scholarly journals Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Silica Dust in Mining Workers in Eastern Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farideh Golbabaei ◽  
Abdollah Gholami ◽  
Gholamheidar Teimori-Boghsani ◽  
Mehdi Yaseri ◽  
Mojtaba Kianmehr
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Free Silica

Background and Objective: Silica dust is present in almost all mining operations and can cause various health problems such as silicosis in workers. The present study aimed to determine the total and respirable dust levels and the crystalline silica content of the soil in the breathing zone of workers in Iranian mines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016-2017 on six Iranian silica mines. Dust sampling was performed according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method No. 0600. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers at 114 stations in different units of the mines. The silica content was measured using the standard NIOSH method No. 7601. The crystalline silica content in bulk samples collected from the soil was determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy method. Results: The highest concentration of crystalline silica dust was 2.81±0.49 mg/m3 and was observed in the air of crushing unit of mine no. 6, and the lowest was 0.08±0.208 mg/m3 and was measured in the management/administration unit of mine no.1. The mean silica content in the solid surface of the mines was 91%. The total and respirable dust levels in all units of the mines except management/administration were higher than the permissible limit. The free silica content of all collected samples was substantially higher than the permissible limits, and in some cases, it was as much as 100 times above the standard level, which reflects the extremely high risk of working in these mines. Conclusion: Exposure of workers with crystalline silica dust in all units was higher than the standard recommended limits. It is imperative to adopt immediate measures based on technical, managerial, and personal protection solutions to reduce the exposure of workers to silica.

scholarly journals Relationship of Respirable Dust Exposure to Pulmonary Function among Informal-sector Weavers using Indigo-dyed Cotton

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratanee Kammoolkon ◽  
◽  
Nutta Taneepanichskul ◽  
Surasuk Taneepanichskul ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Occupationally Exposed

Abstract Informal-sector weavers using indigo-dyed cotton are occupationally exposed to respirable dust which may contain contaminants from chemicals used for pH adjustment in the natural indigo fermentation process. The major health problems associated with respirable dust induce pulmonary function impairment and respiratory disease. However, there have been few studies into the respiratory problems of informal-sector weavers in Thailand. This study investigated the link between occupational respirable dust exposure and pulmonary function among weavers using indigo-dyed cotton in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 147 weavers located in Sakon Nakhon province. Respiratory dust (RD) samples were collected from the immediate breathing zone of all weavers. Lung function was measured using a portable spirometer operated by a trained physician and the spirometric results were examined by a pulmonologist before reporting. Most participants were female (98.6%) and the median reported interquartile age (IQR) was 58 (50–62.75) years. Average predicted values for FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were 92.9% (±20.7), 96.7% (±17.9) and 88.3% (±10.8). Of the respiratory function patterns of the 147 weavers, 20 (13.6%) were restrictive, 11 (7.5%) were obstructive and 1 (0.7%) was combined. The average RD concentration (mean ± SD) was 47.9 ± 28.3 μg/m3. Multivariate linear regression models showed an increase of 1 μg/m3 in RD exposure was associated with a 0.179% lower level of FEV1 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.278 to -0.080) and a 0.068 % lower level of FEV1/FVC (95% CI -0.128 to -0.008). Our findings suggested that exposure to respirable dust might impair pulmonary function in informal-sector cotton weavers. Keywords: Indigo-dyed Cotton, Informal-sector Weavers, Occupational Exposure, Pulmonary function, Respirable Dust

scholarly journals Risk assessment of mortality from silicosis and lung cancer in workers of machine factories and traditional brick production workshops with crystalline silica exposure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Rezazahehazari ◽  
F Sahatfardi ◽  
F Zarei ◽  
A Ebrahimi Hariri ◽  
S Salehpour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
T Test ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: Exposure to dust is an essential factor in the brick production industry. Determining the mortality rate from silicosis and lung cancer is very important in exposure to crystalline silica dust. Therefore, this study was conducted to risk assessment of workers in machine factories and traditional brick production workshops. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in a machine factory and five traditional active brick production workshops in Qarchak and Varamin city located in the southeast of Tehran. All employees of a brick-making machine factory (40 people) and five traditional brick-making workshops (30 people) were selected by census sampling. Their exposure to total respiratory dust and respirable crystalline silica was evaluated by the NIOSH0600 method and NIOSH7602 optimal method. Mortality risk assessment from silicosis and lung cancer was performed based on Mannetej and Rice models. Data were analyzed by t-test after entering SPSS19 software. Results: The average concentrations of crystalline silica and total respiratory dust in traditional workshops are 0.651 ±0.69 and 28.27 ± 23.05, and in a machine factory are 0.297± 0.27 and 17.6 ±8.6 mg / m3. The T-test showed a significant difference between the traditional and mechanical brick factory in occupational exposure to total respiratory dust (P=0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in exposure to crystalline silica (P=0.107). In both traditional and machine brick factory, the risk of death from silicosis and lung cancer is unacceptable. Conclusion: The results showed that the industry's mechanization has reduced exposure to total respiratory dust and crystalline silica and reduces the risk of death from lung cancer. But the risk of death from lung cancer and silicosis is still high in both traditional and mechanical factories

scholarly journals Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anila Bello ◽  
Christopher Mugford ◽  
Amanda Murray ◽  
Susan Shepherd ◽  
Susan R Woskie
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Protection Factor ◽  
Dust Suppression

Abstract Objectives Exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD) were investigated during demolition, crushing, and chipping at several Massachusetts construction sites. Methods Personal breathing zone samples (n = 51) were collected on operating engineers working at demolition and crushing sites, laborers performing miscellaneous tasks at demolition sites, crushing machine tenders at crushing sites, and chipping workers at substructure bridge repair sites. Area samples (n = 33) were collected at the perimeter of demolition and crushing sites to assess potential bystanders’ exposures. Exposures ‘with’ and ‘without’ the use of dust suppression methods were compared when possible. RD samples were analyzed for crystalline silica content with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FT-IR) according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7602. Statistical analyses of the exposure data were performed in SAS version 9.4. Results Chipping workers had the highest exposure levels [the geometric mean (GM) time-weighted average (TWA) for RCS was 527 µg/m3 and the GM for RD was 4750 µg/m3]. The next highest exposures were among crushing machine tenders (RCS GM of 93.3 µg/m3 and RD GM of 737.6 µg/m3), while laborers and operating engineers had the lowest exposures (RCS GM of 17.0 and 6.2 µg/m3, respectively). Personal 8-h TWA RCS exposures were higher than the new OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 for 80% of samples collected on chipping workers (n = 31) and 50% of samples collected on crushing machine tenders (n = 8). Operating engineers (n = 9) and laborers (n = 3) had RCS exposures lower than OSHA PEL. The highest concentrations measured would have exceeded the PEL within 15 min chipping and within 2 h of crushing with no further exposure. Chipping workers’ RCS exposures were higher than OSHA PEL even when they were adjusted to account for the assigned protection factor of the half-face N95 cartridge respirators used during chipping. Exposures of crushing tenders were reduced to levels under the OSHA PEL when a water spraying system in crushing machines was utilized, but not when a water cannon machine was used. Area samples at demolition and crushing sites indicate overall lower exposures than the PEL, however, bystander workers at crushing sites could be exposed to higher levels compared to demolition sites. Real-time dust monitoring during demolition indicate very high short-term peak exposures. Conclusions Controlling or reducing crystalline silica exposures to levels under the new OSHA PEL of 50 µg/m3 remains challenging for chipping workers and crushing machine tenders. Even with the use of dust suppression controls, respiratory protection may be required for various tasks.

scholarly journals Occupational Safety and Hygiene of Dentists from Urban and Rural Areas in Terms of Sharp Injuries: Wound Structure, Causes of Injuries and Barriers to Reporting—Cross-Sectional Study, Poland

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Garus-Pakowska ◽  
Mariusz Górajski ◽  
Ewelina Gaszyńska
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Village ◽  
The City

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic.

scholarly journals The precarization of the Mexican nursing labor market: a repeated cross-sectional analysis for the period 2005–2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Aristizabal ◽  
Gustavo Nigenda ◽  
Edson Serván-Mori
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Labor Conditions ◽  
Federal States

Abstract Background Precarization of labor conditions has been expanding over the last three decades as a consequence of global economic transformations. The health workforce labor market is exposed to these transformations as well. In Mexico, analyses of the nursing labor market have documented high levels of unemployment and underemployment; however, precarization has been not considered as a relevant indicator in these analyses. In this study, precarization is analyzed using a quantitative approach to show its prevalence and geographic distribution between 2005 and 2018. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out with data from the population-based National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE in Spanish) which is administered quarterly to people 15 years or older in over 120 000 households. All individuals who reported having nursing training (technical or university level) were selected for this study. Our main variable was labor precariousness, which included three dimensions: (i) economic, (ii) regulatory, and (iii) occupational safety. We show the evolution of the relative weight of nursing activity between the years 2005 and 2018, the main socio-demographic characteristics of nurses as well as their main labor conditions, and the geographic distribution of precariousness for the 32 federal states in México. Results Four of the five indicators of labor precariousness increased among the group of nurses analyzed: (a) the percentage of people with no written contract, (b) the percentage of people with incomes lower than two times the minimum wage, (c) the percentage of nurses without social security, and (d) the percentage of nurses without social benefits. The percentage of nurses that work under some condition of work precariousness increased from 46% in 2005–2006 to 54% in 2018. Finally, the number of states with high precariousness level increased from seven in 2005–2006 to 17 in 2018. Conclusions Throughout Mexico, nursing precariousness has expanded reaching 53% by 2018. The advancement of precarization of nursing jobs implies a reduction in the capacity of the Mexican health system to reach its coverage and care goals as nurses represent 52% of all available workers that provide direct services to the population.

Global Occupational Hazard: Silica Dust

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Airway Diseases ◽  
Safety Programs

One of the oldest industrial diseases, silicosis, results from exposures to respirable crystalline silica, also known as silica dust. Workers worldwide exposed to silica dust span a variety of industries from construction, mining, sandblasting, to masonry, and machinery. In the United States alone 1.7 million workers are exposed to crystalline silica, which can also lead to lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other chronic airway diseases [1]. This paper will examine the health effects of silica dust on the worker, discussing exposure paths, work groups affected, occupational safety measures, worker health policies, and compare these among the developed and developing world. Implementing worker safety programs, which include wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and health monitoring and developing exposure limits, can help mitigate the adverse health risks of working with silica dust. A comparison of the successes and limitations of several programs from around the world will show that strong national occupational safety programs can reduce the mortality and illness rates of silicosis due to occupational silica dust exposure. Without a strong national occupational safety program history shows that workers will remain unprotected until they rally together under tragedy to fight for safety. Before more workers suffer and die tragically and unnecessarily, global safety policy makers can take a lesson from history, examine and compare current programs, and implement strong national occupational safety programs that save lives.

scholarly journals Exposure Assessment To Inhalable And Respirable Dust In The Post-Earthquake Construction Sites In The City Of L’aquila 

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Mastrantonio ◽  
Angela Civisca ◽  
Tamara Lippolis ◽  
Enrica Inglese ◽  
Eugenio Siciliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Dust Concentration ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Inhalable Dust ◽  
The City

Abstract Following an earthquake occurred in the middle Italy in 2009, the involved territory hosted in ten years thousands of construction sites. The aim of this study is to assess the chemical exposure of the construction workers involved in the reconstruction of the city. To assess the exposure we collected 91 air samples to quantify the occupational exposure to airborne dusts and free crystalline silica dusts. Six construction companies joined the study and hosted the air sampling activities. We identified 4 work tasks: bricklayer and similar; scaffolder and carpenter; manual demolition; other tasks. Personal air sampling was performed by using the SKC AirCheck XR5000 sample pumps. Respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica dusts were collected by using a GS-3 Cyclones and 25 mm PVC filters; inhalable dust was collected by using a I.O.M. sampler and 25 mm PVC filters. The analyses were carried out by using gravimetric determination. Sampling time varied from 4 to 8 hours. The geometric mean values of inhalable dust concentration for the work tasks was: 3,65 mg/m 3 for scaffolder and carpenter; 18,16 mg/m 3 for manual demolition workers; 8,76 mg/m 3 for bricklayer and similar; 6,33 mg/m 3 for other work tasks. The geometric mean values of respirable dust concentration for the work tasks was: 0,67 mg/m 3 for scaffolder and carpenter; 0,92 mg/m 3 for manual demolition workers; 0,72 mg/m 3 for bricklayer and similar; 0,45 mg/m 3 for other work tasks. About the Crystalline Free Silica dust exposure, the average concentration in mg/m 3 was: 0,0038 for manual demolition workers, 0,0057 for scaffolder and carpenter, 0,004 for bricklayer and similar, 0,0035 for other tasks. The comparison of the results shows that manual demolition workers are exposed to considerably high levels of inhalable dusts, exceeding the ACGIH TLV-TWA limit of 10 mg/m 3 . About the respirable dust concentration, none of the work tasks dust concentration exceeded the ACGIH TLV-TWA limit of 3 mg/m 3 . Measurements of crystalline silica dust have shown levels below the threshold limit value of 0,025 mg/m 3 . This is in line with the average concentrations of respirable dust.

scholarly journals Knowledge and practice of physicians during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Abou-Abbas ◽  
Zeina Nasser ◽  
Youssef Fares ◽  
Mohammad Chahrour ◽  
Rana El Haidari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Practices

Abstract Background As the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, physicians must be equipped with adequate knowledge, skills on the prevention measures, and confidence in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients. Therefore, it is of great interest to assess the knowledge and practices of Physicians to identify existing gaps and improve occupational safety and viral surveillance. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between 28th March and 11th April 2020. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practice, physicians fear towards COVID-19 as well as their perceptions regarding actions/policies implemented by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and their health care facilities. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the factors associated with good knowledge of COVID-19 and good practice toward its prevention. Adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results Our survey revealed that the majority of Lebanese physicians had good knowledge about the disease (89.5%) while approximately half of the respondents adopted good preventive practices (49.7%). The odds of having good knowledge was 2.16 times higher among physicians aged 40 and above (adjusted OR = 2.16 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.08 to 4.34) compared to their counterparts aged less than 40 years old. Our results also showed that the odds of good practice was 2 times higher among frontline compared to the second line workers (adjusted OR = 2.01 with 95% CI of 1.21 to 3.34). Physicians with an experience of 10 years and above were 3.35 times more likely to have good practice compared to their counterparts (adjusted OR = 3.35 with 95% CI of 1.60 to 7.02). Finally, participants with good knowledge of COVID-19 were 2.04 times more likely to have a good practice (OR = 2.04 with 95% CI of 1.01 to 4.12). Conclusion Lebanese physicians revealed a good level of knowledge; however, they had limited comprehension of the precautionary measures that protect them from this virus. Our findings have important implications for the development of strategies suitable for improving the level of practice among physicians and enhance prevention programs.

scholarly journals Reduced Haematopoietic Output in Automobile Mechanics and Sprayers with Chronic Exposure to Petrochemicals: A Case-Control Study in Cape Coast, Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Adu ◽  
Richard Pobee ◽  
Aaron Awuah ◽  
Paul B. Asiamah ◽  
Festus Amoani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Reticulocyte Count ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Indirect Measure

Background. Automobile mechanics and sprayers are at a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals which may cause adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to use reticulocyte count as an indirect measure of the haematological output in automobile mechanics and sprayers in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Method. This cross-sectional study recruited 130 participants: 90 cases (57 automobile mechanics and 33 automobile sprayers) and 40 controls (nonautomobile workers). Venous blood samples were drawn from the participants and examined for full blood count and absolute reticulocyte count. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and occupational safety information from participants. Results. 75.6% of cases had never received occupational safety training. Whereas 35.1% of automobile mechanics routinely siphoned fuel, 36.4% of automobile sprayers never used nose masks in the discharge of their duties. Controls had significantly higher WBC counts compared to mechanics (p=0.0001; 5.04±1.7 versus 3.81±1.1), or sprayers (p=0.0004; 5.04±1.7 versus 3.74±0.9). Lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts were also significantly higher in controls compared to cases. Whereas RBC counts were significantly higher in controls compared to automobile mechanics (4.85 versus 4.66; p=0.034), haemoglobin levels were significantly higher in automobile sprayers compared to controls (15.13 versus 14.1 g/dl; p=0.0126). Absolute reticulocyte count was significantly higher in controls compared to cases [p<0.0001; (56.88±32.14) × 109/L (controls) versus (25.31±15.75) × 109/L (sprayers) or (33.27±24.42) × 109/L (mechanics)]. Among the cases however, only RBC counts were significantly lower in automobile mechanics compared to automobile sprayers (p=0.0088; 4.66±0.4 versus 4.85±0.5). Conclusion. It was evident that both automobile mechanics and sprayers had significantly reduced haematopoietic output. Occupational safety training is not given priority and must be addressed.

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