Comparison of acetylcholinesterase among employees based on job positions and personal protective equipment in fuel station

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) among employees based on job positions and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) in fuel station areas. The sample group consisted of 200 people sorted into various groups, including (i) Inside fuel dispenser area (I-FDA) group consisting of 100 employees for refueling, cashier, and loading fuel into storage tanks, and (ii) Outside fuel dispenser area (O-FDA) group, consisting of 100 employees working in convenience stores, food stores, coffee shops, and offices, as well as general staff and car washers. Data were collected using interview questionnaires and blood samples were analyzed for AChE activity. The results showed that the I-FDA group had a significantly lower mean of serum AChE (7.38±1.73 U/ml) than the O-FDA group (7.85±1.49 U/ml) (p<0.05). The I-FDA group had a 2.43 times higher risk of abnormal serum AChE than the O-FDA group (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.05-5.60). When considering the risk factors for job positions, it was found that refueling and cashier positions had lower AChE activity levels than those who did not (p<0.05). In the part, employees for food sales in a closed building and those wearing PPE masks had significantly higher AChE activity levels than those who did not or who wore them (p<0.05). Based on the aforementioned, employers at fuel stations should strictly determine the appropriate measures for wearing a PPE mask. Further, employees should be provided accommodation away from oil supply or enclosed buildings during breaks to reduce the effects on the neurotransmitter.

Benzene health risk assessment for neurological disorders of gas station employees in Rayong Province, Thailand

Background

The main job of employees working in the area of fuel service stations is to provide refueling services to customers. Therefore, operators at petrol stations may be exposed to chemicals for long periods, potentially affecting their health in nervous system.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the risk of benzene exposure to the nervous system in gas station operators. Data were collected from 100 fuel service personnel working at fuel dispensers and 100 employees working outside fuel dispensers, accounting to 200 cases.

Material and methods

Data were collected using interview questionnaires. Urine samples were used for the analysis of t,t-muconic acid.

Results

The results showed that t,t-muconic acid concentration is 431.23 ± 233.69 μg/g.cr (449.28 ± 213.32 μg/g.cr at fuel dispensers vs 413.18 ± 252.20 μg/g.cr outside fuel dispensers). The risk characterization results showed that most of the risks were at level 1 (low risk), as observed in 108 people (54.0%). The results of the analysis of the relationship between t,t-muconic acid concentrations classified by 3 levels of percentile and neurological disorders of the study group, the results showed that there was a statistically significant relationship (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion

Therefore, the benzene neurotoxic risk assessment model could be utilized in field practice.

Comparison of monoamine oxidase and selected heavy metal levels in the blood and the workplace among e-waste sorting workers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

Background

E-waste sorting workers usually separate electronic waste. Therefore, they can be exposed to heavy metals.

Objectives

This study compared monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels affected by the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in the blood and their workplace among e-waste sorting workers (EWSW).

Material and methods

The exposed group included 76 EWSW, and the non-exposed group included 49 village health volunteers. An interview form was used to assess the risk factors. We measured Pb, Cd, and Ni on the work surfaces and in the blood, and MAO levels as a neurological enzymes.

Results

Among the EWSW, 42 were males (55.3%), and the mean age (SD) 48.0 (12.64) years, and income were 156.37 ± 88.08 USD. In the work areas of the exposed group, the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Ni were 245.042 (± 613.910), 0.375 (± 0.662), and 46.115 (± 75.740) μg/100 cm2, respectively, while the non-exposed group, the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Ni were 0.609 (± 0.934), 0.167 (± 1.171) and 1.020 (± 0.142) μg/100 cm2. Pb and Ni concentrations in the workplace of the exposed groups were statistically different from that of the non-exposed group. Pb, Cd, and Ni concentrations in serum were 6.411 ± 1.492 μg/dL, 0.9480 ± 0.350 μg/L, 2.568 ± 0.468 μg/L, respectively, while in the non-exposed group, the heavy metal concentrations were 6.411 ± 1.620 μg/dL, 0.909 ± 0.277 μg/L, 2.527 ± 0.457 μg/L. The MAO in the exposed group was 362.060 ± 97.981 U/L, while that in the non-exposed group was 369.771 ± 86.752 U/L. Moreover, MAO concentration was significantly different from Ni concentration (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The electronic waste sorting workers should clean their work areas to reduce the Pb, Cd, and Ni levels on the working surfaces, and health surveillance should be performed.

Factors affecting prevalence of neurological symptoms among workers at gasoline stations in Rayong Province, Thailand

This cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the exposure to organic solvents and the factors affecting prevalence of neurological symptoms among workers at gas stations in Rayong Province. The sample included 200 workers at gas stations, including refueling staff, cashiers, food shop, coffee shop, and convenience store employees. Interview questionnaire included general information, work history, and neurological symptoms. Urine collection devices were used to detect organic solvents metabolized in urine, including t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA), hippulic acid (HA), mandelic acid (MA), and methylhppuric acid (MHA).The results showed that the workers’ medians (interquartile range: IQR) of the metabolized organic solvents were as follows: t,t-MA was 393.62 (244.59) µg/g Cr, HA was 0.32 (0.14) g/g Cr, MA was 0.06 (0.02) g/g Cr, and MHA was 0.40 (0.13) g/g Cr. For prevalence of neurological symptoms, top three symptoms were headache (49.0%), dizziness (42.5%), and stress/irritability (38.5%). Working at a gas station present was neurological symptoms more than in the past was 32.5%. According to the assessment of exposure to metabolized organic solvents and factors affecting the prevalence of neurological symptoms, overtime work ≥ 6 hours and HA content greater than quartiles Q3 had an effect on neurologic symptoms (OR=2.17; 95%CI=1.23-5.10 and OR=2.15; 95%CI=1.18- 4.76, respectively). In summary, time spent working in gas stations and exposure to toluene organic solvents can cause neurological symptoms. It is recommended to reduce overtime or add breaks during work shifts or shift changes. In addition, workers should be away from the solvent.

Comparison of urinary biomarkers concentrations in exposed and non-exposed petrol station workers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand

Background

The Thai government has been developing its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which spans three provinces, with the aim of improving connections with other Asian nations. Since this strategic development, the number of trucks, private car, and passenger car registrations have continued to grow, with a corresponding increase in related to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX).

Objectives

This study aims to compare the levels of trans, trans-muconic acid (t, t MA); toluene (TU); mandelic acid (MA); and methyl hippuric acid (MHA) in the urine of gas station employees, considering demographic and occupational factors.

Material and methods

These employees worked either near or away from the fuel dispenser, and there 100 people in each group. Data were collected using interviews and testing environmental air and urine samples for benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX).

Results

The results showed that BTEX concentrations were just detectable in all 200 cases (100%). The mean (±SD) urine level of t, t MA was 449.28 (±213.32) μg/g creatinine, while the median (min-max) was 428.23 (95.58-1202.56) μg/g creatinine. The mean TU was 0.011 (0.001) mg/L, while the median (min-max) was 0.011 (0.010-0.013) mg/L. MA levels were higher inside the pollution control zone than they were outside the zone (p=.009). Employees who practiced poor personal hygiene had relatively high urinary toluene and MHA levels (p=.009) and those who did not wear personal protective equipment (PPE) had relatively high MA levels (p=.040).

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed statistically significant biomarkers influencing the levels of t, t MA; TU; MA; and MHA in urine. The recommendations of this study are that employers should provide their employees with suitable PPE, check regularly to ensure that it is worn, and strongly encourage employees to take care of their sanitation. Employees should take appropriate breaks and days off to minimize their exposure to BTEX.

Short-distance versus long-distance deep-seaport container truck drivers' prevalence and perceived discomfort of musculoskeletal symptoms in the Thailand Eastern Economic Corridor

Objectives. This research aimed to study the prevalence and perceived discomfort of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms among short-distance and long-distance deep-seaport truck drivers. Methods. Cross-sectional analysis using a standardized modified version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was carried out using direct interviews with 25 male participants: 15 short-distance and 10 long-distance truck drivers. Results. As much as 88% was reported for the existence of MSK symptoms in the past 12 months. Considering all truck groups, regardless of short or long distance, the lower back was found with the highest prevalence (72%) followed by the neck (32%). The χ² test showed long-distance truck drivers had statistically significantly more prevalence in the neck (p = 0.028) than short-distance drivers. Perceived discomfort by the Borg CR10 scale confirmed the lower back had the highest score (2.4) followed by the neck (1.44). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that long-distance truck drivers had significantly higher scores on the lower back and neck (p = 0.039 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion. Longer exposure to prolonged non-natural working postures, vibration, traffic conditions and working stress could be the judicial causes. To minimize this problem, integrated interventions need to be implemented with particular measures among short-distance and long-distance truck drivers.

The risk factors for occupational contact dermatitis among workers in a medium density fiberboard furniture factory in Eastern Thailand

The aim of this study was to determine the occupational exposure to formaldehyde on the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) dust and allergic contact dermatitis among the workers at a furniture factory. Data were collected from 439 subjects using questionnaires and patch testing to evaluate allergic contact dermatitis resulting from formaldehyde on wood dust exposure in the workplace. The geometric mean concentration of formaldehyde on MDF dust that the workers in the production department were exposed to was 2.07 ppm (GSD 4.54). Patch test results revealed that some subjects developed allergy to various substances, including epoxy resin (16.7%) and formaldehyde (5.6%). The odds ratios (95% CI) for contact dermatitis were 3.6 (1.7-7.3) among those with a history of metal allergy, 1.8 (0.6-5.2) whose family members having a history of allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to MDF dust in the workplace should be reduced, as the current levels of exposure exceed the permissible OSHA standard.

A Cross-sectional Study of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Risk Factors in Cambodian Fruit Farm Workers in Eastern Region, Thailand

Background

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are accumulative disorders that are most frequently found in agricultural farmers. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that affect symptoms resulting from work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Cambodian farm workers working in fruit plantations in the eastern region of Thailand.

Methods

The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, and Hazard Zone Jobs Checklist techniques were used to interview 861 farmers who participated in the study.

Results

The data showed that men who had been working for >10 years were more at risk of neck pain than those working for <1 year with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.90, 14.5). Among women those who had been working for >10 years experienced lower back pain with aOR 8.13, 95% CI (1.04, 63.74), compared with those who had been working for <1 year. Men whose tasks required raising the arms above shoulder height had a risk factor contributing to neck pain of aOR 1.68, 95% CI (1.08, 2.61) when compared with those who did not work with this posture, and women had aOR 1.82, 95% CI (1.07, 3.12) when compared with those who did not work with this posture.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that work-related health conditions are monitored in migrant plantation workers to reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders.

Access to Health Care by Migrant Farm Workers on Fruit Plantations in Eastern Thailand

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken to elucidate factors that influenced access to health care for migrant farm workers from Cambodia employed on fruit plantations in eastern Thailand.

METHODS

Data were collected from 861 participants via interview questions and focus group discussions.

RESULTS

The results revealed that 58.2% of immigrant workers were male, averaged 30.4 years of age, and 56.3% had no formal education. In the past year, 28% reported back pain and 25% had joint pain. Most of the workers (89.8%) received health care services at a nearby government health promotion hospital (THPH). From the analysis of factors contributing to the access to health services among immigrant farm workers, the data indicate that the Cambodian workers had few concerns with their ability to access health care services, reporting high and medium levels of satisfaction (with odds ratios [ORs] of 6.19 and 3.94, respectively) versus being unsatisfied. The differences between those who reported significant minor illnesses and serious illness were important, as workers with significant complaints were 3.17 and 4.85 times more likely, respectively, to have sought medical treatment than those not reporting illness.

CONCLUSION

The main recommendation resulting from this study is that factors leading to higher degrees of satisfaction with health care services by migrant farm workers for preventative care could be improved.

Factors that contribute to insecticide poisoning among immigrant agricultural workers in Thailand

BACKGROUND

There has been a strong increase in the international movement of workers during the last few decades. As Thailand's economy has rapidly developed during the past 20 years, it has attracted growing numbers of laborers from the bordering countries of Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia. Numbers of migrant workers in Thai agriculture have risen to the extent that the sector's continued growth has become increasingly dependent on migrant workers.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to the development of symptoms of insecticide poisoning among immigrant agricultural workers in the eastern region of Thailand.

METHODS

Data were collected via interviews (N = 891), and the levels of cholinesterase activity in the workers' blood were tested using reactive test strips.

RESULTS

Only 4.4% of the workers had normal levels of cholinesterase activity and 75.1% had levels that were abnormal. Regarding factors that affect gastrointestinal symptoms of poisoning, being aged 45 to 50 increased the risk of developing gastrointestinal symptoms (odds ratio (OR): 2.51; 95% CI: 1.41-4.46), as did using a backpack spraying technique (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 2.16-6.49) and having only moderate levels of self-protection behavior while spraying the insecticides (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.16-4.29). Having an at risk level of cholinesterase activity increased the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.05-10.04) and the risk of respiratory symptoms (OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.17-6.44).

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that insecticide self-protection measures should be promoted and health monitoring should be implemented for migrant workers affected by high-risk insecticide use.

Factors affecting the musculoskeletal disorders of workers in the frozen food manufacturing factories in Thailand

The purpose of this research was to study factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders. The sample population of the study was 528 factory workers from the frozen food industry, as well as a controlled group of 255 office workers. The samples were collected during interviews using the Nordic questionnaire to assess musculoskeletal disorders, and to assess the risk by the rapid upper limb assessment and rapid entire body assessment techniques. The findings of the study were that most symptoms were found in the dissecting department, higher than in the controlled group. The details of the symptoms were, accordingly: elbow pain (adjusted odds ratio, 35.1; 95% CI [17.4, 70.9]). Regarding the risk of alcohol drinking, workers were exposed to more risks when alcohol was consumed. It is suggested that workers' health should be monitored regularly. People who work in a cold environment should be encouraged to wear body protection and to avoid drinking.

Cold exposure and health effects among frozen food processing workers in eastern Thailand

Frozen food processing workers work under a cold environment which can cause several adverse health effects.This study explored factors affecting workers' health in the frozen food industry in Thailand. Participants comprised 497 workers exposed to a cold working environment and 255 office workers who served as the controls.

Data were collected by a survey on the work environment, and the interview of workers for abnormal symptoms. The exposed group had the following characteristics: 52.7% male, overall average age of 27 (SD 6.6) years old, attained elementary education (Grade 4 and Grade 6) (54.1%), married (48.9%), smokers (21.3%), alcohol consumption (31.0%), duration of work was between 1 and 5 years (65.2%), working 6 days a week (82.7%), 1–5 hours of overtime per week (33.8%), office workers (33.9%); work category: sizing (6.9%), peeling (28.3%) dissecting (22.2%), and in the warehouse (8.6%). The temperature in the work environment ranged from 17.2°C to 19.2°C in most sections, −18.0°C in the warehouse, and 25°C in the office areas. Warehouse workers had more abnormal symptoms than controls including repeated pain in the musculoskeletal system (OR 11.9; 95% CI 6.12–23.45), disturbance throughout the body (OR 4.60; 95% CI 2.00–10.56), respiratory symptoms (OR 9.73; 95% CI 3.53–26.80), episodic finger symptoms (OR 13.51; 95% CI 5.17–35.33).

The study results suggest that workers' health should be monitored especially with regard to back and muscle pain, respiratory symptoms, episodic finger symptoms, and cardiovascular symptoms. Health promotion campaigns such as antismoking and reduction of alcohol consumption should be established because smoking and alcohol consumption are contributing factors to the pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon and peripheral vascular disorders such as hypertension and heart disease.

Biomonitoring of heavy metals among nielloware workers in Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province

OBJECTIVE

To determine lead and mercury concentrations in biological samples from nielloware workers, to describe the association between occupational lifestyle, workposition, work environment, behavioral factors, acute and chronic neurological symptoms, and levels of metals in biological samples.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 45 nielloware workers and 45 matched nonexposed persons living in the municipality of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Blood and urine samples were collected to determine lead and mercury concentrations by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The blood lead levels (7.30 microg/dl) and urinary mercury levels (3.30 microg/g creatinine) of the nielloware workers were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Income, working environmental conditions, workposition, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal hygiene, had significant associations with blood lead and urinary mercury levels (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between income and blood-lead level (r = 0.968, p < 0.001) and urinary-mercury level (r = 0.661, p = 0.004). The nielloware workers developed acute and chronic symptoms, such as headaches, rash, fatigue, tightness in the chest, loss of consciousness, abnormal tiredness and headache at least once a week and those who developed symptoms had significantly higher heavy metal levels than those who did not at p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

The blood lead and urinary mercury levels in nielloware workers were significantly higher than those in the control subjects. The significant associations were found between income, work position, PPE and personal hygiene and blood lead and urinary mercury levels.

Rubberwood dust and lung function among Thai furniture factory workers

The objective of this study was to assess factors affecting lung function among 685 workers in the rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) furniture industry in the Chonburi and Rayung provinces of eastern Thailand. Study data were gathered using questionnaires, by sampling wood dust, and by spirometry. The mean wood dust exposure level in the factories was 4.08 mg/m3 (SD = 1.42, range: 1.15-11.17 mg/m3). The mean overall percent of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC values were 84 % (SD = 13.41), 86 % (SD = 14.40), and 99% (SD = 10.42), respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between mean dust exposure levels and FVC (p = 0.0008), and FEV1/FVC% (p < 0.001), but not FEV1 (p = 0.074). An association between decline in lung function and wood dust levels among wood workers suggests that rubberwood dust exposure negatively affects lung function.

Spectrophotometric determination of plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase activity of 53 fruit farm workers pre- and post-exposed chlorpyrifos for one fruit crop

We sought to investigate the early biological effects of chlorpyrifos among 53 Thai fruit farm workers by measuring the plasma cholinesterase (PChE) and red blood cell cholinesterase (AChE) activities, a biomarker of organophosphate (OPs) pesticide during one fruit crop. The ChE activity (V(m)/K(m)) was spectrophotometrically analyzed before and after exposing to chlorpyrifos. The V(m)/K(m) values of both non-spraying and spraying seasons are found as normal distribution pattern. The median PChE and AChE activities among farm workers in the non-spraying season were 2.3 x 10(-3) s(-1) and 7.26 x 10(-5) s(-1), respectively. The median PChE and AChE activities of the farm workers in the spraying season were 2.02 x 10(-3) s(-1) and 5.95 x 10(-5) s(-1), respectively. The mean V(m)/K(m) values of PChE shifted left (t-test, p=0.013), indicating a decrease in PChE activity in the farm workers exposed to chlorpyrifos. However, the V(m)/K(m) values of AChE in nonspraying season and in the spraying season were not different (t-test, p=0.246). We propose that PChE activity can be used as a biomarker for monitoring early toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos insecticide.