ABSTRACT
Objective: To understand the incidence of pneumoconiosis in the non-coal mining industry in Jiangsu Province, and provide reference for the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis in the non-coal mining industry. Methods: The data of 7019 newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis patients in non-coal mining industry in Jiangsu Province from January 1956 to December 2019 were collected through the Jiangsu Province Pneumoconiosis Follow-up Network Report System, including the gender of the pneumoconiosis patients, the name of the employer and the location, the industry classification of the employer, the duration of dust exposure in dust exposure, the name of occupational pneumoconiosis disease, the date of diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, etc. The collected case data of patients with pneumoconiosis were entered into the statistical software, and the characteristics of the patients' diagnosis time, region and industry were analyzed. Results: The number of confirmed pneumoconiosis patients in the non-coal mining industry in Jiangsu Province was mostly in 2007 (395 cases) , concentrated in Wuxi City (40.96%, 2875/7019) and Suzhou City (27.72%, 1946/7019) . The industries to which the patients belonged were mainly non-metallic mining and dressing (60.95%, 4278/7019) , and the most common type of pneumoconiosis was silicosis (96.40%, 6766/7019) . The patients were mainly stageⅠpneumoconiosis (61.33%, 4305/7019) . There were statistically significant differences in the mean age of diagnosis and the average duration of dust exposure among patients with different pneumoconiosis stages (P<0.01) . The differences in the average diagnosis age and the average duration of dust exposure of patients with different types of pneumoconiosis were statistically significant (P<0.05) , the mean age of diagnosis and the average duration of dust exposure of electric welders were the smallest, which were (44.92±7.74) years old and (17.38±10.15) years, respectively. Conclusion: The regional and industry distribution characteristics of new pneumoconiosis patients in the non-coal mining industry in Jiangsu Province are obvious, and attention should be paid to the treatment of pneumoconiosis patients with young diagnosed age and short duration of dust exposure, as well as the personal protection and health protection of front-line workers such as electric welders who are exposed to productive dust in a short period of time.
Subject(s)
Adult , Coal Mining , Dust , Humans , Middle Aged , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Pneumoconiosis/epidemiology , Silicosis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective: To understand the survival status and its influencing factors of occupational pneumoconiosis patients in Shizuishan City, and to analyze the disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis and its trend, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating comprehensive prevention and treatment measures of occupational pneumoconiosis. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted during July to December 2020 to explore the survival status of occupational pneumoconiosis patients who had been reported from 1963 to 2020 in Shizuishan City. The Kaplan-Meier method and Life-table method were used for survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of survival time. The disability adjusted life years (DALY) was applied to analyze the disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis and its temporal trend. Results: From 1963 to 2020, a total of 3263 cases of occupational pneumoconiosis were reported in Shizuishan City, of which 1467 died, so that the fatality rate was 44.96%. The median survival time was 26.71 years, average age of death was (70.55±10.92) years old. There were significant differences in the survival rates of occupational pneumoconiosis patients among different types, diagnosis age, exposure time, industry, initial diagnosis stage and whether upgraded (P<0.05) . As the survival time increased, the survival rate of patients decreased gradually. When the survival time was ≥50 years, the cumulative survival rate of patients was 4.20%. Cox regression analysis suggested that the type of pneumoconiosis, industry, diagnosis age, exposure time, initial diagnosis stage and whether upgraded were the influencing factors for the survival time of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis (P<0.05) . The total DALY attributable to occupational pneumoconiosis from 1963 to 2020 in Shizuishan City was 48026.65 person years, of which the years of life lost (YLL) was 15155.39 person years, and the average YLL was 10.33 years/person, and the years lost due to disability (YLD) was 32871.26 person years, and the average YLD was 10.07 years/person. The DALY attributed to coal worker's pneumoconiosis and silicosis were 39408.51 person years and 6565.02 person years, respectively, and they accounted for 82.06% and 13.67% of the total disease burden in Shizuishan City, respectively. The DALY caused by occupational pneumoconiosis in the age group of 40-49 years old and the first diagnosis of stage I occupational pneumoconiosis were higher, which were 20899.71 and 36231.97 person years, respectively. The average YLL and average YLD showed a volatility downtrend over time. Conclusion: The disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis cannot be ignored in Shizuishan City, and timely targeted measures should be taken for key populations and key industries. It is recommended that life-cycle health management and hierarchical medical should be taken to improve the life quality of patients and prolong their lifes.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anthracosis , China/epidemiology , Coal Mining , Cost of Illness , Humans , Middle Aged , Pneumoconiosis/epidemiology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis in Qinghai Province from 2011 to 2020, and to provide a basis for the formulation of prevention and control strategy. Methods: In April 2021 , the cases of pneumoconiosis were monitored by the Occupational Disease and Health Hazard Factors Monitoring Information System in Qinghai Province from 2011 to 2020. The distribution of pneumoconiosis, the composition of diseases and the working years exposed to dust were analyzed. Results: All 1026 cases of pneumoconiosis were newly diagnosed in Qinghai Province from 2011 to 2020, silicosis and coal worker pneumoconiosis were the main diseases (78.36% ,804/1026). Stage Ⅰ pneumoconiosis were 484 (47.17%,484/1026) cases. 359 (34.99%,359/1026) cases, 315 (30.70%,315/1026) cases and 252 (24.56%, 252/1026) cases had been diagnosed respectively in Xining City, Haidong City and Haixi Prefecture; 628 (61.21%,628/1026) cases and 418 (40.74%, 418/1026) cases engaged in mining industry and large-sized enterprise, respectively. The working years exposed to dust in silicosis cases were shorter than that in coal worker pneumoconiosis and other pneumoconiosis (P <0.05). Conclusion: The pneumoconiosis area and industry focus in Qinghai Province is obvious. The supervision and adninistration of small and micro scale employers should be strengthened to protect the health rights and interests of workers, especially for the key area and industry.
Subject(s)
Anthracosis/epidemiology , China/epidemiology , Coal Mining , Dust , Health Services Accessibility , Human Rights , Humans , Pneumoconiosis/epidemiology , Silicosis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective: To understand the harm degree of underground noise and provide basis for noise control. Methods: In November 2019, 13 typical coal mines in Sichuan Province were selected as the research objects, and a total of 1203 sites and 609 jobs of noise exposure were investigated. Results: The noise intensity P75 >80 dB (A) was measured. The noise intensity of the inspection place of the air compressor is >86 dB (A) , the noise intensity of the inspection place of the gas drainage and the operation place of the main fan is between 80-85 dB (A) . Conclusion: Besides the harm of dust, noise exposure should also be paid attention to, and the measures of sound absorption and sound insulation should be taken or personal protection should be strengthened.
Subject(s)
Coal , Coal Mining , Dust/analysis , Noise , Occupational ExposureABSTRACT
Objective: To detect of gene expression and genotype of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) from coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) , It is explored whether CWP is related to ATM gene. Methods: In October 2020, the relevant information of 264 subjects who received physical examination or medical treatment in the Department of occupational diseases of Guiyang public health treatment center from January 2019 to September 2020 was collected. Through the occupational health examination, 67 healthy people with no history of exposure to occupational hazards were selected as the healthy control group; The coal miners with more than 10 years of coal dust exposure history and small shadow in the lung but not up to the diagnostic criteria were the dust exposure control group, a total of 66 people; The patients with the same history of coal dust exposure and confirmed stage I were coal worker's pneumoconiosis stage I group, a total of 131 people. The expression of ATM was detected by QRT PCR. ATM rs189037 and rs1801516 were genotyped by massarray. Results: There was significant difference in the expression of ATM among the groups (P<0.05) ; Compared with the healthy control group, the expression of ATM in the dust exposed control group was significantly increased (P<0.05) . With the occurrence and development of CWP, the GG of rs189037 wild type decreased, the GA of mutant heterozygote and AA of homozygote increased, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) ; Rs1801516 wild type GG and mutant heterozygote GA had no significant changes (P>0.05) . There were significant differences in age, neutrophils and basophils among rs189037 groups (all P<0.05) . There were no significant differences in blood pressure, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, smoking and drinking history among rs189037 groups (all P>0.05) . Compared with wild-type GG, the or of mutant heterozygotes and homozygotes increased, but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05) . Conclusion: ATM gene may be one of the early activation genes of CWP and rs189037 may be the functional loci which affects gene expression. ATM gene is related to inflammatory response, Neutrophils and basophils have an impact on the development of CWP.
Subject(s)
Anthracosis/genetics , Ataxia Telangiectasia , Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/genetics , China , Coal , Coal Mining , Humans , Miners , Pneumoconiosis/epidemiology , Polymorphism, Single NucleotideABSTRACT
Abstract Background A coalmine disaster has occurred in Turkey on 13 May 2014, which caused the death of 301 miners. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and the risk factors for PTSD among mine workers, 2 years after the coalmining disaster. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey conducted between June 2016 and July 2016 among mine workers who were the employees of either the mine where the accident occurred or three other mines in the same area. Sociodemographic data form and PTSD Symptom-Scale Self-Report (PSS-SR) were used to collect data. Results 672 mine workers participated in the study. At the time of the accident, 23.7% (n = 159) of them were in the mine where the accident occurred. The mean score on total PSS-SR was 4.27 (SD: ±4.49). Eighteen (2.7%) participants screened positive for PTSD. Logistic regression analysis revealed the significant risk factors for PTSD are: being single/divorced/widowed, having a chronic disease, having a family history of psychiatric illness and previously experiencing traumatic events more than one. Discussion Coalmining workers have considerably high prevalence rate of PTSD symptoms after a coalmining disaster. Assessing PTSD and associated risks is important for preventive mental health services.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Accidents, Occupational , Coal Mining , Miners/psychology , Primary Health Care , Signs and Symptoms , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/prevention & control , Turkey , Occupational Risks , Mental Health , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Risk Factors , Occupational HealthABSTRACT
Abstract: Research on violence in indigenous communities refers to traditional practices of competition for scarce goods and clashes with other populations over their territories. Violence against children is not described, and authors of some studies state a tradition of good treatment towards them. In our study we shows that the situation has changed and new forms of violence are affecting 725,000 inhabitants from 51 indigenous groups of Venezuela, especially those composed of children and adolescents. The method used was interviews with key informants and for secondary census, civil society data and journalists' reports. Results describe the existence of four types of violence: (a) structural violence, derived from the shortage of food and medicines that have caused deaths due to malnutrition and lack of medical attention, prostitution, girl trafficking and forced emigration; (b) violence of organized crime, which exercise control of illegal mining and affect the Yanomami and Pemón peoples, as workforce for the production of coca and drug trafficking with the Yupka people; and contraband of gasoline in the Wayúu people; (c) domestic violence due to cultural changes derived from new patterns of alcohol consumption or the use of physical punishment of children between Piaroa and Yekuana peoples; and (d) the illegal violence of the State for the imposition of mining with the Pemón people or the repression for the protests with the Warao and Inga peoples. In the article we show the great difference between the official discourse of protection of indigenous peoples and the realities of violence, criminal exploitation and violation of rights suffered by indigenous children and adolescents.
Resumen: La investigación sobre la violencia en las comunidades indígenas se refiere a las prácticas tradicionales de competencia por los bienes escasos y enfrentamientos con otras poblaciones por sus territorios. La violencia contra los niños no se ha conocido, y algunos estudios afirman la existencia de una tradición de buen trato hacia ellos. Este estudio muestra que la situación cambió y que nuevas formas de violencia están afectando a 725.000 habitantes de los 51 grupos indígenas de Venezuela, especialmente niños y adolescentes. El método utilizado fue entrevistas con informantes clave, un censo secundario, así como datos de la sociedad civil e informes de periodistas. Los resultados describen la existencia de cuatro tipos de violencia: (a) violencia estructural, derivada de la escasez de comida y medicinas, que ha causado muertes debido a la malnutrición y falta de atención médica; prostitución, tráfico de niñas y emigración forzosa; (b) la violencia del crimen organizado, que ejerce el control de la minería ilegal y afecta a los Yanomami y Pemón, como fuerza de trabajo para la producción de coca y tráfico de drogas en el caso de los Yupka; además de contrabando de gasolina con los Wayúu; (c) la violencia doméstica, debido a los cambios culturales, derivada de nuevos patrones de consumo de alcohol o la aplicación del castigo físico de niños entre los Piaroa y Yekuana; y (d) la violencia ilegal del estado para la imposición de la minería con los Pemón o la represión de las protestas con los Warao e Inga. El artículo expone la gran diferencia entre el discurso oficial de protección a los indígenas y las realidades de violencia, explotación criminal y violación de los derechos sufridos por los niños y adolescentes indígenas.
Resumo: A pesquisa sobre violência em comunidades indígenas se refere a práticas tradicionais de disputa por bens escassos e confrontos com outras populações pela posse de seus territórios. A violência contra crianças ainda não foi descrita, e alguns estudos afirmam uma tradição de bom tratamento em relação a elas. O estudo mostra que a situação já mudou, e que novas formas de violência estão afetando 725.000 habitantes de 51 grupos indígenas na Venezuela, especialmente contra crianças e adolescentes. O método utilizado teve como base entrevistas com informantes-chave e acesso a dados censitários e de fontes da sociedade civil, além de relatos de jornalistas. Os resultados descrevem a existência de quatro tipos violência: (a) violência estrutural, derivada da escassez de alimentos e medicamentos, que provoca mortes devido à desnutrição e à falta de atendimento médico; prostituição e tráfico de meninas, além de emigração forçada; (b) violência praticada pelo crime organizado, com o controle da mineração ilegal e que afeta os povos Yanomami e Pemón, como força de trabalho na produção de coca e no tráfico de drogas no povo Yupka e o contrabando de gasolina no povo Wayúu; (c) violência doméstica em função de mudanças culturais derivadas dos novos padrões de consumo de álcool ou do uso de castigo físico de crianças, entre os povos Piaroa e Yekuana; e (d) violência ilegal praticada pelo estado pela imposição da mineração no povo Pemón ou com a repressão de protestos pelos povos Warao e Inga. O artigo mostra a grande diferença entre o discurso oficial da proteção dos indígenas e a realidade de violência, exploração criminosa e violação dos direitos das crianças e adolescentes indígenas na Venezuela.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Young Adult , Violence/statistics & numerical data , Indians, South American/statistics & numerical data , Censuses , Indigenous Peoples/statistics & numerical data , Social Conditions/statistics & numerical data , Venezuela , Violence/ethnology , Indians, South American/ethnology , Coal Mining , Domestic Violence/ethnology , Domestic Violence/statistics & numerical data , Ethnic Violence/ethnology , Ethnic Violence/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Occupational pneumoconiosis refers to a group of occupational pulmonary diseases,which is mainly characterized by diffuse fibrosis of lung tissue caused by inhalation of different pathogenic productive dust and retention in the lungs during occupational activities for a long period of time. According to the classification and catalogue of occupational diseases in China,it is mainly classified into 12 categories,such as silicosis,coal worker's pneumoconiosis,asbestos lung. At present,it is the most serious and most common occupational disease in China. The pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis is not clear,and there is still no effective therapy. In the past three years,it is found that traditional Chinese medicine is effective in the treatment of pneumoconiosis. Through collection of medical records,the regularity of the prescriptions used in the treatment of pneumoconiosis were analyzed and summarized. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory,the clinical characteristics of recurrent cough,phlegm and asthma in patients with pneumoconiosis could be included in the categories of cough,wheezing,lung distension. Professor Ma Guiqin believes that the basic pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis is depression of the atmosphere,deficiency of the kidney,internal obstruction of phlegm,and adverse cardinality. According to its pathogenesis,the commonly used prescriptions,namely Shengxian Decoction,Jinshui Liujun Jian,Xiaochaihu Decoction,Sini Powder,Guomin Jian and syndrome differentiation-based modified medicines were expounded. In addition, " throat is the gateway to the lung and stomach",Professor Ma also believes that the prevention of pneumoconiosis should start with the throat,so as to curb the exacerbation or recurrence of the disease. Through clinical observation,if traditional Chinese medicine is properly used,and pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation-based treatment is provided,traditional Chinese medicine can relieve the clinical symptoms,and improve the exercise tolerance and the quality of life of patients with pneumoconiosis.
Subject(s)
China , Coal Mining , Humans , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Pneumoconiosis , Therapeutics , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
Introducción. La neumoconiosis de mineros del carbón es una enfermedad crónica e irreversible que se considera un problema de salud pública. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de neumoconiosis y sus factores asociados en mineros de carbón de Boyacá, Cundinamarca y Norte de Santander. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de corte transversal en 476 mineros. Se les hizo valoración médica, se tomaron radiografías de tórax siguiendo los criterios de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo, así como espirometrías, y se identificaron los polimorfismos de la glutatión S-transferasa y de las enzimas de reparación. Las asociaciones entre las condiciones ocupacionales y de la empresa con la neumoconiosis, se estudiaron usando modelos de regresión de Cox. Resultados. En 31 empresas se hicieron 479 monitorizaciones ambientales y se evaluaron 476 trabajadores cuyo tiempo de trabajo fluctuaba entre 10 y 57 años. La prevalencia de la neumoconiosis fue de 33,8 % (IC95% 27,0-41,3). En el modelo de regresión multivariado de Cox, con tiempo de riesgo constante para la neumoconiosis, esta se asoció significativamente con el trabajo en empresas medianas (razón de prevalencias, RP=2,00; IC95% 0,995- 2,690; p=0,052), con un nivel alto de exposición al polvo de carbón según el índice de exposición (RP=2,055; IC95% 1,043-4,048; p=0,038), y una antigüedad de 25 años o más (para 25,0 a 29,9 años: RP=2,199; IC95% 1,449-3,338; p=0,001). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la neumoconiosis fue muy alta y se asoció a la exposición a altos niveles de polvo de carbón, a una exposición laboral mayor o igual a 25 años y al trabajo en empresas medianas.
Introduction: Coal workers' pneumoconiosis is a chronic and irreversible disease representing a public health problem. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and its associated factors among underground coal miners in the Colombian departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca and Norte de Santander. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 476 miners to measure the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and its associated factors such as coal dust and silica levels, as well as the occupational conditions. The medical assessment and a chest x-ray were performed according to the International Labor Organization criteria, along with spirometry and the identification of glutathione S-transferase and repair enzyme polymorphisms. The associations were explored using Cox regression models. Results: We performed a total of 479 environmental monitoring sessions in 31 companies and we evaluated 476 workers with 10 to 57 years of mining work experience. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 33.8% (95% CI: 27.0 - 41.3%). In the Cox multivariate regression model with a constant risk time, pneumoconiosis was significantly associated with working in medium-sized companies (PR=2.00, 95% CI: 0.995 - 2.690; p=0.052), the level of severe exposure to coal dust (PR=2.055, 95% CI: 1.043 - 4.048; p=0.038), and working in underground mining for 25 years or more (for those with 25.0-29.9 years: PR=2.199, 95% CI: 1.449 - 3.338; p=0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was very high and was found to be associated with severe exposure to coal dust, work exposure for 25 years or more and working in medium-sized enterprises.
Subject(s)
Pneumoconiosis , Coal Mining , Free Silica , Occupational Exposure , Disease Prevention , GenotoxicityABSTRACT
RESUMEN Introducción: Las enfermedades respiratorias derivadas de la exposición a material en partículas, como sucede en la minería del carbón, continúa siendo un reto investigativo en el país y un problema de salud pública. La espirometría es una prueba de la función respiratoria, fundamental para el diagnóstico y la vigilancia de este tipo de enfermedades pulmonares crónicas. Objetivo. Determinar los valores de la espirometría en la población minera de carbón del municipio de Paipa, y su asociación con la edad y el tiempo de exposición laboral. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se diligenció el cuestionario de enfermedad respiratoria ocupacional de la American Thoracic Society (ATS), se registraron las mediciones de la espirometría y se interpretaron siguiendo las recomendaciones internacionales. Resultados. La muestra incluyó 226 trabajadores de minas de carbón de Paipa; en 12,3 % (n=28) de ellos se registraron alteraciones leves, de tipo obstructivo o restrictivo. En 35 % (n=80) hubo disminución de la relación entre la capacidad vital forzada y el volumen espirado en el primer segundo (CVF/VEF1 ). Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el rango de edad (p=0,002) y los años de trabajo minero (p=0,34), además de trastornos restrictivos y obstructivos. Asimismo, hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el rango de edad (p<0,01) y los años de trabajo minero (p<0,01), de diferente seriedad en el patrón de las mediciones de la espirometría. Conclusiones. La espirometría es una prueba útil para detectar la presencia de trastornos respiratorios en la población minera del carbón. La enfermedad respiratoria en estos mineros estuvo significativamente asociada con el tiempo de exposición.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Respiratory diseases resulting from exposure to particulate matter such as in coal mining remains a research challenge in this country and a public health issue. Spirometry is a basic test of fundamental respiratory function for the diagnosis and monitoring of these types of chronic lung diseases. Objective: To determine spirometric values in the coal mining municipality of Paipa and their association with age and occupational exposure times. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study. The occupational respiratory disease questionnaire of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) was completed while spirometric measurements were performed and interpreted in accordance with international recommendations for conducting the test. Results: The sample consisted of 226 coal mining workers of the municipality of Paipa. Twenty-eight subjects (12.3%) of the sample showed patterns of obstructive and restrictive respiratory disease with mild degrees of severity. Eighty subjects (35%) showed a decrease in the forced vital capacity ratio/expiratory volume in one second (FVC/FEV1 ). A statistically significant association between age range (p=0.002) and years of mining work (p=0.34) with the development of restrictive and obstructive disorders was found. Also, there was a statistically significant association between age range (p<0.01) and years of mining work (p<0.01) with various degrees of severity of the spirometric pattern. Conclusions: Spirometry is a useful test for detecting the presence of respiratory disorders in the population of coal miners. The time of exposure was significantly associated with the respiratory disease exhibited by these miners.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Respiration Disorders/physiopathology , Spirometry , Coal Mining , Occupational Diseases/physiopathology , Respiration Disorders/diagnosis , Respiration Disorders/epidemiology , Severity of Illness Index , Smoking/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Occupational Exposure , Age Factors , Colombia/epidemiology , Cough/diagnosis , Cough/physiopathology , Cough/epidemiology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology , Dyspnea/diagnosis , Dyspnea/physiopathology , Dyspnea/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/diagnosis , Occupational Diseases/epidemiologyABSTRACT
ABSTRACT We assessed elemental composition of the liver in mice subjected to one-time or chronic consumption of the juice of vegetables cultivated in a vegetable garden built over deposits of coal waste. Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce), Beta vulgaris L. (beet), Brassica oleracea L. var. italica (broccoli) and Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala (kale) were collected from the coal-mining area and from a certified organic farm (control). Elemental composition was analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method. Concentrations of Mg, S, and Ca of mice subjected to one-time consumption of broccoli and concentrations of these same elements plus Si of mice receiving kale were higher in the coal-mining area. Concentrations of P, K, and Cu were increase after chronic consumption of lettuce from the coal-mining area, whereas the levels of Si, P, K, Fe, and Zn were higher in the group consuming kale from the coal-mining area. Our data suggests that people consuming vegetables grown over coal wastes may ingest significant amounts of chemical elements that pose a risk to health, since these plants contain both essential and toxic metals in a wide range of concentrations, which can do more harm than good.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Sewage/chemistry , Soil Pollutants/analysis , Vegetables/chemistry , Food Contamination/analysis , Coal Mining , Liver/drug effects , Soil Pollutants/toxicity , Vegetables/toxicity , Waste Disposal, FluidABSTRACT
Background: Human activities such as mining enhance the radioactivity levels above normal background which can lead to an incremental increase in the radiation risk to the population
Materials and Methods: 20 tailing enriched soil samples collected around Maiganga coal mine, Gombe, Northeast Nigeria were assessed for their[226]Ra,[232]Th and [40]K contents using HPGe gamma-ray detector
Results: The mean activity values of 11.9013.0, 17.72+/-3.6 and 70.44+/-20.4 Bq kg[-1] were obtained for [226]Ra, [232]Th and [40]K respectively. These values were below the world average values documented by UNSCEAR. The ratio of [232]Th:[226]Ra obtained was 1.5, which showed that [232]Th activity was higher than the activity of [226]Ra while [40]K recorded the highest activity concentration in the studied samples. Statistical analysis identified strong positive relationships among all radiological parameters and confirmed that [225]Ra,[232]Th and [40]K were the major contributors to radiation dose. Radium equivalent activity [Ra[eg]], absorbed gamma dose rate [D[r]], annual effective dose [AEDE], activity utilization index [AUI], external and internal hazard indices [H[ex]] and H[in], gamma representative index [l[vr]], annual gonadal dose [AGDE] and excess lifetime cancer risk [ELCR] were calculated to quantify the radiation risk to the public from exposure to[226]Ra, [232]Th and [40]K in the studied samples. The mean values of these hazard parameters were within the acceptable limits provided for human safety and environmental protection
Concfusfon: The use of the raffing enrfcnecf soff sampfes of Maiganga coaf mine for any purpose whatsoever does not therefore pose any immediate radiological risk to the coaf workers or the general pubfic
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/etiology , Radioisotopes/analysis , Radioactivity , Risk , Coal MiningABSTRACT
We aimed to investigate the short-term correlation between blood lead levels and oxidative stress generation in coal miners. The study involved 94 male coal miners from the Velenje Coal mine, arranged into four groups: three groups according to the number of consecutive working days, and a fourth control group. Miners who worked for three consecutive days had higher blood levels of lead and 8-isoprostane than the control group (P < 0.001). Correlation between lead and 8-isoprostane was of medium strength (r = 0.512, P < 0.001). Short-term lead environmental exposure can potentially harmful and should be considered when formulating improvements in working processes.
Subject(s)
Adult , Coal Mining , Environmental Pollutants , Toxicity , Humans , Isoprostanes , Blood , Lead , Blood , Toxicity , Male , Occupational Exposure , Oxidative StressABSTRACT
This study was to investigate whether working in conditions of elevated concentrations of mine gases (CO2, CO, CH4, DMS) and dust may result in oxidative stress. Coal miners (n=94) from the Velenje Coal mine who were arranged into control group and three groups according to a number of consecutive working days. 8-isoprostane as a biological marker of oxidative stress was measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Miners who worked for three consecutive days had higher 8-isoprostane values in EBC compared to the control group. Gas/dust concentrations and exposure time of a single/two day shift seem too low to trigger immediate oxidative stress.
Subject(s)
Adult , Biomarkers , Breath Tests , Coal , Coal Mining , Workforce , Dinoprost , Dust , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Miners , Occupational Exposure , Oxidative StressABSTRACT
Introducción. En Colombia, la investigación sobre las condiciones de trabajo y salud en la minería carbonífera es escasa y no toma en consideración la percepción de la población expuesta y sus comportamientos frente a los riesgos inherentes. Objetivo. Determinar la asociación entre las condiciones de trabajo y la morbilidad percibidas por los trabajadores de minas de carbón en Guachetá, Cundinamarca. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con 154 trabajadores seleccionados aleatoriamente del total registrado en la alcaldía municipal. Se indagó sobre las características sociodemográficas, y las condiciones de trabajo y de salud en las minas. Se estimaron las prevalencias de los trastornos respiratorios, osteomusculares y auditivos, y se exploraron las asociaciones entre algunas condiciones de trabajo y los eventos adversos con prevalencia superior al 30 % de forma bivariada y múltiple mediante regresiones de Poisson con varianza sólida. Resultados. Los trabajadores eran, en su mayoría, hombres, con edades entre los 18 y los 77 años. Los problemas de salud más frecuentemente reportados fueron: dolor lumbar (46,1 %), dolor miembros superiores (40,3 %), dolor en miembros inferiores (34,4 %), trastornos respiratorios (17,5 %) y problemas auditivos (13,6 %). Se registraron diferencias importantes en la percepción, dependiendo de la antigüedad laboral y las condiciones de trabajo, subterráneo o de superficie. Conclusión. Los riesgos más reconocidos fueron los relacionados con los trastornos osteomusculares, por ser más cercanos en el tiempo con respecto al trabajo realizado ("descuento temporal"). Se proponen acciones basadas en la identificación de rasgos psicológicos, para mejorar la percepción del riesgo entre los mineros del carbón.
Introduction: Investigations in Colombia about work and health conditions in coal mining are scarce and few have focused on the perception of the exposed population and their behaviors in response to inherent risks. Objective: To determine the association between work conditions and the perception of morbidity among coal miners in Guachetá, Cundinamarca. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 154 workers selected randomly from the total registered with the municipality. Information about social and demographic characteristics and work and health conditions in the mines was gathered. The prevalence was estimated for respiratory, musculoskeletal and auditory disorders. The associations between certain work conditions, and events with a prevalence over 30% were explored using bivariate and multivariate analyses with Poisson regressions with robust variance. Results: Workers were mostly men. Ages ranged from 18 to 77 years. Most frequently reported health problems were: back pain (46.1 %), pain in an upper limb (40.3%), pain in a lower limb (34.4 %), and respiratory (17.5 %) and auditory problems (13.6 %). Significant differences in perception were found depending on time on the job and underground or ground work conditions. Conclusions: The most recognized risks were those associated with musculoskeletal disorders since they were closer in time to the work performed (time discount). Some actions to identify psychological traits are proposed in order to improve risk perception among coal miners.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Coal Mining , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Colombia , Cross-Sectional Studies , Occupational Health/standards , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To measure peripheral serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and matrix metalloproteinase 19 (MMP19) in patients with pneumoconiosis, and to investigate their feasibility as potential biomarkers for pneumoconiosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-eight male patients with pneumoconiosis (49 patients in phase I, 36 patients in phase II, and 13 patients in phase III) were enrolled as subjects, which included 41 patients with silicosis and 57 patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Ninety-eight healthy male physical examinees were used as controls. A fasting blood sample (3 ml) was collected from the peripheral venous blood of each patient or control, and the serum was separated from the blood sample. The expression levels of MMP9 and MMP19 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum levels of MMP9 and MMP19 in patients with silicosis or coal workers' pneumoconiosis were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum levels of MMP19 in patients with silicosis were significantly higher than those in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (P < 0.05). Serum levels of MMP19 in patients exposed to dust for less than 7 years were significantly higher than those in patients exposed to dust for more than 20 years (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in serum levels of MMP9 and MMP19 between patients with different levels of pulmonary function impairment (P > 0.05). Serum expression levels of MMP9 and MMP19 were positively correlated with each other in both patients with pneumoconiosis and those in the control group (P < 0.05). The serum expression level of MMP9 was negatively correlated with the stage of pneumoconiosis (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serum MMP9 and MMP19 may be used as potential biomarkers for pneumoconiosis.</p>
Subject(s)
Anthracosis , Biomarkers , Coal Mining , Dust , Humans , Lung , Male , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 , Blood , Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted , Blood , Occupational Exposure , Pneumoconiosis , Blood , SilicosisABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the differences in the autophagy activity of alveolar macrophages between patients with different stages of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 116 coal workers were investigated in the field. Their lung lavage fluid was collected and purified to obtain alveolar macrophages. The morphological characteristics of autophagy were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of autophagy marker (LC3) and autophagy regulators (Beclin1, mTOR, and p-mTOR) was measured by Western blot. The autophagy activity of alveolar macrophages was compared between dust-exposed subjects and patients with stage I, II, and III CWP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The autophagy activity of alveolar macrophages differed between patients with different stages of CWP, according to transmission electron microscopy. Patients with stage II CWP had significantly higher protein expression of LC3 II/I and Beclin1 in pulmonary macrophages than those with stage ICWP (P < 0.05); patients with stage III CWP had significantly lower protein expression of LC3 II/I and Beclin1 in pulmonary macrophages than those with stage II CWP (P < 0.05), but had significantly higher protein expression of LC3 II/I and Beclin1 than those with stage I CWP (P < 0.05); patients with stage II CWP had a significantly higher protein expression of Beclin1 than the dust-exposed subjects (P < 0.05). Patients with stage II CWP had significantly lower expression of mTOR and p-mTOR in pulmonary macrophages than the dust-exposed subjects and those with stage I CWP (P < 0.05), while patients with stage III CWP had significantly higher expression of mTOR and p-mTOR than those with stage II CWP (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The autophagy activity of alveolar macrophages varies between patients with different stages of CWP.</p>
Subject(s)
Anthracosis , Pathology , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins , Metabolism , Autophagy , Beclin-1 , Biomarkers , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid , Coal , Coal Mining , Dust , Humans , Macrophages, Alveolar , Pathology , Membrane Proteins , Metabolism , Microtubule-Associated Proteins , Metabolism , Occupational Exposure , Pneumoconiosis , PathologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of secondary dust exposure after whole-lung lavage (WLL) on the clinical symptoms, arterial blood gas parameters, and pulmonary function in subjects with pneumoconiosis and patients with stage I coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The subjects with pneumoconiosis and patients with stage I CWP who underwent WLL in our hospital during the study period were selected. All patients were divided into postoperative dust exposure group (n = 86) and lavage control group (n = 86) according to whether they were exposed to dust after conventional operation. In addition, their workmates with similar age, history of dust exposure, and type of dust exposure were selected as non-lavage control group (n = 86). Follow-up was performed before and at one month and one year after WLL to evaluate clinical symptoms, arterial blood gas parameters, and pulmonary function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One month after operation, the clinical scores of the postoperative dust-exposure group and lavage control group were significantly reduced compared with their preoperative scores and the clinical score of the non-lavage control group (P < 0.01). One year after operation, the clinical scores of the postoperative dust-exposure group and lavage control group were significantly reduced compared with their preoperative scores and the clinical score of the non?lavage control group (P < 0.01), and the lavage control group had a significantly lower clinical score than the postoperative dust exposure group (P < 0.01). One month after operation, the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) of the postoperative dust-exposure group and lavage control group were significantly higher than their preoperative values and the arterial PaO2 of the non-lavage control group (P < 0.01). One year after operation, the lavage control group had significantly higher arterial PaO2 than the postoperative dust exposure group and the arterial PaO2 of the non-lavage control group was significantly lower than its preoperative value and the arterial PaO2 of the postoperative dust exposure group and lavage control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); the postoperative dust exposure group showed a significant decrease in arterial PaO2 (P < 0.01), while the lavage control group showed a significant increase in arterial PaO2 (P < 0.01). The partial pressure of carbon dioxide showed no significant differences between the three groups before and at one month and one year after operation (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dust exposure should be avoided after WLL to ensure the treatment outcome.</p>
Subject(s)
Anthracosis , Therapeutics , Blood Gas Analysis , Bronchoalveolar Lavage , Coal , Coal Mining , Control Groups , Dust , Humans , Lung , Occupational Exposure , Oxygen , Pneumoconiosis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pathogen distribution and drug resistance in coal workers' pneumoconiosis associated with pneumonia and to provide a scientific basis for early guidance for rational clinical application of antibacterial agents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-six patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis associated with pneumonia who were admitted to our hospital from June 2011 to June 2014 were enrolled as subjects. The sputum specimens were aseptically collected for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 245 sputum specimens collected from 76 patients, a total of 218 strains of pathogens, including 163 strains of Gram-negative bacilli (74.77%), 39 strains of Gram-positive cocci (17.89%), and 16 strains of fungi (7.34%) were isolated by bacteriological tests. The main Gram-negative bacilli had high rates of resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, cefotaxime, and aztreonam, and were sensitive to amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem. The main Gram-positive cocci had high rates of resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefotaxime, and clindamycin, and were sensitive to vancomycin and teicoplanin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The main pathogens in these patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis associated with pneumonia are Gram-negative bacilli, which are highly resistant to common clinically used antibacterial agents. The pathogen distribution and drug resistance should be well understood, and the antibacterial agents should be rationally selected according to the results of drug sensitivity tests.</p>
Subject(s)
Anthracosis , Microbiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Pharmacology , Coal Mining , Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Gram-Negative Bacteria , Humans , Imipenem , Pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Occupational Exposure , Pneumonia , Microbiology , Thienamycins , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba injection combined with traditional therapy in the treatment of explosive deafness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-six (98 ears) participants who were all coal miners were selected. These patients were diagnosed with explosive deafness. and admitted to the otolaryngology department of our hospital from May 2010 to October 2013. They were.equally divided into control group and treatment group according to the therapeutic method. The patients in the control group only received traditional therapy, such as hyperbaric oxygen, while the patients in the treatment group were given Ginkgo biloba injection in addition to the therapy for the control group. The improvement in hearing was recorded and compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate of improvement in tinnitus symptom in the treatment group was 78.0% (32/41), significantly higher than that in the control group (55.6%, 25/45) (χ2=4.857, P<0.05); compared with the treatment group (93.5%, 43/46), the control group had a significant lower overall response rate at 76.9% (40/52) (χ2=5.160, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with traditional therapy alone, combined ginkgo biloba extract injection and traditional therapy can significantly improve tinnitus symptom and overall response rate in the treatment of explosive deafness in coal miners, which suggests that the combination therapy is worthy of clinical application.</p>