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Mompó-Curell R, Alonso-Molina JL, Amorós-Muñoz I, Mendoza-Roca JA, Bes-Piá MA. Characterization of HDPE microparticles in sludge aerobic digestion and their influence on the process. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 365:121704. [PMID: 38968892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater has been studied in the last years. The high efficiency of their removal from wastewater is linked to their transfer to the sludge. In this work, the effect of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) on aerobic digestion was evaluated and these MPs were monitored, characterizing them by three different techniques. Two parallel batch digesters were monitored. AD-Control (meaning Aerobic Digester) operated as a reference, with no external HDPE particles, whereas these polymeric fragments were introduced to the second aerobic digester (AD-HDPE) using ring pulls as microplastic support. FTIR, Raman spectroscopies and fluorescence analysis of these microparticles showed some relevant results that should be highlighted. Higher fluorescence appeared after 7 days in the digester. It coincided with an increase of active volatile suspended solids (AVSS) in the AD-HDPE, which means that an increase of the microbial activity took place. Despite the presence of HDPE particles in the sludge, the digester performance was not compromised. Besides, the HDPE particles did not affect the microbial diversity (Shannon index) of the bacterial community at the end of the experiment compared to the bacterial community of the aerobic digester control tank. Based on the analysis of the relative abundances of microbial taxa, it was concluded that HDPE had selective effects on sludge microbial community, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroridota phylum.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mompó-Curell
- Research Institute for Industrial Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
| | - J L Alonso-Molina
- Water and Environmental Engineering University Research Institute (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - I Amorós-Muñoz
- Water and Environmental Engineering University Research Institute (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - J A Mendoza-Roca
- Research Institute for Industrial Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain; Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - M A Bes-Piá
- Research Institute for Industrial Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain; Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera S/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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Peer A, Samuelson DR. The Role of the Microbiome in Allergy, Asthma, and Occupational Lung Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024:10.1007/s11882-024-01156-8. [PMID: 38904934 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The human commensal microbiota is now widely accepted as a key regulator of human health and disease. The composition of the mucosal associated microbiota has been shown to play a critical role in the lung health. The role of the mucosal microbiota in the development and severity of allergy, asthma, and occupational lung disease is only beginning to take shape. However, advances in our understanding of these links have tremendous potential to led to new clinical interventions to reduce allergy, asthma, and occupational lung disease morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS We review recent work describing the relationship and role of the commensal microbiota in the development of allergy, asthma, and occupational lung disease. Our review primarily focuses on occupational exposures and the effects of the microbiome, both in composition and function. Data generated from these studies may lead to the development of interventions targeted at establishing and maintaining a healthy microbiota. We also highlight the role of environmental exposures and the effects on the commensal microbial community and their potential association with occupational lung disease. This review explores the current research describing the role of the human microbiome in the regulation of pulmonary health and disease, with a specific focus on the role of the mucosal microbiota in the development of allergy, asthma, and occupational lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Peer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Derrick R Samuelson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Nebraska Food for Health Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
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Subramaniam S, Ganesan A, Raju N, Rajavel N, Chenniappan M, Prakash C, Pramanik A, Basak AK. Assessment of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among INDIAN textile sizing mill workers. Work 2024:WOR230399. [PMID: 38640184 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Textile-sizing mill workers are exposed to various hazards in the sizing units during their working hours and are at risk of acquiring lung impairments due to the usage of sizing chemicals in the sizing process. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study is to assess the influence of cotton dust and sizing agents on lung function and breathing difficulties among Indian textile sizing mill workers. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out at a textile-sizing mill from August 2022 to September 2022. A modified questionnaire based American Thoracic Society's standard was used to assess respiratory symptoms among sizing mill workers and the pulmonary function test was conducted Spirometry. The chi-square test was used to find the difference between respiratory symptoms and the t-test was used to find the difference between spirometric parameters. RESULTS Textile sizing mill workers showed significant (P < 0.0001) decline in peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity (FVC), ratio of FEV1 and forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). There was an association between symptoms and duration of exposure to pulmonary abnormality. Sizing mill workers showed a significant decline in lung functions and an increase in pulmonary symptoms. As the service duration of exposure in terms of years increased, respiratory symptoms increased and spirometric abnormality also increased. CONCLUSION This study confirms that sizing agents such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), emulsifier, wax, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and starch used in sizing mills are also responsible for respiratory illness and lung impairment among textile workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Subramaniam
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India
- Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Abbas Ganesan
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Naveenkumar Raju
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Nithyaprakash Rajavel
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Maheswari Chenniappan
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Chander Prakash
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Alokesh Pramanik
- School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Descatha A, Hamzaoui H, Takala J, Oppliger A. A Systematized Overview of Published Reviews on Biological Hazards, Occupational Health, and Safety. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:347-357. [PMID: 38187198 PMCID: PMC10770102 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic turned biological hazards in the working environment into a global concern. This systematized review of published reviews aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific jobs and categories of workers exposed to biological hazards with the related prevention. Methods We extracted reviews published in English and French in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Two authors, working independently, subsequently screened the potentially relevant titles and abstracts recovered (step 1) and then examined relevant full texts (step 2). Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We built tables summarizing populations of exposed workers, types of hazards, types of outcomes (types of health issues, means of prevention), and routes of transmission. Results Of 1426 studies initially identified, 79 studies by authors from every continent were selected, mostly published after 2010 (n = 63, 79.7%). About half of the reviews dealt with infectious hazards alone (n = 38, 48.1%). The industrial sectors identified involved healthcare alone (n = 16), laboratories (n = 10), agriculture (including the animal, vegetable, and grain sectors, n = 32), waste (n = 10), in addition of 11 studies without specific sectors. The results also highlighted a range of hazards (infectious and non-infectious agents, endotoxins, bioaerosols, organic dust, and emerging agents). Conclusion This systematized overview allowed to list the populations of workers exposed to biological hazards and underlined how prevention measures in the healthcare and laboratory sectors were usually well defined and controlled, although this was not the case in the agriculture and waste sectors. Further studies are necessary to quantify these risks and implement prevention measures that can be applied in every country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Descatha
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) – UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, CAPTV CDC, Angers, France
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, USA
| | - Halim Hamzaoui
- Labour Administration, Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Branch- International Labour Organization, HQ, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jukka Takala
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anne Oppliger
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Unisanté, University of Lausanne, Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ekman J, Quartey P, Ussif AM, Ricklund N, Egbenya DL, Wiafe GA, Tsegah KM, Karikari A, Löfstedt H, Djankpa FT. Dynamics of pre-shift and post-shift lung function parameters among wood workers in Ghana. Ann Occup Environ Med 2023; 35:e39. [PMID: 37928378 PMCID: PMC10621010 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diseases affecting the lungs and airways contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. The problem in low- and middle-income countries appears to be exacerbated by a shift in global manufacturing base to these countries and inadequate enforcement of environmental and safety standards. In Ghana, the potential adverse effects on respiratory function associated with occupational wood dust exposure have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods Sixty-four male sawmill workers and 64 non-woodworkers participated in this study. The concentration of wood dust exposure, prevalence and likelihood of association of respiratory symptoms with wood dust exposure and changes in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters in association with wood dust exposure were determined from dust concentration measurements, symptoms questionnaire and lung function test parameters. Results Sawmill workers were exposed to inhalable dust concentration of 3.09 ± 0.04 mg/m3 but did not use respirators and engaged in personal grooming habits that are known to increase dust inhalation. The sawmill operators also showed higher prevalence and likelihoods of association with respiratory symptoms, a significant cross-shift decline in some PFT parameters and a shift towards a restrictive pattern of lung dysfunction by end of daily shift. The before-shift PFT parameters of woodworkers were comparable to those of non-woodworkers, indicating a lack of chronic effects of wood dust exposure. Conclusions Wood dust exposure at the study site was associated with acute respiratory symptoms and acute changes in some PFT parameters. This calls for institution and enforcement of workplace and environmental safety policies to minimise exposure at sawmill operating sites, and ultimately, decrease the burden of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ekman
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Philip Quartey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Abdala Mumuni Ussif
- Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Niklas Ricklund
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Daniel Lawer Egbenya
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Gideon Akuamoah Wiafe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Korantema Mawuena Tsegah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Akua Karikari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Håkan Löfstedt
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Francis Tanam Djankpa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Sack C, Simpson C, Pacheco K. The Emerging Spectrum of Respiratory Diseases in the U.S. Cannabis Industry. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:405-414. [PMID: 37015286 PMCID: PMC10449032 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1766116] [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: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
While the cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing job markets in the United States and globally, relatively little is known about the occupational hazards that cannabis production workers face. Based on the closely related hemp industry and preliminary studies from recreational cannabis grow facilities, there is concern for significant respiratory exposures to bioaerosols containing microbial and plant allergens, chemicals such as pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and other irritant gases. Components of the cannabis plant have also recently been identified as allergenic and capable of inducing an immunoglobulin E-mediated response. Accumulating evidence indicates a spectrum of work-related respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and other allergic diseases. Disentangling causal relationships is difficult given the heterogeneity of mixed exposures, diagnostic challenges, and confounding by personal cannabis use. Despite and because of these uncertainties, better regulatory guidance and exposure controls need to be defined in order to reduce the risk of work-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralynn Sack
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Christopher Simpson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Karin Pacheco
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Hospital, Denver, CO
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Dalbøge A, Albert Kolstad H, Ulrik CS, Sherson DL, Meyer HW, Ebbehøj N, Sigsgaard T, Zock JP, Baur X, Schlünssen V. The Relationship Between Potential Occupational Sensitizing Exposures and Asthma: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:163-181. [PMID: 36472234 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac074] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to identify, appraise, and synthesize the scientific evidence of the relationship between potential occupational sensitizing exposures and the development of asthma based on systematic reviews. METHODS The study was conducted as an overview of systematic reviews. A systematic literature search was conducted for systematic reviews published up to 9 February 2020. Eligibility study criteria included persons in or above the working age, potential occupational sensitizing exposures, and outcomes defined as asthma. Potential occupational sensitizing exposures were divided into 23 main groups comprising both subgroups and specific exposures. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted study data, assessed study quality, and evaluated confidence in study results and level of evidence of the relationship between potential occupational sensitizing exposures and asthma. RESULTS Twenty-seven systematic reviews were included covering 1242 studies and 486 potential occupational sensitizing exposures. Overall confidence in study results was rated high in three systematic reviews, moderate in seven reviews, and low in 17 reviews. Strong evidence for the main group of wood dusts and moderate evidence for main groups of mites and fish was found. For subgroups/specific exposures, strong evidence was found for toluene diisocyanates, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and work tasks involving exposure to laboratory animals, whereas moderate evidence was found for 52 subgroups/specific exposures. CONCLUSIONS This overview identified hundreds of potential occupational sensitizing exposures suspected to cause asthma and evaluated the level of evidence for each exposure. Strong evidence was found for wood dust in general and for toluene diisocyanates, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and work tasks involving exposure to laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annett Dalbøge
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Suppli Ulrik
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hvidovre University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - David Lee Sherson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Harald William Meyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Ebbehøj
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Environment, Occupation, and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3721 MA, The Netherlands
| | - Xaver Baur
- Institut für Arbeitsmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Environment, Occupation, and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Salama A, Elgohary R, Mowaad N, Sadek D, Abdelhamid W. Toxic effect of carpet dust on the biochemical indices and histological structure of the lung in rats: the potential role of cytochrome P450 2E1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Biomarkers 2023; 28:289-301. [PMID: 36588463 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2023.2164905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Carpet dust exposure in the carpet industry causes various respiratory hazards that lead to permanent loss of lung function. This study investigated the potentially toxic effects of knotted and tufted carpet dust on rat lungs and the possible involvement of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathways in the induced toxicity, as well as histological changes in the lung induced by carpet dust.Methods: This study divided 48 adult rats into six groups: group I was the control group, group II (vehicle group) received phosphate buffer saline (50 µL/rat), groups III and IV received knotted dust (2.5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively), and groups V and VI received tufted dust (2.5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). All treatments were intranasally administered once a day for 7 days.Results: Both dust types significantly decreased the lung content of GSH compared with the control. Significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) lung contents were observed with an increased CYP2E1, interleukin (IL)-6, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ), and ERK/MAPK. The histological lung structure was moderately affected with a moderately increased number of CD68-positive macrophages in the lung parenchyma of knotted dust-exposed rats, whereas tufted dust exposure severely affected the lung tissue with significantly increased CD68-positive macrophages.Conclusions: Carpet dust exposure could induce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the lung tissue via induction of CYP2E1 that stimulates ERK/MAPK signalling pathway proteins, resulting in elevated MDA, NO and IL-6 levels in the lung tissue with suppressed GSH content. Tufted dust could possess a more toxic response than knotted ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Salama
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania Elgohary
- Narcotics, Ergogenics and Poisons Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Mowaad
- Narcotics, Ergogenics and Poisons Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Sadek
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa Abdelhamid
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Rasuli L, Dehghani MH, Aghaei M, Mahvi AH, Mubarak NM, Karri RR. Occurrence and fate of bacterial endotoxins in the environment (air, water, wastewater) and remediation technologies: An overview. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:135089. [PMID: 35623438 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Endotoxins as the outer membrane of most Gram-Negative Bacteria (GNB) and typical toxic biochemical produced by microorganisms are identified as one of the emerging pollutants. These microbial by-products are harmful compounds that can be present in various environments including air, water, soil, and other ecosystems which was discussed in detail in this review. Environmental and occupational exposure caused by endotoxin occurs in water and wastewater treatment plants, industrial plants, farming, waste recovery, and composting facilities. Even though the health risk related to endotoxin injection in intravenous and dialysis are well identified, the harmful effects of ingestion, inhalation, and other way of exposure are not well quantified and there is insufficient information on the potential health risks of endotoxins exposure in water environments, and another exposures. Because of limited studies, the outbreaks of diseases related to endotoxins in the various source of exposure not been well documented. Endotoxin removal from different environments are investigated in this review. The results of various studies have shown that conventional treatment methods have been unable to remove endotoxins from water and wastewater, therefore, monitoring the effectiveness of these processes in controlling this contaminant and also using the appropriate removal method is essential. However, management of water and wastewater treatment processes and the use of advanced processes such as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) can be effective in monitoring and reducing endotoxin levels during water and wastewater treatment. One of the limitations of endotoxin monitoring is the lack of sufficient information to develop monitoring levels. In addition, the lack of guidelinesand methods of controlling them at high levels may cause irreparable disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Rasuli
- Qazvin University of Medical Science, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Dehghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Environmental Research, Center for Solid Waste Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mina Aghaei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Mahvi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Environmental Research, Center for Solid Waste Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak
- Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Rama Rao Karri
- Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
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Registered health problems and demographic profile of integrated textile factory workers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1526. [PMID: 34372825 PMCID: PMC8351335 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Textile and garment factories are growing in low and middle-income countries as worldwide demand for inexpensive clothing increases each year. These integrated textile and garment production factories are often built-in areas with few workplaces and environmental regulations, and employees can be regularly exposed to workplace hazards with little regulatory oversight. Consequently, workers’ health may be significantly affected due to long term exposure to hazards. This study describes registered health problems and their association to work-related and personal factors among workers in integrated textile factories in Ethiopia. Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed for this analysis. A one-year recording of worker’s clinical diagnoses (between March 2016 and February 2017) was gathered from the factory clinics of three integrated textile factories. Clinical diagnosis data was obtained as factory workers visited the clinics if feeling unwell. Sociodemographic characteristics and work-related information were obtained from the factory’s human resource departments. The sociodemographic and clinical diagnosis statuses of 7992 workers were analyzed. The association between the registered diagnoses and workplace factors (work in textile production, garment production and support process) and personal factors (age, sex and educational status) were studied using logistic regression analysis. Results The average employee age and years of service were 40 years and 11 years respectively. 60% of workers were females, comprising of 4778 women. 66% of all workers (5276) had 27,320 clinical diagnoses. In total, this caused 16,993 absent working days due to sick leave. Respiratory diseases (34%) and musculoskeletal disorders (29%) were the most prevalent diagnoses, while bodily injuries were the cause of most work absences. Work department, sex and educational status are variables that were most significantly associated with higher prevalence of disease groups. Conclusions About two-thirds of the integrated textile factory workers were diagnosed with different types of disease. The textile and garment production department workers were affected at a greater rate than the support process workers, indicating that some diseases may be related to workplace exposure. Further study should investigate rare chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, renal diseases and diabetes.
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Kisielinski K, Giboni P, Prescher A, Klosterhalfen B, Graessel D, Funken S, Kempski O, Hirsch O. Is a Mask That Covers the Mouth and Nose Free from Undesirable Side Effects in Everyday Use and Free of Potential Hazards? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4344. [PMID: 33923935 PMCID: PMC8072811 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many countries introduced the requirement to wear masks in public spaces for containing SARS-CoV-2 making it commonplace in 2020. Up until now, there has been no comprehensive investigation as to the adverse health effects masks can cause. The aim was to find, test, evaluate and compile scientifically proven related side effects of wearing masks. For a quantitative evaluation, 44 mostly experimental studies were referenced, and for a substantive evaluation, 65 publications were found. The literature revealed relevant adverse effects of masks in numerous disciplines. In this paper, we refer to the psychological and physical deterioration as well as multiple symptoms described because of their consistent, recurrent and uniform presentation from different disciplines as a Mask-Induced Exhaustion Syndrome (MIES). We objectified evaluation evidenced changes in respiratory physiology of mask wearers with significant correlation of O2 drop and fatigue (p < 0.05), a clustered co-occurrence of respiratory impairment and O2 drop (67%), N95 mask and CO2 rise (82%), N95 mask and O2 drop (72%), N95 mask and headache (60%), respiratory impairment and temperature rise (88%), but also temperature rise and moisture (100%) under the masks. Extended mask-wearing by the general population could lead to relevant effects and consequences in many medical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas Prescher
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy (MOCA), Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Bernd Klosterhalfen
- Institute of Pathology, Dueren Hospital, Roonstrasse 30, 52351 Dueren, Germany;
| | - David Graessel
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany;
| | | | - Oliver Kempski
- Institute of Neurosurgical Pathophysiology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, 57078 Siegen, Germany
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12
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Kammoolkon R, Taneepanichskul N, Taneepanichskul S. Respiratory symptoms and their association with exposure to respiratory dust among indigo-dyed cotton workers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:356-361. [PMID: 33663353 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1893633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Indigo-dyed cotton weavers are exposed to various dust particles that may contain chemical contaminants from indigo fermentation process and can be related to respiratory symptoms. This cross-sectional study thus investigates the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and their association with respiratory dust (RD) exposure among workers in northeastern Thailand. It recruited 146 indigo-dyed cotton weavers. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was collected by a self-report questionnaire included cough, phlegm, chest tightness, wheezing, and dyspnea. The average RD was 47.9 ± 28.3 μg/m3. Logistic regression models revealed a strong association between RD exposure and respiratory symptoms after adjustment. An exposure to RD ≥50 µg/m3 was associated with 5.05-, 3.58-, 2.88-, and 3.30-fold increased odds ratio of cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and dyspnea, respectively. The study results reveal that RD exposure may contribute to respiratory symptoms among indigo-dyed cotton weavers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratanee Kammoolkon
- Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
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13
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Silver SR, Alarcon WA, Li J. Incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with occupation, industry, and workplace exposures in the Health and Retirement Study. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:26-38. [PMID: 33124723 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic health effects from accumulated occupational exposures manifest as the workforce ages. The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a panel survey of U.S. adults nearing/in retirement, allows assessment of associations among industry and occupation (I/O), workplace exposures, and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS The study population comprised respondents from the 1992 HRS cohort employed in 1972 or later and not diagnosed with COPD as of initial interview. We examined associations with incident COPD through 2016 and: (1) broad and selected detailed I/O, (2) workplace exposures, and (3) exposures within I/O. Given the cohort's baseline age (50-62), we calculated subhazard ratios (SHRs) for COPD accounting for competing risk of death. RESULTS SHRs for COPD were significantly elevated for several industries: mining; blast furnaces, steelworks, rolling and finishing mills; groceries and related products; and automotive repair shops. Occupations with significantly elevated SHRs were maids and housemen; farmworkers; vehicle/mobile equipment mechanics and repair workers; material moving equipment operators; and nonconstruction laborers. Significantly elevated COPD SHRs were observed for specific I/O-exposure pairs: blast furnace/steelworks/rolling/finishing mills and asbestos; automotive repair shops and aerosol paints; farmworkers and pesticide exposures; and both material moving equipment operators and nonconstruction laborers exposed to dust and ash. CONCLUSIONS Certain jobs and occupational exposures are associated with increased risk for developing COPD in late preretirement and during retirement. Given the disability and economic costs of COPD, these findings support focusing exposure prevention and medical monitoring resources on groups of workers at increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R. Silver
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Walter A. Alarcon
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Jia Li
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
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14
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Browne MA, Ros M, Johnston EL. Pore-size and polymer affect the ability of filters for washing-machines to reduce domestic emissions of fibres to sewage. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234248. [PMID: 32559201 PMCID: PMC7304565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
When clothes are worn and washed, they emit fibres into the ecosystem via discharges of sewage that have been linked to the global dispersion of clothing fibres. Facilities that treat sewage divert some fibres from sewage effluent to sludge, but no current methods of filtration eliminate their environmental release. While filters for washing-machines are sold to consumers with the argument they will reduce the emissions of fibres from clothes to the environment, there is insufficient scientific peer-reviewed evidence assessing their ability to retain fibres from washed clothes and reduce environmental contamination. To improve our understanding and develop more realistic methods to assess the efficiency of filters, we washed replicate cotton and polyester garments in replicate domestic front-loaded washing-machines with and without replicate filters (micro- and milli-meter-sized pores), and then quantified the masses of the fibres retained by the filters and those released in the effluent. Here we show micrometer-sized filters significantly reduced the mass of cotton by 67% (F2,6 = 11.69, P<0.01) compared to effluent from appliances with no filters, whilst filters in general reduced polyester fibres in their effluent by more than 65% (micrometer-sized pores) and 74% (millimeter-sized pores) compared to effluent from appliances with no filters (F2,12 = 5.20, P<0.05). While filters with micrometer-sized pores caught larger masses and total proportions of fibres than filters with millimeter-sized pores, the differences were only significant for the total proportions of cotton (t = 4.799 df = 4, P<0.01). For tests with garments of either types of polymer, the filtered effluent still contained up to a third of the original masses of fibres released from the garments. Given the diversity of clothes, polymers, appliances and filters currently sold to consumers, our work shows the value of increasing the rigour (e.g. more levels of replication) when testing filters and the need for further studies that test an even greater diversity of materials and methods in order to meet the growing demand for knowledge from governments, industry and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Anthony Browne
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Macarena Ros
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Emma L. Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Tefera Y, Schlünssen V, Kumie A, Deressa W, Moen BE, Bråtveit M. Personal inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure among workers in an integrated textile factory. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2020; 75:415-421. [PMID: 32308145 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1743958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine personal exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin levels among workers in an integrated cotton-processing textile factory and exposure variability across the different work sections. Full shift measurements were carried out using inhalable conical samplers with 37 mm glass-fiber filters. Personal inhalable dust was determined gravimetrically, and endotoxin levels were analyzed by kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocytes Lysate assay. The geometric means of personal dust and endotoxin concentrations were 0.75 mg·m-3 and 831 EU·m-3, respectively. The highest dust and endotoxin concentrations were observed in carding section (1.34 mg·m-3 and 6,381 EU·m-3, respectively). Altogether, 11% of dust and 89% of endotoxin samples exceeded workplace exposure limits. This study showed a moderate correlation between inhalable dust and endotoxin (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that low dust exposure does not guarantee a low exposure to endotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifokire Tefera
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Tefera Zele Y, Kumie A, Deressa W, Moen BE, Bråtveit M. Reduced Cross-Shift Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms among Integrated Textile Factory Workers in Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082741. [PMID: 32316175 PMCID: PMC7215879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic respiratory symptoms and reduction in lung function has been described as a common health problem among textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers from an integrated textile factory. A comparative cross-sectional study design with a cross-shift lung function measurement was performed in 306 cotton dust exposed workers from an integrated textile factory and 156 control workers from a water bottling factory. An integrated textile factory typically has four main production departments (spinning, weaving, finishing, and garment) that process raw cotton and manufacture clothes or fabrics. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by adopting the standard American Thoracic Society questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic and linear regression analysis were used. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among textile workers (54%) than in controls (28%). Chronic cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness were significantly higher among textile workers (23%, 33%, and 37%, respectively) than in the control group (5%, 17% and 6%, respectively). Breathlessness was the most prevalent chronic respiratory symptom with highest adjusted odds ratio 9.4 (95% CI 4.4–20.3). A significantly higher cross-shift lung function reduction was observed among textile workers (123 mL for FEV1 and 129 mL for FVC) compared with the control group (14 mL for FEV1 and 12 mL for FVC). Thus, workers’ respiratory health protection programs should be strengthened in textile factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifokire Tefera Zele
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (B.E.M.); (M.B.)
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +251-91-375-4082
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (B.E.M.); (M.B.)
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (B.E.M.); (M.B.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent evidence suggests that environmental exposures change the adult human microbiome. Here, we review recent evidence on the impact of the work microbiome and work-related chemical, metal and particulate exposures on the human microbiome. RECENT FINDINGS Prior literature on occupational microbial exposures has focused mainly on the respiratory effects of endotoxin, but a recent study suggests that not all endotoxin is the same; endotoxin from some species is proinflammatory, whereas endotoxin from other species is anti-inflammatory. Work with animals can change the adult human microbiome, likely through colonization. Early studies in military personnel and animal models of gulf war illness show that military exposures change the gut microbiome and increase gut permeability. Heavy metal and particulate matter exposure, which are often elevated in occupational settings, also change the gut microbiome. SUMMARY An emerging body of literature shows that work-related exposures can change the human microbiome. The health effects of these changes are currently not well studied. If work exposures lead to disease through alterations in the human microbiome, exposure cessation without addressing changes to the human microbiome may be ineffective for disease prevention and treatment.
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18
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Ilar A, Gustavsson P, Wiebert P, Alfredsson L. Occupational exposure to organic dusts and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis: findings from a Swedish population-based case-control study. RMD Open 2019; 5:e001049. [PMID: 31803499 PMCID: PMC6890392 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2019-001049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We estimated the association between occupational exposures to five different organic dusts: wood, animal, paper, textile and flour dust and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods This population-based case–control study analysed 12 582 incident cases and 129 335 controls. Participants were identified from national public authority and quality registers. Census data on occupations were collected 1960–2010 and we estimated the exposure to organic dust with the help of job-exposure matrices. We used logistic regression to assess the OR of seropositive or seronegative RA. Estimates were adjusted for the matching variables (sex, county, age and index year), education and occupational silica exposure. Results Exposure to animal dust was associated with an increased risk of RA among both men and women. The OR was 1.2 (95% CI=1.1 to 1.4) for seropositive RA and 1.3 (95% CI=1.1 to 1.5) for seronegative RA among ever exposed participants compared with unexposed. The risk increased with duration of exposure for seropositive RA, and participants who had been exposed in five or more censuses had an OR of 1.6 (95% CI=1.1 to 2.2, p for trend=0.003). Exposure to textile dust also generated a significant dose–response relationship for seropositive RA (p for trend=0.014). We detected no association between exposure to wood, paper or flour dust and risk of RA. Conclusions Overall, exposure to animal dust and textile dust was associated with an increased risk of developing RA. These observations give further support to the notion that airborne exposures are involved in the aetiology of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ilar
- Unit of Translational Epidemiology, The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Gustavsson
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Wiebert
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Alfredsson
- Unit of Translational Epidemiology, The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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Holland C, Numata K, Rnjak‐Kovacina J, Seib FP. The Biomedical Use of Silk: Past, Present, Future. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1800465. [PMID: 30238637 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 371] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Humans have long appreciated silk for its lustrous appeal and remarkable physical properties, yet as the mysteries of silk are unraveled, it becomes clear that this outstanding biopolymer is more than a high-tech fiber. This progress report provides a critical but detailed insight into the biomedical use of silk. This journey begins with a historical perspective of silk and its uses, including the long-standing desire to reverse engineer silk. Selected silk structure-function relationships are then examined to appreciate past and current silk challenges. From this, biocompatibility and biodegradation are reviewed with a specific focus of silk performance in humans. The current clinical uses of silk (e.g., sutures, surgical meshes, and fabrics) are discussed, as well as clinical trials (e.g., wound healing, tissue engineering) and emerging biomedical applications of silk across selected formats, such as silk solution, films, scaffolds, electrospun materials, hydrogels, and particles. The journey finishes with a look at the roadmap of next-generation recombinant silks, especially the development pipeline of this new industry for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Holland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering The University of Sheffield Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street Sheffield South Yorkshire S1 3JD UK
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecules Research Team RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science 2‐1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351‐0198 Japan
| | - Jelena Rnjak‐Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - F. Philipp Seib
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden Dresden 01069 Germany
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Strathclyde Glasgow G4 0RE UK
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20
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Biswas M, Chattopadhyay K. Relationship between health-related quality of life and respiratory health status among coal-based sponge iron plant workers in Barjora, India. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 26:355-359. [PMID: 29780689 PMCID: PMC5948262 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-017-0861-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many coal-based sponge iron plant workers have poor health-related quality of life in general, and specifically a poor respiratory health status. However, the relationship between their health-related quality of life and respiratory health status is unknown. AIM This study investigated the relationship between health-related quality of life, measured using the EuroQol-5D (EQ5D), and respiratory health status, measured using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), among coal-based sponge iron plant workers in Barjora, India. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted among coal-based sponge iron plant workers in Barjora, and complete data were available on 252 participants. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were reported to show the strength of relationship between health-related quality of life and respiratory health status. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Significant correlations were found between all EQ5D dimensions/visual analogue scale (VAS) and all SGRQ scores except between EQ5D-VAS and SGRQ-activity. A range of correlations was found. They were moderate between EQ5D-anxiety/depression and SGRQ-symptom, EQ5D-VAS and SGRQ-symptom, and EQ5D-anxiety/depression and SGRQ-total, but weak between all the other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Biswas
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, YO10 4DU UK
| | - Kaushik Chattopadhyay
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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21
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Anyfantis ID, Rachiotis G, Hadjichristodoulou C, Gourgoulianis KI. Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function among Greek Cotton Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE 2017; 8:32-38. [PMID: 28051194 PMCID: PMC6679635 DOI: 10.15171/ijoem.2017.888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Workers in cotton industry are occupationally exposed to various dust-related hazards. The nature of these agents and the respective exposure levels depend on the cotton industry specific sector. These exposures could be associated with respiratory symptoms and changes in lung function parameters. Objective: To evaluate associations between occupational exposure and respiratory function as well as reported symptoms in several groups of workers at different stages of the cotton industry in a vertical approach that covers all the major sectors—from cotton ginning to weaving and fabric production. Methods: A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and individual as well as workplace characteristics was completed by 256 workers at the cotton industry and 148 office workers (control group). Both groups underwent spirometry. Results: Workers in cotton industry reported a higher prevalence of severe dyspnea (p=0.002) and wheezing (p=0.004) compared to the control group. Also they were found to have a lower predicted FEV1% (p<0.029) and lower FEV1/FVC (p<0.001) values. In addition, a higher prevalence of FEV1% <80% (p<0.001) and FEV1/FVC <70% (p=0.041) were found among textile workers. Similar results were found for non-smoker textile workers compared to non-smoker control group workers. Those working in cotton ginning mills recorded the highest decrease of spirometric values. Duration of employment in cotton industry and smoking use were found to be predictors of lung function decline for cotton industry workers. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to cotton dust was associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and obstructive pattern in pulmonary function test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis D Anyfantis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Biopolis, Larissa 41110, Greece.
| | - Georgios Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41222, Greece
| | - Cristos Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41222, Greece
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Dangi BM, Bhise AR. Cotton dust exposure: Analysis of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms. Lung India 2017; 34:144-149. [PMID: 28360462 PMCID: PMC5351356 DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.201319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cotton industry workers are exposed to various hazards in the different departments of textile factories. The major health problems associated with cotton dust are respiratory problems, byssinosis, bronchitis and asthma. Objective: To study the effect of cotton dust exposure on pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at cotton mill in the Ahmedabad city. Materials and Methods: One hundred cotton mill workers of the weaving and spinning area participated in this study while 100 age- and gender-matched male subjects living in the residential area served as the control group. A questionnaire was used to inquire about respiratory symptoms and spirometry was done in both the groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test was used to find the difference between spirometric parameters, and Chi-square test was used to find the difference between respiratory symptoms. Results: Respiratory symptoms were statistically significantly more common in the cotton mill workers compared to control group. Cotton mill workers group also showed significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), ratio of FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate, and no significant difference of FVC between groups. There was an association of duration of exposure and symptoms with spirometric abnormality. Conclusion: Cotton mill workers showed a significant decrease in spirometric parameters and increase in respiratory symptoms. As the duration of exposure and symptoms increased, spirometric abnormality increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat M Dangi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Government Spine Institute and Physiotherapy College, Civil Hospital Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Anjali R Bhise
- Department of Physiotherapy, Government Spine Institute and Physiotherapy College, Civil Hospital Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Xue J, Zhang J, Xu B, Xie J, Wu W, Lu Y. Endotoxins: The Critical Risk Factor in Reclaimed Water via Inhalation Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11957-11964. [PMID: 27709904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of reclaimed water for nonpotable uses requires consideration of potential adverse health effects. Considering that inhalation can be a significant route of transmission of microorganisms and inflammatory agents, this study used a mouse model to test the possible adverse effects of reclaimed water use during car washing where aerosols are generated. Intensive innate immune responses were found in the lungs after acute exposure, and the lavage polymorphonuclear cell proportion was the most sensitive end point. Four types of evidence are presented to demonstrate that the main risk factor that initiates innate inflammation is the free endotoxin. (1) Small molecules (<10 kDa) cannot induce inflammation. (2) The endotoxin levels of 11 water samples from five different plants showed positive correlations with inflammatory responses. (3) Actual water samples showed similar activities with free endotoxins other than bacterially bound endotoxins. (4) Specific removal of endotoxins with polymyxin B affinity chromatography further confirmed the role of free endotoxins. It is noteworthy that 62.9% of the investigated tertiary-treated water had endotoxin levels higher than the allowable acute threshold (120 endotoxin units/mL) under the hypothesized car wash condition, which strongly suggests the need to carefully consider the water treatment steps required to produce safe water for various reclaimed water end uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Xue
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinshan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Bi Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiani Xie
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhao Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Lu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
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Lai PS, Hang JQ, Zhang FY, Sun J, Zheng BY, Su L, Washko GR, Christiani DC. Imaging Phenotype of Occupational Endotoxin-Related Lung Function Decline. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:1436-1442. [PMID: 27138294 PMCID: PMC5010398 DOI: 10.1289/ehp195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although occupational exposures contribute to a significant proportion of obstructive lung disease, the phenotype of obstructive lung disease associated with work-related organic dust exposure independent of smoking remains poorly defined. OBJECTIVE We identified the relative contributions of smoking and occupational endotoxin exposure to parenchymal and airway remodeling as defined by quantitative computed tomography (CT). METHODS The Shanghai Textile Worker Study is a longitudinal study of endotoxin-exposed cotton workers and endotoxin-unexposed silk workers that was initiated in 1981. Spirometry, occupational endotoxin exposure, and smoking habits were assessed at 5-year intervals. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed in 464 retired workers in 2011, along with quantitative lung densitometric and airway analysis. RESULTS Significant differences in all CT measures were noted across exposure groups. Occupational endotoxin exposure was associated with a decrease (-1.3%) in percent emphysema (LAAI-950), a 3.3-Hounsfield unit increase in 15th percentile density, an 18.1-g increase in lung mass, and a 2.3% increase in wall area percent. Current but not former smoking was associated with a similar CT phenotype. Changes in LAAI-950 were highly correlated with 15th percentile density (correlation -1.0). Lung mass was the only measure associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) decline, with each 10-g increase in lung mass associated with an additional loss (-6.1 mL) of FEV1 (p = 0.001) between 1981 and 2011. CONCLUSIONS There are many similarities between the effects of occupational endotoxin exposure and those of tobacco smoke exposure on lung parenchyma and airway remodeling. The effects of occupational endotoxin exposure appear to persist even after the cessation of exposure. LAAI-950 may not be a reliable indicator of emphysema in subjects without spirometric impairment. Lung mass is a CT-based biomarker of accelerated lung function decline. CITATION Lai PS, Hang J, Zhang F, Sun J, Zheng BY, Su L, Washko GR, Christiani DC. 2016. Imaging phenotype of occupational endotoxin-related lung function decline. Environ Health Perspect 124:1436-1442; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP195.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy S. Lai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jing-qing Hang
- Shanghai Putuo District People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | | | - J. Sun
- Shanghai Putuo District People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Bu-Yong Zheng
- Shanghai Putuo District People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George R. Washko
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David C. Christiani
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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van Kampen V, Hoffmeyer F, Deckert A, Kendzia B, Casjens S, Neumann HD, Buxtrup M, Willer E, Felten C, Schöneich R, Brüning T, Raulf M, Bünger J. Effects of bioaerosol exposure on respiratory health in compost workers: a 13-year follow-up study. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:829-837. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
Background: Long term occupational exposure to cotton dust is associated with respiratory symptoms and loss of pulmonary function. Aim: This study was conducted to explore respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and chest radiography of workers, and to evaluate the findings of high resolution computed tomographyand its correlation with pulmonary function tests (PFT). Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 cotton workers as exposed group and 100 unexposed subjects. Smokers were excluded from the study. All workers were interviewed and examined by the pulmonologist. PFT and chest radiography were conducted for all subjects. HRCT was performed for those with abnormal PFT or chest radiography. Results: A total of 51% and 31% of the cotton textile workers had one or more respiratory symptoms and respiratory signs respectively. 28% of subjects in the exposed group and 5% of subjects in unexposed group had obstructive pattern. Bronchia wall thickening and air trapping were the most frequent chest radiography and HRCT abnormalities respectively. There was a significant correlation between HRCT and the results of PFT. Conclusion: We conclude that long term exposure to cotton dust is associated with obstructive disease that increase with duration of exposure (history of working years), also use of HRCT as a sensitive tool in the assessment of pathologic changes and it's correlation with PFT, confirms the expected pathophysiology of airway obstruction in cotton workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Mansouri
- Department of Respiratory, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaber Parsa Pili
- Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Management, Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Abbasi
- Department of Respiratory, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mina Soltani
- Department of Respiratory, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nazanin Izadi
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Too CL, Muhamad NA, Ilar A, Padyukov L, Alfredsson L, Klareskog L, Murad S, Bengtsson C. Occupational exposure to textile dust increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: results from a Malaysian population-based case-control study. Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 75:997-1002. [PMID: 26681695 PMCID: PMC4893106 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Lung exposures including cigarette smoking and silica exposure are associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the association between textile dust exposure and the risk of RA in the Malaysian population, with a focus on women who rarely smoke. Methods Data from the Malaysian Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis population-based case–control study involving 910 female early RA cases and 910 female age-matched controls were analysed. Self-reported information on ever/never occupationally exposed to textile dust was used to estimate the risk of developing anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive and ACPA-negative RA. Interaction between textile dust and the human leucocyte antigen DR β-1 (HLA-DRB1) shared epitope (SE) was evaluated by calculating the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), with 95% CI. Results Occupational exposure to textile dust was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing RA in the Malaysian female population (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 5.2). The association between occupational exposure to textile dust and risk of RA was uniformly observed for the ACPA-positive RA (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.8) and ACPA-negative RA (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.0) subsets, respectively. We observed a significant interaction between exposure to occupational textile dust and HLA-DRB1 SE alleles regarding the risk of ACPA-positive RA (OR for double exposed: 39.1, 95% CI 5.1 to 297.5; AP: 0.8, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.2). Conclusions This is the first study demonstrating that textile dust exposure is associated with an increased risk for RA. In addition, a gene–environment interaction between HLA-DRB1 SE and textile dust exposure provides a high risk for ACPA-positive RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Lai Too
- Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine L8:O4, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nor Asiah Muhamad
- Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anna Ilar
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leonid Padyukov
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine L8:O4, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Alfredsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Klareskog
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine L8:O4, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shahnaz Murad
- Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Camilla Bengtsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Cannabis sativa: the unconventional "weed" allergen. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015; 114:187-92. [PMID: 25744904 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the cotton industry of Pakistan, 15 million people are employed and exposed to cotton dust, toxic chemicals, noise and physical hazards. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of health symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms, and to measure cotton dust and endotoxin levels in different textile factories of Faisalabad, Pakistan. METHODS A cross-sectional investigation was performed in a representative sample of 47 cotton factories in the Faisalabad region in Punjab, Pakistan. Respiratory symptoms of 800 workers were documented by questionnaire. Occupational safety in the factories was assessed by a trained expert following a checklist, and dust and endotoxin levels in different work areas were measured. RESULTS Prevalence of respiratory disease symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough) was generally high and highest in the weaving section of the cotton industry (20-40% depending on symptoms). This section also displayed the poorest occupational safety ratings and the highest levels of inhalable cotton dust (mean±SD 4.6±2.5 vs 0.95±0.65 mg/m(3) in compact units). In contrast, endotoxin levels were highest in the spinning section (median 1521 EU/m(3)), where high humidity is maintained. CONCLUSIONS There are still poor working conditions in the cotton industry in Pakistan where workers are exposed to different occupational hazards. More health symptoms were reported from small weaving factories (power looms). There is a dire need for improvements in occupational health and safety in this industrial sector with particular focus on power looms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wali Khan
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Federal Government Polyclinic (Post-graduate Medical Institute), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Longitudinal assessment of lung function decline in the occupational setting. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 15:145-9. [DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lai PS, Hang JQ, Valeri L, Zhang FY, Zheng BY, Mehta AJ, Shi J, Su L, Brown D, Eisen EA, Christiani DC. Endotoxin and gender modify lung function recovery after occupational organic dust exposure: a 30-year study. Occup Environ Med 2015; 72:546-552. [PMID: 25666844 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to determine the trajectory of lung function change after exposure cessation to occupational organic dust exposure, and to identify factors that modify improvement. METHODS The Shanghai Textile Worker Study is a longitudinal study of 447 cotton workers exposed to endotoxin-containing dust and 472 silk workers exposed to non-endotoxin-containing dust. Spirometry was performed at 5-year intervals. Air sampling was performed to estimate individual cumulative exposures. The effect of work cessation on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was modelled using generalised additive mixed effects models to identify the trajectory of FEV1 recovery. Linear mixed effects models incorporating interaction terms were used to identify modifiers of FEV1 recovery. Loss to follow-up was accounted for with inverse probability of censoring weights. RESULTS 74.2% of the original cohort still alive participated in 2011. Generalised additive mixed models identified a non-linear improvement in FEV1 for all workers after exposure cessation, with no plateau noted 25 years after retirement. Linear mixed effects models incorporating interaction terms identified prior endotoxin exposure (p=0.01) and male gender (p=0.002) as risk factors for impaired FEV1 improvement after exposure cessation. After adjusting for gender, smoking delayed the onset of FEV1 gain but did not affect the overall magnitude of change. CONCLUSIONS Lung function improvement after cessation of exposure to organic dust is sustained. Endotoxin exposure and male gender are risk factors for less FEV1 improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy S Lai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jing-Qing Hang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Linda Valeri
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Bu-Yong Zheng
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Amar J Mehta
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jing Shi
- China Institute of Industrial Relations, Beijing, China
| | - Li Su
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dan Brown
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.,School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - David C Christiani
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Becerir T, Akcay A, Duksal F, Ergin A, Becerir C, Guler N. Prevalence of asthma, local risk factors and agreement between written and video questionnaires among Turkish adolescents. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2014; 42:594-602. [PMID: 23969074 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is currently no standard tool for the measurement of asthma in epidemiological studies. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of asthma, to describe the potential local risk factors, and to assess the agreement between written and video questionnaires in 13- to 14-year-old schoolchildren. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study involving 5427 adolescents in 26 schools. Prevalence of asthma symptoms were evaluated using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) written and video questionnaire. The adolescents were asked additional questions for risk factors of asthma. RESULTS The prevalence of lifetime wheeze, wheeze in the last 12 months and doctor-diagnosed asthma with written questionnaire were found as 13.5%, 6.3% and 11.2% respectively. Prevalence of lifetime wheeze, wheeze in the last 12 months, wheeze after exercise in the last 12 months, with video questionnaire were found as 9.6%, 5.5%, 11.9% and 1.9% respectively. The proportion of total agreement between the two questionnaires was high (0.77-0.81) with poor kappa value (0.25-0.50). In multivariate analysis, family history of atopy, stuffed toys and accompaniment of children to their parents after school hours in textile industry were found as risk factors for asthma. In addition kind of bird, such as canary was found as a risk factor. CONCLUSION Prevalence of asthma is moderate in Turkey. Agreement between the two questionnaires was high. Accompaniment of children to their parents in textile industry is a newly-described risk factor for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Becerir
- Pamukkale University, Pamukkale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Denizli, Turkey
| | - A Akcay
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - F Duksal
- Cumhuriyet University, Cumhuriyet School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - A Ergin
- Pamukkale University, Pamukkale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Denizli, Turkey
| | - C Becerir
- Pamukkale University, Pamukkale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Denizli, Turkey
| | - N Guler
- Istanbul University, Istanbul School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kahraman H, Sucakli MH, Kilic T, Celik M, Koksal N, Ekerbicer HC. Longitudinal pulmonary functional loss in cotton textile workers: a 5-year follow-up study. Med Sci Monit 2013; 19:1176-82. [PMID: 24346118 PMCID: PMC3871488 DOI: 10.12659/msm.889681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational exposure to cotton dust causes several diseases affecting the lungs, but only limited information is available on effects of long-term exposure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in selected parameters of pulmonary function in textile workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective cohort study began with 196 textile workers in 2006 and was completed in 2011 with 49 workers. We used standardized tests for pulmonary function on participants on the first day of the workweek in June of 2006 and 2011. Environmental samples of cotton dust were gathered with a vertical elutriator. Loss of pulmonary function was assessed based on gender and smoking status. RESULTS The mean number of years participants worked in the textile factory was 7.61 ± 1.83 years, and the mean age was 35.3+5.8 years. The annual FEV1 loss of all workers was 53.2 ml, giving a ratio of annual FEV1 loss to baseline FEV1 of 1.4%. Pulmonary function parameters of all participants in 2011 were significantly lower than those in 2006 (for all, p<0.05). In both surveys, pulmonary function in current smokers was lower, but this difference was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first data on pulmonary functional loss in Turkish textile workers and supports the findings of other cohort studies that workers with long-term exposure to cotton dust may lose some pulmonary function. The ratio of annual FEV1 loss to baseline FEV1 appears to be a more accurate and comparable method than annual FEV1 loss for evaluating pulmonary functional loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Kahraman
- Department of Chest Disease, Kahramanmaras Sutcu İimam University, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Haki Sucakli
- Department of Family Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu İimam University, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Talat Kilic
- Department of Chest Disease, Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Celik
- Department of Family Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu İimam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Nurhan Koksal
- Department of Chest Disease, Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Hasan Cetin Ekerbicer
- Department of Public Health, Sakarya University, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya, Turkey
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Lai PS, Hang JQ, Zhang FY, Lin X, Zheng BY, Dai HL, Su L, Cai T, Christiani DC. Gender differences in the effect of occupational endotoxin exposure on impaired lung function and death: the Shanghai Textile Worker Study. Occup Environ Med 2013; 71:118-125. [PMID: 24297825 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Airborne endotoxin exposure has adverse and protective health effects. Studies show men have augmented acute inflammatory responses to endotoxin. In this longitudinal cohort study we investigated the effect of long-term exposure to endotoxin in cotton dust on health, and determined whether these effects differ by gender. METHODS In the Shanghai Textile Worker Study, 447 cotton and 472 control silk textile workers were followed from 1981 to 2011 with repeated measures of occupational endotoxin exposure, spirometry and health questionnaires. Impaired lung function was defined as a decline in forced expiratory volume in one second to less than the 5th centile of population predicted. Death was ascertained by death registries. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess the effect of endotoxin exposure on the time to development of impaired lung function and death. RESULTS 128 deaths and 164 diagnoses of impaired lung function were ascertained between 1981 and 2011. HRs for the composite end point of impaired lung function or death was 1.47 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.97) for cotton vs silk workers and 1.04 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) per 10 000 endotoxin units (EU)/m(3)-years increase in exposure. HRs for all-cause mortality was 1.36 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.99) for cotton vs silk workers and 1.04 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.08) per 10 000 EU/m(3)-years. The risk associated with occupational endotoxin exposure was elevated only in men. CONCLUSIONS Occupational endotoxin exposure is associated with an increase in the risk of impaired lung function and all-cause mortality in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy S Lai
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jing-Qing Hang
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xinyi Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bu-Yong Zheng
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hei-Lian Dai
- Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tianxi Cai
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David C Christiani
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sanghvi S, Khan MN, Patel NR, Yeldandi S, Baredes S, Eloy JA. Epidemiology of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: A comprehensive analysis of 4994 patients. Laryngoscope 2013; 124:76-83. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.24264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saurin Sanghvi
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
| | - Mohemmed N. Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
| | - Neal R. Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
| | - Swetha Yeldandi
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
| | - Soly Baredes
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Neurological Institute of New JerseyUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
| | - Jean Anderson Eloy
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Neurological Institute of New JerseyUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
- Department of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical SchoolNewark New Jersey U.S.A
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