Functional disorders of the lung and symptoms of respiratory disease associated with occupational inhalation exposure to wood dust in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The possible adverse respiratory effects of airborne pollutants in sawmills have not been thoroughly investigated in Iran. Additionally, the extent to which workers are exposed to this organic dust and its associated bioaerosols has not been extensively quantified. Likewise, the predominant bacterial and fungal species associated with wood dust have not been characterized. The present study was undertaken to address these issues. METHODS: One hundred male individuals exposed to wood dust and 100 unexposed male subjects were investigated. They completed a standardized respiratory symptom questionnaire and underwent spirometry testing. Additionally, airborne concentrations of respirable and inhalable dust particles, bacteria, and fungi were measured. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of inhalable and respirable dust particles, bacteria, and fungi were found to be 2.44, 6.76 mg/m3, 756.38, and 299.15 colony-forming units/m3, respectively. The predominant Gram-negative bacteria in the sawmills included the Pseudomonadaceae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Rhinoscleromatis spp., and the predominant fungi consisted of the zygomycetes and Aspergillus spp. Respiratory symptoms were significantly more prevalent among exposed workers. Significant cross-shift decrements were noted in some pulmonary function parameters. Similarly, pre-shift spirometry results indicated that some pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower in the exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to wood dust and its bioaerosols was associated with significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and both acute (i.e., partially reversible) and chronic (i.e., irreversible) decrements in the functional capacity of the lung. Additionally, the characterized bioaerosols did not differ significantly from those isolated in other parts of the world.

Functional disorders of the lung and symptoms of respiratory disease associated with occupational inhalation exposure to wood dust in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#The possible adverse respiratory effects of airborne pollutants in sawmills have not been thoroughly investigated in Iran. Additionally, the extent to which workers are exposed to this organic dust and its associated bioaerosols has not been extensively quantified. Likewise, the predominant bacterial and fungal species associated with wood dust have not been characterized. The present study was undertaken to address these issues.@*METHODS@#One hundred male individuals exposed to wood dust and 100 unexposed male subjects were investigated. They completed a standardized respiratory symptom questionnaire and underwent spirometry testing. Additionally, airborne concentrations of respirable and inhalable dust particles, bacteria, and fungi were measured.@*RESULTS@#The mean concentrations of inhalable and respirable dust particles, bacteria, and fungi were found to be 2.44, 6.76 mg/m3, 756.38, and 299.15 colony-forming units/m3, respectively. The predominant Gram-negative bacteria in the sawmills included the Pseudomonadaceae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Rhinoscleromatis spp., and the predominant fungi consisted of the zygomycetes and Aspergillus spp. Respiratory symptoms were significantly more prevalent among exposed workers. Significant cross-shift decrements were noted in some pulmonary function parameters. Similarly, pre-shift spirometry results indicated that some pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower in the exposed group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Exposure to wood dust and its bioaerosols was associated with significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and both acute (i.e., partially reversible) and chronic (i.e., irreversible) decrements in the functional capacity of the lung. Additionally, the characterized bioaerosols did not differ significantly from those isolated in other parts of the world.

Functional disorders of the lung and symptoms of respiratory disease associated with occupational inhalation exposure to wood dust in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The possible adverse respiratory effects of airborne pollutants in sawmills have not been thoroughly investigated in Iran. Additionally, the extent to which workers are exposed to this organic dust and its associated bioaerosols has not been extensively quantified. Likewise, the predominant bacterial and fungal species associated with wood dust have not been characterized. The present study was undertaken to address these issues.METHODS: One hundred male individuals exposed to wood dust and 100 unexposed male subjects were investigated. They completed a standardized respiratory symptom questionnaire and underwent spirometry testing. Additionally, airborne concentrations of respirable and inhalable dust particles, bacteria, and fungi were measured.RESULTS: The mean concentrations of inhalable and respirable dust particles, bacteria, and fungi were found to be 2.44, 6.76 mg/m3, 756.38, and 299.15 colony-forming units/m3, respectively. The predominant Gram-negative bacteria in the sawmills included the Pseudomonadaceae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Rhinoscleromatis spp., and the predominant fungi consisted of the zygomycetes and Aspergillus spp. Respiratory symptoms were significantly more prevalent among exposed workers. Significant cross-shift decrements were noted in some pulmonary function parameters. Similarly, pre-shift spirometry results indicated that some pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower in the exposed group.CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to wood dust and its bioaerosols was associated with significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and both acute (i.e., partially reversible) and chronic (i.e., irreversible) decrements in the functional capacity of the lung. Additionally, the characterized bioaerosols did not differ significantly from those isolated in other parts of the world.

effect of exposure to low levels of chlorine gas on the pulmonary function and symptoms in a Chloralkali unit

Background: the present study was undertaken to ascertain whether [or not] long term occupational exposure to low [sub-TLV levels] atmospheric concentrations of chlorine gas was associated with any significant decrements in the parameters of pulmonary function and/or increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms

Methods: in this retrospective cohort study that was performed in 2012, 54 workers of a local chloralkali unit and 38 non-exposed office staff were enrolled and compared. Atmospheric concentrations of chlorine gas were measured by numerous sampling with gas detector tubes. Data on respiratory symptoms were gathered using a standard questionnaire. Furthermore, spirometry test was performed for subjects both prior to and at the end of shift

Results: mean atmospheric concentration of chlorine gas was 0.27 +/- 0.05 ppm that was lower than the existing TLV value for this toxic irritant gas. Symptoms of respiratory diseases were significantly more frequent among exposed subjects than in referent individuals. Additionally, mean values of most parameters of pulmonary function including FEV1 [P=0.031], FEV1/FVC ratio [P=0.003] and PEF [P=0.005] were significantly lower than their corresponding values for unexposed subjects. Additional cross shift decrements were also noted in some lung functional capacities, although changes were not statistically significant

Conclusions: exposure to sub-TLV levels of chlorine gas is associated with statistically significant decrements in the parameters of pulmonary function as well as increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms

Acute and chronic respiratory effects of chromium mists

Background: Despite wide application of chromium in electroplating industry, the pulmonary effects of chronic exposure to this chemical have not been extensively studied and are subject of debate and controversy. This study was, therefore, undertaken to further address this issue

Methods: The study population consisted of a group of 15 workers with a history of past and present occupational exposure to chromium mists and 15 unexposed healthy subjects [referent]. Subjects were interviewed, respiratory symptom questionnaires were filled out for them, and their parameters of pulmonary function [PFT] were measured during the shift and a few days after exposure ceased

Results: Both groups were similar as to the number of smokers, their length of smoking, and demographic factors such as age, weight and height. Although the unexposed group, on average, were slightly older than their exposed counterparts, statistical analysis of the data revealed that symptoms such as productive cough, phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath were significantly [P<0.05] more prevalent among the exposed workers. Furthermore, the parameters of pulmonary function [PFT] of the exposed workers, while at work, were significantly lower than those of referent individuals. Interestingly, PFT of the exposed subjects generally showed some improvement a few days after their exposure ceased. However, despite this relative recovery, the differences of PFT values between the exposed and referent groups, from statistical point of view, remained significant

Conclusion: Our data support the proposition that exposure to chromium mists induces abnormal respiratory symptoms as well as both acute, partially reversible and chronic irreversible lung functional impairments

Early Liver and Kidney Dysfunction Associated with Occupational Exposure to Sub-Threshold Limit Value Levels of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes in Unleaded Petrol

BACKGROUND: Unleaded petrol contains significant amounts of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX). Toxic responses following occupational exposure to unleaded petrol have been evaluated only in limited studies. The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether (or not) exposure to unleaded petrol, under normal working conditions, is associated with any hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic response. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 200 employees of Shiraz petrol stations with current exposure to unleaded petrol, as well as 200 unexposed employees, were investigated. Atmospheric concentrations of BTX were measured using standard methods. Additionally, urine and fasting blood samples were taken from individuals for urinalysis and routine biochemical tests of kidney and liver function. RESULTS: The geometric means of airborne concentrations of BTX were found to be 0.8 mg m-3, 1.4 mg m-3, and 2.8 mg m-3, respectively. Additionally, means of direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea and plasma creatinine were significantly higher in exposed individuals than in unexposed employees. Conversely, serum albumin, total protein, and serum concentrations of calcium and sodium were significantly lower in petrol station workers than in their unexposed counterparts. CONCLUSION: The average exposure of petrol station workers to BTX did not exceed the current threshold limit values (TLVs) for these chemicals. However, evidence of subtle, subclinical and prepathologic early liver and kidney dysfunction was evident in exposed individuals.

Assessment of noise related disorders among health care personnel: a cross-sectional study in Shiraz Hospitals

Background: Noise pollution has a particular importance in quiet environments such as hospitals. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of noise exposure on the auditory system, blood pressure and precision, concentration and other psycho-neural components

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in three large hospitals of Shiraz, during the period of 2012 to 2013. The study population consisted of 81 health care personnel [the exposed group] and 79 non-exposed individuals [the referent group]. Day and night time sound levels were measured at different wards of the hospitals by a sound level meter [B and K 7110]. Hearing status was assessed by pure tone audiometry of subjects by an Interacoustic AD27 audiometer. Blood pressure was measured with a mercury sphygmomanometer at resting time and psycho-neural components including sleep disturbances, headache, irritability and … were evaluated by a questionnaire devised and validated for this purpose. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software

Results: Average sound pressure level for the exposed group [65.32 +/- 5.23 dB] was significantly higher than that of the referent group [53.26 +/- 2.46 dB] [P<0.05]. Similarly, the mean values of permanent threshold shift [dB] as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the exposed group than in their counterpart individuals [P<0.05]. Likewise, symptoms such as headache and irritability were significantly more common among the exposed subjects

Conclusion: The findings suggest that exposure to sub-TLV levels of noise [recommended by ACGIH] in hospital environments is also associated with decreased hearing threshold, increased blood pressure, and prevalence of psycho-neural disorders

Effects of occupational noise exposure on hearing status, blood lipid and hypertension levels in workers of a fireclay mine

Background: Noise is one of the most pervasive hazards in industrial settings. This retrospective study was carried out to assess the effects of noise exposure on hearing status, blood lipids and blood pressure of employees of a local fireclay mine

Methods: Two hundred and forty male workers were studied. Data on audiometric measurements, blood lipids and blood pressure were derived from the workers' medical records and analyzed. Furthermore, area noise measurements were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0

Results: Workers were exposed to a mean noise level of 91 +/- 15 dB. The means of triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], systolic and diastolic blood pressure [SBP and DBP] were within the normal range for the first three years of the study. However, a slight, non-significant increase in TG level was noted in 2010. Most of the participants [63.6%] suffered from moderate hearing loss [HL]. About 23.6% and 12.7% of the employees had developed severe and mild HL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted in the number of workers with high-frequency noise-induced HL. Furthermore, a statistically significant association was found between the mean of highfrequency HL and log-transformed TG values in 2009 and 2010

Conclusions: High frequency HL could be used as a biomarker for identifying workers exposed to excessive noise levels. Highfrequency HL developed over a 4-year exposure to noise was associated with hypertriglyceridemia. Implementing a hearing conservation program seems to be mandatory to prevent further increases in the number of workers who are already in the severe HL group

The effects of exposure to pesticides on the fecundity status of farm workers resident in a rural region of Fars province, southern Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence of fecundity and other reproductive problems among a group of farmers in Kavar district of Fars province, southern Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 268 randomly selected married male farm workers were investigated. A questionnaire was devised and validated [Cronbach's α-coefficient (0.81)]. Subjects were directly interviewed and the questionnaire forms were completed for them.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of current primary infertility among the studied population was about 7.4% (P=0.001). Similarly, 6.3% of farm workers had offsprings with congenital malformations. Finally, 1.5% and 9% of farmers' wives had a history of stillbirth and abortion, respectively. It was concluded that the prevalence of current primary infertility were higher among farm workers families than in the normal population (P<0.05). Additionally, stillbirth and spontaneous abortion were more common in the wives of farm workers than in the normal population, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These effects are likely to be attributed to the exposure of farm workers to pesticides.</p>

[Comparative assessment of dentists' psychological health status in Shiraz with their physicians counterparts using general health questionnaire [GHQ-28]]

This study was conducted to assess the psychological health status of dentists in Shiraz city. In this cross-sectional study, subjects consisted of 106 dentists and 94 general practitioners [comparison group] from private and public clinics in Shiraz city. Subjects were requested to complete the standard general health questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographic variables. The data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Chi-Square test and independent sample t-test were used to compare demographic and occupational variables of both groups. The questionnaires were scored and the overall score of each individual determined his/her psychological health status. Means of GHQ scores of both groups were compared using statistical tests. Both groups were similar in all demographic variables, except for age. The mean total score of GHQ-28 for both dentists [17.9] and physicians [16.34] groups were significantly lower than the cut-off point value of 23 [P <0.01]. The means of scores for somatic problems, depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as unusual social performance scales were significantly different between both groups [P<0.05]. A significant positive association was found between GHQ total score and job tenure. Our findings revealed that psychological health status of dentists was poorer than that of physicians. Additionally, dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts in all GHQ sub-scales

Relationship between mercury exposure and psychological health status of dentists

Background/Objective: This study was undertaken to address psychological health effects of dentists' exposure to low ambient levels of mercury

Methods: One hundred and six dentists and 94 general practitioners were randomly selected from clinics in Shiraz city, Iran. Subjects were asked to complete the Persian version of General Health Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using ?2 test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney's U test

Results: Both groups were similar as far as all demographic variables, except age, were concerned. No significant difference was noted between the dentists' mean total score of GHQ-28 [17.9] and that of referent subjects [16.34]. These scores were significantly lower than the cut-off point of 23 [P<0.01]. The mean scores for somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and depression were significantly higher in dentists than in the referent subjects. The results also showed a significant association between GHQ-28 total scores and length of exposure to mercury [P=0.034]; with increase in the job tenure, GHQ-28 total score also increased, indicating a decrement in psychological health status

Conclusion: The current findings revealed that, in general, the dentists' psychological health status was poorer than the referent subjects. Additionally, in all GHQ subscales, the dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts. Given the fact that exposure to mercury is the most important differentiating variable between both groups, and that neuropsychological disorders are the most common toxic effect of mercury, the difference between psychological health status of the two groups is likely to be related to exposure to mercury

Shift work-related psychosocial problems in 12-hour shift schedules of petrochemical industries

Shiftwork that affects diverse aspects of human life is arranged in various schedules. The main purpose of this study was to compare psycho-social problems among employees working in different 12-hour shift schedules of Iranian petrochemical industries. This cross-sectional study was carried out at eight petrochemical companies in Asalooyeh area. The study population consisted of 549 shift workers. Data on personal details, shift schedule, and adverse effects of shift work were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. Among 549 studied shift employees, 39.6% worked in 4N-7D-3N-7R [4 nights- 7 days- 3 nights- 7 rests], 29.1% in 7N-7 D-7R, and 31.3% in 7D-7N-7R schedules. Psychosocial problems among 7D-7N-7R schedule shift workers were significantly more prevalent than other schedules [p<0.05]. Prevalence rates of psychosocial problems among all schedules were high, but odds ratios of problems among 7D-7N-7R schedule shift workers were significantly more than those of the two other ones were. This schedule should be changed therefore to decrease such problems