[Liver impairment status toward workers exposed to vinyl chloride under different techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse potential differences towards liver impairment status on vinyl chloride monomer(VCM) exposed population from technique under acetylene hydrochlorination to the one of ethylene oxychlorination respectively and to explore the possible reasons, which will pave the way for occupational health promotion in terms of hazard reduction. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was initiated between June and September in 2022 towards 2 groups of VCM exposed population from the facility of acetylene hydrochlorination(n=78) and the one of ethylene oxychlorination(n=69) in a PVC petrochemical complex enterprise(abbreviation of H) in Tianjin City. The demographic information concerning age, gender, messages on occupational history, field investigation were inquired through questionnaire interview. Then, venous blood(4 mL/person) and urine(10-50 mL/person) were collected during the physical exam phase and indices of 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) in blood and thiodiglycolic acid(TDGA) in urine were detected through ELISA and solid phase extraction-ion chromatography respectively. RESULTS: The 2 groups of population were matched well in terms of average age distribution and gender composition ratio, with significant differences on population composition ratio were found on variables of working years, alcohol consumption and daily sleeping duration(P<0.01 or P<0.05). It was found that the average content of TDGA in acetylene hydrochlorination group was(0.81±0.05)mg/L while the content in ethylene oxychlorination group reached to(0.83±0.06)mg/L, noteworthy differences were only found among 6 posts in the acetylene hydrochlorination group and 5 others in the ethylene oxychlorination group after classification for specific posts, however, the average concentration of 8-OHdG in acetylene hydrochlorination group(122(78.3, 168.8) µg/m~3) was different from the one in ethylene oxychlorination group(101.7(79.6, 149.7) µg/m~3)(Z=6.82, P<0.05). Moreover, a series of positive correlations in moderate intensity between 8-OHdG concentration and TDGA content were observed among posts of polymerization cleaners(r=0.53), aggregation operators(r=0.47), maintenance repairers(r=0.45), sampling operators(r=0.41) in acetylene hydrochlorination group(P<0.05) and posts of cracking reactants(r=0.64), DCS operators(r=0.51), oxychlorination operators(r=0.50) and chemical loaders(r=0.44) in ethylene oxychlorination group(P<0.05). Liver function indices such as content on ALT(χ~2=15.41, P<0.01), AST(χ~2=9.95, P<0.01) and ALP(χ~2=3.79, P<0.01) were different in the 2 groups population with statistical significance, then proportions on population composition ratio that exceeded normal ranges of indices on ALT, AST, AST/ALT ratio, ALP and Alb/Glb ratio were higher in acetylene hydrochlorination group than ones in ethylene oxychlorination group with great significance(P<0.05), so as to the abnormalities in liver B altrosonography test between groups(χ~2=17.33, P<0.01). Binary logistic regression model indicated that 8-OHdG concentration in blood that exceed 90 µg/m~3, TDGA content in urine that exceed 0.60 mg/L, working years that were over 10a, alcohol consumption, sleeping duration less than 6 h per day and male workers were potential risky factors for liver impairment(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The degree on liver impairment status was higher in acetylene hydrochlorination group than ones in in ethylene oxychlorination group under the same PVC factory, which might be associated with the oxidative stress injury induced from the combination of higher VCM concentration at workplaces, longer cumulative exposure time, longer working years, alcohol consumption habits and sleep shortage caused by shift work patterns.

Socio-demographic, agricultural, and personal protective factors in relation to health literacy among farmers from all regions of Thailand.

Introduction: Farmers are vulnerable to adverse health effects from pesticide exposure due to their health literacy (HL). Therefore, this study aims to investigate HL among farmers in four main regions of Thailand, investigating socio-demographics, agricultural, and personal protective factors to their HL. Methods: This cross-sectional design study was conducted on 4,035 farmers from January to July 2023. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-47 items were used to measure HL. Results: Thai farmers had a mean HL score of 34.7 ± 8.7, and the farmers in the North region of Thailand had the highest frequency of limited HL (75.8%). Socio-demographic factors that were associated with HL included gender, region of living, marital status, education level, co-morbidity, and number of family members. Agricultural factors associated with HL included planting status, working hours on farm, spraying pesticides, harvesting crops, pesticide use of >1 type, access information from government officers, access information from posters/brochures, information from online multimedia, and access information from neighbors. Personal protective factors that were associated with HL included wearing a hat, goggles, a rubber apron, and a long-sleeved shirt. Discussion: Our study recommends that strategies and interventions to enhance the HL of farmers should be focused on the target populations, which include men, widows, or divorced, those with low levels of education, those who have co-morbidities, and those who applied pesticides of more than 1 type and improper personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The primary emphasis needs to be on the North region of Thailand, making that the target area to improve health equity in Thailand. These efforts would enhance the HL of farmers and sustainably improve pesticide safety behavior. Additionally, there is an urgent need for supportive measures aimed at altering on-farm practices and promoting education on alternative pest management strategies, particularly non-chemical crop protection, to ensure sustainable agriculture.

Self-reported exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and use of respiratory protective equipment among Arctic miners.

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012-2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a large cohort of Ontario, Canada workers.

Although several occupational exposures have been linked to the risk of COPD; limited data exists on sex-specific differences. This study aimed to identify at-risk occupations and sex differences for COPD risk. Cases were identified in a large surveillance system established through the linkage of former compensation claimants' data (non-COPD claims) to physician visits, ambulatory care data, and hospital inpatient data (1983-2020). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for occupation groups (occupation at time of claim), stratified by sex. HRs were indirectly adjusted for cigarette smoking using another population dataset. A total of 29,445 male and 14,693 female incident cases of COPD were identified. Increased risks were observed in both sexes for construction (HRmale 1.15, 95% CI 1.12-1.19; HRfemale 1.54, 95% CI 1.29-1.83) transport/equipment operating (HRmale 1.32, 95% CI 1.28-1.37; HRfemale 1.53, 95% CI 1.40-1.68) farming (HRmale 1.23, 95% CI 1.15-1.32; HRfemale 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.37) and janitors/cleaners (HRmale 1.31, 95% CI 1.24-1.37; HRfemale 1.40, 95% CI 1.31-1.49). Increased risks were observed for females employed as chefs and cooks (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.58), bartenders (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.81), and those working in food/beverage preparation (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24-1.45) among other occupations. This study demonstrates elevated risk of COPD among both male and female workers potentially exposed to vapours, gases, dusts, and fumes, highlighting the need for occupational surveillance of COPD.

Exploring the adverse effect of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on wildland firefighters' pulmonary function and DNA damage.

Chiang Mai encounters severe pollution during the wildfire season. Wildland firefighters encounter various hazards while engaged in fire suppression operations, which encompass significant exposure to elevated concentrations of air pollutants resulting from combustion, especially particulate matter. The adverse effects of wildfire smoke on respiratory health are a significant concern. The objective of this study was to examine the potential adverse effects of PM2.5 exposure on the respiratory function and DNA damage of wildland firefighters. This prospective cohort study conducted in Chiang Mai from January to May 2022 planned to evaluate the health status of wildland firefighters during the pre-peak, peak, and post-peak ambient air pollution seasons. The measurement of PM2.5 was done at every forest fire station, as well as utilizing data from the Pollution Control Department. Participants received general health examinations, spirometry evaluations, and blood tests for DNA damage analysis. Pair t-tests and multiple regression models were used to examine the connection between pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV1) and PM2.5 concentration, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Thirty-three peak-season and twenty-one post-peak-season participants were enrolled. Four pre-peak-season wildland firefighters had FVC and FEV1 declines of > 15%. Multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between PM2.5 exposure and FVC% predicted (- 2.81%, 95% CI - 5.27 to - 0.34%, P = 0.027) and a marginally significant negative correlation with FVC (- 114.38 ml, 95% CI - 230.36 to 1.59 ml, P = 0.053). The remaining pulmonary measures showed a statistically insignificant decline. There were no significant changes in DNA damage detected. Wildland firefighters suffered a significant decline in pulmonary function associated with PM2.5 exposure. Spirometry is crucial for monitoring and promptly identifying respiratory issues that occur during wildfire seasons. Further research is recommended to explore DNA damage alterations and their potential association with PM2.5.

Welding fume exposure and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders in micro- and small-scale enterprise in Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to welding fumes can lead to different respiratory health disorders, including lung cancer, due to long-term exposures. In Ethiopia, large numbers of people are engaged in the welding sector. Often, these workers are exposed to welding fumes at their workplaces, however, the level of exposure and its health effects have never been studied. OBJECTIVE: To measure the level of personal welding fume exposure and assess chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors, among micro and small-scale enterprise metal workshop workers, in Akaki Kality Sub city, Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 226 welders and 217 controls. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Welding fumes were collected from the welder's breathing zone using 37 mm close-faced plastic cassettes fitted with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) filters connected to Casella pumps at an airflow rate of 2 L/min. RESULT: The overall prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welders and controls were 54 (23.9%) and 20 (9.2%) respectively. The geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of personal welding fume exposure, among welders was 5.98 mg/m3 (± GSD = 1.54). In this study, 53.3% of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit defined by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene. Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 5.11, 95% CI: 1.35, 19.33), respiratory protective equipment use (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.52, 7.31), safety training (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.28), smoking (AOR:3.57, 95% CI: 1.54, 8.23), welding machine maintenance (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59) and welding site (i.e. indoors vs. outdoor) (AOR: 6.85. 95% CI: 2.36, 19.89). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among welding workers was significantly higher than controls. More than half of the samples exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit. Educational status, implementation of safety training, and welding sites were significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. The results suggested a need to reduce welding fume exposure to improve the respiratory health of the workers.

Cancer mortality in workers at risk of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in a company in the nuclear sector headquarters in São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cancer mortality among workers exposed to gamma and X radiation and the general population of the city of São Paulo, as well as that of the subgroup monitored with those not monitored for gamma and X radiation in a work unit with ionizing radiation based in the city of São Paulo. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2021, a retrospective open cohort study was carried out with workers who were employed from 08/31/1956 to 12/31/2016 based on data collected at the company and in official institutions. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated by sex, age and calendar period of cancers grouped according to type, risk factor and organ system in two analyses: in the external analysis, the mortality of the study population was compared with that of the general population of the city of São Paulo; In the internal analysis, the mortality of the monitored subgroup was compared with that of the subgroup not monitored for gamma and X radiation. RESULTS: The external mortality analysis showed SMR=0.224 (95%CI 0.208-0.240) and the healthy worker effect, while the internal mortality analysis showed SMR=0.685 (95%CI 0.618-0.758). CONCLUSION: This study showed lower cancer mortality among exposed workers when compared to mortality in the general population and the healthy worker effect. Among workers monitored for gamma and X radiation, cancer mortality was lower when compared to those not monitored.

Shedding light on occupational exposure to the sun.

Roughly one in three non-melanoma skin cancer deaths worldwide is associated with working outdoors in the sun. Gary Humphreys reports.

Respirable dust exposure impact on respiratory symptoms among cleaners in a Selangor Public University, Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Cleaners perform a vital role in environmental health by keeping the place clean, but they are also exposed to various hazards. Yet, there is a lack of effective and accessible occupational safety standard measures, thus making this to be difficult to monitor the long-term health effects of cleaners. This study aims to determine the respirable dust exposure on respiratory symptoms among cleaners in a public university in Selangor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 51 cleaners. The respondents' background information and respiratory symptoms were gathered using a series of standardised questionnaires validated by the American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78-A). The 8- hour respirable dust exposure to cleaners was measured using an air sampling pump (Gillian & Sensodyne Gil Air 3). RESULTS: The mean of respirable dust was lower than permissible exposure limit with 0.63±0.57mg/m3. The respiratory symptoms among the cleaners showed no significant association between cough, phlegm, and breathing difficulties with working tenure. Meanwhile, wheezing and coughing with phlegm have an almost significant association with working tenure among cleaners with (Χ2=1.00, p=0.08) and (Χ2=1.00, p=0.07) respectively. Exposure to respirable dust has exhibited 6 times the prevalence of coughing with phlegm among cleaners (PR=6.28, 95% CI: 0.44, 89.38). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated that the cleaners were significantly affected by the respirable dust. The cleaners' working environment has caused them to be exposed to respirable dust.

Impact of heat stress on thermal balance, hydration and cortical response among outdoor workers in hot environment - an exploratory report from North East India.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the impact of heat stress on hydration and cognition among outdoor workers in hot environment. METHODS: Area heat stress assessments were measured using Quest Temp WBGT monitor. Sweat rate for dehydration and reaction time for acute cognitive processing were recorded using standard procedures. RESULTS: Heat stress measurements ranged from 23.8 °C - 42 °C. More than 50 % of the workers had high sweat rate (>1.2 L/h) when exposed to high environmental temperatures. Positive correlation was obtained between WBGT, sweat rate and reaction time which indicates that hyperthermia has an impact on neural network processing. Heart rate and reaction time also increased with rise in WBGT and heavy physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: There was impairment of cognitive functions (reaction time) under heat stress conditions. Hence, reaction time can be used to assess the short-term impact of heat stress on neural modulation and will help to plan effective intervention strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality among workers.

Evaluation of the risk of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in healthcare sector: part II - the application of the FMECA method to compare manual vs automated preparation.

Healthcare workers handling antineoplastic drugs (ADs) in preparation units run the risk of occupational exposure to contaminated surfaces and associated mutagenic, teratogenic, and oncogenic effects of those drugs. To minimise this risk, automated compounding systems, mainly robots, have been replacing manual preparation of intravenous drugs for the last 20 years now, and their number is on the rise. To evaluate contamination risk and the quality of the working environment for healthcare workers preparing ADs, we applied the Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) method to compare the acceptable risk level (ARL), based on the risk priority number (RPN) calculated from five identified failure modes, with the measured risk level (MRL). The model has shown higher risk of exposure with powdered ADs and containers not protected by external plastic shrink film, but we found no clear difference in contamination risk between manual and automated preparation. This approach could be useful to assess and prevent the risk of occupational exposure for healthcare workers coming from residual cytotoxic contamination both for current handling procedures and the newly designed ones. At the same time, contamination monitoring data can be used to keep track of the quality of working conditions by comparing the observed risk profiles with the proposed ARL. Our study has shown that automated preparation may have an upper hand in terms of safety but still leaves room for improvement, at least in our four hospitals.

Meta-Analysis of Incidence and Mortality of Firefighter Cancer: An Update on Emerging Science.

BACKGROUND: Firefighters are faced with a broad range of toxic exposures during their work, including known and suspected carcinogens. The current study is an update to the previously published meta-analysis of cancer risk among firefighters by Soteriades and colleagues, and focuses on studies published from 2008 to 2020. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted, including electronic databases and bibliographies of recently published papers. Analyses include stratification of studies conducted in the United States (US) versus other countries. Cancer incidence and mortality rates were compared to the relevant general population. Random effects models were used to calculate summary risk estimates and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 42 cancer types covered, incidence was associated with firefighting in US samples for colon, kidney, large intestine, pleura, and prostate cancer, as well as malignant melanoma. There was an increased incidence of Hodgkin's Disease and malignant melanoma and a significantly lower risk of kidney cancer for non-US samples. Significant cancer mortality estimates for US samples included oral/buccal/mouth, other parts of the buccal cavity, pharynx, colon, esophagus, large intestine, lung, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, pancreas, pleura, rectum, and soft tissue sarcoma. No cancer had a significantly higher rate of mortality among non-US samples. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the global cancer burden among firefighters, and indicate that geographically stratifying studies afford a more nuanced risk perspective. Further research should investigate why US firefighters exhibit higher cancer mortality rates compared to international counterparts.

Firefighting, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and DNA methylation of genes associated with prostate cancer risk.

Prostate cancer is the leading incident cancer among men in the United States. Firefighters are diagnosed with this disease at a rate 1.21 times higher than the average population. This increased risk may result from occupational exposures to many toxicants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study assessed the association between firefighting as an occupation in general or PFAS serum levels, with DNA methylation. Only genomic regions previously linked to prostate cancer risk were selected for analysis: GSTP1, Alu repetitive elements, and the 8q24 chromosomal region. There were 444 male firefighters included in this study, with some analyses being conducted on fewer participants due to missingness. Statistical models were used to test associations between exposures and DNA methylation at CpG sites in the selected genomic regions. Exposure variables included proxies of cumulative firefighting exposures (incumbent versus academy status and years of firefighting experience) and biomarkers of PFAS exposures (serum concentrations of 9 PFAS). Proxies of cumulative exposures were associated with DNA methylation at 15 CpG sites and one region located within FAM83A (q-value <0.1). SbPFOA was associated with 19 CpG sites (q < 0.1), but due to low detection rates, this PFAS was modeled as detected versus not detected in serum. Overall, there is evidence that firefighting experience is associated with differential DNA methylation in prostate cancer risk loci, but this study did not find evidence that these differences are due to PFAS exposures specifically.

Global, regional, and national burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to occupational asbestos exposure 1990-2019 and prediction to 2035: worsening or improving?

Understanding the burden associated with occupational asbestos exposure on a global and regional scale is necessary to implement coordinated prevention and control strategies. By the GBD Study 2019, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the non-communicable diseases burden attributable to occupational asbestos exposure. In 2019, 239,330 deaths and 4,189,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide due to occupational asbestos exposure occurred. 1990-2019, deaths and DALYs attributed to occupational asbestos exposure increased by 65.65% and 43.66%, respectively. Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) decreased, with the most rapid declines in high Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions, with average annual percent change (AAPC) of - 1.05(95%CI: -1.2, -0.89) and -1.53(95%CI: -1.71, -1.36), respectively. Lung cancer, mesothelioma and ovarian cancer were the top three contributors to the increase in deaths and DALYs, accounting for more than 96%. AAPCs of ASMR and ASDR were positively associated with SDI. Global deaths from occupational asbestos exposure were predicted to increase and ASMR to decrease by 2035, mostly in males. Due consideration should be given to the susceptibility of the elderly, the lag of asbestos onset, and the regional differences, and constantly improve the prevention and control measures of occupational asbestos exposure and related diseases.

[An epidemiological and evolutionary profile of occupational asthma of Tunisian workers]. / Profil épidémiologique et évolutif de l'asthme professionnel des travailleurs tunisiens.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to identify the epidemiological and occupational characteristics of patients with occupational asthma (OA) and to assess their clinical evolution and occupational outcomes. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study over a period of five years (from 2012 to 2016) about the OA cases in the private sector reported in the Tunisian region of Zaghouan. RESULTS: All in all, 165 OA cases were reported during the study period, representing an annual incidence of 733.3 cases per 1,000,000 workers in the private sector. Our study population was composed predominantly (85.5%) of women, whose mean age was 41.5±6.8years. More than three quarters of the affected persons were working in the automobile industry, and most illnesses (77%) were attributable to isocyanates. The mean time to onset of the respiratory symptoms was longer for low molecular weight agents (13.6±3.1years) compared to high molecular weight agents (12.0±3.9years) (P=0.0006). The majority of OA cases (66.7%) lost their jobs. Job loss was significantly more frequent among asthmatic women and workers with OA due to isocyanates. Among the 62 cases of OA for whom risk factors were eliminated, 45 nonetheless remained symptomatic. CONCLUSION: Effective prevention strategies involving the various actors need to be implemented in work environments so as to reduce the frequency and the medico-legal repercussions of a disabling condition.

Statistical estimation of noise induced hearing loss among the drivers in one of the most polluted cities of India.

In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the impact of vehicular noise upon the 3-wheeler tempo drivers and to know whether there is any relationship between hearing loss and cumulative noise exposure. For this purpose, 3-wheeler tempo drivers (Exposed group) and non-commercial light motor vehicle car drivers (Unexposed group) were chosen as study subjects. Three traffic routes were selected to assess the noise level during waiting and running time in the exposed and unexposed groups. Among all three routes, the highest mean noise level (Leq) was observed on the Chowk to Dubagga route for waiting and en-route noise measurement. It was measured as 84.13 dB(A) and 86.36 dB(A) for waiting and en-route periods of 7.68 ± 3.46 and 31.05 ± 6.6 min, respectively. Cumulative noise exposure was found to be significantly different (p < 0.001) in all age groups of exposed and unexposed drivers. Audiometric tests have been performed over both exposed and unexposed groups. The regression analysis has been done keeping hearing loss among tempo drivers as the dependent variable and age (years) and Energy (Pa2 Hrs) as the independent variable using three different criteria of hearing loss definitions, i.e., World Health Organization, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration criteria. Among these three criteria, the NIOSH criterion of hearing loss best explained the independent variables. It could explain the total variation in dependent variable by independent variable quite well, i.e., 68.1%. The finding showed a linear relationship between cumulative noise exposures (Pa2 Hrs) and the exposed group's hearing loss (dB), i.e., hearing loss increases with increasing noise dose. Based on the findings, two model equations were developed to identify the safe and unsafe noise levels with exposure time.

[Research progress on pollution status and toxic effects of organophosphorus flame retardants 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate].

The environmental pollution and health hazards caused by the extensive use of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have become a problem of wide concern around the world. As a typical OPFR, 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) can be detected in water, atmosphere, soil and other environmental media. It widely exists in production and life and can accumulate in organisms, causing great risks the ecosystem and human health. This paper reviews the research of EHDPP domestically and abroad, and summarizes the physicochemical properties of EHDPP and the population situation of occupational exposure, environmental exposure, and population exposure in recent years. Besides, it summarizes the toxic effects and mechanisms of EHDPP, including acute toxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and carcinogenesis effects. This paper also proposes the future direction of toxicity and health risks of EHDPP, which provides a theoretical basis for further research on environmental hazards and safety evaluation of EHDPP.

Occupational exposure to particulate matter and staff sickness absence on the London underground.

The London Underground (LU) employs over 19,000 staff, some of whom are exposed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) within the network. This study quantified the occupational exposure of LU staff to subway PM and investigated the possible association with sickness absence (SA). A job exposure matrix to quantify subway PM2.5 staff exposure was developed by undertaking measurement campaigns across the LU network. The association between exposure and SA was evaluated using zero-inflated mixed-effects negative binomial models. Staff PM2.5 exposure varied by job grade and tasks undertaken. Drivers had the highest exposure over a work shift (mean: 261 µg/m3), but concentrations varied significantly by LU line and time the train spent subway. Office staff work in office buildings separate to the LU network and are unexposed to occupational subway PM2.5. They were found to have lower rates of all-cause and respiratory infection SA compared to non-office staff, those who work across the LU network and are occupational exposed to subway PM2.5. Train drivers on five out of eight lines showed higher rates of all-cause SA, but no dose-response relationship was seen. Only drivers from one line showed higher rates of SAs from respiratory infections (incidence rate ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.39). Lower-grade customer service (CS) staff showed higher rates of all-cause and respiratory infection SA compared to higher grade CS staff. Doctor-certified chronic respiratory and cardiovascular SAs were associated with occupational PM2.5 exposure in CS staff and drivers. While some groups with higher occupational exposure to subway PM reported higher rates of SA, no evidence suggests that subway PM is the main contributing factor to SA. This is the largest subway study on health effects of occupational PM2.5 exposure and may have wider implications for subway workers, contributing to safer working environments.

High inflammatory cytokines gene expression can be detected in workers with prolonged exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles in industries.

Occupational health must be strictly considered in industries particularly in nanoparticle factories where workers were exposed to different types of chemicals. We measured the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in workers who developed skin lesions after exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Using a questionnaire in this cross-sectional study, we identified 110 workers in nanoparticle industries who were exposed to silver and silica nanoparticles. We also included 40 healthy subjects as controls from the administrative department of the same factories who were not exposed to nanoparticles. Peripheral blood samples used to measure the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines by qRT-PCR. In comparison with the control group, the workers who developed skin lesions had significantly higher levels of interleukin IL4, IL6, IL8, and TNF-α, particularly after two or three decades of exposure to silver and silica nanoparticles. Participants who were exposed to silver had higher levels of IL6 and IL8 compared with those who were exposed to silica. Necessary measures must be considered to protect workers in nanoparticle industries against the potential toxic effects of these compounds. Our network pharmacology study suggests corresponding biochemical pathways for these disorders.