Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) may cause occupational asthma

IntroductionAnhydrides are widely used as cross-linking agents in epoxy resins and alkyd production, for example, as coatings and adhesives in plastic products. Sensitisation to several anhydrides is known to cause occupational asthma. There are indications that the lesser known pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) can cause irritative respiratory symptoms and possibly asthma. We report three cases of workers from a plastic foil manufacturing plant, who developed asthma when exposed to PMDA during specific inhalation challenge (SIC).MethodsSIC was performed over 2 days according to recommendations of European Respiratory Society. Lactose powder was used in control challenges and a mixture of 10% PMDA and 90% lactose powder in active challenges.ResultsAll cases experienced a delayed decrease in forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) 4–12 hours after active challenge. FEV1 decreased by 19%, 15% and 16%, respectively. After 21 hours, FEV1 decreased by 24% in one worker.DiscussionRespiratory symptoms after working hours may represent delayed work-related asthma. During SIC, the three patients developed lower respiratory symptoms and a delayed decrease in FEV1 which suggest sensitisation. The mechanism of anhydride-related asthma is not well understood. Anhydrides are known irritants and hence an irritative response cannot be excluded. The company improved ventilation and enforced the use of respiratory protection equipment, and finally phased out PMDA. Occupational workplace risk identification may help to identify exposures. SIC can contribute to improving working conditions, by identifying and confirming asthmogens in the environment.

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P6 Work-related respiratory symptoms in the UK; Do primary care physicians miss diagnostic opportunities in occupational asthma?

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thx.2010.150961.6 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 65 (Suppl 4) ◽

pp. A79-A79

Author(s):

J. Hoyle ◽

L. Hussey ◽

R. Barraclough ◽

R. Agius

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Occupational Asthma ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Work Related ◽

The Uk

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A Study on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sewing Machine Operators

Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing ◽

10.15614/ijhw.v11i01.3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Ekta . ◽

Manju Mehta ◽

Praveen Kumar Sharma

Keyword(s):

Textile Industry ◽

Work Organization ◽

Working Hours ◽

The Body ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽

Health Issues ◽

Workplace Design ◽

Sewing Machine ◽

Work Related ◽

Machine Operators

A musculoskeletal disorder is highly dependent on the workplace design. The workers whose job requires repetitive tasks, are more prone to this disorder. Textile industry is one of the labor intensive industries and most of its jobs require continuous engagement with the work. Sewing machine operators in this sector due to workplace design are facing high risk of health issues due to focused attention and static posture of the body. Understanding the health issues linked with continuous working hours and static posture need to be addressed. Both Government and non- government organizations need to be better involved in designing interventions targeting these people and protecting them from such health risks.The present study was conducted in Hisar district from Haryana state in which respondents were selected randomly. Total number of respondents were 60 in which 28 were males and 32 were females with objectives to assess work organization and work space design and to find out the occupational health problems and musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators. The results showed that maximum numbers of the respondents (68.4%) were took break of fixed duration and (53.4%) respondents were work along with others. Majority (43.3%) respondents were the first experience of MSK symptoms from 7 days to 12 months followed by (33.3%) respondents in 2-3 years.

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FRI0495 FOLLOW UP OF INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA WITH AUTOIMMUNE FEATURES – THE EXPERIENCE OF ONE CENTRE

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4395 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 846.3-846

Author(s):

N. Madeira ◽

M. Alvarenga Santos ◽

L. Cunha Miranda ◽

S. Clemente ◽

S. Furtado

Keyword(s):

Interstitial Pneumonia ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Interstitial Lung Diseases ◽

European Respiratory Society ◽

High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽

Disease Evolution ◽

Clinical Criteria ◽

Clinical Evolution ◽

Relative Decline

Background:Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) may present features suggesting an underlying autoimmune process, which seem to differentiate them from idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, although without fully meeting the classification criteria (CC) for a specific connective tissue disease. Different terms had been used to describe these conditions and, to reach a consensus, the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society proposed the CC for an entity named Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF). Clinical evolution and prognosis of this entity are still poorly understood.Objectives:To evaluate clinical evolution and prognosis of a population of patients with IPAF.Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical files of patients followed by the Pulmonology Department since 02/2012 until 06/2019, who met the CC for IPAF, regarding clinical, functional and radiological evolution. Patients were considered to have a progressive phenotype in 24±3 months from their 1stevaluation if they fulfil 1 of the 4 criteria: relative decline in FVC ≥10% predicted; relative decline in FVC ≥5–<10% predicted and worsened respiratory symptoms; relative decline in FVC ≥5–<10% predicted and increased extent of fibrosis on High-resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT); worsened respiratory symptoms and increased extent of fibrosis on HRCT.Results:22 (7.4%) of 296 ILD patients met IPAF CC. 59.0% were female with an age at the 1stevaluation of 66.7±12.4 years. They were all non-smokers (63.6%) or ex-smokers (36.4%). Serologic and morphologic criteria were both present in 21 (95.4%) and clinical criteria in 5 patients (22.7%). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were identified in 19, rheumatoid factor in 4, SSA in 3 and anti-Jo-1 in 1 patient. HRCT patterns were identified in 21 patients: 15 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 5 organizing pneumonia (OP) and 2 lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). One NSIP and 1 LIP identified on HRCT were confirmed by histopathology. Three patients had inflammatory arthritis and 2 had Raynaud’s phenomenon. Immunosuppressive therapy was introduced in most cases (18 patients, including systemic corticotherapy in 17, azathioprine in 4, mycophenolate mofetil in 1), azithromycin was prescribed in 2 patients and 3 remained without therapy. Regarding the follow up at 24±3 months from the 1stevaluation (3 patients were excluded due to too recent follow-up), 4 patients (18.2%) had progressive phenotype, 7 (31.8%) had a favourable evolution and 3 (13.6%) patients had died. During a follow-up of 31.1±19.8 months, this number rose to 6 patients (27.3%), all of them died by respiratory cause and had NSIP pattern. No differences were found in age, last FVC, therapy and time of disease evolution between those who died and the others.Conclusion:Our study showed that a small proportion of IPAF patients had a progressive phenotype and the NSIP pattern seemed to be a poor prognosis factor for survival.References:[1]Ito Y, Arita M, Kumagai S, et al. Serological and morphological prognostic factors in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. BMC Pulm Med 2017; 17:111 10.1186/s12890-017-0453-zDisclosure of Interests:None declared

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Respiratory Health Status of Workers in a Bottling Factory in Benin City, Nigeria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15091919 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 1919

Author(s):

Sunday Oghuvwu ◽

Eruke Egbagbe ◽

Joshua Aigbirior ◽

Bright Oniovokukor ◽

Gregory Erhabor

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Policy Development ◽

Respiratory Symptom ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

European Respiratory Society ◽

Benin City ◽

Exposed Workers

Introduction: There is a paucity of data on the respiratory health status of workers in bottling factories in Benin City, Nigeria. Such data will help to drive future studies and influence policy development on occupational health and safety in the country. This study assesses the respiratory symptoms and spirometric indices of exposed workers and controls. Methods: Respiratory symptoms and spirometric parameters of 18 workers on routine mandatory annual lung screening were assessed using the modified MRC (Medical Research Council) questionnaire and spirometer respectively, according to the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society (ERS/ATS) guidelines. Results: The mean age of workers was 35.1 ± 6.7 years. Workers and controls were similar in age, sex, BMI (Body Mass Index) and health status (p > 0.05). Respiratory symptoms were significantly higher among workers compared to controls. Overall, the result was statistically significant in the variables of wheeze in a smoky or dusty environment, presence of at least one respiratory symptom, better symptoms at weekends and better symptoms during holidays (p < 0.05). In particular, 6 (33.3%) exposed workers had wheeze in a smoky or dusty environment, 9 (50.0%) exposed workers reported at least one respiratory symptom compared with 2 (11.1%) controls, 5 (27.8%) had better symptoms at weekends, and 7 (38.9%) had better symptoms at holidays (p < 0.05). Generally, the reported frequency of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers were: cough (22.2%), sputum production (5.6%), breathlessness (11.1%) and wheeze (44.4%). Similarly, workers had significantly lower spirometric indices than controls, particularly in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25–75%) measurements. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of adverse respiratory health effects among bottling factory workers which requires further investigation.

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Work-related and occupational asthma

Respiratory Medicine ◽

10.1183/9781849840415.005812 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 327-331

Author(s):

Eleftherios Zervas ◽

Mina Gaga

Keyword(s):

Occupational Asthma ◽

Work Related

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Overtime working patterns and adverse events in work-related suicide cases: hierarchical cluster analysis of national compensation data in Japan (fiscal year 2015–2016)

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-021-01760-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yuki Nishimura ◽

Takashi Yamauchi ◽

Takeshi Sasaki ◽

Toru Yoshikawa ◽

Masaya Takahashi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Working Hours ◽

Hierarchical Cluster ◽

Fiscal Year ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Interpersonal Conflicts ◽

Work Related

Abstract Background Although various work-related adverse events affect workers’ mental health, the association between long working hours and mental disorders remains unclear. We investigated the characteristics of overtime work and work-related adverse events among all cases of compensated work-related suicide in Japan to empirically reveal the context of the serious consequences. Methods We analysed all 167 cases of mental disorders resulting in suicide that were compensated in fiscal year 2015–2016. Hierarchical clustering was applied to the overtime working history. Work-related adverse events were also evaluated as the qualitative aspects of their jobs. Results More than half of the cases committed suicide within a month of developing a mental disorder. The Administrative and professional or engineering workers had a higher suicide rate. The clustering analysis revealed chronic long working hours (19%), gradual increase (27%), or rapid increase (25%) in working hours before the onset of a mental disorder. A group of cases with less overwork experienced more interpersonal conflicts. Conclusion This is the first study to employ a clustering technique to objectively reveal the actual working patterns behind suicide. The patterns of working overtime before the onset of mental disorders varied considerably among the cases. Taking the transition of working overtime into account may provide clearer insight into the relationship between long working hours and workers’ mental health. These results highlight the need for countermeasures especially for causes of chronic overworking, drastic increases in working hours, and interpersonal conflicts to prevent work-related suicide.

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Work-related respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers

American Journal of Industrial Medicine ◽

10.1002/1097-0274(200103)39:3<292::aid-ajim1017>3.0.co;2-f ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 292-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

M.R. Kimbell-Dunn ◽

R.D. Fishwick ◽

L. Bradshaw ◽

R. Erkinjuntti-Pekkanen ◽

N. Pearce

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Work Related

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Work-Related Tuberculosis among Health Workers Employed in a Tertiary Hospital in Northeastern Thailand: A Report of Nine Cases

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17145156 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (14) ◽

pp. 5156

Author(s):

Thanthun Sangphoo ◽

Naesinee Chaiear ◽

Patimaporn Chanpho

Keyword(s):

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Health Workers ◽

Tertiary Hospital ◽

International Standards ◽

Respiratory Protection ◽

Effective Work ◽

Work Related ◽

Investigation Methods ◽

Epidemiological Information ◽

Northeastern Thailand

Between October 2016 and September 2018, fifteen health workers were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) at a tertiary hospital in northeastern Thailand. However, the cases could not be diagnosed as occupational TB according to international standards because of hospital limitations. The use of occupational epidemiological information provides a more effective work-related TB diagnosis. This study aims to provide a report of work-related TB using individual case investigation methods. We collected secondary data from the Occupational Health and Safety Office of the hospital in question, including baseline characteristics for the health workers, occupational history, source of TB infection and occupational exposure, and working environmental measurements. We found that nine of the fifteen cases were diagnosable as work-related TB due to two important factors: daily prolonged exposure time to an infected TB patient, and aerosol-generating procedures without adequate respiratory protection. The other six cases were not diagnosable as work-related TB because of inadequate evidence of activities related to the TB infection. The diagnosis of work-related TB thus requires occupational epidemiological information in order to complete the differentiation process.

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