An investigation of 3M Cordova, IL production worker's per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances biomonitoring results and mortality experience.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a wide-ranging group of chemicals that have been used in a variety of polymer and surfactant applications. While 3M Cordova, Illinois was not one of 3M's primary manufacturing facilities for the legacy long-chain PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS), it has been a major manufacturing site for short-chain PFAS (compounds that are or may degrade to PFBS or PFBA). The purpose of this research focused on: 1) an analysis of biomonitoring data of employees and retirees, and 2) an analysis of the cohort mortality of workers from 1970 to 2018. Employees had higher PFBS and PFBA serum concentrations than the retirees, while retirees had higher concentrations for PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. Compared to the 2017-2018 NHANES data, employees' PFOS and PFHxS concentrations in 2022 were two-fold higher, with PFOA levels comparable. These NHANES data did not include serum PFBS or PFBA. Cross-sectional trends of PFOS and PFOA levels from 1997 to 2022 showed PFOS declined from 151 ng/mL to 10.4 ng/mL. Similarly, PFOA decreased from 100 ng/mL to 1.5 ng/mL. A longitudinal analysis of 48 participants with measurements in both 2006 and 2022 showed concentrations decreased by 74% for PFOS and 90% for PFOA. In the mortality study, 1707 employees who worked 1 day or longer were followed for an average of 25.6 years and had 143 (8%) deaths. There were no significantly elevated risks for any specific cause of death, regardless of latency period (0 or 15 years). While no specific PFAS exposures were examined, worker mortality experience (1970-2018) was analyzed by major departments representing primary work areas. Employees and retirees at the Cordova facility continue to have elevated PFOS and PFHxS serum concentrations compared to the general population, however, their legacy PFAS concentrations have declined over time, consistent with the estimated serum elimination half-lives of these PFAS in humans assuming nominal ambient exposures. For PFBS and PFBA, the results indicated no long-term accumulation in the blood likely due to their short serum elimination half-lives. After nearly 50 years of follow-up, this Cordova workforce showed no increased risk of mortality from cancer or any other specific cause of death.

Associations between maternal occupational exposures and pregnancy outcomes among Chinese nurses: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have provided evidence about adverse pregnancy outcomes of nurses involved in occupational exposure. However, the pregnancy outcomes among nurses in middle-income countries are not well demonstrated. The main aim of this study is to present the prevalence and influencing factors of pregnancy outcomes among female nurses in China. METHODS: We included 2243 non-nurse health care workers, and 4230 nurses in this national cross-sectional study in China. Information on occupational exposures and pregnancy outcomes was collected using a face-to-face investigation. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated through logistic regression. RESULTS: The proportion of threatened abortion, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth of female nurses was 2.6%, 7%, and 2.1%, respectively. We found an increased risk of threatened abortion among nurses with overtime work (OR = 1.719, 95% CI 1.158-2.550). The risk of threatened abortion and spontaneous abortion was elevated among nurses handling disinfectant (OR = 2.293 and 1.63, respectively). We found a nearly twofold increased risk of premature birth (OR = 2.169, 95% CI 1.36-3.459) among nurses handling anti-cancer drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that maternal occupational exposures might be associated with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among female nurses in China. We recommend that policy-markers and hospital managers work together to reduce exposure to occupational hazards and improve pregnancy outcomes among female nurses.

Risk factors for clinical stages of COVID-19 amongst employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worldwide over a period of 12 months.

BACKGROUND: Essential workers carry a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality than individuals working in non-essential activities. Scientific studies on COVID-19 risk factors and clinical courses for humanitarian aid workers (HAW) specifically are lacking. The nature of their work brings HAW in proximity to various populations, therefore potentially exposing them to the virus. The objective of this study is to assess severity degrees of COVID-19 in relation to multiple risk factors in a cohort of HAW. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of data collected by the Staff Health Unit of the International Committee of the Red Cross, over 12 months (February 2021 - January 2022). Prevalence of demographic and health risk factors and outcome events were calculated. Factors associated with disease severity were explored in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Resulting OR were reported with 95%CI and p-values from Wald Test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We included 2377 patients. The mean age was 39.5y.o. Two thirds of the patients were males, and 3/4 were national staff. Most cases (3/4) were reported by three regions (Africa, Asia and Middle East). Over 95% of patients were either asymptomatic or presented mild symptoms, 9 died (CFR 0.38%). Fifty-two patients were hospitalised and 7 needed a medical evacuation outside the country of assignment. A minority (14.76%) of patients had at least one risk factor for severe disease; the most recorded one was high blood pressure (4.6%). Over 55% of cases occurred during the predominance of Delta Variant of Concern. All pre-existing risk factors were significantly associated with a moderate or higher severity of the disease (except pregnancy and immunosuppression). CONCLUSIONS: We found strong epidemiological evidence of associations between comorbidities, old age, and the severity of COVID-19. Increased occupational risks of moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 do not only depend on workplace safety but also on social contacts and context.

Mpox exposure and transmission in healthcare settings during the 2022 global outbreak.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The risk of nosocomial transmission of mpox during the 2022 global outbreak is not well described. We evaluated reports of exposures to healthcare personnel (HCP) and patients in healthcare settings and risk of transmission. RECENT FINDINGS: Reported nosocomial transmission of mpox has been rare and associated primarily with sharps injuries and breaches in transmission-based precautions. SUMMARY: Currently recommended infection control practices, including the use of standard and transmission-based precautions in the care of patients with known or suspected mpox are highly effective. Diagnostic sampling should not involve the use of needles or other sharp instruments.

A Data-Driven Approach to Estimating Occupational Inhalation Exposure Using Workplace Compliance Data.

A growing list of chemicals are approved for production and use in the United States and elsewhere, and new approaches are needed to rapidly assess the potential exposure and health hazard posed by these substances. Here, we present a high-throughput, data-driven approach that will aid in estimating occupational exposure using a database of over 1.5 million observations of chemical concentrations in U.S. workplace air samples. We fit a Bayesian hierarchical model that uses industry type and the physicochemical properties of a substance to predict the distribution of workplace air concentrations. This model substantially outperforms a null model when predicting whether a substance will be detected in an air sample, and if so at what concentration, with 75.9% classification accuracy and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.00 log10 mg m-3 when applied to a held-out test set of substances. This modeling framework can be used to predict air concentration distributions for new substances, which we demonstrate by making predictions for 5587 new substance-by-workplace-type pairs reported in the US EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) industrial use database. It also allows for improved consideration of occupational exposure within the context of high-throughput, risk-based chemical prioritization efforts.

Maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents and intrauterine growth in the ELFE cohort.

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, about 15% of women are occupationally exposed to solvents. Associations between this maternal occupational exposure and intrauterine fetal growth are inconsistent, but almost no existing study has investigated this relation by solvent family (oxygenated, petroleum, and chlorinated), although they may affect fetal growth differently. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relations between maternal occupational solvent exposure, by solvent family, and the risk of neonates born small for gestational age (SGA), or with low birthweight, or with small head circumference (HC). METHODS: Among the 18,040 women enrolled in the Elfe rather than included in the Elfe birth cohort, we included 13,026 women who worked during pregnancy (72% of the cohort). Information about maternal occupations and industrial activities during pregnancy was collected by questionnaire at the maternity ward, and completed at 2-month when necessary. Using Matgéné job-exposure matrices, we assessed maternal occupational exposure to solvents. Logistic and multiple linear regressions were used to assess the association between maternal occupational solvent exposure and SGA status, birth weight, and HC. Analyses were conducted for exposure during pregnancy and also stratified by the trimester that pregnancy leave began. RESULTS: We observed a higher risk of SGA newborns among mothers occupationally exposed during pregnancy to petroleum solvents (ORadjusted = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.57). Among women working until the third trimester of pregnancy, we observed a higher risk of SGA newborns to those occupationally exposed to oxygenated solvents (ORadjusted = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.11 to 2.75), a significantly lower birthweight for infants of mothers exposed to petroleum solvents (ßadjusted = -47.37 g; -89.33 to -5.42), and a lower HC among newborns of those occupationally exposed to oxygenated solvents (ßadjusted = -0.28; -0.49 to -0.07) and to chlorinated solvents (ßadjusted = -0.29; -0.53 to -0.05). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that maternal occupational solvent exposure may influence fetal growth, especially exposure into the third trimester of pregnancy.

The effects of heat exposure on tropical farm workers in Malaysia: six-month physiological health monitoring.

Farmers in tropical countries have been impacted by slow-onset heat stress. By comparing the nature of farming activities performed by conventional farmworkers and agroecological farmers, this study examined the changes in physiological health in responses to heat exposure through a six-month longitudinal study. Throughout the six-month follow-up period, the heat stress index (HSI), physiological strain indices (PSI), and physiological health parameters (BMI, blood glucose level, blood cholesterol level, uric acid level) were measured and repeated every two-month. Physiological parameters were recorded twice daily, before and during their first lunch break. This study found that slow-onset heat stress affects farmers differently. The health of agroecological farmers is more resistant to slow-onset extreme temperatures. Pre-existing metabolic health effects from pesticide exposure make conventional farmers more susceptible to extreme temperatures, delaying their bodies' adaptation to rising temperatures.

Fatores associados à percepção do risco biológico e aos acidentes com material biológico em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Factors associated with the perception of biological risk and accidents with biological material in community health workers / Factores asociados a la percepción del riesgo biológico y de los accidentes con material biológico en los agentes comunitarios de salud

Objetivos: identificar fatores associados à acidentes com material biológico e à percepção do risco biológico entre Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS). Métodos: estudo transversal analítico realizado com ACS, mediante aplicação de questionário e consulta de registros no cartão de vacinas. Regressão múltipla de Poisson com variância robusta foi realizada para analisar os fatores associados aos acidentes com material biológico e à percepção do risco biológico. Resultados: dos 207 participantes, 50,24% (IC 95% = 43,4 - 56,9) apresentou autorrelato de acidentes com material biológico, tendo como fatores associados possuir formação de nível superior [RP ajustada = 2,2 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 4,7)], ter outro vínculo empregatício [RP ajustada = 1,5 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 2,3)] e conhecimento quanto às vacinas necessárias ao ACS [RP ajustada = 0,7 (0,5 - 0,9)]. Constatou-se que 74,39% dos ACS tinham percepção de algum risco biológico, mesmo de forma limitada. Entre as variáveis investigadas, na análise ajustada, nenhuma mostrou associação com a percepção de risco biológico pelos ACS. Conclusão: a prevalência de acidentes com material biológico em ACS é elevada, sendo fatores associados possuir formação de nível superior, ter outro vínculo empregatício e apresentar conhecimento quanto as vacinas necessárias para a atividade laboral. Há limitada percepção de risco pela maioria dos ACS. Não foram encontrados fatores associados à esta variável.

Objectives: to identify factors associated with accidents involving biological material and the perception of biological risk among community health workers (CHWs). Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with CHWs using a questionnaire and consultation of vaccination card records. Poisson multiple regression with robust variance was conducted to analyze the factors associated with accidents involving biological material and perception of biological risk. Results: of the 207 participants, 50.24% (95% CI = 43.4 - 56.9) self-reported accidents with biological material, and the associated factors were having a university degree [adjusted PR = 2.2 (95% CI = 1.0 - 4.7)], having another job [adjusted PR = 1.5 (95% CI = 1.0 - 2.3)] and knowledge of the vaccines needed by CHWs [adjusted PR = 0.7 (0.5 - 0.9)]. It was found that 74.39% of CHWs were aware of some biological risk, even to a limited extent. Among the variables investigated, in the adjusted analysis, none showed an association with the perception of biological risk by CHWs. Conclusion: the prevalence of accidents involving biological material among CHWs is high, and the associated factors are having a university degree, having another job, and having knowledge of the vaccines required for the job. Most CHWs have a limited perception of the risk. No factors were associated with this variable.

Objetivos: identificar los factores asociados a los accidentes con material biológico y la percepción del riesgo biológico entre agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS). Métodos: estudio transversal analítico realizado con los ACS mediante cuestionario y consulta de los registros de las cartillas de vacunación. Se realizó una regresión múltiple de Poisson con varianza robusta para analizar los factores asociados a los accidentes con material biológico y la percepción del riesgo biológico. Resultados: de los 207 participantes, el 50,24% (IC 95% = 43,4 - 56,9) declararon haber sufrido accidentes con material biológico, y los factores asociados fueron tener un título universitario [PR ajustado = 2,2 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 4,7)], tener otro trabajo [PR ajustado = 1,5 (IC 95% = 1,0 - 2,3)] y conocer las vacunas que necesitan los ACS [PR ajustado = 0,7 (0,5 - 0,9)]. Se observó que el 74,39% de los ACS conocían algún riesgo biológico, aunque fuera de forma limitada. De las variables investigadas en el análisis ajustado, ninguna mostró una asociación con la percepción del riesgo biológico por parte de los ACS. Conclusión: la prevalencia de accidentes con material biológico entre los ACS es alta, y los factores asociados son tener un título universitario, tener otro trabajo y tener conocimientos sobre las vacunas necesarias para el trabajo. La mayoría de los ACS tienen una percepción limitada del riesgo. No se encontraron factores asociados a esta variable.

Covid-19 en trabajadores de la Salud: Experiencia en la Residencia de Pediatría de un hospital de La Plata, Argentina / Covid-19 in health workers: Experience in the Pediatric Residence of a hospital in La Plata, Argentina

Introducción: Los trabajadores de la salud (TS) poseen la mayor exposición laboral al contagio SARS-CoV-2. Los residentes forman parte fundamental de los servicios de salud por lo que no se encuentran exentos del impacto físico, psíquico, social y económico negativo producido por la pandemia por COVID-19. Objetivo: : Describir el impacto epidemiológico de la enfermedad profesional por COVID-19 en médicos residentes de pediatría. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en médicos residentes de pediatría del H.I.A.E.P "Sor María Ludovica". El período comprendido en el estudio fue del 01/10/2020 al 30/09/2021. Se evaluaron los siguientes datos: género, edad, antecedentes personales, vacunación, cuadro clínico, métodos diagnósticos, aislamientos epidemiológicos, evolución y licencias tramitadas. Los datos fueron registrados por la jefatura de residentes. Resultados: 143 casos sospechosos de COVID-19, de ellos 30 resultaron confirmados de COVID-19. La edad media de los enfermos fue de 31 años (26-46 años) de los cuales 14 (47%) no estaban vacunados contra SARS COV-2, 11 (36%) estaban completamente inmunizados y 5 (17%) tenían calendario incompleto. 2 casos (6,6%) reportaron comorbilidad previa. Se realizaron pruebas de laboratorio en 130 de los 143 casos. 13 casos se descartaron por criterio clínico. La tasa de positividad fue 23,1%. 26 casos fueron confirmados por laboratorio y 4 casos mediante criterio clínico epidemiológico. Todos los casos fueron leves y evolucionaron favorablemente. Fueron gestionadas 326 licencias relacionadas a la pandemia por COVID-19 que significaron la pérdida de 2.830 días laborales. Conclusión: En el presente estudio se evidenció una alta tasa de incidencia de COVID-19 en residentes de pediatría en un año: 23,1%

Introduction: Health workers (HCWs) have the highest occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 contagion. Residents are a fundamental part of health services, so they are not exempt from the negative physical, psychological, social and economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological impact of the occupational disease by COVID-19 in resident pediatricians. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in pediatric residents of the H.I.A.E.P "Sor María Ludovica". The period covered by the study was from 10/01/2020 to 09/30/2021. The following data were evaluated: gender, age, personal history, vaccination, clinical picture, diagnostic methods, epidemiological isolates, evolution and licenses processed. The data was recorded by the head of residents. Results: 143 suspected cases of COVID-19, of which 30 were confirmed to be COVID-19. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (26-46 years), of which 14 (47%) were not vaccinated against SARS COV.-2, 11 (36%) were fully immunized and 5 (17%) had an incomplete schedule. 2 cases (6.6%) reported previous comorbidity. Laboratory tests were performed in 130 of the 143 cases. 13 cases were ruled out based on clinical criteria. The positivity rate was 23.1%. 26 cases were confirmed by laboratory and 4 cases by clinical epidemiological criteria. All cases were mild and evolved favorably. 326 licenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic were managed, which meant the loss of 2,830 working days. Conclusion: In the present study, a high rate of incidence of COVID-19 was evidenced in pediatric residents in one year: 23.1%

Professional practice for COVID-19 risk reduction among health care workers: A cross-sectional study with matched case-control comparison.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) are particularly exposed to COVID-19 and therefore it is important to study preventive measures in this population. AIM: To investigate socio-demographic factors and professional practice associated with the risk of COVID-19 among HCWs in health establishments in Normandy, France. METHODS: A cross-sectional and 3 case-control studies using bootstrap methods were conducted in order to explore the possible risk factors that lead to SARS-CoV2 transmission within HCWs. Case-control studies focused on risk factors associated with (a) care of COVID-19 patients, (b) care of non COVID-19 patients and (c) contacts between colleagues. PARTICIPANTS: 2,058 respondents, respectively 1,363 (66.2%) and 695 (33.8%) in medical and medico-social establishments, including HCW with and without contact with patients. RESULTS: 301 participants (14.6%) reported having been infected by SARS-CoV2. When caring for COVID-19 patients, HCWs who declared wearing respirators, either for all patient care (ORa 0.39; 95% CI: 0.29-0.51) or only when exposed to aerosol-generating procedures (ORa 0.56; 95% CI: 0.43-0.70), had a lower risk of infection compared with HCWs who declared wearing mainly surgical masks. During care of non COVID-19 patients, wearing mainly a respirator was associated with a higher risk of infection (ORa 1.84; 95% CI: 1.06-3.37). An increased risk was also found for HCWs who changed uniform in workplace changing rooms (ORa 1.93; 95% CI: 1.63-2.29). CONCLUSION: Correct use of PPE adapted to the situation and risk level is essential in protecting HCWs against infection.

Sex Difference and Benzene Exposure: Does It Matter?

Sex-related biological differences might lead to different effects in women and men when they are exposed to risk factors. A scoping review was carried out to understand if sex could be a discriminant in health outcomes due to benzene. Studies on both animals and humans were collected. In vivo surveys, focusing on genotoxicity, hematotoxicity and effects on metabolism suggested a higher involvement of male animals (mice or rats) in adverse health effects. Conversely, the studies on humans, focused on the alteration of blood parameters, myeloid leukemia incidence and biomarker rates, highlighted that, overall, women had significantly higher risk for blood system effects and a metabolization of benzene 23-26% higher than men, considering a similar exposure situation. This opposite trend highlights that the extrapolation of in vivo findings to human risk assessment should be taken with caution. However, it is clear that sex is a physiological parameter to consider in benzene exposure and its health effects. The topic of sex difference linked to benzene in human exposure needs further research, with more numerous samples, to obtain a higher strength of data and more indicative findings. Sex factor, and gender, could have significant impacts on occupational exposures and their health effects, even if there are still uncertainties and gaps that need to be filled.

Modelled lung deposition and retention of welding fume particles in occupational scenarios: a comparison to doses used in vitro.

Translating particle dose from in vitro systems to relevant human exposure remains a major challenge for the use of in vitro studies in assessing occupational hazard and risk of particle exposure. This study aimed to model the lung deposition and retention of welding fume particles following occupational scenarios and subsequently compare the lung doses to those used in vitro. We reviewed published welding fume concentrations and size distributions to identify input values simulating real-life exposure scenarios in the multiple path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. The majority of the particles were reported to be below 0.1 µm and mass concentrations ranged between 0.05 and 45 mg/m3. Following 6-h exposure to 5 mg/m3 with a count median diameter of 50 nm, the tracheobronchial lung dose (0.89 µg/cm2) was found to exceed the in vitro cytotoxic cell dose (0.125 µg/cm2) previously assessed by us in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3kt). However, the tracheobronchial retention decreased rapidly when no exposure occurred, in contrast to the alveolar retention which builds-up over time and exceeded the in vitro cytotoxic cell dose after 1.5 working week. After 1 year, the tracheobronchial and alveolar retention was estimated to be 1.15 and 2.85 µg/cm2, respectively. Exposure to low-end aerosol concentrations resulted in alveolar retention comparable to cytotoxic in vitro dose in HBEC-3kt after 15-20 years of welding. This study demonstrates the potential of combining real-life exposure data with particle deposition modelling to improve the understanding of in vitro concentrations in the context of human occupational exposure.

Association of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response and Cleanup Work With Risk of Developing Hypertension.

Importance: Exposure to hydrocarbons, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and other chemicals from the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon disaster may be associated with increased blood pressure and newly detected hypertension among oil spill response and cleanup workers. Objective: To determine whether participation in cleanup activities following the disaster was associated with increased risk of developing hypertension. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was conducted via telephone interviews and in-person home exams. Participants were 6846 adults who had worked on the oil spill cleanup (workers) and 1505 others who had completed required safety training but did not do cleanup work (nonworkers). Eligible participants did not have diagnosed hypertension at the time of the oil spill. Statistical analyses were performed from June 2018 to December 2021. Exposures: Engagement in cleanup activities following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, job classes, quintiles of cumulative total hydrocarbons exposure level, potential exposure to burning or flaring oil, and estimated PM2.5 were examined. Main Outcomes and Measures: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were collected during home exams from 2011 to 2013 using automated oscillometric monitors. Newly detected hypertension was defined as antihypertensive medication use or elevated blood pressure since the spill. Log binomial regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs for associations between cleanup exposures and hypertension. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate exposure effects on continuous blood pressure levels. Results: Of 8351 participants included in this study, 6484 (77.6%) were male, 517 (6.2%) were Hispanic, 2859 (34.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 4418 (52.9%) were non-Hispanic White; the mean (SD) age was 41.9 (12.5) years at enrollment. Among workers, the prevalence of newly detected hypertension was elevated in all quintiles (Q) of cumulative total hydrocarbons above the first quintile (PR for Q3, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.13-1.46], PR for Q4, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.10-1.43], and PR for Q5, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.15-1.50]). Both exposure to burning and/or flaring oil and gas (PR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02-1.33]) and PM2.5 from burning (PR, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.89-1.71]) for the highest exposure category were associated with increased risk of newly detected hypertension, as were several types of oil spill work including cleanup on water (PR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.08-1.66]) and response work (PR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.20-1.90]). Conclusions and Relevance: Oil spill exposures were associated with newly detected hypertension after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. These findings suggest that blood pressure screening should be considered for workers with occupational hydrocarbon exposures.

Spontaneous Chromosomal Aberrations in Lymphocytes and Development of Tumor in Hospital Workers.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic analysis of chromosomes in blood lymphocytes can be used to reveal biomarkers of tumor risk. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) appears to correlate with the later incidence of cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our work, a total of 515 healthy Hungarian medical workers and 725 controls were enrolled in our investigation. The CAs in peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of CAs was significantly higher in the groups working with ionizing radiation and with cytostatic agents compared to unexposed controls and in male smokers rather than non-smokers. The frequency of dicentric chromosomes, however, was not significantly different between control and exposed groups. Among 82 cancer cases (6.6%), the most frequent types were cancer of the breast (20.5%), colon (12.8%), lung and thyroid gland (9-9%). Our analysis showed 8.1% cancer cases in smokers compared to 5.7% in non-smokers. CONCLUSION: The potential exposure to carcinogens did not modify the effect of CAs on cancer risk but tobacco smoking did increase risk.

Effects on white blood cell counts and the NLRP3 inflammasome due to dust and cobalt exposure in the hard metal industry.

INTRODUCTION: In light of potential negative health effects of cobalt exposure, a characterization of inflammatory mechanisms in exposed individuals is warranted. The current study investigated cobalt exposure in the Swedish hard metal industry and its relationship to inflammatory markers, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation and white blood cell (WBC) counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inhalable cobalt and dust exposures, and systemic cobalt levels, were determined for 72 workers in the hard metal industry and linear regression models were applied to correlate exposure to markers of inflammasome activation and WBC counts. RESULTS: Mean exposures to inhalable dust (0.11 mg/m3) and cobalt (0.0034 mg/m3) were below the Swedish occupational exposure limits, and these low exposures did not correlate with any investigated outcomes. Instead, cobalt blood levels significantly correlated with a ca 10% decrease in IL-18 plasma levels per 10 nM cobalt increase. Furthermore, pre-shift cobalt blood and/or urine levels significantly correlated with some WBC measures, including decreased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, increased lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and lymphocyte counts. CONCLUSION: The low inhalable particle exposures had no impact on WBC counts and inflammasome activation. Instead, systemic cobalt levels, which also include skin exposure, demonstrated possible suppressive effects on inflammatory responses in cobalt-exposed individuals in the hard metal industry.

Blood chromium exposure, immune inflammation and genetic damage: Exploring associations and mediation effects in chromate exposed population.

Both genetic damage and inappropriate immune function are relevant to cancer of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. However, its associations with immune response and genetic damage development are poorly understood. To explore their associations and mediating effects, 1249 participants were included from the Occupational Chromate Exposure Dynamic Cohort, and their blood Cr concentrations were measured as internal exposure. A set of biomarkers including urinary 8-hydroxy-2' - deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), micronucleus frequency (MNF) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) was developed to evaluate the landscape of genetic damage of Cr(VI). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and first component of complement q (C1q) were measured to reflect immune inflammation. Multivariate linear regression and mediation analyses were applied to assess the potential associations and mediation effects. It was found that blood Cr level showed significant dose-dependent relationships with increasing of MNF and urinary 8-OHdG, while negative association with CRP and C1q. Furthermore, a 1-unit increase in CRP was associated with decreases of - 0.765 to - 0.254 in MNF, - 0.400 to - 0.051 in urinary 8-OHdG. 4.97% of the association between blood Cr level and the increased MNF was mediated by CRP. 11.58% of the relationship between concentration of blood Cr and urinary 8-OHdG was mediated by C1q. These findings suggested that Cr(VI) exposures might prompt genetic damage, possibly partial via worsening immune inflammation.

Occupational exposure to organic solvents and breast cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest that organic solvent exposure could be closely related to breast cancer, although the evidence remains controversial. Thus, we evaluated existing epidemiological evidence for the association between occupational solvent exposure and breast cancer. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify published case-control and cohort studies that addressed occupational exposure to organic solvents and breast cancer, up to April, 2021. Meta-analyses using random-effects models were conducted to obtain the pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) on the incidence of breast cancer in relation to occupational exposure. The pooled OR of breast cancer among workers exposed to organic solvents overall was 1.18 (95%CI, 1.11 ~ 1.25; I2 = 76.3%; 24 studies), compared to those with no exposure. After stratification by menopause and study location, it was revealed that the association between occupational exposure to organic solvents and the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.09 ~ 1.67; I2 = 73.4%; 7 studies) was significant, and there was also a clear association in workers in Europe (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12 ~ 1.32; I2 = 82.9%; 13 studies). We observed a significant association between occupational exposure to organic solvents and breast cancer in both cohort and case-control studies.

An outbreak of work-related asthma and silicosis at a US countertop manufacturing and fabrication facility.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of severe silicosis have affected workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops. Work-related asthma (WRA) has not been a prominent feature of those prior outbreaks. METHODS: This report describes an outbreak of WRA and silicosis at a facility that manufactures and fabricates chemical-resistant countertops comprised of sand, epoxy resin, and phthalic anhydride (PA), a known respiratory sensitizer. The multi-disciplinary investigation included clinical examinations of workers, an industrial hygiene survey with qualitative and quantitative exposure assessments, and a cross-sectional questionnaire. RESULTS: Engineering controls and personal protective equipment were inadequate. Some workers were exposed to PA or silica above permissible exposure limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Clinical and epidemiologic investigations identified 16 workers with confirmed or suspected WRA. Two years later, after OSHA began to enforce its new silica standards, 12 workers received medical surveillance for silicosis. Of these 12 workers, four (33.3%) were diagnosed with silicosis based on abnormal chest computed tomography examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial stone countertop workers can develop asthma or silicosis. Risk of asthma may be highest in workers exposed to asthmagens such as PA and epoxy resins while manufacturing the artificial stone material.