Characterization of the Selective Recording of Workplace Exposure Measurements into OSHA ’s IMIS Databank
ConclusionsOur results indicate that the under-reporting of sampling results in IMIS is differential: ND results (especially those determined from the panels) seem less likely to be recorded in IMIS than other results. It is important to consider both IMIS and CEHD data in order to reduce bias in evaluation of exposures in workplaces inspected by OSHA. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - February 3, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
The Effect of Workforce Mobility on Intervention Effectiveness Estimates
ConclusionsWhen evaluating organizational interventions implemented at specific worksites by measuring perceptions and outcomes of workers present at those sites, researchers should consider the effects that the mobility of the workforce may have on the estimated treatment effects. The choice of analytic method can greatly affect both precision and accuracy of estimates. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 30, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Differences among Thai Agricultural Workers ’ Health, Working Conditions, and Pesticide Use by Farm Type
AbstractMore than 11 million Thai people (38%) work in agriculture, but since most are in the informal sector, government enforcement and support are very limited. As a result, working conditions on Thai farms vary greatly, putting the health of many agricultural workers at risk. A cross-sectional study in three Thai provinces collected information on the work activities and conditions of 424 farmers representing five farm types: rice, vegetable, flower, rice/vegetable, and flower/vegetable. The agricultural workers were mainly women (60%); their average age was 53 but ranged from 18 to 87 years. More than 64% worked more ...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 30, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Effects of Personal Protective Equipment Use and Good Workplace Hygiene on Symptoms of Neurotoxicity in Solvent-Exposed Vehicle Spray Painters
ConclusionsThis study has shown that PPE-use and good workplace hygiene are associated with a strongly reduced risk of symptoms of neurotoxicity in solvent-exposed vehicle spray painters. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 25, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Survival of LA-MRSA in Dust from Swine Farms
In conclusion, the presence of MRSA in airborne dust from five of six farms indicates that dust might be an important vehicle for transmission of LA-MRSA. LA-MRSA andS. aureus was found to survive well in farm dust with half-lives of 5 days, and dependent on the initial concentration they could be found in farm dust for weeks. The 99.9% die-off rate was 66 days for LA-MRSA. Thus, farm dust can pose an exposure risk for humans in the farm environment, but also when transported to other environments. On the other hand, the risk will decrease by time. These results provide important knowledge to diminish spread from farm envi...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 20, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Estimation of Lead Exposure Prevalence in Korean Population through Combining Multiple Experts ’ Judgment based on Objective Data Sources
ConclusionsBased on objective databases, we developed a method for estimating exposure prevalence for the CAREX system by combining experts ’ judgments. This work may offer an unbiased approach to the development process that accounts for the uncertainty in exposure. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 12, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Examining Exposure Assessment in Shift Work Research: A Study on Depression Among Nurses
ConclusionsFindings from this study support the need to consider and collect the data required for precise and conceptually driven exposure assessment and assignment in future studies of shift work and health. Further research into the effects of shift rotation frequency on depression is also recommended. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 11, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Response to Cherrie Letter, ‘How to Quantitatively Assess Dermal Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds’
Editorial Note. Letters to the Editor are peer reviewed to ensure that the arguments are reasonable and clearly expressed. However, letters may express a particular opinion rather than a balanced interpretation. Authors of papers commented on are invited to reply, but neither the journal nor peer reviewers should be assumed to support the arguments made. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 6, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Combining Environmental Investigation and a Dual-Analytical Strategy to Isolate the Legionella longbeachae Strain Linked to Two Occupational Cases of Legionellosis
This study reports the strategies used to successfully isolateL. longbeachae strain that was responsible of the two occupational legionellosis in Quebec. Fifteen random samples were collected from the soil of the metal recycling plant where the diagnosed workers were employed, covering 1.5% of the accessible surface of the plant. All samples were analyzed with both the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and culture methods. Four qPCR detection systems targetingLegionella spp,L. pneumophila,L. pneumophila serogroup 1, andL. longbeachae were used. Acid, heat, and acid/heat treatments were used for the culture meth...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 3, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Optimal Cut-Off Points for the Short-Negative Act Questionnaire and Their Association with Depressive Symptoms and Diagnosis of Depression
ConclusionsThe two cut-off points for the S-NAQ identified in this study showed a significant association with both depressive symptoms and diagnosis of depression. However, future prospective studies are needed to establish the predictive validity of the proposed cut-off points. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - January 3, 2018 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Evaluation of 1-Nitropyrene as a Surrogate Measure for Diesel Exhaust
AbstractWe investigated the viability of particle bound 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) air concentration measurements as a surrogate of diesel exhaust (DE) exposure, as compared with industry-standard elemental carbon (EC) and total carbon (TC) measurements. Personal exposures are reported for 18 employees at a large underground metal mine during four different monitoring campaigns. Full-shift personal air exposure sampling was conducted using a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) compliant diesel particulate matter (DPM) impactor cassette downstream of a GS-1 cyclone pre-selector. Each DPM filter element was analyzed for E...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - December 30, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Identification of Sources of Endotoxin Exposure as Input for Effective Exposure Control Strategies
ConclusionsAlthough endotoxin levels in batches of to –be-processed potatoes, onions, and seeds vary quite dramatically, it could be concluded that rotten products, plant material, and waste material contain particularly high endotoxin levels. This information was used to propose control measures to reduce exposure to endotoxins of workers during the production process. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - December 30, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Labour Market Segregation and Gender Differences in Sickness Absence: Trends in 2005 –2013 in Finland
ConclusionsSickness absence decreased especially in male-dominated employment groups, resulting in a larger decrease in absences among men compared with women. More research is needed to ascertain whether these differential changes are attributable, for example, to reduced willingness to seek medical advice or increased presenteeism in male-dominated groups, or to increased work pressures in female-dominated groups. Selection mechanisms, i.e. men ’s increased ill-health-related exit from work through other routes than sickness absence, also cannot be ruled out. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - December 29, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Improving the UNC Passive Aerosol Sampler Model Based on Comparison with Commonly Used Aerosol Sampling Methods
ConclusionsHigh resolution combined with a factor based on area only, results in no underestimation of small particles compared to impactors and cyclones and a better agreement with the APS ’s particle size distributions. The UNC sampler had lower precision than the impactors, but higher than the respirable cyclone. The UNC sampler with area factor could be used for PM2.5, PM10 and respirable fraction measurements in this working environment without wind. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - December 28, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Carbon Monoxide Off-Gassing From Bags of Wood Pellets
This study measured CO emission factors from fresh, bagged-wood pellets as a function of temperature and relative humidity. CO concentrations increased with increasing temperature and moisture in the container. CO measurements in a pellet mill warehouse with stored pallets of bagged pellets had 8-h average CO concentrations up to 100 ppm exceeding occupational standards for worker exposure. Thus, manufacturers, distributors, and home owners should be aware of the potential for CO in storage areas and design facilities with appropriate ventilation and CO sensors. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - December 25, 2017 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
