[Exposure of Adolescents to Leisure-Time Noise: Results of the First Follow-Up of the Ohrkan Cohort Study]. / Belastung mit Freizeitlärm unter jungen Erwachsenen: Ergebnisse des ersten Follow-Up der Ohrkan-Kohortenstudie.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of changes in leisure noise exposure among adolescents during 2.5 years of follow-up. METHODS: The analysis is based on the Ohrkan cohort study. A total of 2 149 9th graders in the City of Regensburg (mostly aged 15-16 years) were recruited between 2009-2011. At 2.5-year follow-up, the participants were asked again about leisure noise exposure. Both at baseline (O-I) and in the follow-up (O-II), self-reported frequency of participation in noisy activities was combined with literature-based values of usual sound levels to calculate the total weekly noise exposure. This exposure was compared to the lower exposure action value (lEAV) of 80 dB(A) given by the occupational health and safety regulations. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with leisure noise exposure above the lEAV. RESULTS: Exposure data from both time points were available for 1 704 adolescents (54% female). The percentage of participants who were exposed to leisure noise exceeding the lEAV increased from 75 to 92% due to more persons visiting discotheques in O-II. In both surveys, the activity reported by the highest percentage of participants and with the longest exposure duration was listening to pop music via portable listening devices (PLD) although the proportion of users decreased slightly. Not being a pupil affected PLD use at volume levels >80 dB (A) whereas older age was associated with noise exposure in discotheques. CONCLUSIONS: O-II shows that adolescents are engaged in leisure activities under harmful noise levels and that noise exposure sources are changing with age. These issues should be considered in the developing of prevention programs.

[Predictors of Health-related Quality of Life in Bavarian Preschool Children]. / Prädiktoren gesundheitsbezogener Lebensqualität bei bayerischen Einschulungskindern.

BACKGROUND: Little data are available on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children in Germany at the age of school enrollment. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to investigate the HRQOL of children during school enrollment and to determine its predictors with special focus on environmental factors. METHODS: Data from the fifth survey of the Health-Monitoring-Units (GME) conducted in Bavaria (2010/2011) were analyzed. Parent-reported data on HRQOL using the KINDL-R(evised), the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), socio-demographic characteristics and characteristics of the living environment were assessed. RESULTS: The sample included a total of 3,744 children (45.9% female; mean age: 6.0; SD=0.4). Girls had significantly higher values than boys in total HRQOL (83.7 vs. 82.4, p ≤0.0001) and in all KINDL-R subscales except "psychological well-being" and "physical well-being". For the latter, boys had significantly higher values than girls (84.1 vs. 82.9, p=0.0103). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that parental annoyance with air or noise pollution, possibility for children to safely play outside and the time a child is outside on weekdays in the summertime were significant predictors of total HRQOL measured by the KINDL-R. Obesity was not linked to HRQOL. Children with migration background had significantly higher values in the subscales "family" and "friends". CONCLUSIONS: Environmental factors are associated with HRQOL in children at the age of school enrollment but only partially of relevant use. Although they show significant associations, their explanatory power of the variability observed is rather limited.

Children's exposure to second-hand smoke before and after the smoking ban in Bavaria-a multiple cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The federal state of Bavaria, Germany enforced a comprehensive smoking ban across all enclosed public areas in 2008 to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke (SHS). Evidence against displacement of smoking to homes is abundant, however long-term assessments are few. We aim to report prevalence of children's SHS exposure before and after the ban, parental smoking behaviour and exposure risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional data of children aged 5-6 years old in Bavaria (n = 22 944) were collected in 2004/5 and 2005/6 (S1 and S2) before the ban and after in 2008/9 and 2012/13 (S4 and S6). Parents reported their child's home SHS exposure, in enclosed public areas and private cars. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression assessed changes across time and predicted risk factors. RESULTS: Children's home SHS exposure before the ban was 14.3% (S1), 14.1% (S2) and 12.8% (S4) directly after the ban to 7.2% (S6) (P<0.0001). The proportion of homes where at least one parent smoked significantly reduced from 12.78% (S1) to 4.94% (S6) (P<0.0001) and homes with voluntary smoke-free rules increased. Exposure in cafes, restaurants and private cars also decreased. No significant changes in the proportion of parents that ceased smoking due to the ban were found. Among others, low parental education, crowding and unemployment were risk factors for higher SHS exposure. CONCLUSION: Since the smoking ban, no long-term displacement of SHS to homes was observed. Social smoking norms appear to have shifted in favour of the ban. Social inequalities still exist and should be addressed to further minimise SHS exposure.

Early indication of noise-induced hearing loss from PMP use in adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis.

CONTEXT: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) may indicate preclinical noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in adolescents from unsafe personal music player (PMP) use. AIMS: The objective, therefore, was to observe preclinical signs of NIHL in 9th grade adolescents with clinically normal hearing by comparing DPOAE signals between different levels of A-weighted equivalent PMP exposure. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Subjects were recruited from all secondary-level schools located in the city of Regensburg, Germany during two academic years 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A-weighted equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLs) for a 40-hour work week (LAeq,40h) were estimated from questionnaire responses on output and duration of PMP use of the previous week. Subjects were then categorized into four levels of exposure: <80, 80-85, >85 to <90, and ≥90 A-weighted Decibel [dB(A)]. DPOAE signals were collected by trained audiological staff, applying a standard optimized protocol, at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University Hospital Regensburg. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Mean DPOAE signals were compared between levels by unpaired t test. Novel linear regression models adjusting for other leisure noise exposures and with outcome variables DPoutcome and 4 kilo Hertz (kHz) DPOAEs estimated effects between levels. RESULTS: A total of 1468 subjects (56% female, mostly aged 15 or 16 years) were available for analysis. Comparison of DPOAE means by PMP exposure typically showed no greater than 1 dB difference between groups. In fact, comparisons between ≥90 dB(A) and <80 dB(A) presented the least differences in magnitude. Both DPoutcome and 4 kHz linear regression models presented a weak association with the 4-level PMP exposure variable. An expected dose-response to PMP exposure was not observed in any analyses. CONCLUSIONS: DPOAE signal strength alone cannot indicate preclinical NIHL in adolescents.

[Respiratory and allergic diseases of children : Temporal trends, urban-rural differences, and in association with environmental tobacco smoke exposure]. / Atemwegs- und Allergieerkrankungen bei Kindern : Zeitliche Trends, Stadt-Land-Unterschiede und Assoziationen mit einer Tabakrauchexposition.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ten years after the establishment of health monitoring units (GME) in Bavaria, temporal trends and urban-rural differences in parent-reported respiratory and allergic diseases as well as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in preschoolers were analyzed in an explorative manner. Furthermore, associations between diseases and ETS exposure were studied. METHODS: Parent questionnaires were used as part of the school entrance examination in two cross sectional studies (S1:2004/2005, n 1 = 6350; S2:2012/2013, n 2 = 5052). Temporal trends and urban-rural-differences were tested by X2 tests. Associations between diseases and exposures were studied using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of atopic dermatitis declined from S1-S2 from 12.4 to 11.1 %, whereas those for hay fever, asthma, bronchitis and pseudocroup remained stable. In S1 and S2, bronchitis was less often reported in cities. The other diseases showed no urban-rural differences. The prevalence of children's ETS exposure at home declined from S1-S2 from 14.3 to 7.2 % and was generally higher in cities than in rural regions. There was no positive association between diseases and children's ETS exposure at home. In S2 an association was found between asthma and current parental smoking (OR = 1.60; 95 % CI = (1.10-2.32)). CONCLUSION: The GME provide important data for regional distribution of respiratory and allergic diseases and ETS exposure of preschoolers in Bavaria. The results of the study are important for further development of questionnaires, which will be used in future GME.

Quantification of ETS exposure in hospitality workers who have never smoked.

BACKGROUND: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) was classified as human carcinogen (K1) by the German Research Council in 1998. According to epidemiological studies, the relative risk especially for lung cancer might be twice as high in persons who have never smoked but who are in the highest exposure category, for example hospitality workers. In order to implement these results in the German regulations on occupational illnesses, a valid method is needed to retrospectively assess the cumulative ETS exposure in the hospitality environment. METHODS: A literature-based review was carried out to locate a method that can be used for the German hospitality sector. Studies assessing ETS exposure using biological markers (for example urinary cotinine, DNA adducts) or questionnaires were excluded. Biological markers are not considered relevant as they assess exposure only over the last hours, weeks or months. Self-reported exposure based on questionnaires also does not seem adequate for medico-legal purposes. Therefore, retrospective exposure assessment should be based on mathematical models to approximate past exposure. RESULTS: For this purpose a validated model developed by Repace and Lowrey was considered appropriate. It offers the possibility of retrospectively assessing exposure with existing parameters (such as environmental dimensions, average number of smokers, ventilation characteristics and duration of exposure). The relative risk of lung cancer can then be estimated based on the individual cumulative exposure of the worker. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, having adapted it to the German hospitality sector, an existing mathematical model appears to be capable of approximating the cumulative exposure. However, the level of uncertainty of these approximations has to be taken into account, especially for diseases with a long latency period such as lung cancer.

Developing and analysing a curriculum map in Occupational- and Environmental Medicine.

BACKGROUND: During the last 5 years a fundamental curriculum reform was realized at the medical school of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University. In contrast to those efforts, the learning objectives were not defined consistently for the curriculum and important questions concerning the curriculum could not be answered. This also applied to Occupational and Environmental Medicine where teachers of both courses were faced with additional problems such as the low number of students attending the lectures.The aims of the study were to develop and analyse a curriculum map for Occupational and Environmental Medicine based on learning objectives using a web-based database.Furthermore we aimed to evaluate student perception about the curricular structure. METHODS: Using a web-based learning objectives database, a curriculum map for Occupational and Environmental Medicine was developed and analysed. Additionally online evaluations of students for each course were conducted. RESULTS: The results show a discrepancy between the taught and the assessed curriculum. For both curricula, we identified that several learning objectives were not covered in the curriculum. There were overlaps with other content domains and redundancies within both curricula. 53% of the students in Occupational Medicine and 43% in Environmental Medicine stated that there is a lack of information regarding the learning objectives of the curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the curriculum mapping and the poor evaluation results for the courses suggest a need for re-structuring both curricula.

Detection of Legionella-contaminated aerosols in the vicinity of a bio-trickling filter of a breeding sow facility - A pilot study.

The urbanization of agricultural areas results in a reduction of distances between residential buildings and livestock farms. In the public debate, livestock farming is increasingly criticized due to environmental disturbance and odor nuisance originating from such facilities. One method to reduce odor and ammonia is by exhaust air treatment, for example, by biological exhaust air purification processes with bio-trickling filters filled with tap water. Higher temperatures in the summer time and the generation of biofilms are ideal growth conditions for Legionella. However, there are no studies on the presence of Legionella in the water of bio-trickling filters and the release of Legionella-containing aerosols. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate Legionella in wash water and emitted bioaerosols of a bio-trickling filter system of a breeding sow facility. For this purpose, measurements were carried out using a cyclone sampler. In addition, samples of wash water were taken. Legionella were not found by culture methods. However, using molecular biological methods, Legionella spp. could be detected in wash water as well as in bioaerosol samples. With antibody-based methods, Legionella pneumophila were identified. Further studies are needed to investigate the environmental health relevance of Legionella-containing aerosols emitted by such exhaust air purification systems.

Case-based e-learning in occupational medicine--The NetWoRM Project in Germany.

The aim of the NetWoRM Project is the development, evaluation and implementation of a case-based e-learning tool for occupational medicine to increase the knowledge in clinical aspects of occupational medicine. To date, 19 e-learning cases have been developed. Cases were validated by 2 experts and user evaluated. Results of the user evaluation at 3 German Medical Schools are presented. Of 557 medical students registered for the online course 377 answered the online evaluation form (68%). Depending on the case, the median time spent on a case ranged from 25-43 minutes. Students enjoyed working with the cases and asked to replace more seminars by case-based e-learning. The level of knowledge required to work on the cases was rated high. This was supported by the fact that on median only 47-71% of the questions were answered correctly. Cases focusing on occupational health problems such as needle stick injuries were rated highest with respect to fun, importance for future career and the overall score. Students enjoy working on e-learning cases as an add-on to traditional teaching. Because of the high international interest the NetWoRM project is currently shared on an international base.

Association of sociodemographic and environmental factors with the mental health status among preschool children-Results from a cross-sectional study in Bavaria, Germany.

AIM: It has been reported that a great proportion of mental health disorders have an origin in early childhood. In order to evaluate factors possibly associated with children's health, the health monitoring units have been established since 2004 in six study regions in Bavaria, Germany. The second health monitoring survey, implemented in 2005-06, focuses on the mental health status of preschool children. The goal of this study is (1) to examine the association of sociodemographic and environmental factors with mental health and (2) to analyze the applicability of the results of the health monitoring units to all preschool children in Bavaria by calculating weighting factors. METHODS: Data on 6206 preschool children are available. Logistic regression analysis is applied to analyze possible associations with mental health. A weighting method is applied to correct for deviances compared to the whole population of preschool children in Bavaria (N=132,783). RESULTS: 11% of preschool children show mental health problems. Regarding different indicators of sociodemographic status, low household income [unadjusted OR 3.34, 95% CI: 2.23-4.98] shows the strongest association of mental health problems. Non-accessibility of green space [unadjusted OR 2.74, 95% CI: 1.87-4.00] is also strongly associated with mental health. The results of the unweighted and weighted analysis are similar. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that sociodemographic status and factors in the living environment show associations with mental health of children. Based on the results of the unweighted and weighted analyses, the second health monitoring analysis shows little deviances compared to data of all Bavarian preschool children. Therefore, the results can be compared to all Bavarian preschool children.

No further increase in the parent reported prevalence of allergies in Bavarian preschool children: Results from three cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: After three decades of an increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergies, new findings show a plateau in the prevalence of industrialized nations. The objective of this study was to determine whether there was a change in the parent reported prevalence of asthma and allergies among Bavarian preschool children since 2004. METHODS: A parent questionnaire was administered as part of the Bavarian school entrance examination in three cross-sectional studies from 2004/2005, 2006/2007 and 2012/2013. The questionnaire included items on allergy testing history, identified allergens, symptoms (e.g. wheezing, itchy eyes, rash), medically diagnosed asthma, hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Logistic regression was performed to observe time patterns and adjust for risk factors. RESULTS: Data were available for 6350 (2004/2005), 6483 (2006/2007) and 5052 (2012/2013) individuals. Symptoms and diseases were more frequent in boys, except for allergies which affect the skin. From 2004 to 2012 the parent reported prevalence of asthma (2.6% to 2.8%), hay fever (4.7% to 4.0%) and atopic dermatitis (12.4% to 11.1%) either remained quite stable or decreased not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Results from these three cross-sectional surveys of parent reports suggest that the parent reported prevalences of asthma and allergies are quite stable with small fluctuations since 2004 for Bavarian preschool children. Future research is needed to determine if this trend will continue.

Evaluation of exposure-response relationships for health effects of microbial bioaerosols - A systematic review.

Studies suggest adverse health effects following exposure to bioaerosols in the environment and in particular at workplaces. However, there is still a lack of health-related exposure limits based on toxicological or epidemiological studies from environmental health or from the working environment. The aim of this study was to derive health-based exposure limits for bioaerosols that can protect the general population as group "at risk" via environmental exposure using analysis of peer-reviewed studies related to occupational medicine, indoor air and environmental health. The derivation of exposure limits should be conducted by the members of a bioaerosol expert panel according to established toxicological criteria. A systematic review was performed in Medline (PubMed) including studies containing both data on exposure measurements and observed health outcomes. In addition, literature recommended by the experts was considered. A comprehensive search strategy was generated and resulted in a total of n=1569 studies in combination with the literature recommendations. Subsequently, abstracts were screened using defined exclusion criteria yielding a final number of n=44 studies. A standardized extraction sheet was used to combine data on health effects and exposure to different bioaerosols. After full-text screening and extraction according to the defined exclusion criteria n=20 studies were selected all related to occupational exposures comprising the working areas wood processing, farming, waste processing and others. These studies were analyzed in collaboration with the bioaerosol expert network in terms of suitability for derivation of health-related exposure limits. The bioaerosol expert network concluded that none of the analyzed studies provided suitable dose-response relationships for derivation of exposure limits. The main reasons were: (1) lack of studies with valid dose-response data; (2) diversity of employed measuring methods for microorganisms and bioaerosol-emitting facilities; (3) heterogeneity of health effects; (4) insufficient exposure assessment. However, several indicator parameters and exposure concentrations could be identified for different bioaerosol-emitting facilities. Nevertheless, health-related exposure limits are urgently needed especially in approval procedures of facilities like composting plants or livestock farms emitting bioaerosols in the neighbourhood of residents. In the regulatory toxicology framework, it is common to use animal experimental studies for derivation of general exposure limits if appropriate environmental epidemiological studies on harmful substances are lacking. This might be another possibility to obtain health-related exposure limits for specific bioaerosol parameters. Furthermore, we recommend to use suitable measurable outcome parameters related to bioaerosols; to measure bioaerosols according to a protocol representative for exposure pattern and duration at the particular work place; to develop standardized detection methods for indicator parameters; to combine different detection methods to compensate for the limitations of each method; to apply new analysis methods to identify the real risk potential.

Case based e-learning in occupational medicine--a European approach.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the European Union project NetWoRM (Net-based training for Work-Related Medicine) is an international case-based e-learning curriculum for occupational medicine (OM). METHODS: To improve teaching in OM, web-based cases have been created and implemented at the University of Munich since 1999. In the last 5 years, the project has been further developed with a view to implement the methods internationally. RESULTS: Overall, 26 cases were developed in a standard English version and 10 cases each were made available for several national European curricula. The evaluation of cases showed easiness in accepting the cases and high level of interest in working with them. CONCLUSIONS: Case-based e-learning on an international platform is a unique tool, which supports the quality improvement of education and training in OM throughout Europe in the longer term.

The short-term influence of weather on daily mortality in congestive heart failure.

The authors' purpose in this study was to determine whether changes in weather conditions were associated with daily mortality among people aged 65 years and older diagnosed as having congestive heart failure in Montreal, Canada, and who died in the urban area between 1984 and 1993. The authors used a time-stratified case-crossover design and adjusted the models for nitrogen dioxide and ozone. They found a strong nonlinear association with maximum temperature in the warmer months of the year, with a threshold at about 25 degrees C. The authors observed no associations after lag 3 days. In the cold period, they found that risks increased linearly with increasingly colder temperatures, but only after lag 2 days. The authors found no associations with relative humidity. For change in barometric pressure from the previous day, they found no associations in the cold period, but an increase in pressure from the previous day increased risk for lags 0 or 1 days. The authors found some differences between men and women.