scholarly journals Respiratory Symptoms due to Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde and MDF Dust in a MDF Furniture Factory in Eastern Thailand

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anamai Thetkathuek ◽  
Tanongsak Yingratanasuk ◽  
Wiwat Ekburanawat
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Medium Density Fiberboard ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Allergic Symptoms ◽  
Study Population ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
High Level ◽  
Furniture Factory

The study aimed to investigate factors associated with respiratory symptoms in workers in a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) furniture factory in Eastern Thailand. Data were collected from 439 employees exposed to formaldehyde and MDF dust using questionnaire and personal sampler (Institute of Occupational Medicine; IOM). The average concentration of formaldehyde from MDF dust was 2.62 ppm (SD 367), whereas the average concentration of MDF dust itself was 7.67 mg/m3 (SD 3.63). Atopic allergic history was a factor associated with respiratory irritation symptoms and allergic symptoms among the workers exposed to formaldehyde and were associated with respiratory irritation symptoms and allergic symptoms among those exposed to MDF dust. Exposure to MDF dust at high level (>5 mg/m3) was associated with respiratory irritation symptoms and allergic symptoms. Excluding allergic workers from the study population produced the same kind of results in the analysis as in all workers. The symptoms were associated with the high concentrations of formaldehyde and MDF dust in this factory. If the concentration of MDF dust was >5 mg/m3, the risk of irritation and allergic symptoms in the respiratory system increased. The respiratory health of the employees with atopic allergic history exposed to formaldehyde and MDF dust should be monitored closely.

scholarly journals Reduced Lung Function among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Abaya ◽  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Bente Moen
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

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.

scholarly journals Assessment of dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in medium scale woodwork factories in Ethiopia; a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tegegnework Yitayew Awoke ◽  
Abera Kumie Takele ◽  
Worku Tefera Mekonnen ◽  
Samson Wakuma Abaya ◽  
Yifokire Tefera Zele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Wood Dust ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Wood dust in a form of inhalable particulates can penetrate the lung tissues and affect respiratory health. Woodwork factory workers are at a greater risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, associated factors, and concentration of personal total wood dust level among medium-scale woodwork factory workers. Methods An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 woodwork factory workers. We selected study participants using a simple random sampling technique. We assessed chronic respiratory symptoms using the British Medical Research Council respiratory symptoms questionnaire with a few modifications. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors. Forty dust measurements were collected from 20 randomly selected workers using a closed-face cassette (CFC) personal sampler. We analyzed the dust samples gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale. Results We recruited a random sample of 506 workers in the study with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among woodworkers was 69.8% with a prevalence of cough (54.6%), phlegm (52.2%), wheezing (44.6%), breathlessness (42.1%), and chest pain (42.9%). Past occupational dust exposure history (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI; 1.09–4.01), work experience > 5 years (AOR = 9.18, 95% CI; 5.27–16.00), using bio-fuel as energy for cooking (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI; 1.44–4.07), and having no occupational safety and health training (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI; 1.20–9.49) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among woodwork workers. The geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level among woodworkers was 10.27 mg/m3, which exceeded the limit of 10 mg/m3 set by the ACGIH. Conclusions High prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was reported from woodwork factory workers. Increased work- experience, using bio-fuel as an energy source for cooking, past occupational dust exposure history, and having no occupational safety and health training were identified risk factors. The measured average personal wood dust exposure level was above the recommended occupational threshold limit value. Therefore, workers’ wood dust exposure reduction and control methods and respiratory health awareness programs should be implemented.

scholarly journals DUST EXPOSURE AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH SYMPTOMS AMONG WORKERS IN SMALL SCALE SUNFLOWER OIL INDUSTRY IN SINGIDA TANZANIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 452-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venance Buliga ◽  
Larama MB Rongo ◽  
Simon HD Mamuya
Keyword(s):  
Sunflower Oil ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Symptoms

Background: Small scale sunflower oil industries are industries which extract oil from sunflower seed. Apart from its contribution to the economic development of the nation, during extraction process much dust concentration produced and respiratory symptoms are unknown. The aim of study was to assess dust exposure and associated respiratory health symptoms among small scale sunflower oil industries workers in Singida Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted and 233 participants were interviewed using a modified American Thoracic Society questionnaire to assess the respiratory health symptoms. A Side Kick Casella Pump was used to collect respirable dust from a sub sample of 66 workers from the sieving section. Results: Respirable dust exposure levels for mean, and Geometrical mean was 10.45 mg/m3 (SD 13.90) and GM=5.25 mg/m3 (GSD 0.51) respectively, and 46% of the dust samples (n=66) were above the TLV of 5 mg/m3. Logistic regression analysis between measured dust and respiratory symptoms found to be statistically significant.  Higher prevalence of respiratory health symptoms were seen in those with cough (33%), cough with phlegm (46.8%) and wheezy (41.6%). Conclusion: The study concludes that, respiratory symptoms were high and dust exposure was above recommended levels of 5 mg/m3. We recommend use of appropriate RPE.

scholarly journals Associations between Housing Factors and Respiratory Symptoms in Two Saskatchewan First Nations Communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3744
Author(s):  
Naiela Anwar ◽  
Shelley Kirychuk ◽  
Chandima P. Karunanayake ◽  
Vivian Ramsden ◽  
Brooke Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Environmental Samples ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Canadian Population ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Respiratory Outcomes ◽  
The Relationship

Inadequate housing is commonplace in First Nations in Canada, often leading to environmental impacts on housing such as dampness and mold. First Nations communities suffer from a higher prevalence of respiratory-related health conditions than the general Canadian population. There is limited Canadian literature evaluating the relationship between housing factors and the respiratory health of adults within First Nations communities. This study was undertaken with two Saskatchewan First Nations communities. The study population consisted of 293 individuals within 131 households. The individuals completed questionnaires on their general and respiratory health, and one member of each household completed a household questionnaire. The collection of environmental samples from within the house was undertaken. The respiratory outcomes of interest focused on the individuals with ever wheeze, reported by 77.8% of the individuals, and shortness of breath, reported by 52.6% of the individuals. Body mass index, the nontraditional use of tobacco (i.e., current and ex-smoking), the nontraditional use of tobacco in the house (i.e., smoking in the house), dampness in the house in the last 12 months, and always having a smell of mold in the house were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. The results reveal that respiratory symptom rates were high in the population and housing factors were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. Addressing and redressing housing inadequacies in First Nations communities are important in preventing additional burdens to health.

scholarly journals Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health Among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Samson Wakuma Abaya ◽  
Gloria Sakwari ◽  
Bente E. Moen
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Airflow Limitation ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coffee Beans ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Symptom Prevalence

Introduction: In primary coffee factories the coffee beans are cleaned and sorted. Studies from the 80- and 90-ties indicated respiratory health effects among the workers, but these results may not represent the present status. Our aim was to review recent studies on dust exposure and respiratory health among coffee factory workers in Tanzania and Ethiopia, two major coffee producing countries in Africa.Methods: This study merged data from cross-sectional studies from 2010 to 2019 in 4 and 12 factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia, respectively. Personal samples of “total” dust and endotoxin were taken in the breathing zone. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire. Lung function was measured by a spirometer in accordance with ATS guidelines.Results: Dust exposure among male production workers was higher in Ethiopia (GM 12 mg/m3; range 1.1–81) than in Tanzania (2.5; 0.24–36). Exposure to endotoxins was high (3,500; 42–75,083) compared to the Dutch OEL of 90 EU/m3. The male workers had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than controls. The highest symptom prevalence and odds ratio were found for cough (48.4%; OR = 11.3), while for breathlessness and wheezing the odds ratios were 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. There was a significant difference between the male coffee workers and controls in the adjusted FEV1 (0.26 l/s) and FVC (0.21 l) and in the prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < 0.7) (6.3 vs. 0.9%). Among the male coffee workers, there was a significant association between cumulative dust exposure and the lung function variables FEV1 and FVC, respectively.Conclusions: The results suggest that coffee production workers are at risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, and that the findings are related to high dust levels. Measures to reduce dust exposure should be targeted to factors identified as significant determinants of exposure.

scholarly journals Nasal symptoms increase the risk of snoring and snoring increases the risk of nasal symptoms. A longitudinal population study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Värendh ◽  
Christer Janson ◽  
Caroline Bengtsson ◽  
Johan Hellgren ◽  
Mathias Holm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Nasal Breathing ◽  
Nasal Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

Abstract Purpose Humans have a preference for nasal breathing during sleep. This 10-year prospective study aimed to determine if nasal symptoms can predict snoring and also if snoring can predict development of nasal symptoms. The hypothesis proposed is that nasal symptoms affect the risk of snoring 10 years later, whereas snoring does not increase the risk of developing nasal symptoms. Methods In the cohort study, Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE), a random population from Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, born between 1945 and 1973, was investigated by postal questionnaires in 1999–2001 (RHINE II, baseline) and in 2010–2012 (RHINE III, follow-up). The study population consisted of the participants who had answered questions on nasal symptoms such as nasal obstruction, discharge, and sneezing, and also snoring both at baseline and at follow-up (n = 10,112). Results Nasal symptoms were frequent, reported by 48% of the entire population at baseline, with snoring reported by 24%. Nasal symptoms at baseline increased the risk of snoring at follow-up (adj. OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.22–1.58) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI change between baseline and follow-up, and smoking status. Snoring at baseline was associated with an increased risk of developing nasal symptoms at follow-up (adj. OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02–1.47). Conclusion Nasal symptoms are independent risk factors for development of snoring 10 years later, and surprisingly, snoring is a risk factor for the development of nasal symptoms.

Identifying the prevalence of undiagnosed cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy Indians

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Thanvi ◽  
P Thakkar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Attack ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Health Checkup ◽  
Study Population ◽  
High Level

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction   Cardiovascular disease (CVD) including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death globally and in India.  The importance of primary prevention, defined as interventions designed to modify adverse risk factors with the goal of preventing an initial CVD event has been established beyond doubt by several population based studies in healthy individuals. While there have been many studies defining the high prevalence in CVD risk factors in Indian population, this study sought to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed modifiable CVD risk factors in healthy individuals.  Methods The  cross sectional, analytical study was carried out at the hospitals, from 1st April 2015 to 31st dec 2017. Subjects between 18 - 70 years of age who were healthy and were undergoing health checkup were included in the study. A total of 5000 patients were screened, those having existing CVD risk factors were excluded from the study.  This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the hospital. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. The data collection record sheet was prepared based on validated and standardized questionnaires which was used to enter all data.  Physical examination for vitals and BMI was done by qualified physicians. Blood investigations were done for diabetes and dyslipidemia and thyroid dysfunction. ACC/AHA criteria was used for diagnosis of  hypertension, ADA criteria for diabetes. Joint British society 3 risk score and ASCVD risk score was calculated using standard calculators. Results At screening, 4998 participants aged ≥18 years were approached to participate in study. The study population included 2705 men (68.1%) and 1265 women (31.9%) with a mean age of 68± 18.8 years. The most prevalent risk factor was overweight and obesity (71.2%). The prevalence of undiagnosed HTN was 73.3%, undiagnosed pre-diabetes was 24.9% and undiagnosed diabetes was 28.3%. Out of total, 44.3% subjects had high level of low-density lipoprotein and 36.6% subjects had low level of high-density lipoprotein, 20.1% subjects had high level of very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and 17.3% subjects had high level of triglyceride. Tobacco smoking was present in 7.7% of the population. The risk estimation predicted 29.1% of the study participants to have more than 10% risk of heart attack/stroke risk at 10 years. Conclusion Our study reveals a fairly good snapshot of CVDs risk factors in healthy general population. Increased prevalence of high BMI, undiagnosed HTN, diabetes, dyslipidemia was present in our study population.  The population had significantly high predicted risk of heart attack/stroke. These findings warrant the need of community based life style modifications, regular health checkup for healthy population for early detection and modification of CVD risk factors.

Respiratory Symptoms and Farming Practices in Farmers Associated With an Acute Febrile Illness After Organic Dust Exposure

CHEST Journal ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 1452-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Von Essen ◽  
Jon Fryzek ◽  
Bogdan Nowakowski ◽  
Mary Wampler
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Acute Febrile Illness ◽  
Organic Dust ◽  
Farming Practices

scholarly journals Increase in the Risk of Respiratory Disorders in Adults and Children Related to Crop-Growing in Niger

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Mamane ◽  
Jean-François Tessier ◽  
Ghislaine Bouvier ◽  
Roger Salamon ◽  
Pierre Lebailly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Agricultural Areas

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.

The effect of salinity on the growth, water status, and ion content on Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris. L. var. El-Djadida)

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 147-156
Author(s):  
Laredj-Zazou Rahma ◽  
Toumi Benali Fawzia ◽  
Bouazza Sofiane
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Phaseolus Vulgaris L ◽  
Salt Stress Tolerance ◽  
Ion Content ◽  
Organic Growth ◽  
Growth Attributes ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
High Level ◽  
Post Stress

Stress salinity has an important effect on crops physiology. The scope of our study was to evaluate the effect of salt stress tolerance as determined through growth attributes, water status and ion content in (Phaseolus vul-garis. L), the variety of El-Djadida in 6 weeks post stress application. The ex-periment was performed under glasshouse, in controlled conditions, in pots and irrigated with nutrient solution of Hoagland. Plants were irrigated with water containing sodium chloride alone (100 and 200 meq.l-1) combined with sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) (100 and 150 meq.l-1). The results obtained showed that the salt application had a depressive effect on the organic growth however, this trend was dependant on the intensity of the stress. The hydric state of the plant varied with the concentration of sub-strate, thus exhibiting the ability to moderate the sensitive plant to adjust gradually to their osmotic pressure even by maintaining high concentrations of K+. The distribution of Na+, K+ and Ca++ in plant organs leaves and roots highlighted that the high level of salinity increased with levels of Na+ which inhibited the absorption of Ca++ and K+ ions.

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