International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

19 pages, 1898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporary and Permanent Auditory Effects Associated with Occupational Coexposure to Low Levels of Noise and Solvents

by Vanessa Bohn, Thais C. Morata, Simone Roggia, Fernanda Zucki, Benoît Pouyatos, Thomas Venet, Edward Krieg, Maria Renata José and Adriana B. M. de Lacerda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169894 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1840

Abstract

This study aimed to assess temporary and permanent auditory effects associated with occupational coexposure to low levels of noise and solvents. Cross-sectional study with 25 printing industry workers simultaneously exposed to low noise (<80 dBA TWA) and low levels of solvents. The control [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess temporary and permanent auditory effects associated with occupational coexposure to low levels of noise and solvents. Cross-sectional study with 25 printing industry workers simultaneously exposed to low noise (<80 dBA TWA) and low levels of solvents. The control group consisted of 29 industry workers without the selected exposures. Participants answered a questionnaire and underwent auditory tests. Auditory fatigue was measured by comparing the acoustic reflex threshold before and after the workday. Workers coexposed to solvents and noise showed significantly worse results in auditory tests in comparison with the participants in the control group. Auditory brainstem response results showed differences in III–V interpeak intervals (p = 0.046 in right ear; p = 0.039 in left ear). Mean dichotic digits scores (exposed = 89.5 ± 13.33; controls = 96.40 ± 4.46) were only different in the left ear (p = 0.054). The comparison of pre and postacoustic reflex testing indicated mean differences (p = 0.032) between the exposed (4.58 ± 6.8) and controls (0 ± 4.62) groups. This study provides evidence of a possible temporary effect (hearing fatigue) at the level of the acoustic reflex of the stapedius muscle. The permanent effects were identified mainly at the level of the high brainstem and in the auditory ability of binaural integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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13 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study about Joining Databases for the Assessment of Exposures to Noise and Ototoxic Substances in Occupational Settings

by Frédéric Clerc and Benoit Pouyatos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084455 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1784

Abstract

Evaluating risks associated with multiple occupational exposures is no easy task, especially when chemical and physical nuisances are combined. In most countries, public institutions have created databases, which gather extensive information on occupational exposures or work-related diseases. Unfortunately, these tools rarely integrate medical [...] Read more.

Evaluating risks associated with multiple occupational exposures is no easy task, especially when chemical and physical nuisances are combined. In most countries, public institutions have created databases, which gather extensive information on occupational exposures or work-related diseases. Unfortunately, these tools rarely integrate medical and exposure information, and, above all, do not take into account the possible adverse effects of co-exposures. Therefore, an attempt to exploit and join different existing databases for the assessment of the health effects of multiple exposures is described herein. This case study examines three French databases describing exposures to noise and/or ototoxic chemicals (i.e., toxic to the ear) and the incidence rate of occupational deafness in different sectors. The goals were (1) to highlight occupational sectors where the workers are the most (co)exposed and (2) to determine whether this approach could confirm the experimental data showing that this co-exposure increases the risk of developing hearing loss. The results present data per occupational sector exposing workers to noise only, ototoxic chemicals only, noise and ototoxic chemicals, and neither of these two nuisances. The ten sectors in which the proportion of exposed workers is the highest are listed. This analysis shows that the rate of hearing loss in these sectors is high but does not show an increased incidence of hearing loss in co-exposed sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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13 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Pattern Mining Methods to Assess Exposures to Multiple Airborne Chemical Agents in Two Large Occupational Exposure Databases from France

by Jean-François Sauvé, Andrea Emili and Gautier Mater

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031746 - 3 Feb 2022

Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Surveys of the French working population estimate that approximately 15% of all workers may be exposed to at least three different chemical agents, but the most prevalent coexposure situations and their associated health risks remain relatively understudied. To characterize occupational coexposure situations in [...] Read more.

Surveys of the French working population estimate that approximately 15% of all workers may be exposed to at least three different chemical agents, but the most prevalent coexposure situations and their associated health risks remain relatively understudied. To characterize occupational coexposure situations in France, we extracted personal measurement data from COLCHIC and SCOLA, two large administrative occupation exposure databases. We selected 118 chemical agents that had ≥100 measurements with detected concentrations over the period 2010–2019, including 31 carcinogens (IARC groups 1, 2A, and 2B). We grouped measurements by work situations (WS, combination of sector, occupation, task, and year). We characterized the mixtures across WS using frequent itemset mining and association rules mining. The 275,213 measurements extracted came from 32,670 WS and encompassing 4692 unique mixtures. Workers in 32% of all WS were exposed to ≥2 agents (median 3 agents/WS) and 13% of all WS contained ≥2 carcinogens (median 2 carcinogens/WS). The most frequent coexposures were ethylbenzene-xylene (1550 WS), quartz-cristobalite (1417 WS), and toluene-xylene (1305 WS). Prevalent combinations of carcinogens also included hexavalent chromium-lead (368 WS) and benzene-ethylbenzene (314 WS). Wood dust (6% of WS exposed to at least one other agent) and asbestos (8%) had the least amount of WS coexposed with other agents. Tasks with the highest proportions of coexposure to carcinogens include electric arc welding (37% of WS with coexposure), polymerization and distillation (34%), and construction drilling and excavating (34%). Overall, the coexposure to multiple chemical agents, including carcinogens, was highly prevalent in the databases, and should be taken into account when assessing exposure risks in the workplace. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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20 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal Exposures, Noise Exposures, and Audiometry from E-Waste Workers in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

by Krystin Carlson, Niladri Basu, Julius N. Fobil and Richard L. Neitzel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189639 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

Metals, such as lead, may be ototoxic, but this property is not well understood, especially in conjunction with noise. This cross-sectional study investigated hearing, noise, and metal biomarkers in informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Accra, Ghana. Workers (N = 58) participated [...] Read more.

Metals, such as lead, may be ototoxic, but this property is not well understood, especially in conjunction with noise. This cross-sectional study investigated hearing, noise, and metal biomarkers in informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Accra, Ghana. Workers (N = 58) participated in audiometric testing, a survey, blood collection, and personal noise dosimetry. Sixty percent of participants displayed audiometric notches indicative of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Most workers (86%) reported high noise while working. Daily average noise levels were in the range 74.4–90.0 dBA. Linear regression models indicated participants who lived at Agbogbloshie Market for longer periods were significantly associated with worse hearing thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. The models did not identify blood levels of lead, mercury, or cadmium as significant predictors of worse hearing thresholds or larger noise notches, but increased levels of selenium were significantly associated with better hearing at 6 kHz. Models of thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz were improved by including an interaction term between the maximum noise exposure and the level of zinc in whole blood, suggesting that zinc may protect hearing at lower noise levels, but not at higher levels. Further study of the relationships between elements, noise, and NIHL is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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19 pages, 348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cumulative Risk Perspective for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professionals

by Richard Todd Niemeier, Pamela R.D. Williams, Alan Rossner, Jane E. Clougherty and Glenn E. Rice

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176342 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3250

Abstract

Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) addresses the combined risk associated with chemical and non-chemical exposures. Although CRA approaches are utilized in environmental and ecological contexts, they are rarely applied in workplaces. In this perspectives article, we strive to raise awareness among occupational health and [...] Read more.

Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) addresses the combined risk associated with chemical and non-chemical exposures. Although CRA approaches are utilized in environmental and ecological contexts, they are rarely applied in workplaces. In this perspectives article, we strive to raise awareness among occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and foster the greater adoption of a CRA perspective in practice. Specifically, we provide an overview of CRA literature as well as preliminary guidance on when to consider a CRA approach in occupational settings and how to establish reasonable boundaries. Examples of possible workplace co-exposures and voluntary risk management actions are discussed. We also highlight important implications for workplace CRA research and practice. In particular, future needs include simple tools for identifying combinations of chemical and non-chemical exposures, uniform risk management guidelines, and risk communication materials. Further development of practical CRA methods and tools are essential to meet the needs of complex and changing work environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

15 pages, 6023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health of e-Waste Workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana

by Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti, John Arko-Mensah, Paul K. Botwe, Duah Dwomoh, Lawrencia Kwarteng, Sylvia Akpene Takyi, Augustine Appah Acquah, Prudence Tettey, Niladri Basu, Stuart Batterman, Thomas G. Robins and Julius N. Fobil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093042 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5901

Abstract

Background: Direct and continuous exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially in occupational settings is known to impact negatively on respiratory health and lung function. Objective: To determine the association between concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) in breathing zone [...] Read more.

Background: Direct and continuous exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially in occupational settings is known to impact negatively on respiratory health and lung function. Objective: To determine the association between concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) in breathing zone and lung function of informal e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie. Methods: To evaluate lung function responses to PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm), we conducted a longitudinal cohort study with three repeated measures among 207 participants comprising 142 healthy e-waste workers from Agbogbloshie scrapyard and 65 control participants from Madina-Zongo in Accra, Ghana from 2017–2018. Lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF 25-75) and PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) concentrations were measured, corresponding to prevailing seasonal variations. Socio-demographic data, respiratory exposures and lifestyle habits were determined using questionnaires. Random effects models were then used to examine the effects of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) on lung function. Results: The median concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) were all consistently above the WHO ambient air standards across the study waves. Small effect estimates per IQR of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) on lung function parameters were observed even after adjustment for potential confounders. However, a 10 µg increase in PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) was associated with decreases in PEF and FEF 25–75 by 13.3% % [β = −3.133; 95% CI: −0.243, −0.022) and 26.6% [β = −0.266; 95% CI: −0.437, 0.094]. E-waste burning and a history of asthma significantly predicted a decrease in PEF by 14.2% [β = −0.142; 95% CI: −0.278, −0.008) and FEV1 by 35.8% [β = −0.358; 95% CI: −0.590, 0.125] among e-waste burners. Conclusions: Direct exposure of e-waste workers to PM predisposes to decline in lung function and risk for small airway diseases such as asthma and COPD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

12 pages, 463 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cumulative Risks from Stressor Exposures and Personal Risk Factors in the Workplace: Examples from a Scoping Review

by Mary A. Fox, Richard Todd Niemeier, Naomi Hudson, Miriam R. Siegel and Gary Scott Dotson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115850 - 29 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3667

Abstract

Protecting worker and public health involves an understanding of multiple determinants, including exposures to biological, chemical, or physical agents or stressors in combination with other determinants including type of employment, health status, and individual behaviors. This has been illustrated during the COVID-19 pandemic [...] Read more.

Protecting worker and public health involves an understanding of multiple determinants, including exposures to biological, chemical, or physical agents or stressors in combination with other determinants including type of employment, health status, and individual behaviors. This has been illustrated during the COVID-19 pandemic by increased exposure and health risks for essential workers and those with pre-existing conditions, and mask-wearing behavior. Health risk assessment practices for environmental and occupational health typically do not incorporate multiple stressors in combination with personal risk factors. While conceptual developments in cumulative risk assessment to inform a more holistic approach to these real-life conditions have progressed, gaps remain, and practical methods and applications are rare. This scoping review characterizes existing evidence of combined stressor exposures and personal factors and risk to foster methods for occupational cumulative risk assessment. The review found examples from many workplaces, such as manufacturing, offices, and health care; exposures to chemical, physical, and psychosocial stressors combined with modifiable and unmodifiable determinants of health; and outcomes including respiratory function and disease, cancers, cardio-metabolic diseases, and hearing loss, as well as increased fertility, menstrual dysfunction and worsened mental health. To protect workers, workplace exposures and modifiable and unmodifiable characteristics should be considered in risk assessment and management. Data on combination exposures can improve assessments and risk estimates and inform protective exposure limits and management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

11 pages, 2215 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

MiXie, an Online Tool for Better Health Assessment of Workers Exposed to Multiple Chemicals

by Bénédicte La Rocca and Philippe Sarazin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020951 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1752

Abstract

There is increasing concern for workers facing multiple chemical exposure. The accumulation of information on occupational conditions indicates the need to incorporate the concept of multiple exposures in the risk assessment process and to develop tools for assessing the potential impacts of multiple [...] Read more.

There is increasing concern for workers facing multiple chemical exposure. The accumulation of information on occupational conditions indicates the need to incorporate the concept of multiple exposures in the risk assessment process and to develop tools for assessing the potential impacts of multiple exposures on workers’ health. Our objective is to describe the MiXie online decision-making tool that can be used to assess the risk of exposure to multiple chemicals. The description includes the development of MiXie, the structure of its toxicological database according to the target organ or the mode of action, and the algorithm for quantitative analysis of a mixture. Two case studies of its use in evaluating the risks of multiple exposures in real workplace situations are presented. The case study in the printing industry showed increased risk for four toxicological classes (central nervous system damage, ocular damage, skin damage, and ototoxicity) associated with co-exposure to four chemicals during maintenance operations. The MiXie analysis also showed the presence of carcinogenic substances in the mixture and a risk to the development of the foetus. The case study in nail salons showed the presence of carcinogenic and sensitizing chemicals and an increased risk to upper airways. MiXie helps preventers evaluate the possible additive effects of mixtures, providing an easy-to-read diagnosis to identify risks incurred by co-exposed employees. In addition, MiXie identifies risky occupational situations that would go unnoticed without a multiple substance approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Exposure in Occupational Settings)

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