Correlation between benzene and testosterone in workers exposed to urban pollution.

AIM: Many studies have examined the effects of benzene on testosterone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between the blood levels of benzene and the levels of testosterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 148 subjects. For every worker have been made out a blood sample for the evaluation of benzene and testosterone levels and an urine analysis for the evaluation of the levels of trans, trans-muconic acid and S-phenylmercapturic acid. We estimated the Pearson correlation coefficient between the variables in the sample and the urinary metabolites, age, length of service, gender, BMI. For the analysis of the major confounding factors it was performed a multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation coefficiet showed: 1. a significant inverse correlation between the S-phenyl mercapturic acid and free testosterone; 2. a significant direct correlation between trans-trans muconic acid and BMI. After dividing the sample according to the median of blood benzene (161.0 ng / L), Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant inverse correlation between the S-phenyl mercapturic acid and free testosterone in the group with values below this median. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, to be considered preliminary, suggest that occupational exposure to low levels of benzene, present in urban pollution, affect the blood levels of testosterone. These results need to be confirmed in future studies, with the eventual possibility of including more specific fertility tests.

Work related stress and blood glucose levels.

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate work-related subjective stress in a group of workers on a major Italian company in the field of healthcare through the administration of a valid "questionnaire-tool indicator" (HSE Indicator Tool), and to analyze any correlation between stress levels taken from questionnaire scores and blood glucose values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a final sample consisting of 241 subjects with different tasks. The HSE questionnaire - made up of 35 items (divided into 7 organizational dimensions) with 5 possible answers - has been distributed to all the subjects in occasion of the health surveillance examinations provided by law. The questionnaire was then analyzed using its specific software to process the results related to the 7 dimensions. These results were compared using the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression with the blood glucose values obtained from each subject. RESULTS: From the analysis of the data the following areas resulted critical, in other words linked to an intermediate (yellow area) or high (red area) condition of stress: sustain from managers, sustain from colleagues, quality of relationships and professional changes. A significant positive correlation (p <0.05) between the mean values of all critical areas and the concentrations of glucose values have been highlighted with the correlation index of Pearson. Multiple linear regression confirmed these findings, showing that the critical dimensions resulting from the questionnaire were the significant variables that can increase the levels of blood glucose. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results indicate that perceived work stress can be statistically associated with increased levels of blood glucose.

[Evaluation of liver function between indoor and outdoor workers: preliminary results].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to compare liver damage in "outdoor" environment technicians, a category occupationally exposed, and in "indoor" workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 142 male technicians of the environment exposed to urban pollution and 142 male "indoor" workers not exposed. We compared mean and standard deviation of the following liver parameters: glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-traspeptidasi (γGT) and alkaline phosphatase (PHA), total bilirubin (TB) and direct (DB). We made the two groups comparable for age, length of service, BMI, alcohol consumption and smoking habits, and excluded the workers who presented confounding factors. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences about the levels of γGT, PHA, GPT and albumin between the "outdoor" workers exposed and the "indoor" control group. In the outdoor group we observed statistically significant values, GPT (51.8 ± 30.6 I.U./l vs. 30 ± 22.3 I.U./l; p = 0.000), γ-GT (42.2 ± 29.4 I.U./l vs. 22.4 ± 20.7 I.U./l; p = 0.000) and PHA (75.7 ± 20.6 I.U./l vs. 59.1 ± 19.6 I.U./l; p= 0.000) compared to the unexposed group. No statistically significant difference emerged between the averages for the values of GOT (25.3 ± 20.7 I.U./l vs. 26 ± 17.7 I.U./l; p = 0.736) in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: It clearly emerges that the contaminants may alter the values of liver tests after prolonged exposure.

Early diagnosis of hearing loss: otoacoustic emissions evoked by distortion products and pure-tone audiometry: Preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVE: Literary studies underline the effectiveness of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which are not affected by the collaboration of the subject examined, in the early diagnosis of hearing loss. Aim of the study is to compare the objective technique of DPOAEs with respect to the pure-tone audiometry in early diagnosis of hearing loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical research was carried out on 852 workers. All subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry and distortion products. RESULTS: The results show: a) a prevalence of subjects with impaired DPOAEs higher than the prevalence of subjects with impaired audiometries in the studied samples; and, after division by gender: b) a prevalence of subjects with impaired DPOAEs higher than the prevalence of subjects with impaired audiometries only in men; c) a prevalence of impaired DPOAEs and of impaired audiometries in men higher than in women. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the higher effectiveness of DPOAEs compared to pure-tone audiometry in making an early diagnosis of hearing loss.

[Prolonged exposure to urban pollutants and arterial blood pressure: a whole evaluation of our researches]. / Esposizione protratta ad inquinanti urbani e pressione arteriosa: una valutazione d'insieme delle nostre ricerche

AIM: A significant relationship between exposure to cadmium and PAHs from urban air pollution and blood pressure has already been found. The aim of the study is to evaluate if other urban pollutants maintain a similar relationship in outdoor workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 349 subjects of both sexes were enrolled in the study; we evaluated values of environmental and biological monitoring of respirable dust, arsenic, lead, benzene, toluene, xylene and we measured blood pressure (BP) in upright and in supine position; to analyze data we used multiple linear regression. Also we valued our results in the light of those we have obtained in previous research. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression showed no significant results that demonstrate a relationship between BP and these pollutants. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study lead to assume that exposure to urban pollutants studied has not connection with blood pressure, and to retain valid the relationship previously observed for cadmium and PAHs, which seem to be the only pollutants that can affect blood pressure.

[Stress and work-related injuries]. / Stress e infortuni sul lavoro.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate in scientific literature the more frequent work injuries among the occupational categories examined (construction workers, healthcare workers, night workers and shift work, drivers) and to identify occupational stressors that increase the risk of injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was conducted through review of the scientific literature between 1990 and 2014. Two hundred articles were found of which 42 selected in the following categories: construction workers, healthcare workers, shift workers, lorry drivers. RESULTS: The movement of machinery and working at height are due to injury for building sector and they were positively correlated with physical (r = 0,206) and mental (r = 0,254) stress. In health workers the injuries are more frequently bruises and sprains (50%). Studies showed a higher rate of injury in a group of shift workers compared to a control group on a rota basis (p <0.0001). Road accidents for drivers represent the most frequent cause of injury of which 13% comes from falling asleep, while 31% from distractions (OR = 3.16; CI = 1:22 to 8:24). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have frequent injuries due to bruises, lumbago, punctures with needles and surgical wounds. Construction workers often suffer serious injury derived from falls at height, handling machinery. For workers on a rota basis, injuries are often related to lack of sleep. Road accidents in drivers are the most common injuries. A synergistic action finalized to promote health and safety organization, to ensure a work environment more secure, is advisable.

Ballet and stress. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related stress is a complex problem requiring a work environment-based assessment. Artists like dancers represent a category of atypical workers potentially at high risk for work-related stress. Aim of our pilot study is to evaluate organizational stress in a population of professional dancers, using the HSE Indicator Tool for Work Related Stress. METHODS: We administered the Italian version of the HSE Indicator Tool to 38 ballet dancers, males and females. The questionnaire evaluates 7 key organizational dimensions: demand, control, managers' support, peer support, relationships, role and change. RESULTS: The standards required-ideal conditions are achieved in none of the above-mentioned dimensions. Change is the only dimension for which results fall between the 20th and the 50th percentile, while for other dimensions results fall below the 20th percentile suggesting the need for immediate corrective action. In male dancers an acceptable situation is highlighted for the dimension "change" compared to female dancers. In both sexes there is a high frequency of subjects complaining of verbal abuse, bullying and harassment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, our pilot study highlights the presence of heightened levels of organizational stress. Preventive measures targeted towards improving communication between managers and dancers and aimed at team building should be implemented.

Correlation between cadmium and blood counts in workers exposed to urban stressor.

The objective of this study was to assess the exposures to cadmium (Cd) in urban workers and the association between Cd exposure and values of blood counts. Urinary Cd, blood Cd, and blood counts were obtained from 355 outdoor workers; a subgroup of 99 subjects were monitored to evaluate personal exposure to airborne Cd. The mean value of personal exposure to Cd was 1.5 ng/m3 for traffic assistants and 1.2 ng/m3 for drivers. Urinary and blood Cd were correlated to the airborne Cd (respectively r=3 and r=4). The multiple linear regression models showed the associations among white blood cell, the percentage of neutrophils (NEU%), the percentage of lymphocytes (LYM%), and the concentrations of blood Cd (respectively R2=27, R2=37, R2=581). The subjects with blood Cd values higher than 1.2 µg/L showed an increase of LYM% mean values and a decrease of NEU% mean values with respect to the group with blood Cd values lower than 1.1 µg/L.

Blood pressure changes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in outdoor workers.

OBJECTIVES: Everyday outdoor workers are exposed to chemicals including the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between hydroxypyrene and blood pressure in outdoor workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 374 subjects of both sexes entered the study. We evaluated the assay of urinary hydroxypyrene (1-HOP); their blood pressure (BP) was measured in upright position and in the supine position and the correlation between the levels of 1-HOP and BP was assessed using Pearson test and linear multiple regression. RESULTS: The results obtained show that in the total sample the levels of urinary 1-OHP are negatively associated with systolic and diastolic BP in supine position and in upright position. The significance is maintained despite the stratification of the sample according to age; in non-smokers we found a negative relationship between 1-OHP and differential blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that occupational exposure to PAHs may be able to significantly influence the blood pressure probably acting on the autonomic nervous system.

Can noise cause high blood pressure? Occupational risk in paper industry.

OBJECTIVES: The authors hypothesize cardiovascular effects in paper industry workers exposed to noise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 72 paper industry workers exposed to noise and two control groups not exposed to noise. The workers completed a questionnaire and underwent a medical examination, measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood tests, audiometry and measurement of noise exposure. RESULTS: The workers exposed to noise, all hearing impaired, were compared with not exposed and showed: significant increase of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values (p<0.001), higher frequency of hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01 and p<0.001) and electrocardiografic abnormalities (p<0.05), significant reduction of blood pressure response in orthostatism (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that for the workers of the paper industry the noise is an occupational risk factor for cardiovascular effects.

Correlation between urinary nickel and testosterone plasma values in workers occupationally exposed to urban stressors.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess whether occupational exposure to low doses of nickel (Ni) present in urban air can cause alterations in the concentration of plasma testosterone in workers of the Municipal Police of a large Italian city assigned to different types of outdoor tasks. METHODS: 359 male subjects were included in the study and divided on the basis of job, age, length of service and smoking habits. The dosage of the atmospheric Ni was performed by personal dosimetries on a sample of the workers included in the study. For each worker included in the study the dosage of whole blood Ni and of the plasma testosterone was carried out. The total sample was subjected to the independent-samples T-test and the Mann-Whitney U test for variables with 2 modes (smoking cigarette) and the ANOVA test and the Kruskal Wallis test for variables with more than 2 modes (age, length of service and job function). The correlation of Pearson with p at 2 wings between the variables was evaluated in the total sample and after subdivision on the basis of smoking and on the basis of the job. After taking into account the major confounding factors the multiple linear regression was performed on the total sample and after breakdown by tasks. RESULTS: The correlation between the values of urinary Ni and the values of plasma testosterone on the total sample and for all classes of subdivision was found constantly negative. These results were confirmed by multiple linear regression, which indicated the Ni as the only significant variable that can contribute to the alterations of the testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the Authors suggest that occupational exposure to low doses of Ni present in the urban environment is able to influence some lines of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in exposed workers.

[Urban individual exposure to cadmium and baroreceptor response to posture]. / Esposizione ad inquinanti urbani e riflessi barocettivi posturali.

OBJECTIVE: Outdoor workers are daily exposed to urban pollutants. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the values of environmental monitoring collected by personal dosimetries and changes in blood pressure due to posture in outdoor workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 subjects of both sexes were enrolled in the study, we evaluated the values of environmental monitoring of breathable dust, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, lead, benzene, toluene, xylene and 16 PAHs. Blood pressure in supine and standing positions was measured in all subjects. RESULTS: The multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant reduction of orthostatic response of diastolic blood pressure in non-smoking outdoor workers occupationally exposed to cadmium. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study let us to believe that exposure to low doses of urban polluted cadmium may affect the response of diastolic blood pressure to orthostatism, as per a paraphysiological condition of sympathetic down-regulation.

Workers of the printing industry and hepatic damage.

BACKGROUND: Typesetting industry is still the primary instrument of communication, despite the development of new technological systems. This study focuses on the analysis of the hepatic effects induced by the use of some organic solvents employed in the printing industry. METHODS: We studied a group of 194 workers: 93 exposed and 101 not exposed. The level of the exposure to chemical pollutants were assessed through the environmental monitoring of blood concentrations and the analysis of airborne substances. The health survey was performed through the collection of the medical history and the use of hepatic tests, which were evaluated by calculating Mean, Standard Deviation, Student's t-test and X² test with Yates Correction, to investigate statistically significant differences in some hepatic parameters: AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, fractional and total bilirubin. The environmental data sometimes exceeded the TLV-TWA. RESULTS: The clinical evaluation of the hepatic parameters showed statistically significant differences as to the hematic concentrations of AST, ALT, GGT. CONCLUSIONS: The results we obtained support the hypothesis of a risk among the printing industrial workers attributable to the hepatotoxic solvents. This risk seems to be related to the use of a mixture of solvents, although at low doses, and the analysis of the results obtained confirms the validity of the investigation for the health screening protocol adopted in order to identify subjects and/or population at risk of hepatotoxicity.

Urinary hydroxypyrene and estradiol in an occupationally exposed "outdoor" population.

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely present in the air pollution. The urinary hydroxypyrene (1-HOPu) is considered the main biological biomarker currently available to measure the exposure to PAH. It is supposed responsible of an increase of estradiol levels in males. Aim of this study is to verify whether there is a relation between 1-HOPu and plasmatic estradiol in non-smoker male workers. METHODS: The study was conducted on a sample of 122 non-smoker policemen in a large Italian city; we monitored their levels of 1-HOPu and the values of estradiol. The sample was divided into three groups according to the levels of urinary hydroxypyrene. The indices of correlation (r) and multiple linear regression (ß), between levels of 1-HOPu and estradiol were calculated. It was also calculated the student's t-test among the groups to check the differences. RESULTS: We found statistically significant correlations and multivariate linear regressions between 1-HOPu and estradiol in the total sample and in group III (levels of 1-HOPu above the 75th percentile). The average levels of estradiol in group III was statistically and significantly higher than in the group I (levels of 1-HOPu below the 25th percentile) and group II (levels 1-HOPu between 25th and the 75th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: 1-HOPu in non-smoker male workers is related with an increase of plasmatic estradiol. We believe that PAHs, of which 1-HOPu is the main biomarker, can interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The preliminary results suggest that the topic needs further research on male and female as well.

Liver damage in automotive and industrial workers of the glass.

OBJECTIVE: High doses of organic solvents can cause hepatic disease. We investigated whether exposure to low doses of solvents in automotive and industrial workers may lead to changes in liver tests. METHODS: We studied the liver parameters (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-traspeptidasi (γ-GT), alkaline phosphatase (PHA), total (TB) and direct bilirubin (DB) of 24 workers exposed to organic solvents and of 30 unexposed controls. RESULTS: A significant increase of GOT, GPT and γ-GT was found in exposed workers compared to unexposed controls workers. The ratio GPT/GOT was significantly higher among the exposed compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the hypothesis that exposure to low doses of solvents may determine a liver damage.

Thyroid hormones in male workers exposed to urban stressors.

BACKGROUND: The occupational exposure to urban pollution may induce adverse effects on the human health. METHODS: Plasma levels of thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) of 50 outdoor workers and 50 indoor workers were compared. RESULTS: In the outdoor workers the TSH levels were significantly higher than in the control subjects (p =0.02) while the average of FT3 and FT4 values, was not significantly different compared to the controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The differences found for TSH levels between outdoor and indoor workers, though not high, suggest that, due to greater exposure to environmental pollutants, the outdoor workers are more susceptible to the development of function abnormalities of the thyroid gland compared to indoor workers.

Workers exposed to urban stressors and the effects on antidiuretic hormone secretion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether urban pollutants can affect plasma levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in outdoor workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 208 subjects, 104 exposed to urban stressors and 104 non exposed to urban stressors. We divided these workers in 3 groups: Group 1 (non-smokers and non-drinkers), Group 2 (smokers and not drinkers) and Group 3 (drinkers and not smokers). The means and standard deviations of ADH were calculated, and a Student's t-test was used to compare means. The data were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The outdoor workers in Group 1 had significantly reduced plasma levels of ADH. In contrast, the outdoor workers in Groups 2 and 3 had increased plasma levels of ADH. These results were consistent in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that urban pollutants may influence the secretion of ADH.

[Carpal tunnel syndrome and steel industry]. / Tunnel carpale e industria metalmeccanica.

OBJECTIVES: The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common working pathology. The CTS diagnosis is not so easy because neurophysiological investigations are necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the working risks and the presence of CTS signs using a focused anamnestic and clinical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the working risks of CTS in a population of 65 male workers of a steel industry (average age 25.1 and seniority 2.82), performing 5 different tasks. The Borg Scale was used to evaluate the subjective muscle effort. Diurnal paresthesia (V1FG), nocturnal paresthesia (V1FN), hypersensitivity (V1IS), hypostenia (V1IT) were considered. RESULTS: We identified three main working risks repetitiveness of single actions, static and prolonged posture of the truck, muscle effort. 21.5% of the workers showed at least one of the three symptoms;13.8% showed one or more symptoms; the clinical objectivity was observed in 18.5%. A relation between V1FG, V1FN, clinical objective linked to the workers age of the task 1 (p =0.035) is showed. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent CTS, the use of the Borg Scale associated with identification of the risks and with the anamenstic-clinical investigation is useful to discriminate people at risk of CTS.

Coal plant: risk, disease and prevention with on environmental impact.

Urban pollution is a current problem, constituting a serious health risk. Many pollutants are present in the urban atmosphere, they are mainly anthropogenic, resulting from the combustion of coal. Several studies have shown the harmful effects of these pollutants, particularly on the respiratory system. Through a library review, we want to explore the effects on the health of general population and of outdoor workers exposed to the products resulting from the combustion of coal, in order to compare them with the estimated effects of the pollutants from the new generation coal plants, certainly less harmful to the environment. In recent years investments in "clean technologies" have resulted in a rapid and significant reduction of all polluting emissions: sulfur dioxide, dust, oxides of nitrogen, ash and gypsum resulting from the desulfurization process. To conclude in the light of the scientific literature we can say that the activation of coal plants based on technologies for the maximum containment and optimal treatment of the production cycle is essential to defend both the environment and the health of the population. Nevertheless it remains necessary to ensure a systematic monitoring of the environment of sanitation and food processing of the population living in the area, with a long-term follow-up.

Sensitive profiling of biogenic amines in human urine by capillary electrophoresis with field amplified sample injection.

In order to monitor biogenic amines in human urine, a method based on field-amplified sample injection combined with capillary electrophoresis and direct UV absorption detection was developed. Dopamine, tyramine, tryptamine, serotonin and epinephrine were effectively separated and identified in human urine samples, and detection limits were 0.072, 0.010, 0.027, 0.010 and 0.120 µmol/L, respectively. Detection limits comparable to laser-induced fluorescence detection or solid phase extraction combined with capillary electrophoresis were achieved. Parameters affecting electrophoretic system detection sensitivity were investigated. Optimal separation conditions were obtained using as background electrolyte a pH 6.5 mixture of 2-(morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid 20 mmol/L and 30 mmol/L phosphate buffer, containing 0.05% hydroxypropylcellulose and 10% v/v methanol. Injections of the sample solution were performed by applying a voltage of 12 kV for 50 s. Recovery and accuracy ranged between 89.4 and 94.9%, and 89 and 112%, respectively. The method was successfully applied on actual urine samples (from a healthy volunteer): target bioamine content was consistent with endogenous levels reported in the literature. The proposed method is simple, fast and inexpensive and can be conveniently employed in work-related stress studies. The affordability and noninvasive sampling of the method allow epidemiological studies on large number of exposed persons to be performed.