higher disinfectant use (OR: 2.06 [95%CI: 1.89-2.24]), but lower spray use (0.74 [0.66-0.82]). Nurses working in smaller hospitals (<50 beds vs. ≥200 beds) were more likely to use disinfectants (1.69 [1.23-2.32]) and sprays (1.69 [1.20-2.38]). Spray use was lower in the West than in the Northeast (0.75 [0.58-0.97]). CONCLUSION Disinfectant use was more common among nurses working in smaller hospitals, possibly because they perform more diverse tasks. Variations in spray use by hospital size and region suggest additional targets for future efforts to prevent occupational asthma. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:131-140, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Dumas
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases; Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches; Villejuif France
- Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Montigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Aleta S. Wiley
- Channing Division of Network Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Paul K. Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Frank E. Speizer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- ISGlobal; Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL); Barcelona Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Barcelona Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP); Madrid Spain
| | - Raphaëlle Varraso
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases; Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches; Villejuif France
- Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Montigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Nicole Le Moual
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases; Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches; Villejuif France
- Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Montigny le Bretonneux France
| | - Krislyn M. Boggs
- Channing Division of Network Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Carlos A. Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine; Department of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
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20
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Quinot C, Dumas O, Henneberger PK, Varraso R, Wiley AS, Speizer FE, Goldberg M, Zock JP, Camargo CA, Le Moual N. Development of a job-task-exposure matrix to assess occupational exposure to disinfectants among US nurses. Occup Environ Med 2016; 74:130-137. [PMID: 27566782 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational exposure to disinfectants is associated with work-related asthma, especially in healthcare workers. However, little is known about the specific products involved. To evaluate disinfectant exposures, we designed job-exposure (JEM) and job-task-exposure (JTEM) matrices, which are thought to be less prone to differential misclassification bias than self-reported exposure. We then compared the three assessment methods: self-reported exposure, JEM and JTEM. METHODS Disinfectant use was assessed by an occupational questionnaire in 9073 US female registered nurses without asthma, aged 49-68 years, drawn from the Nurses' Health Study II. A JEM was created based on self-reported frequency of use (1-3, 4-7 days/week) of 7 disinfectants and sprays in 8 nursing jobs. We then created a JTEM combining jobs and disinfection tasks to further reduce misclassification. Exposure was evaluated in 3 classes (low, medium, high) using product-specific cut-offs (eg, <30%, 30-49.9%, ≥50%, respectively, for alcohol); the cut-offs were defined from the distribution of self-reported exposure per job/task. RESULTS The most frequently reported disinfectants were alcohol (weekly use: 39%), bleach (22%) and sprays (20%). More nurses were classified as highly exposed by JTEM (alcohol 41%, sprays 41%, bleach 34%) than by JEM (21%, 30%, 26%, respectively). Agreement between JEM and JTEM was fair-to-moderate (κ 0.3-0.5) for most disinfectants. JEM and JTEM exposure estimates were heterogeneous in most nursing jobs, except in emergency room and education/administration. CONCLUSIONS The JTEM may provide more accurate estimates than the JEM, especially for nursing jobs with heterogeneous tasks. Use of the JTEM is likely to reduce exposure misclassification.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Quinot
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - O Dumas
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P K Henneberger
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - R Varraso
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - A S Wiley
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - F E Speizer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M Goldberg
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,INSERM-UVSQ, UMS 011, Villejuif, France
| | - J P Zock
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - C A Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - N Le Moual
- INSERM, U1168, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases. Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,Univ Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
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21
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Dumas O, Varraso R, Zock JP, Henneberger PK, Speizer FE, Wiley AS, Le Moual N, Camargo CA. Asthma history, job type and job changes among US nurses. Occup Environ Med 2015; 72:482-8. [PMID: 25713153 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nurses are at increased risk of occupational asthma, an observation that may be related to disinfectants exposure. Whether asthma history influences job type or job changes among nurses is unknown. We investigated this issue in a large cohort of nurses. METHODS The Nurses' Health Study II is a prospective study of US female nurses enrolled in 1989 (ages 24-44 years). Job status and asthma were assessed in biennial (1989-2011) and asthma-specific questionnaires (1998, 2003). Associations between asthma history at baseline (diagnosis before 1989, n=5311) and job type at baseline were evaluated by multinomial logistic regression. The relations of asthma history and severity during follow-up to subsequent job changes were evaluated by Cox models. RESULTS The analytic cohort included 98 048 nurses. Compared with nurses in education/administration (likely low disinfectant exposure jobs), women with asthma history at baseline were less often employed in jobs with likely high disinfectant exposure, such as operating rooms (odds ratio 0.73 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.86)) and emergency room/inpatient units (0.89 (0.82 to 0.97)). During a 22-year follow-up, nurses with a baseline history of asthma were more likely to move to jobs with lower exposure to disinfectants (HR 1.13 (1.07 to 1.18)), especially among those with more severe asthma (HR for mild persistent: 1.13; moderate persistent 1.26; severe persistent: 1.50, compared with intermittent asthma, p trend: 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Asthma history was associated with baseline job type and subsequent job changes among nurses. This may partly reflect avoidance of tasks involving disinfectant use, and may introduce bias in cross-sectional studies on disinfectant exposure and asthma in nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Dumas
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raphaëlle Varraso
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and chronic diseases. Epidemiological and public health approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
| | - Jan Paul Zock
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul K Henneberger
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, USA
| | - Frank E Speizer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aleta S Wiley
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole Le Moual
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and chronic diseases. Epidemiological and public health approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Okoshi K, Kobayashi K, Kinoshita K, Tomizawa Y, Hasegawa S, Sakai Y. Health risks associated with exposure to surgical smoke for surgeons and operation room personnel. Surg Today 2014; 45:957-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s00595-014-1085-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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23
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Occupational allergy: respiratory hazards in healthcare workers. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 14:113-8. [PMID: 24451912 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allergens are one group of respiratory hazards in the workplace of healthcare workers (HCWs). The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in occupational allergy as well as potential hazardous agents in HCWs. RECENT FINDINGS The review covers new developments on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of occupational allergy in HCWs. This article also provides updated information on the prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms, as well as on respiratory hazards among healthcare providers. SUMMARY It is established that HCWs are at risk of asthma symptoms. The growing use of cleaning products is one of the causes of occupational airway disease in that group. Among healthcare professionals, the prevalence of asthma varies depending on worksite. Recent findings indicate a need for education among HCWs concerning occupational risks. A lack of knowledge of product components as well as about exposure to cleaning/disinfecting agents has been demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to determine the relative role of individual agents versus complex workplace exposures in the development of work-related asthma in HCWs.
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Yang HJ, Kao FY, Chou YJ, Huang N, Chang KY, Chien LY. Do nurses have worse pregnancy outcomes than non-nurses? Birth 2014; 41:262-7. [PMID: 24935873 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses encounter multiple occupational exposures at work which may harm their reproductive health. The purpose of the study was to compare pregnancy complications and outcomes including cesarean deliveries, tocolysis, miscarriage, and preterm labor between female nurses and comparable women who were not nurses in Taiwan. METHODS This nationwide population-based study was performed using the National Health Insurance Research Database from 1997 to 2008. We identified 3,656 pregnancies among 2,326 nurses and 111,889 pregnancies among 74,919 non-nurses. A generalized estimating equation was used to compare risks between the two groups. RESULTS The rates of tocolysis (28.6 vs 22.3%), miscarriage (6.0 vs 5.3%), and preterm labor (8.1 vs 4.4%) were significantly higher among nurses than non-nurses. After adjustment for background differences, nurses had significantly higher risks for cesarean section (adjusted OR 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.22]), tocolysis (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.09-1.29]), and preterm labor (OR 1.46 [95% CI 1.28-1.67]) than non-nurses. CONCLUSIONS Nurses are at higher risk for cesarean section, tocolysis, and preterm labor than non-nurses. Occupational exposure related to these adverse pregnancy outcomes should be examined. Strategies to decrease the risks should be developed to improve reproductive health among nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ju Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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