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Descatha A, Hamzaoui H, Takala J, Oppliger A. A Systematized Overview of Published Reviews on Biological Hazards, Occupational Health, and Safety. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:347-357. [PMID: 38187198 PMCID: PMC10770102 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic turned biological hazards in the working environment into a global concern. This systematized review of published reviews aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific jobs and categories of workers exposed to biological hazards with the related prevention. Methods We extracted reviews published in English and French in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Two authors, working independently, subsequently screened the potentially relevant titles and abstracts recovered (step 1) and then examined relevant full texts (step 2). Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We built tables summarizing populations of exposed workers, types of hazards, types of outcomes (types of health issues, means of prevention), and routes of transmission. Results Of 1426 studies initially identified, 79 studies by authors from every continent were selected, mostly published after 2010 (n = 63, 79.7%). About half of the reviews dealt with infectious hazards alone (n = 38, 48.1%). The industrial sectors identified involved healthcare alone (n = 16), laboratories (n = 10), agriculture (including the animal, vegetable, and grain sectors, n = 32), waste (n = 10), in addition of 11 studies without specific sectors. The results also highlighted a range of hazards (infectious and non-infectious agents, endotoxins, bioaerosols, organic dust, and emerging agents). Conclusion This systematized overview allowed to list the populations of workers exposed to biological hazards and underlined how prevention measures in the healthcare and laboratory sectors were usually well defined and controlled, although this was not the case in the agriculture and waste sectors. Further studies are necessary to quantify these risks and implement prevention measures that can be applied in every country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Descatha
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) – UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, CAPTV CDC, Angers, France
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, USA
| | - Halim Hamzaoui
- Labour Administration, Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Branch- International Labour Organization, HQ, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jukka Takala
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anne Oppliger
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Unisanté, University of Lausanne, Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
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Chamba PS, Baatjies R, Singh TS, Cumbane AJ, Jeebhay MF. Exposure Characterization of Wood Dust Particulate, Endotoxins, and (1-3)-β-d-Glucans, and Their Determinants in Mozambiquan Wood Processing Workers. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:485-495. [PMID: 36715220 PMCID: PMC10119701 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dust generated from wood processing comprises a heterogeneous mixture of inorganic and organic particles, including wood fragments, microorganisms, endotoxins, (1-3)-β-d-glucans, and allergens. This study characterized exposure to wood dust and its determinants in the Mozambiquan wood processing industry. METHODS A total of 124 personal inhalable samples, collected from a stratified random sample of 30 workers, were analysed for dust particulate, endotoxins, and (1-3)-β-d-glucans. Mixed-effects models were developed to investigate significant exposure determinants. RESULTS The geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust particulate concentrations were 3.29 mg m-3, 98 endotoxin units (EU) m-3, and 123 ng m-3 for (1-3)-β-d-glucans. Significant predictors for higher particulate levels included machinery (GMR = 1.93), sawing (GMR = 2.80), carpentry (GMR = 2.77), or painting (GMR = 3.03) tasks. Lebombo-ironwood species was associated with higher dust particulate levels (GMR = 1.97). Determinants of endotoxin concentrations included working with dry wood and damp cleaning methods, which were associated with lower levels. Working in closed buildings (GMR = 3.10) and dry sweeping methods were associated with higher (1-3)-β-d-glucan concentrations (GMR = 1.99). CONCLUSIONS Work tasks in certain exposure groups (machinery, sawing, carpentry, painting), processing certain wood species (Lebombo-ironwood) and working in closed buildings were associated with higher exposures, whilst using dry wood and damp cleaning practices reduced exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulino S Chamba
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Roslynn Baatjies
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanusha S Singh
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Antonio J Cumbane
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mohamed F Jeebhay
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gomes B, Dias M, Cervantes R, Pena P, Santos J, Vasconcelos Pinto M, Viegas C. One Health Approach to Tackle Microbial Contamination on Poultries-A Systematic Review. TOXICS 2023; 11:374. [PMID: 37112601 PMCID: PMC10142658 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the search of available data published regarding microbial occupational exposure assessment in poultries, following the PRISMA methodology. Air collection through filtration was the most frequently used. The most commonly used passive sampling method was material collection such as dust, cages, soils, sediment, and wastewater. Regarding assays applied, the majority of studies comprised culture-based methods, but molecular tools were also frequently used. Screening for antimicrobial susceptibility was performed only for bacteria; cytotoxicity, virological and serological assays were also performed. Most of the selected studies focused on bacteria, although fungi, endotoxins, and β-glucans were also assessed. The only study concerning fungi and mycotoxins reported the carcinogenic mycotoxin AFB1. This study gives a comprehensive overview of microbial contamination in the poultry industry, emphasizing this setting as a potential reservoir of microbial pathogens threatening human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, this research helps to provide a sampling and analysis protocol proposal to evaluate the microbiological contamination in these facilities. Few articles were found reporting fungal contamination in poultry farms worldwide. In addition, information concerning fungal resistance profile and mycotoxin contamination remain scarce. Overall, a One Health approach should be incorporated in exposure assessments and the knowledge gaps identified in this paper should be addressed in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Gomes
- CE3C—Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pena
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos
- CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Marta Vasconcelos Pinto
- CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra, Rua 5 de Outubro, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Viegas
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
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Baatjies R, Chamba P, Jeebhay MF. Wood dust and asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 23:76-84. [PMID: 36821481 PMCID: PMC9977320 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Review recent developments on asthma associated with wood dust, given the increasing scale of wood handling and processing activities globally. RECENT FINDINGS Work in wood industries is associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory symptoms, rhinitis and asthma. This can be attributed to traditional processing techniques and newer technologies producing complex bioaerosol exposures, which may include chemicals. Meta-analysis studies indicate strong evidence for wood dusts as occupational sensitizers for asthma, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The global prevalence of asthma in wood workers ranges between 6-18% and for rhinitis 16-33%. Exposure estimates show wide variation. Risk factors include atopy and exposure to certain wood species, elevated current and cumulative particulate exposures. SUMMARY Future studies should focus on better characterization of wood dust allergens and other bioaerosol components, specific immunoglobulin E responses to different wood species, pathophysiological mechanisms underlying asthma, and modelling dose-response relationships using refined exposure metrics for dust particulate and other bioaerosol components. There is a need for improved health-based international exposure standards and effective workplace control measures to reduce exposures to wood dust particulate (hard and soft woods), endotoxin and β-glucan, to reduce the risks of asthma in wood workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roslynn Baatjies
- Occupational Medicine Division and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paulino Chamba
- Occupational Medicine Division and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mohamed F Jeebhay
- Occupational Medicine Division and Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town
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Gomes B, Pena P, Cervantes R, Dias M, Viegas C. Microbial Contamination of Bedding Material: One Health in Poultry Production. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192416508. [PMID: 36554388 PMCID: PMC9779247 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In poultry farms, the mixture of bedding material, chicken excrement, and feathers seems to play an important role in pathogen development which may contribute to a potential risk of zoonosis, spreading the disease through the food chain. The purpose of this study was to analyze microbial contamination in bedding material and other matrices as well as potential antimicrobial resistances in chicken production facilities, and also to identify the sampling techniques and assays used. This study evidences the available data published, following the PRISMA methodology. Among the environmental samples, surface swabs were frequently used as a passive sampling technique. Morphological identification was performed in all studies. From all the matrices, the bedding material was the most contaminated. Most studies focused on bacterial contamination, with Salmonella sp. and Campylobacter sp. being commonly reported and three studies evidenced fungal contamination, being Penicillium sp.- and Aspergillus sp.-dominant. Mycotoxin assessment was only performed in one study, being identified in all bedding samples. The screening for bacteria resistance evidenced bacteria multidrug resistance; however, fungal susceptibility to azoles was not assessed in any of the analyzed studies. Briefly, this review evidences the microbial contamination in poultry facilities, emphasizing animals' bedding as a potential source of contamination. Additionally, this study contributes to a sampling and analysis protocol proposal to assess the microbial contamination in this setting. Additionally, the knowledge gaps identified highlight the need of further research regarding microbial contamination and toxicological potential on animals' bedding in order to mitigate the exposure in poultry pavilions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Gomes
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- CE3C—Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro Pena
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Viegas
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
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Shin S, Yoon WS, Byeon SH. Trends in Occupational Infectious Diseases in South Korea and Classification of Industries According to the Risk of Biological Hazards Using K-Means Clustering. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11922. [PMID: 36231241 PMCID: PMC9565592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to identify these risks and determine whether the current level of management is appropriate to respond to the risk of biological hazards depending on the occupation. In this study, the incidence and fatality rates of occupational diseases were calculated using industrial accident statistics of South Korea, and trends by year using joinpoint regression and relative risk by industry using k-means clustering were evaluated for infectious diseases. We found that infectious diseases had the third highest incidence and fourth highest fatalities among all occupational diseases. In the incidence rate, joinpoints appeared in 2009 and 2018, and the annual percent change changed to 7.79, -16.63, and 82.11. The fatality rate showed a consistent increase with an annual percent change of 4.37, but it was not significant. Industries were classified into five groups according to risk, and the legal control measures of certain industries were not sufficient. Follow-up studies are needed to rectify the structural limitations of industrial accident statistics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saemi Shin
- Research Institute of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Won Suck Yoon
- Allergy and Immunology Center, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Byeon
- School of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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Development of an Indexed Score to Identify the Most Suitable Sampling Method to Assess Occupational Exposure to Fungi. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13071123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The sampling approach is of utmost importance to obtain data regarding microbial viability and truly assess workers’ potential health effects. The purpose of this assessment is to create a score which will provide up-to-date information to identify the most suitable sampling method to assess occupational exposure to fungi. Data from a sampling campaign performed at Firefighters Headquarters (FFH) was analysed and a score was calculated from one (1) to three (3) for five (5) distinct sample parameters: (a) accuracy; (b) complexity of the field work; (c) cost; (d) complexity in laboratory work; and (e) time taken since the fieldwork until obtaining the fungal contamination characterization. The statistical analysis allowed us to conclude that settled dust and Andersen six-stage were the best sampling methods to perform the assessment of the occupational exposure to fungi at FFH, when considering the number of species. As for the final score, the results showed that surface swabs were the best sampling method. The results obtained for surface swabs highlights the low complexity of this processing combined with the fact that it is a low-cost sampling method. This study reinforces the need to use a wide array of sampling methods when assessing occupational exposure to fungal contamination to ensure an accurate risk characterization.
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