Impact of Earthquakes on Lung Health.

Earthquakes are catastrophic natural disasters that cause extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupt the lives of millions worldwide. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological damage caused by earthquakes, these events can significantly impact respiratory health. The inhalation of dust, smoke, particulates, toxic gases, and asbestos exposure can lead to various respiratory health pathologies. These include respiratory infections, exacerbations of pre-existing respiratory diseases, chest traumas, and pulmonary and venous thromboembolism. Longitudinal studies are necessary to assess the long-term respiratory health effects in affected populations. By addressing these knowledge gaps, future mitigation strategies and preparedness measures can be developed to minimize the respiratory health impacts of earthquakes and improve the well-being of affected communities. Robust building infrastructure and comprehensive earthquake preparedness are emerging as the most important determinants for not only mitigating building collapse but also significantly reducing the potential health impacts that follow. This comprehensive review aims to provide a systematic overview of the lung health impacts of earthquakes. It highlights the need for further research to identify specific pollutants, air contaminants, and environmental factors contributing to respiratory health issues following earthquakes.

An Investigation of Latex Sensitivity and Respiratory Complaints in Workers in a Rubber-Based Material Manufacturing Industry.

OBJECTIVE: To present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of latex sensitivity in a workplace that produced rubber-based vehicle seals. METHOD: The serum latex-specific IgE levels, respiratory complaints, PFT, serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 levels of all male workers (n = 108) exposed to latex in the workplace, which produced rubber seals, were compared with the control group (n = 52). RESULTS: The rates of latex-specific IgE >0.10 kU/L in the workers and control group were 12.3% and 4.1%, respectively ( P = 0.147). There was no difference in IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 levels between latex-specific IgE-positive, and -negative participants. CONCLUSION: Latex sensitivity was higher in workers who used rubber as a raw material than in the control group but it was not statistically significant.

The Relationship Between Respiratory Complaints and Urine Aluminum Levels in Aluminum Factory Workers.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective case-control study aimed to investigate the forms and conditions of respiratory effects in workers working in an Aluminum Profile Factory. METHODS: All male (42 person, mean age: 32.2 ± 6.9) workers working in an Aluminum Profile Factory were compared with 33 controls. RESULTS: The urinary aluminum levels of the workers were significantly higher than the control group. Complaints of cough, sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing were statistically significantly higher than the control group. In aluminum workers, those with dyspnea had a significantly higher urinary Al level than those without dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: It is thought that primary and secondary prevention are both important in the workplaces with aluminum exposure. Urinary aluminum level monitoring could be key to protecting the respiratory health of the workers.

An assessment of post-COVID-19 infection pulmonary functions in healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: The medium- and long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on pulmonary function are still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the pulmonary functions in healthcare professionals who had persistent complaints after contracting COVID-19 and returning to work. METHODS: The study included COVID-19-infected healthcare professionals from the Düzce University Medical Faculty Hospital who volunteered to participate. Medical histories, medical records, pulmonary function tests, the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) test, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to collect data from all participants. RESULTS: The study included 53 healthcare professionals, with an average age of 38 ± 10 years (min: 24 years and max: 71 years), including 29 female (54.7%) and 24 male (45.3%) participants. Of the participants, 22.6% were smokers, 35.8% (19 individuals) had comorbidities, and 17% (9 individuals) were hospitalized. The mean length of stay was 9 ± 4 days (mean ± standard deviation). The most prevalent symptoms were weakness (88.7%), muscle aches (67.9%), inability to smell/taste (60.4%), headache (54.7%), fever (45.3%), cough (41.5%), and shortness of breath (37.7%). The mean time to return to work after a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 was 18 ± 13 days. The average time among post-disease pulmonary function, 6MW, and DLCO tests was 89 ± 36 days (min: 15 and max: 205). The DLCO level decreased in 39.6% (21) of the participants. Female participants had a significantly higher rate of decreased DLCO levels than male participants (25% vs. 55.2%, P = .026). DLCO levels were significantly higher in participants with long-term persistent complaints (P = .043). The later the time to return to work, the lower the DLCO value (r = -0.290 and P = .035). The 6MWT distance was positively correlated with hemoglobin and lymphocyte levels at the time of the disease onset and negatively correlated with D-dimer levels. The most prevalent symptoms during the control visits were shortness of breath/effort dyspnea (24.6%), weakness (9.5%), and muscle aches (7.6%). CONCLUSION: Significant persistent complaints (47.2%) and low DLCO levels (39.6%) were observed in healthcare professionals during control visits at a mean time of 3 months after the COVID-19 infection. Symptoms and spirometry measurements, including DLCO, may be helpful in the follow-up of healthcare professionals who contracted COVID-19. Further comprehensive studies with long-term follow-up periods are required.

COVID-19 infection rates among transportation and metal workers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the workers in the metal and transportation sectors in terms of COVID-19 infection frequency and to examine and establish links between infection frequency and the workplace working conditions. METHODS: A survey was prepared and conducted with a questionnaire prepared on the Google Form platform consisting of questions about the pandemic among the members of the All Transport Workers' and The United Metalworkers' Union in Turkey. RESULTS: The number of workers diagnosed with COVID-19 was 5.8% in the transportation sector and 2.8% in the metal sector, with a significant difference (p=0.036). The percentage of workers diagnosed with COVID-19 who worked at a physical proximity less than 2 m in the transportation sector was higher than those who worked in the metal sector (p=0.014). The proportion of those who stated that there were COVID-19 patients among their colleagues and working at a physical proximity less than 2 m at the workplace was 18.2% in the transportation and 10.6% in the metal sector, with a significant difference (p=0.003), those who took time off from work was 74%, but 28.5% successively (p<0.001). The share of those who thought that the protective equipment and/or measures were not sufficient during the pandemic was 41.9% in the transportation and 17.7% in the metal sector (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results emphasized that the characteristics of jobs, physical proximity during job hours, the use of protective equipment, and size of the workplaces should be considered as reasons for different infection risks in different sectors.

Pitfalls of using the ILO classification for silicosis compensation claims.

BACKGROUND: The International Labour Organization (ILO) Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses is used as the primary tool to determine compensation for pneumoconiosis in Turkey. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate how the ILO classification applied, but obtaining chest radiographs in the workplace for screening until the completion of compensation claim files by the referral centres, based on the ILO reading. METHODS: The study included 320 digital chest radiographs previously taken for screening from eight different ceramic factories and having finalised claim files by referral centres. We used an expert reference panel consisting of five ILO readers to re-evaluate all the radiographs independently using ILO standard films and reached a conclusion based on the agreement among at least three readers. The evaluation primarily included technical quality and silicosis diagnosis with an ILO 1/0 or above small profusion. The results were compared with previous findings. RESULTS: Sixty-three (20%) chest radiographs were unacceptable for classification purposes according to the ILO technical quality grades. Among the remaining 257 chest radiographs, we diagnosed 103 with silicosis (40%), while the referral centres diagnosed 182 (71%). A discrepancy was found between our results and previous evaluations. We diagnosed silicosis in 50% and 17% of the previous silicosis and normal evaluations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the use of the ILO classification for compensation claims may be problematic due to the way of its implementation in Turkey in addition to its subjectivity.

COVID-19 infection rates among transportation and metal workers

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the workers in the metal and transportation sectors in terms of COVID-19 infection frequency and to examine and establish links between infection frequency and the workplace working conditions. METHODS: A survey was prepared and conducted with a questionnaire prepared on the Google Form platform consisting of questions about the pandemic among the members of the All Transport Workers' and The United Metalworkers' Union in Turkey. RESULTS: The number of workers diagnosed with COVID-19 was 5.8% in the transportation sector and 2.8% in the metal sector, with a significant difference (p=0.036). The percentage of workers diagnosed with COVID-19 who worked at a physical proximity less than 2 m in the transportation sector was higher than those who worked in the metal sector (p=0.014). The proportion of those who stated that there were COVID-19 patients among their colleagues and working at a physical proximity less than 2 m at the workplace was 18.2% in the transportation and 10.6% in the metal sector, with a significant difference (p=0.003), those who took time off from work was 74%, but 28.5% successively (p<0.001). The share of those who thought that the protective equipment and/or measures were not sufficient during the pandemic was 41.9% in the transportation and 17.7% in the metal sector (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results emphasized that the characteristics of jobs, physical proximity during job hours, the use of protective equipment, and size of the workplaces should be considered as reasons for different infection risks in different sectors.

Clinical and polysomnographic evaluation of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with sarcoidosis and related clinical factors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis in our clinic were evaluated for OSA risk during sleep using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin questionnaire, STOP and STOP-BANG questionnaires, and polysomnography (PSG). RESULTS: A total of 60 sarcoidosis patients (mean age: 50 ± 11 years, 45 (75%) women) were included in the study. Polysomnography was performed in 54 cases and revealed the diagnosis of OSA in 70% (38/54) of the patients. The mean age was higher in patients with sarcoidosis and OSA (54 ± 11 vs. 47 ± 13, p = 0.041) and body mass index values were significantly higher as well (31.9 ± 4.4 vs, 29.0 ± 4.6 kg/m2, p = 0.034). Polysomnography revealed a higher rate of OSA in patients with sarcoidosis who had high-risk scores in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, STOP questionnaire, and STOP-BANG questionnaire (p = 0.024, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Based on polysomnography, OSA was detected in 39% (5/13) with stage 1 sarcoidosis, 78% (28/36) with stage 2, and in all cases (5/5) with stage 3. OSA frequency and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were determined to increase with advanced sarcoidosis stage (p = 0.003, p = 0.043, respectively). AHI was positively correlated with sarcoidosis stage (p = 0.003, r = 0.391). The prevalence of OSA was significantly higher in patients receiving treatment compared to treatment-naïve patients (88% vs. 57%, p = 0.018). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the stage of the disease (p = 0.026) to be the single independent risk factor associated with increased risk of OSA in patients with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: High rates of OSA were detected in sarcoidosis, increasing with the advanced disease stage. The findings suggest that patients with sarcoidosis and advanced age, obesity, steroid treatment, and involvement of lung parenchyma (stages 2 and 3) should be evaluated for OSA risk. Further investigations are needed to establish the potential causes of the high prevalence of OSA in sarcoidosis.

Factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and establish the relationship between compliance and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with OSA using PAP devices were questioned about the complaints related to the device. Depression and anxiety scales along with PFT parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 98 participants, 63% were men. The mean age was 52.0 ± 9.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were compliant with their devices. A significant difference was observed between the proportion of the participants compliant or non-compliant with the device, based on OSA severity (p < 0.05). Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) scores of the compliant patients were significantly lower than those of the non-compliant patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.044, respectively). No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups regarding individual pulmonary function tests (p > 0.05). The rates of nasal mask use, not having difficulty in tolerating CPAP, falling asleep, absence of abdominal distension, no facial sores, no air leakage, patients benefiting from the device, reduction in daytime sleepiness, and the belief that they are receiving appropriate therapy in participants compliant with the device were higher than those in non-compliant participants (p < 0.05). The rates of claustrophobia and discomfort due to pressure were significantly lower in patients compliant with the device than in the non-compliant patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While no relationship was detected between PFT parameters and PAP therapy compliance, significant factors affecting the device compliance were detected.

COVID-19 in Turkish health care workers practicing chest medicine

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the data of Turkish health care workers practicing chest medicine on their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) status and related parameters. METHODS: This descriptive study included online survey data that the Turkish Thoracic Society conducted with its members in two phases starting in June and December 2020. The 33-item survey included demographic data, smoking status, the presence of any chronic diseases, occupation, working status, and non-work-related and work-related COVID-19 exposure characteristics. RESULTS: Of 742 responses, 299 (40.3%) reported that they had contracted COVID-19. The second survey detected a higher frequency of health care workers who had contracted COVID-19 (12.1% versus 57.4%, p<0.001) than the first survey. The analysis of the association between study parameters and COVID-19 in health care workers using logistic regression revealed statistical significance with working at the onset of the outbreak (OR 3.76, 95%CI 1.09-12.98, p=0.036), not working at the time of survey (OR 5.69, 95%CI 3.35-9.67, p<0.001), COVID-19 history in colleagues (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.51-3.41, p<0.001), any non-work-related COVID-19 exposure (OR 4.72, 95%CI 2.74-8.14, p<0.001), COVID-19 exposure at home (OR 6.52, 95%CI 3.52-12.08, p<0.001), and COVID-19 history in family members (OR 8.16, 95%CI 5.52-12.08, p<0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. The study also observed an inverse relationship between the use of aprons and goggles and COVID-19 in health care workers. CONCLUSION: Occupational and nonoccupational characteristics are related to COVID-19 in health care workers practicing chest medicine. Therefore, active surveillance to detect health care workers contracting COVID-19 and to document and control occupational and nonoccupational risks should be provided.

The relationship between particulate matter and childhood respiratory complaints and peak expiratory flows in Harran agricultural area.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many studies have evaluated the increasing incidence of asthma and chronic respiratory diseases among children living close to rural areas with pesticide application. Pesticide exposure in 266 children (126 girls and 140 boys) in Sanliurfa, a cotton-producing province in Turkey, was explored in this work. Four different villages spread over 40 km2 were included. METHODS: Measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF) in 266 children were conducted in late June, before intensive pesticide applications in the cotton-producing fields. The measurements were repeated for 72 of 266 children after pesticide application in late August. PEF, particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM < sub > 2.5 < /sub > ), particulate matter with diameter less than 10 µm (PM < sub > 10 < /sub > ), temperature, humidity, and wind speed were measured. RESULTS: After pesticide application, mean PM < sub > 2.5 < /sub > and PM < sub > 10 < /sub > values were significantly increased compared to before pesticide application (p < 0.001 for both parameters). After pesticide exposure, nasal discharge, sneezing, burning and itching in the eyes, cough, sputum production, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness were significantly increased (p < 0.001). The mean PEF value was demonstrated to decrease significantly after pesticide application (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant negative correlations were noted between PEF and PM < sub > 10 < /sub > and between PEF and PM < sub > 2.5 < /sub > (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive pesticide application causes respiratory dysfunction and increased respiratory complaints in children living near the affected agricultural areas, and impacts quality of life adversely. The results of this work can be used to develop an early warning system and methods to prevent respiratory disorders in children residing in the study area.

The Perspective of the Turkish Thoracic Society Members on Institutional Preparedness During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the perspective of the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) members regarding institutional preparedness, in terms of administrative measures and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), in the first and third months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 22-item online survey was e-mailed between the first and third months to TTS members, and participants' responses were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of participants was 295 in the first survey and 141 in the second. In the second survey, the percentage of answers implying availability increased in all 18 control measures, 16 of which were statistically significant. However, there were still less than half of the respondents who reported the availability of psychological and behavioral support and some PPE, including respirators, facial protectors, goggles, and gowns. Statistical significance was observed for provision of a waiting area (P = .008), rooms for aerosol-generating procedures (P = .042), and special wards for patients with suspected or definite COVID-19 (P < .001); testing healthcare workers (HCWs) with a history of contact with a COVID-19 case (P < .001); and surveillance of symptomatic HCWs (P = .048), between tertiary vs. primary and secondary healthcare facilities in the first survey, but provision of special wards (P = .002) and supply for aprons (P = .027) in the second survey. CONCLUSION: Our results showed an improvement in control measures in the third month of the pandemic. However, the persistent low availability of psychological and behavioral support and several items of PPE pointed out the need for action. Considering the health and safety of HCWs, the control measures should be actively monitored and deficiencies eliminated.

COVID-19 in Turkish health care workers practicing chest medicine.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the data of Turkish health care workers practicing chest medicine on their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) status and related parameters. METHODS: This descriptive study included online survey data that the Turkish Thoracic Society conducted with its members in two phases starting in June and December 2020. The 33-item survey included demographic data, smoking status, the presence of any chronic diseases, occupation, working status, and non-work-related and work-related COVID-19 exposure characteristics. RESULTS: Of 742 responses, 299 (40.3%) reported that they had contracted COVID-19. The second survey detected a higher frequency of health care workers who had contracted COVID-19 (12.1% versus 57.4%, p<0.001) than the first survey. The analysis of the association between study parameters and COVID-19 in health care workers using logistic regression revealed statistical significance with working at the onset of the outbreak (OR 3.76, 95%CI 1.09-12.98, p=0.036), not working at the time of survey (OR 5.69, 95%CI 3.35-9.67, p<0.001), COVID-19 history in colleagues (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.51-3.41, p<0.001), any non-work-related COVID-19 exposure (OR 4.72, 95%CI 2.74-8.14, p<0.001), COVID-19 exposure at home (OR 6.52, 95%CI 3.52-12.08, p<0.001), and COVID-19 history in family members (OR 8.16, 95%CI 5.52-12.08, p<0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. The study also observed an inverse relationship between the use of aprons and goggles and COVID-19 in health care workers. CONCLUSION: Occupational and nonoccupational characteristics are related to COVID-19 in health care workers practicing chest medicine. Therefore, active surveillance to detect health care workers contracting COVID-19 and to document and control occupational and nonoccupational risks should be provided.

Serum Clara cell secretory protein (CC-16) in non-smoking patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and serum Clara cell protein (CC16) levels in non-smoking patients with OSA. METHODS: This prospective study included non-smoking patients who presented with sleep-related disturbances and underwent polysomnography (PSG). The serum CC16 level was measured and its relationship to PSG parameters was investigated. RESULTS: The study included 128 patients (83 men) with a mean age of 48.4 ± 11.9. OSA was detected in 66 men (70%) and 29 women (30%) (p = 0.051). The severity of OSA was mild in 32 (25%), moderate in 28 (22%), and severe in 35 (27%) of the patients. There was no significant difference in CC16 levels between the OSA group (1746 ± 1006) and the OSA negative group (1721 ± 1201, p = 0.91) levels. There was no significant difference between the CC16 levels of the each four groups. Mean serum CC16 levels were significantly lower in OSA negative men than OSA positive men (777 vs 1462, p = 0.005). No significant difference was observed in CC16 values according to OSA severity in women. CONCLUSION: The serum CC16 level does not differ between non-smoking OSA patients and OSA negative patients.

Relationship between Diagnosis Period and Internal and External Air Quality in Patients with Tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bacteriological case definitions and indoor and outdoor air quality parameters in tuberculosis (TB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 patients with TB diagnosed and treated in our hospital during 2012-2018 were included to this study. The air monitoring measurement parameters of the National Air Quality Network [particulate matter 10 (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), air temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity] for the same time period were obtained from the web page http://laboratory.cevre.gov.tr/Default.ltr.aspx. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients, 62.5% (125) were males and 37.5% (75) were females. The rate of diagnosis based on culture and smear positivity was 48.4% (31), which was significantly higher than that in the clinic [10.9% (7)] among patients who used stove for warming. The rate of diagnosis based on culture and smear positivity [52.1% (25)] was significantly higher than that in the clinic [8.3% (4)] among patients who were exposed to biomass. The univariate analysis revealed no significant independent effect of warming and biomass use on case definition. According to the case definitions, the mean values of PM10, SO2, and temperature in the diagnosed month showed no statistically significant difference. The humidity level in the month was significantly higher, during which cases diagnosed using smear and culture positivity were compared with cases diagnosed using only culture positivity (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that biomass used as a cooking fuel is a risk factor for pulmonary TB, implying that TB occurrence can be reduced significantly by lowering or preventing the exposure to cooking smoke emitted from biomass fuel.

Do the levels of particulate matters less than 10 µm and seasons affect sleep?

Background: There are few studies showing that the increase in particulate matters less than 10 µm (PM10) values increases the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). We aimed to investigate relationship between air quality parameters and the seasons with the AHI.Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 500 adults. Polysomnography (PSG) was performed on all patients. Oxygen saturation, air temperature, relative humidity, and PM10 values were recorded in Düzce for every year. The parameters of the national air quality network and sleep parameters of 500 individuals hospitalized between 2015 and 2017 were checked.Results: A total of 500 patients were included in the study, of whom 316 (63.2%) were male and 184 (36.8%) were female. While the AHI value of patients who presented during 2016 was 27.5, it had significantly declined to 20.2 in 2017 (p = .024). A significant decline was observed in AHI values of OSA patients from 2016 to 2017 (p = .043). A significant positive correlation was observed between REM-related AHI and relative humidity (r = 0.183, p = .002). Conclusions: This study showed a clear relationship between AHI and PM10 during winter when air pollution parameters are high in the region. PM10 emerged as a parameter that substantially increases the relative risk for OSA.

Work-Related Symptoms of Patients with Asthma: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: It is considered that occupational exposure accounts for up to 25% of all cases of adult asthma. We need detailed individual-level data regarding the relationship between asthma, occupation, and work-related symptoms in Turkey to inform policies on workplace safety. This study aimed to investigate the association between asthma symptoms, occupation type, and workplace exposure in patients with asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, adult patients with asthma were investigated by a questionnaire in terms of relationship between asthma symptoms and workplace exposure. The study population was adult patients who had been diagnosed with asthma for at least six months prior to study and who were under follow-up in Ankara, Istanbul, Erzurum, Düzce, Trabzon, Denizli, and Diyarbakir. RESULTS: The mean age of the 345 cases (188 females) was 41±13 years. The majority of the patients (36.8%) were "housewives"; other common occupations were office workers (6.7%), textile workers (4%), students (3.8%), hospital staff (3.5%), and cleaners (2.9%). Thirty-five percent of patients described worsening of asthma during working periods. Among patients with a history of increased symptoms in workplace, 100 (83%) developed asthma after starting work, while 20 patients (17%) had pre-existing asthma. Half of the patients described workplace exposure to dust, fume, and gases. Exposure to cleaning supplies at home was present in 43% of the subjects. Of all housewives, 12% (n=15) described an increase in their asthma symptoms during housework. The frequency of bleach or hydrochloric acid use alone among housewives was 60% and 34%, which was significantly higher than other occupations. The FEV1/FVC ratio of housewives who frequently used hydrochloric acid (FEV1/FVC=71.5) was lower than that of non-users (FEV1/FVC=74.9) (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: Patients with asthma experience significant workplace exposures that exacerbate their symptoms. Housewives experience significant exposure that triggers allergic and asthma symptoms. It is important to raise awareness about the prevalence and risks of occupational (including in-home) exposures in asthmatics patients and physicians to minimize asthma triggers and exacerbations.

Extensive Exposure to Tear Gases in Ankara.

OBJECTIVES: The most common chemical substances used as mass control agents are chloroacetophenone, chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, and oleoresin capsicum. These agents not only have local and rapid effects but also have systemic and long-term effects. The aim of the present study was to discuss the patterns of tear gas exposure and to investigate its effects on respiratory functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A face-to-face survey was conducted in 86 individuals who had been exposed to tear gas indoor and outdoor during the public protests in June 2013. RESULTS: The most frequently reported respiratory complaints included cough, dyspnea, phlegm, and chest pain. Spirometry measurements including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were also performed. Indoor exposers have lower mean % predicted FVC and FEV1 values than outdoor exposers. All complaints and signs were more common in indoor exposure to tear gas than in outdoor exposure. CONCLUSION: Safety of the chemicals used as mass control agents during protests is doubtful as these agents are associated with several health risks.

Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions before and after pesticide application in cotton farming.

OJECTIVE: To investigate respiratory health problems related to pesticide exposure in the inhabitants of agricultural areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 252 participants prior to pesticide application and 66 participants from the first group after pesticide application across four cotton farms. Symptom questionnaires were filled out by participants and respiratory function tests were measured before and after pesticide exposure. In addition, PM10, PM2.5, air temperature, and humidity were measured in all four farming villages before and after pesticide administration. RESULTS: PM10 and PM2.5 levels were significantly increased after pesticide application. After pesticide application, all participants' nose, throat, eye, and respiratory complaints increased significantly. Expected forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) percentage values decreased significantly. The rates of FVC and FEV1 values lower than 80% were 23.5% and 22%, espectively, before pesticide application, and this rate increased to 42.4% and 43.1%, respectively, after pesticide application. There was a significant negative correlation between PM10 levels and FVC, FEV1, and PEF values. After PM2.5 pesticide application, the risk of experiencing burning in the mouth, nose, and throat increased by 2.3-fold (OR: 2.316), 2.6-fold for burning symptoms in the eyes (OR: 2.593), 2.1-fold for wheezing (OR: 2.153), and 2.2-fold for chest tightness (OR: 2.211). With increased PM10 levels, the risk of chest tightness increased 1.1-fold (OR: 1.123). CONCLUSIONS: After pesticide administration, the respiratory health of the participants deteriorated. Performing pesticide applications in agriculture with harmless methods is the most important measure to be taken to protect public health.