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Patel J, Gimeno Ruiz de Porras D, Mitchell LE, Carson A, Whitehead LW, Han I, Pompeii L, Conway S, Zock JP, Henneberger PK, Patel R, De Los Reyes J, Delclos GL. Cleaning Tasks and Products and Asthma Among Health Care Professionals. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:28-34. [PMID: 37801602 PMCID: PMC10841035 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health care workers are at risk for work-related asthma, which may be affected by changes in cleaning practices. We examined associations of cleaning tasks and products with work-related asthma in health care workers in 2016, comparing them with prior results from 2003. METHODS We estimated asthma prevalence by professional group and explored associations of self-reported asthma with job-exposure matrix-based cleaning tasks/products in a representative Texas sample of 9914 physicians, nurses, respiratory/occupational therapists, and nurse aides. RESULTS Response rate was 34.8% (n = 2421). The weighted prevalence rates of physician-diagnosed (15.3%), work-exacerbated (4.1%), and new-onset asthma (6.7%) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness symptoms (31.1%) were similar to 2003. New-onset asthma was associated with building surface cleaning (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.33), use of ortho-phthalaldehyde (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.15-2.72), bleach/quaternary compounds (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.10-3.33), and sprays (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.12-3.47). CONCLUSION Prevalence of asthma/bronchial hyperresponsiveness seems unchanged, whereas associations of new-onset asthma with exposures to surface cleaning remained, and decreased for instrument cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenil Patel
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), San Antonio, TX, USA
- Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura E. Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arch Carson
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lawrence W. Whitehead
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Inkyu Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Pompeii
- Research in Patient Services, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jan-Paul Zock
- Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul K. Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Riddhi Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joy De Los Reyes
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George L. Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Dang KTL, Garrido AN, Prasad S, Afanasyeva M, Lipszyc JC, Orchanian‐Cheff A, Tarlo SM. The relationship between cleaning product exposure and respiratory and skin symptoms among healthcare workers in a hospital setting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e623. [PMID: 35509379 PMCID: PMC9059197 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Several studies from multiple work settings have reported an increase in asthma and asthma‐like respiratory symptoms in workers exposed to cleaning or disinfecting agents. Hospital workers perform many cleaning and disinfecting activities and may be vulnerable to respiratory and skin symptoms caused by these agents. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to quantify the risk of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in hospital workers exposed to cleaning/disinfecting agents. A secondary aim is to assess associated risks of skin symptoms in those studies. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, CDSR, CENTRAL, CINAHL databases, and references of relevant review articles were searched. NHLBI quality assessment tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. A total of 2550 articles were retrieved and 34 studies met criteria to be included. The software R version 4.0.5 was used to perform the meta‐analysis. The random‐effects model was used to pool the results due to within‐studies heterogeneity. Results Meta‐analysis of 10 studies evaluating the association between occupational cleaning exposures and asthma demonstrated a 35% increased risk in exposed hospital workers (meta‐RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.68). The risk of asthma increased when workers were exposed to bleach compared with nonexposed workers (meta‐RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.54–4.18), but was not statistically significant. Two studies investigated the relationship between respiratory and skin symptoms and produced mixed results. Conclusions The results suggest a need for preventive practices to reduce the risk of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in hospital workers exposed to occupational cleaning/disinfecting agents. Trial registration number: CRD42020137804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly T. L. Dang
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Ameth N. Garrido
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Institute for Medical Sciences Toronto Ontario Canada
- Toronto, Departments of Medicine University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Shivonne Prasad
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Marina Afanasyeva
- Departments of Medicine Humber River Hospital, Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Joshua C. Lipszyc
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Ani Orchanian‐Cheff
- Toronto, Departments of Medicine University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Susan M. Tarlo
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Departments of Medicine University of Toronto Institute for Medical Sciences Toronto Ontario Canada
- Toronto, Departments of Medicine University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- St Michael's Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
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3
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the recent findings of the last 2 years on the epidemiology and phenotypes of occupational asthma, as well as new developments in its diagnosis and management. RECENT FINDINGS Data from nine longitudinal studies showed a population attributable fraction for the occupational contribution to incident asthma of 16%. The main phenotypes of occupational asthma are: occupational asthma caused by high-molecular-weight (HMW) or low-molecular-weight (LMW) agents, irritant-induced asthma and occupational asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap. Among the variety of causative agents of occupational asthma, food-derived components are increasingly being reported, accounting for up to 25% cases of occupational asthma and/or occupational rhinitis. Recently, a specific inhalation challenge (SIC)-independent model has been developed to calculate the probability of occupational asthma diagnosis in workers exposed to HMW agents. In this model, work-specific sensitization, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, inhaled corticosteroid use, rhinoconjunctivitis and age 40 years or less were the most relevant predictive factors. Specific IgE measurements showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.71 in the diagnosis of occupational asthma for HMW agents, while a lower sensitivity (0.28) and a higher specificity (0.89) was shown for LMW agents. Cessation of exposure to workplace sensitizers is the cornerstone of management of work-related conditions. SUMMARY An early and precise diagnosis of occupational asthma is crucial, allowing appropriate management and implementation of preventive strategies.
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4
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Tarlo SM. Time for Action on Cleaning and Disinfecting Agents. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2366-2367. [PMID: 34112479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Tarlo
- Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto Department of Medicine, and Dalla Lana Department of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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5
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Carlsten C, Gulati M, Hines S, Rose C, Scott K, Tarlo SM, Torén K, Sood A, de la Hoz RE. COVID-19 as an occupational disease. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:227-237. [PMID: 33491195 PMCID: PMC8014565 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 permeates all aspects of society worldwide. Initial medical reports and media coverage have increased awareness of the risk imposed on healthcare workers in particular, during this pandemic. However, the health implications of COVID-19 for the global workforce are multifaceted and complex, warranting careful reflection and consideration to mitigate the adverse effects on workers worldwide. Accordingly, our review offers a framework for considering this topic, highlighting key issues, with the aim to prompt and inform action, including research, to minimize the occupational hazards imposed by this ongoing challenge. We address respiratory disease as a primary concern, while recognizing the multisystem spectrum of COVID-19-related disease and how clinical aspects are interwoven with broader socioeconomic forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carlsten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory MedicineThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Mridu Gulati
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep MedicineYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Stella Hines
- Department of MedicineUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Cecile Rose
- Department of Medicine, Division of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish HealthUniversity of Colorado DenverDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Kenneth Scott
- Denver Health and Hospital AuthorityDenver Public HealthDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Susan M. Tarlo
- Occupational & Environmental Health Division, University Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Kjell Torén
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Akshay Sood
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | - Rafael E. de la Hoz
- Division of Occupational and Environmental MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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6
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Garrido AN, House R, Lipszyc JC, Liss GM, Holness DL, Tarlo SM. Cleaning agent usage in healthcare professionals and relationship to lung and skin symptoms. J Asthma 2021; 59:673-681. [PMID: 33402006 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1871740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Healthcare workers have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and dermatitis, likely related to cleaning/disinfecting agents. The aim of this study was to identify work tasks and cleaning/disinfecting agents associated with respiratory symptoms and hand dermatitis among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital. METHODS Cleaning agent usage, respiratory symptoms and skin symptoms were recorded by participants using a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. Age and sex adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to examine associations between job tasks, exposures, respiratory, and skin outcomes. RESULTS Two hundred and thirty healthcare workers who were exposed to cleaning agents were compared with 77 who had no, or minimal, exposure. Exposed workers had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18-4.14) and skin symptoms (adjusted OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.00 - 3.17). Washing instruments manually, using aerosol products, cleaning operating rooms, cleaning sanitary rooms, preparing disinfectants, and filling devices with cleaning products were cleaning tasks associated with various respiratory symptoms. Bleach was the only cleaning agent associated with a respiratory symptom: tightness in the chest (unadjusted OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.01-6.89) but statistical significance did not persist after adjustment for age and sex. Hand dermatitis was associated with actual disinfecting tasks (adjusted OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.10-4.66). Bleach was the only cleaning agent significantly associated with hand dermatitis (adjusted OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.32-5.13). CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into possible work tasks that need interventions to reduce or prevent respiratory and skin symptoms in healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameth N Garrido
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Respiratory Division, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ronald House
- Occupational Medicine Division, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua C Lipszyc
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gary M Liss
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dorothy Linn Holness
- Occupational Medicine Division, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan M Tarlo
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Respiratory Division, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Occupational Medicine Division, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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7
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Evidence for adverse respiratory effects of occupational exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) has grown in the last two decades. The relationship between DCPs and asthma is well documented but questions remain regarding specific causal agents. Beyond asthma, associations between DCPs and COPD or chronic rhinitis are plausible and have been examined recently. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances on the effect of occupational exposure to DCP and chronic airway diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Recent epidemiological studies have often focused on healthcare workers and are characterized by efforts to improve assessment of exposure to specific DCPs. Despite increasing knowledge on the effect of DCPs on asthma, the burden of work-related asthma caused by DCPs has not decreased in the past decade, emphasizing the need to strengthen prevention efforts. Novel data suggest an association between occupational exposure to DCPs and other chronic airway diseases, such as rhinitis, COPD, and poor lung function. SUMMARY Epidemiological and experimental data showed that many chemicals contained in DCPs are likely to cause airway damage, indicating that prevention strategies should target multiple products. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of DCP exposure on occupational airway diseases beyond asthma.
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8
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Some Progress and Direction in the Prevention of Work-related Asthma. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020; 17:274-275. [PMID: 32108504 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201911-841ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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9
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Tarlo SM, Quirce S. Impact of Identification of Clinical Phenotypes in Occupational Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 8:3277-3282. [PMID: 32561498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic differences and similarities in the spectrum of occupational asthma (OA) subtypes reflect the underlying mechanisms of the diverse forms of the disease, and these phenotypes provide information as to diagnostic steps and approaches to management. In large part, the phenotype reflects the existence of immunologic mechanisms and the presence or absence of a specific IgE-antibody response to a work sensitizer. However, further differences occur between OA from high- and low-molecular-weight sensitizers (chemical sensitizers), which potentially might be relevant for nonoccupational asthma. Chemical sensitizers cause a specific response that is more likely to be a late asthmatic response and specific IgE can be identified only in a minority. Irritant-induced asthma is most easily recognized when it occurs with 1 or more high-level respiratory irritant exposure(s) but is also possible with chronic low-level exposures as in cleaners, farmers, and woodworkers, as suggested from epidemiologic studies. OA chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap is more common in older patients and with OA from low-molecular-weight sensitizers. Removal from exposure to the causative agent is currently advised for those with OA from sensitization: further studies with omalizumab and other biologic agents are needed to determine whether these might allow return to the same exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Tarlo
- Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto Department of Medicine and Dalla Lana Department of Public Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, and CIBER of Respiratory Diseases CIBERES, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Abstract
Rationale: Exposure to a variety of substances in the workplace can cause new-onset asthma or aggravate preexisting asthma, both of which are considered work-related asthma (WRA). Understanding trends in the nature and causes of WRA can assist in the diagnosis and management of adult patients with asthma.Objective: To describe trends over 31 years of WRA surveillance in Michigan.Methods: Michigan law requires reporting of all known or suspected cases of occupational disease. WRA was confirmed by review of a standardized telephone interview and patient medical records. Enforcement inspections at the workplaces of the WRA cases included air monitoring and evaluation for asthma and asthma symptoms among coworkers.Results: The Michigan surveillance program identified 3,634 WRA cases from 1988 to 2018, including nine deaths. The cumulative incidence rate of WRA decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 cases per 100,000 workers. Cases most frequently worked in manufacturing (56%), health care (12%), and education (4%). The cumulative incidence rate of WRA decreased in each of those three industries, while increasing in retail trade and accommodations and food services. The most common exposures to known asthma inducers were to cleaning agents and isocyanates; the percentage exposed to cleaning agents increased from 5% to 20%, and the percentage exposed to isocyanates decreased from 20% to 7%. Fifty-one percent had not applied for workers' compensation benefits. Only 5% of the 571 workplaces where air sampling was performed were above the allowable exposure limit. Fifteen percent (1,622 of 10,493) of coworkers of the index cases reported onset of asthma since beginning to work at the facility or being bothered at work by daily or weekly chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.Conclusions: The industries and exposures where Michigan adults develop WRA have changed during the past 31 years. The identification of WRA cases, including WRA deaths, underscores the need for continued vigilance to monitor changes in where and how workers are exposed to asthma-causing agents, physician consideration of workplace exposures in new-onset or worsening adult asthma, and adoption of workplace standards that reduce exposure and require workplace medical monitoring to prevent and reduce the morbidity and mortality of WRA.
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11
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LaKind JS, Goodman M. Methodological evaluation of human research on asthmagenicity and occupational cleaning: a case study of quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats"). Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2019; 15:69. [PMID: 31832071 PMCID: PMC6873500 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-019-0384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we review methodological approaches used in studies that evaluated the association between occupational exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) and occupational asthma. This association is of interest because quats are a common active ingredient of disinfectants and have been linked to work-related asthma in some circumstances. However, any evidence-based assessment of an exposure-outcome association needs to consider both strengths and limitations of the literature. We focus on publications cited by various US and international organizations. Eighteen investigations included in the review fall into two broad categories: case reports and challenge studies of individual patients and population studies that examined the association between quats and asthma occurrence in groups of subjects. We evaluated these studies guided by questions that address whether: exposure data on specific quat(s) and other agents that may cause asthma were included, new asthma cases were differentiated from asthma exacerbation, and information on respiratory sensitivity versus irritation was given. We also assessed consistency across studies. Studies of individual patients, particularly those that provided detailed information on challenge test results, document cases of asthma induced by exposure to quats. By contrast, studies of occupational groups with the highest potential for quats exposure (e.g., cleaners and farmers) do not consistently report increased incidence of asthma due specifically to quats. The unresolved methodological issues include: poor understanding of exposure pathways considering that quats are non-volatile, lack of quantitative data allowing for identification of an asthmagenicity threshold, insufficient information on whether quats are sensitizers or act via dose-dependent irritation or some other mechanism, and inability to quantify risk of new-onset asthma attributable to quats. Another important area of uncertainty is the lack of information on the specific quats being used. There is also a lack of data capable of distinguishing the effects of quats from those of other chemical and biological workplace exposures. The current state-of-the-science does not allow a proper assessment of the potential link between quats and occupational asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S LaKind
- LaKind Associates, LLC, 106 Oakdale Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228 USA.,2University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Michael Goodman
- 3Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Li RWH, Lipszyc JC, Prasad S, Tarlo SM. Work-related asthma from cleaning agents versus other agents. Occup Med (Lond) 2019; 68:587-592. [PMID: 30423151 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqy137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cleaning agents have been commonly implicated as causative or triggering factors in work-related asthma (WRA), mainly from epidemiologic studies. Relatively few clinical series have been reported. Aims We aimed to compare socio-demographic and clinical features among tertiary clinic patients with WRA exposed to cleaning and non-cleaning products. Methods Analyses were conducted on a patient database containing 208 patients with probable WRA referred to the asthma and airway centre at a tertiary centre hospital in Canada from 2000 to 2014. Chi-squared and independent samples t-tests were used to analyse categorical and continuous data, respectively. Results Twenty-two (11%) WRA cases were attributed to a variety of cleaning product exposures, 12 were diagnosed as occupational asthma (OA) and 10 as work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) (10% of all OA and 11% of all WEA). There were multiple exposures and the responsible agent(s) could seldom be clearly identified. Most frequent categories of exposure were surfactants, alcohols, disinfectants and acids. Compared to WRA with other exposures, those with cleaning agent exposures had a significantly larger proportion of females (82 versus 35%, P < 0.001), included a higher percentage of workers in healthcare (41 versus 4%, P < 0.001), and submitted more workers' compensation claims (86 versus 64%, P = 0.05). Other characteristics were comparable. Conclusions In a tertiary referral clinic, patients with WRA from cleaning agent exposure had clinical characteristics that were similar to those with WRA from other causes. Most frequent exposures were surfactants, alcohols, disinfectants and acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W H Li
- Toronto Western Hospital and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J C Lipszyc
- Toronto Western Hospital and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Prasad
- Toronto Western Hospital and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S M Tarlo
- Toronto Western Hospital and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Zhang Y, Wang W, Liu Q, Wu X, Xiang M, Zhao Y, He X, Ma Y. Attitude and behavior of clinical nurse towards self-health care: a cross-sectional survey. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:329. [PMID: 31475199 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.06.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Researches focus on the risk factors affecting the health of nurses have been amounting. However, the specific factors about nurse' attitude to health and health-seeking behavior pattern are not well explored. Methods A questionnaire was sent out to all 620 nurses in department of surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and demographic information, educational background, clinical experience, and attitude to the disease were investigated. Results The survey indicated that 44.44% (N=212) of respondents did not consult physician. Instead, they self-managed their illness, with 60.38% (N=128) of non-consulters taking some medications. Education background (P=0.027) and income (P=0.010) were found to be the main factor affecting whether a doctor was consulted. Those who self-evaluated with well physical condition show higher strict compliance (55.00% vs. 41.64%), lower discount-compliance (43.75% vs. 56.15%), and lower total ignorance (1.25% vs. 2.21%), compared with those who self-evaluated not well (P=0.020). The respondents who thought the work stress was the influencing factor to the health were more likely to feedback a poor health status, worry about their health, fear to suffer from a disease, and complain about suffering from pain or discomfort. Conclusions Half of nurses self-treat, with a large proportion self-prescribing, and do not believe in or comply with the doctor's advice, which warrant a closer look.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qiaofei Liu
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xinjuan Wu
- Department of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Min Xiang
- Department of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yanwei Zhao
- Department of internal medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaodong He
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yufen Ma
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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14
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Tarlo SM. Occupational and Environmental Exposures and Their Role in Chronic Cough. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40136-019-00242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Lau A, Tarlo SM. Update on the Management of Occupational Asthma and Work-Exacerbated Asthma. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2019; 11:188-200. [PMID: 30661311 PMCID: PMC6340795 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2019.11.2.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Work-related asthma is the most common occupational lung disease encountered in clinical practice. In adult asthmatics, work-relatedness can account for 15%-33% of cases, but delays in diagnosis remain common and lead to worse outcomes. Accurate diagnosis of asthma is the first step to managing occupational asthma, which can be sensitizer-induced or irritant-induced asthma. While latency has traditionally been recognized as a hallmark of sensitizer-induced asthma and rapid-onset a defining feature of irritant-induced asthma (as in Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome), there is epidemiological evidence for irritant-induced asthma with latency from chronic moderate exposure. Diagnostic testing while the patient is still in the workplace significantly improves sensitivity. While specific inhalational challenges remain the gold-standard for the diagnosis of occupational asthma, they are not available outside of specialized centers. Commonly available tests including bronchoprovocation challenges and peak flow monitoring are important tools for practicing clinicians. Management of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma is notable for the central importance of removal from the causative agent: ideally, removal of the culprit agent; but if not feasible, this may require changes in the work process or ultimately, removal of the worker from the workplace. While workers' compensation programs may reduce income loss, these are not universal and there can be significant socio-economic impact from work-related asthma. Primary prevention remains the preferred method of reducing the burden of occupational asthma, which may include modification to work processes, better worker education and substitution of sensitizing agents from the workplace with safer compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambrose Lau
- Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan M Tarlo
- Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Background: Cleaning and disinfecting agents are widely used in modern life, in homes, schools, public places, and workplaces as well as in recreational facilities such as swimming pools. Use has been for sanitizing purposes and to assist in reduction of infection as well as for deodorizing purposes. However, adverse respiratory effects have been associated with use of cleaning products ranging from effects in infancy and early childhood up to adults at home and work. Methods: This review summarizes recent published literature on the effects of cleaning agents used pre-natally, in childhood and adult life, at home, work, and in swimming pools. Results: Several studies have indicated that there is an increased risk of developing asthma among adults with frequent exposure to cleaning products at work and in the home. Potential mechanisms include sensitization and respiratory irritant effects. Exposure to irritant chlorine by-products from swimming pools have also been associated with respiratory effects and increased risk of asthma. Potential effects from maternal exposures to cleaning products on infants, and effects on early childhood atopy are less clear. Conclusions: Exposure to cleaning agents increases relative risks of asthma among workers, and adults using these agents in the home. Risks are also increased with exposure to chlorinated by-products from swimming pools, both in adults and children. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of these associations.
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17
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Quinot C, Amsellem-Dubourget S, Temam S, Sevin E, Barreto C, Tackin A, Félicité J, Lyon-Caen S, Siroux V, Girard R, Descatha A, Le Moual N, Dumas O. Development of a bar code-based exposure assessment method to evaluate occupational exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products: a pilot study. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:668-674. [PMID: 29760172 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Healthcare workers are highly exposed to various types of disinfectants and cleaning products. Assessment of exposure to these products remains a challenge. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of a method, based on a smartphone application and bar codes, to improve occupational exposure assessment among hospital/cleaning workers in epidemiological studies. METHODS A database of disinfectants and cleaning products used in French hospitals, including their names, bar codes and composition, was developed using several sources: ProdHyBase (a database of disinfectants managed by hospital hygiene experts), and specific regulatory agencies and industrial websites. A smartphone application has been created to scan bar codes of products and fill a short questionnaire. The application was tested in a French hospital. The ease of use and the ability to record information through this new approach were estimated. RESULTS The method was tested in a French hospital (7 units, 14 participants). Through the application, 126 records (one record referred to one product entered by one participant/unit) were registered, majority of which were liquids (55.5%) or sprays (23.8%); 20.6% were used to clean surfaces and 15.9% to clean toilets. Workers used mostly products with alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds (>90% with weekly use), followed by hypochlorite bleach and hydrogen peroxide (28.6%). For most records, information was available on the name (93.7%) and bar code (77.0%). Information on product compounds was available for all products and recorded in the database. CONCLUSION This innovative and easy-to-use method could help to improve the assessment of occupational exposure to disinfectants/cleaning products in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Quinot
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, University Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | | | - Sofia Temam
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, University Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Christine Barreto
- ProdHyBase, CClin Sud-Est, Saint-Genis-Laval, France.,ProdHyBase, Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Arzu Tackin
- AP-HP UVSQ, Equipe opérationnelle d'hygiène hospitalière, University Hospital of Poincaré, Garches, France
| | | | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble (La Tronche), France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble (La Tronche), France
| | - Raphaële Girard
- ProdHyBase, Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Alexis Descatha
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, University Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,AP-HP UVSQ, Occupational Health Unit/Population-Based Epidemiological Cohorts Unit, UMS 011, University Hospital of Poincaré, Garches, France
| | - Nicole Le Moual
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, University Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Orianne Dumas
- INSERM, VIMA: Aging and Chronic Diseases, Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, U1168, F-94807, Villejuif, France.,UVSQ, UMR-S 1168, University Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, F-78180, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
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