scholarly journals Naphthalene: irritative and inflammatory effects on the airways

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Sucker ◽  
Wolfgang Zschiesche ◽  
Mohammed Aziz ◽  
Tanja Drews ◽  
Thomas Hummel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lavage Fluid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Endoscopic Examination ◽  
Upper Airways ◽  
Mucus Production ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Post Shift

Abstract Objective This cross-sectional study determined whether acute sensory irritative or (sub)chronic inflammatory effects of the eyes, nose or respiratory tract are observed in employees who are exposed to naphthalene at the workplace. Methods Thirtynine healthy and non-smoking male employees with either moderate (n = 22) or high (n = 17) exposure to naphthalene were compared to 22 male employees from the same plants with no or only rare exposure to naphthalene. (Sub)clinical endpoint measures included nasal endoscopy, smell sensitivity, self-reported work-related complaints and the intensity of naphthalene odor and irritation. In addition, cellular and soluble mediators in blood, nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and induced sputum (IS) were analysed. All measurements were carried out pre-shift on Monday and post-shift on Thursday. Personal air monitoring revealed naphthalene shift concentrations up to 11.6 mg/m3 with short-term peak concentrations up to 145.8 mg/m3 and 1- and 2-naphthol levels (sum) in post-shift urine up to 10.1 mg/L. Results Acute sensory irritating effects at the eyes and upper airways were reported to occur when directly handling naphthalene (e.g., sieving pure naphthalene). Generally, naphthalene odor was described as intense and unpleasant. Habituation effects or olfactory fatigue were not observed. Endoscopic examination revealed mild inflammatory effects at the nasal mucosa of exposed employees in terms of reddening and swelling and abnormal mucus production. No consistent pattern of cellular and soluble mediators in blood, NALF or IS was observed which would indicate a chronic or acute inflammatory effect of naphthalene in exposed workers. Conclusions The results suggest that exposure to naphthalene induces acute sensory irritative effects in exposed workers. No (sub)chronic inflammatory effects on the nasal epithelium or the respiratory tract could be observed under the study conditions described here.

scholarly journals Hearing Loss Characteristics of Workers with Hypertension Exposed to Occupational Noise: A Cross-Sectional Study of 270,033 Participants

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boshen Wang ◽  
Lei Han ◽  
Simin Dai ◽  
Xiuting Li ◽  
Wenyan Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Substantial Rise

Objectives. This study investigated the hearing loss characteristics among occupational noise exposure workers with hypertension and the link between hypertension and hearing loss when exposed to occupational noise. Methods. A total of 267,766 occupational noise-exposed workers were enrolled, including 29,868 workers with hypertension and 240,165 without hypertension. Hypertension was diagnosed according to WHO criteria. Hypertension was classified into four grades based on blood pressure. Assessment of hearing was performed through measurement of an unadulterated tone threshold at different frequencies, which ranged between 250 and 8,000 Hz. Results. A substantial link was observed to exist between hypertension and the increment in the hearing limit. The increase in the hearing threshold was substantially higher among those having grade 2 hypertension. Conclusion. The current investigation suggested patients with hypertension exhibit a substantial rise in hearing loss in comparison with patients without hypertension. The rise in hearing loss was significant in patients with grade 2 hypertension. Efficient and practicable measures are required to decrease the hearing loss in workers with hypertension and work-related noise exposure.

scholarly journals Occupational Asthma in Subjects Occupationally Exposed to Herbal and Fruit Tea Dust

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Minov ◽  
Jovanka Karadžinska-Bislimovska ◽  
Kristin Vasilevska ◽  
Snžana Risteska-Kuc ◽  
Sašo Stoleski
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Asthma ◽  
Challenge Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Inhalant Allergens ◽  
Definition Of

Occupational Asthma in Subjects Occupationally Exposed to Herbal and Fruit Tea DustWe performed a cross-sectional study to detect occupational asthma (OA) in 63 subjects occupationally exposed to herbal and fruit tea dust and in 63 corresponding controls. The evaluation included a questionnaire, skin prick tests to workplace and common inhalant allergens, spirometry, and histamine challenge test. The evaluation of the work-relatedness of asthma in the exposed workers was based on serial peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements and bronchoprovocation tests. We found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the exposed workers, whereas spirometric parameters were significantly lower. The prevalence of sensitisation to allergens and of bronchial hyperresponsivenss (BHR) did not differ significantly between the groups. The prevalence of asthma was also similar in both groups (8.0 % vs. 6.4 %; P=0.540). Work-relatedness of symptoms was reported by all asthmatic tea workers and by no control with asthma. Significant work-related changes in PEFR diurnal variations and in non-specific BHR, suggesting allergic OA, were found in one tea worker with asthma (1.6 %). No specific workplace agent causing OA in the affected subject was identified. None of the tea workers with asthma met the criteria for medical case definition of the reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS). Our data confirm workplace exposure to herbal and fruit tea dust as a risk factor for OA.

Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in an Occupationally Radiation Exposed Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital of Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Francesca Mansi ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
Giovanni M. Ferri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposed Workers

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.

scholarly journals P.2.20 Epidemic of bladder cancer in japanese male workers exposed mainly to ortho-toluidine

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A93.1-A93
Author(s):  
Makiko Nakano ◽  
Kazuyuki Omae ◽  
Yoko Eitaki ◽  
Satoko Iwasawa ◽  
Kota Fukai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Aromatic Amine ◽  
Aromatic Amines ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Gross Hematuria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Medical Histories

BackgroundIn 2012, ortho-toluidine (OT) was listed as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, based on epidemiologic observations in workers co-exposed to OT and aromatic amines. Between 2014 and 2017, 10 cases of bladder cancer (BC) were identified in Japanese males working at two plants of the same company manufacturing intermediates of organic dyes and pigments.ObjectiveTo describe the features of the BC epidemic at the plants.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 76 OT and/or aromatic amine-exposed workers including the 10 BC cases at the plants in 2017. The co-exposed aromatic amines were para-toluidine, ortho-anisidine, aniline, 2,4-dimethylaniline, and/or ortho-chloroaniline. Details of each worker’s job-site histories were obtained from the company records. Past medical symptoms and histories were checked in physician interviews. The subjects were divided into the BC group (n=10) and the non-BC group (n=66) and compared. No quantitative exposure data were available. The surrogate level of exposure to each aromatic amine was calculated as the summed job-weight-month in each process in each job-year.ResultsThe mean ages of the non-BC and BC groups were 50 and 56 years and the durations of employment were 23 and 20 years, respectively. The smoking rate in both groups was 80%. Significantly higher rates of gross hematuria (70%) and cystitis (70%) were identified in the BC group’s past medical histories. In the BC group, the surrogate levels of exposure to OT were higher than those of exposures to other aromatic amines. The surrogate levels were high in the job processes of filtering, rinsing, drying and packing products.ConclusionsThe subjects with BC were associated with a high surrogate level of exposure to OT. OT-exposed workers with past histories of gross hematuria and cystitis need a careful follow-up.

scholarly journals 425. The Utility of Paired Upper and Lower COVID-19 Sampling in Patients with Artificial Airways

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S279-S279
Author(s):  
Eimear Kitt ◽  
Julia S Sammons ◽  
Kathleen Chiotos ◽  
Susan E Coffin ◽  
Susan E Coffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends upper respiratory tract (URT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing as the initial diagnostic test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Lower respiratory tract (LRT) testing for patients requiring mechanical ventilation is also recommended. The goal of this study was to evaluate concordance between paired URT and LRT specimens in children undergoing pre-admission/procedure screening or diagnostic testing. We hypothesized that < 10% of paired tests would have discordant results. Methods Single center cross-sectional study including children with artificial airways who had paired URT and LRT SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing between 4/1/2020 and 6/8/2020. URT specimens included nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and aspirates. LRT specimens included tracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavages. URT and LRT specimens were classified as paired if the two specimens were collected within 24 hours. Artificial airways included tracheostomies and endotracheal tubes. Tests were classified as diagnostic versus screening based on the indication selected in the order. Results 102 paired specimens were obtained during the study period. Fifty-nine were performed for screening and 43 were performed for diagnosis of suspected SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 94 specimens (92%) were concordant, including 89 negative from both sources and 5 positive from both sources. Eight specimens (8%) were discordant, all of which were positive from the URT and negative from the LRT (Figure 1). Among patients undergoing screening, 3 of 4 positive tests were discordant and among symptomatic patients, 5 of 9 positive tests were discordant. There were no instances of a positive LRT specimen with a negative URT specimen. Figure 1. Performance of upper and lower respiratory tract SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing in children with artificial airways Conclusion Overall, most paired samples from the URT and LRT yielded concordant results with no pairs positive from the LRT and negative from the URT. These data support the CDC recommendation that URT specimens are the preferred initial SARS-CoV-2 test, while LRT specimens should be collected only from mechanically ventilated with suspected SARS-CoV-2. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Mental Health of COVID-19 Patients—A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4758
Author(s):  
Hasan Saeed Alamri ◽  
Wesam F. Mousa ◽  
Abdullah Algarni ◽  
Shehata F. Megahid ◽  
Ali Al Bshabshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Patients Experience ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: This study aims to investigate the mental health of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Due to travel and time constraints as well as the accessibility of patients, cases were included from East Jeddah Hospital, King Abdulaziz Hospital, and the Oncology Center in Jeddah. The data were collected using a predesigned self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed COVID-19 cases, personal data, medical history, smoking, traveling abroad, and work-related conditions. Additionally, data regarding contact level with COVID-19 cases were considered. The mental health statuses of the patients were assessed using a validated Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. The study included 261 COVID-19 patients whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. Results: The survey findings revealed that 13% of COVID-19 patients had a borderline level of anxiety, 26.8% were considered anxiety cases, while 60.2% were normal. The findings also revealed that 29.9% had a borderline level of depression, 18.4% were considered depression cases, while 51.7% were normal. Conclusions: This study concluded that COVID-19 patients experience anxiety and depression, and as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread, the results of the study are particularly useful in developing a strategy to psychologically support COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Work-related Injury among Welders Working in Metal Workshops of Dharan Municipality, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
Anup Ghimire ◽  
Shyam Sundar Budhathoki ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Abha Shrestha ◽  
Paras K Pokharel
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The Past ◽  
Occupational Characteristics ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Injuries are a problem worldwide in all occupations. Welders are exposed to many hazards at work resulting in a variety of health problems including injuries at work. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among welders in Dharan city of eastern Nepal.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 86 welders in Dharan city. Occurrence of injury in past 2 weeks and past 12 months were recorded. Data regarding sociodemographic along with occupational characteristics was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.Results: All the welders in this study were male with almost half of the welders under the age of 25 years and about a fifth (21.1%) of the welders having received some form of welding training. In the past 12 months, 21.1% of the welders suffered from work related injuries. More than 95% welders used at least one personal protective equipment in this study. More injuries were seen among welders with age ≥35 years, working experience ≥ 5 years, not received training and not using of PPE at work. However, these factors were not found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Work related injuries are high among welders of Dharan. Further research is required to explore the relationship between age, literacy, training and use of personal protective equipment with the occurrence of injuries among the welders.

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