The correlation between ART and OCRA methods used for posture assessment of repetitive tasks.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Repetitive tasks are among the causes of musculoskeletal disorders. Assessment of repetitivetasks is performed through various methods with different scores and significance given to risk factors considered in these methods. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each method can contribute to modifying the methods and improving the correlation between them. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ART and OCRA methods in a career with repetitive movements. METHODS: After hierarchical task analysis in a vegetable grower job with repetitive movements, the subtasks were assessed by an assessor who mastered both ART and OCRA methods. The final score of each method was checked using the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS 18, after testing the normality of data. RESULTS: Moderate risk levels were reported for 16 out of the 14 sub-tasks analyzed using both methods. In the ART method, 3 sub-tasks and in the OCRA method, 2 sub-tasks had high-risk levels. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.842 indicating a moderate correlation between the two posture assessment methods. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study showed an acceptable correlation and compatibility between the two methods considering the risk levels.

Changes in Spirometry Indices and Lung Cancer Mortality Risk Estimation in Concrete Workers Exposed io Crystalline Silica.

The health of workers in the concrete and cement industries can be at risk due to occupational exposure to silica dust. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes of pulmonary parameters and risk of mortality from lung cancer in concrete workers exposed to crystalline silica. This cross-sectional study was performed on 72 male workers exposed to silica at a concrete manufacturing plant in Neyshabur, Iran. Respiratory zone air sampling was performed using the standard NIOSH7602 method using individual sampling pumps and membrane filters. Then, the amount of silica in the samples was determined using the Fourier Transform Infrared technique. The risk of death from lung cancer was determined using Rice et al.'s model. Respiratory indices were measured using a spirometer. Data were analyzed by the SPSS 20 software. Occupational exposure to silica was 0.025 mg/m3 and mortality was estimated to be 7-94 per thousand. All spirometry indices significantly decreased during these 4 years of exposure to silica dust. The respiratory pattern of 22% of the exposed workers was obstructive and this prevalence was significantly higher than the control group. The results showed that although the average occupational exposure to silica in these concrete workers was below the recommended threshold of national and international organizations, their risk of death was significantly higher; and workers' lung indices had significantly decreased over four years. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce silica exposure among these workers.

Effect of occupational exposure to petrol and gasoline components on liver and renal biochemical parameters among gas station attendants, a review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney and liver are of the most affected organs during permanent exposure to petrol and gasoline components in gas stations. This study aims to investigate the renal and liver involvements in these workers using meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Science direct, ISI web of science, and Google scholar motor engine were searched using Mesh terms of the relevant keywords. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts was continued until the eligible articles meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment was conducted using NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Quality score). The pooled standard mean difference of the renal and liver indices between exposed/unexposed groups was estimated using Stata ver. 11 software. RESULTS: In this systematic review, 22 papers were entered. The pooled standard mean difference (95% confidence interval) between exposed and unexposed groups was estimated as of 0.74 (0.28, 1.21) for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 2.44 (1.80, 3.08) for aspartate transaminase (AST), 2.06 (1.42, 2.69) for alanine transaminase (ALT), 0.10 (-0.09, 0.29) for total Bilirubin (TB), 0.74 (-0.42, -1.90) for total protein (TP), -0.49 (-0.82, -0.15) for albumin, 0.88 (-0.10, 1.87) for uric acid, 1.02 (0.45, 1.59) for creatinine and 1.44 (0.75, 2.13) for blood urea nitrogen (BUN). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed that the serum AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, total bilirubin, BUN, uric acid and creatinine levels were higher among workers exposed to petrol and gasoline than control group, while albumin was lower in the serum of the exposed workers. Therefore, occupational exposure to gasoline stations can create adverse effects on kidney and liver function.

Simulation of lead fume emissions in the workplace using computational fluid dynamics in the electronics industry.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful method for predicting the release of pollutants in the workplace and has recently been used as a valuable tool by health authorities. The purpose of this study was to predict the distribution of lead fume in the workplace using computational fluid dynamics in the electronics manufacturing industry. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted in the Neyshabur electronics industry (2019). Individual exposure to lead fume was measured by the OSHA121 method. Simulation and prediction of lead fume emission in the workplace were done using computational fluid dynamics and by the ANSYS16 software. The mean of personal exposure to lead fumes was 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/m3. The software predicted the distribution of lead fumes in the respiratory zone of the worker to be in the range of 0.04 to 0.07 mg/m3, which is very close to the real values. By doubling the suction power of the topical ventilation used, workers' exposure to lead fumes was nearly halved and reached well below the recommended limit. The results showed that CFD is a useful tool for simulating individual contact with pollutants in a geometry. Also, given that the CFD shows the diffusion and distribution of pollutants in all points of a geometry, it is useful to indicate critical locations and conditions.

The effect of occupational exposure to petrol on pulmonary function parameters: a review and meta-analysis.

Introduction Exposure to petrol and gasoline can have harmful effects on the lungs. This review aimed to summarize the reported effects of this exposure on pulmonary function parameters. Methods Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Irrelevant studies were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score (NOS). The standard mean difference of pulmonary parameters between exposed and unexposed petrol station attendants was pooled using random effects. Meta-regression was used to investigate factors probably related to heterogeneity. Studies affecting the total estimates were assessed during sensitivity analysis. The Egger test was performed to investigate any evidence of publication bias. Results Eventually, 26 studies entered the meta-analysis, and the pooled standard difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, vital capacity (VC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) in the exposed minus unexposed groups was -1.08 L (95% CI: -1.38, -0.78), -0.92 L (-1.15, -0.69), -0.65 (-1.01, -0.30), -0.51 L (-0.96, -0.06), -0.96 L/s (-1.21, -0.69), -0.78 L/s (1.14, -0.42) and -0.58 L/min (-0.90, -0.27), respectively, and showed a decrease in all pulmonary parameters in the exposed group. Conclusion Occupational exposure to petrol fumes is a risk factor for lung function and there is a reverse relation between lung function and the duration of exposure.

Quantitative and semi-quantitative risk assessment of occupational exposure to lead among electrical solderers in Neyshabur, Iran.

Lead is one of the most widely used elements in the world. Lead can cause acute and chronic complications such as abnormal hemoglobin synthesis, kidney damage, abortion, nervous system disorders, male infertility, loss of learning ability, behavioral disorders, and even death. The aim of this study was to carry out quantitative and semi-quantitative risk assessments of exposure to lead among the solderers of the Neyshabur electronics industry. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 on 40 female soldering workers exposed to lead. Semi-quantitative risk assessment was carried out according to the Singapore Health Department and quantitative risk assessment according to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) method. The average occupational exposure to lead in the electronics manufacturing industry was 93.89 ± 33.40 µg m-3 with a range from 9 to 150 µg m-3. Occupational exposure to lead in the industrial groups of initial soldering with an average of 130.37 ± 40.23 µg m-3 and cutting wires, electroplating, and coating bare parts with an average of 110.24 ± 30.11 µg m-3 was higher than the secondary soldering groups with an average of 90.78 ± 20.22 and shift supervisors with an average of 43.86 ± 10.97 µg m-3. The mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was 0.11 per 1000 people and the mean non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) was 7.20. The results of this study indicate that there is a risk of non-carcinogenic complications among electronic solderers. Therefore, managers and employers should reduce lead exposure through engineering controls (substituting lead-free alloys, efficient ventilation) and management strategies such as reducing exposure hours.

Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to styrene in Neyshabur electronic industries.

Styrene is one of the essential components in making thousands of everyday products. Occupational exposure to styrene causes pulmonary, neurological, genetic and ocular complications, and leukemia and affects reproduction. The aim of this study was to assess the health risks of exposure to styrene in the electronics industry of Neyshabur, Iran. This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in three electronics industries, in Neyshabur city, in 2017-2018. Occupational exposure to styrene was measured according to the NIOSH1501 method, using a low-flow rate sampling pump (0.2 L/min) and an active charcoal absorber tube. Health risk assessment was done according to the Singapore semi-quantitative method and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (OEHHA) method. The average occupational exposure to styrene in men employed in the compact plastic parts production halls was 79.61 mg m-3 (range 28-208.33). 45.8% of exposed subjects (27 people) encountered exposure above the permitted limit. The average lifetime carcinogenic risk of styrene was 1.4 × 10-3; therefore, 100% (59 people) had a definite risk of getting cancer. The highest lifetime risk of getting cancer was observed in plastic injection device users (1.9 × 10-3) and then in shift managers (1.6 × 10-3). The results of this study indicate a definite risk of getting cancer for all workers. Strategies to reduce workers exposure to styrene through engineering controls and routine measurements are necessary.

Exposure to lead and its effect on sleep quality and digestive problems in soldering workers.

Some studies show that exposure to lead affects sleep quality and causes digestive disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of sleep and digestive disorders in solderers exposed to lead. In a cross-sectional study, the occupational exposure of 40 soldering workers to lead fume and their blood lead levels were measured in the electronics industry of Neyshabur city, according to standard methods. The sleep quality of workers was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and their digestive disorders were recorded in a checklist. This study showed that 67.5% of subjects had poor sleep quality. There was a significant relation between sleep quality, air lead (p = 0.02), and blood lead (p = 0.03). Bad sleep quality was 2.4 times higher in subjects exposed to lead above the threshold (p = 0.03). 92.5% of the population under study suffered from at least one digestive disorder. Digestive disorders such as hiccupping (85%) and nausea (67%) were more common among the workers, and their odds was 3.09 and 2.00 times higher in workers exposed to lead above the threshold, compared with others. Bad sleep quality and gastrointestinal disorders were prevalent among workers exposed to lead. The results of this study confirm the need for further research about the side effects of lead on humans. It also clarifies the need for a revision in the recommended occupational exposure level for lead.

Investigation of occupational exposure to lead and its relation with blood lead levels in electrical solderers.

Occupational exposure to lead compounds can cause headache, nausea, encephalopathy, anemia, chronic muscle pain, and saturnism. Exposure to lead in women can affect fertility, and cause abortion or low IQ in the offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate occupational exposure to lead and its relation with blood lead levels in female electrical parts solderers. This cross-sectional (descriptive and analytical) study was carried out on 40 female solderers, working in two electrical parts manufacturing factories in Neyshabur city in 2017-2018. Occupational exposure to lead was determined by the OSHA 121 method, and the NIOSH 8003 method was used to determine the concentration of lead in blood. Lead in blood and air samples were determined by using a flame atomic absorption analyzer. Blood was measured using a Cell Dyn Hematology device. Data were analyzed using STATA 15. The mean age of the solderers was 35.42 ± 6.80 years, and their average work experience was 7.85 ± 5.60 years. Mean occupational exposure to lead was 0.09 ± 0.01 mg/m3, and the mean levels of lead in the blood of solderers were 10.59 ± 3.25 µg/dL. The mean of red blood cells (RBC) was 4.88 mil/uL, white blood cells (WBC) = 8.53 Tho/uL, hemoglobin = 14.02 g/dL, and hematocrit = 42.38%. There was a significant correlation between the concentrations of lead in air and the level of lead in workers' blood (p = 0.012, r = 0.31). The level of lead in the workers' respiratory region (ß = 0.36, p = 0.033), body mass index (ß = 0.25, p = 0.028), and the season of the year (ß = 0.21, p = 0.019) were the strongest factors affecting blood lead levels. There was a significant relation between lead in workers' air and their blood, although all blood indices were in normal range. Using lead-free alloys and local ventilation systems, and reducing exposure times are recommended to decrease exposure to lead among solderers.

Changes in urinary catecholamines in response to noise exposure in workers at Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex, Kerman, Iran.

Noise is one of the most harmful agents in the workplace. In addition to the adverse effects of noise on the auditory system, as a stressor it may cause increased blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and impaired secretion of hormones. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in urinary catecholamines in workers exposed to industrial noise. This is an experimental study of the workers at the smelter section of Sarcheshmeh Copper Industries done on two separate days. During the first day, urine samples from 20 workers who did not use any hearing protection device, were collected during an 8-h work shift and on the second day the same was done but they were asked to use earplugs. Also 20 people were selected as a control group from people who were not exposed to noise at work. Urinary catecholamine levels were measured with ELISA kits. The mean urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in the workers (without earplugs) was respectively 8.69 and 35.56 µg/8h on the first day and on the second day (with earplugs) dropped to 6.45 and 30.95 µg/8h. Noise reduction by earplugs led to almost significant reductions in urinary epinephrine (p = 0.05) and significant reductions in norepinephrine (p = 0.02). The results showed that with noise reduction the urinary excretion of stress hormones, especially norepinephrine significantly decreases and workers are probably less prone to stress-related disorders.