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Baek H, Yu S, Son S, Seo J, Chung Y. Automated Region of Interest-Based Data Augmentation for Fallen Person Detection in Off-Road Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2371. [PMID: 38610583 PMCID: PMC11014021 DOI: 10.3390/s24072371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Due to the global population increase and the recovery of agricultural demand after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of agricultural automation and autonomous agricultural vehicles is growing. Fallen person detection is critical to preventing fatal accidents during autonomous agricultural vehicle operations. However, there is a challenge due to the relatively limited dataset for fallen persons in off-road environments compared to on-road pedestrian datasets. To enhance the generalization performance of fallen person detection off-road using object detection technology, data augmentation is necessary. This paper proposes a data augmentation technique called Automated Region of Interest Copy-Paste (ARCP) to address the issue of data scarcity. The technique involves copying real fallen person objects obtained from public source datasets and then pasting the objects onto a background off-road dataset. Segmentation annotations for these objects are generated using YOLOv8x-seg and Grounded-Segment-Anything, respectively. The proposed algorithm is then applied to automatically produce augmented data based on the generated segmentation annotations. The technique encompasses segmentation annotation generation, Intersection over Union-based segment setting, and Region of Interest configuration. When the ARCP technique is applied, significant improvements in detection accuracy are observed for two state-of-the-art object detectors: anchor-based YOLOv7x and anchor-free YOLOv8x, showing an increase of 17.8% (from 77.8% to 95.6%) and 12.4% (from 83.8% to 96.2%), respectively. This suggests high applicability for addressing the challenges of limited datasets in off-road environments and is expected to have a significant impact on the advancement of object detection technology in the agricultural industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwapyeong Baek
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Seunghyun Yu
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Seungwook Son
- Info Valley Korea Co., Ltd., Anyang 14067, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jongwoong Seo
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.Y.); (J.S.)
| | - Yongwha Chung
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (H.B.); (S.Y.); (J.S.)
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2
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Bist RB, Subedi S, Chai L, Yang X. Ammonia emissions, impacts, and mitigation strategies for poultry production: A critical review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 328:116919. [PMID: 36516703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are the main sources of air pollutants such as ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases. Among air pollutants, NH3 is one of the most concerned gasses in terms of air quality, environmental impacts, and manure nutrient losses. It is recommended that NH3 concentrations in the poultry house should be controlled below 25 ppm. Otherwise, the poor air quality will impair the health and welfare of animals and their caretakers. After releasing from poultry houses, NH3 contributes to the form of fine particulate matters in the air and acidify soil and water bodies after deposition. Therefore, understanding the emission influential factors and impacts is critical for developing mitigation strategies to protect animals' welfare and health, environment, and ecosystems. This review paper summarized the primary NH3 emission influential factors, such as how poultry housing systems, seasonal changes, feed management, bedding materials, animal densities, and animals' activities can impact indoor air quality and emissions. A higher level of NH3 (e.g., >25 ppm) results in lower production efficiency and poor welfare and health, e.g., respiratory disorder, less feed intake, lower growth rates or egg production, poor feed use efficiency, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, and mortality. In addition, the egg quality (e.g., albumen height, pH, and condensation) was reduced after laying hens chronically exposed to high NH3 levels. High NH3 levels have detrimental effects on farm workers' health as it is a corrosive substance to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and thus may cause blindness, irritation (throat, nose, eyes), and lung illness. For controlling poultry house NH3 levels and emissions, we analyzed various mitigation strategies such as litter additives, biofiltration, acid scrubber, dietary manipulation, and bedding materials. Litter additives were tested with 50% efficiency in broiler houses and 80-90% mitigation efficiency for cage-free hen litter at a higher application rate (0.9 kg m-2). Filtration systems such as multi-stage acid scrubbers have up to 95% efficiency on NH3 mitigation. However, cautions should be paid as mitigation strategies could be cost prohibitive for farmers, which needs assistances or subsidies from governments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Bahadur Bist
- Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sachin Subedi
- Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lilong Chai
- Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Poultry Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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3
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Aktas E, Bergbom B, Godderis L, Kreshpaj B, Marinov M, Mates D, McElvenny DM, Mehlum IS, Milenkova V, Nena E, Glass DC. Migrant workers occupational health research: an OMEGA-NET working group position paper. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:765-777. [PMID: 34661721 PMCID: PMC8521506 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01803-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aims of the study were: (1) to clarify the definitions of “migrant” used in occupational health research; (2) to summarize migrant workers’ industry sectors, occupations and employment conditions; (3) to identify the occupational health and safety services available to migrant workers; (4) to summarize work-related health problems found among migrant workers; (5) to identify the methodological challenges to research into occupational health of migrant workers; and (6) to recommend improvements in migrant occupational health research. Methods This position paper was prepared by researchers from several European countries and Australia, working within the EU COST Action OMEGA-NET. The paper drew on two recent systematic reviews on the occupational health of international migrant workers and other literature, and also identified uncertainties and gaps in the research literature. Migrants may, for example, be temporary or permanent, moving for specific jobs migrants or other reasons. Their ethnicity and language capabilities will affect their work opportunities. Results The occupational health literature seldom adequately identifies the heterogeneity or characteristics of the migrant group being studied. Migrants tend to work in more physically and mentally demanding environments with higher exposures than native workers. Migrants tend to have an increased risk of physical and mental ill health, but less access to health care services. This has been demonstrated recently by high rates of COVID-19 and less access to health care. There have been a number of cross-sectional studies of migrant health but few long-term cohort studies were identified. Other study designs, such as registry-based studies, surveys and qualitative studies may complement cross-sectional studies. Mixed-methodology studies would be valuable in research on migrants’ occupational health. Language and lack of trust are barriers to migrant research participation. Conclusion Targeted research, especially longitudinal, identifying how these economically important but often-vulnerable workers can be best assisted is needed. Researchers should identify the characteristics of the migrant workers that they are studying including visa/migration circumstances (temporary, permanent, undocumented), racial and ethnic characteristics, existing skills and language abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Aktas
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Department of Public Health Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bertina Kreshpaj
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mario Marinov
- South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Dana Mates
- The National Institute of Public Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Damien M McElvenny
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.,University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Evangelia Nena
- Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Deborah C Glass
- MonCOEH, Monash University, 553 ST Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
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4
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Pena AA, Dixon B. Pesticide exposure and the physical and economic health of US crop workers. APPLIED ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES AND POLICY 2021; 44:2087-2114. [PMID: 37538297 PMCID: PMC10398559 DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
We examine the impact of pesticide exposure on crop worker health and earnings using 2002 through 2016 data from the US Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration's National Agricultural Workers Survey. Our findings show that pesticide exposure is positively related to certain health conditions and that wage patterns are consistent with compensating wage differentials. The offsetting impacts of these equilibrium aspects are limited by how wage premia for assumed health risks depend on worker bargaining power and agency. We document differences for undocumented versus documented workers with implications for compensation and occupational health policies in this labor-intensive, essential sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Alves Pena
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Bryanna Dixon
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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5
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Nour MM, Field WE, Ni JQ, Cheng YH. Farm-Related Injuries and Fatalities Involving Children, Youth, and Young Workers during Manure Storage, Handling, and Transport. J Agromedicine 2021; 26:323-333. [PMID: 32716249 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2020.1795034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Manure storage, handling, and transport facilities and equipment have been associated with life threatening hazards on many livestock farms. These hazards have been documented in prior research as including 1) exposure to toxic manure gases or lack of adequate oxygen in enclosed structures, which can be fatal to both humans and livestock; 2) below and above ground liquid manure storage structures that have the potential risk for drowning and falling; and 3) mechanical hazards associated with manure handling and transport equipment, including entanglement, road collisions, runover, and equipment failure.Methods: Over the past 40 years, Purdue University's Agricultural Safety and Health Program (PUASHP) has collected, documented, and maintained data regarding agricultural-related injuries and fatalities associated with agricultural confined spaces in the United States. As part of ongoing surveillance, a total of 369 fatal and non-fatal cases relating to manure storage, handling and transport equipment, and facilities have been documented. Of these, 89 have involved children, youth, and young farm workers ages (birth-21) documented between 1975 and 2019. The purpose of this study was to summarize these 89 documented cases to better understand contributing factors and to develop recommendations for evidence-based strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of these incidents. Though recognized as not comprehensive for all incidents of this type, the data represent the largest data set known to exist, providing insight into previously unstudied hazards facing children and youth living and working on, and visiting farms as non-workers.Results: Findings in this study include: there has been an increase in the documented frequency of these incidents, which may be due, at least partially, to enhanced or more aggressive surveillance efforts; 57% of the cases were fatal; incidents involving underground or inground manure storage facilities were the most frequent type; incidents involving manure transport vehicles were higher than expected; 33% of the victims were five years of age and younger; and July was the month with the most documented incidents.Conclusions: Recommendations for future injury prevention strategies include incorporation of information on manure-related hazards in curricula targeting children and youth, more aggressive enforcement of child labor laws that currently prohibit the employment of youth to work in manure storage structures or to be involved in their operations, and greater use of physical and administrative controls, including safety signage, fencing, gates, and covers to restrict access to manure storage structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Nour
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Willam E Field
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ji-Qin Ni
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yuan-Hsin Cheng
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Child Farm-Related Injury in Australia: A Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18116063. [PMID: 34199891 PMCID: PMC8200050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Children on farms have been identified as a population vulnerable to injury. This review seeks to identify child farm-related injury rates in Australia and to determine the key hazards and contributing risk factors. This critical review utilised the PRISMA guidelines for database searching. Research from the year 2000 onward was included as well as earlier seminal texts. Reference lists were searched, and the relevant research material was explored. Our primary focus was on Australian peer-reviewed literature with international and grey literature examples included. Evidence suggests that there is limited Australian research focusing on child farm-related injuries. Child representation in farm-related injuries in Australia has remained consistent over time, and the key hazards causing these injuries have remained the same for over 20 years. The factors contributing to child rates of farm injury described in the literature include child development and exposure to dangerous environments, the risk-taking culture, multi-generational farming families, lack of supervision, child labour and lack of regulation, limited targeted farm safety programs, underuse of safe play areas, financial priorities and poor understanding and operationalisation of the hierarchy of control. It is well known that children experience injury on farms, and the key hazards that cause this have been clearly identified. However, the level of exposure to hazards and the typical attitudes, behaviours and actions of children and their parents around the farm that contribute to chid injury remain unexplored.
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Olowogbon TS, Babatunde RO, Asiedu E, Yoder AM. Agrochemical Health Risks Exposure and Its Determinants: Empirical Evidence among Cassava Farmers in Nigeria. J Agromedicine 2021; 26:199-210. [PMID: 32945236 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2020.1816239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Over the years there has been a change in the dimensions of agricultural health risk exposure among crop farmers in Nigeria due to innovation adoption. This study assessed agrochemical health risk exposures and its determinants among cassava farmers in Nigeria.Method: The study engaged the baseline of a longitudinal study conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Randomly selected and interviewed for the study were 480 small-scale cassava farmers across 24 farming communities in Kogi and Kwara States, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, binary regression model, and Likert scale were used for analysis.Results: Most of the farmers were exposed to agrochemical health risks in cassava operations. The frequently used chemicals belong to WHO class II and III. There was poor knowledge of safe farm practices among cassava farmers. About 77% of farmers reported not using complete protective equipment while handling farm chemicals. Several risk factors were associated with farm chemical health risks exposure, including inappropriate time of spray (Odd ratio [OR] = 1.21), frequency of spray (OR = 1.06), long hours of daily chemical spray (OR = 1.10), and non-usage of chemical labels (OR = 2.31).Conclusion:The study concluded cassava farmers in some selected communities in Kogi and Kwara States, North-Central Nigeria engage in unsafe farm practices via the use of farm chemicals that expose them to health risks. There is, therefore, a need for efficiently delivered agricultural health education as an intervention tool to alleviate Nigerian crop farmers from being exposed to such health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyin S Olowogbon
- Department of Agricultural Economics, PMB 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Raphael O Babatunde
- Department of Agricultural Economics, PMB 1515, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Edward Asiedu
- Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Ghana
| | - Aaron M Yoder
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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8
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Tsai WT. Survey on Agricultural Accidents or Injuries in Taiwan. J Agromedicine 2021; 26:404-410. [PMID: 33131422 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2020.1845895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The agricultural industry has been identified as one of the most hazardous industries in developed countries. The main purpose of this paper was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of agricultural accidents (or injuries) in Taiwan during the period of 2009 to 2018. The occupational accident rates (per 1,000 farmers employed) in Taiwan's agricultural industry showed a decreasing trend over the past decade from 1,486 in 2009 to 1,053 in 2018. This trend could be attributed to the joint-cooperation efforts of the industrial, official, academic, and non-profit parties under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) revised in 2013. Although the occupational accident, disability, and other injury rates in all non-agriculture industries were higher than those in the agricultural industry during this period, the fatality rates in the agricultural industry were higher than those in all industries. Finally, some inter-ministerial measures on occupational safety and health issues in the agricultural industry for preventing agricultural accidents or injuries were recommended in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tien Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Bioresources, Nat`wctional Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
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9
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Kennedy AJ, Maple M, McKay K, Brumby S. Suicide and Accidental Death for Australia's Farming Families: How Context Influences Individual Response. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2019; 83:407-425. [PMID: 31184968 DOI: 10.1177/0030222819854920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article presents qualitative data to explore the experience of farming family members faced with accidental or suicide death and understand how this is experienced within the farming context. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 members of Australian farming families bereaved by suicide or accidental death. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Three interconnected themes were identified: acceptance of risk, normalization of death, pragmatic behavior patterns and connection to place. Bereavement and reconstruction of meaning following suicide or accidental death for farming families is influenced by the cultural, social, geographical, and psychological contexts of farming families. This article challenges traditional conceptions of suicide and accidental death as necessarily experienced as "violent" or "traumatic," bereavement as experienced similarly across western cultures, and the reaction to suicide or accidental death as one that challenges people's understanding of their world and leaves them struggling to find a reason why the death occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J Kennedy
- National Centre for Farmer Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Hamilton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Myfanwy Maple
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn McKay
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan Brumby
- National Centre for Farmer Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Hamilton, Victoria, Australia.,Western District Health Service, Hamilton, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Gharibi H, Entwistle MR, Schweizer D, Tavallali P, Cisneros R. The association between 1,3-dichloropropene and asthma emergency department visits in California, USA from 2005 to 2011: a bidirectional-symmetric case crossover study. J Asthma 2019; 57:601-609. [PMID: 30938205 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1590596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The ever-increasing rate of pesticide use in California farmlands is of great concern due to its potential toxicity on human health. In this study, the association between short term exposure to 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and asthma emergency department (ED) visits in central and southern California from 2005 to 2011 is investigated.Methods: 3878 ED visits were identified from 2005 to 2011 (1064 days). Conditional logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) associated with 0.01 ppb increase in 1,3-D. Potential effect modification by sex, race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic), and age (2-5, 6-18, 19-40, 41-64 or ≥ 65) are investigated.Results: It was found that a 0.01 ppb increase in 1,3-D at the event day is associated with 13.5% [OR = 1.135, 95% CI: 1.123, 1.149] increase in the odds of having asthma ED visits in central and southern California during October to February of 2005 to 2011. Race had a positive association between 1,3-D and asthma ED visits among Non-Hispanic Black [OR= 1.095 95% CI: 1.035, 1.155] and Hispanic [OR= 1.121 95% CI: 1.064, 1.179]; while Non-Hispanic Whites had no association. Positive association for age was found between 1,3-D and asthma ED visits among patients 2 to 5 [OR= 1.065 95% CI: 1.020, 1.133], 6 to 18 [OR= 1.142 95% CI: 1.086, 1.196], and 19 to 40 [OR= 1.023 95% CI: 1.015, 1.073] years old.Conclusion: These findings suggest a 0.01 ppb increase in 1,3-D concentration increases the odds of having asthma ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Gharibi
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Marcela R Entwistle
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Donald Schweizer
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA.,USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, California, USA
| | - Pooya Tavallali
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Ricardo Cisneros
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA.,Public Health, University of California, Merced, California, USA
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11
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New-Aaron M, Semin J, Duysen EG, Madsen M, Musil K, Rautiainen RH. Comparison of agricultural injuries reported in the media and census of fatal occupational injuries. J Agromedicine 2019; 24:279-287. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1593276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moses New-Aaron
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jessica Semin
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Health Research and Service Administration, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ellen G Duysen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Murray Madsen
- Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kelsie Musil
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Risto H Rautiainen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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12
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Summers P, Quandt SA, Spears Johnson CR, Arcury TA. Child Work Safety on the Farms of Local Agricultural Market Producers: Parent and Child Perspectives. J Agromedicine 2019; 23:52-59. [PMID: 28976287 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2017.1387635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Agriculture is a hazardous industry, yet there are few regulations on the ages at which children may engage in farm work. Local agricultural market producers (LAMPs) are a growing subset of farmers within "sustainable agriculture" who engage in direct-to-consumer and direct-to-retailer enterprises. This study explores the occupational health and safety perceptions of parents and children for children who work on their families' LAMP farms. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 parent-child dyads from LAMP farms in Illinois and North Carolina. Four themes emerged from these 24 interviews; parents and children perceived that: (1) the nature of small farms makes them safer than industrial agricultural operations; (2) child safety on farms is common sense; (3) avoiding hazardous tasks keeps children safe; and (4) parents know best (compared to regulations) about ways to keep their children safe. Some of these themes echo the results of earlier studies conducted with more conventional farms. Further research is needed to develop programs to improve child occupational safety on LAMP farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Summers
- a Program in Community Engagement, Wake Forest Clinical and Translational Science Institute , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA
| | - Sara A Quandt
- b Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA.,c Center for Worker Health , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA
| | - Chaya R Spears Johnson
- d Department of Family and Community Medicine , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- c Center for Worker Health , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA.,d Department of Family and Community Medicine , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA
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Abstract
Agriculture remains a dangerous industry, even as agricultural science and technology continue to advance. Research that goes beyond technological changes to address safety culture and policy are needed to improve health and safety in agriculture. In this commentary, I consider the potential for anthropology to contribute to agricultural health and safety research by addressing three aims: (1) I briefly consider what the articles in this issue of the Journal of Agromedicine say about anthropologists in agricultural health and safety; (2) I discuss what anthropologists can add to agricultural health and safety research; and (3) I examine ways in which anthropologists can participate in agricultural health and safety research. In using their traditions of rigorous field research to understand how those working in agriculture perceive and interpret factors affecting occupational health and safety (their "emic" perspective), and translating this perspective to improve the understanding of occupational health professionals and policy makers (an "etic" perspective), anthropologists can expose myths that limit improvements in agricultural health and safety. Addressing significant questions, working with the most vulnerable agricultural communities, and being outside establishment agriculture provide anthropologists with the opportunity to improve health and safety policy and regulation in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Arcury
- a Department of Family and Community Medicine , Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , North Carolina , USA
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14
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Siegel M. Self-perceived vision in farming, forestry, and fishing occupations. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2017; 72:20-25. [PMID: 26894930 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2016.1148005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Using data from the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 NHANES questionnaires, we evaluated self-perceived vision difficulty in individuals with a history of farming, forestry, and fishing (FFF) occupations. A self-perceived vision difficulty indicator was derived from responses to 3 separate measures. Those indicating farming, forestry, or fishing as longest job worked were classified as having an FFF history and compared to those reporting any other occupation. Logistic regression analyses utilizing NHANES sampling weights were conducted. After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and income-to-poverty ratio, those with an FFF history were 76% more likely to report vision difficulty than those having an alternate occupational history. Personal protective equipment and routine optometric examination may be particularly prudent for this occupational group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Siegel
- a Department of Epidemiology , College of Public Health, University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
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Bhattarai D, Singh SB, Baral D, Sah RB, Budhathoki SS, Pokharel PK. Work-related injuries among farmers: a cross-sectional study from rural Nepal. J Occup Med Toxicol 2016; 11:48. [PMID: 27800010 PMCID: PMC5080695 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-016-0137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Agriculture work is one of the most hazardous occupations across countries of all income groups. In Nepal, 74 % of people are working in the agricultural sector. This study aims to identify patterns and factors associated with injuries among farmers of rural Nepal. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural village in eastern Nepal. House to house visit was done to collect data from the farmers. The study included 500 farmers from Shanishchare village in Morang district of Nepal. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic profile, agriculture work and injury. Prevalence of injuries among farmers in the last 12 months was calculated along with factors associated with the injuries. Results The overall prevalence of work- related injuries among farmers was 69 % in the last 12 months. Common injuries among the farmers were cuts (79.7 %), puncture wound (11.3 %) and laceration (7.5 %). Hand tools were responsible for most of the injuries followed by slipping at work, sharp instruments, animals and fall from height. Upper limb injury comprised of 67 % of all injuries and the most involved part was fingers (43 %). The average number of years worked in farming by the respondents was 23.6 ± 13.6 years. Age and working experience of the farmers was found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of injuries among the farmers. Conclusions The prevalence of injury among farmers in this study was high. Further research is needed to identify interventions to reduce the agricultural injuries in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Bhattarai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Ghopa 18, Dharan, Nepal
| | | | - Dharanidhar Baral
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Ghopa 18, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Ram Bilakshan Sah
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Ghopa 18, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Shyam Sundar Budhathoki
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Ghopa 18, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Paras K Pokharel
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Ghopa 18, Dharan, Nepal
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Nilsson K. Interventions to reduce injuries among older workers in agriculture: A review of evaluated intervention projects. Work 2016; 55:471-480. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-162407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Nilsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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Culp K, Kuye R, Donham KJ, Rautiainen R, Umbarger-Mackey M, Marquez S. Agricultural-Related Injury and Illness in The Gambia. Clin Nurs Res 2016; 16:170-88; discussion 189-94. [PMID: 17634349 DOI: 10.1177/1054773807302399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This is an exploratory, descriptive study based on a convenience sample from a rural nursing service and in-country area farmers from The Gambia. The purpose of the study was to provide descriptive information about agricultural-related injury and illness from area farmers and to obtain data from rural nurses about the time they spent caring for and treating farmers. Employees of the nursing service could read and write English fluently and thus completed a written questionnaire; the area farmers were unable to read and write English so they were interviewed by farm extension workers in their own tribal language. The most alarming findings were the nursing respondents' report of farm workers using pesticides in their homes, the poor condition of pesticide sprayers, and the lack of personal protective equipment. Despite their claim of following pesticide instructions, farm workers reported a surprisingly high number of respiratory and neurological signs and symptoms.
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Heins SE, Crifasi CK. Distinctive injury deaths: the role of environment, policy and measurement across states. Inj Prev 2016; 22:247-52. [PMID: 26804777 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2015-041833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maps identifying the most distinctive feature of each state have become popular on social media, but may also have important public health applications. A map identifying the most distinctive injury death in each state could be a useful tool for policymakers, enabling them to identify potential gaps in prevention efforts. OBJECTIVE To identify the most distinctive cause of injury death in each state and explore potential reasons for the geographical variation. METHODS The Centers for Disease Control Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System was used to identify the injury death for each state with a rate which was the largest multiple of the national rate. Analyses were conducted with and without inclusion of 'indefinite' codes, which include injury causes of death of undetermined intent, unspecified person killed in a motor vehicle crash (MVC; vehicle occupant, cyclist, pedestrian, etc) or unspecified injury. RESULTS Noteworthy patterns included seven states in Appalachia and the Southeast with high relative rates of unintentional firearm deaths (2.14-4.06 times the national average) and five states on the West Coast with high relative rates of legal intervention deaths (1.76-3.49 times the national average). Sensitivity analyses indicated that use of 'undetermined intent' classifications and the level of detail in coding MVCs vary substantially by state. CONCLUSIONS These analyses highlight potential areas for prevention, such as promotion of safe storage laws in states with relatively high rates of unintentional firearm deaths and areas where standardisation of cause of death codes could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Heins
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cassandra K Crifasi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Summers P, Quandt SA, Talton JW, Galván L, Arcury TA. Hidden Farmworker Labor Camps in North Carolina: An Indicator of Structural Vulnerability. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:2570-5. [PMID: 26469658 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2015.302797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We used geographic information systems (GIS) to delineate whether farmworker labor camps were hidden and to determine whether hidden camps differed from visible camps in terms of physical and resident characteristics. METHODS We collected data using observation, interview, and public domain GIS data for 180 farmworker labor camps in east central North Carolina. A hidden camp was defined as one that was at least 0.15 miles from an all-weather road or located behind natural or manufactured objects. Hidden camps were compared with visible camps in terms of physical and resident characteristics. RESULTS More than one third (37.8%) of the farmworker labor camps were hidden. Hidden camps were significantly larger (42.7% vs 17.0% with 21 or more residents; P ≤ .001; and 29.4% vs 13.5% with 3 or more dwellings; P = .002) and were more likely to include barracks (50% vs 19.6%; P ≤ .001) than were visible camps. CONCLUSIONS Poor housing conditions in farmworker labor camps often go unnoticed because they are hidden in the rural landscape, increasing farmworker vulnerability. Policies that promote greater community engagement with farmworker labor camp residents to reduce structural vulnerability should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Summers
- Phillip Summers and Thomas A. Arcury are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Sara A. Quandt is with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Jennifer W. Talton is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Leonardo Galván is with the North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Benson, NC
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Phillip Summers and Thomas A. Arcury are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Sara A. Quandt is with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Jennifer W. Talton is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Leonardo Galván is with the North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Benson, NC
| | - Jennifer W Talton
- Phillip Summers and Thomas A. Arcury are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Sara A. Quandt is with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Jennifer W. Talton is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Leonardo Galván is with the North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Benson, NC
| | - Leonardo Galván
- Phillip Summers and Thomas A. Arcury are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Sara A. Quandt is with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Jennifer W. Talton is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Leonardo Galván is with the North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Benson, NC
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Phillip Summers and Thomas A. Arcury are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Sara A. Quandt is with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Jennifer W. Talton is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Leonardo Galván is with the North Carolina Farmworkers Project, Benson, NC
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Swanberg JE, Clouser JM, Bush A, Westneat S. From the Horse Worker’s Mouth: A Detailed Account of Injuries Experienced by Latino Horse Workers. J Immigr Minor Health 2015; 18:513-521. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-015-0302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Newman KL, Leon JS, Newman LS. Estimating Occupational Illness, Injury, and Mortality in Food Production in the United States: A Farm-to-Table Analysis. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:718-25. [PMID: 25970031 PMCID: PMC4494896 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study provides a novel model and more comprehensive estimates of the burden of occupational morbidity and mortality in food-related industries, using a farm-to-table approach. METHODS The authors analyzed 2008 to 2010 US Bureau of Labor Statistics data for private industries in the different stages of the farm-to-table model (production, processing, distribution and storage, and retail and preparation). RESULTS The morbidity rate for food system industries was significantly higher than the morbidity rate for nonfood system industries (rate ratio = 1.62; 95% confidence interval = 1.30 to 2.01). Furthermore, the occupational mortality rate for food system industries was significantly higher than the national nonfood occupational mortality rate (rate ratio = 9.51; 95% confidence interval = 2.47 to 36.58). CONCLUSIONS This is the first use of the farm-to-table model to assess occupational morbidity and mortality, and these findings highlighting specific workplace hazards across food system industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira L. Newman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health and Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322, Phone: 1-720-201-6043, Fax: 1-404-727-4590
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Worker Health and Environment, Colorado School of Public Health and School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Hadlocon LJS, Manuzon RB, Zhao L. Development and evaluation of a full-scale spray scrubber for ammonia recovery and production of nitrogen fertilizer at poultry facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2015; 36:405-416. [PMID: 25518983 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.950346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Significant ammonia emissions from animal facilities need to be controlled due to its negative impacts on human health and the environment. The use of acid spray scrubber is promising, as it simultaneously mitigates and recovers ammonia emission for fertilizer. Its low pressure drop contribution on axial fans makes it applicable on US farms. This study develops a full-scale acid spray scrubber to recover ammonia emissions from commercial poultry facilities and produce nitrogen fertilizer. The scrubber performance and economic feasibility were evaluated at a commercial poultry manure composting facility that released ammonia from exhaust fans with concentrations of 66-278 ppmv and total emission rate of 96,143 kg yr(-1). The scrubber consisted of 15 spray scrubber modules, each equipped with three full-cone nozzles that used dilute sulphuric acid as the medium. Each nozzle was operated at 0.59 MPa with a droplet size of 113 μm and liquid flow rate of 1.8 L min(-1). The scrubber was installed with a 1.3-m exhaust fan and field tested in four seasons. Results showed that the scrubber achieved high NH3 removal efficiencies (71-81%) and low pressure drop (<25 Pa). Estimated water and acid losses are 0.9 and 0.04 ml m(-3) air treated, respectively. Power consumption rate was between 89.48 and 107.48 kWh d(-1). The scrubber effluents containing 22-36% (m/v) ammonium sulphate are comparable to the commercial-grade nitrogen fertilizer. Preliminary economic analysis indicated that the break-even time is one year. This study demonstrates that acid spray scrubbers can economically and effectively recover NH3 from animal facilities for fertilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Jane S Hadlocon
- a Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering , The Ohio State University , 590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus , OH , USA
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Arcury TA, Grzywacz JG, Chen H, Mora DC, Quandt SA. Work organization and health among immigrant women: Latina manual workers in North Carolina. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:2445-52. [PMID: 24432938 PMCID: PMC4232132 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to describe work organization attributes for employed immigrant Latinas and determine associations of work organization with physical health, mental health, and health-related quality of life. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 319 employed Latinas in western North Carolina (2009-2011). Measures included job demands (heavy load, awkward posture, psychological demand), decision latitude (skill variety, job control), support (supervisor control, safety climate), musculoskeletal symptoms, mental health (depressive symptoms), and mental (MCS) and physical component score (PCS) health-related quality of life. RESULTS Three fifths reported musculoskeletal symptoms. Mean scores for depression, MCS, and PCS were 6.2 (SE = 0.2), 38.3 (SE = 0.5), and 42.8 (SE = 0.3), respectively. Greater job demands (heavy load, awkward posture, greater psychological demand) were associated with more musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms and worse MCS. Less decision latitude (lower skill variety, job control) was associated with more musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms. Greater support (supervisor's power and safety climate) was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and better MCS. CONCLUSIONS Work organization should be considered to improve occupational health of vulnerable women workers. Additional research should delineate the links between work organization and health among vulnerable workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Arcury
- Thomas A. Arcury and Joseph G. Grzywacz are with the Department of Family and Community Medicine and Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. Haiying Chen is with the Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, and Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine. Dana C. Mora and Sara A. Quandt are with the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, and Center for Worker Health, Wake Forest School of Medicine
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Kwon YJ, Lee SJ. Compensation for occupational injuries and diseases in special populations: farmers and soldiers. J Korean Med Sci 2014; 29 Suppl:S24-31. [PMID: 25006320 PMCID: PMC4085171 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.s.s24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Some types of workers such as farmers and soldiers are at a higher risk of work-related injury and illness than workers from other occupations. Despite this fact, they are not covered under the Industrial Safety Health (ISH) Act or the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) Act. The Safety Aid System for Farmers (SASF) is a voluntary insurance scheme, and it is the only public compensation plan for self-employed farmers. Fifty percent of SASF premiums are subsidized by the Korean government. Soldiers are compensated by the Veterans' Pension (VP) Act. The approval standard of and procedure for the VP Act are provided in the Decree of VP Act, and the Council for VP Benefits determines work-relatedness in the claimed cases. Meanwhile, SASF applies the insurance clause automatically without any expert advice or additional procedures. Furthermore, compared with IACI, these programs pay fewer benefits to workers. Thus, a stronger institutional strategy is needed to maintain a safe work environment, to protect workers' health in unavoidably hazardous environments, and to compensate for work-related injuries and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jun Kwon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Bush AM, McKee SE, Bunn TL. Multiple jobholder mortality patterns in Kentucky: an examination of occupational fatalities. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:881-8. [PMID: 23729179 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The percentage of multiple jobholders was elevated in Kentucky compared to the US from 2002 to 2010. METHODS Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) multiple jobholder fatality data were analyzed to identify contributing injury factors from 2002 to 2010. RESULTS Kentucky's total occupational fatality rates were higher than US rates for all years (2002-2010). Kentucky multiple jobholder fatalities averaged 8.4 deaths per 100,000 employees compared to the total average occupational fatality rate of 6.5. Almost half of multiple jobholder fatalities (47%) occurred in the agricultural industry and management occupation as the primary industry and occupation; 67% were tractor-related. The most prevalent secondary industry and occupation were the construction industry and management occupation. CONCLUSIONS Increased surveillance of multiple jobholder injuries is needed to improve safety and health on the job. Future investigations should include the relationship between multiple jobholding and agricultural employment as farm owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Bush
- Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, College of Public Health; University of Kentucky; Lexington; Kentucky
| | - Sarah E. McKee
- Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, College of Public Health; University of Kentucky; Lexington; Kentucky
| | - Terry L. Bunn
- Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, College of Public Health; University of Kentucky; Lexington; Kentucky
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Quandt SA, Kucera KL, Haynes C, Klein BG, Langley R, Agnew M, Levin JL, Howard T, Nussbaum MA. Occupational health outcomes for workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector: implications for immigrant workers in the southeastern US. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:940-59. [PMID: 23450720 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workers in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (AgFF) sector experience exposures directly related to the work itself, as well as the physical environment in which the work occurs. Health outcomes vary from immediate to delayed, and from acute to chronic. METHODS We reviewed existing literature on the health outcomes of work in the AgFF sector and identified areas where further research is needed to understand the impact of these exposures on immigrant Latino workers in the southeastern US. RESULTS Outcomes related to specific body systems (e.g., musculoskeletal, respiratory) as well as particular exposure sources (e.g., pesticides, noise) were reviewed. The most extensive evidence exists for agriculture, with a particular focus on chemical exposures. Little research in the southeastern US has examined health outcomes of exposures of immigrant workers in forestry or fisheries. CONCLUSION As the AgFF labor force includes a growing number of Latino immigrants, more research is needed to characterize a broad range of exposures and health outcomes experienced by this population, particularly in forestry and fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen L. Kucera
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Department of Community and Family Medicine; Duke University; Durham; North Carolina
| | - Courtney Haynes
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences; Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Bradley G. Klein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology; Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Ricky Langley
- Division of Public Health; North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; Raleigh; North Carolina
| | - Michael Agnew
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences; Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Jeffrey L. Levin
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences; University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler; Tyler; Texas
| | | | - Maury A. Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences; Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, Virginia
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Determination of the fungicide picoxystrobin using anodic stripping voltammetry on a metal film modified glassy carbon electrode. Electrochim Acta 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2013.02.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Demos K, Sazakli E, Jelastopulu E, Charokopos N, Ellul J, Leotsinidis M. Does farming have an effect on health status? A comparison study in west Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:776-92. [PMID: 23442558 PMCID: PMC3709284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10030776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Investigating the health status of agricultural workers is a challenging goal. Contradictory outcomes concerning farmers' health are reported in the literature. In this cross-sectional study, certain clinical and neurobehavioral health outcomes were compared between farmers and non-farmers living in the same rural area. Farmers (328) and non-farmers (347), matched per age and sex, were selected randomly in an agricultural area in West Greece. Both groups underwent haematological and biochemical examinations and were administered two neurobehavioral tests, namely the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Sociodemographic, personal medical, nutritional and lifestyle data were recorded. According to personal statements, farmers suffered from hypertension, cardiovascular, orthopaedic and ENT problems in higher frequency. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and serum cholinesterase's activity were found to be lower among farmers. Lower prevalence of hypertension and better performances on MMSE and MADRS tests were recorded in young farmers in relation to young non-farmers, while these findings were reversed in older ages. Odds Ratios were calculated through multivariate logistic regression models. Factors affecting these impairments remain to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Demos
- Rural Medical Dispensary of Dokimio, Health Centre of Thermo, Thermo, GR-30008, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - Eleni Sazakli
- Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece;E-Mails: (E.S.); (E.J.)
| | - Eleni Jelastopulu
- Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece;E-Mails: (E.S.); (E.J.)
| | - Nikolaos Charokopos
- Department of Pulmonology, General Hospital of Pirgos, Pirgos, GR-27100, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - John Ellul
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - Michalis Leotsinidis
- Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece;E-Mails: (E.S.); (E.J.)
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Abstract
Children residing in rural settings may encounter environmental hazards derived from agricultural production activities. Health consequences of organic dusts, farm chemicals including pesticides, machinery noise, excess sun exposure, and zoonotic infectious agents have been clearly described among farm-working adults. The author reviews the related evidence base on child health with a life-stage perspective on their differential exposure and vulnerabilities. Methemoglobinemia among infants consuming nitrate-contaminated well water, neurodevelopmental health impacts associated with early life exposure to organophosphate pesticides, and diarrheal disease due to zoonotic infectious agents are well-described pediatric concerns. There is suggestive but more limited evidence for respiratory health consequences from air contaminants associated with confined animal feeding operations and hearing deficits for children exposed to machinery-related noise. Many contaminants of concern for children in these environments remain largely understudied-diesel exhaust, biomass burning, solvents, veterinary antibiotics, and silica-containing particulate matter. Overall, the state of knowledge and programmatic activities on agriculturally derived environmental contaminants and child health is immature and much less complete than for working adults. This overview provides a context for research, policy, and programmatic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Karr
- Department of Pediatrics, NW Pediatric Environmental Heath Specialty Unit, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA.
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Swanberg JE, Clouser JM, Westneat S. Work organization and occupational health: perspectives from Latinos employed on crop and horse breeding farms. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:714-28. [PMID: 22431196 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agriculture is hazardous and increasingly dependent on Latino workers, a vulnerable population. However, little research has studied how work organization influences Latino farmworker health. METHODS Using a work organization framework, this cross-sectional study describes and compares the work organization and occupational health characteristics of a sample of Latino crop (n = 49) and horse production (n = 54) workers in Kentucky. RESULTS Crop workers experienced more physical demands, work-related and environmental stressors, and musculoskeletal and ill-health symptoms. Significantly more crop workers indicated work-related illness or missed work due to work-related illness/injury, though one-fourth of both groups reported work-related injury in the past year. A majority of both groups cited exposure to toxic chemicals, a minority of whom received training on their use. CONCLUSION Further surveillance is needed to understand the rate and precursors of illness/injury in these populations, as is research on the relationship between supervisory practices, psychosocial stressors, and occupational health.
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Holmes SM. The clinical gaze in the practice of migrant health: Mexican migrants in the United States. Soc Sci Med 2012; 74:873-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kwon SC, Lee SJ, Jeong M. Work-related hazards among farmers. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2012. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2012.55.11.1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soon Chan Kwon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mihye Jeong
- National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Korea
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Ko SB. Work-related diseases and injury of Korean farmer: causes, epidemiology, and countermeasure. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2012. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2012.55.11.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Baek Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Lee SJ, Kim I, Ryou H, Lee KS, Kwon YJ. Work-related injuries and fatalities among farmers in South Korea. Am J Ind Med 2012; 55:76-83. [PMID: 21987419 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.21016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural injuries are increasing in South Korea according to its workforce's reduced size and increased age. Available data are insufficient to exactly understand present situation. This study evaluated the patterns and characteristics of agricultural injury and assessed the injury rates. METHODS We analyzed the entry and compensation data compiled in 2005 by the Safety Aid System of Farm Workers, South Korea's government insurance for agricultural injury. We examined the general characteristics, rates, and mortality of agricultural injury. RESULTS There were 11,931 compensated events, including 219 compensated deaths. Farm injuries occurred most frequently in October, and most injuries were unintentional. The incidence and fatality rates were 16.67 per 1,000 person-years and 30.59 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Most number of agricultural injuries occurred in October. The most common cause of deaths was accidents caused by machinery use (35.64%) for males and other transport accidents (23.53%) for females, while the most common cause of injuries for females was falls (45.39%). Incidence and mortality rate of agricultural injuries were higher in elders. CONCLUSIONS Although injury rates may have been underestimated owing to data limitations, we are confident that South Korea's rate is higher than those seen in other countries or occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jin Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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Abstract
Nurse scholars with expertise in global health and culturally competent care recently proposed standards of practice for culturally competent nursing care that are founded on social justice as a broad framework. The purpose of this article is to respond to invited dialogue about the standards and to offer commentary on social justice and its relationship with context, advocacy, leadership, and culturally competent care. A model of culturally competent care for vulnerable groups informs this discussion. The context and culture that surround migrant and seasonal farmworkers illustrate how social justice illuminates their health inequities and necessitates their need for culturally competent care. The article concludes with recommendations for culturally competent education, practice, and research and offers suggestions for developing culturally competent interventions for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
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Marucci-Wellman H, Leamon TB, Willetts JL, Binh TTT, Diep NB, Wegman DH, Kriebel D. Occupational injuries in a commune in rural Vietnam transitioning from agriculture to new industries. Am J Public Health 2011; 101:854-60. [PMID: 21490336 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2010.300019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We explored the impact on work-related injuries of workers splitting time between industry and agriculture, a common situation in developing countries. METHODS In 2005, we administered a cross-sectional survey to 2615 households of Xuan Tien, a developing rural community of Vietnam, regarding self-reported injuries and hours worked for 1 year. We defined groups as working in industry, agriculture, or a mix of both. RESULTS Overlapping employment (part time in agriculture and up to full time in industry) increased the risk of injury in both agricultural and industrial work. This pattern held across all work groups defined by the relative amount of time worked in agriculture. Those working fewer than 500 hours annually in agriculture had an agricultural injury rate (872 per 1000 full-time equivalents) that was more than 4 times higher than the average rate overall (203 per 1000) and the rate for workers employed only in industry (178 per 1000). CONCLUSIONS Working in agriculture for short durations while working in industry increased the risk of injury substantially in both types of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Marucci-Wellman
- Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA.
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Abstract
Purpose: This study explored the relationship between migrant farmworker (MFW) stress and salivary cortisol (sC) in a sample of MFWs prior to migration. Sample: The sample, 40 ( N = 14 male, 26 female) adult MFWs residing in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, primarily comprised middle-aged immigrants with a middle-school education. Design: This pilot feasibility study included a self-report farmworker stress inventory and five serial sC specimens in 24 hr. Results: The sC measures reflected an expected diurnal pattern. Lower total cortisol (area under the curve with respect to ground) was significantly associated with greater waist circumference ( r = –.63, p ≤ .01). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that participants who perceived high levels of farmworker stress exhibited a significant change in sC over time; F(2.14, 72.65) = 43.90, p < .001. High- and low-perceived-stress groups differed significantly in the trajectory of changes in sC over the five time points. Conclusion: MFWs experienced significant levels of stress during premigration. Their sC responses varied significantly by level of perceived farmworker stress. Lower perceived stress may reflect blunting of the sC response pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adama Brown
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Menéndez CKC, Havea SA. Temporal Patterns in Work-Related Fatalities Among Foreign-Born Workers in the US, 1992–2007. J Immigr Minor Health 2010; 13:954-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-010-9379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Wang L, Wheeler K, Bai L, Stallones L, Dong Y, Ge J, Xiang H. Alcohol consumption and work-related injuries among farmers in Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China. Am J Ind Med 2010; 53:825-35. [PMID: 20191598 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption has been found to be associated with work-related injuries among workers around the world, but this association has not well been studied among agricultural workers in China. METHODS This population-based survey aimed to study the association between alcohol use and work-related agricultural injury. Farmers in a northeastern province of China were questioned about work-related injury in the past year (May 2007-April 2008), alcohol use, farming practices, and sociodemographic factors. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the role of alcohol drinking in agricultural injuries. RESULTS Among 2,050 farmers who completed the survey, the 12-month prevalence of work-related injury was 12.2%. The leading external cause of injury was exposure to mechanical force. The odds of injury among farmers with past month drinking, who drank distilled spirits, and reported intoxication were respectively 1.77 (95% CI = 1.27-2.47), 1.89 (95% CI = 1.35-2.66), 2.12 (95% CI = 1.42-3.11). The odds of injury also significantly increased with greater average amounts of pure alcohol per day, with increased frequency of drinking per week, and with greater reported years of drinking. Each alcohol use variable was associated with injury in logistic regression models while controlling for sex, age, years of farm work, months of farm work in the past 12 months, driving a motor vehicle, and agricultural machinery use. CONCLUSIONS We found a significant association between alcohol consumption and work-related injuries among farmers. Our findings stress the need for culturally appropriate interventions which affect alcohol use and prevent injuries among Chinese farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- School of Public Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Voaklander DC, Dosman JA, Hagel LM, Warsh J, Pickett W. Farm work exposure of older male farmers in Saskatchewan. Am J Ind Med 2010; 53:706-15. [PMID: 20187005 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The average age of farmers in North America is increasing each year. Research has determined that age and health status are both related to increased risk of injury. The purpose of this research was to determine the association of health and medication factors with exposure to farm work in older male farmers. METHODS As part of a cohort study to study determinants of injury on Saskatchewan farms, 5,502 farm people associated with 2,386 Saskatchewan farms were surveyed by mail questionnaire during the winter of 2007. The primary dependent variable was average hours per week of farm work. Independent variables included illnesses, age, and medication use. RESULTS The mean number of hours worked per week by farmers aged 55 years and older was 48. There was a significant relationship between age and hours worked with each year of age accounting for about 0.85 hr less work per week. Medication use was related to a reduction in weekly work hours during the busy fall season but was not related to work exposure averaged over the whole year. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the main contributing variables to farm work exposure were: retired status (-), working off farm (-), and age (-). CONCLUSION The amount of hours older farmers work on the farm is considerable compared to any other occupational category. While there is a declining trend in the amount of work, a 75-year-old farmer still works, on average, about 34 hr per week. Some farmers do appear to self-limit during busy times of the year if they are taking medication.
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Fenton GD, Brasier KJ, Henning GF, Radhakrishna RB, Jayarao BM. Occupational Health Characteristics of Women on Dairy Farms in Pennsylvania. J Agromedicine 2010; 15:7-15. [DOI: 10.1080/10599240903389649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jin Lee
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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Voaklander DC, Umbarger-Mackey ML, Wilson ML. Health, medication use, and agricultural injury: A review. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:876-89. [PMID: 19731241 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural work in the United States and Canada continues to be one of the most dangerous vocations. Surveillance evidence suggests that older farmers (>60 years of age) are at greater risk of serious injury than their younger counterparts. The purpose of this article was to outline illnesses and medications that may contribute to older farmers' increased risk of agricultural injury and to determine a minimum set of health-related covariates that could be used in farm injury studies. METHODS A review of English language literature in Medline, CINAHL, and NIOSH databases was conducted examining disease and medication factors related to farm injury. RESULTS Health- and disease-related factors most commonly reported as significantly contributing to agricultural injury included previous injury, hearing problems, depression, arthritis, and sleep deprivation. The use of "any medication" was identified as a significant risk factor for injury in a number of studies. The use of sleep medication was significantly related to injury in two studies. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, it is recommended that at a minimum, researchers collect information on the prevalence of previous injury, hearing problems, depression, arthritis/muscular-skeletal problems and sleep disturbance as these have been identified as significant risk factors in a number of studies. In addition, where subjects that identify any of these afflictions, further information should be sought on any medications used in their treatment which can add data on disease severity. More research and surveillance activities need to be focused on the older farm worker. This population is critical to the maintenance of the agricultural base in North America and health and safety research initiatives need to address this. By integrating research from the fields of gerontology, occupational health and safety, and injury prevention, innovative interventions could be constructed to assist the aging farmer in the continuation of safe farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald C Voaklander
- Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Shipp EM, Cooper SP, del Junco DJ, Delclos GL, Burau KD, Tortolero S, Whitworth RE. Chronic back pain and associated work and non-work variables among farmworkers from Starr County, Texas. J Agromedicine 2009; 14:22-32. [PMID: 19214853 DOI: 10.1080/10599240802612539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study estimated the prevalence of chronic back pain among migrant farmworker family members and identified associated work and non-work variables. METHODS Migrant farmworkers (n = 390 from 267 families) from Starr County, Texas were interviewed in their home once a year for 2 years. The original survey included items measuring demographics, smoking, sleep, farm work, and chronic back pain. For this cross-sectional analysis, multi-level logistic regression was used to identify associated work and other variables associated with chronic back pain while accounting for intraclass correlations due to repeated measures and multiple family members. RESULTS The prevalence of chronic back pain during the last migration season ranged from 9.5% among the youngest children to 33.3% among mothers. Variables significantly associated with chronic back pain were age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03, per year increase), depressive symptoms while migrating (OR, 8.72), fewer than 8 hours of sleep at home in Starr County (OR, 2.26), fairly bad/very bad quality of sleep while migrating (OR, 3.25), sorting crops at work (OR, 0.18), and working tree crops (OR, 11.72). CONCLUSION The role of work exposures, depressive symptoms, and sleep in chronic back pain among farmworkers warrants further examination. Refinements in outcome and exposure assessments are also needed given the lack of a standardized case definition and the variety of tasks and crops involved in farm work in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Shipp
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston School of Public Health, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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Neff RA, Palmer AM, Mckenzie SE, Lawrence RS. Food Systems and Public Health Disparities. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2009; 4:282-314. [PMID: 23173027 PMCID: PMC3489131 DOI: 10.1080/19320240903337041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The United States has set a national goal to eliminate health disparities. This article emphasizes the importance of food systems in generating and exacerbating health disparities in the United States and suggests avenues for reducing them. It presents a conceptual model showing how broad food system conditions interplay with community food environments-and how these relationships are filtered and refracted through prisms of social disparities to generate and exacerbate health disparities. Interactions with demand factors in the social environment are described. The article also highlights the separate food systems pathway to health disparities via environmental and occupational health effects of agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni A. Neff
- Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne M. Palmer
- Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn E. Mckenzie
- Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert S. Lawrence
- Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Measuring job characteristics and mental health among Latino farmworkers: results from cognitive testing. J Immigr Minor Health 2008; 11:131-8. [PMID: 18690536 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-008-9170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 07/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few research instruments used in occupational stress research have been evaluated for acceptability and validity among immigrant Latino farmworkers. METHODS Cognitive testing was completed with 40 migrant and seasonal farmworkers (21 women, 19 men) through two focus groups and 16 one-on-one interviews conducted in Texas and Florida. Participants responded to the K-6, a short form instrument designed to measure psychological distress, selected items from the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and standard health items. RESULTS The K-6 items were characterized as too long and using a higher "class" language than farmworkers use. Further, the cultural connotation of several items in the K-6 was viewed as inappropriate by farmworkers. Demand items from the JCQ were interpreted inconsistently, whereas decision latitude items were consistently understood but viewed as irrelevant to farmworkers. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the difficulties involved in conducting research with immigrant farmworkers, and they suggest that researchers interested in studying antecedents and consequences of farmworker mental health need to select instruments cautiously.
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Ethnic, racial, and gender variations in health among farm operators in the United States. Ann Epidemiol 2008; 18:179-86. [PMID: 18280919 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Revised: 09/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to collect baseline prevalence data on the health problems faced by minority, white, and female farm operators. METHODS An occupational health survey of farm operators was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service between February and August 2000. A stratified random sample of farm operators from 50 U.S. states based on the 1997 Census of Agriculture was selected for telephone interview. Interviews were primarily conducted using a computer assisted telephone instrument system. RESULTS Population prevalences were calculated for 7137 farm operators. Prevalences were greatest for musculoskeletal discomfort, followed by respiratory problems, hearing loss, and hypertension. Generally, Latino and Asian American operators had lower prevalences for health problems than white non-Latino and white operators, respectively. African-American operators had greater prevalences for hypertension, and osteoarthritis, but lower prevalences for hearing loss, skin problems, heart problems, and cancer than white operators. American Indian or Alaska Native operators had higher prevalences for musculoskeletal problems, skin problems, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Prevalences for the different ethnicity and race groups are not the same. Studies that combine racial and ethnic groups, or study only white and non-Latino farm operators may overestimate or underestimate the prevalence of health conditions in the entire farm operator population.
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Grzywacz JG, Quandt SA, Isom S, Arcury TA. Alcohol use among immigrant Latino farmworkers in North Carolina. Am J Ind Med 2007; 50:617-25. [PMID: 17579343 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy alcohol use among Latino farmworkers is believed to be common, but it remains poorly documented. METHODS Interviewer-administered survey questionnaires were administered to 151 Latino male farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina; topics included frequency of alcohol consumption, amount of alcohol typically consumed, frequency of consuming five or more drinks in a single setting, and signs of alcohol abuse/dependence. RESULTS Over one-quarter (26%) completely abstain from alcohol, but 27% report frequent heavy drinking, or drinking five or more alcoholic beverages two or more times per month. Over one-third of farmworkers (39%) may be alcohol-dependent. Frequent heavy drinking is more common among single farmworkers and among those who do not follow the crops, and dependence is more common among farmworkers living in camps comprised of both H2A and non-contract workers. CONCLUSIONS There is substantial variation in alcohol use among Latino farmworkers. Although a substantial proportion of farmworkers abstain from alcohol, an equally substantial proportion report alcohol use that poses significant risk for injury on and off the job. More research is needed to document the potential threat to Latino farmworkers by their alcohol use. Interventions targeting alcohol are needed to minimize the risk of injury in an already dangerous occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Grzywacz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1084, USA.
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Holmes SM. An ethnographic study of the social context of migrant health in the United States. PLoS Med 2006; 3:e448. [PMID: 17076567 PMCID: PMC1621098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant workers in the United States have extremely poor health. This paper aims to identify ways in which the social context of migrant farm workers affects their health and health care. METHODS AND FINDINGS This qualitative study employs participant observation and interviews on farms and in clinics throughout 15 months of migration with a group of indigenous Triqui Mexicans in the western US and Mexico. Study participants include more than 130 farm workers and 30 clinicians. Data are analyzed utilizing grounded theory, accompanied by theories of structural violence, symbolic violence, and the clinical gaze. The study reveals that farm working and housing conditions are organized according to ethnicity and citizenship. This hierarchy determines health disparities, with undocumented indigenous Mexicans having the worst health. Yet, each group is understood to deserve its place in the hierarchy, migrant farm workers often being blamed for their own sicknesses. CONCLUSIONS Structural racism and anti-immigrant practices determine the poor working conditions, living conditions, and health of migrant workers. Subtle racism serves to reduce awareness of this social context for all involved, including clinicians. The paper concludes with strategies toward improving migrant health in four areas: health disparities research, clinical interactions with migrant laborers, medical education, and policy making.
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