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1.
Am J Ind Med ; 66(1): 75-84, 2023 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36398400

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis is a multi-billion-dollar California industry, but little is known about the occupational hazards or health experiences of cannabis cultivation workers. Respiratory and dermal exposures, musculoskeletal hazards, and other agricultural hazards have been identified in previous research. Even in a post-legalization framework, cannabis work is stigmatized and most cannabis is still produced illegally. Qualitative research is essential for establishing rapport with cannabis workers to understand their experiences and concerns. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured discussions with four focus groups including 32 cannabis workers total, and 9 key informants who were workers, industry experts, and business owners or managers. Transcribed results were analyzed to identify key themes on physiological exposures and health effects. RESULTS: The majority (81.3%) of focus group participants were seasonal migrant cannabis trimmers. Themes emerged of respiratory and dermal exposures and outcomes, musculoskeletal disorders, and physical hazards including living conditions. Workers reported respiratory symptoms and rashes from exposure to cannabis, mold, and pesticides. Musculoskeletal pain was ubiquitous due to inadequate seating and long shifts performing repetitive tasks. Seasonal workers experienced chronic exposure to cold conditions and unsanitary housing. Management-level interviewees and other industry stakeholders described concerns and experiences that differed from those of workers. DISCUSSION: The results were consistent with existing research on cannabis worker health, with workers reporting respiratory and dermal exposure and symptoms, musculoskeletal hazards, and physical hazards associated with agricultural work. In addition, we found that workers were affected by substandard living conditions, remote and isolated work environments, and an absence of training.


Assuntos
Cannabis , Exposição Ocupacional , Praguicidas , Humanos , Cannabis/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , California , Agricultura
2.
Public Health Nutr ; 25(9): 2651-2659, 2022 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35620920

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of PASOS SALUDABLES, a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention to prevent obesity and diabetes among Latino farmworkers, when implemented at large scale in the worksite. DESIGN: This study was a two-arm parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial, where participants received either a twelve-session lifestyle intervention (intervention) or six-session leadership training (control) at their worksite. The intervention was delivered by Promotoras in Spanish. All sessions were conducted at the worksites (ranches) during meal breaks. Blinded, trained research assistants collected socio-demographic and outcome data (i.e. BMI as primary outcome and waist circumference, glycated Hb (HbA1c), cholesterol and blood pressure as secondary outcomes) at baseline and follow-up assessments (i.e. 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 1·5 years). SETTING: Recruitment and intervention delivery occurred at twelve study ranches in Oxnard, California. PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled farmworkers hired by a large berry grower company, who were ≥18 years old, spoke Spanish and were free of diabetes at screening. RESULTS: A total of 344 workers were enrolled in the intervention and 271 in the control group. The intervention resulted in attenuated increase of BMI over time; however, the difference in trend between groups was not significant (ß = -0·01 for slope difference, P = 0·29). No significantly different trend by group was observed in secondary outcomes (P > 0·27). CONCLUSIONS: The worksite intervention, implemented during meal breaks, did not reduce BMI or other clinical indicators. Nevertheless, this study supports the feasibility of recruiting and engaging the Latino farmworker population in workplace health promotion interventions.


Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus , Local de Trabalho , Adolescente , Índice de Massa Corporal , California , Promoção da Saúde/métodos , Humanos , Estilo de Vida
3.
Am J Ind Med ; 64(2): 73-77, 2021 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33355943

RESUMO

Globally, migrant and immigrant workers have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic as essential workers. They might be a Bulgarian worker at a meat processing plant in Germany, a Central American farmworker in the fields of California, or a Filipino worker at an aged-care facility in Australia. What they have in common is they are all essential workers who have worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic and have been infected with coronavirus at work. COVID-19 has highlighted the inequitable working conditions of these workers. In many instances, they are employed precariously, and so are ineligible for sick leave or social security, or COVID-19 special payments. If these are essential workers, they should get at least the same health and safety benefits of all nonessential workers. Improving the working and living conditions of migrant workers can and should be a positive outcome of the coronavirus pandemic.


Assuntos
COVID-19/epidemiologia , Doenças Profissionais/epidemiologia , Migrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , COVID-19/transmissão , Estudos Transversais , Saúde Global/estatística & dados numéricos , Mão de Obra em Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Benefícios do Seguro/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Serviços de Saúde do Trabalhador/provisão & distribuição , Fatores de Risco , Licença Médica/estatística & dados numéricos , Previdência Social/estatística & dados numéricos , Valores Sociais , Fatores Socioeconômicos
4.
Am J Ind Med ; 62(12): 1038-1046, 2019 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30964208

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of work rate, hydration status, and clothing on core body temperature (CBT) on California farmworkers. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-seven farmworkers were recruited in Summer 2015, with 259 participants having sufficient data for analysis. We collected CBT, ambient temperature, work rate, body weight loss, and clothing worn by each participant throughout the work day and demographic data from a questionnaire. RESULTS: Multiple regression with CBT as the outcome was used to determine the adjusted associations between CBT, environmental heat load, and worker characteristics. The multivariate regression model showed statistically significant associations of CBT with work rate (ß = .006, 95% CI [0.004, 0.009]) and wet-bulb globe temperature (ß = .03, 95% CI [0.017, 0.05]). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that among our population workload is the primary modifiable risk factor for heat-related illness. As expected, the ambient temperature was also associated with higher risk.


Assuntos
Doenças dos Trabalhadores Agrícolas/prevenção & controle , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/etiologia , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/prevenção & controle , Exposição Ocupacional/prevenção & controle , Carga de Trabalho , Temperatura Corporal , California , Vestuário , Fazendeiros , Feminino , Temperatura Alta , Humanos , Masculino , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Estado de Hidratação do Organismo , Fatores de Risco , Tempo (Meteorologia)
5.
BMC Public Health ; 18(1): 849, 2018 07 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29986676

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes are higher in the largely Hispanic, immigrant farmworker population in California. Though to date, few interventional studies have focused on these issues in this at-risk population. The objective of this paper is to describe the study design of a cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an obesity and diabetes work place intervention in an immigrant farm worker population. METHODS: PASOS is an obesity and diabetes intervention program that will be implemented on ranches where immigrant farmworkers spend a considerable amount of time each day. This cluster randomized controlled study will enroll approximately 600 farmworkers. Using a uniform distribution for random number generation, ranches are randomized using a 1:1 ratio as either control or intervention. Baseline data will be taken from eligible participants and analyzed against data collected at the post-intervention, 6-month, 1-year, and 1.5-year follow-ups. The enrollment period is 1.5 years. DISCUSSION: Few studies have been conducted that aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a worksite intervention for obesity and diabetes prevention in a largely Hispanic, farmworker population. This study has been tailored to this population in order to enhance the feasibility of implementation and retention. If successful in reducing obesity and increasing healthy lifestyle choices to reduce diabetes, this study design can be implemented on a larger scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02480244 . Registered 24 June 2015.


Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/prevenção & controle , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Fazendeiros , Obesidade/prevenção & controle , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Programas de Redução de Peso , Adulto , California/epidemiologia , Análise por Conglomerados , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/etnologia , Feminino , Hispânico ou Latino , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Obesidade/etnologia , Serviços de Saúde do Trabalhador , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco
6.
J Occup Environ Hyg ; 15(12): 857-869, 2018 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30183551

RESUMO

Farm workers are at risk of heat related illness (HRI), but their work rates that contribute to HRI have not been objectively assessed. The CHIPS study collected accelerometer data and characterized the physical activity of major farm tasks. Demographic information, work characteristics, and accelerometer data were collected from 575 farm workers in California. Each participating worker contributed measurements over one work shift. An Actical accelerometer was attached securely to a belt worn at the hip. Data were collected at one-minute intervals throughout the work shift. A total of 13 major work-task categories were defined. The mean physical activity counts per minute (cpm) and percentage of the shift spent at moderate and/or vigorous levels of activity were described for each task. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to determine the worker and environmental characteristics contributing to the physical activity level. Mean levels of physical activity ranged from 700 cpm (workers who carry produce) to a low of 150 cpm "ground pruners" who tend low-level plants, with an overall mean of 345 cpm or "light" activity (2 to ≤3 metabolic equivalents). The environmental temperature was the major factor associated with physical activity. A 10°C increase in the median temperature reduced the mean cpm by 135 (95% CI = 87, 193). Age and the tasks of sorting, ground pruning, and harvesting low-level crops were also negatively and independently associated with mean cpm. Incentivized (piece rate) pay, multi-task work, and irrigator work were positively associated with cpm. An interaction was found between piece rate and sex. Men's activity significantly increased (p < 0.001) by a mean of 95 cpm, (95% CI = 38.3, 150.7) if they were paid by the piece, but there was a non-significant association with women's activity level. Workers conducting multiple tasks, irrigators, men, and those earning incentivized (piece rate) pay had higher adjusted mean physical activity levels and are likely at increased risk of heat-related illness on hot days.


Assuntos
Fazendeiros , Atividade Motora , Temperatura , Adulto , California , Produção Agrícola/métodos , Feminino , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/prevenção & controle , Hispânico ou Latino , Humanos , Masculino , Monitorização Ambulatorial/métodos , Exposição Ocupacional , Remuneração , Inquéritos e Questionários
7.
J Occup Environ Hyg ; 15(3): 182-193, 2018 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29157144

RESUMO

Dairy workers experience a high degree of bioaerosol exposure, composed of an array of biological and chemical constituents, which have been tied to adverse health effects. A better understanding of the variation in the magnitude and composition of exposures by task is needed to inform worker protection strategies. To characterize the levels and types of exposures, 115 dairy workers grouped into three task categories on nine farms in the high plains Western United States underwent personal monitoring for inhalable dust, endotoxin, 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OHFA), muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia through one work shift. Eighty-nine percent of dairy workers were exposed to endotoxin at concentrations exceeding the recommended exposure guidelines (adjusted for a long work shift). The proportion of workers with exposures exceeding recommended guidelines was lower for inhalable dust (12%), and ammonia (1%). Ergosterol exposures were only measurable on 28% of samples, primarily among medical workers and feed handlers. Milking parlor workers were exposed to significantly higher inhalable dust, endotoxin, 3-OHFA, ammonia, and muramic acid concentrations compared to workers performing other tasks. Development of large modern dairies has successfully made progress in reducing worker exposures and lung disease prevalence. However, exposure to endotoxin, dust, and ammonia continues to present a significant risk to worker health on North American dairies, especially for workers in milking parlors. This study was among the first to concurrently evaluate occupational exposure to assayable endotoxin (lipid A), 3-hydroxy fatty acids or 3-OHFA (a chemical measure of cell bound and noncell-bound endotoxins), muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia among workers on Western U.S. dairies. There remains a need for cost-effective, culturally acceptable intervention strategies integrated in OHS Risk Management and production systems to further optimize worker health and farm productivity.


Assuntos
Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/análise , Indústria de Laticínios , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Amônia/análise , Colorado/epidemiologia , Poeira/análise , Endotoxinas/análise , Ergosterol/análise , Ácidos Graxos/análise , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ácidos Murâmicos/análise , Material Particulado/análise , Wyoming/epidemiologia
8.
Am J Ind Med ; 59(8): 644-55, 2016 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27400442

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Farm work is labor-intensive, physically demanding, and incurs a high risk of injury. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of farmworkers at increased risk of adverse health outcomes to focus targeted interventions. METHODS: The National Agricultural Workers Survey for 2008-2012 was used to compare characteristics associated with adverse health and safety conditions among US-born and Mexican and Central American-born Latino and Indigenous, documented and undocumented farmworkers, separately for males and females. RESULTS: US-born farmworkers had more secure work, worked less onerous tasks, and earned more per hour than other categories of farmworkers. Undocumented Indigenous workers had more precarious work, worked more onerous tasks, and were more likely to do piece work, than undocumented Latino workers. DISCUSSION: We highlight disparities in modifiable occupational health risk factors across groups of farmworkers that are associated with increased risks of work-related injury and poor health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:644-655, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Assuntos
Agricultura/estatística & dados numéricos , Fazendeiros/estatística & dados numéricos , Hispânico ou Latino/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde Ocupacional/etnologia , Carga de Trabalho/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Agricultura/métodos , América Central/etnologia , Feminino , Disparidades nos Níveis de Saúde , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , México/etnologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Saúde Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Grupos Populacionais/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores de Risco , Migrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Imigrantes Indocumentados/estatística & dados numéricos , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , Estados Unidos/etnologia , Adulto Jovem
9.
Environ Res ; 131: 153-9, 2014 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24721133

RESUMO

Indoor pesticide exposure is a growing concern, particularly from pyrethroids, a commonly used class of pesticides. Pyrethroid concentrations may be especially high in homes of immigrant farm worker families who often live in close proximity to agricultural fields, and are faced with poor housing conditions, causing higher pest infestation and more pesticide use. We investigate exposure of farm worker families to pyrethroids in a study of mothers and children living in Mendota, CA within the population-based Mexican Immigration to California: Agricultural Safety and Acculturation (MICASA) Study. We present pyrethroid exposure based on an ELISA analysis of urinary metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA) levels among 105 women and 103 children. The median urinary 3PBA levels (children=2.56 ug/g creatinine, mothers=1.46 ug/g creatinine) were higher than those reported in population based studies for the United States general population, but similar to or lower than studies with known high levels of pyrethroid exposure. A positive association was evident between poor housing conditions and the urinary metabolite levels, showing that poor housing conditions are a contributing factor to the higher levels of 3PBA seen in the urine of these farm worker families. Further research is warranted to fully investigate sources of exposure.


Assuntos
Benzoatos/urina , Adulto , Animais , California , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Americanos Mexicanos/etnologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Praguicidas , Estudos Prospectivos , Migrantes , Adulto Jovem
10.
New Solut ; 33(4): 198-208, 2024 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38116635

RESUMO

California is home to a multibillion-dollar cannabis (marijuana) industry, but little is known about the occupational health and safety hazards faced by cannabis workers and even less of the stress, mental health, and coping mechanisms among these workers. Previous research has been based on long-term workers at legal businesses, but most California cannabis is produced and sold unlawfully. There are many seasonal workers whose experiences have not been studied. A qualitative study based on focus group discussions and key informant interviews was performed to understand cannabis workers' experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of occupational hazards. Participants reported sources of stress including production pressure and isolation, and mental health outcomes such as depression and mental fatigue. They described primarily maladaptive coping mechanisms. Unique characteristics of the cannabis industry, including criminalization and isolated, remote farms, make interventions challenging. However, policy approaches that involve community organizations could promote worker health.


Assuntos
Cannabis , Humanos , Saúde Mental , Indústrias , Capacidades de Enfrentamento , Pesquisa Qualitativa , California
11.
J Nutr ; 143(9): 1451-8, 2013 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23864507

RESUMO

We examined adherence to dietary recommendations on fruit/vegetable and fat intake and identified correlates with acculturation indicators as well as with family, lifestyle, and occupational factors in a farm worker cohort in central California. Interviewer-administered questionnaires for this cross-sectional study were completed from January 2006 to April 2007. Participants were 18- to 55-y-old Latinos living in Mendota in a farm worker household. We assessed fruit/vegetable consumption and fat intake using the Block Fruit/Vegetable/Fiber Screener and the Block Dietary Fat Screener, respectively. Survey data analysis methods for contingency tables and logistic regression were used for assessing associations. The sample included 802 participants, reporting mean fruit and vegetable intake ( ± SD) of 5.0 ± 1.5 daily servings, and 47% reporting < 5 daily servings. Being born in Mexico or Central America and longer United States residency were associated with higher odds of consuming ≥ 5 daily fruit/vegetable servings and more frequent consumption of field products while working was associated with lower adherence to this recommendation. The average daily percent of calories from fat was 35.0 ± 4.1% and 53% of participants consumed > 35% of daily calories from fat. Men born in Mexico, women born in Central America, and participants who worked in fruit or vegetable crops had higher odds of consuming ≤ 35% of calories from fat. Higher acculturation level, United States school attendance, and having a child at home were associated with lower adherence to this recommendation. Acculturation, family, and occupational correlates of diet quality were identified in this underserved, immigrant population. Our findings may assist program targeting and intervention efforts.


Assuntos
Aculturação , Dieta/estatística & dados numéricos , Hispânico ou Latino/estatística & dados numéricos , Cooperação do Paciente/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , California , América Central , Estudos Transversais , Inquéritos sobre Dietas , Gorduras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Ingestão de Energia , Feminino , Frutas , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Inquéritos e Questionários , Verduras , Adulto Jovem
12.
Am J Ind Med ; 56(2): 216-25, 2013 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23023585

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Agriculture poses varied dangers to hired farm workers in the U.S., but little information exists on occupational risks for chronic musculoskeletal pain. We examined common work positions, such as kneeling, carrying heavy loads, and repetitive motion that may increase the risk for chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: MICASA is a population-based study of occupational exposures and health in hired farm workers in California. This analysis includes 759 participants, 18-55 years old, engaged in farm work and residing in Mendota, CA. Chronic pain was defined as pain lasting 6 weeks or longer at specific body sites (back, knee, hip, etc.) over the entire farm work career. RESULTS: Mean age was 37.9 years. Sixty-five percent participants were born in Mexico, 27.7% were born in El Salvador, and 4.2% were U.S-born. Chronic pain was associated with older age and female sex. After adjustment for age, years working in agriculture, and smoking, stooping/bending >30 hr/week among both men (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.03-5.99) and women (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04-4.46) was associated with chronic hip pain. Driving tractors or other heavy farm equipment >60 hr/week was associated with increased odds of chronic hip pain (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.02-4.54) among men. We also observed significant associations with kneeling or crawling >35 hr/week among women for both chronic back pain (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.27-6.93) and knee pain (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.07-8.50), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is prevalent among farm workers and is associated with common work positions. Further research should focus on developing preventive interventions for tasks associated with increased pain risk. These interventions should be targeted to specific types of agricultural tasks.


Assuntos
Doenças dos Trabalhadores Agrícolas/etiologia , Dor Crônica/etiologia , Hispânico ou Latino , Dor Musculoesquelética/etiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Doenças dos Trabalhadores Agrícolas/etnologia , California/epidemiologia , Dor Crônica/etnologia , Estudos Transversais , El Salvador/etnologia , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , México/etnologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Dor Musculoesquelética/etnologia , Postura , Prevalência , Estudos Prospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
13.
J Environ Qual ; 42(1): 40-7, 2013.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23673737

RESUMO

Over the past 30 yr, individual California dairy operations have grown in size; however, little is known about the distribution and determinants of particulate matter (PM) concentrations on these dairies. Elevated exposure to PM is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health effects, particularly in occupational settings. The purpose of this study was to quantify the concentrations of PM and all inhalable PM (0-100 µm) on California dairies. Samplers were placed at various locations (e.g., milking parlor, grain storage area, drylot corral, and freestall barns) on 13 different dairies to collect PM and all inhalable PM during the 2008 summer months. The PM and all inhalable PM concentrations varied between different areas on a dairy and from dairy to dairy. Geometric mean concentrations for PM and inhalable PM were 24 µg m (range, 2-116 µg m) and 332 µg m (range, 74-1690 µg m). A key variable for explaining variation in PM concentrations with a mixed effects model was regional background ambient concentrations of PM No significant differences were observed in mean concentrations between upwind and downwind fence line concentrations (adjusted geometric mean ratio [AGMR] = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.4-1.3), although significant differences were found between upwind and central location mean values (AGMR = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8; < 0.01). These results indicate dairy PM sources and, thus, elevated occupational exposure. Covariates, such as the age of the dairy and number of cows in the freestall barn and drylot corral, were important variables in explaining PM concentration variability. Levels of PM were lower compared with dairies in other U.S. states and other countries.


Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Material Particulado , Agricultura , Poluentes Atmosféricos , Animais , California , Inquéritos e Questionários
14.
J Agromedicine ; 28(1): 28-35, 2023 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36305193

RESUMO

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa, marijuana) is the largest cash crop in California. While it is difficult to characterize the size of the industry, the total production is estimated at 15 to 16 million pounds per year, with total revenues exceeding $10 billion per year. Despite the huge size and rapid growth of the industry, there has been little research on the health and safety of cannabis workers. The goal of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of collecting cannabis worker health data with a self-administered survey and to analyze the first systematically collected data on occupational health symptoms among California cannabis cultivation workers. We performed a cross-sectional survey of demographic and job characteristics as well as eye, nasal, respiratory, and dermal symptoms among 29 workers at two cannabis farms in the Sacramento area, California. Most participants were men aged less than 30 years, with 48% of participants self-identifying as non-Hispanic white and 58% reporting at least some college education. The most frequently reported work-related symptom was nasal irritation, and 38% of the participants reported symptoms suggestive of asthma. The participants had a demographic makeup distinct from traditional California agricultural workers, and a very high prevalence of current use of cannabis (93%). The high proportion of respondents with symptoms suggestive of asthma raises concern; sensitization to the cannabis plant has been reported among cannabis workers and users and there are many well-documented agricultural exposures causing asthma and asthma-like syndrome.


Assuntos
Asma , Cannabis , Exposição Ocupacional , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Projetos Piloto , Estudos Transversais , California/epidemiologia
15.
J Occup Environ Med ; 65(7): e458-e464, 2023 07 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37026741

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the association between environmental temperature (wet bulb globe temperature [WBGT]) and work rate over the course of a workday. METHODS: Repeated-measures regression was used to identify characteristics impacting work rate in a cross-sectional study of Latino farmworkers. Minute-by-minute work rate (measured by accelerometer) and WBGT were averaged over 15-minute intervals. RESULTS: Work rate decreased by 4.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], -7.09 to -1.59) counts per minute per degree Celsius WBGT in the previous 15-minute interval. Cumulative quarter hours worked (2.13; 95% CI, 0.82 to 3.45), age (-3.64; 95% CI, -4.50 to -2.79), and dehydration at the end of workday (51.37; 95% CI, 19.24 to 83.50) were associated with counts per minute as were gender, pay type (piece rate vs hourly) and body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 . The effects of pay type and body mass index were modified by gender. CONCLUSION: Increased temperature was associated with a decrease in work rate.


Assuntos
Transtornos de Estresse por Calor , Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Temperatura , Fazendeiros , Temperatura Alta , Estudos Transversais , Exposição Ocupacional/prevenção & controle , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/epidemiologia , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/prevenção & controle
16.
Environ Health ; 11: 17, 2012 Mar 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22452745

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to investigate activation of inflammatory markers in human macrophages derived from the U937 cell line after exposure to particulate matter (PM) collected on dairy farms in California and to identify the most potent components of the PM. METHODS: PM from different dairies were collected and tested to induce an inflammatory response determined by the expression of various pro-inflammatory genes, such as Interleukin (IL)-8, in U937 derived macrophages. Gel shift and luciferase reporter assays were performed to examine the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and Toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4). RESULTS: Macrophage exposure to PM derived from dairy farms significantly activated expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including IL-8, cyclooxygenase 2 and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which are hallmarks of inflammation. Acute phase proteins, such as serum amyloid A and IL-6, were also significantly upregulated in macrophages treated with PM from dairies. Coarse PM fractions demonstrated more pro-inflammatory activity on an equal-dose basis than fine PM. Urban PM collected from the same region as the dairy farms was associated with a lower concentration of endotoxin and produced significantly less IL-8 expression compared to PM collected on the dairy farms. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence that the endotoxin components of the particles collected on dairies play a major role in mediating an inflammatory response through activation of TLR4 and NF-κB signaling.


Assuntos
Indústria de Laticínios , Inflamação/metabolismo , Ativação de Macrófagos/efeitos dos fármacos , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Material Particulado/toxicidade , Humanos , Interleucina-8/metabolismo , Ativação de Macrófagos/fisiologia , NF-kappa B/metabolismo , Tamanho da Partícula , Material Particulado/análise , Material Particulado/farmacologia , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Células U937
17.
Am J Ind Med ; 55(9): 855-61, 2012 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22628088

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) in veterinarians has not been adequately studied. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 2,000 California veterinarians in 1997; the return rate was 73% (n = 1,415). RESULTS: Ninety-six percent (1,353) of the respondents were professionally active and were included in the analyses. Sixty-four percent were male and 90% were working full-time. One-fourth of the respondents reported a CTD during their career that required treatment or restricted usual activities. Two-thirds of those reporting CTDs reported chronic or residual problems. In a multivariate regression analysis female sex, working full-time, rectal palpations, and large animal practice were significant risk factors for CTDs. CONCLUSIONS: Being in large animal practice increased the CTD risk for both women and men whether they worked full or part-time. CTD risk was highest in women working full-time and doing 80% rectal palpations. Preventive methods to attenuate the risk of CTDs especially in large animal practice should be investigated.


Assuntos
Transtornos Traumáticos Cumulativos/epidemiologia , Doenças Profissionais/epidemiologia , Médicos Veterinários , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , California/epidemiologia , Transtornos Traumáticos Cumulativos/etiologia , Feminino , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Doenças Profissionais/etiologia , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e Questionários
18.
J Occup Environ Hyg ; 9(10): 580-91, 2012.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22946649

RESUMO

Endotoxin, found in the cell wall of gram negative bacteria, is an important contributor to the biological activity of agriculture particulate matter (PM). We analyzed endotoxin in PM collected on 13 California dairies and from the breathing zone of 226 workers during the summer months of 2008. Two particle size fractions were measured: PM(2.5) and inhalable PM. Recombinant factor C assays were used to analyze biologically active endotoxin, while gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in tandem was used to quantify total lipopolysaccharide. Biologically active endotoxin concentrations in the inhalable PM size fraction from area-based samples ranged from 11-2095 EU/m(3) and from 45-2061 EU/m(3) for personal samples. Total endotoxin in the inhalable PM size fraction ranged from 75-10,166 pmol/m(3) for area-based samples and 34-11,689 pmol/m(3) for personal samples. Area-based geometric mean concentrations for biologically active endotoxin and total endotoxin in PM(2.5) and inhalable PM size fractions were 3 EU/m(3), 149 EU/m(3), 60 pmol/m(3), and 515 pmol/m(3), respectively. Personal geometric mean concentrations in the inhalable PM size fraction were 334 EU/m(3), and 1178 pmol/m(3). Biologically active and total endotoxin concentration variation was best explained by meteorological data, wind speed, relative humidity, and dairy waste management practices. Differences in endotoxin concentration and composition were found across locations on the dairy.


Assuntos
Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/análise , Indústria de Laticínios , Endotoxinas/análise , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Material Particulado/análise , Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/química , California , Endotoxinas/química , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas , Humanos , Lipopolissacarídeos/análise , Lipopolissacarídeos/química , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Material Particulado/química , Análise de Regressão , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem
19.
J Occup Environ Med ; 64(8): e459-e466, 2022 08 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35673250

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and overweight/obesity and assess the relationships between hematocrit (Hct) and body mass index (BMI), and between fatigue and Hct, among a sample of farmworkers in California. METHODS: We estimated the prevalence of anemia (using Hct), overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 ), and self-reported fatigue in 587 farmworkers. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between Hct and BMI, and between fatigue and Hct. RESULTS: Anemia prevalence was 3.1%, overweight/obesity prevalence was 80.7%, and 78% of workers reported fatigue at work. There was no association between Hct and BMI or between Hct and reported fatigue. Women were more likely than men to have lower Hct and higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of farmworkers in this sample were overweight/obese, but anemia was uncommon. Anemia among more vulnerable subgroups of farmworkers should be explored.


Assuntos
Anemia , Sobrepeso , Anemia/epidemiologia , Índice de Massa Corporal , Estudos Transversais , Fazendeiros , Fadiga/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Sobrepeso/epidemiologia , Prevalência
20.
Front Public Health ; 10: 1024083, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36530711

RESUMO

Farmworkers are an essential workforce to maintain California's extensive agricultural production. However, this mostly Latino, immigrant population is affected by high poverty rates and food insecurity, which increases their risk of chronic diseases. We analyzed clinical and interview data from three studies of Latino farmworkers in California: (1) the Mexican Immigration to California: Agricultural Safety and Acculturation (MICASA) study, (2) the PASOS SALUDABLES pilot intervention (PASOS Pilot), and (3) the PASOS Study, a cluster-randomized, controlled trial (PASOS RCT). We aimed to determine the prevalence of diet-related chronic health outcomes (obesity, elevated waist circumference, high blood pressure, and high total cholesterol) and identify sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with these conditions in this population. A total of 1,300 participants were included in this study (452 from MICASA, 248 from PASOS Pilot, and 600 from PASOS RCT). Obesity prevalence ranged from 29.2 to 54.5% across samples; elevated waist circumference was observed in 29.4-54.0% of participants; high blood pressure was detected in 42.0-45.5% of participants; 23.7-25.8% of participants had high total cholesterol. Age was positively associated with each health outcome, although not for each sample; each additional year in age increased odds by 3-9%, depending on the outcome and sample. Females were at higher risk of obesity (one sample) and elevated waist circumference, but at lower risk of high blood pressure and high total cholesterol. Single, divorced or widowed participants (vs. married/living together) had 35 and 47% reduced odds of obesity and elevated waist circumference, respectively. Each additional year living in the US was associated with 3-6% increased odds of obesity, depending on the sample. Higher household income was associated with a reduction in odds of high total cholesterol up to 76% (one sample). These findings highlight the increased risk of chronic health conditions in Latino farmworkers, in particular for obesity, and among farmworkers who may lack access to health care, which represents a large proportion of this population. Differences in chronic health risks by sex suggest that clinical and public health responses might need to be sex-specific. Expansion of eligibility for supplemental nutrition programs for this low-income population could reduce their disease burden.


Assuntos
Hispânico ou Latino , Hipertensão , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , California/epidemiologia , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Doença Crônica , Efeitos Psicossociais da Doença , Colesterol
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