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Marjerrison N, Grimsrud TK, Hansen J, Martinsen JI, Nordby KC, Olsen R, Veierød MB, Kjærheim K. Occupational exposures of firefighting and urinary tract cancer risk among men in the Norwegian Fire Departments Cohort. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:659-666. [PMID: 37863650 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increased risks of bladder cancer and mesothelioma were the strongest evidence for the recent reclassification of firefighting as carcinogenic (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Our study aim was to develop indicators for specific firefighting exposures and examine associations with urinary tract cancer (UTC), including bladder cancer. METHODS We developed indicators for exposure from employment at a fire department or in firefighting jobs, to fire and smoke, and to diesel exhaust for men in the Norwegian Fire Departments Cohort (n=4250). Incident UTC cases were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Norway (1960-2021). Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) with cumulative exposures grouped into tertiles (reference: lowest exposed tertile) with 0-year, 10-year and 15-year lagging of exposures. RESULTS During 125 090 person-years of follow-up, there were 76 cases of UTC. IRRs were mostly non-significantly increased in the middle tertile and at or below 1 in the highest tertile for total duration of employment, number of fires attended and fire exposure score with and without lags. In the middle tertile for diesel exhaust exposure, UTC risk was elevated over twofold with 10-year (IRR 2.27, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.20) and 15- year (2.21, 1.18 to 4.16) lags, and near 1 in the highest tertile. Findings for bladder cancer were similar to those for UTC. CONCLUSIONS Dose-response associations between the exposure indicators and UTC were not observed. Future studies using the indicators with more cases are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Marjerrison
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Raymond Olsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit B Veierød
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Kim J, Leon ME, Schinasi LH, Baldi I, Lebailly P, Freeman LEB, Nordby KC, Ferro G, Monnereau A, Brouwer M, Kjaerheim K, Hofmann JN, Straif K, Kromhout H, Schüz J, Togawa K. Exposure to pesticides and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma in an international consortium of agricultural cohorts (AGRICOH). Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:995-1003. [PMID: 37418114 PMCID: PMC10533587 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Some pesticides may increase the risk of certain lymphoid malignancies, but few studies have examined Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). In this exploratory study, we examined associations between agricultural use of 22 individual active ingredients and 13 chemical groups and HL incidence. METHODS We used data from three agricultural cohorts participating in the AGRICOH consortium: the French Agriculture and Cancer Cohort (2005-2009), Cancer in the Norwegian Agricultural Population (1993-2011), and the US Agricultural Health Study (1993-2011). Lifetime pesticide use was estimated from crop-exposure matrices or self-report. Cohort-specific covariate-adjusted overall and age-specific (< 40 or ≥ 40 years) hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox regression and combined using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Among 316 270 farmers (75% male) accumulating 3 574 815 person-years at risk, 91 incident cases of HL occurred. We did not observe statistically significant associations for any of the active ingredients or chemical groups studied. The highest risks of HL overall were observed for the pyrethroids deltamethrin (meta-HR = 1.86, 95% CI 0.76-4.52) and esfenvalerate (1.86, 0.78-4.43), and inverse associations of similar magnitude were observed for parathion and glyphosate. Risk of HL at ≥ 40 years of age was highest for ever-use of dicamba (2.04, 0.93-4.50) and lowest for glyphosate (0.46, 0.20-1.07). CONCLUSION We report the largest prospective investigation of these associations. Nonetheless, low statistical power, a mixture of histological subtypes and a lack of information on tumour EBV status complicate the interpretability of the results. Most HL cases occurred at older ages, thus we could not explore associations with adolescent or young adult HL. Furthermore, estimates may be attenuated due to non-differential exposure misclassification. Future work should aim to extend follow-up and refine both exposure and outcome classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Kim
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research On Cancer, IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Maria E. Leon
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research On Cancer, IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Leah H. Schinasi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- Service Santé Travail Environnement, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- ANTICIPE, INSERM U1086, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre Le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Gilles Ferro
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research On Cancer, IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Alain Monnereau
- Hematological Malignancies Registry of Gironde, Bergonie Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bordeaux, France
- EPICENE, INSERM U1219, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maartje Brouwer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jonathan N. Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kurt Straif
- Non-communicable Diseases and Environment Programme, IS Global, Barcelona, Spain
- Global Observatory On Pollution and Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA USA
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research On Cancer, IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Kayo Togawa
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research On Cancer, IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
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Eduard W, Weinbruch S, Skogstad A, Skare Ø, Nordby KC, Notø H. Content of clinker and other materials in personal thoracic aerosol samples from cement plants estimated by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:990-1003. [PMID: 37639571 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the composition and exposure to clinker and other specific components in personal thoracic dust samples of cement production workers. METHODS A procedure for the classification of airborne particles in cement production plants was developed based on classification trees. For this purpose, the chemical compositions of 27,217 particles in 29 material samples (clinker, limestone, gypsum, clay, quartz, bauxite, iron source, coal fly ash, and coal) were determined automatically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The concentrations of the major elements in cement (calcium, aluminium, silicon, iron, and sulphur) were used for the classifications. The split criteria of the classification trees obtained in the material samples were used to classify 44,176 particles in 34 personal thoracic aerosol samples. The contents of clinker and other materials were estimated, and the clinker contents were analysed statistically for differences between job types and job tasks. RESULTS Between 64% and 88% of the particles from material samples were classified as actual materials. The material types with variable composition (clay, coal fly ash, and coal) were classified with the lowest consistency (64% to 67%), while materials with a more limited compositional variation (clinker, gypsum, and quartz) were classified more consistently (76% to 85%). The arithmetic mean (AM) of the clinker content in personal samples was 62.1%, the median was 55.3%, and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 42.6% to 68.1%. No significant differences were observed between job types. However, the clinker content in samples when workers handled materials with high clinker content was significantly higher than when materials with lower clinker content were handled, 85% versus 65% (P = 0.02). The limestone content was AM 14.8%, median 13.2% (95% CI 5.5 to 20.9), whereas the other materials were present with relative abundances of median ≤ 6.4%. DISCUSSION Automated particle analysis by SEM-EDX followed by classification tree analysis quantified clinker with fairly high consistency when evaluated together with raw materials that are expected to be airborne in cement production plants. The clinker proportions for job types were similar. Tasks a priori ranked by assumed clinker content were significantly different and according to expectations, which supports the validity of the chosen methodology. CONCLUSIONS The composition of personal samples of mineral aerosols in the cement production industry could be estimated by automated single particle analysis with SEM-EDX and classification by a classification tree procedure. Clinker was the major component in the thoracic aerosol that cement production workers were exposed to. Differences between job types were relatively small and not significant. The clinker content from tasks was in agreement with assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wijnand Eduard
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, Majorstuen, NO-0363 OsloNorway
| | - Stephan Weinbruch
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, Majorstuen, NO-0363 OsloNorway
- Technical University Darmstadt, Institute of Applied Geosciences, Schnittspahnstrasse 9, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Asbjørn Skogstad
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, Majorstuen, NO-0363 OsloNorway
| | - Øivind Skare
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, Majorstuen, NO-0363 OsloNorway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, Majorstuen, NO-0363 OsloNorway
| | - Hilde Notø
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, Majorstuen, NO-0363 OsloNorway
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Weinbruch S, Scerri M, Eduard W, Thomassen Y, Nordby KC, Berlinger B, Dahl K, Friisk G, Romanova N, Notø H. Chemical Composition of Thoracic Dust at Workplaces During Cement Production. Ann Work Expo Health 2023. [PMID: 36866437 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cement belongs to the most used building materials. Clinker is the major constituent of cement, and it is believed that the strong increase of pH after hydration of clinker minerals is responsible for the observed decline in lung function of cement production workers. Information on clinker exposure at workplaces in the cement production industry is scarse. The aims of this study are to determine the chemical composition of thoracic dust and to quantify workplace exposure to clinker in cement production. METHODS The elemental composition of 1250 personal thoracic samples collected at workplaces in 15 plants located in 8 different countries (Estonia, Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey) was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), separately for water- and acid-soluble fraction. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to determine the contribution of different sources to the dust composition and to quantify the clinker content in 1227 of the thoracic samples. In addition, 107 material samples were analysed to facilitate interpretation of the factors obtained by PMF. RESULTS The median thoracic mass concentrations varied for individual plants between 0.28 and 3.5 mg/m3. PMF with 8 water-soluble and 10 insoluble (i.e., acid-soluble) element concentrations yielded a five-factor solution: Ca, K, Na sulfates; silicates; insoluble clinker; soluble clinker-rich; and soluble Ca-rich. The clinker content of the samples was calculated as sum of the insoluble clinker and soluble clinker-rich factors. The median clinker fraction of all samples was 45% (range 0-95%), and varied between 20% and 70% for individual plants. DISCUSSION The 5-factor solution of PMF was selected on the basis of several mathematical parameters recommended in the literature as well as the mineralogical interpretability of the factors. In addition, interpretation of the factors was supported by the measured apparent solubility of Al, K, Si, Fe, and to a lesser extent Ca in material samples. The total clinker content obtained in the present study is considerably lower than estimates based on the Ca concentrations in a sample, and somewhat lower than estimates based on Si concentrations after selective leaching with a methanol/maleic acid mixture. The clinker abundance in workplace dust of one plant investigated in the present contribution was also estimated in a recent study by electron microscopy, and the good agreement between both studies gives confidence in the results of PMF. CONCLUSIONS The clinker fraction in personal thoracic samples could be quantified from the chemical composition by positive matrix factorization. Our results allow for further epidemiological analyses of health effects in the cement production industry. As these estimates are more accurate for clinker exposure than aerosol mass, stronger associations with respiratory effects are expected if clinker is the main cause of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Weinbruch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Mark Scerri
- Environmental Management & Planning Division, Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Balázs Berlinger
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Dahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Grete Friisk
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalya Romanova
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Notø
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
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Leite M, Nordby KC, Skare Ø, Ulvestad B, Ellingsen DG, Dahl K, Johansen T, Petter Skaugset N. Exposure to Particulate Matter and Respirable Crystalline Silica in Tunnel Construction Workers Using Tunnel Boring Machines. Ann Work Expo Health 2023:7037422. [PMID: 36789549 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the exposure to a selection of aerosols and gases in the work environment for workers performing tunnel construction using tunnel boring machines (TBMs), to identify determinants of exposure based on the information available and to calculate robust estimates of exposure using a statistical model. The focus was particulate matter (PM) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS). In addition, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), elemental carbon (EC), and oil mist were assessed. METHODS Personal sampling was conducted from February 2017 to February 2019. PM in the thoracic and the respirable aerosol fractions was collected, and RCS was determined in the respirable aerosol fraction. Context information was collected on questionnaires. Because the workers could participate in the sampling more than once and multiple measurements were performed on the same date a mixed model was used in the analysis. Concentrations of PM and RCS are presented as estimated and measured geometric means (GMest and GMmea) and estimated arithmetic mean (AMest) in addition to the median. Measured concentrations of NO2, EC, and oil mist are presented as geometric means. RESULTS A total of 290 and 289 personal samples of PM in the thoracic and respirable aerosol fractions were available for analysis, respectively. Work title/work location, type of work (production, maintenance, or a combination of the two), and date of sampling were identified as determinants of exposure. Workers in the front of the TBMs had the highest exposure to PM and RCS. The GMest of RCS exposure varied from 35 to 413 μg m-3 depending on the work title. The geometric standard deviations for measured RCS concentrations by work title ranged from 1.6 to 3.5. A total of 16 samples of NO2 and EC and 12 samples of oil mist were collected. Maximum values of NO2 and EC were 54 µg m-3 and 23 µg m-3, respectively. The maximum measured value of oil mist was 0.08 mg m-3. CONCLUSIONS All TBM workers were exposed to PM and RCS. Exposure to RCS may be substantial, and workers in front of the TBM were exposed to the highest concentrations of both PM and RCS. A day-to-day variation was found, probably caused by differences in drilling activities. Preventive measures are warranted to keep the exposure to PM and consequently the exposure to RCS as low as possible to protect the health of workers in tunnel construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi Leite
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Kari Dahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thea Johansen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Schulze DG, Nilsen KB, Clemm T, Grotle M, Zwart JA, Ulvestad B, Nordby KC. Influence of ergonomic factors on peripheral neuropathy under HAV exposure. Occup Med (Lond) 2023; 73:13-18. [PMID: 36480225 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). It is unclear how ergonomic factors influence the relationship between HAV exposure and CTS and UNE. AIMS We aimed to assess the relationship between cumulative HAV exposure and CTS and UNE in workers exposed to HAV from two tools with different ergonomic profiles. METHODS We performed nerve conduction studies (NCSs) of the sensory and motor median and ulnar nerves and recorded symptoms indicating CTS and UNE in workers exposed to HAV from impact wrenches or from rock drills. Exposure was measured as cumulative lifetime exposure. We used linear regression adjusted for age and body mass index to assess linear relationships. RESULTS Sixty-five workers participated (33 rock drill and 32 impact wrench operators). We found inverse linear associations between cumulative HAV exposure and median nerve sensory conduction velocity in impact wrench operators and ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity in rock drill operators (beta of 0.63 and 0.75). Based on NCS findings and symptoms, seven impact wrench operators had CTS and one UNE, and four rock drill operators had CTS and six UNE. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that ergonomic factors influence the development of CTS and UNE under HAV exposure. The ergonomic profile seems to influence which type of neuropathy workers exposed to HAV will develop. Design of occupational exposure guidelines and future studies should be based on ergonomic profile and exposure characteristics for different tools and not merely HAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Schulze
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - K B Nilsen
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - T Clemm
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - M Grotle
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - J A Zwart
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - B Ulvestad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - K C Nordby
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
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Ramsperger AFRM, Bergamaschi E, Panizzolo M, Fenoglio I, Barbero F, Peters R, Undas A, Purker S, Giese B, Lalyer CR, Tamargo A, Moreno-Arribas MV, Grossart HP, Kühnel D, Dietrich J, Paulsen F, Afanou AK, Zienolddiny-Narui S, Eriksen Hammer S, Kringlen Ervik T, Graff P, Brinchmann BC, Nordby KC, Wallin H, Nassi M, Benetti F, Zanella M, Brehm J, Kress H, Löder MGJ, Laforsch C. Nano- and microplastics: a comprehensive review on their exposure routes, translocation, and fate in humans. NanoImpact 2023; 29:100441. [PMID: 36427812 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2022.100441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of the environment with nano-and microplastic particles (NMPs) and its putative adverse effects on organisms, ecosystems, and human health is gaining increasing scientific and public attention. Various studies show that NMPs occur abundantly within the environment, leading to a high likelihood of human exposure to NMPs. Here, different exposure scenarios can occur. The most notable exposure routes of NMPs into the human body are via the airways and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) through inhalation or ingestion, but also via the skin due to the use of personal care products (PCPs) containing NMPs. Once NMPs have entered the human body, it is possible that they are translocated from the exposed organ to other body compartments. In our review article, we combine the current knowledge on the (1) exposure routes of NMPs to humans with the basic understanding of the potential (2) translocation mechanisms into human tissues and, consequently, their (3) fate within the human body. Regarding the (1) exposure routes, we reviewed the current knowledge on the occurrence of NMPs in food, beverages, personal care products and the air (focusing on indoors and workplaces) and found that the studies suggest an abundant presence of MPs within the exposure scenarios. The overall abundance of MPs in exposure matrices relevant to humans highlights the importance of understanding whether NMPs have the potential for tissue translocation. Therefore, we describe the current knowledge on the potential (2) translocation pathways of NMPs from the skin, GIT and respiratory systems to other body compartments. Here, particular attention was paid to how likely NMPs can translocate from the primary exposed organs to secondary organs due to naturally occurring defence mechanisms against tissue translocation. Based on the current understanding, we conclude that a dermal translocation of NMPs is rather unlikely. In contrast, small MPs and NPs can generally translocate from the GIT and respiratory system to other tissues. Thus, we reviewed the existing literature on the (3) fate of NMPs within the human body. Based on the current knowledge of the contamination of human exposure routes and the potential translocation mechanisms, we critically discuss the size of the detected particles reported in the fate studies. In some cases, the particles detected in human tissue samples exceed the size of a particle to overcome biological barriers allowing particle translocation into tissues. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of critically reading and discussing the presented results of NMP in human tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja F R M Ramsperger
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Enrico Bergamaschi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Panizzolo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ivana Fenoglio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Ruud Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Undas
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Purker
- Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences (ISR), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernd Giese
- Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences (ISR), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina R Lalyer
- Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences (ISR), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alba Tamargo
- Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany; Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dana Kühnel
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jana Dietrich
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bendik C Brinchmann
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Section of Air Pollution and Noise, Department of Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Håkan Wallin
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Julian Brehm
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Holger Kress
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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Corbin S, Togawa K, Schüz J, Le Cornet C, Fervers B, Feychting M, Wiebert P, Hansen J, Dalton SO, Kjærheim K, Nordby KC, Østrem RS, Skakkebæk NE, Uuksulainen S, Pukkala E, Olsson A. Parental occupational exposures in wood-related jobs and risk of testicular germ cell tumours in offspring in NORD-TEST a registry-based case-control study in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1243-1253. [PMID: 34853884 PMCID: PMC9273544 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed the association between parental prenatal exposures in wood-related jobs and risk of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) in offspring. METHODS NORD-TEST, a registry-based case-control study in Sweden, Finland and Norway, included 8112 TGCT cases diagnosed at ages 14-49 years between 1978 and 2012 with no history of prior cancer, and up to four controls matched to each case on year and country of birth. Parents of cases and controls were identified via linkages with the population registries and their occupational information was retrieved from censuses. The Nordic Occupational Cancer Study Job-Exposure Matrix was used to assign occupational exposures to each parent. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Maternal wood-related job was not associated with the risk of TGCT in offspring (OR 1.08, CI 0.55-2.14), while paternal wood-related job was associated with a decreased risk of TGCT in offspring (OR 0.85, CI 0.75-0.96). None of the specific wood-related jobs, such as upholsterers, sawyers, or construction carpenters, were significantly associated with a risk of TGCT. Only exception was observed in a sensitivity analysis which showed an increased risk in the small group of sons of fathers working as 'cabinetmakers and joiners' the year before conception (OR of 2.06, CI 1.00-4.25). CONCLUSION This large-scale NORD-TEST analysis provided no evidence of an association between parental prenatal exposures in wood-related jobs and TGCT in sons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Corbin
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Kayo Togawa
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Charlotte Le Cornet
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beatrice Fervers
- Prevention Cancer Environment Department, Centre Léon Bérard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Inserm UMR 1296 Radiations: Defence, Health, Environment, Lyon, France
| | - Maria Feychting
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Wiebert
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland
- Finland School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ann Olsson
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon Cedex 08, France.
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9
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Clemm T, Lunde LK, Ulvestad B, Færden K, Nordby KC. Exposure-response relationship between hand-arm vibration exposure and vibrotactile thresholds among rock drill operators: a 4-year cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2022; 79:oemed-2022-108293. [PMID: 35803711 PMCID: PMC9606510 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) from occupational hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure is traditionally determined by the onset of vascular symptoms (white fingers). However, changes in tactile sensibility at the fingertips is a clinical sign of HAVS which in most cases precedes vascular signs. We aimed to assess relationships between occupational HAV exposure and HAVS-related signs including vibration perception thresholds (VPT) and pegboard score on an individual level, using a longitudinal study design with follow-up tests. METHODS We followed-up 148 workers exposed to different HAV levels for 4 years, with health examinations including VPT tests and pegboard tests carried out at baseline, 2 years and 4 years. VPT testing included seven frequencies, from 8 to 500 Hz. Second and fifth finger on both hands were tested, thus a total of 28 tests on each subject. We investigated associations using linear mixed models and significance level at p≤0.05. RESULTS There was a significant exposure-response relationship on an individual level between HAV exposure from rock drills and VPT for 16 of 28 test frequencies. The highest rise (worsening) in VPT was found at the 500 Hz test frequency with 1.54 dB increased VPT per 10-fold increase in cumulative exposure. We found no deterioration in pegboard performance associated with HAV exposure among the participants. CONCLUSIONS Risk predictions of HAVS may be based on exposure-response relationships between HAV exposure and VPT. The 500 Hz test frequency should be included in the VPT test protocols for early detection of signs related to reduced tactile sensibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clemm
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, STAMI, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bente Ulvestad
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, STAMI, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl Færden
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Matre D, Goffeng E, Nordby KC, Lie JAS. Extended Work Shifts Increase Subjective Pain Complaints Among Cabin Crewmembers, but Not Among Airline Pilots or Healthcare Workers: A Repeated-Measures Study. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e381-e386. [PMID: 35761426 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether four consecutive extended work shifts are associated with an increased risk of subjective pain complaints, sleep duration, and sleep disturbances. METHODS Forty-three healthcare workers, 41 cabin crewmembers, and 18 airline pilots working 4 consecutive extended workdays reported subjective pain complaints and sleep after the 1st and 4th workday. RESULTS The risk of headache (odds ratio [OR] 21.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85 to 246.5) and pain in the hands, arms, or wrists (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.84 to 7.76) increased after workday 4 versus workday 1 in cabin crewmembers. Sleep duration was longer (0.6 to 1.1 hours), and sleep disturbances fewer, the night before the fourth extended workday, compared with before the first workday, in all occupations. CONCLUSIONS We found no general support for an association between extended work shifts and subjective pain, whereas sleep duration was improved, and sleep disturbances reduced after 4 consecutive extended workdays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagfinn Matre
- From the Department of Research, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
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11
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Marjerrison N, Jakobsen J, Demers PA, Grimsrud TK, Hansen J, Martinsen JI, Nordby KC, Veierød MB, Kjærheim K. Comparison of cancer incidence and mortality in the Norwegian Fire Departments Cohort, 1960-2018. Occup Environ Med 2022; 79:oemed-2022-108331. [PMID: 35589382 PMCID: PMC9606497 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elevated risk of cancer at several sites has been reported among firefighters, although with mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to calculate standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for cancer and compare them to assess whether use of the different measures could be a source of inconsistencies in findings. METHODS The Norwegian Fire Departments Cohort, comprising 4295 male employees who worked at 15 fire departments across Norway, was linked to health outcome registries for the period 1960-2018. SIRs and SMRs were derived using national reference rates. RESULTS Overall, we observed elevated incidence of colon cancer (SIR, 95% CI 1.27, 1.01 to 1.58), mesothelioma (2.59, 1.12 to 5.11), prostate cancer (1.18, 1.03 to 1.34) and all sites combined (1.15, 1.08 to 1.23). Smaller, non-significant elevations were found for mortality of colon cancer (SMR, 95% CI 1.20, 0.84 to 1.67) and mesothelioma (1.66, 0.34 to 4.86), while SMR for prostate cancer was at unity. Potential errors were observed in some of the mortality data, notably for mesothelioma cases. Among those who died of cancer, 3.7% (n=14) did not have a prior diagnosis of malignancy at the same site group. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of incidence or mortality did not greatly influence the interpretation of results. The most prominent differences in SIR and SMR appeared to be due to inconsistencies between sites of cancer diagnosis and cause of death. The difference in SIR and SMR for prostate cancer suggested a detection bias from differential screening practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Marjerrison
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Jakobsen
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit B Veierød
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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12
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Brinchmann BC, Bugge MD, Nordby KC, Alfonso JH. Firefighting and melanoma, epidemiological and toxicological associations: a case report. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:142-144. [PMID: 35064261 PMCID: PMC8863077 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies firefighting as possibly carcinogenic to humans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as carcinogens with sufficient evidence for development of melanoma in humans. We present a case report of a firefighter with melanoma and history of 33 years of occupational exposure. Based on the available epidemiological and toxicological evidence of association between being a firefighter and developing melanoma, melanoma was recognized by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service as an occupational disease in our patient. In 2017, melanoma was acknowledged as an occupational disease in only 8 out of 28 surveyed European countries. Melanoma should be considered as a possible occupational disease among firefighters with a history of relevant exposure. Further recognition of the occupational exposures leading to increased risk of melanoma is still needed for preventive purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bendik C Brinchmann
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, N-0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete D Bugge
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jose Hernán Alfonso
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Dermatology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Marjerrison N, Jakobsen J, Grimsrud TK, Hansen J, Martinsen JI, Nordby KC, Veierød MB, Kjærheim K. Cancer incidence in sites potentially related to occupational exposures: 58 years of follow-up of firefighters in the Norwegian Fire Departments Cohort. Scand J Work Environ Health 2022; 48:210-219. [PMID: 35015085 PMCID: PMC9523464 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Firefighters are exposed to a variety of known and suspected carcinogens through their work. However, the association with cancer risk has limited evidence. We examined cancer incidence among firefighters in the newly established Norwegian Fire Departments Cohort restricted to sites with established associations with carcinogens encountered during firefighting. This included sites within the respiratory, urinary, and lympho-hematopoietic systems, and the skin and all sites combined. Methods Male firefighters (N=3881) in the cohort were linked to the Cancer Registry of Norway for incident cancer cases occurring during the period 1960–2018. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with rates for the national male population as reference, and stratified SIR analyses by period of first employment, duration of employment, and time since first employment. Results Elevated risk was seen for all sites combined (SIR 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.23). Elevated risk of urinary tract cancer was observed among firefighters who began working before 1950, and with observation ≥40 years since first employment. Risk of mesothelioma and laryngeal cancer were elevated with ≥40 years since first employment and with ≥30 years employment duration. Conclusions The observed associations between firefighting and urinary tract cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma have been observed in some studies previously, and our results suggest the observed elevated risks are related to carcinogenic occupational exposures. Differences in risk by period of employment potentially reflect changes in exposures from improved quality and use of personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Marjerrison
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, P.O. Box 5313, 0304 Oslo, Norway.
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14
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Marjerrison N, Grimsrud TK, Hansen J, Martinsen JI, Nordby KC, Veierød MB, Kjærheim K. Cancer incidence and mortality in the Norwegian Fire Departments cohort: Are incidence versus mortality outcome measures contributing to variability in risk estimates? Saf Health Work 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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15
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Togawa K, Leon ME, Lebailly P, Beane Freeman LE, Nordby KC, Baldi I, MacFarlane E, Shin A, Park S, Greenlee RT, Sigsgaard T, Basinas I, Hofmann JN, Kjaerheim K, Douwes J, Denholm R, Ferro G, Sim MR, Kromhout H, Schüz J. Cancer incidence in agricultural workers: Findings from an international consortium of agricultural cohort studies (AGRICOH). Environ Int 2021; 157:106825. [PMID: 34461377 PMCID: PMC8484858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural work can expose workers to potentially hazardous agents including known and suspected carcinogens. This study aimed to evaluate cancer incidence in male and female agricultural workers in an international consortium, AGRICOH, relative to their respective general populations. METHODS The analysis included eight cohorts that were linked to their respective cancer registries: France (AGRICAN: n = 128,101), the US (AHS: n = 51,165, MESA: n = 2,177), Norway (CNAP: n = 43,834), Australia (2 cohorts combined, Australian Pesticide Exposed Workers: n = 12,215 and Victorian Grain Farmers: n = 919), Republic of Korea (KMCC: n = 8,432), and Denmark (SUS: n = 1,899). For various cancer sites and all cancers combined, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each cohort using national or regional rates as reference rates and were combined by random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS During nearly 2,800,000 person-years, a total of 23,188 cancers were observed. Elevated risks were observed for melanoma of the skin (number of cohorts = 3, meta-SIR = 1.18, CI: 1.01-1.38) and multiple myeloma (n = 4, meta-SIR = 1.27, CI: 1.04-1.54) in women and prostate cancer (n = 6, meta-SIR = 1.06, CI: 1.01-1.12), compared to the general population. In contrast, a deficit was observed for the incidence of several cancers, including cancers of the bladder, breast (female), colorectum, esophagus, larynx, lung, and pancreas and all cancers combined (n = 7, meta-SIR for all cancers combined = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90). The direction of risk was largely consistent across cohorts although we observed large between-cohort variations in SIR for cancers of the liver and lung in men and women, and stomach, colorectum, and skin in men. CONCLUSION The results suggest that agricultural workers have a lower risk of various cancers and an elevated risk of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma (female), and melanoma of skin (female) compared to the general population. Those differences and the between-cohort variations may be due to underlying differences in risk factors and warrant further investigation of agricultural exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Togawa
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France.
| | - Maria E Leon
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Baldi
- EPICENE, U1219 INSERM, Université de Bordeaux, and Service Santé Travail Environnement, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ewan MacFarlane
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aesun Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert T Greenlee
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Research Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rachel Denholm
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
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16
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Matre D, Skogstad M, Sterud T, Nordby KC, Knardahl S, Christensen JO, Lie JAS. Safety incidents associated with extended working hours. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health 2021; 47:415-424. [PMID: 33835186 PMCID: PMC8504541 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We performed a systematic review to assess potential consequences of extended working hours on accidents, near-accidents, safety incidents and injuries (incidents) by considering the overall certainty of evidence. METHODS We searched five databases systematically (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Proquest Health and safety Science Abstract) and identified 10072 studies published until December 2020. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. We followed a systematic approach to evaluate risk of bias and synthesize results in a meta-analysis. The certainty of evidence was determined by a modified version of The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS Our analyses indicated an association between working >12 hours/day (RR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.40), or working >55 hours/week (RR: 1.24, 95%CI: 0.98, 1.57), and elevated risk of incidents. The certainty of evidence evaluated as low. Weak or no associations were observed for other exposure contrasts: working >8 hours/day (RR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.72, 1.19), or working overtime (RR: 1.08, 95%CI: 0.75, 1.55), working 41-48 hours/week (RR: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.92, 1.13) or 49-54 hours/week (RR: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.97, 1.07). The certainty of evidence was evaluated as low (very low for 41-48 hours/week). CONCLUSIONS Daily working hours >12 hours and weekly working hours exceeding 55 hours was associated and increased risk of incidents. The level of evidence was low. Hence, further high-quality research is warranted to elucidate these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagfinn Matre
- National Institute of Occupational Health, PB 5330 Majorstuen, 0304 Oslo, Norway.
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17
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Clemm T, Nordby KC, Lunde LK, Ulvestad B, Bråtveit M. Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure in Rock Drill Workers: A Comparison between Measurements with Hand-Attached and Tool-Attached Accelerometers. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:1123-1132. [PMID: 34254993 PMCID: PMC8577229 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the hazard of tool vibrations, we need valid exposure measurements. The use of hand-attached accelerometers (vibration sensors) to measure hand-arm vibrations (HAVs) has become a popular approach. However, according to International Standard ISO 5349-2, the preferred attachment of accelerometers is at the tool handle. We compared measures of HAV between hand- and tool-attached accelerometers in rock drilling. Methods We measured HAV in five rock drillers using jackleg drills in normal working operations with simultaneous measures of both hand-attached and tool-attached accelerometers. Five to seven measurement cycles of 15 s were executed on each worker, resulting in a total of 29 measurement cycles. To identify possible differences in working technique, we recorded videos of tool handle handgrips during drilling. Results There was a significant difference (9.5 m s−2; P ≤ 0.05) in vibration magnitudes measured by the tool-attached accelerometers compared with the hand-attached accelerometers. The hand-attached accelerometer showed a lower vibration magnitude for all workers (range of difference: 2.3–14.6). The variation between the two accelerometer attachments was larger between workers than within workers (ICC = 0.68). Conclusions For measurements of HAV from jackleg drills, the use of hand-attached accelerometers may cause a lower recorded vibration level compared with tool-attached accelerometers. This difference is likely to vary depending on how workers grip the tool handle, and a misclassification of exposure will occur if workers grip the tool handle in a way that makes the accelerometer lose contact with the vibrating surface. Individual differences in how workers grip the tool handles should be considered when assessing HAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clemm
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, PO Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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18
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Molander P, Bast-Pettersen R, Nordby KC, Bugge MD. Gunnar Mowé. Tidsskriftet 2021. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.21.0574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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19
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Fix J, Annesi-Maesano I, Baldi I, Boulanger M, Cheng S, Cortes S, Dalphin JC, Dalvie MA, Degano B, Douwes J, Eduard W, Elholm G, Ferreccio C, Harding AH, Jeebhay M, Kelly KM, Kromhout H, MacFarlane E, Maesano CN, Mitchell DC, Mwanga H, Naidoo S, Negatu B, Ngajilo D, Nordby KC, Parks CG, Schenker MB, Shin A, Sigsgaard T, Sim M, Soumagne T, Thorne P, Yoo KY, Hoppin JA. Gender differences in respiratory health outcomes among farming cohorts around the globe: findings from the AGRICOH consortium. J Agromedicine 2020; 26:97-108. [PMID: 32182198 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2020.1713274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Respiratory hazards of farming have been identified for centuries, with little focus on gender differences. We used data from the AGRICOH consortium, a collective of prospective cohorts of agricultural workers, to assess respiratory disease prevalence among adults in 18 cohorts representing over 200,000 farmers, farm workers, and their spouses from six continents.Methods: Cohorts collected data between 1992 and 2016 and ranged in size from 200 to >128,000 individuals; 44% of participants were female. Farming practices varied from subsistence farming to large-scale industrial agriculture. All cohorts provided respiratory outcome information for their cohort based on their study definitions. The majority of outcomes were based on self-report using standard respiratory questionnaires; the greatest variability in assessment methods was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Results: For all three respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, and wheeze), the median prevalence in men was higher than in women, with the greatest difference for phlegm (17% vs. 10%). For asthma, women had a higher prevalence (7.8% vs 6.5%), with the difference associated with allergic asthma. The relative proportion of allergic asthma varied among cohorts. In two of eight cohorts for women and two of seven cohorts for men, allergic asthma was more common than non-allergic asthma.Conclusions: These findings indicate that respiratory outcomes are common among farmers around the world despite differences in agricultural production. As women in the general population are at higher risk of asthma, exploring gender differences in occupational studies is critical for a deeper understanding of respiratory disease among agricultural workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Fix
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, NC, USA
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Pierre Louise Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS1136), UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Sorbonne Universités, Paris
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- INSERM U1086, Caen, France.,Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Mathilde Boulanger
- INSERM U1086, Caen, France.,Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Soo Cheng
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, PO Box 756, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Sandra Cortes
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8330077, Chile
| | - Jean-Charles Dalphin
- Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France.,UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bruno Degano
- Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa Universitaire (CHRU), Besançon, France.,EA 3920, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, PO Box 756, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Grethe Elholm
- Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Catterina Ferreccio
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8330077, Chile
| | | | - Mohamed Jeebhay
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kevin M Kelly
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ewan MacFarlane
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH), Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cara Nichole Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Pierre Louise Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS1136), UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Saint-Antoine Medical School, Sorbonne Universités, Paris
| | | | - Hussein Mwanga
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Saloshni Naidoo
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Beyene Negatu
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pesticide Registration and control, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dorothy Ngajilo
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Christine G Parks
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marc B Schenker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Aesun Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehakro, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Malcolm Sim
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH), Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thibaud Soumagne
- Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France.,UMR 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Peter Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Keun-Young Yoo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehakro, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, NC, USA
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Clemm T, Færden K, Ulvestad B, Lunde LK, Nordby KC. Dose-response relationship between hand-arm vibration exposure and vibrotactile thresholds among roadworkers. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:188-193. [PMID: 31919277 PMCID: PMC7035685 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-105926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing of vibration perception threshold (VPT) at the fingertips as a quantitative measure of tactile sensitivity is a commonly used tool in diagnosing hand-arm vibration syndrome. There is limited research on dose-response relationships between hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure and VPT on an individual level. AIMS Assess possible dose-response relationships on an individual level between HAV exposure and VPT at the fingertips. METHODS We assessed average daily vibration exposure (m/s2A8) and cumulative lifetime HAV exposure for 104 participants from different departments in a road maintenance company based on vibration measurements and questionnaires. VPT was measured based on the technical method described in ISO 13091-1:2005 using octave frequencies 8-500 Hz. We investigated associations using linear regression models with significance level p≤0.05. RESULTS The participants were either exposed to rock drills (n=33), impact wrenches (n=52) or none of these tools (n=19). Exposure to rock drills and impact wrenches was associated with elevated VPT for all seven test frequencies in the second and fifth fingers of both hands. A dose-response with the daily exposure measure m/s2(A8) was found based on 1.2 m/s2(A8) for impact wrenches, and 5.4 m/s2(A8) for rock drills. A stronger association was found with the cumulative exposure for rock drills compared with impact wrenches, and for the second finger compared with the fifth finger. CONCLUSIONS HAV exposure was associated with elevated VPT, also at exposure levels below the common exposure action value of 2.5 m/s2(A8). Lowering the HAV exposure can contribute to prevent increasing VPTs in these workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clemm
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, Statens arbeidsmiljoinstitutt, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl Færden
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, Statens arbeidsmiljoinstitutt, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Statens arbeidsmiljoinstitutt, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, Statens arbeidsmiljoinstitutt, Oslo, Norway
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Schulze DG, Nordby KC, Cvancarova Småstuen M, Clemm T, Grotle M, Zwart JA, Nilsen KB. Impact of technical variations on the ring-finger test for carpal tunnel syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2019; 5:23-29. [PMID: 31909307 PMCID: PMC6940656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The median and ulnar nerves can be recorded consecutively or simultaneously to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Simultaneous and consecutive recording of the median and ulnar nerves sensory latency have a poor agreement. Technical variations can have diagnostic consequences.
Objective To assess if recording the sensory latencies of the median and ulnar nerves one-by-one (consecutive) or at the same time (simultaneous) in the ring-finger test for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) will show equivalent results or if it will lead to a different clinical classification of patients. Methods We assessed the limits of agreement between the simultaneous and the consecutive method based on the median- ulnar sensory latency difference derived by both methods in 80 subjects and compared the number of minimal CTS cases identified by the two methods. Results Limits of agreement ranged from −0.23 to 0.29 ms. A significantly higher proportion of subjects with minimal CTS (only detectable by using the comparison test) was found using the simultaneous method (n = 8 and 2, respectively; p = 0.03). Conclusion The two methods have a poor to moderate agreement as indicated by the range of the limits of agreement (0.5 ms). Significance Even small methodological changes to the ring-finger test can lead to results with different clinical meaning in the same individual and one should be aware of which method was used when interpreting results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gregor Schulze
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | | | - Milada Cvancarova Småstuen
- Oslo and Akershus University College, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clemm
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margreth Grotle
- Oslo and Akershus University College, Oslo, Norway.,Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - John Anker Zwart
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Kristian Bernhard Nilsen
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
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22
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Goffeng EM, Nordby KC, Tarvainen M, Järvelin-Pasanen S, Wagstaff A, Skare Ø, Lie JA. Cardiac Autonomic Activity in Commercial Aircrew During an Actual Flight Duty Period. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2019; 90:945-952. [PMID: 31666156 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5389.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The work schedules of airline crewmembers include extended workdays, compressed work periods, and limited time for recovery, which may lead to cardiovascular strain and fatigue. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in heart rate variability (HRV) during work and sleep, and with respect to work characteristics and breaks.METHODS: We followed 49 airline crewmembers during four consecutive workdays of ≥39 h. Data included HRV measurements, a questionnaire, and sleep/work diaries. HRV parameters include root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of the normal beat-to-beat differences (SDNN), and the low and high frequency ratio (LF/HF).RESULTS: The results indicate higher levels of cardiovascular strain on the 4th compared to the 1st workday, most prominent among cabin crewmembers. In this group, we observed indications of decreased cardiovascular strain by increasing duration of sleep, demonstrated by increased RMSSD (B = 2.7, 95% CI 1.6, 3.8) and SDNN (B = 4.4, 95% CI 3.0, 5.7), and decreased LF/HF (B = -0.2, 95% CI, -0.4,-0.01). Similarly, longer duration of breaks was associated with lower cardiovascular strain, indicated by increased RMSSD (B = 0.1, 95% CI 0.03, 0.1) and SDNN (B = 0.1, 95% CI 0.1, 0.1). Among pilots, increased LF/HF indicated higher cardiovascular strain in those who often or always reported of high workload (B = 4.3, 95% CI 2.3, 6.3; and B = 7.3, 95% CI 3.2, 11.4, respectively).DISCUSSION: The results support the contention that the studied work period increases cardiac strain among airline crew. Work characteristics, breaks, and sleep are associated with changes in HRV.Goffeng EM, Nordby K-C, Tarvainen M, Järvelin-Pasanen S, Wagstaff A, Skare Ø, Lie J-A. Cardiac autonomic activity in commercial aircrew during an actual flight duty period. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(11):945-952.
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23
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El-Zaemey S, Schinasi LH, Ferro G, Tual S, Lebailly P, Baldi I, Nordby KC, Kjaerheim K, Schüz J, Monnereau A, Brouwer M, Koutros S, Hofmann JN, Kristensen P, Kromhout H, Leon ME, Beane Freeman LE. Animal farming and the risk of lymphohaematopoietic cancers: a meta-analysis of three cohort studies within the AGRICOH consortium. Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:827-837. [PMID: 31302607 PMCID: PMC10304413 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal farming entails a variety of potential exposures, including infectious agents, endotoxins and pesticides, which may play a role in the aetiology of lymphohaematopoietic cancers (LHCs). The aim of this study was to assess whether farming specific animal species is associated with the risk of overall LHC or its subtypes. METHODS Data from three prospective cohort studies in the USA, France and Norway which are part of the Agricultural Cohort consortium and which collected information about animal farming and cancer were used. Analyses included 316 270 farmers and farm workers. Adjusted Cox models were used to investigate the associations of 13 histological subtypes of LHC (n=3282) with self-reported livestock (cattle, pigs and sheep/goats) and poultry (ever/never and numbers raised) farming. Cohort-specific HRs were combined using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Ever animal farming in general or farming specific animal species was not meta-associated with overall LHC. The risk of myeloid malignancies decreased with increasing number of livestock (p trend=0.01). Increased risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms was seen with increasing number of sheep/goats (p trend <0.01), while a decreased risk was seen with increasing number of livestock (p trend=0.02). Between cohorts, we observed heterogeneity in the association of type of animal farmed and various LHC subtypes. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale study of three prospective agricultural cohorts showed no association between animal farming and LHC risk, but few associations between specific animal species and LHC subtypes were observed. The observed differences in associations by countries warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia El-Zaemey
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Leah H. Schinasi
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
| | - Séverine Tual
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine du Travail et Pathologie Professionnelle, Bordeaux, France
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
| | - Alain Monnereau
- Hematological Malignancies Registry of Gironde, Bergonie Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM U1219 Center - EPICENE Team, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maartje Brouwer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Koutros
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Petter Kristensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria E. Leon
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
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Leon ME, Schinasi LH, Lebailly P, Beane Freeman LE, Nordby KC, Ferro G, Monnereau A, Brouwer M, Tual S, Baldi I, Kjaerheim K, Hofmann JN, Kristensen P, Koutros S, Straif K, Kromhout H, Schüz J. Pesticide use and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoid malignancies in agricultural cohorts from France, Norway and the USA: a pooled analysis from the AGRICOH consortium. Int J Epidemiol 2019; 48:1519-1535. [PMID: 30880337 PMCID: PMC6857760 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture, and previous studies endorsed the need to further investigate the possible association between their use and risk of lymphoid malignancies in agricultural workers. METHODS We investigated the relationship of ever use of 14 selected pesticide chemical groups and 33 individual active chemical ingredients with non-Hodgkin lymphoid malignancies (NHL) overall or major subtypes, in a pooled analysis of three large agricultural worker cohorts. Pesticide use was derived from self-reported history of crops cultivated combined with crop-exposure matrices (France and Norway) or self-reported lifetime use of active ingredients (USA). Cox regression models were used to estimate cohort-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), which were combined using random effects meta-analysis to calculate meta-HRs. RESULTS During follow-up, 2430 NHL cases were diagnosed in 316 270 farmers accruing 3 574 815 person-years under risk. Most meta-HRs suggested no association. Moderately elevated meta-HRs were seen for: NHL and ever use of terbufos (meta-HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00-1.39); chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and deltamethrin (1.48, 1.06-2.07); and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and glyphosate (1.36, 1.00-1.85); as well as inverse associations of NHL with the broader groups of organochlorine insecticides (0.86, 0.74-0.99) and phenoxy herbicides (0.81, 0.67-0.98), but not with active ingredients within these groups, after adjusting for exposure to other pesticides. CONCLUSIONS Associations of pesticides with NHL appear to be subtype- and chemical-specific. Non-differential exposure misclassification was an important limitation, showing the need for refinement of exposure estimates and exposure-response analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Leon
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Leah H Schinasi
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Alain Monnereau
- Hematological Malignancies Registry of Gironde, Bergonie Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM U1219 Center - EPICENE Team, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maartje Brouwer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Tual
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine du Travail et Pathologie Professionnelle, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Petter Kristensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Stella Koutros
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kurt Straif
- Section of Evidence Synthesis and Classification, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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25
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Goffeng EM, Wagstaff A, Nordby KC, Meland A, Goffeng LO, Skare Ø, Lilja D, Lie JAS. Risk of Fatigue Among Airline Crew During 4 Consecutive Days of Flight Duty. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2019; 90:466-474. [PMID: 31023407 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5236.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Airline crew are being exposed to extended workdays and compressed work periods, with quick returns between duties, implying a heightened physiological and psychological strain that may lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue. The aim of the study was assessment of the effect of an extended day of flight duty and a compressed work week with regard to recovery, cumulative fatigue, and neurobehavioral performance.METHODS: We followed 18 pilots and 41 cabin crewmembers during four consecutive days of flight duty, comprising a total of ≥ 39 h, where the first day was ≥ 10 h. Information on demographics, work characteristics, health status, and physical activity was collected at baseline. Subjects completed logs for the first and fourth workday, including the Samn-Perelli Fatigue Checklist at three time points during these workdays. Two computer-based neurobehavioral tests were completed the evening prior to the first shift, and after the first and the fourth day of the work period.RESULTS: Number of flight sectors during the work period was 10-20. Self-reported fatigue levels increased during the workdays. Neurobehavioral test-scores did not deteriorate. The effects of each additional flight sector during the work period was elevated reaction times (RT) both among cabin crewmembers (B = 5.05 ms, 95% CI 0.6, 9.5) and pilots (B = 4.95 ms, 95% CI 0.4, 9.5). Precision was unaffected.DISCUSSION: Airline pilots and cabin crewmembers seem to obtain satisfactory sleep before and during the period of 4 consecutive days. The association between multiple flight sectors and increased fatigue supports previous findings.Goffeng EM, Wagstaff A, Nordby K-C, Meland A, Goffeng LO, Skare Ø, Lilja D, Lie J-AS. Risk of fatigue among airline crew during 4 consecutive days of flight duty. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(5):466-474.
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26
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Heldal KK, Austigard ÅD, Svendsen KH, Einarsdottir E, Goffeng LO, Sikkeland LI, Nordby KC. Endotoxin and Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure and Effects on the Airways Among Waste Water Workers in Sewage Treatment Plants and Sewer Net System. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:437-447. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kari K Heldal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åse D Austigard
- Municipality of Trondheim, Working Environment Office, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kristin H Svendsen
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Elin Einarsdottir
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Ole Goffeng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv Ingun Sikkeland
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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27
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Mehlum IS, Johannessen HA, Kjærheim K, Grimsrud TK, Nordby KC. Risk of prostate cancer in firefighters: A review and meta-analysis of studies published after 2007. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky212.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- IS Mehlum
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - KC Nordby
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Notø H, Nordby KC, Skare Ø, Eduard W. Job Tasks as Determinants of Thoracic Aerosol Exposure in the Cement Production Industry. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:88-100. [PMID: 29069343 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aims of this study were to identify important determinants and investigate the variance components of thoracic aerosol exposure for the workers in the production departments of European cement plants. Methods Personal thoracic aerosol measurements and questionnaire information (Notø et al., 2015) were the basis for this study. Determinants categorized in three levels were selected to describe the exposure relationships separately for the job types production, cleaning, maintenance, foreman, administration, laboratory, and other jobs by linear mixed models. The influence of plant and job determinants on variance components were explored separately and also combined in full models (plant&job) against models with no determinants (null). The best mixed models (best) describing the exposure for each job type were selected by the lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC; Akaike, 1974) after running all possible combination of the determinants. Results Tasks that significantly increased the thoracic aerosol exposure above the mean level for production workers were: packing and shipping, raw meal, cement and filter cleaning, and de-clogging of the cyclones. For maintenance workers, time spent with welding and dismantling before repair work increased the exposure while time with electrical maintenance and oiling decreased the exposure. Administration work decreased the exposure among foremen. A subjective tidiness factor scored by the research team explained up to a 3-fold (cleaners) variation in thoracic aerosol levels. Within-worker (WW) variance contained a major part of the total variance (35-58%) for all job types. Job determinants had little influence on the WW variance (0-4% reduction), some influence on the between-plant (BP) variance (from 5% to 39% reduction for production, maintenance, and other jobs respectively but an 79% increase for foremen) and a substantial influence on the between-worker within-plant variance (30-96% for production, foremen, and other workers). Plant determinants had little influence on the WW variance (0-2% reduction), some influence on the between-worker variance (0-1% reduction and 8% increase), and considerable influence on the BP variance (36-58% reduction) compared to the null models. Conclusion Some job tasks contribute to low levels of thoracic aerosol exposure and others to higher exposure among cement plant workers. Thus, job task may predict exposure in this industry. Dust control measures in the packing and shipping departments and in the areas of raw meal and cement handling could contribute substantially to reduce the exposure levels. Rotation between low and higher exposed tasks may contribute to equalize the exposure levels between high and low exposed workers as a temporary solution before more permanent dust reduction measures is implemented. A tidy plant may reduce the overall exposure for almost all workers no matter of job type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Notø
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Norway
| | - Øivind Skare
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Norway
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Mehlum IS, Johannessen HA, Kjærheim K, Grimsrud TK, Nordby KC. 546 Risk of prostate cancer among firefighters: a review and meta-analysis of studies published after 2007. Occup Med (Lond) 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-icohabstracts.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Le Cornet C, Fervers B, Pukkala E, Tynes T, Feychting M, Hansen J, Togawa K, Nordby KC, Oksbjerg Dalton S, Uuksulainen S, Wiebert P, Woldbæk T, Skakkebæk NE, Olsson A, Schüz J. Parental Occupational Exposure to Organic Solvents and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors in their Offspring: NORD-TEST Study. Environ Health Perspect 2017; 125:067023. [PMID: 28893722 PMCID: PMC5743448 DOI: 10.1289/ehp864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) were suggested to have a prenatal environmentally related origin. The potential endocrine disrupting properties of certain solvents may interfere with the male genital development in utero. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the association between maternal and paternal occupational exposures to organic solvents during the prenatal period and TGCT risk in their offspring. METHODS This registry-based case control study included TGCT cases aged 14–49 y (n=8,112) diagnosed from 1978 to 2012 in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Controls (n=26,264) were randomly selected from the central population registries and were individually matched to cases on year and country of birth. Occupational histories of parents prior to the child’s birth were extracted from the national censuses. Job codes were converted into solvent exposure using the Nordic job-Nordic Occupational Cancer Study Job-Exposure Matrix. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Overall, no association was found between prenatal maternal exposure to solvents and TGCT risk. In subset analyses using only mothers for whom occupational information was available in the year of or in the year prior to the child’s birth, there was an association with maternal exposure to aromatic hydrocarbon solvents (ARHC) (OR=1.53; CI: 1.08, 2.17), driven by exposure to toluene (OR=1.67; CI: 1.02, 2.73). No association was seen for any paternal occupational exposure to solvents with the exception of exposure to perchloroethylene in Finland (OR=2.42; CI: 1.32, 4.41). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a modest increase in TGCT risk associated with maternal prenatal exposure to ARHC. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP864.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Le Cornet
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , Lyon, France
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Béatrice Fervers
- Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard , Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard-Lyon1 , 43 Blvd. du 11 Novembre 1918 , Villeurbanne, France
| | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research , Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere , Finland
| | - Tore Tynes
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
- National Institute of Occupational Health , Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center , Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kayo Togawa
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | - Pernilla Wiebert
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torill Woldbæk
- National Institute of Occupational Health , Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Olsson
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , Lyon, France
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , Lyon, France
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Skogstad M, Johannessen HA, Tynes T, Mehlum IS, Nordby KC, Lie A. Systematic review of the cardiovascular effects of occupational noise. Occup Med (Lond) 2017; 66:10-6. [PMID: 26732793 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqv148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-sectional studies of occupational noise and cardiovascular effects show an association between noise and hypertension but for coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) the evidence is not convincing. AIMS To assess possible associations between occupational noise exposure and the risk for cardiovascular effects in follow-up studies published after 1999. METHODS We performed a systematic critical literature review of original articles from key literature databases of associations between workplace noise and health. The studies were identified by search in Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Health and Safety Sciences Abstracts. We selected prospective studies of adequate quality with a measure of association between occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular health for the meta-analysis. RESULTS Twelve papers, all prospective and mostly with high quality but with methodological shortcomings in exposure assessment, were included in the review and meta-analysis. Exposure to noise at work was consistently positively associated with hypertension [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-2.57] and CVD [relative risk (RR) = 1.34; 95% CI 1.15-1.56]. In addition, we found a trivial effect of noise exposure on CVD mortality (HR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.24). CONCLUSIONS Occupational noise exposure is strongly associated with hypertension. For other cardiovascular effects, this meta-analysis suggests a weak association, but the evidence is limited. More longitudinal studies on the effects of occupational noise on the cardiovascular system are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Skogstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - H A Johannessen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - T Tynes
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - I S Mehlum
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - K C Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - A Lie
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
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Brouwer M, Schinasi L, Beane Freeman LE, Baldi I, Lebailly P, Ferro G, Nordby KC, Schüz J, Leon ME, Kromhout H. Assessment of occupational exposure to pesticides in a pooled analysis of agricultural cohorts within the AGRICOH consortium: authors' response. Occup Environ Med 2017; 74:81. [PMID: 27852645 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Brouwer
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leah Schinasi
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, USA
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, ISPED, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, INSERM, Bordeaux, France
- Service de Médecine du Travail, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- Cancers et Préventions, INSERM, Caen, France
- Cancers et Préventions, Université Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen, France
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Maria E Leon
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bast-Pettersen R, Ulvestad B, Færden K, Clemm TAC, Olsen R, Ellingsen DG, Nordby KC. Tremor and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in road maintenance workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2016; 90:93-106. [PMID: 27796506 PMCID: PMC5215212 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-016-1175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate postural and rest tremor among workers using vibrating hand tools, taking into account the possible effects of toxicants such as alcohol and tobacco. A further aim was to study workers diagnosed with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) at the time of examination. Methods This study comprises 103 road maintenance workers, 55 exposed to vibrating hand tools (age 41.0 years; range 21–62) and 48 referents (age 38.5 years; range 19–64). They were examined with the CATSYS Tremor Pen®. Exposure to vibrating tools and serum biomarkers of alcohol and tobacco consumption were measured. Results Cumulative exposure to vibrating tools was associated with increased postural (p < 0.01) and rest tremor (p < 0.05) and with a higher Center Frequency of postural tremor (p < 0.01) among smokers and users of smokeless tobacco. Rest tremor Center Frequency was higher than postural tremor frequency (p < 0.001). Conclusions The main findings indicate an association between cumulative exposure to hand-held vibrating tools, tremor parameters and consumption of tobacco products. The hand position is important when testing for tremor. Rest tremor had a higher Center Frequency. Postural tremor was more strongly associated with exposure than rest tremor. The finding of increased tremor among the HAVS subjects indicated that tremor might be a part of the clinical picture of a HAVS diagnosis. As with all cross-sectional studies, inferences should be made with caution when drawing conclusions about associations between exposure and possible effects. Future research using longitudinal design is required to validate the findings of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karl Færden
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Raymond Olsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Togawa K, Le Cornet C, Feychting M, Tynes T, Pukkala E, Hansen J, Olsson A, Oksbjerg Dalton S, Nordby KC, Uuksulainen S, Wiebert P, Woldbæk T, Skakkebæk NE, Fervers B, Schüz J. Parental Occupational Exposure to Heavy Metals and Welding Fumes and Risk of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors in Offspring: A Registry-Based Case-Control Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016; 25:1426-1434. [PMID: 27439405 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-16-0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data are scarce on the association between prenatal/preconception environmental exposure and testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) in offspring. We examined parental occupational exposures to heavy metals and welding fumes in relation to TGCT in offspring in a registry-based case-control study (NORD-TEST Study). METHODS We identified TGCT cases diagnosed at ages 14-49 years in Finland (1988-2012), Norway (1978-2010), and Sweden (1979-2011) through nationwide cancer registries. These cases were individually matched by country and year of birth to controls selected from population registries. Information on parental occupations was retrieved from censuses. From this, we estimated prenatal/preconception exposures of chromium, iron, nickel, lead, and welding fumes (all three countries), and cadmium (Finland only) for each parent using job-exposure matrices specifying prevalence (P) and mean exposure level (L). Exposure indices were calculated as a product of P and L (P × L), and exposure categories were based on P × L or different combinations of P and L. RESULTS The study comprised 8,112 cases and 26,264 controls. We observed no statistically significant TGCT risk associated with presence of heavy metals/welding fumes (P × L > 0) and no dose-response relationship (Ptrend ≥ 0.32). A statistically significant elevated TGCT risk was found in paternal exposure category where both P and L of chromium were high (vs. no chromium; OR = 1.37, 95% confidence interval; 1.05-1.79). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides little evidence of associations between parental exposures to heavy metals/welding fumes and TGCT in offspring with the potential exception of high paternal chromium exposure. IMPACT Further research on paternal chromium exposure is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(10); 1426-34. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Togawa
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
| | - Charlotte Le Cornet
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. Cancer and Environment Department, Centre Léon Bérard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Maria Feychting
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tore Tynes
- Institute of Epidemiological Cancer Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway. Department of Occupational Health Surveillance, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland. School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Olsson
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Pernilla Wiebert
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torill Woldbæk
- Department of Occupational Health Surveillance, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and International Center for Research and Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Béatrice Fervers
- Cancer and Environment Department, Centre Léon Bérard, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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El-Zaemey S, Schinasi L, Ferro G, Baldi I, Tual S, Lebailly P, Nordby KC, Kjaerheim K, Schüz J, Monnereau A, Brouwer M, Kromhout H, Leon M, Freeman LEB. P030 Animal production and risk of lympho-hematopoietic cancers in three cohort studies of farmers within the agricoh consortium-preliminary results. Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103951.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Alfonso JH, Martinsen JI, Pukkala E, Weiderpass E, Tryggvadottir L, Nordby KC, Kjærheim K. Occupation and relative risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC): A 45-year follow-up study in 4 Nordic countries. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 75:548-555. [PMID: 27262759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The age-adjusted incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in the Nordic countries has increased during the last 60 years, and the identification of occupational variation in the relative risk of cSCC may have preventive implications. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe variation in the relative risk of cSCC between occupational categories in Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. METHODS This is a historical prospective cohort study based on record linkages between census data for 12.9 million people and cancer registry data from 1961 to 2005. Standardized incidence ratios for cSCC were estimated for 53 occupational categories with the cSCC incidence rates for the national population of each country used as reference. RESULTS During follow-up, 87,619 incident cases of cSCC were reported to the national cancer registries. In all countries combined, significant increased standardized incidence ratios were observed among seamen, military personnel, public safety workers, technical workers, teachers, transport workers, physicians, dentists, nurses, other health workers, religious workers, clerical workers, administrators, and sale agents (standardized incidence ratios between 1.08 and 1.77). LIMITATIONS Information on occupation was based on 1 point in time only. CONCLUSION The occupational variation of the relative risk of cSCC might be associated with socioeconomic factors, and to some extent to occupational exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Hernán Alfonso
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland; School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø-Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Genetic Epidemiology Group, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laufey Tryggvadottir
- Icelandic Cancer Registry, Icelandic Cancer Society, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Brouwer M, Schinasi L, Beane Freeman LE, Baldi I, Lebailly P, Ferro G, Nordby KC, Schüz J, Leon ME, Kromhout H. Assessment of occupational exposure to pesticides in a pooled analysis of agricultural cohorts within the AGRICOH consortium. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:359-67. [PMID: 27009271 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper describes methods developed to assess occupational exposure to pesticide active ingredients and chemical groups, harmonised across cohort studies included in the first AGRICOH pooling project, focused on the risk of lymph-haematological malignancies. METHODS Three prospective agricultural cohort studies were included: US Agricultural Health Study (AHS), French Agriculture and Cancer Study (AGRICAN) and Cancer in the Norwegian Agricultural Population (CNAP). Self-reported pesticide use was collected in AHS. Crop-exposure matrices (CEMs) were developed for AGRICAN and CNAP. We explored the potential impact of these differences in exposure assessment by comparing a CEM approach estimating exposure in AHS with self-reported pesticide use. RESULTS In AHS, 99% of participants were considered exposed to pesticides, 68% in AGRICAN and 63% in CNAP. For all cohorts combined (n=316 270), prevalence of exposure ranged from 19% to 59% for 14 chemical groups examined, and from 13% to 46% for 33 active ingredients. Exposures were highly correlated within AGRICAN and CNAP where CEMs were applied; they were less correlated in AHS. Poor agreement was found between self-reported pesticide use and assigned exposure in AHS using a CEM approach resembling the assessment for AGRICAN (κ -0.00 to 0.33) and CNAP (κ -0.01 to 0.14). CONCLUSIONS We developed country-specific CEMs to assign occupational exposure to pesticides in cohorts lacking self-reported data on the use of specific pesticides. The different exposure assessment methods applied may overestimate or underestimate actual exposure prevalence, and additional work is needed to better estimate how far the exposure estimates deviate from reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Brouwer
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leah Schinasi
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, ISPED, Université Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, ISPED, INSERM, Bordeaux, France Service de Médecine du Travail, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- UMR1086-Cancers et Préventions, INSERM, Caen, France Cancers et Préventions, IFR146 ICORE, Université Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen, France Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Maria E Leon
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Nordby KC, Notø H, Eduard W, Skogstad M, Fell AK, Thomassen Y, Skare Ø, Bergamaschi A, Pietroiusti A, Abderhalden R, Kongerud J, Kjuus H. Thoracic dust exposure is associated with lung function decline in cement production workers. Eur Respir J 2016; 48:331-9. [PMID: 27103386 PMCID: PMC4967563 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02061-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesised that exposure to workplace aerosols may lead to lung function impairment among cement production workers. Our study included 4966 workers in 24 cement production plants. Based on 6111 thoracic aerosol samples and information from questionnaires we estimated arithmetic mean exposure levels by plant and job type. Dynamic lung volumes were assessed by repeated spirometry testing during a mean follow-up time of 3.5 years (range 0.7–4.6 years). The outcomes considered were yearly change of dynamic lung volumes divided by the standing height squared or percentage of predicted values. Statistical modelling was performed using mixed model regression. Individual exposure was classified into quintile levels limited at 0.09, 0.89, 1.56, 2.25, 3.36, and 14.6 mg·m−3, using the lowest quintile as the reference. Employees that worked in administration were included as a second comparison group. Exposure was associated with a reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in 6 s and forced vital capacity. For FEV1 % predicted a yearly excess decline of 0.84 percentage points was found in the highest exposure quintile compared with the lowest. Exposure at the higher levels found in this study may lead to a decline in dynamic lung volumes. Exposure reduction is therefore warranted. Cement dust exposure at levels comparable to stated workplace exposure limits may lead to obstructive lung changeshttp://ow.ly/Zl7ny
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Christian Nordby
- Dept of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Notø
- Dept of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Dept of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Skogstad
- Dept of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Kristin Fell
- Dept of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Telemark Hospital, Skien, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Dept of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Skare
- Dept of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Antonio Bergamaschi
- Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy Institute of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Holy Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Johny Kongerud
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helge Kjuus
- Dept of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Notø HP, Nordby KC, Eduard W. Relationships between Personal Measurements of 'Total' Dust, Respirable, Thoracic, and Inhalable Aerosol Fractions in the Cement Production Industry. Ann Occup Hyg 2016; 60:453-66. [PMID: 26755796 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aims of this study were to examine the relationships and establish conversion factors between 'total' dust, respirable, thoracic, and inhalable aerosol fractions measured by parallel personal sampling on workers from the production departments of cement plants. 'Total' dust in this study refers to aerosol sampled by the closed face 37-mm Millipore filter cassette. METHODS Side-by-side personal measurements of 'total' dust and respirable, thoracic, and inhalable aerosol fractions were performed on workers in 17 European and Turkish cement plants. Simple linear and mixed model regressions were used to model the associations between the samplers. RESULTS The total number of personal samples collected on 141 workers was 512. Of these 8.4% were excluded leaving 469 for statistical analysis. The different aerosol fractions contained from 90 to 130 measurements and-side-by side measurements of all four aerosol fractions were collected on 72 workers.The median ratios between observed results of the respirable, 'total' dust, and inhalable fractions relative to the thoracic aerosol fractions were 0.51, 2.4, and 5.9 respectively. The ratios between the samplers were not constant over the measured concentration range and were best described by regression models. Job type, position of samplers on left or right shoulder and plant had no substantial effect on the ratios. CONCLUSIONS The ratios between aerosol fractions changed with different air concentrations. Conversion models for estimation of the fractions were established. These models explained a high proportion of the variance (74-91%) indicating that they are useful for the estimation of concentrations based on measurements of a different aerosol fraction. The calculated uncertainties at most observed concentrations were below 30% which is acceptable for comparison with limit values (EN 482, 2012). The cement industry will therefore be able to predict the health related aerosol fractions from their former or future measurements of one of the fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde P Notø
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- 1.Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 8149 Dep. N-0033, Oslo, Norway
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Le Cornet C, Fervers B, Dalton SO, Feychting M, Pukkala E, Tynes T, Hansen J, Nordby KC, Béranger R, Kauppinen T, Uuksulainen S, Wiebert P, Woldbæk T, Skakkebæk NE, Olsson A, Schüz J. Testicular germ cell tumours and parental occupational exposure to pesticides: a register-based case-control study in the Nordic countries (NORD-TEST study). Occup Environ Med 2015; 72:805-11. [PMID: 26304777 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-102860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A potential impact of exposure to endocrine disruptors, including pesticides, during intrauterine life, has been hypothesised in testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) aetiology, but exposure assessment is challenging. This large-scale registry-based case-control study aimed to investigate the association between parental occupational exposure to pesticides and TGCT risk in their sons. METHODS Cases born in 1960 or onwards, aged between 14 and 49 years, and diagnosed between 1978 and 2013 in Denmark, Finland, Norway or Sweden, were identified from the respective nationwide cancer registries. Four controls per case were randomly selected from the general national populations, matched on year of birth. Information on parental occupation was collected through censuses or Pension Fund information and converted into a pesticide exposure index based on the Finnish National Job-Exposure Matrix. RESULTS A total of 9569 cases and 32,028 controls were included. No overall associations were found for either maternal or paternal exposures and TGCT risk in their sons, with ORs of 0.83 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.23) and of 1.03 (0.92 to 1.14), respectively. Country-specific estimates and stratification by birth cohorts revealed some heterogeneity. Cryptorchidism, hypospadias and family history of testicular cancer were risk factors but adjustment did not change the main results. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study on prenatal exposure to pesticides and TGCT risk, overall providing no evidence of an association. Limitations to assess individual exposure in registry-based studies might have contributed to the null result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Le Cornet
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France Unité Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Béatrice Fervers
- Unité Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Maria Feychting
- The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tore Tynes
- Kreftregisteret, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Rémi Béranger
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France Unité Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France Université Claude Bernard-Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Timo Kauppinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Pernilla Wiebert
- The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Olsson
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France The Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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Casas M, Cordier S, Martínez D, Barros H, Bonde JP, Burdorf A, Costet N, dos Santos AC, Danileviciute A, Eggesbø M, Fernandez M, Fevotte J, García AM, Gražuleviciene R, Hallner E, Hanke W, Kogevinas M, Kull I, Stemann Larsen P, Melaki V, Monfort C, Nordby KC, Nybo Andersen AM, Patelarou E, Polanska K, Richiardi L, Santa Marina L, Snijder C, Tardón A, van Eijsden M, Vrijkotte TGM, Zugna D, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Vrijheid M. Maternal occupation during pregnancy, birth weight, and length of gestation: combined analysis of 13 European birth cohorts. Scand J Work Environ Health 2015; 41:384-396. [DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Notø H, Nordby KC, Kjuus H, Skare Ø, Thomassen Y, Eduard W. Exposure to thoracic aerosol in a prospective lung function study of cement production workers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 59:4-24. [PMID: 25335937 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An exposure study was conducted as part of a multi-national longitudinal study of lung function in cement production workers. AIM To examine exposure to thoracic aerosol among cement production workers during a 4-year follow-up period. METHODS Personal shift measurements of thoracic aerosol were conducted among the cement production workers within seven job types, 22 plants, and eight European countries (including Turkey) in 2007, 2009, and 2011. The thoracic sub-fraction was chosen as the most relevant aerosol fraction related to obstructive dynamic lung function changes. Production factors, job type, and respirator use were recorded by questionnaire. The exposure data were log-transformed before mixed models analysis and results were presented by geometric mean (GMadj) exposure levels adjusted for plant or job type, worker, and season as random effects. RESULTS A total of 6111 thoracic aerosol samples were collected from 2534 workers. Repeated measurements were obtained from 1690 of these workers. The GMadj thoracic aerosol levels varied between job types from 0.20 to 1.2mg m(-3). The highest exposure levels were observed for production, cleaning, and maintenance workers (0.79-1.2mg m(-3)) and could reach levels where the risk of lung function loss may be increased. The lowest levels were found for administrative personnel (0.20mg m(-3)) serving tasks in the production areas. Office work was not monitored. GMadj exposure levels between plants ranged from 0.19 to 2.0mg m(-3). The time of year/season contributed significantly to the total variance, but not year of sampling. Production characteristics explained 63% of the variance explained by plant. Workers in plants with the highest number of employees (212-483 per plant) were exposed at a level more than twice as high as those in plants with fewer employees. Other production factors such as cement production, bag filling, and tidiness were significant, but explained less of the exposure variability. These determinants factors can be useful in qualitative exposure assessment and exposure prevention in the cement production industry. Respirator use was minor at exposure levels <0.5mg m(-3) but more common at higher levels. CONCLUSION Production, cleaning, and maintenance work were the job types with highest exposure to thoracic aerosol in cement production plants. However, plant had an even larger effect on exposure levels than job type. The number of employees was the most important factor explaining differences between plants. Exposure reached levels where the risk of lung function loss may be increased. No significant differences in exposure between sampling campaigns were observed during the 4-year study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Notø
- 1. Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 DEP., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Helge Kjuus
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 DEP., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Skare
- 2.Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 DEP., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- 1. Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- 1. Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Weinbruch
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Fell AKM, Notø H, Skogstad M, Nordby KC, Eduard W, Svendsen MV, Ovstebø R, Trøseid AMS, Kongerud J. A cross-shift study of lung function, exhaled nitric oxide and inflammatory markers in blood in Norwegian cement production workers. Occup Environ Med 2011; 68:799-805. [PMID: 21297153 PMCID: PMC3191466 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2010.057729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study possible effects of aerosol exposure on lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and inflammatory markers in blood from Norwegian cement production workers across one work shift (0 to 8 h) and again 32 h after the non-exposed baseline registration. METHODS 95 workers from two cement plants in Norway were included. Assessment of lung function included spirometry and gas diffusion pre- and post-shift (0 and 8 h). FeNO concentrations were measured and blood samples collected at 0, 8 and 32 h. Blood analysis included cell counts of leucocytes and mediators of inflammation. RESULTS The median respirable aerosol level was 0.3 mg/m(3) (range 0.02-6.2 mg/m(3)). FEV(1), FEF(25-75%) and DL(CO) decreased by 37 ml (p=0.04), 170 ml/s (p<0.001) and 0.17 mmol/min/kPa (p=0.02), respectively, across the shift. A 2 ppm reduction in FeNO between 0 and 32 h was detected (p=0.01). The number of leucocytes increased by 0.6×10(9) cells/l (p<0.001) across the shift, while fibrinogen levels increased by 0.02 g/l (p<0.001) from 0 to 32 h. TNF-α level increased and IL-10 decreased across the shift. Baseline levels of fibrinogen were associated with the highest level of respirable dust, and increased by 0.39 g/l (95% CI 0.06 to 0.72). CONCLUSIONS We observed small cross-shift changes in lung function and inflammatory markers among cement production workers, indicating that inflammatory effects may occur at exposure levels well below 1 mg/m(3). However, because the associations between these acute changes and personal exposure measurements were weak and as the long-term consequences are unknown, these findings should be tested in a follow-up study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kristin M Fell
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Telemark Hospital, N-3710 Skien, Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Weinbruch
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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Irgens Å, Nordby KC, Kristensen P. Medisinsk fødselsregister i yrkesepidemiologisk forskning. Nor J Epidemiol 2009. [DOI: 10.5324/nje.v17i2.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Medisinsk fødselsregister (MFR) har både helseforskning og helseforvaltning som formål. Ved etableringen av MFR i 1967 fikk vi i Norge en unik mulighet til å studere fødselsutfall knyttet til yrket, over lang tid og i spesielt eksponerte grupper. Det er en styrke at MFR inneholder informasjon om alle fødte, men en ulempe at blant annet opplysninger om spontanaborter og ventetid til graviditet mangler. Tidligere yrkesepidemiologiske studier har vært gjennomført ved å koble MFR-data til yrkesdata fra andre kilder som yrkeskohorter, fagforeningslister, og offentlige registre som Landbrukstellinger og Folke- og boligtellinger.Vi har gitt en oversikt over studier med fokus på definisjon av yrke- og yrkeseksponering. Vi avslutter med å se på utfordringer ved fremtidige yrkesepidemiologiske studier, muligheter for å øke kvalitet og validitet, samt å peke på fremtidsmuligheter som ligger i yrkesepidemiologi ved bruk av MFR. Vi fokuserer spesielt på kilder der yrkes- og yrkeseksponerings-data kan finnes, men også på studier der opplysninger om genetikk kobles mot arbeidsmiljø, samt studier med opplysninger fra bestemødrenes arbeidsmiljø. Til tross for problemer knyttet til slike studier, har vi i Norge gode muligheter til å gjennomføre dem siden norske overvåkningssystemer er i stadig utvikling og bioteknologisk kunnskap internasjonalt er økende. Dette i tillegg til et utstrakt samarbeid mellom de nordiske land, kan være veien å gå.The aims of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBR) are research as well as health management. By the establishment of MBR in 1967 we got a unique opportunity to study birth outcomes related to occupational exposure during a long time period and within groups. It is a virtue that MBR has registered information on all births, however, a disadvantage is that information on early spontaneous abortions and waiting time to pregnancy are missing. MBR data were linked to occupational data from other sources in published epidemiological studies related to occupation. Such sources are occupational cohorts, lists from labour unions and public registries as agricultural and horticultural censuses and population censuses. The former studies are reviewed, focusing on the definition of occupation and occupational exposure. We discuss challenges in future occupational epidemiological studies and point out some future challenges and ways to improve quality and validity. We have further emphasised on potentials in occupational epidemiology using MBR, as well as on sources where occupation and occupational exposures can be found, geneworking environment interaction studies and studies where we allow for grandmothers’ working environment as well. In spite of problems attached, in Norway we have the possibilities to carry out such studies due to expansion of Norwegian systems of surveillance, and since the knowledge in biotechnology internationally is growing. This, in addition to extensive co-operation between the Nordic countries may be a useful approach in future studies
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exposure to organic dust containing high concentrations of microorganisms is common in grain farming, although the farmers have practices to counteract microbial growth to obtain optimal grain yields. We investigated the influence of weather and production practices on personal microbial exposure during grain work. METHODS Airborne dust was collected by personal sampling during threshing and storage work on 92 Norwegian farms. The personal exposure for bacteria, endotoxin, fungal spores and hyphae, beta-(1-->3)-glucans and actinomycetes was quantified and compared with climatic data expressed as fungal forecasts from the grain growth season and production practices as reported by farmers. RESULTS Farmers were exposed to a geometrical mean of 4.4 mg m(-3) inhalable dust [geometrical standard deviation (GSD) = 4.0], 4 x 10(6) m(-3) bacteria and fungal spores (GSD = 5.2 and 5.9, respectively), 5.9 x 10(3) EU m(-3) of endotoxins (GSD = 8.6), 2 x 10(5) m(-3) actinomycetes (GSD = 15.3), 120 mug m(-3) beta-(1-->3)-glucans (GSD = 4.7) and 5 x 10(5) AU m(-3) of hyphae (GSD = 4.4). Univariate associations were found between one or several of these microbial factors and work operation, visible fungal damage, grain species, lodging of grain, storage technology or harvester type. As assessed by general linear models, storage work was the main predictive determinant for microbial exposure, although grain species and visible fungal damage also were also important. Wet and warm weather throughout the grain growth season were associated with elevated exposure for inhalable dust, beta-(1-->3)-glucans, endotoxins and hyphae during threshing. The beta-(1-->3)-glucan exposure could biologically be explained by the fungal spore and hyphal exposure, both variables contributing equally. However, spores were most important during storage work, whereas only hyphae were predictive during threshing. CONCLUSIONS Farmers were exposed to high levels of microorganisms and their components during dusty grain work. Dust prevention and protection may reduce microbial exposure, and may be particularly important in areas with frequent fungal forecasts, when fungal damage has been observed, during storage work or when handling barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Halstensen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Working Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Halstensen AS, Nordby KC, Klemsdal SS, Elen O, Clasen PE, Eduard W. Toxigenic Fusarium spp. as determinants of trichothecene mycotoxins in settled grain dust. J Occup Environ Hyg 2006; 3:651-9. [PMID: 17015401 DOI: 10.1080/15459620600987431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Trichothecenes are immunosuppressive mycotoxins produced mainly by Fusarium spp. and often are detected as natural contaminants of grain and other agricultural products. Exposure to trichothecenes through inhalation during grain work may represent possible health risks for grain farmers. We aimed, therefore, to investigate the level of Fusarium spp. and trichothecenes in settled grain dust collected during work on 92 Norwegian farms. Mycotoxins were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, whereas the Fusarium spp. were identified and quantified both by species-specific semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by cultivation. All potential trichothecene-producing molds in the grain dust were quantified using a PCR assay specific for tri5, the gene coding for trichodiene synthase that catalyzes the first step in the trichothecene biosynthesis. We performed correlation analysis between mold-DNA and mycotoxins to assess whether the PCR-detected DNA could be used as indicators of the mycotoxins. The methodological problem of detecting small amounts of airborne mycotoxins during grain work may then be avoided. Whereas the trichothecene-producing Fusarium species in grain dust could not be identified or quantified to a sufficient extent by cultivation, all investigated Fusarium spp. could be specifically detected by PCR and quantified from the DNA agarose gel band intensities. Furthermore, we observed a strong correlation between the trichothecenes HT-2 toxin (HT-2) or T-2 toxin (T-2) and DNA specific for tri5 (r = 0.68 for HT-2 and r = 0.50 for T-2; p < 0.001), F. langsethiae (r = 0.77 for HT-2 and r = 0.59 for T-2; p < 0.001), or F. poae (r = 0.41 for HT-2 and r = 0.35 for T-2; p < 0.001). However, only a moderate correlation was observed between the trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON) and the combination of its producers, F. culmorum and F. graminearum (r = 0.24, p = 0.02), and no significant correlation was observed between DON and tri5. PCR clearly improved the detection of toxigenic Fusaria as potential sources of health risks for farmers inhaling grain dust during work, but the use of Fusarium-DNA as indicators for trichothecenes should be used cautiously.
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Abstract
Immune system perturbations are involved in pre-eclampsia pathophysiology. We hypothesised that immunomodulating substances, such as mycotoxins, endotoxins or pesticides, affect pre-eclampsia risk. Associations between indicators of immunomodulating exposures in agriculture and pre-eclampsia are reported. In a Norwegian family cohort based on participants in agricultural censuses conducted by Statistics Norway 1969-89, 183 313 pregnancies to farmers were identified in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Cases notified as pre-eclampsia as well as pregnancies indicated by hypertension in combination with proteinuria were included. Data on farm production and meteorologically based fungal forecasts 1973-90 (a marker of temperate and humid climatic conditions known to favour fungal growth and mycotoxin formation in grain) were obtained and allocated to each farm. Pre-eclampsia prevalence rates were studied in strata of exposure indicators using Poisson regression models. Adjusted rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were computed. We identified 4912 cases, equivalent to 26.8 pre-eclampsia cases per 1000 pregnancies [95% CI 26.1, 27.6]. Pre-eclampsia showed moderate associations with animal farming, RR 1.14, [95% CI 1.07, 1.22] and moderate negative associations with grain production, RR 0.93, [95% CI 0.86, 1.01], and two or more fungal forecasts appearing in any year 1973-90, RR 0.90 [95% CI 0.84, 0.97], using no years with two or more forecasts as reference. Exposure to immunomodulating substances as indicated by grain farming, animal farming and fungal warnings could possibly have moderate effects on pre-eclampsia risk, thus supporting the study hypothesis. The use of exposure indicators as surrogates for real exposures may introduce a non-differential misclassification of the exposure that would attenuate any true exposure-outcome association. The use of exposure proxies warrants that inferences from the study should be made with caution.
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Halstensen AS, Nordby KC, Eduard W, Klemsdal SS. Real-time PCR detection of toxigenic Fusarium in airborne and settled grain dust and associations with trichothecene mycotoxins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 8:1235-41. [PMID: 17133280 DOI: 10.1039/b609840a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Inhalation of immunomodulating mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. that are commonly found in grain dust may imply health risks for grain farmers. Airborne Fusarium and mycotoxin exposure levels are mainly unknown due to difficulties in identifying Fusarium and mycotoxins in personal aerosol samples. We used a novel real-time PCR method to quantify the fungal trichodiene synthase gene (tri5) and DNA specific to F. langsethiae and F. avenaceum in airborne and settled grain dust, determined the personal inhalant exposure level to toxigenic Fusarium during various activities, and evaluated whether quantitative measurements of Fusarium-DNA could predict trichothecene levels in grain dust. Airborne Fusarium-DNA was detected in personal samples even from short tasks (10-60 min). The median Fusarium-DNA level was significantly higher in settled than in airborne grain dust (p < 0.001), and only the F. langsethiae-DNA levels correlated significantly in settled and airborne dust (r(s) = 0.20, p = 0.003). Both F. langsethiae-DNA and tri5-DNA were associated with HT-2 and T-2 toxins (r(s) = 0.24-0.71, p < 0.05 to p < 00.01) in settled dust, and could thus be suitable as indicators for HT-2 and T-2. The median personal inhalant exposure to specific toxigenic Fusarium spp. was less than 1 genome m(-3), but the exposure ranged from 0-10(5) genomes m(-3). This study is the first to apply real-time PCR on personal samples of inhalable grain dust for the quantification of tri5 and species-specific Fusarium-DNA, which may have potential for risk assessments of inhaled trichothecenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Straumfors Halstensen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Dept of Chemical and Biological Working Environment, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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