scholarly journals Airborne toxic exposure and pulmonary outcomes among petrochemical complex workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Jalilian ◽  
Ahmad Mirzaei ◽  
Soroush khojasteh ◽  
Elias jafarpour ◽  
Fazel Rajabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Toxic Exposure ◽  
Airborne Pollution ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Petrochemical Complex ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Airborne Concentration ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Petrochemical workers are exposed to a variety of airborne toxic compounds which have been associated with increased risk for respiratory outcomes. However, long-term exposure to SO2, NO2, O3, H2S and NH3 in relation to spirometric parameters and self-reported respiratory problems is largely unknown. Methods Airborne concentration levels of SO2, NO2, O3, H2S and NH3 were collected from two fixed stations over a 3-year period in a petrochemical complex. We assessed spirometric parameters and respiratory symptoms in the petrochemical workers (n = 200) and in an unexposed group (n = 200). We calculated β-coefficients (β) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) before and after adjustment for covariates. Results The mean airborne pollution levels were 159 µg/m3 for SO2, 43 µg/m3 for NO2, 66 µg/m3 for O3, 6 µg/m3 for H2S, and 24 µg/m3 for NH3. We found a significant reduction in spirometric parameters among petrochemical workers compared to the unexposed: FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1s) (adjusted β -12; 95%CI -16, -7.64), FEV1/ FVC (forced vital capacity) (β -7.26; 95%CI -9.23, -5.28), and PEF (peak expiratory flow) (β -6.61; 95%CI -12, -0.76). Additionally, we observed higher adjusted risks for any respiratory symptom (OR 4.69; 95%CI 1.76, 12), mucus (OR 4.36; 95%CI 1.70, 11) and shortness of breath (OR 15; 4.95, 46) among petrochemical workers compared to the unexposed group. Conclusions Most measured airborne pollution levels were within the ambient recommendation levels. Still, long-term exposure to low level airborne pollutants, reduced FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF, and increased respiratory symptoms in Iranian petrochemical workers compared to unexposed controls.

Building a Home: Everyday Placemaking in a Toxic Neighborhood

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 709-727
Author(s):  
Maricarmen Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Land Tenure ◽  
Petrochemical Industry ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Toxic Exposure ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Housing Stability ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
Petrochemical Complex ◽  
Extended Exposure

Why do residents of a contaminated area actively organize to formalize their land tenure and continually invest scarce resources in the fortification of their homes, despite their high-risk locations? Existing research documents the collective struggles of residents of contaminated communities to leave toxic areas or to confront polluting industries. Drawing from long-term ethnographic fieldwork in an informal settlement located next to a highly polluting petrochemical complex in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, this article presents the case of a marginalized community that is not only well-aware of its toxic exposure but also actively organizing and investing time and resources to ensure its permanence in the area. This article shows that the strenuous circumstances under which families moved into the neighborhood after multiple displacements, their continued struggle to remain there along with their longing for housing stability have contributed to their extended exposure to the poisonous toxic externalities of the neighboring petrochemical industry.

scholarly journals Upper and Lower Respiratory Signs and Symptoms in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Flour Dust

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7075
Author(s):  
Maria Angiola Crivellaro ◽  
Giancarlo Ottaviano ◽  
Pietro Maculan ◽  
Alfonso Luca Pendolino ◽  
Liviano Vianello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Nasal Cytology ◽  
Flour Dust ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Respiratory Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship

A group of 142 bakers was studied in order to investigate the relationship between higher/lower respiratory signs/symptoms and inflammation biomarkers and occupational exposure to flour dust. A complete upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation was performed. Seven percent of bakers complained of lower respiratory symptoms, while 22% of them complained of upper respiratory symptoms. Fifty five percent of the bakers were allergic, and 37.1% showed sensitization to occupational allergens. Abnormal spirometries were found in 15% of bakers, while fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was above the normal reference in 24.5% of them. Moreover, 23.8% of bakers were found to be hyposmic. Population mean peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was in the normal range even if almost all the workers suffered from neutrophilic rhinitis at nasal cytology with the number of nasal neutrophils increasing with the increase of the duration of exposure to flour dust (p = 0.03). PNIF and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the 1st second) showed a positive correlation (p = 0.03; r = 0.19). The Tiffeneau index decreased with the increase of dust (p = 0.017). A similar result was obtained once we divided our population into smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.021). Long-term exposure to bakery dusts can lead to a status of minimal nasal inflammation and allergy.

Occurrence of respiratory symptoms and lung function deficits among fruit and vegetable market workers

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-106829
Author(s):  
Behzad Heibati ◽  
Maritta S Jaakkola ◽  
Taina K Lajunen ◽  
Alan Ducatman ◽  
Zinat Zafari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of occupational exposures among fruit and vegetable market workers on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and on the level of lung function parameters.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 140 men working as fruit and vegetable market workers (response rate 100%) and a reference group of 77 male office workers as the reference group (response rate 55%) from Shiraz, Iran. The outcomes of interest included occurrence of respiratory symptoms assessed by a standard respiratory questionnaire and lung function assessed by spirometry.ResultsIn Poisson regression analyses, the exposed group showed increased prevalence ratio (PR) of wheezing (adjusted PR 5.32, 95% CI 1.40 to 20.26), after controlling for confounding. Cough (PR 3.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 9.40) and wheezing (PR 9.40, 95% CI 2.28 to 38.64) showed increased PRs among vegetable distributors. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity were significantly decreased among exposed workers after controlling for confounders. The absolute value of FEV1 level was reduced significantly among fruit and vegetable carters (−0.99, 95% CI −1.68 to −0.32) and vegetable (−0.51, 95% CI −0.93 to −0.10) and fruit (−0.51, 95% CI −0.86 to −0.15) distributors in comparison with the reference group in the adjusted full model.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that fruit and vegetable market workers are at an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. Workplace conditions and safety training clearly need improvement, and there is a likely role for proper use of personal protective equipment.

Long-Term Unemployment in Poland in 2008-2012 - Tendencies, Structure and Selected Determinants

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-359
Author(s):  
Leszek Kucharski
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Young People ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Increased Risk

This study presents the structure and tendencies in long-term unemployment in Poland in the years 2008-2012. This study identifies the groups of people with an increased risk of long-term unemployment. The analyses produced the following conclusions. The groups with the highest risk of long-term unemployment include: singles, people aged of 55 and above and people with a low level of education. Young people with university and general secondary education faced the lowest risk of long-term unemployment. 

scholarly journals Occasional and persistent frequent attenders and sickness absences in occupational health primary care: a longitudinal study in Finland

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e024980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiia T M Reho ◽  
Salla A Atkins ◽  
Nina Talola ◽  
Markku P T Sumanen ◽  
Mervi Viljamaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Diagnostic Codes ◽  
Frequent Attenders ◽  
Frequent Attendance ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Working Age

ObjectivesFrequent attenders (FAs) create a substantial portion of primary care workload but little is known about FAs’ sickness absences. The aim of the study is to investigate how occasional and persistent frequent attendance is associated with sickness absences among the working population in occupational health (OH) primary care.Setting and participantsThis is a longitudinal study using medical record data (2014–2016) from an OH care provider in Finland. In total, 59 676 patients were included and categorised into occasional and persistent FAs or non-FAs. Sick-leave episodes and their lengths were collected along with associated diagnostic codes. Logistic regression was used to analyse associations between FA status and sick leaves of different lengths (1–3, 4–14 and ≥15 days).ResultsBoth occasional and persistent FA had more and longer duration of sick leave than non-FA through the study years. Persistent FAs had consistently high absence rates. Occasional FAs had elevated absence rates even 2 years after their frequent attendance period. Persistent FAs (OR=11 95% CI 7.54 to 16.06 in 2016) and occasional FAs (OR=2.95 95% CI 2.50 to 3.49 in 2016) were associated with long (≥15 days) sickness absence when compared with non-FAs. Both groups of FAs had an increased risk of long-term sick leaves indicating a risk of disability pension.ConclusionBoth occasional and persistent FAs should be identified in primary care units caring for working-age patients. As frequent attendance is associated with long sickness absences and possibly disability pensions, rehabilitation should be directed at this group to prevent work disability.

Epidemiological Evidence that Maternal Influenza Contributes to the Aetiology of Schizophrenia

1993 ◽  
Vol 163 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Adams ◽  
R. E. Kendell ◽  
E. H. Hare ◽  
P. Munk-Jørgensen
Keyword(s):  
Data Sets ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Epidemiological Evidence ◽  
Intrauterine Development ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Monthly Incidence ◽  
Maternal Influenza

The epidemiological evidence that the offspring of women exposed to influenza in pregnancy are at increased risk of schizophrenia is conflicting. In an attempt to clarify the issue we explored the relationship between the monthly incidence of influenza (and measles) in the general population and the distribution of birth dates of three large series of schizophrenic patients - 16 960 Scottish patients born in 1932–60; 22 021 English patients born in 1921–60; and 18 723 Danish patients born in 1911–65. Exposure to the 1957 epidemic of A2 influenza in midpregnancy was associated with an increased incidence of schizophrenia, at least in females, in all three data sets. We also confirmed the previous report of a statistically significant long-term relationship between patients' birth dates and outbreaks of influenza in the English series, with time lags of - 2 and - 3 months (the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy). Despite several other negative studies by ourselves and others we conclude that these relationships are probably both genuine and causal; and that maternal influenza during the middle third of intrauterine development, or something closely associated with it, is implicated in the aetiology of some cases of schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Paternal and maternal long-term psychological outcomes after uterine artery embolization for severe post-partum hemorrhage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maude Bernasconi ◽  
Béatrice Eggel-Hort ◽  
Antje Horsch ◽  
Yvan Vial ◽  
Alban Denys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Uterine Artery Embolization ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Artery Embolization ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Post Traumatic

AbstractThis study intend to compare the long-term psychological impact (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder) on both partners between patients that underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) and uneventful deliveries. Women who experienced severe PPH treated by UAE in our institution between 2003 and 2013 were identified in our obstetrical database. These cases were matched to controls with uneventful deliveries. Matching criteria were maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year of delivery, birthweight, gestational age and mode of delivery. Patients and their partners completed validated questionnaires measuring post-traumatic stress (TSQ), as well as depression symptoms (MINI). A total of 63 cases of PPH and 189 matched controls (1:3) participated in a study exploring gynecological and obstetrical outcomes. With a mean of 8 years post-index delivery, patients after PPH showed increased risk of depression (p = 0.015) and post-traumatic stress disorder (22.2% versus 4.8%, p < 0.005) compared to controls. PPH remains strongly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, even after adjustment for depression (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% confidence intervals 1.5–17.5). Similarly, partners of patients with PPH showed a propensity to depression (p = 0.029) and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.5% versus 1.5%, p = 0.019). In conclusion, both women and their partners are at increased risk of long-term psychological adverse outcomes after PPH. Couples may benefit from psychological support.

scholarly journals Long term alterations of growth after antenatal steroids in preterm twin pregnancies

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorsten Braun ◽  
Vivien Filleböck ◽  
Boris Metze ◽  
Christoph Bührer ◽  
Andreas Plagemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Ponderal Index ◽  
Childhood Growth ◽  
Antenatal Steroids ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Infancy And Early Childhood ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the long-term effects of antenatal betamethasone (ANS, ≤16 mg, =24 mg and >24 mg) in twins on infant and childhood growth.MethodsA retrospective cohort follow up study among 198 twins after ANS including three time points: U1 first neonatal examination after birth and in the neonatal period; U7 examination from the 21st to the 24th month of life and U9 examination from the 60th to the 64th month of life using data from copies of the children’s examination booklets. Inclusion criteria are twin pregnancies with preterm labor, cervical shortening, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or vaginal bleeding, and exposure to ANS between 23+5 and 33+6 weeks. Outcome measures are dosage-dependent and sex-specific effects of ANS on growth (body weight, body length, head circumference, body mass index and ponderal index) up to 5.3 years.ResultsOverall, 99 live-born twin pairs were included. Negative effects of ANS on fetal growth persisted beyond birth, altered infant and childhood growth, independent of possible confounding factors. Overall weight percentile significantly decreased between infancy and early childhood by 18.8%. Birth weight percentiles significantly changed in a dose dependent and sex specific manner, most obviously in female-female and mixed pairs. The ponderal index significantly decreased up to 42.9%, BMI index increased by up to 33.8%.ConclusionsANS results in long-term alterations in infant and childhood growth. Changes between infancy and early childhood in ponderal mass index and BMI, independent of dose or twin pair structure, might indicate an ANS associated increased risk for later life disease.SynopsisFirst-time report on long-term ANS administration growth effects in twin pregnancies, showing persisting alterations beyond birth in infant and childhood growth up to 5.3 years as potential indicator of later life disease risk.

scholarly journals Long-Term Physical Health Outcomes of Resettled Refugee Populations in the United States: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayathri S. Kumar ◽  
Jenna A. Beeler ◽  
Emma E. Seagle ◽  
Emily S. Jentes
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Us ◽  
Bhutanese Refugee

AbstractSeveral studies describe the health of recently resettled refugee populations in the US beyond the first 8 months after arrival. This review summarizes the results of these studies. Scientific articles from five databases published from January 2008 to March 2019 were reviewed. Articles were included if study subjects included any of the top five US resettlement populations during 2008–2018 and if data described long-term physical health outcomes beyond the first 8 months after arrival in the US. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria (1.5%). Refugee adults had higher odds of having a chronic disease compared with non-refugee immigrant adults, and an increased risk for diabetes compared with US-born controls. The most commonly reported chronic diseases among Iraqi, Somali, and Bhutanese refugee adults included diabetes and hypertension. Clinicians should consider screening and evaluating for chronic conditions in the early resettlement period. Further evaluations can build a more comprehensive, long-term health profile of resettled refugees to inform public health practice.

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