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Hu J, Li Z, Li L, Sun Y, Shi L, Li W, Zhang J, Wu Y, Xu H, Wang M. Detection of multidrug resistant pathogenic bacteria and novel complex class 1 integrons in campus atmospheric particulate matters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:158976. [PMID: 36155039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances provided overwhelming evidence that atmospheric particulate matters carry a substantial amount of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). It has also been documented that polluted air facilitates transmission of bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These investigations generally used culture-independent approaches which reveal sophisticated microbiomic and resistomic compositions in particulate matters, while culture-dependent methods directly demonstrating presence of live, functional bacteria has not been fully applied. In recent years, efforts undertaken worldwide managed to reduce air particulate matter pollution, leading to cleaner air in many parts of world, including China. Whether atmospheric particulate matters may still function as vehicles for pathogenic bacteria and AMR in improving air conditions is turning into an interesting question to address. In attempt to answer this question, a culture-dependent approach is used to find out the putative role of atmospheric particulate matters in relatively 'clean' air to transmit pathogenic bacteria and AMR in this work. By harvesting particulate matters in an unindustrialized and less-polluted university campus, culturing and identifying bacteria in particulate matters, and characterizing pathogenesis and AMR properties of these bacteria, interesting findings were made that even in relatively 'clean' air, antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria are prevalent; and that mobile genetic elements including integrons are widespread. In particular, in air samples collected, multidrug-resistant hemolytic Bacillus strains that may pose significant health threat could be identified. Complex class 1 integrons, two of which carry novel antibiotic resistant gene cassette arrays, were also found for the first time in airborne bacteria, suggesting the danger of horizontal transfer of AMR in air. In conclusion, using culture-dependent methods, this work shows that atmospheric particulate matters are viable vehicles for the transmission of bacterial pathogenesis and AMR, and that even in relatively 'clean' air, the threat of airborne antibiotic-resistant pathogens is significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ziyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lulu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Mingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
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Gautam S, Trivedi U. Global implications of bio-aerosol in pandemic. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 22:3861-3865. [PMID: 34172977 PMCID: PMC7149279 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00704-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Gautam
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641114 India
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3
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Tual S, Busson A, Boulanger M, Renier M, Piel C, Pouchieu C, Pons R, Perrier S, Levêque-Morlais N, Karuranga P, Lemarchand C, Marcotullio E, Guizard AV, Monnereau A, Baldi I, Lebailly P. Occupational exposure to pesticides and multiple myeloma in the AGRICAN cohort. Cancer Causes Control 2019; 30:1243-1250. [DOI: 10.1007/s10552-019-01230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Humbal C, Gautam S, Trivedi U. A review on recent progress in observations, and health effects of bioaerosols. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 118:189-193. [PMID: 29885589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol is a particulate mixture of solid and semi-solid matter combined with biotic matter like pollens, microbes and their fragments. The present review stresses on a cumulative understanding of sources, components, quantification and distribution of bioaerosols with respect to size, and its significant impacts on human health. The present review will be instrumental in devising strategies to understand and manage bioaerosols and reducing their human exposure and associated health hazards. The present review aims explore the relationship between particle and associated biological agents responsible for behaviours like dispersal, total potential health hazards and toxicology level during exposure to bioaerosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmi Humbal
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot 360003, India
| | - Sneha Gautam
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot 360003, India.
| | - Ujwalkumar Trivedi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Marwadi University, Rajkot 360003, India
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Kim KH, Kabir E, Jahan SA. Airborne bioaerosols and their impact on human health. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 67:23-35. [PMID: 29778157 PMCID: PMC7128579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols consist of aerosols originated biologically such as metabolites, toxins, or fragments of microorganisms that are present ubiquitously in the environment. International interests in bioaerosols have increased rapidly to broaden the pool of knowledge on their identification, quantification, distribution, and health impacts (e.g., infectious and respiratory diseases, allergies, and cancer). However, risk assessment of bioaerosols based on conventional culture methods has been hampered further by several factors such as: (1) the complexity of microorganisms or derivatives to be investigated; (2) the purpose, techniques, and locations of sampling; and (3) the lack of valid quantitative criteria (e.g., exposure standards and dose/effect relationships). Although exposure to some microbes is considered to be beneficial for health, more research is needed to properly assess their potential health hazards including inter-individual susceptibility, interactions with non-biological agents, and many proven/unproven health effects (e.g., atopy and atopic diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ehsanul Kabir
- Department of Farm, Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Guo ZL, Wang JY, Li YS, Gong LL, Gan S, Wang SS. Association between butchers and cancer mortality and incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8177. [PMID: 28953674 PMCID: PMC5626317 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we evaluated whether increased risks of mortality and cancer incidence exist among butchers worldwide. To achieve this goal, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the correlations of the risks of cancer death and incidence with male and female butchers. METHODS We obtained data by performing a comprehensive literature search in several databases for eligible studies published before March 2017. Multivariable-adjusted standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and odds ratio (OR), as well as associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and those by subgroups, were extracted and pooled. RESULTS A total of 17 observational studies comprising 397,726 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The butcher occupation was not associated with all-cancer mortality risk, with pooled overall SMRs of 1.07 (95% CI 0.96-1.20). However, the pooled ORs revealed that butchers hold an elevated risk of total cancer incidence (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.33-1.73). No proof of publication bias was obtained, and the findings were consistent in the subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that working as butchers did not significantly influence all-cancer mortality risk but significantly contributed to elevated all-cancer incidence risk. Nevertheless, well-designed observational studies on this topic are necessary to confirm and update our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yu-Si Li
- School of Basic Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Lei-Liang Gong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore
| | - Shu Gan
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Wang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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7
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‘t Mannetje A, De Roos AJ, Boffetta P, Vermeulen R, Benke G, Fritschi L, Brennan P, Foretova L, Maynadié M, Becker N, Nieters A, Staines A, Campagna M, Chiu B, Clavel J, de Sanjose S, Hartge P, Holly EA, Bracci P, Linet MS, Monnereau A, Orsi L, Purdue MP, Rothman N, Lan Q, Kane E, Costantini AS, Miligi L, Spinelli JJ, Zheng T, Cocco P, Kricker A. Occupation and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Its Subtypes: A Pooled Analysis from the InterLymph Consortium. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:396-405. [PMID: 26340796 PMCID: PMC4829988 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various occupations have been associated with an elevated risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but results have been inconsistent across studies. OBJECTIVES We investigated occupational risk of NHL and of four common NHL subtypes with particular focus on occupations of a priori interest. METHODS We conducted a pooled analysis of 10,046 cases and 12,025 controls from 10 NHL studies participating in the InterLymph Consortium. We harmonized the occupational coding using the 1968 International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-1968) and grouped occupations previously associated with NHL into 25 a priori groups. Odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for center, age, and sex were determined for NHL overall and for the following four subtypes: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). RESULTS We confirmed previously reported positive associations between NHL and farming occupations [field crop/vegetable farm workers OR = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.51; general farm workers OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.37]; we also confirmed associations of NHL with specific occupations such as women's hairdressers (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.74), charworkers/cleaners (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.36), spray-painters (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.29), electrical wiremen (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.54), and carpenters (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.93). We observed subtype-specific associations for DLBCL and CLL/SLL in women's hairdressers and for DLBCL and PTCL in textile workers. CONCLUSIONS Our pooled analysis of 10 international studies adds to evidence suggesting that farming, hairdressing, and textile industry-related exposures may contribute to NHL risk. Associations with women's hairdresser and textile occupations may be specific for certain NHL subtypes. CITATION 't Mannetje A, De Roos AJ, Boffetta P, Vermeulen R, Benke G, Fritschi L, Brennan P, Foretova L, Maynadié M, Becker N, Nieters A, Staines A, Campagna M, Chiu B, Clavel J, de Sanjose S, Hartge P, Holly EA, Bracci P, Linet MS, Monnereau A, Orsi L, Purdue MP, Rothman N, Lan Q, Kane E, Seniori Costantini A, Miligi L, Spinelli JJ, Zheng T, Cocco P, Kricker A. 2016. Occupation and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and its subtypes: a pooled analysis from the InterLymph Consortium. Environ Health Perspect 124:396-405; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409294.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea ‘t Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington Campus, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anneclaire J. De Roos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Geza Benke
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Brennan
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Lenka Foretova
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marc Maynadié
- Biological Hematology Unit, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - Nikolaus Becker
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Nieters
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anthony Staines
- School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Brian Chiu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Jacqueline Clavel
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Center (CRESS), Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Villejuif, France
- French National Registry of Childhood Hematological Malignancies (NRCH), Villejuif, France
| | - Silvia de Sanjose
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology–Spain Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Hartge
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Holly
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Paige Bracci
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Martha S. Linet
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain Monnereau
- Centre d’investigation clinique (CIC), INSERM, Bordeaux, France
- Registre des Hémopathies Malignes de la Gironde, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laurent Orsi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Center (CRESS), Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Villejuif, France
| | - Mark P. Purdue
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Qing Lan
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eleanor Kane
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdon
| | - Adele Seniori Costantini
- Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Unit, ISPO Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Miligi
- Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Unit, ISPO Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - John J. Spinelli
- Cancer Control Research, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tongzhang Zheng
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Pierluigi Cocco
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anne Kricker
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Mansi S, Milosavljevic S, Tumilty S, Hendrick P, Higgs C, Baxter DG. Investigating the effect of a 3-month workplace-based pedometer-driven walking programme on health-related quality of life in meat processing workers: a feasibility study within a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:410. [PMID: 25895747 PMCID: PMC4431031 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1736-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In New Zealand, meat processing populations face many health problems as a result of the nature of work in meat processing industries. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a pedometer-based intervention to increase physical activity and improve health-related outcomes in a population of meat processing workers. METHODS A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A convenience sample of meat workers (n = 58; mean age 41.0 years; range: 18-65) participated in the trial. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Intervention participants (n = 29) utilized a pedometer to self monitor their activity, whilst undertaking a brief intervention, and educational material. Control participants (n = 29) received educational material only. The primary outcomes of ambulatory activity, and health-related quality of life, were evaluated at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention and three months post-intervention. RESULTS Fifty three participants completed the program (91.3% adherence). Adherence with the intervention group was high, 93% (n = 27/29), and this group increased their mean daily step count from 5993 to 9792 steps per day, while the control group steps changed from 5788 to 6551 steps per day from baseline. This increase in step counts remained significant within the intervention group p < 0.005; at three months post-intervention representing a 59% increase over baseline scores. There were significant group changes with large effect sizes for step count change (d = 1.94) and self-reported physical activity (p < 0.005; d = 2.59) at 12 weeks intervention. Further, results showed non-significant between-group differences in physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) scores (PCS: p = 0.44; MGD = 0.99, 95% CI, -1.6 to 3.6; ES = 0.14, and MCS p = 0.90, MGD = 0.15; 95% CI, -2.3 to 2.6, ES = 0.022) at 12 weeks intervention. CONCLUSIONS This research provides important information for a larger (RCT) in the future: results demonstrated that a pedometer-driven walking intervention in combination with goal setting, and self-monitoring supported by weekly e-mails are feasible and potentially effective in increasing step count within the workplace setting over the short term. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12613000087752.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliman Mansi
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Stephan Milosavljevic
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Saskatchewan, 1121 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W3, Canada.
| | - Steve Tumilty
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Paul Hendrick
- Division of Physiotherapy Education, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG5, UK.
| | - Chris Higgs
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - David G Baxter
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Johnson ES, Cardarelli K, Jadhav S, Chedjieu IP, Faramawi M, Fischbach L, Ndetan H, Wells TLC, Patel KV, Katyal A. Cancer mortality in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets (1950-2006). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 77:70-75. [PMID: 25656684 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Meat cutters and meat wrappers in the meat department of supermarkets are exposed to oncogenic viruses present in raw meat from cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry, and their products (unpasteurized milk and raw eggs). Up to the mid 1970s, meat wrappers were also exposed to carcinogens present in fumes emitted from the machine used to wrap meat. Because of this we studied cancer mortality in a cohort of 10,701 workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets, and we report here the findings after the third follow-up. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were estimated in the cohort as a whole and in race/sex subgroups, using the US population for comparison. Study subjects were followed up from January 1950 to December 2006. Significantly increased SMRs of 1.3 (95% CI, 1.2-1.5), and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.2-5.3) were recorded for cancers of the lung, and tonsils/oropharynx, respectively, in the entire cohort, affecting nearly all race/sex subgroups. SMRs of 4.6 (95% CI, 1.0-13.6) for cancer of the floor of the mouth, and 2.8 (95% CI, 1.3-5.3) for cancer of the gall bladder and biliary tract were recorded only in White male meatcutters. Significantly decreased SMRs were observed for a few cancers. It is not known if the observed excess of cancers is a result of occupational exposures. However, substantial evidence points to fumes from the wrapping machine as a possible candidate for explaining the excess in female meat wrappers. Nested case-control studies that can examine risks from occupational exposures in greater detail, and adequately control for confounding factors are now needed, to permit specifically investigate the role of the oncogenic viruses, fumes and non-occupational risk factors in the occurrence of these cancers. The findings are important, not only occupationally but also because the general population may also experience these exposures, albeit to a lesser degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Johnson
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - K Cardarelli
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Epidemiology, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - S Jadhav
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - I P Chedjieu
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - M Faramawi
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - L Fischbach
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - H Ndetan
- Parker Research Institute, Parker University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - T L-C Wells
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - K V Patel
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - A Katyal
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Little Rock, AR, USA
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10
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Mansi S, Milosavljevic S, Tumilty S, Hendrick P, Baxter GD. Use of pedometer-driven walking to promote physical activity and improve health-related quality of life among meat processing workers: a feasibility trial. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2013; 11:185. [PMID: 24175980 PMCID: PMC3816299 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-11-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current evidence supports the use of pedometers as effective motivational tools to promote physical activity and improve health-related quality of life in the general population. The aims of this study are to examine whether a pedometer-driven walking programme can improve health-related quality of life, and increase ambulatory activity in a population of meat processing workers when compared to a control group receiving educational material alone. METHODS/DESIGN A feasibility study employing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design will collect data at three time points. A sample of up to 60 meat workers will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group N = 30 (12-week pedometer-driven walking program, brief intervention, and educational material), or control group N = 30 (educational material only). The primary outcomes of ambulatory activity, health-related quality of life, and functional capacity, will be evaluated at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention and then at three month post-intervention. DISCUSSION This paper describes the design of a feasibility randomized controlled trial, which aims to assess the effectiveness of the introduction of a workplace pedometer-driven walking program compared to normal lifestyle advice in meat processing workers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (ANZCTR) 12613000087752.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliman Mansi
- Centre for Health, Activity & Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Steve Tumilty
- Centre for Health, Activity & Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paul Hendrick
- Division of Physiotherapy Education, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG5, UK
| | - G David Baxter
- Centre for Health, Activity & Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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11
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Metagenomic detection of viruses in aerosol samples from workers in animal slaughterhouses. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72226. [PMID: 23967289 PMCID: PMC3743808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Published studies have shown that workers in animal slaughterhouses are at a higher risk of lung cancers as compared to the general population. No specific causal agents have been identified, and exposures to several chemicals have been examined and found to be unrelated. Evidence suggests a biological aetiology as the risk is highest for workers who are exposed to live animals or to biological material containing animal faeces, urine or blood. To investigate possible biological exposures in animal slaughterhouses, we used a metagenomic approach to characterise the profile of organisms present within an aerosol sample. An assessment of aerosol exposures for individual workers was achieved by the collection of personal samples that represent the inhalable fraction of dust/bioaerosol in workplace air in both cattle and sheep slaughterhouses. Two sets of nine personal aerosol samples were pooled for the cattle processing and sheep processing areas respectively, with a total of 332,677,346 sequence reads and 250,144,492 sequence reads of 85 bp in length produced for each. Eukaryotic genome sequence was found in both sampling locations, and bovine, ovine and human sequences were common. Sequences from WU polyomavirus and human papillomavirus 120 were detected in the metagenomic dataset from the cattle processing area, and these sequences were confirmed as being present in the original personal aerosol samples. This study presents the first metagenomic description of personal aerosol exposure and this methodology could be applied to a variety of environments. Also, the detection of two candidate viruses warrants further investigation in the setting of occupational exposures in animal slaughterhouses.
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Pearce N, Douwes J. Research at the interface between human and veterinary health. Prev Vet Med 2013; 111:187-93. [PMID: 23791125 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiology is currently undergoing changes in its underlying philosophy and approach, as a result of the rapid global changes which are transforming the world in which epidemiologists live and work. This necessitates a multidisciplinary "population approach" involving "multilevel thinking" about the determinants of disease. These issues are of relevance to the interface between human and animal epidemiology, which has received considerable attention in recent years, particularly as a result of the arrival of H1N1 influenza, and the increasingly obvious need for coordinated systems of surveillance for human and animal infectious diseases. However, the need for coordination between human and veterinary epidemiology is broader than that, and there is no need to restrict the "one world one health" concept to communicable disease. In the current paper we will therefore consider the interface between human and animal health for the study of non-communicable disease, particularly those involving occupational and environmental risk factors. These issues are illustrated with two examples: one involving environmental health (asthma); and one involving occupational health (cancer). We will also discuss the potential to use animal health data as indicators for human environmental health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Pearce
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, Private Box 756, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Johnson ES, Choi KM. Lung Cancer Risk in Workers in the Meat and Poultry Industries - A Review. Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 59:303-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2012.01459.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Johnson ES. Cancer mortality in workers employed in cattle, pigs, and sheep slaughtering and processing plants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:950-959. [PMID: 21497401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We studied mortality in two separate cohorts of workers in abattoirs (N=4996) and meat processing plants (N=3642) belonging to a meatcutters' union, because they were exposed to viruses that cause cancer in food animals, and also to chemical carcinogens at work. METHODS Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) were estimated for each cohort as a whole and in subgroups defined by race and sex, using the US general population mortality rates for comparison. Study subjects were followed up from January 1950 to December 2006, during which time over 60% of them died. RESULTS An excess of deaths from cancers of the base of the tongue, esophagus, lung, skin, bone and bladder, lymphoid leukemia, and benign tumors of the thyroid and other endocrine glands, and possibly Hodgkin's disease, was observed in abattoir and meat processing workers. Significantly lower SMRs were recorded for cancer of the thymus, mediastinum, pleura, etc., breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION This study confirms the excess occurrence of cancer in workers in abattoirs and meat processing plants, butchers, and meatcutters, previously reported in this cohort and other similar cohorts worldwide. Large nested case-control studies are now needed to examine which specific occupational and non-occupational exposures are responsible for the excess. There is now sufficient evidence for steps to be taken to protect workers from carcinogenic exposures at the workplace. There are also serious implications for the general population which may also be exposed to some of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Johnson
- UNT Health Sciences Center, Department of Epidemiology, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
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15
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Johnson ES, Ndetan H. Non-cancer mortality in poultry slaughtering/processing plant workers belonging to a union pension fund. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:322-327. [PMID: 21074857 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 08/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the biological environment in the occurrence of many chronic human diseases has been little studied. Humans are commonly exposed to transmissible agents that infect and cause a wide variety of subacute and chronic diseases in chickens and turkeys. The objective of this study is to investigate whether these agents cause similar diseases in humans, by studying workers in poultry slaughtering and processing plants who have one of the highest human exposures to these agents. METHODS Mortality in poultry workers was compared with that in the United States general population through the estimation of standardized mortality ratios. RESULTS Excess mortality from infectious and parasitic diseases was observed in the poultry workers. In addition, excess occurrences of deaths involving several sites of the cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems, were observed, although the numbers involved were few in some instances. CONCLUSION The results indicate that poultry workers are at increased risk of dying from certain causes of death, including infections. This is consistent with other reports. Although it is possible that occupational exposure to transmissible agents present in poultry may be one of the causes of the excess occurrence of some of these diseases, other factors that were not considered because of the nature of the study design, could be equally important. Also, the small number of deaths involved in some instances calls for caution in interpreting the results. However, the study is important, as it has succeeded in newly identified areas that need further research, and which may have implications not only for workers, but also for the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Johnson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
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16
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Corbin M, McLean D, Mannetje A', Dryson E, Walls C, McKenzie F, Maule M, Cheng S, Cunningham C, Kromhout H, Blair A, Pearce N. Lung cancer and occupation: A New Zealand cancer registry-based case-control study. Am J Ind Med 2011; 54:89-101. [PMID: 20957667 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are many proven and suspected occupational causes of lung cancer, which will become relatively more important over time, as smoking prevalence decreases. METHODS We interviewed 457 cases aged 20-75 years notified to the New Zealand Cancer Registry during 2007-2008, and 792 population controls. We collected information on demographic details, potential confounders, and employment history. Associations were estimated using logistic regression adjusted for gender, age, ethnicity, smoking, and socio-economic status. RESULTS Among occupations of a priori interest, elevated odds ratios (ORs) were observed for sawmill, wood panel and related wood-processing plant operators (OR 4.63; 95% CI 1.05-20.29), butchers (OR 8.77, 95% CI 1.06-72.55), rubber and plastics products machine operators (4.27; 1.16-15.66), heavy truck drivers (2.24; 1.19-4.21) and workers in petroleum, coal, chemical and associated product manufacturing (1.80; 1.11-2.90); non-significantly elevated risks were also observed for loggers (4.67; 0.81-27.03), welders and flame-cutters (2.50; 0.86-7.25), pressers (5.74; 0.96-34.42), and electric and electronic equipment assemblers (3.61; 0.96-13.57). Several occupations and industries not of a priori interest also showed increased risks, including nursing associate professionals (5.45; 2.29-12.99), enrolled nurses (7.95; 3.10-20.42), care givers (3.47; 1.40-8.59), plant and machine operators and assemblers (1.61; 1.20-2.16), stationary machine operators and assemblers (1.67; 1.22-2.28), food and related products processing machine operators (1.98; 1.23-3.19), laborers and related elementary service workers (1.45; 1.05-2.00), manufacturing (1.34; 1.02-1.77), car retailing (3.08; 1.36-6.94), and road freight transport (3.02; 1.45-6.27). CONCLUSIONS Certain occupations and industries have increased lung cancer risks in New Zealand, including wood workers, metal workers, meat workers, textile workers and drivers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:89-101, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Corbin
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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17
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Rohrmann S, Linseisen J, Jakobsen MU, Overvad K, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Tjonneland A, Boutron-Ruault MC, Kaaks R, Becker N, Bergmann M, Boeing H, Khaw KT, Wareham NJ, Key TJ, Travis R, Benetou V, Naska A, Trichopoulou A, Pala V, Tumino R, Masala G, Mattiello A, Brustad M, Lund E, Skeie G, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Peeters PHM, Vermeulen RCH, Jakszyn P, Dorronsoro M, Barricarte A, Tormo MJ, Molina E, Argüelles M, Melin B, Ericson U, Manjer J, Rinaldi S, Slimani N, Boffetta P, Vergnaud AC, Khan A, Norat T, Vineis P. Consumption of meat and dairy and lymphoma risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Int J Cancer 2011; 128:623-34. [PMID: 20473877 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of meat and other foods of animal origin is a risk factor for several types of cancer, but the results for lymphomas are inconclusive. Therefore, we examined these associations among 411,097 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. During a median follow-up of 8.5 years, 1,334 lymphomas (1,267 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 67 Hodgkin lymphomas) were identified. Consumption of red and processed meat, poultry, milk and dairy products was assessed by dietary questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the association of the consumption of these food groups with lymphoma risk. Overall, the consumption of foods of animal origin was not associated with an increased risk of NHLS or HL, but the associations with specific subgroups of NHL entities were noted. A high intake of processed meat was associated with an increased risk of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (BCLL) [relative risk (RR) per 50 g intake = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.63], but a decreased risk of follicular lymphomas (FL) (RR = 0.58; CI 0.38-0.89). A high intake of poultry was related to an increased risk of B-cell lymphomas (RR = 1.22; CI 1.05-1.42 per 10 g intake), FL (RR = 1.65; CI 1.18-2.32) and BCLL (RR = 1.54; CI 1.18-2.01) in the continuous models. In conclusion, no consistent associations between red and processed meat consumption and lymphoma risk were observed, but we found that the consumption of poultry was related to an increased risk of B-cell lymphomas. Chance is a plausible explanation of the observed associations, which need to be confirmed in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Rohrmann
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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Johnson ES, Zhou Y, Sall M, Faramawi ME, Shah N, Christopher A, Lewis N. Non-malignant disease mortality in meat workers: a model for studying the role of zoonotic transmissible agents in non-malignant chronic diseases in humans. Occup Environ Med 2007; 64:849-55. [PMID: 17604337 PMCID: PMC2095342 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2006.030825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research efforts have mainly concentrated on evaluating the role of substances present in animal food in the aetiology of chronic diseases in humans, with relatively little attention given to evaluating the role of transmissible agents that are also present. Meat workers are exposed to a variety of transmissible agents present in food animals and their products. This study investigates mortality from non-malignant diseases in workers with these exposures. METHODS A cohort mortality study was conducted between 1949 and 1989, of 8520 meat workers in a union in Baltimore, Maryland, who worked in manufacturing plants where animals were killed or processed, and who had high exposures to transmissible agents. Mortality in meat workers was compared with that in a control group of 6081 workers in the same union, and also with the US general population. Risk was estimated by proportional mortality and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and relative SMR. RESULTS A clear excess of mortality from septicaemia, subarachnoid haemorrhage, chronic nephritis, acute and subacute endocarditis, functional diseases of the heart, and decreased risk of mortality from pre-cerebral, cerebral artery stenosis were observed in meat workers when compared to the control group or to the US general population. CONCLUSIONS The authors hypothesise that zoonotic transmissible agents present in food animals and their products may be responsible for the occurrence of some cases of circulatory, neurological and other diseases in meat workers, and possibly in the general population exposed to these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
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Besson H, Banks R, Boffetta P. Cancer mortality among butchers: a 24-state death certificate study. J Occup Environ Med 2006; 48:289-93. [PMID: 16531833 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000184867.83288.d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to document cancer mortality among American butchers. METHODS Death certificates collected in 24 American states were used to calculate mortality odds ratios (ORs) and their confidence intervals (CIs) for 18,639 butchers. RESULTS Butchers experienced an increased mortality of cancer of the oral cavity (OR, 1.40; 95% CI = 1.09-1.81), esophagus (OR, 1.19; 95% CI = 1.01-1.40), pharynx (OR, 1.22; 95% CI = 0.91-1.64), and larynx (OR, 1.19; 95% CI = 0.92-1.54), as well as a reduced mortality from melanoma (OR, 0.70; 95% CI = 0.52-0.94), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR, 0.82; 95% CI = 0.69-0.97), and breast cancer (OR, 0.76; 95% CI = 0.58-0.99). CONCLUSIONS It is likely that occupational exposures experienced by butchers have contributed to the increased risk of cancers of the oral cavity and esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Besson
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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Abstract
Occupational cancer risks suggested among food industry workers are inconclusive. The objective of our study was to assess associations between different cancers and working in the food industry in Finland. The carcinogenic exposures are mainly inhalatory, and we were therefore interested in respiratory cancers in particular. We followed up a cohort of all economically active Finns born between 1906 and 1945 for 30 million person-years during 1971-95. The 1970 Census data on occupations were linked with data on subsequent incident cancer cases. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each occupation using the economically active population as the reference. A total of 2,526 incident cancer cases were observed. Elevated risks were observed among male food industry workers for pancreatic (SIR=1.50, CI=1.13-1.96) and kidney cancers (1.51, 1.16-1.94). With respect to specific occupations, there was an excess of lung cancer among female bakers (1.38, 1.01-1.85) and laryngeal cancer among male grain millers (2.60, 1.05-5.36). Occupational exposure is unlikely to be a major risk factor for cancer among Finnish workers employed in typical food industry occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarne Laakkonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
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Durusoy R, Boffetta P, Mannetje A', Zaridze D, Szeszenia-Dabrowska N, Rudnai P, Lissowska J, Fabiánová E, Cassidy A, Mates D, Bencko V, Salajka F, Janout V, Fevotte J, Fletcher T, Brennan P. Lung cancer risk and occupational exposure to meat and live animals. Int J Cancer 2006; 118:2543-7. [PMID: 16353144 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
An increased risk of lung cancer has been reported for butchers and meat workers in several cohort studies, although confounding from tobacco smoking could not be ruled out in any of these studies. These exposures, as well as a potential risk associated with contact with live animals, are addressed here in a large case-control study with full adjustment for smoking. More than 5,900 subjects were included in a case-control study conducted in 7 European countries. For each job they employed local experts who assessed the exposure to a number of occupational agents, including (i) meat aerosols and (ii) live animals, on the basis of detailed occupational questionnaires. Information on tobacco consumption and other risk factors was also collected. A small increased risk of lung cancer was observed with exposure to meat aerosols, after adjusting for smoking, (odds ratio (OR)=1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92, 1.75), which was most apparent for the upper tertile of cumulative exposure (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.92). A similar overall effect was observed for exposure to live animals, with an increased risk observed for a high frequency of exposure, (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.36) and a high intensity of exposure, (OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.94), with significant trends for increasing frequency (p=0.012), intensity (p=0.015) and cumulative exposure (p=0.024). In conclusion, this study provides evidence for an association between exposure to meat aerosols and lung cancer apparent in the highest tertile of exposure. The authors identified a more consistent association with exposure to live animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raika Durusoy
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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't Mannetje A, McLean D, Cheng S, Boffetta P, Colin D, Pearce N. Mortality in New Zealand workers exposed to phenoxy herbicides and dioxins. Occup Environ Med 2005; 62:34-40. [PMID: 15613606 PMCID: PMC1740847 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2004.015776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate mortality in New Zealand phenoxy herbicide producers and sprayers exposed to dioxins. METHODS Phenoxy herbicide producers (n = 1025) and sprayers (n = 703) were followed up from 1 January 1969 and 1 January 1973 respectively to 31 December 2000. A total of 813 producers and 699 sprayers were classified as exposed to dioxin and phenoxy herbicides. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated using national mortality rates. RESULTS At the end of follow up, 164 producers and 91 sprayers had died. Cancer mortality was reduced for sprayers (SMR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14) and increased in exposed production workers (SMR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.67), especially for synthesis workers (SMR = 1.69), formulation and lab workers (SMR = 1.64), and maintenance/waste treatment/cleaning workers (SMR = 1.46). Lymphohaematopoietic cancer mortality was increased in exposed production workers (SMR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.85), especially for multiple myeloma (SMR = 5.51, 95% CI 1.14 to 16.1). Among sprayers, colon cancer (SMR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.83) showed increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS Results showed 24% non-significant excess cancer mortality in phenoxy herbicide producers, with a significant excess for multiple myeloma. Associations were stronger for those exposed to multiple agents including dioxin during production. Overall cancer mortality was not increased for producers and sprayers mainly handling final technical products, although they were likely to have been exposed to TCDD levels far higher than those currently in the general New Zealand population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Research School of Public Health, Massey University Wellington Campus, PO Box 756, Wellington, New Zealand.
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