scholarly journals Secondhand nicotine vaping at home and respiratory symptoms in young adults

Thorax ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. thoraxjnl-2021-217041
Author(s):  
Talat Islam ◽  
Jessica Braymiller ◽  
Sandrah P Eckel ◽  
Feifei Liu ◽  
Alayna P Tackett ◽  
...  

RationaleDespite high prevalence of e-cigarette use (vaping), little is currently known regarding the health effects of secondhand nicotine vape exposure.ObjectiveTo investigate whether exposure to secondhand nicotine vape exposure is associated with adverse respiratory health symptoms among young adults.MethodWe investigated the effect of secondhand nicotine vape exposure on annually reported wheeze, bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath in the prospective Southern California Children Health Study cohort. Data were collected from study participants (n=2097) with repeated annual surveys from 2014 (average age: 17.3 years) to 2019 (average age: 21.9). We used mixed effect logistic regression to evaluate the association between secondhand nicotine vape and respiratory symptoms after controlling for relevant confounders.ResultsPrevalence of secondhand nicotine vape increased from 11.7% to 15.6% during the study period in this population. Prevalence of wheeze, bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath ranged from 12.3% to 14.9%, 19.4% to 26.0% and 16.5% to 18.1%, respectively, during the study period. Associations of secondhand nicotine vape exposure with bronchitic symptoms (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.84) and shortness of breath (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21) were observed after controlling for vaping, active and passive exposure to tobacco or cannabis, and demographic characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity and parental education). Stronger associations were observed when analysis was restricted to participants who were neither smokers nor vapers. There were no associations with wheezing after adjustment for confounders.ConclusionSecondhand nicotine vape exposure was associated with increased risk of bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath among young adults.

2004 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
pp. 1025-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Sunyer ◽  
Xavier Basagaña ◽  
Josep Roca ◽  
Isabel Urrutia ◽  
Angels Jaen ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Mamane ◽  
Jean-François Tessier ◽  
Ghislaine Bouvier ◽  
Roger Salamon ◽  
Pierre Lebailly ◽  
...  

Background and Objective. Environmental factors are an increasing concern for respiratory health in developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Nigerien people living in cultivated areas have more respiratory symptoms than those living in pastoral areas. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 in two populations during the rainy season when land is cultivated. Environmental factors including pesticide use and respiratory symptoms were collected in adults and children during face-to-face interviews. Multivariate analysis between exposures and symptoms was performed in children and in adults separately. Results. The study included 471 adults and 229 children. Overall, none of the households reported the use of pesticides for agricultural purposes. However, 87.2% reported the use of insecticides at home. Multivariate analysis showed that people living in agricultural areas compared to those in pastoral areas had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms in adults (wheezing, dyspnea, sudden shortness of breath, and cough without fever) and in children (cough without fever). The use of insecticides showed no effect on respiratory symptoms after adjustment. Conclusion. This first epidemiological study on the environment and respiratory health conducted in Niger demonstrates a significant relationship between respiratory manifestations and the agricultural characteristics of the living area. However only the effect of insecticides in the home on respiratory health was observed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 754-764
Author(s):  
Coralynn Sack ◽  
Niloufar Ghodsian ◽  
Karen Jansen ◽  
Brynne Silvey ◽  
Christopher D Simpson

Abstract Background While little is known about the occupational hazards associated with Cannabis cultivation, both historical research in the hemp industry and preliminary data from modern grow houses, suggest that Cannabis workers may be at increased risk of respiratory and allergic diseases. Objectives We sought to investigate the association between workplace exposures and health symptoms in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State, USA. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study with all consenting employees in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Seattle, WA using a questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data on respiratory, ocular, nasal, and dermal symptoms. A subset of employees with work-related symptoms underwent repeated cross-shift and cross-week measurement of spirometry, fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO), and skin prick testing for Cannabis sensitization. Exposure to Cannabis dust was classified based on self-described tasks, expert opinion, and exposure monitoring of particulate matter. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to examine associations between exposure to Cannabis dust (classified as low, medium, and high) and health symptoms. Linear mixed effects models examined the relationship between cross-shift and cross-week changes in spirometry and FeNO. Results Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the employees (n = 31) surveyed were recreational cannabis users, with 81% (n = 25) smoking cannabis multiple times per day. Twenty-two (71%) employees reported one or more work-related symptoms: 65% respiratory, 39% ocular, 32% nasal, and 26% dermal symptoms. There was a trend toward increased likelihood of work-related symptoms with increasing exposure to Cannabis dust, although none of these results were statistically significant. Of the 10 employees with work-aggravated symptoms, 5 had borderline-high or high FeNO, 7 had abnormal spirometry, and 5 had evidence of Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. FeNO increased by 3.78 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.68–6.88 ppb) across the work-week and there was a trend toward cross-week and cross-shift reduced airflow. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of work-related allergic- and particularly respiratory symptoms in the employees of one indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State. A high proportion of employees with work-aggravated symptoms had findings consistent with probable work-related asthma based on high FeNO, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. However, due to the high incidence of recreational cannabis use among these workers, the relative influence of occupational versus recreational exposure to Cannabis dust on the respiratory health and sensitization status of these workers could not be resolved in this study.


Author(s):  
Adama Sana ◽  
Nicolas Meda ◽  
Gisèle Badoum ◽  
Benoit Kafando ◽  
Catherine Bouland

Background: Approximately 3 billion people, worldwide, rely primarily on biomass for cooking. This study aimed to investigate the association between respiratory symptoms among women in charge of household cooking and the type of fuel used for cooking. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 1705 women that were randomly selected, completed the survey. We also performed a bivariate and a multivariate analysis to verify the possible associations between respiratory symptoms in women in charge of household cooking and the type of cooking fuel used. Results: Dry cough, breathing difficulties, and throat irritation frequencies were statistically high in biomass fuel users when compared to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) users. It was also the case for some chronic respiratory symptoms, such as sputum production, shortness of breath, wheezing, wheezing with dyspnea, wheezing without a cold, waking up with shortness of breath, waking up with coughing attacks, and waking up with breathing difficulty. After adjustment for the respondents’ and households’ characteristics; dry cough, breathing difficulties, sneezing, nose tingling, throat irritation, chronic sputum production, wheezing, wheezing with dyspnea, wheezing without a cold, waking up with shortness of breath, waking up with coughing attacks, and waking up with breathing difficulty were symptoms that remained associated to biomass fuel compared to LPG. Women who used charcoal reported the highest proportion of all the chronic respiratory symptoms compared to the firewood users. However, this difference was not statistically significant except for the wheezing, waking up with coughing attacks, and waking up with breath difficulty, after adjustment. Conclusion: Exposure to biomass smoke is responsible for respiratory health problems in women. Charcoal, which is often considered as a clean fuel compared to other biomass fuels and often recommended as an alternative to firewood, also presents health risks, including increased respiratory morbidity in women. Effective and efficient energy policies are needed to accelerate the transition to clean and sustainable energies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
Golam Rabbani ◽  
Baki Billah ◽  
Anil Giri ◽  
Sarder M. Hossain ◽  
Ahmmad I. Ibne Mahmud ◽  
...  

Background: Few studies have reported associations between occupational exposure to tannery chemicals with breathing difficulty and skin diseases and none have been conducted in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of health complaints with types of work and length of employment among tannery workers in Bangladesh, where occupational health and safety regulations are less restricted compared with the developed world. Methods: One hundred sixty-seven ( n = 167) workers from 10 tanneries were interviewed using a questionnaire adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS) to collect information on occupational exposures and health outcomes. Workers’ length of employment was examined, as well as their areas of work including beamhouse, wet finishing, dry finishing, and miscellaneous. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to investigate potential associations while controlling for confounders. Results: Length of employment was positively associated with breathing difficulty (odds ratio [OR]: 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.07–1.64). Workers involved in the wet finishing (OR: 11.75, 95% CI: 2.12–65.10) and dry finishing (OR: 13.38, 95% CI: 1.00–181.70) had higher odds of breathing difficulty; while, working in the beamhouse was associated with an increased risk of developing skin diseases (OR: 4.36, 95% CI: 1.10–17.32). Conclusion/Application to Practice: Length of employment and types of work were associated with increased risk of health complaints, including breathing difficulty and skin disease among tannery workers. Stronger regulations with regular enforcement, regular health surveillance, and worker and employer education are necessary for reducing these exposures and improving the health outcomes of the tannery workers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1605-1614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floor Borlée ◽  
C. Joris Yzermans ◽  
Christel E. van Dijk ◽  
Dick Heederik ◽  
Lidwien A.M. Smit

Several studies have investigated the effect of livestock farm emissions on the respiratory health of local residents, but results are inconsistent. This study aims to explore associations between the presence of livestock farms and respiratory health in an area of high-density livestock farming in the Netherlands. We focused especially on associations between farm exposures and respiratory symptoms within subgroups of potentially susceptible patients with a pre-existing lung disease.In total, 14 875 adults (response rate 53.4%) completed a questionnaire concerning respiratory health, smoking habits and personal characteristics. Different indicators of livestock farm exposures relative to the home address were computed using a geographic information system.Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma was lower among residents living within 100 m of a farm (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24–0.91 and OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.93, respectively). However, >11 farms in 1000 m compared to fewer than four farms in 1000 m (fourth quartileversusfirst quartile) was associated with wheezing among COPD patients (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01–2.89). Using general practitioners' electronic medical records, we demonstrated that selection bias did not affect the observed associations.Our data suggest a protective effect of livestock farm emissions on the respiratory health of residents. Nonetheless, COPD patients living near livestock farms reported more respiratory symptoms, suggesting an increased risk of exacerbations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 78-78
Author(s):  
Lorelei A. Mucci ◽  
Thomas Ahearn ◽  
Kathryn Penney ◽  
Andreas Pettersson ◽  
Rebecca E Graff ◽  
...  

78 Background: Increased integration of tumor biomarker data into prostate cancer epidemiology studies is needed to identify molecular subtypes that underlie its etiology and progression. We hypothesize that the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion is a unique prostate cancer subtype that is etiologically distinct from cancers lacking TMPRSS2:ERG. Methods: We leveraged the Physicians’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study cohort data on pre- and post-diagnostic lifestyle factors, inherited genetic variants, circulating biomarkers, and clinical data and follow-up for 30 years. We have a tumor repository of men with prostate cancer and tumor tissue microarrays. Using immunohistochemistry, we characterized TMPRSS2:ERG status for 1,491 incident prostate cancer cases in these cohorts, and also have biomarker data on a range of additional markers from immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression profiling. Results: Fifty percent of prostate cancer cases were ERG-positive. ERG-positive cancers show much higher expression of insulin/IGF signaling, PTEN loss, higher VDR expression, as well as expression of mismatch repair genes. In contrast, ERG-negative prostate cancer is characterized by increased presence of chronic inflammation and atrophy. We found higher pre-diagnostic free testosterone levels, but not other sex hormones, were associated with increased risk of ERG-positive (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-1.8) but not ERG-negative disease (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.7-1.2). Of 39 known genetic risk loci, six were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with ERG+ versus ERG- cancer (2 expected by chance). Prostate cancer risk factors such as taller height (an indicator of growth factors in puberty) are uniquely associated with ERG-positive prostate cancer. Moreover, we observe a complex interaction of components of insulin/IGF and ERG-status on prostate cancer mortality. Conclusions: TMPRSS2:ERG is a highly prevalent somatic event in prostate cancer that likely defines a unique molecular subtype of this common disease. Understanding the differences between these two prostate cancer subtypes may enhance opportunities for prevention.


Author(s):  
Samson Abaya ◽  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Bente Moen

Dust exposure is one of the major risk factors for respiratory health in many workplaces, including coffee factories. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function reduction among workers in Ethiopian primary coffee processing factories, compared to a control group of workers. A total of 115 coffee workers and 110 water bottling workers were involved in this study, from 12 coffee and 3 water bottling factories in Ethiopia, respectively. The chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured interview, using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lung function tests were performed according to the ATS recommendation for spirometry. The coffee workers had a significantly higher prevalence of coughing, coughing with sputum, breathlessness, work-related shortness of breath, and wheezing compared with the controls. The prevalence ratio of work-related shortness of breath (PR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6–8.7) and wheezing (PR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4) was significantly higher for the coffee workers compared to the controls. The coffee workers in the age groups 28–39 years and ≥40 years, had a significantly lower forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s compared to the controls in the similar age groups. The findings indicated the need for longitudinal studies on the possible effect of coffee dust on respiratory health of coffee production workers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (136) ◽  
pp. 306-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Mamane ◽  
Isabelle Baldi ◽  
Jean-François Tessier ◽  
Chantal Raherison ◽  
Ghislaine Bouvier

This article aims to review the available literature regarding the link between occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory symptoms or diseases. Identification of epidemiological studies was performed using PubMed. 41 articles were included, 36 regarding agricultural workers and five regarding industry workers.Among the 15 cross-sectional studies focusing on respiratory symptoms and agricultural pesticide exposure, 12 found significant associations with chronic cough, wheeze, dyspnoea, breathlessness or chest tightness. All four studies on asthma found a relationship with occupational exposure, as did all three studies on chronic bronchitis. The four studies that performed spirometry reported impaired respiratory function linked to pesticide exposure, suggestive of either obstructive or restrictive syndrome according to the chemical class of pesticide.12 papers reported results from cohort studies. Three out of nine found a significant relationship with increased risk of wheeze, five out of nine with asthma and three out of three with chronic bronchitis. In workers employed in pesticide production, elevated risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (two studies out of three) and impaired respiratory function suggestive of an obstructive syndrome (two studies out of two) were reported.In conclusion, this article suggests that occupational exposure to pesticides is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, asthma and chronic bronchitis, but the causal relationship is still under debate.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Chang Yu ◽  
Ning Zhang ◽  
Weikang Zhu ◽  
Yueyue Zhang ◽  
Jiao Yang ◽  
...  

Objectives. To evaluate the safety of moxa smoke, especially to provide quantitative information and details for the occupational prevention of acupuncturists. Methods. We combined the questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey and lung function testing-based historical retrospective cohort research to investigate the safety of moxa smoke exposure (MSE) among acupuncturists. A mathematical regression model was established to quantitatively evaluate the relationship between moxa smoke exposure and the respiratory health of the acupuncturist. The smoke exposure time of the acupuncturist and the prevalence of abnormal respiratory symptoms or diseases were also evaluated. Results. (1) The cross-sectional research showed that the incidence of expectoration (18.7%) and rhinitis (22.7%) was the most common respiratory symptom and disease after MSE. No statistical difference was found between smoke exposure time of the acupuncturist and the prevalence of abnormal respiratory symptoms or diseases, except the prevalence of rhinitis and shortness of breath (P<0.01). Regression model for the incidence of first three symptoms (expectoration, shortness of breath, and wheezing) from the cross-sectional survey indicated that the weight coefficients of factors associated with moxa smoke were lower than those of factors unrelated to moxa smoke, such as gender and personal history of respiratory diseases. (2) Historical retrospective cohort research showed that there was no significant difference in the % predicted PEF. No statistic difference was found between the exposed and nonexposed group in large airway function indexes (% predicted FEV1, % predicted FVC, and % predicted FEV1/FVC) and small airway function indexes (% predicted FEF25, % predicted FEF50, % predicted FEF75, and % predicted MMEF), either. Especially, the % predicted MVV among males (106.23 ± 2.92 vs. 95.56 ± 1.92, P<0.01 and % predicted VC among females (100.70 ± 1.59 vs. 95.91 ± 1.61, P<0.05) between the two groups had statistical significance, but did not cause pulmonary ventilation dysfunction. Conclusions. MSE has no significant effect on the respiratory health of acupuncturists.


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