scholarly journals Waste Anesthetic Gase : A Forgotten Problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Andi Miarta ◽  
Mayang Indah Lestari ◽  
Zulkifli
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Breathing Circuit ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Anesthesia Machine ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Toxicological Effect ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Hospital Regulation ◽  
Anesthesia Breathing

ABSTRACT Waste anesthetic gas (WAG) is a small amount of inhaled anesthetic gas that comes out of the patient’s anesthesia breathing circuit into the envorinment air while the patient is under anesthesia. According to American Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) more than 200.000 healthcare workers especially aneaesthesiologist, surgery nurse, obstetrician and surgeons are at risk of developing work-related disease due to chronic exposure to WAG. Exposure to WAG in short time associated with multiple problems such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, decrease work efficiency and difficulty with judgment and coordination. While chronic exposure of WAG is associated with genotoxicity, mutagenicity, oxidative stress, fatigue, headache, irritability, nausea, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, immunosuppressive and reproductive toxicological effect. Waste anesthetic gases are known as environmental pollutants and will be released from the OR to the outside environment then the substance will reach the atmosphere damaging ozone layer. Exposure to trace WAG in the perioperative environment cannot be eliminated completely, but it can be controlled. Controlling WAG can be achieve by using scavenging system, proper ventilation, airway management, ideal anesthetic choice, maintaining anesthesia machine and equipment, hospital regulation and routine healthcare workers health status examination.

scholarly journals Waste Anesthetic Gase: A Forgotten Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Andi Miarta ◽  
Mayang Indah Lestari ◽  
Zulkifli
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Breathing Circuit ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Anesthesia Machine ◽  
Toxicological Effect ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Hospital Regulation ◽  
Anesthesia Breathing ◽  
Stress Fatigue

Waste anesthetic gas (WAG) is a small amount of inhaled anesthetic gas that comes out of the patient’s anesthesia breathing circuit into the envorinment air while the patient is under anesthesia. According to American Occupation Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) more than 200.000 healthcare workers especially aneaesthesiologist, surgery nurse, obstetrician and surgeons are at risk of developing work-related disease due to chronic exposure to WAG. Exposure to WAG in short time associated with multiple problems such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, decrease work efficiency and difficulty with judgment and coordination. While chronic exposure of WAG is associated with genotoxicity, mutagenicity, oxidative stress, fatigue, headache, irritability, nausea, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, immunosuppressive and reproductive toxicological effect. Waste anesthetic gases are known as environmental pollutants and will be released from the OR to the outside environment then the substance will reach the atmosphere damaging ozone layer. Exposure to trace WAG in the perioperative environment cannot be eliminated completely,but it can be controlled. Controlling WAG can be achieve by using scavenging system, proper ventilation, airway management, ideal anesthetic choice, maintaining anesthesia machine and equipment, hospital regulation and routine healthcare workers health status examination.

EPEGENTIC TOXICOLOGY: PERSPECTIVES OF THE DEVELOPMENT

2018 ◽  
pp. 2-7
Author(s):  
G. A. Sofronov ◽  
E. L. Patkin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Mechanism Of Formation ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
Time Periods

One of the complex problems of modern experimental toxicology remains the molecular mechanism of formation of human health disorders separated at different time periods from acute or chronic exposure to toxic environmental pollutants (ecotoxicants). Identifying and understanding what epigenetic changes are induced by the environment, and how they can lead to unfavorable outcome, are vital for protecting public health. Therefore, we consider it important a modern understanding of epigenetic mechanisms involved in the life cycle of mammals and assess available data on the environmentally caused epigenetic toxicity and, accordingly fledging epigenenomic (epigenetic) regulatory toxicology.

scholarly journals Tai Chi and workplace wellness for health care workers: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Dorelli ◽  
R A Cocchiara ◽  
G Gholamalishahi ◽  
W Longo ◽  
E Musumeci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract Background Several studies show positive effects of new non-medical therapies known as complementary and alternative medicines, such as the discipline of tai chi. As healthcare professions are among the most vulnerable for work-related stress, this systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between tai chi practice and wellness of healthcare workers. Methods Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were searched in September 2019. Full-text articles, written in English and published after 1995, were recruited if they focused on positive effects of tai chi on the psychophysical wellbeing of healthcare workers, in comparison with alternative techniques (such as yoga or traditional care). Outcomes were reduced work-related stress, better physical and psychological function, improvement in attention and/or productivity; no restrictions about study design were applied. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale on cohort/cross-sectional studies, the Jadad scale for randomized clinical trial, AMSTAR for systematic reviews and CASE REPORT scale for case study. Results 6/111 papers were included: 3 clinical trials, 1 observational study, 1 systematic review and 1 case report. The methodological quality was of medium level. 2/3 trials found a significant increase in individuals' wellbeing and improvements in stress levels and nursing staff’s motivation in their work. In the observational study tai chi was a prevalent mind-body practice to reduce stress. The systematic review suggested that tai chi could be a useful tool to reduce stress-related chronic pain. In case report the effectiveness was observed in medical students. Conclusions This study highlights the full potential and possible benefits derived from tai chi but its application to improve health professionals' wellbeing is still limited, and the absence of a standardized intervention impacts on the methodological quality and reduces the robustness of the retrieved evidence. Key messages Tai chi can improve many pathological conditions and reduce work-related stress. Further research is needed to gain robust evidence of its efficacy for wellbeing of healthcare workers.

Obesity and Work-Related Injuries Among Farmers in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992110266
Author(s):  
Sharon Hunsucker ◽  
Deborah B. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
West Virginia ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Safety Risk ◽  
Farm Work ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Recurrent Injuries

Background Obesity is a recognized risk factor for work-related injuries (WRI). Despite the inherent safety hazards associated with farm work, research on obesity among farmers is limited giving little guidance to occupational health providers on obesity as a risk factor in farm WRI. This study evaluated the association between obesity and farm WRI. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from farmers ( n = 100) in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Data included a survey (demographic data, farm factors, health indicators, occurrences of work-related injuries consistent with the definition of Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] recordable injuries) and direct anthropometric measures (height, weight, and waist circumference). Logistic regression was used to model any work-related injury, injuries consistent with the definition of OSHA recordables (herein called OSHA-recordable injuries), and recurrent injuries occurring during farm work performance on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Findings Twenty-five percent of the participants reported any injuries, and 18% reported OSHA-recordable injuries. Farmers with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 had 3 times the risk for OSHA-recordable injuries and 5 times the risk for recurrent injuries. No significant relationship was identified between waist circumference and farm WRI. Conclusion This study provides evidence that increased BMI is a safety risk for farmers. Prospective studies with a larger sample are needed. Occupational health nurses and providers should educate farmers on the potential safety risk of obesity and implement weight management programs addressing obesity in farmers.

scholarly journals On certain issues related to chronic exposure to occupational noise and impacts exerted by it on workers’ bodies (literature review)

2021 ◽  
pp. 186-196
Author(s):  
V.F. Spirin ◽  
◽  
A.M. Starshov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Work Related

Chronic exposure to noise becomes especially significant when it occurs at workplaces since it results not only in deteriorated life quality of workers but also in disorders in their occupational activities. Occupational sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) holds the 1st rank place among occupational diseases caused by exposure to industrial physical factors. As any other work-related disease, sensorineural hearing loss makes it more difficult to preserve labor resources in the country and leads to significant economic losses. Given that, it is extremely vital to develop procedures for early diagnostics, to determine all possible risks that cause hearing loss directly or indirectly, and to create efficient prevention activities aimed at preserving health of workers exposed to noise at their workplaces. We reviewed literature data published over the last 5–7 years and analyzed more than 100 scientific works on the matter. Our review covers data from 61 sources that are the most relevant regarding tasks we aimed to solve in this research. Literature analysis allowed us to conclude that hearing loss caused by chronic exposure to noise at a workplace was a rather significant problem outlined by occupational medicine experts all over the world. It was shown that noise factor, apart from its direct impacts on the acoustic apparatus, produced apparent negative effects on many organs and systems causing various functional disorders in them which could directly or indirectly exacerbate hearing loss in workers.

scholarly journals A mixed-methods study of risk factors and experiences of healthcare workers tested for the novel coronavirus in Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold Ikedichi Okpani ◽  
Stephen Barker ◽  
Karen Lockhart ◽  
Jennifer Grant ◽  
Jorge Andrés Delgado-Ron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Licensed Practical Nurses ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Community Exposure ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the contribution of occupational and non-work-related factors to the risk of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Vancouver Coastal Health, British Columbia, Canada. We also aimed to examine how HCWs described their experiences.MethodsWe conducted a matched case-control study using data from online and phone questionnaires with optional open-ended questions completed by HCWs who sought SARS-CoV-2 testing between March 2020 and March 2021. Conditional logistic regression and thematic analysis were utilized.ResultsData from 1340 HCWs were included. Free-text responses were provided by 257 respondents. Adjusting for age, gender, race, occupation, and number of weeks since pandemic was declared, community exposure to a known COVID-19 case (adjusted odds ratio -aOR: 2.45; 95% CI 1.67-3.59), and difficulty accessing personal protective equipment -PPE- (aOR: 1.84; 95% CI 1.07-3.17) were associated with higher infection odds. Care-aides/licensed practical nurses had substantially higher risk (aOR: 2.92; 95% CI 1.49-5.70) than medical staff who had the lowest risk. Direct COVID-19 patient care was not associated with elevated risk. HCWs’ experiences reflected the phase of the pandemic when they were tested. Suboptimal communication, mental stress, and situations perceived as unsafe were common sources of dissatisfaction.ConclusionsCommunity exposures and occupation were important determinants of infection among HCWs in our study. The availability of PPE and clear communication enhanced a sense of safety. Varying levels of risk between occupational groups call for wider targeting of infection prevention measures. Strategies for mitigating community exposure and supporting HCW resilience are required.

Altered Protein Expressions in Chronic PCB-153–Induced Human Liver (HepG2) Cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somiranjan Ghosh ◽  
Supriyo De ◽  
Sisir K. Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Human Liver ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Regulator Protein ◽  
Blue Growth ◽  
Growth Assay ◽  
Related Proteins

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent and widely distributed environmental pollutants that have various deleterious effects, e.g., neurotoxic, endocrine disruption and reproductive abnormalities, including cancers. Chronic exposure to environmentally hazardous chemicals like PCBs is of great concern to human health. It has been reported earlier that apoptotic proteins change in rats under chronic PCB treatment. It is of importance to determine if chronically exposed human cells develop a different protein expression. In the present study, the authors chronically exposed metabolically competent human liver (HepG2) cells at 50 to 100 μM to examine the role of the well-known environmentally hazardous pollutant non-coplanar 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) to study cell death. After 12 weeks of exposure these cells showed significant changes in apoptotic death in subsequent trypan blue growth assay, fluorescence microscopy, DNA fragmentation, and immunoblotting studies. Interestingly, chronically exposed cells showed marked differences in apoptotic and/or death-related proteins (e.g., Bcl2, Bak, and the pro and active forms of caspase-9, which were up-regulated), in contrast to acutely exposed (i.e., 48-h PCB-153 exposed) cells, which maintained linear growth despite repeated exposures. Similarly, tumor suppressor protein p53, proto-oncogene c- myc, and cell cycle regulator protein p21 were also up-regulated compared to nonchronically exposed HepG2 Cells. The results indicated that PCB-153–induced chronic exposure significantly altered different apoptotic (e.g., Bcl2, Bak, caspase-3) and tumor suppressor (e.g., p21, p53, and c-myc) proteins in the cellular model. These results suggest that chronic exposure to PCB-153 can induce cell survival by altering several apoptotic and tumor suppressor proteins.

scholarly journals Not sick enough to worry? "Influenza-like" symptoms and work-related behavior among healthcare workers and other professionals: Results of a global survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0232168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermira Tartari ◽  
Katja Saris ◽  
Nikki Kenters ◽  
Kalisvar Marimuthu ◽  
Andreas Widmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Work Related

scholarly journals Burnout among Portuguese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivone Duarte ◽  
Andreia Teixeira ◽  
Luísa Castro ◽  
Sílvia Marina ◽  
Carla Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Work Related ◽  
High Workload

Abstract Background During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have had high workload and have been exposed to multiple psychosocial stressors. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCWs in terms of the relative contributions of socio-demographic and mental health variables on three burnout dimensions: personal, work-related, and client-related burnout. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire spread via social networks. A snowball technique supported by health care institutions and professional organizations was applied. Results A total of 2008 subjects completed the survey. Gender, parental status, marriage status, and salary reduction were found to be significant factors for personal burnout. Health problems and direct contact with infected people were significantly associated with more susceptibility to high personal and work-related burnout. Frontline working positions were associated with all three dimensions. Higher levels of stress and depression in HCWs were significantly associated with increased levels of all burnout dimensions. Higher levels of satisfaction with life and resilience were significantly associated with lower levels of all burnout dimensions. Conclusions All three burnout dimensions were associated with a specific set of covariates. Consideration of these three dimensions is important when designing future burnout prevention programs for HCWs.

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