Relationship between time-varying exposure to occupational noise and incident hypertension: A prospective cohort study

Association of noise exposure, plasma microRNAs with metabolic syndrome and its components among Chinese adults

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the association of occupational noise with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, and to assess the potential role of miRNAs in occupational noise-associated MetS.

METHODS

A total of 854 participants were enrolled in our study. Cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was estimated in conjunction with workplace noise test records and research participants' employment histories. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to assess the association of CNE and miRNAs with MetS and its components.

RESULTS

We observed linear positive dose-response associations between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.031; 95 % CI: 1.008, 1.055). And linear and nonlinear relationship were also found for the association of occupational noise exposure with high blood pressure (OR: 1.024; 95 % CI: 1.007, 1.041) and reduced high-density lipoprotein (OR: 1.051; 95 % CI: 1.031, 1.072), respectively. MiR-200a-3p, miR-92a-3p and miR-21-5p were inversely associated with CNE, or the prevalence of MetS and its components (all P < 0.05). However, we did not find any statistically significant mediation effect of miRNAs in the associations of CNE with MetS. Furthermore, the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss in high-frequency increased (OR: 1.036; 95 % CI: 1.008, 1.067) with CNE level rising, and participants with bilateral hearing loss in high-frequency had a significantly higher risk of MetS (OR: 1.727; 95 % CI: 1.048, 2.819).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that occupational noise exposure is associated with MetS and its components, and the role of miRNAs in noise-induced increasing MetS risk needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Occupational noise and hypertension in Southern Chinese workers: a large occupational population-based study

INTRODUCTION

An increasing number of original studies suggested that occupational noise exposure might be associated with the risk of hypertension, but the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. In addition, the attributable fraction (AF) of occupational noise exposure has not been well quantified. We aimed to conduct a large-scale occupational population-based study to comprehensively investigate the relationship between occupational noise exposure and blood pressure and different hypertension subtypes and to estimate the AF for hypertension burden attributable to occupational noise exposure.

METHODS

A total of 715,135 workers aged 18-60 years were included in this study based on the Key Occupational Diseases Surveillance Project of Guangdong in 2020. Multiple linear regression was performed to explore the relationships of occupational noise exposure status, the combination of occupational noise exposure and binaural high frequency threshold on average (BHFTA) with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationshipassociation between occupational noise exposure status, occupational noise exposure combined with BHFTA and hypertension. Furthermore, the attributable risk (AR) was calculated to estimate the hypertension burden attributed to occupational exposure to noise.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension among occupational noise-exposed participants was 13·7%. SBP and DBP were both significantly associated with the occupational noise exposure status and classification of occupational noise exposure combined with BHFTA in the crude and adjusted models (all P < 0·0001). Compared with workers without occupational noise exposure, the risk of hypertension was 50% greater among those exposed to occupational noise in the adjusted model (95% CI 1·42-1·58). For participants of occupational noise exposed with BHFTA normal, and occupational noise exposed with BHFTA elevated, the corresponding risks of hypertension were 48% (1·41-1·56) and 56% (1·46-1·63) greater than those of occupational noise non-exposed with BHFTA normal, respectively. A similar association was found in isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and prehypertension. Subgroup analysis by sex and age showed that the positive associations between occupational noise exposure and hypertension remained statistically significant across all subgroups (all P < 0.001). Significant interactions between occupational noise status, classification of occupational noise exposure combined with BHFTA, and age in relation to hypertension risk were identified (all P for interaction < 0.001). The associations of occupational noise status, classification of occupational noise exposure combined with BHFTA and hypertension were most pronounced in the 18-29 age groups. The AR% of occupational noise exposure for hypertension was 28·05% in the final adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational noise exposure was positively associated with blood pressure levels and the prevalence of hypertension, ISH, and prehypertension in a large occupational population-based study. A significantly increased risk of hypertension was found even in individuals with normal BHFTA exposed to occupational noise, with a further elevated risk observed in those with elevated BHFTA. Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for key groups associated with occupational noise exposure and hypertension, and more than one-fourth of hypertension cases would have been prevented by avoiding occupational noise exposure.

Physiological Effects of Co-exposure to Ionizing Radiation and Noise within Occupational Exposure Limits

ABSTRACT

Workers are frequently exposed to the occupational hazards of ionizing radiation and noise. Co-exposure to these hazards is not well understood in terms of their physiological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological effects of co-exposure to ionizing radiation and noise within the occupational limit. This study extracted the physical examination parameters of workers who met the screening criteria from the occupational health surveillance database. The workers were divided into three groups: the co-exposure (COE) group, the ionizing radiation exposure (ION) group, and the non-exposure (NON) group. The age and sex of the three groups were matched with a sample size ratio of 1:3:3. The physical examination parameters of the three groups of workers were compared. The results showed that there was no significant difference in blood pressure and blood biochemical parameters among the three groups. The COE group had higher levels of free triiodothyronine than the ION group, but there was no difference with the NON group. Moreover, the COE group had lower levels of free tetraiodothyronine than the ION group and the NON group. There was no significant difference in thyroid stimulating hormone, total triiodothyronine, and total tetraiodothyronine among the three groups. Additionally, the number of white blood cells of the COE group was lower than that of ION group and NON group. This study suggests that co-exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and noise can cause alterations in thyroid hormone and peripheral white blood cells. These alterations are different from those observed after single exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and require further research.

Long-Term Exposure to Dust and Noise Can Increase the Risk of Hypertension-A Population Based, Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess whether occupational groups exposed to dust and noise increase their risk of developing hypertension and to identify associated risk factors.

METHODS

Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of exposure factors on the occurrence of hypertension, and confounding factors were adjusted to identify independent effects. Stratified analysis and smoothed curve fitting were used to explore the effects in different populations.

RESULTS

Combined dust + noise exposure significantly increased the risk of hypertension in workers (model 1: odds ratio [OR], 2.75; model 2: OR, 2.66; model 3: OR, 2.85). Further analysis showed that when exposed to dust and noise for more than 17 years, the risk of hypertension increased by 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined exposure of dust and noise significantly increases the risk of hypertension among occupational groups, especially among workers who have worked for more than 17 years.

Association of occupational noise exposure with hypertension: A cross-sectional study

The effects of chronic occupational noise exposure on hypertension are debated. We aimed to investigate the association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of hypertension. The cross-sectional data were collected from 2017 to 2018 using occupational physical examination data from a local aircraft manufacturing enterprise in Xi'an. We categorized occupational noise exposure as high (≥85 dBA) and low noise exposure (< 85 dBA). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension, and associations were further evaluated using subgroup analyses for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Of the 4746 participants (median age, 43 years; 73.4% men), 9.57% (454/4746) had hypertension and 32.4% (1540/4746) were exposed to high noise. Compared to the participants with low occupational exposure to noise, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hypertension prevalence was 1.30 (1.05-1.62) for those with high occupational noise exposure. Subgroup analyses revealed that the noise-hypertension association only existed in young participants (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.40). This study revealed a harmful association between high occupational noise exposure and hypertension in young adults. The study suggests occupational noise exposure as a target for worksite interventions to prevent hypertension.

Hypertension, a linchpin between environmental noise exposure and the development of cardiovascular disease?

Environmental noise exposure has been considered one of the most common hazards worldwide, especially in the workplace environment, and could produce a variety of health issues. Some epidemiological evidence supports the association between occupational noise exposition and a high risk for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Wang et al. has conducted an observational cross-sectional study using occupational data of 4746 workers, 32.4% were exposed to high occupational noise. These exposed individuals had a moderate increase in the risk for hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.62). The subgroup analyses showed that the relationship between noise and hypertension prevalence was stronger in young participants (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.40). Noise exposure activates the sympathetic and endocrine systems producing an increase in blood pressure and the changes in other biological risk factors. Moreover, a recently published study showed that oxidative stress and DNA damage were significantly higher in subjects exposed to noise. Emotional stress reactions and unconscious physiological stress could also be potential mechanisms for hypertension. Finally, physiological stress caused by noise exposure may also increase indulgence in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and indirectly result in an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Previously published studies showed relationships between environmental noise exposure (including road traffic, railway, and aircraft noises) and the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the study by Wang et al. emphasizes the importance of environmental control in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, not only in the workplace but also outside it.

Relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension: Cross-sectional evidence from real-world

Background

Occupational noise is one of the most common and prevalent occupational hazards worldwide and may induce adverse auditory and/or non-auditory health effects. However, the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension is controversial and has long been debated.

Methods

Based on large sample cross-sectional data from all registered occupational health examination units from 2021 to 2022 (N = 101,605), this study aimed to analyze the prevalence of hearing loss and hypertension and to explore the influencing factors of hypertension of workers in Wuhan. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses and multivariate analyses were used. Forest plot and nomograms were constructed for the visualization of predictive results. The ROC curve, AUC, C-index and calibration curves were used to assess the predictive accuracy and validity. DCA was performed to evaluate the net benefit that workers could receive.

Results

Higher rate of high-frequency hearing loss (25.3%), speech frequency hearing loss (8.8%), ECG abnormalities (31.9%) and hypertension (21.0%) were found in workers exposed to occupational noise in Wuhan. Occupational noise exposure (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18, p = 0.04), growth of age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.07-1.07, p < 0.001), overweight (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.73-1.92, p < 0.001), obesity (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 3.42-3.83, p < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.73-1.96, p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.22-1.48; p < 0.001), ECG abnormalities (OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.07-1.15; p < 0.001) and family history of hypertension (OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.58-1.81; p < 0.001) were risk factors of hypertension for workers. Male workers had a relatively higher hypertension risk than female workers (OR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.54-1.69; p < 0.001). Ear protective measures could not reduce the risk of hypertension in workers. Our nomogram has good predictive accuracy and validity. A dynamic nomogram to predict the workers' risk of hypertension was established publicly available online.

Conclusion

Occupational noise exposure may elevate workers' hypertension risk. More effective and relevant prevention measures should be taken. Our nomogram may help identify high-risk workers and facilitate timely interventions.

Relationship Between Occupational Noise and Hypertension in Modern Enterprise Workers: A Case–Control Study

Objective: The association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension is controversial. Thus, we aimed to assess the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension.

Methods: This was a case‒control study, and 509 cases and 1,018 controls from an automobile company were included between July and October 2013. Occupational noise exposure was defined as exposure to noise level ≥80 dB(A) (Lex, 8 h) or cumulative noise exposure (CNE) ≥ 80 dB(A)-years. To assess the associations of noise level and CNE with hypertension, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The restricted cubic spline function was used to establish dose‒response curves.

Results: A noise level ≥80 dB (A) (Lex, 8 h) was significantly associated with hypertension (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.89–3.24). CNE ≥80 dB (A)-years was significantly associated with hypertension (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.18–2.00). Nonlinear relationships between noise level, CNE and hypertension were found (p- nonlinear<0.05).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that occupational noise exposure is a potential risk factor for hypertension in automobile company workers.

Association of noise exposure, plasma microRNAs with arterial stiffness among Chinese workers

Long-term noise exposure is reported to damage cardiovascular system, but the relationship between occupational noise exposure and arterial stiffness (AS) and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of occupational noise exposure with arterial stiffness (AS), and further explore the mediation roles of microRNAs (miRNAs). A total of 838 workers were recruited from two companies in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Cumulative occupational noise exposure (CNE) was assessed through noise level of job title and work years in occupational noise. The AS for the participants were evaluated using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured by an oscillometric device. Each 1-unit increase in CNE levels was significantly associated with a 0.002 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.001-0.003) unit increase in ln-transformed values of baPWV. In the sex-specific analysis, the association was significant in males (β = 0.002, 95%CI = 0.001-0.003). Meanwhile, the risk of bilateral hearing loss at high frequency was significantly higher in the high-exposed group than non-exposed group (OR = 1.895, 95%CI = 1.024-3.508), and participants with bilateral hearing loss at high frequency had a significantly higher level of ln-transformed baPWV (β = 0.032, 95%CI = 0.003-0.061). Occupational noise exposure and AS were both negatively associated with plasma miR-92a-3p and miR-21-5p, and the two miRNAs mediated 15.0% and 16.8% of the association of occupational noise with AS (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that occupational noise exposure is positively associated with AS, and plasma miR-92a-3p and miR-21-5p may partly mediate such association.

Performance Analysis of Active Structural Acoustic Control Applied to a Washing Machine

Great efforts are undertaken by scientists and manufacturers to reduce noise generated by devices present in the human environment. This task is particularly difficult in the case of low-frequency noise; however, active noise reduction methods can be a solution to such problems. The purpose of this article is to present the active noise-controlling casing method applied to a washing machine, whose noise generated during the spinning process is to be reduced. The paper presents a set of experimental measurements and analyses. It also provides hardware and software configuration details. The employed active control system can efficiently reduce noise, even by 16 dBA in the low-frequency range up to 300 Hz, which is an important step towards making the technology ready for manufacturing. The conclusions drawn are valid for different active noise-control applications, considering a variety of devices.

The Impact of Occupational Noise on Hypertension Risk: A Case-Control Study in Automobile Factory Personnel

Background

Many epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between occupational noise and hypertension, but with conflicting findings. This study aimed to assess the relationship between occupational noise exposure and the risk of hypertension.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted to explore hypertension predictors, and then sensitivity analysis was performed based on propensity score matching (PSM). Data were collected from participants' annual physical examinations and occupational noise exposure measurements. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression analysis. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) function was used to fit the dose-effect relationship.

Results

500 cases and 4,356 controls were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression showed that an increase in the level of occupational noise [range 68–102 dB(A)] of 1 dB(A), corresponded to an increase in hypertension risk of 8.3% (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 1.058–1.109). Compared to the first quartile, the risk of hypertension in the fourth quartile was 1.742 (95% CI: 1.313–2.310). After applying PSM to minimize bias, we obtained a population of 500 cases and 1,000 controls. Noise level was significantly associated with the risk of hypertension. In addition, the RCS curve showed the risk of hypertension was relatively stable until a predicted noise level of around 80 dB(A) and then started to increase rapidly afterward (Pnonlinear = 0.002).

Conclusions

Occupational noise exposure was significantly associated with hypertension risk and there was a positively correlated dose-response relationship.

Investigating the effects of occupational and environmental noise on cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The present study aimed to use a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between occupational and non-occupational noise exposure expressed in various studies with cardiovascular disease. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study based on PRISMA checklist. In this study, the researchers searched five international databases of Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ISI/web of knowledge, and Google Scholar. Search keywords included two categories noise and noise pollution, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to review and control the quality of the articles. After all screening stage 139 articles entered the final analysis. The results show that except for East African environmental studies and workplace studies in East Asia, Western Asia, and Northern Europe, there was a significant association between noise exposure and cardiovascular disease. Also, there was a significant difference between the intensity of sound and blood pressure in workers (OR = 1.28, CI 95%: 1.15-1.42, P < 0.001). Based on the results of environmental noise, there was a significant difference between ambient noise intensity and blood pressure (OR = 1.55, CI 95%: 1.53-1.57, P < 0.001). It can be concluded that it is very important to study and identify jobs or living environments with less than the recommended noise level and in addition to hearing aids that occur in over-standard exposures, such as cardiovascular disease.

Vibroacoustical Performance Analysis of a Rigid Device Casing with Piezoelectric Shunt Damping

Noise and vibration are common issues that may have a negative impact on human's' health. To minimize their consequences, several vibroacoustical methods may be employed. One well-known method is Piezoelectric Shunt Damping (PSD). Over the years, many approaches have been investigated, from passive, state switching circuits to active pulse-switching. In this paper, the authors propose three PSD implementations-passive Synchronized Switch Damping on Inductor (SSDI), semi-active SSDI and active Synchronized Switch Damping on Voltage source (SSDV)-for a single-panel structure mounted on a rigid-frame casing. The nine Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) elements were mounted on the plate based on preliminary simulations in FreeFEM. Then, the theoretical results were validated by an identification experiment. The main research is concentrated on the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and structural vibrations reduction for selected frequencies. The active method provided the highest reduction of vibration-up to 5.5 dB for maximal possible loudspeaker level without overdrive and up to 7.5 dB for lower excitation levels.

Environmental noise in hospitals: a systematic review

Environmental noise has been growing in recent years, causing numerous health problems. Highly sensitive environments such as hospitals deserve special attention, since noise can aggravate patients' health issues and impair the performance of healthcare professionals. This work consists of a systematic review of scientific articles describing environmental noise measurements taken in hospitals between the years 2015 and 2020. The researchers started with a consultation of three databases, namely, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The results indicate that for the most part, these studies are published in journals in the fields of medicine, engineering, environmental sciences, acoustics, and nursing and that most of their authors work in the fields of architecture, engineering, medicine, and nursing. These studies, which are concentrated in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, use as reference values sound levels recommended by the World Health Organization. L_eq measured in hospital environments showed daytime values ranging from 37 to 88.6 dB (A) and nighttime values of 38.7 to 68.8 dB (A). L_eq values for outdoor noise were 74.3 and 56.6 dB (A) for daytime and nighttime, respectively. The measurements were taken mainly inside hospitals, prioritizing more sensitive departments such as intensive care units. There is a potential for growth in work carried out in this area, but research should also include discussions about guidelines for improvement measures aimed at reducing noise in hospitals.

Investigation of Exposure to Occupational Noise among Forestry Machine Operators: A Case Study in Brazil

In mechanized harvesting of wood operations, in a cut-to-length system, occupational noise is emitted by self-propelled forest machines, which compromises the safety and health of operators. Therefore, the occupational noise levels emitted by self-propelled forestry machines, in a cut-to-length system, were investigated to determine which are in line with current Brazilian legislation. The noise levels issued by 22 self-propelled forestry machines in the mechanized harvesting of wood operations, in Eucalyptus and Pinus planted forests, were collected during a full day of measurement. Taking into account the operations performed and the type of planted forest, homogeneous groups of operators were formed. Based on Regulatory Norms N.9 and N.15 adopted for labor purposes in Brazil, occupational noise levels were analyzed. In relation to harvester operators, 36.4% were exposed to values above the exposure limit of 85 dB (A) and 63.6% to the action level of 80 dB (A). Regarding the forwarder operators, 100% were exposed to values that exceeded the action level. For the analyzed conditions, for the cut-to-length system employed in harvesting wood in forest planted with Eucalyptus and Pinus, the occupational noise levels of the self-propelled forest machines are not in line with current Brazilian legislation for labor purposes.

Spectral Analysis of Macro-Fiber Composites Measured Vibration of Double-Panel Structure Coupled with Solenoids

Noise may have a negative impact on humans health and well being. Noise is a direct result of the vibration of structures. Many industrial workers and people using household appliances may be exposed to these harmful factors. To minimize their negative consequences, different approaches to noise and vibration reduction may be applied, e.g., active, semi-active or passive methods. In this research, a semi-active approach to vibration reduction of a cubic rigid casing enclosing a noise- and vibration-generating device is presented. One of the casing walls consists of double thin steel panels, coupled with the use of electromagnetic dampers—solenoids installed in the space between the panels. Other casing walls are built of single plywood panels. Vibrations of the outer (radiating) panel of the wall are measured by Macro-Fiber Composite patches. Spectral analysis of structure vibration is carried out to identify the benefits of the proposed coupling solution in terms of vibration reduction of the wall. The frequency range, where vibration reduction is observed, depends on the number of activated solenoids and the duty cycle of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal. Advantages and drawbacks of the proposed method are discussed and future improvements of the examined setup are suggested.

The Association between Noise Exposure and Metabolic Syndrome: A Longitudinal Cohort Study in Taiwan

Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common worldwide. Studies suggest environmental pollution, including traffic noise, might be linked with metabolic syndrome. This study sought to evaluate how noise exposure is linked to the development of metabolic syndrome and its components in Taiwan. Using data from a cohort of 42,509 participants and Cox proportional hazards regression models, the effects of noise exposure on metabolic syndrome and its components were quantified. After adjustment for covariates (age, gender, body mass index, and physical activity), the hazard ratio for metabolic syndrome was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04–1.22) for medium noise exposure and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.13–1.36) for high noise exposure. Noise exposure was also positively associated with all of metabolic syndrome’s components. This finding suggests noise exposure might contribute to metabolic syndrome and its components. Policies aiming to reduce noise pollution might reduce the risks of metabolic syndrome and its components.