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Pironti C, Ricciardi M, Motta O, Venier M, Faggiano A, Cucciniello R, Proto A. Sulphurous air pollutants and exposure events of workers in thermal-mineral springs: a case study of Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:3112-3120. [PMID: 35945319 PMCID: PMC9892073 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Thermo-mineral springs are widely spread over the volcanic areas of Salerno, a city in southern Italy. Although the water of thermal structures provides beneficial effects on human health, the air is characterized by the presence of potentially toxic compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Exposure to sulphurous compounds may have detrimental effects on human health, with asthma being the most common. In this study, air concentrations of H2S and SO2 in the thermal springs of Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy) were monitored for 4 months (using both active and passive sampling), along with the chemical and microclimatic characterization of thermal water, to assess workers' exposure to these pollutants. An in-depth characterization of indoor air at the springs is paramount to establish emission control limits for occupational exposure and to take protective measures. The air concentration of SO2 varied from 0.11 ± 0.02 to 0.91 ± 0.02 mg/m3, following a seasonal pattern (higher values in winter and lower in spring). Conversely, indoor H2S concentrations did not vary significantly with time, but outdoor levels (from 0.40 ± 0.03 to 1.90 ± 0.03 mg/m3) were always higher than indoor ones (from 0.11 ± 0.03 to 0.56 ± 0.03 mg/m3). Not negligible air concentrations of these pollutants were detected in this thermal spring workplace, so further investigations are needed to ensure workers' safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Pironti
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
| | - Marta Venier
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Antonio Faggiano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Raffaele Cucciniello
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Antonio Proto
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
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Chen WL, Chen YY, Wu WT, Lai CH, Sun YS, Wang CC. Examining relationship between occupational acid exposure and oral health in workplace. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1371. [PMID: 32894125 PMCID: PMC7487460 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09496-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acid mist can suspend in the air and enter the body via skin contact, the respiratory tract, or even oral intake, which pose various health hazards. Previous studies have shown that occupational exposure to acid mist or acidic solutions is a major risk factor for oral diseases. However, the findings are inconsistent and do not consider individual factors and lifestyles that may cause the same oral diseases. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive oral health survey and collected detail information to confirm the effect of acidic solution exposure on worker’s oral health. Methods From 4 acidic solution factories, a total of 309 subjects (157 in control and 152 in exposed group) was enrolled. All participants competed oral examinations and self-report questionnaire, including the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, community periodontal index (CPI), loss of attachment (LA) index, and tooth erosion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the acidic solution exposure and oral health. Results The results showed that acid exposure was correlated with soft oral tissue injury rather than hard oral tissue in our survey. In the multivariate model (adjusted for sex, age, worked years, education level, mouthwash use, dental floss use, tooth brushing, mask use, smoking, drinking, chewing areca and dietary habits with acidic foods), significant relationships of acid exposure with LA score were observed (OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.03–5.26). However, the presence of acid exposure was not significantly associated with tooth erosion, DMFT, and CPITN. Conclusion Our study highlighted that occupational acid exposure was an independent risk factor for periodontal health, especially LA. It is important to strengthen occupational hazard control, educate workers on oral disease and related factors, and raise the awareness of oral hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Liang Chen
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yuei Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital; and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch; and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wei-Te Wu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Huang Lai
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Shan Sun
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chung-Ching Wang
- Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Elagib MFA, Ghandour IA, Abdel Rahman ME, Baldo SMH, Idris AM. Influence of cement dust exposure on periodontal health of occupational workers. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1737824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F. A. Elagib
- College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - I. A. Ghandour
- College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Sudan Medical Specialization Board (SMSB), Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Abubakr M. Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Raj JBS, Gokulraj S, Sulochana K, Tripathi V, Ronanki S, Sharma P. A cross-sectional study on oral health status of battery factory workers in Chennai city. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2016; 6:149-53. [PMID: 27114955 PMCID: PMC4820575 DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.178749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim and Objective: Some occupational exposures are associated with oral changes in both hard and soft tissues. Presence of oral lesions can interfere with speech, swallowing, and general health of a patient. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the oral health status of battery factory workers in Chennai city. Materials and Methods: A total of 600 subjects were selected in battery factory out of 3500 workers using statistical sample selection formula 4pq/l2 and divided into study and control groups based on acid exposure. The data were recorded on a modified World Health Organization 1997 pro forma. The data were evaluated using Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test. Materials and Methods: A total of 600 subjects were selected in battery factory out of 3500 workers using statistical sample selection formula 4pq/l2 and divided into study and control groups based on acid exposure. The data were recorded on a modified World Health Organization 1997 pro forma. The data were evaluated using Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Oral symptoms such as disturbed taste, dry mouth, oral ulcers, and foul breath were statistically significant between the groups (<0.001). Dental erosion was statistically significant with the duration of working years. Dental erosion was significant among study group compared to control (0.001). Conclusion: The present study showed that selected samples had various oral conditions due to exposure to acids from battery. It was observed that oral health problems were directly related to the duration of acid exposure in the study group. Implementing exhaust ventilation and monitoring the devices help in reducing the acid exposure. Implementation of oral hygiene education and nutritional supplementation helps in improving their oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Babu Susai Raj
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vivekananda Dental College, Tiruchengode, India
| | - Sabitha Gokulraj
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vinayaka Missions Sankarachariyar Dental College, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Konthoujam Sulochana
- Department of Oral Pathology, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Tripathi
- Department of Periodontology, Dental College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Susanthi Ronanki
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, DY Dental College, DY Patil Knowledge City, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Preeti Sharma
- Department of Pedodontics, Mansarovar Dental College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Bomfim RA, Crosato E, Mazzilli LEN, Frias AC. Prevalence and risk factors of non-carious cervical lesions related to occupational exposure to acid mists. Braz Oral Res 2015; 29:S1806-83242015000100280. [PMID: 26154372 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2015.vol29.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the prevalence and risk factors of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in a Brazilian population of workers exposed and non-exposed to acid mists and chemical products. One hundred workers (46 exposed and 54 non-exposed) were evaluated in a Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador - CEREST (Worker's Health Reference Center). The workers responded to questionnaires regarding their personal information and about alcohol consumption and tobacco use. A clinical examination was conducted to evaluate the presence of NCCLs, according to WHO parameters. Statistical analyses were performed by unconditional logistic regression and multiple linear regression, with the critical level of p < 0.05. NCCLs were significantly associated with age groups (18-34, 35-44, 45-68 years). The unconditional logistic regression showed that the presence of NCCLs was better explained by age group (OR = 4.04; CI 95% 1.77-9.22) and occupational exposure to acid mists and chemical products (OR = 3.84; CI 95% 1.10-13.49), whereas the linear multiple regression revealed that NCCLs were better explained by years of smoking (p = 0.01) and age group (p = 0.04). The prevalence of NCCLs in the study population was particularly high (76.84%), and the risk factors for NCCLs were age, exposure to acid mists and smoking habit. Controlling risk factors through preventive and educative measures, allied to the use of personal protective equipment to prevent the occupational exposure to acid mists, may contribute to minimizing the prevalence of NCCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Aiello Bomfim
- Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Edgard Crosato
- Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Carlos Frias
- Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Priya H, Kumar M. Rising trend of workplace oral health examination. J Occup Health 2011; 53:393; author reply 393-4. [PMID: 21778656 DOI: 10.1539/joh.11-0094-op] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Mandali G, Sener ID, Turker SB, Ülgen H. Factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in complete denture wearers. Gerodontology 2010; 28:97-103. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2009.00351.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Almeida TFD, Vianna MIP, Santana VS, Gomes Filho IS. Occupational exposure to acid mists and periodontal attachment loss. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2009; 24:495-502. [PMID: 18327437 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2008000300003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 05/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the hypotheses that occupational exposure to acid mists is positively associated with periodontal disease, assessed by periodontal attachment loss. The study sample included 530 male workers at a metal processing factory. Data were obtained from interviews and oral examinations. Periodontal attachment loss was defined as >or= 4mm at probing, in at least one tooth. A job exposure matrix was utilized for exposure evaluation. Exposure to acid mists was positively associated with periodontal attachment loss >or= 4mm at any time (prevalence ratio, PR(adjusted) = 2.17), past (PR(adjusted) = 2.11), and over 6 years of exposure (PR(adjusted) = 1.77), independently of age, alcohol consumption, and smoking, and these results were limited to workers who did not use dental floss. Exposure to acid mists is a potential risk factor for periodontal attachment loss, and further studies are needed, using longitudinal designs and more accurate exposure measures.
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