Positive Rates and Factors Associated with Abnormal Lung Function of Greenhouse Workers in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Prevalence of insulin resistance in Chinese solar greenhouse and field workers: evidence from a solar greenhouse and field workers study

Evidence suggests that agricultural workers are at higher risk of insulin resistance (IR), but few studies have investigated IR in solar greenhouse workers, who are exposed to higher concentrations of agricultural risk factors than traditional agricultural workers. A prevalence study was conducted in a greenhouse vegetable farm in China. In total, 948 participants were enrolled in this study. Among them, 721 participants were allocated to the greenhouse worker group (G group), and 227 participants were assigned to the field worker group (F group). The TyG index, which is an indicator to evaluate prediabetes (IR), was calculated by the formula: TyG index = ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. To evaluate the associations of TyG index alternation with solar greenhouse and field work, multiple linear regression (MLR) and logistic regression models were performed. The TyG index in the G group (8.53 ± 0.56) was higher than that in the F group (8.44 ± 0.59) (p < 0.05). Solar greenhouse work was positively associated with an increased TyG index in both the multiple linear regression model [β = 0.207, (0.006, 0.408)] and the logistic regression model [OR = 1.469, (1.070, 2.016)]. IR was associated with the solar greenhouse work. However, the determination of agricultural hazard factors needs to be further strengthened to improve exposure assessment. Graphical Abstract.

Neurologic symptoms among solar greenhouse workers and field workers in China

It has been widely reported that the farmers were at increased risk of neurologic disorders, which probably be related with agricultural risk factors. The intensity of agricultural risk factors was rather high in the solar greenhouse than those in the agricultural farm, while the risk and prevalence of neurologic symptoms among solar greenhouse workers are unclear, which may provide evidence of neurologic dysfunction before clinically measurable signs are evident. This study aimed to evaluate the association among solar greenhouse working, field working, and neurologic symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted in China, and 986 Chinese Han population consisting 711 solar greenhouse workers (greenhouse worker group) and 275 field farmers (field worker group) were included. Participants provided information on demographic information, number of solar greenhouses owned (only solar greenhouse workers), working lifetime, and neurologic symptoms through an established questionnaire Q16 to assess the impact of occupational exposure to neurotoxicants, and the total scores were calculated. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association among solar greenhouse working, field working, and neurologic symptoms. The total scales of the neurologic symptoms were higher in the solar greenhouse worker group (20.29 ± 4.79) than those in the field worker group (19.44 ± 4.22) (p < 0.05). Multivariate multiple linear regression showed that solar greenhouse working was positively associated with the scales of the neurologic symptoms (β = 0.248, 95% CI: (0.112, 0.383)). And the age, working lifetime, and current smoking were also positively associated with the scores of the neurologic symptoms, β = 0.007, 0.006 and 0.485 respectively (All p < 0.05). Solar greenhouse workers probably be at an increased risk of neurologic symptoms scores, and the age, working lifetime, and current smoking were also risk factors.

Metal Exposure-Related Welder's Pneumoconiosis and Lung Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Container Factory of China

Long-term inhalation of welding fume at high exposure can cause welder's pneumoconiosis, and metals in welding dust are associated with respiratory dysfunction. This cross-sectional study, which contains 384 Chinese male workers who were or had been working in a container factory, aimed to assess the potential risk of haemal and urinary metal content in welder's pneumoconiosis. Further, we investigated their effects on lung function parameters. Metal content and lung function were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and spirometer, respectively. The concentration and metal content of respirable dust as well as total dust were collected at this container factory. Lung function of cases with welder's pneumoconiosis was significantly worse, as indicated by lower values of FVC, FVC% predicted, FEV1, FEV1% predicted, MEF25% predicted, and MMEF% predicted (p < 0.05). Results of logistic regression models showed that haemal Cr and Zn were risk factors of welder's pneumoconiosis (OR = 4.98, 95%CI: 1.73-21.20, p = 0.009 for Cr; OR = 5.23, 95%CI: 1.56-41.08, p = 0.033 for Zn) after adjusted with age, BMI, working years, welding dust exposure years, and smoking status. Multiple linear regression models showed that several metals (haemal Cd and Pb; urinary Cd and Fe) were significantly associated with different lung function indices in the welder's pneumoconiosis group. Compared to non-welders, welders were exposed to considerably higher levels of respirable dust, total dust, and six kinds of metals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, haemal Cr and Zn are positively related to welder's pneumoconiosis. Meanwhile, Cd and Pb might worsen lung function in welder's pneumoconiosis.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and associated health effects among greenhouse farm workers

The number and production capacities of greenhouse farms have been increased across the globe, driven by an effort for addressing food security problems related to the rapid population growth and the effects of climate change. As a result, there was a large increase in the number of greenhouse farm workers who are typically involved in chemical preparations and pesticide sprayings, crop harvesting, and greenhouse maintenance activities. Considering the enclosed architecture of the greenhouse farm design and the frequent application of pesticides, the objective of this review was to characterize pesticide exposure levels and resultant health effects among greenhouse farm workers. While most health assessment studies were mainly based on self-reported symptoms, this review showed limited epidemiological and clinical studies on the assessment of the health effects of pesticide exposure on greenhouse workers' health. Reproductive disorders, respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms, and skin irritations were the most reported health effects among greenhouse farm workers. Additionally, there were limited studies on respirable pesticide-borne fine and ultrafine particulate matters in greenhouse farms. Ventilation systems and indoor environmental conditions of greenhouse farms were not designed according to specifications of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Among recommendations provided, long-term exposure assessments of pesticide effects on children born by greenhouse farm workers should be considered in future research. Also, compliance with ASHRAE indoor ventilation and environmental standards will be very important in reducing pesticide exposure and health effects among greenhouse farm workers.

Changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms during pesticide spraying season among male sprayers

Exposure to pesticides via inhalation might impair lung function and develop further severe respiratory symptoms and diseases. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare lung function between pre- and post-pesticide spraying seasons among male sprayers. The study also evaluated the association of lung function changes and other factors with respiratory symptoms. The follow-up study was conducted on 58 male sprayers. The subjects were interviewed and measured lung function before and after pesticide spraying season. The results found that forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and peak expiratory flow rate in the post-spraying season were significantly lower than in the pre-spraying season. With regard to respiratory symptoms, cough symptoms were associated with changes in FEV₁/FVC [odd ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.67)] and smoking status (OR = 12.95, 95%CI = 1.35-124.34). Phlegm symptoms were also associated with changes in FVC (OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.01-4.25) and FEV₁ (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.18-0.91). The study provides evidence that pesticide spraying may increase risks for significant alteration of lung function and respiratory symptoms.