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Santurtún A, Shaman J. Work accidents, climate change and COVID-19. Sci Total Environ 2023; 871:162129. [PMID: 36773906 PMCID: PMC9911145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The effects brought by climate change and the pandemic upon worker health and wellbeing are varied and necessitate the identification and implementation of improved strategic interventions. This review aims, firstly, to assess how climate change affects occupational accidents, focusing on the impacts of extreme air temperatures and natural disasters; and, secondly, to analyze the role of the pandemic in this context. Our results show that the manifestations of climate change affect workers physically while on the job, psychologically, and by modifying the work environment and conditions; all these factors can cause stress, in turn increasing the risk of suffering a work accident. There is no consensus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work accidents; however, an increase in adverse mental effects on workers in contact with the public (specifically in healthcare) has been described. It has also been shown that this strain affects the risk of suffering an accident. During the pandemic, many people began to work remotely, and what initially appeared to be a provisional situation has been made permanent or semi-permanent in some positions and companies. However, we found no studies evaluating the working conditions of those who telework. In relation to the combined impact of climate change and the pandemic on occupational health, only publications focusing on the synergistic effect of heat due to the obligation to wear COVID-19-specific PPE, either outdoors or in poorly acclimatized indoor environments, were found. It is essential that preventive services establish new measures, train workers, and determine new priorities for adapting working conditions to these altered circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santurtún
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Cantabria, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Comi M, Becot F, Bendixsen C. Automation, Climate Change, and the Future of Farm Work: Cross-Disciplinary Lessons for Studying Dynamic Changes in Agricultural Health and Safety. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4778. [PMID: 36981685 PMCID: PMC10049460 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we first assess the state of agricultural health and safety research as it pertains to the dynamic challenges facing automating agriculture on a warming planet. Then, we turn to social science fields such as rural sociology, science and technology studies, and environmental studies to leverage relevant insights on the introduction of new technologies, environmental risks, and associated workplace hazards. Increased rates of automation in agriculture alongside new risks associated with climate change create the need for anticipatory governance and adaptive research to study novel mechanisms of worker health and safety. The use of the PRISMA framework led to the 137 articles for our review. We identify three themes in the literature on agricultural health and safety: (1) adoption outcomes, (2) discrete cases of health risks, and (3) an emphasis on care and wellbeing in literature on dairy automation Our review led to the identification of research gaps, noting that current research (a) tends to examine these forces separately, instead of together, (b) has not made robust examination of these forces as socially embedded, and (c) has hesitated to examine the broad, transferable themes for how these forces work across industries. In response to these gaps, we suggest that attention to outside disciplines may provide agricultural health and safety research with a toolset to examine needed inquiry into the multiplicity of experiences of rural stakeholders, the industry specific problems arising from automation and climate change, and the socially embedded aspects of agricultural work in the future.
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Marrone M, Buongiorno L, Caricato P, Pititto F, De Luca BP, Angeletti C, Sebastiani G, Cascardi E, Ingravallo G, Stellacci A, Cazzato G. Heat Stroke in the Work Environment: Case Report of an Underestimated Phenomenon. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4028. [PMID: 36901039 PMCID: PMC10001472 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Average global temperatures continue to trend upward, and this phenomenon is part of the more complex climate change taking place on our planet over the past century. Human health is directly affected by environmental conditions, not only because of communicable diseases that are clearly affected by climate, but also because of the relationship between rising temperatures and increased morbidity for psychiatric diseases. As global temperatures and the number of extreme days increase, so does the risk associated with all those acute illnesses related to these factors. For example, there is a correlation between out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and heat. Then, there are pathologies that recognize excessive heat as the main etiological agent. This is the case with so-called "heat stroke", a form of hyperthermia accompanied by a systemic inflammatory response, which causes multi-organ dysfunction and sometimes death. Starting with a case that came to their attention of a young man in good general health who died while working unloading fruit crates from a truck, the authors wanted to express some thoughts on the need to adapt the world of work, including work-specific hazards, in order to protect the worker exposed to this "new risk" and develop multidisciplinary adaptation strategies that incorporate climatology, indoor/building environments, energy use, regulatory perfection of work and human thermal comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricla Marrone
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Buongiorno
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Caricato
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Fortunato Pititto
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Benedetta Pia De Luca
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Angeletti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sebastiani
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Pathology Unit, FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stellacci
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Di Blasi C, Marinaccio A, Gariazzo C, Taiano L, Bonafede M, Leva A, Morabito M, Michelozzi P, de’ Donato FK. Effects of Temperatures and Heatwaves on Occupational Injuries in the Agricultural Sector in Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:2781. [PMID: 36833478 PMCID: PMC9957348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of heat on health have been well documented, while less is known about the effects among agricultural workers. Our aim is to estimate the effects and impacts of heat on occupational injuries in the agricultural sector in Italy. Occupational injuries in the agricultural sector from the Italian national workers' compensation authority (INAIL) and daily mean air temperatures from Copernicus ERA5-land for a five-year period (2014-2018) were considered. Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) were used to estimate the relative risk and attributable injuries for increases in daily mean air temperatures between the 75th and 99th percentile and during heatwaves. Analyses were stratified by age, professional qualification, and severity of injury. A total of 150,422 agricultural injuries were considered and the overall relative risk of injury for exposure to high temperatures was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08; 1.18). A higher risk was observed among younger workers (15-34 years) (1.23 95% CI: 1.14; 1.34) and occasional workers (1.25 95% CI: 1.03; 1.52). A total of 2050 heat-attributable injuries were estimated in the study period. Workers engaged in outdoor and labour-intensive activities in the agricultural sector are at greater risk of injury and these results can help target prevention actions for climate change adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Blasi
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gariazzo
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Taiano
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Leva
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Michelozzi
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy
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Fang W, Li Z, Gao J, Meng R, He G, Hou Z, Zhu S, Zhou M, Zhou C, Xiao Y, Yu M, Huang B, Xu X, Lin L, Xiao J, Jin D, Qin M, Yin P, Xu Y, Hu J, Liu T, Huang C, Ma W. The joint and interaction effect of high temperature and humidity on mortality in China. Environ Int 2023; 171:107669. [PMID: 36508749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many studies have reported the mortality effect of temperature, there were few studies on the mortality risk of humidity, let alone the joint effect of temperature and humidity. This study aimed to investigate the joint and interaction effect of high temperature and relative humidity on mortality in China, which will deepen understanding the health risk of mixture climate exposure. METHODS The mortality and meteorological data were collected from 353 locations in China (2013-2017 in Jilin, Hunan, Guangdong and Yunnan provinces, 2009-2017 in Zhejiang province, and 2006-2011 in other Provinces). We defined location-specific daily mean temperature ≥ 75th percentile of distribution as high temperature, while minimum mortality relative humidity as the threshold of high relative humidity. A time-series model with a distributed lag non-linear model was first employed to estimate the location-specific associations between humid-hot events and mortality, then we conducted meta-analysis to pool the mortality effect of humid-hot events. Finally, an additive interaction model was used to examine the interactive effect between high temperature and relative humidity. RESULTS The excess rate (ER) of non-accidental mortality attributed to dry-hot events was 10.18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.93%, 11.45%), which was higher than that of wet-hot events (ER = 3.21%, 95% CI: 0.59%, 5.89%). The attributable fraction (AF) of mortality attributed to dry-hot events was 10.00% (95% CI: 9.50%, 10.72%) with higher burden for females, older people, central China, cardiovascular diseases and urban city. While for wet-hot events, AF was much lower (3.31%, 95% CI: 2.60%, 4.30%). We also found that high temperature and low relative humidity had synergistic additive interaction on mortality risk. CONCLUSION Dry-hot events may have a higher risk of mortality than wet-hot events, and the joint effect of high temperature and low relative humidity may be greater than the sum of their individual effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Fang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhixing Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinghua Gao
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruilin Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Guanhao He
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhulin Hou
- Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Sui Zhu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Maigeng Zhou
- The National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chunliang Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Yize Xiao
- Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming 650034, China
| | - Min Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Biao Huang
- Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Lifeng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Jianpeng Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Donghui Jin
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Mingfang Qin
- Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming 650034, China
| | - Peng Yin
- The National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yiqing Xu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Jianxiong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Dethlefsen R, Orlik L, Müller M, Exadaktylos AK, Scholz SM, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Ziaka M. Work-Related Injuries among Insured Construction Workers Presenting to a Swiss Adult Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study (2016-2020). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph191811294. [PMID: 36141566 PMCID: PMC9517430 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Occupational injuries are one of the main causes of Emergency Department visits and represent a substantial source of disability or even death. However, the published studies and reports on construction-occupational accidents in Switzerland are limited. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal and non-fatal injuries among construction workers older than 16 years of age over a 5-year period. Data were gathered from the emergency department (ED) of Bern University Hospital. A retrospective design was chosen to allow analysis of changes in construction accidents between 2016-2020. A total of 397 patients were enrolled. Compared to studies in other countries, we also showed that the upper extremity and falling from height is the most common injured body part and mechanism of injury. Furthermore, we were able to show that the most common age group representing was 26-35 years and the second common body part injured was the head, which is a difference from studies in other countries. Wound lacerations were the most common type of injury, followed by joint distortions. By stratifying according to the season, occupational injuries among construction workers were found to be significant higher during summer and autumn. As work-related injuries among construction workers are becoming more common, prevention strategies and safety instructions must be optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Dethlefsen
- Department of Orthopedics, Thun General Hospital, 3600 Thun, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Orlik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun General Hospital, 3600 Thun, Switzerland
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern University, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern University, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan M. Scholz
- Department of Statistics, Suva (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund), 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
- Central Office for Statistics in Accident Insurance (SSUV), 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern University, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Mairi Ziaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun General Hospital, 3600 Thun, Switzerland
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Lee J, Lee YH, Choi WJ, Ham S, Kang SK, Yoon JH, Yoon MJ, Kang MY, Lee W. Heat exposure and workers' health: a systematic review. Rev Environ Health 2022; 37:45-59. [PMID: 33752272 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several studies on the health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported; however, only few studies have summarized the overall and systematic health effects of heat exposure on workers. This study aims to review the scientific reports on the health status of workers exposed to high temperatures in the workplace. METHODS We reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies that address health effects of heat exposure among workers. RESULTS In total, 459 articles were identified, and finally, 47 articles were selected. Various health effects of heat exposure on workers have been reported, such as heat-related diseases, deaths, accidents or injuries, effects on the urinary system, reproductive system, and on the psychological system. CONCLUSIONS Our review suggests that many workers are vulnerable to heat exposure, and this has a health effect on workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhyeong Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jun Choi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghon Ham
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kyu Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Joo Yoon
- Jungbu Area Epidemiologic Investigation Team, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mo-Yeol Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanhyung Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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El Khayat M, Halwani DA, Hneiny L, Alameddine I, Haidar MA, Habib RR. Impacts of Climate Change and Heat Stress on Farmworkers' Health: A Scoping Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:782811. [PMID: 35211437 PMCID: PMC8861180 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.782811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the continuous rise of global temperatures and heatwaves worldwide as a result of climate change, concerns for the health and safety of working populations have increased. Workers in the food production chain, particularly farmworkers, are especially vulnerable to heat stress due to the strenuous nature of their work, which is performed primarily outdoors under poor working conditions. At the cross-section of climate change and farmworkers' health, a scoping review was undertaken to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the health impacts associated with climate change and heat stress, guide future research toward better understanding current and future climate change risks, and inform policies to protect the health and safety of agricultural workers. A systematic search of 5 electronic databases and gray literature websites was conducted to identify relevant literature published up until December 2021. A total of 9045 records were retrieved from the searches, of which 92 articles were included in the final review. The majority of the reviewed articles focused on heat-related illnesses (n = 57) and kidney diseases (n = 28). The risk factors identified in the reviewed studies included gender, dehydration, heat strain, wearing inappropriate clothing, workload, piece-rate payment, job decision latitude, and hot environmental conditions. On the other hand, various protective and preventive factors were identified including drinking water, changing work hours and schedule of activities, wearing appropriate clothing, reducing soda consumption, taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and increasing electrolyte consumption in addition to improving access to medical care. This review also identified various factors that are unique to vulnerable agricultural populations, including migrant and child farmworkers. Our findings call for an urgent need to expand future research on vulnerable agricultural communities including migrant workers so as to develop effective policies and interventions that can protect these communities from the effects of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa El Khayat
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dana A. Halwani
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Alameddine
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mustapha A. Haidar
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima R. Habib
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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9
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Riccò M, Peruzzi S, Balzarini F, Zaniboni A, Ranzieri S. Dengue Fever in Italy: The "Eternal Return" of an Emerging Arboviral Disease. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:10. [PMID: 35051126 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced surveillance for dengue virus (DENV) infections in Italy has been implemented since 2012, with annual reports from the National Health Institute. In this study, we summarize available evidence on the epidemiology of officially notified DENV infections from 2010–2021. In total, 1043 DENV infection cases were diagnosed, and most of them occurred in travelers, with only 11 autochthonous cases. The annual incidence rates of DENV infections peaked during 2019 with 0.277 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.187–0.267), (age-adjusted incidence rate: 0.328, 95% CI 0.314–0.314). Cases of DENV were clustered during the summer months of July (11.4%), August (19.3%), and September (12.7%). The areas characterized by higher notification rates were north-western (29.0%), and mostly north-eastern Italy (41.3%). The risk for DENV infection in travelers increased in the time period 2015–2019 (risk ratio [RR] 1.808, 95% CI 1.594–2.051) and even during 2020–2021 (RR 1.771, 95% CI 1.238–2.543). Higher risk for DENV was additionally reported in male subjects compared with females subjects, and aged 25 to 44 years, and in individuals from northern and central Italy compared to southern regions and islands. In a multivariable Poisson regression model, the increased number of travelers per 100 inhabitants (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.065, 95% CI 1.036–1.096), the incidence in other countries (IRR 1.323, 95% CI 1.165–1.481), the share of individuals aged 25 to 44 years (IRR 1.622, 95% CI 1.338–1.968), and foreign-born residents (IRR 2.717, 95% CI 1.555–3.881), were identified as effectors of annual incidence. In summary, although the circulation of DENV remains clustered among travelers, enhanced surveillance is vital for the early detection of human cases and the prompt implementation of response measures.
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SARAÇ E, YOZGATLIGİL C, ÇALIŞKAN D. Soğuk İklimin İş Kazalarının Oluşumuna Etkisi: Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’nde Bir İşyeri Örneği. Karaelmas İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Dergisi 2021; 5:229-236. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.33720/kisgd.994611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
İş sağlığı ve güvenliği konuları kapsamında sıcaklıkla ilgili olaylar, tüm dünyada kaygı oluşturmaya devam etmektedir. Uzun süre sıcak ya da soğuğa maruziyetle çalışanlarda dikkat ve konsantrasyon bozuklukları, ağır fiziksel işlerde zorlanma, yorgunluk, bitkinlik, vücudun asit baz dengesinde değişimlere bağlı kan dolaşımının etkilenmesi ve ayrıca bunlara bağlı düşmeler işe uyumun azalması hem medikal tedavi gerektiren hastalıklara hem de uzuv kayıplarına varabilen yaralanmalara neden olabilmektedir. Fakat bu konuda yapılan çalışmalarda iş kazalarının kesin ve birincil etmeni olarak soğuk ya da sıcak iklim doğrudan hedef gösterilemeyebilir. Bu korelasyonel/ekolojik araştırmada; Türkiye’de en soğuk iklime sahip illerinden biri olan Erzurum’da araç bakım onarımı ile uğraşan bir fabrikada son 6 yıla ait iş kazası verileri incelenerek konunun önemine vurgu yapılmaya çalışılmıştır. İş kazalarının yoğunlukla soğuk geçen aylarda gerçekleştiği, Ortalama ve Medyan (ortanca) iş kazası sayıları incelendiğinde ise 6 yıl içerisinde toplam 40 iş kazasının olduğu görülmüştür. Bu fabrika özelinde az sayıda iş kazası olması nedeniyle istatistiksel anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilmemiştir. Bununla birlikte Erzurum ilinde soğuk havanın Ekim ayında başlayarak Nisan ayına kadar yoğunlukla hissedildiği göz önüne alındığında bu dağılım soğuk iklimin iş kazalarına etkisi olduğu yönünde bir bulgu olarak kabul edilebilir. Soğuk hava koşullarının hâkim olduğu Erzurum ilinde tüm işkollarını içerecek şekilde serinin genişletilmesi ile iklimin iş kazası ve yaralanmalarına etkisinin ayrıntılı incelenmesinin iş sağlığı ve güvenliği uygulamalarına katkı sağlayacağı sonucuna varılmıştır.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif SARAÇ
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Halk Sağlığı Hemşireliği Doktora Öğrencisi
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Riccò M, Peruzzi S, Ranzieri S, Giuri PG. Epidemiology of Legionnaires' Disease in Italy, 2004-2019: A Summary of Available Evidence. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112180. [PMID: 34835307 PMCID: PMC8624895 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionnaires’ disease (LD) incidence has been increasing in several European countries since 2011. Currently, Italy is experiencing high notification rates for LD, whose cause still remains scarcely understood. We sought to summarize the available evidence on the epidemiology of LD in Italy (2004–2019), characterizing the risk of LD by region, sex, age group, and settings of the case (i.e., community, healthcare, or travel-associated cases). Environmental factors (e.g., average air temperatures and relative humidity) were also included in a Poisson regression model in order to assess their potential role on the annual incidence of new LD cases. National surveillance data included a total of 23,554 LD cases occurring between 2004 and 2019 (70.4% of them were of male gender, 94.1% were aged 40 years and older), with age-adjusted incidence rates increasing from 1.053 cases per 100,000 in 2004 to 4.559 per 100,000 in 2019. The majority of incident cases came from northern Italy (43.2% from northwestern Italy, 25.6% from northeastern Italy). Of these, 5.9% were healthcare-related, and 21.1% were travel-associated. A case-fatality ratio of 5.2% was calculated for the whole of the assessed timeframe, with a pooled estimate for mortality of 0.122 events per 100,000 population per year. Poisson regression analysis was associated with conflicting results, as any increase in average air temperature resulted in reduced risk for LD cases (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] 0.807, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 0.744–0.874), while higher annual income in older individuals was associated with an increased IRR (1.238, 95% CI 1.134–1.351). The relative differences in incidence between Italian regions could not be explained by demographic factors (i.e., age and sex distribution of the population), and also a critical reappraisal of environmental factors failed to substantiate both the varying incidence across the country and the decennial trend we were able to identify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola n.2, I-42022 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-3392-994-343 or +39-522-837-587
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine, University of Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, I-43123 Parma, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Gianluca Giuri
- Dipartimento Internistico Interaziendale, Struttura Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale “Medicina Infettivologica”, AUSL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Ospedale “Sant’Anna”, I-42035 Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Italy;
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Riccò M, Peruzzi S, Ranzieri S, Balzarini F, Valente M, Marchesi F, Bragazzi NL. Hantavirus infections in Italy: not reported doesn't mean inexistent. Acta Biomed 2021; 92:e2021324. [PMID: 34487097 PMCID: PMC8477108 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92i4.10661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hantaviruses can cause serious human diseases including hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). European Hantavirus are usually associated with HFRS, and their geographical distribution mirrors the ecology of reservoir host species. Epidemiology of HFRS is well-studied in Western Europe, but data from Italy are fragmentary. METHODS We searched into two different databases (PubMed and EMBASE), focusing on studies reporting the prevalence of Hantaviruses in Italy. Data were extracted using a standardized assessment form, and results of the analyses were systematically reported, summarized and compared. RESULTS We identified a total of 18 articles, including 12 reports (total population: 5,336 subjects, 1981-2019) and 6 case reports (1984-2019). In total, 200 subjects exhibited some degree of seropositivity, with a pooled seroprevalence of 1.7% (95% confidence interval 0.7%-4.0%) in the general population. Higher occurrence was reported in selected subgroups, i.e. acute (28.7%, 95%CI 22.1-36.2) and chronic (6.6%, 95%CI 4.7-9.1) renal failure, forestry workers (3.0%, 95%CI 1.4-6.5, actual range 0.0 to 10.8%). CONCLUSIONS In the last decade, no human cases of hantavirus infection have been officially reported in Italy. However, our analysis stresses the actual occurrence of Hantavirus among general population and in selected population groups. Further studies on hantavirus infection rates in reservoir host species (rodents, shrews, and bats) and virus transmission to humans are needed to prevent outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Via Amendola n.2, I-42122 Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy .
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, Via Donatori di Sangue n.1, I-42016 Guastalla (RE), Italy;.
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine; Via Gramsci n.14, 43126; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Federica Balzarini
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital; Via Olgettina n. 58, 20132; Milan (MI), Italy.
| | - Marina Valente
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of General Surgery; Via Gramsci n.14, 43126; Parma (PR), Italy .
| | - Federico Marchesi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of General Surgery; Via Gramsci n.14, 43126; Parma (PR), Italy .
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of York, Toronto (ON), Canada.
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Riccò M, Peruzzi S, Balzarini F. Epidemiology of West Nile Virus Infections in Humans, Italy, 2012-2020: A Summary of Available Evidences. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:61. [PMID: 33923347 PMCID: PMC8167603 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In Italy, human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection have been recorded since 2008, and seasonal outbreaks have occurred almost annually. In this study, we summarize available evidences on the epidemiology of WNV and West Nile neuro-invasive disease (WNND) in humans reported between 2012 and 2020. In total, 1145 WNV infection cases were diagnosed; of them 487 (42.5%) had WNND. A significant circulation of the pathogen was suggested by studies on blood donors, with annual incidence rates ranging from 1.353 (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.279-3.953) to 19.069 cases per 100,000 specimens (95% CI 13.494-26.174). The annual incidence rates of WNND increased during the study period from 0.047 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 0.031-0.068) in 2012, to 0.074 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 0.054-0.099) in 2020, peaking to 0.377 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 0.330-0.429) in 2018. There were 60 deaths. Cases of WNND were clustered in Northern Italy, particularly in the Po River Valley, during the months of August (56.7%) and September (27.5%). Higher risk for WNND was reported in subjects of male sex (risk ratio (RR) 1.545, 95% CI 1.392-1.673 compared to females), and in older age groups (RR 24.46, 95% CI 15.61-38.32 for 65-74 y.o.; RR 43.7, 95% CI 28.33-67.41 for subjects older than 75 years), while main effectors were identified in average air temperatures (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.3219, 95% CI 1.0053-1.7383), population density (IRR 1.0004, 95% CI 1.0001-1.0008), and occurrence of cases in the nearby provinces (IRR 1.0442, 95% CI 1.0340-1.0545). In summary, an enhanced surveillance is vital for the early detection of human cases and the prompt implementation of response measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola n.2, I-42122 Reggio Emilia, RE, Italy
| | - Simona Peruzzi
- Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologiche, Ospedale Civile di Guastalla, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, I-42016 Guastalla, RE, Italy;
| | - Federica Balzarini
- Dipartimento P.A.A.P.S.S., Servizio Autorizzazione e Accreditamento, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) di Bergamo, Via Galliccioli, 4, I-24121 Bergamo, BG, Italy;
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Riccò M, Vezzosi L, Mezzoiuso AG. Occupational Eye Injuries in the agricultural settings: a retrospective study from North-Eastern Italy. Acta Biomed 2020; 90:457-467. [PMID: 31910170 PMCID: PMC7233762 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i4.7602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Occupational Eye Injury (OEI) represents a common world-wide event accounting for between 3.3% and 6.1% of all occupational compensation claims. In this retrospective study we evaluated all the recorded OEI which occurred in the Autonomous Province of Trento (APT) during the period 2000-2013. Methods: Data on OEI for all of APT were retrieved an institutional archive and the analysis included demographics of the injured, as well as characteristics and settings of the OEI. In order to assess the risk of OEI in Agricultural Workers (AWs) vs. all other Occupational groups, a multivariate analysis was eventually performed through a logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 141,139 work-related injuries were recorded, including 5,065 (3.6%) OEI. 91.9% of all cases occurred in males, of Italian origin (77.2%), with a mean age of 38.4±11.7 years. The industrial sector reported the higher share of OEI (70.7%), whereas higher incidence rates were reported among AWs (6.04 vs. 3.85/1,000 workers/year). Agricultural OEI occurred in older workers (45.6±13.3 vs. 37.1±11.0 years), being more likely associated with “contusions” (OR 2.042, 95% 1.602-2.602) and “lacerations” (OR 2.386, 95%CI 1.877-3.033), and less frequently with exposures to chemicals, gases and vapours (OR 0.478, 95%CI 0.279-0.817). Conclusions: Despite a relatively low frequency of OEI, AWs were affected with a seemly higher incidence than that reported in other occupational groups. OEI in AWs exhibited a specific pattern, both in terms of lesion, and settings of the events, recommending tailored interventions in order to improve promotion strategies. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Azienda USL di Reggio EmiliaV.le Amendola n.2 - 42122 REServizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL)Dip. di Prevenzione.
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Dally M, Butler-Dawson J, Sorensen CJ, Van Dyke M, James KA, Krisher L, Jaramillo D, Newman LS. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and Recorded Occupational Injury Rates among Sugarcane Harvesters in Southwest Guatemala. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17218195. [PMID: 33171945 PMCID: PMC7664243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As global temperatures continue to rise it is imperative to understand the adverse effects this will pose to workers laboring outdoors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between increases in wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and risk of occupational injury or dehydration among agricultural workers. We used data collected by an agribusiness in Southwest Guatemala over the course of four harvest seasons and Poisson generalized linear modelling for this analysis. Our analyses suggest a 3% increase in recorded injury risk with each degree increase in daily average WBGT above 30 °C (95% CI: -6%, 14%). Additionally, these data suggest that the relationship between WBGT and injury risk is non-linear with an additional 4% acceleration in risk for every degree increase in WBGT above 30 °C (95% CI: 0%, 8%). No relationship was found between daily average WBGT and risk of dehydration. Our results indicate that agricultural workers are at an increased risk of occupational injury in humid and hot environments and that businesses need to plan and adapt to increasing global temperatures by implementing and evaluating effective occupational safety and health programs to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-303-724-2463
| | - Jaime Butler-Dawson
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Cecilia J. Sorensen
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mike Van Dyke
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Katherine A. James
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Lyndsay Krisher
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Diana Jaramillo
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Riccò M, Vezzosi L, Balzarini F, Gualerzi G, Ranzieri S, Signorelli C, Colucci ME, Bragazzi NL. Prevalence of Parkinson Disease in Italy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Biomed 2020; 91:e2020088. [PMID: 32921784 PMCID: PMC7717000 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i3.9443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common disease of unknown etiology. Even though accurate information on the epidemiology of PD is critical for defining appropriate health policies, epidemiological data on Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Italy are often defined as scant or conflicting. Our study attempted to provide an overview on the prevalence of (PD) by means of a systematic review and metanalysis of existing data. Material and methods: We searched into two different databases (PubMed and EMBASE), focusing on studies reporting the prevalence of PD in Italy. Data were extracted using a standardized assessment form, and results of such analyses were systematically reported, summarized and compared. Results: A total of 16 studies were eventually included in the analyses, with a prevalence rate of 193.7/100,000. Available reports were heterogeneous both in design and in eventual figures, and also prevalence estimates were affected by substantial heterogeneity. Interestingly, prevalence rates ranged from 37.8/100,000 inhabitants in subjects aged 0 to 64 years, to 578.7 in age group 65 to 75 years, and 1235.7 in age group 75 years or older. PD was significantly associated with male sex, but only in older age groups (i.e. Odds Ratio, OR 1.37 95%CI 1.22-1.53, and OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.21-1.42 for age groups 65-74 years and 75 years or more, respectively). Discussion and conclusion: While the observed variations in prevalence rates may result from environmental or genetic factors, differences in methodologies for case ascertainment and diagnostic criteria may have significantly affected our estimates. As a consequence, the comparability of existing studies is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Azienda USL di Reggio EmiliaV.le Amendola n.2 - 42122 REServizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL)Dip. di Prevenzione.
| | - Luigi Vezzosi
- Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) della Val Padana; Via Toscani n.1; Mantova (MN), Italy.
| | - Federica Balzarini
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital; Via Olgettina n. 58, 20132; Milan (MI), Italy.
| | - Giovanni Gualerzi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine; Via Gramsci n.14, 43123; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Occupational Medicine; Via Gramsci n.14, 43123; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital; Via Olgettina n. 58, 20132; Milan (MI), Italy.
| | - Maria Eugenia Colucci
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Hygiene and Public Health; Via Gramsci n.14, 43123; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of York, Toronto (ON), Canada.
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Riccò M, Vezzosi L, Balzarini F, Gualerzi G, Valente M, Bragazzi NL. Air temperatures and occupational injuries in the agricultural settings: a report from Northern Italy (Po River Valley, 2013-2017). Acta Biomed 2020; 91:e2020094. [PMID: 33525259 PMCID: PMC7927534 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i4.10035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: High environmental temperatures are associated with an increased risk for occupational injuries (OIs), particularly where environmental exposure and heat sources in the workplace, are associated with internal heat generation by strenuous muscular work. As a consequence, Agricultural Workers (AWs) are among the most heavily affected occupational groups. Methods and aims: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between environmental temperatures and OIs in AWs from the Po River Valley in the Northern Italy (27,736,158 total inhabitants; mean agricultural workforce of 312,195.6 individuals). Data about OIs from 2013 to 2017, and daily weather for the administrative unit of occurrence were retrieved. Days were classified by a) mininum (Tmin) / maximum (Tmax) air temperatures; b) average day temperature (Tday); c) daily temperature variation (TV), d) relative humidity. Risk for daily OIs was calculated as correspondent Odds Ratios (OR) through a Poisson regression model. Results: Estimated incidence for OIs was 66.3/1,000 workers-year. In regression analysis, for every Tday percentile increase equal to 2.5, an OR 1.007 (95% CI, 1.003 to 1.010) was reported. More precisely, higher risk for OIs was associated to Tmax > 25°C (OR 1.143, 95%CI 1.125-1.160) and to Tmax > 25°C + Tmin > 20°C (OR 1.158, 95%CI 1.138-1.179), Tmin < 0°C were associated with a significantly reduced risk (OR 0.879, 95%CI 0.850-0.910), with the notable exception of older age groups (OR 1.348, 95%CI 1.254; 1.449). During timeframes characterized by Tmax > 35°C (i.e. HW time period), the risk was higher during the first day (OR 1.266; 95%CI 1.206-1.330), and again from the fourth day onwards (OR 1.090; 95%CI 1.048 – 1.133). Analysis of TV identified an increased risk for occupational injuries in days characterized by higher variability, and particularly for TV ranging 4.0 – 4.9 (OR 1.042, 95%CI 1.017 – 1.068), and equals to 5.0 or greater (OR 1.143, 95%CI 1.118 – 1.167). Also increased relative humidity was associated with higher risk for OIs (OR 1.096, 95%CI 1.081-1.126, and OR 1.154, 95%CI 1.135-1.173 for relative humidity 70 – 89%, and ≥ 90%). Conclusions: Our findings recommend policymakers to develop appropriate procedures and guidelines, in particular for the HW time periods. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Azienda USL di Reggio EmiliaV.le Amendola n.2 - 42122 REServizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL)Dip. di Prevenzione.
| | - Luigi Vezzosi
- Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) della Val Padana; Via Toscani n.1; Mantova (MN), Italy.
| | - Federica Balzarini
- University "Vita e Salute", San Raffaele Hospital; Via Olgettina n. 58, 20132; Milan (MI), Italy.
| | - Giovanni Gualerzi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine; Via Gramsci n.14, 43123; Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Marina Valente
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Clinical Surgery, University of Parma, I-43123 Parma (PR), Italy.
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of York, Toronto (ON), Canada.
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RICCò M, RAZIO B, POLETTI L, PANATO C, BALZARINI F, MEZZOIUSO A, VEZZOSI L. Risk perception of heat related disorders on the workplaces: a survey among health and safety representatives from the autonomous province of Trento, Northeastern Italy. J Prev Med Hyg 2020; 61:E48-E59. [PMID: 32490269 PMCID: PMC7225649 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study will investigate knowledge, attitude and practices towards heat-related health issues in a sample of safety representatives from Northern Italy (H&SRs). Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2016-2017 among 298 H&SR. Knowledge status was measured both in general but as well and focusing on first-aid issues. Assessment of risk perception included severity and frequency of heat-related events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed individual and work-related characteristics associated with H&SRs’ risk perception. Results 258 questionnaires were retrieved (participation rate 86.6%; mean age 48.2 ± 8.4 years). Knowledge status was relatively good on technical/preventive issues (62.3% ± 16.8) and first aid measures (72.6% ± 27.2), but a large share of respondents ignored the risk from exertional heat stroke (35.9%), and for heat strokes elicited by non-environmental heat (e.g. machineries, use of protective equipment, etc. 47.9%). The majority of respondents acknowledged the high frequency of extreme events like heat waves (62.0%), but only 44.6% agreed on their potential health threat, with an unsatisfying cumulative risk perception score (55.4% ± 23.5). A specific first-aid formation course was reported by 49.2% of respondents, while 10.9% had any previous interaction with heat-related disorders. Specific countermeasures for heat waves had been put in place by parent company in 20.1% of cases. Eventually, higher educational achievements (mOR 2.239, 95% CI 1.184-4.233) and a better general knowledge status (mOR 1.703, 95% CI 1.073-2.979) were positive predictors for higher risk perception. Conclusions Although H&SRs exhibited a good understanding of heat-related health issues, stakeholders should improve the implementation of specific countermeasures on the workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. RICCò
- AUSL- IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Public Health, Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace, Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy
- Provincial Agency for Health Services (APSS) of the Autonomous Province of Trento; Department of Prevention, Operative Unit for Health and Safety in the Workplaces, Trento (TN), Italy
- Correspondence: Matteo Riccò, Department of Public Health, Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace, via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy - Tel. +39 0522 837 587 - E-mail: /
| | - B. RAZIO
- University of Trento, First cycle degree in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - L. POLETTI
- University of Trento, First cycle degree in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - C. PANATO
- University of Trento, First cycle degree in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - F. BALZARINI
- University “Vita e Salute”, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (MI), Italy
| | - A.G. MEZZOIUSO
- University “Vita e Salute”, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (MI), Italy
| | - L. VEZZOSI
- ASST di Cremona; Direzione Medica di Presidio, Cremona (Italy)
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Riccò M, Vezzosi L, Gualerzi G, Odone A, Signorelli C. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines among agricultural workers: results of an Italian a cross-sectional study. Acta Biomed 2019; 90:439-450. [PMID: 31910168 PMCID: PMC7233756 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i4.7631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working age is increasing across Europe. Seasonal influenza (SID) and pneumococcal disease (PND) immunization programmes might be successfully implemented at the workplace. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among to assess SID and PND vaccine status, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in a representative sample of agricultural workers (AWs) aged ≥55 years in North-Eastern Italy. METHODS A structured questionnaire was administered in person by trained personnel. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify behavioral and work-related factors associated with SID and PND vaccine uptake. RESULTS Among 707 participants, 238 were aged 55 years or more (33.7% of total). Of them, 39.1% had an up-to-date immunization status towards influenza, and 17.6% towards pneumococcus. Factors associated with inadequate immunization were doubts about influenza vaccine safety (40.0%) and the confidence in natural immunity towards pneumococcus (30.8%). Attitude towards vaccinations was somehow favorable in 44.5% of participants for SID, and 37.8% for PND. Overall, 37.4% and 21.8% workers were aware of national recommendations on SID and PND immunization, respectively. This factor was characterized as a significant predictor for SID vaccination (multivariated Odds Ratio, OR 32.688 95%CI 12.015-88.930), as well as the perception of SID as a severe disease (OR 7.539 95%CI 3.312-17.164), and the perceived value of preventing new infections (OR 3.215 95%CI 1.205-8.578). A somehow favorable attitude towards vaccinations was the main predictor (OR 39.214 95%CI 10.179-151.1) for PND vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that older workers lack appropriate knowledge of national recommendations and correct risk perception of SID and PND infections, but also vaccines' side effects. As the latter has been recognized as predictive factor for SID vaccination, our results stress the importance for tailored informative interventions in the workplaces aimed to increase risk perception and vaccine acceptance. (www.actabiomedica.it).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Azienda USL di Reggio EmiliaV.le Amendola n.2 - 42122 REServizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL)Dip. di Prevenzione.
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Lee J, Lee W, Choi WJ, Kang SK, Ham S. Association between Exposure to Extreme Temperature and Injury at the Workplace. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E4955. [PMID: 31817710 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to extreme temperature is a critical occupational risk factor. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to extreme temperatures and injury at the workplace using data from 92,238 workers (46,175 male and 46,063 female) from the 2014 and 2017 Korean Working Condition Survey. Exposure to extremely high or low temperatures, injury experiences, and personal protective equipment (PPE) wearing behavior were investigated using a questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between exposure to extreme temperature and injury experience. The association between injury experience and PPE wearing behavior was analyzed for each exposure group. After adjusting for individual and occupational factors, the odds ratios (ORs) for injury experience were 2.06 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.78–2.38) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.44–1.85) in both high and low temperature exposure groups, respectively, and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.15–1.83) for those not wearing PPE when exposed to high temperature. There was no significant association shown with wearing PPE and injury experience in the low temperature exposure group. Exposure to extreme temperature tended to increase the risk of injury, and was higher in workers not wearing PPE in high temperature. PPE that can be worn comfortably in high temperature is needed to prevent occupational injury.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The burden of heat-related adverse occupational health effects, as well as traumatic injuries, is already substantial. Projected increases in mean temperatures and extreme events may increase the risk of adverse heat health effects and enhance disparities among exposed workers. This article reviews the emerging literature on the relationship between heat exposure and occupational traumatic injuries and discusses implications of this work. RECENT FINDINGS A recent meta-analysis of three case-crossover and five time series studies in industrialized settings reported an association of increasing occupational injuries with increasing heat exposure, with increased effect estimates for male gender and age less than 25 years, although heterogeneity in exposure metrics and sources of bias were demonstrated to varying degrees across studies. A subsequent case-crossover study in outdoor construction workers reported a 0.5% increase in the odds of traumatic injuries per 1 °C increase in maximum daily humidex (odds ratio 1.005 [95% CI 1.003-1.007]). While some studies have demonstrated reversed U-shaped associations between heat exposure and occupational injuries, different risk profiles have been reported in different industries and settings. Studies conducted primarily in industrialized settings suggest an increased risk of traumatic injury with increasing heat exposure, though the exact mechanisms of heat exposure's effects on traumatic injuries are still under investigation. The effectiveness of heat-related injury prevention approaches has not yet been established. To enhance the effectiveness of prevention efforts, prioritization of approaches should take into account not only the hierarchy of controls, social-ecological models, community and stakeholder participation, and tailoring of approaches to specific local work settings, but also methods that reduce local and global disparities and better address the source of heat exposure, including conservation-informed land-use planning, built environment, and prevention through design approaches. Participation of occupational health experts in transdisciplinary development and integration of these approaches is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- June T Spector
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Yuta J Masuda
- Global Science, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA, USA
| | | | - Miriam Calkins
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering - Field Research Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Noah Seixas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Riccò M, Bragazzi NL, Vezzosi L, Balzarini F, Colucci ME, Veronesi L. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Tick-Borne Human Diseases and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine among Farmers from North-Eastern Italy (2017). J Agromedicine 2019; 25:73-85. [PMID: 31456505 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1659204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Tick-borne diseases (T-BD) represent a potential health threat for outdoor workers in endemic areas, such as the Autonomous Province of Trento (APT). We conducted a questionnaire-based survey to assess T-BD knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among APT farmers, specifically focusing on the use of protective habits and the uptake of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine.Methods: A convenience sample of 106 farmers (all males, mean age 47.3 ± 13.6 years) attending pesticide training courses (12/2016-03/2017) completed the anonymous survey. Binary regression analysis, calculations of multivariate odds ratios (mOR) and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions as predictors of preventive measures.Results: Though general understanding of T-BD was fairly low, the majority of the participants perceived TBE infection as a frequent (73.6%) and severe disease (61.3%). Overall, 43.3% of participants knew a TBE vaccine was available, and 24.5% had been vaccinated. Protective habits were reported by 53.8% of respondents, with self-checks for tick bites particularly low at 2.8% of participants. Better knowledge of T-BD and favorable attitudes toward vaccinations were associated with TBE immunization (mOR 4.708; 95%CI 1.273-17.409 and mOR 3.555; 95%CI 1.175-10.760, respectively), while previous history of tick bite and any interaction with T-BD significantly predicted adherence to protective measures (mOR 4.458; 95%CI 1.808-10.991, and mOR 9.433; 95%CI 1.127-78.973, respectively).Conclusions: Adherence to preventive measures (TBE vaccine) and protective habits was unsatisfactory in our sampled group, being a possible consequence of significant knowledge gaps. Public health communication on T-BD in farmers should, therefore, target understanding of health issues and appropriate preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Department of Public Health, AUSL- IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace, Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy.,Autonomous Province of Trento Department of Prevention, Provincial Agency for Health Services (APSS), Operative Unit for Health and Safety in the Workplaces, Trento, Italy
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Postgraduate School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luigi Vezzosi
- Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige -Comprensorio di Brunico, Servizio di Igiene e Sanità Pubblica, Brunico, BZ
| | | | | | - Licia Veronesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Schifano P, Asta F, Marinaccio A, Bonafede M, Davoli M, Michelozzi P. Do exposure to outdoor temperatures, NO 2 and PM 10 affect the work-related injuries risk? A case-crossover study in three Italian cities, 2001-2010. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023119. [PMID: 31427308 PMCID: PMC6701593 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies on the effect of temperature on rates of work-related injuries (WRIs) are very recent, and are evolving in depth and scope. However, less is known about potential effects of air pollutants. Our objective was to analyse the association between WRI and NO2, PM10 and air temperature in three major Italian cities, and to identify groups of workers more at risk in Italy. DESIGN Time-stratified case-crossover study. SETTINGS Milan, Turin, Rome, years 2001-2010. PARTICIPANTS A total of 468 816 WRI occurred between 2001 and 2010 in Milan, Turin and Rome were extracted from the Italian national workers' compensation authority database. MAIN OUTCOMES Associations between WRI and temperature, PM10, NO2, separately in the warm and in the cold season (WS, May-September; CS, November-February). Effect modification was studied by economic sector, occupational activity and indoor/outdoor job activity. RESULTS Exposure to NO2 (lag 0-8) showed the highest effect on the risk of WRI,with ORs ranging from 1.20 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.24) in Milan to 1.30 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.37) in Turin in the WS. The effect of exposure to PM10 was milder but consistent across all cities: ORs from 1.09 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.12) in Turin to 1.15 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.18) in Rome. Temperature was associated with risk of WRI only among those working in construction (highest association in Rome 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12), transportation (highest association in Milan 1.05; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.14) and the energy industry (highest association in Milan 1.57; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.38) in the WS in all cities. A weak effect of low temperatures was observed in the CS only in Rome. CONCLUSIONS Exposures to NO2 resulted as strongest hazard for WRIs, mainly in warm months, while the independent effect of temperature was significant only in specific subgroups of workers. These results could be considered to better plan safety prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Schifano
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Asta
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Michelozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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Riccò M, Garbarino S, Bragazzi NL. Migrant Workers from the Eastern-Mediterranean Region and Occupational Injuries: A Retrospective Database-Based Analysis from North-Eastern Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E673. [PMID: 30823571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and, according to the Islamic tradition, it coincides with the month when the Noble Koran/Qur'an began to be revealed. In recent years, concerns about the potentially negative health effects of Ramadan fasting and the risks of work-related injuries have increased in Western European (EURO) countries. In the present study, we performed a retrospective database-based analysis assessing the impact of Ramadan fasting on occupational injuries (OIs) in North-Eastern Italy among migrant workers from the Eastern-Mediterranean Region (EMRO). Our results suggest that EMRO workers exhibit a significantly increased risk for OIs during Ramadan in periods characterized by heat-waves, while their frequency was somehow reduced for days associated with Ramadan characterized by increased but not extreme temperatures. However, these results may be attributable to an explanatory causation in the specific differences between EMRO and EURO workers in the job tasks performed at the workplace. Not coincidentally, no significant differences were found regarding industrial settings, mechanisms of OIs and final prognosis. Despite the obvious practical implications for health decision- and policy-makers, due to the limitations of the present investigation, further studies are warranted.
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Wu Y, Schwebel DC, Hu G. Disparities in Unintentional Occupational Injury Mortality between High-Income Countries and Low- and Middle-Income Countries: 1990⁻2016. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:ijerph15102296. [PMID: 30347672 PMCID: PMC6210857 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we examined differences in unintentional occupational injury mortality rates from 1990 to 2016 between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Unintentional occupational injury mortality rates were obtained through the GBD online visualization tool. We quantified mortality changes over time for common external causes of injury for ages 15–49 years and 50–69 years separately in HICs and LMICs using negative binomial regression models. Results: In 2016, there were 24,396 and 303,999 unintentional occupational injury deaths among individuals aged 15 to 69 years in HICs and LMICs, respectively, corresponding to 3.1 and 7.0 per 100,000 people. Between 1990 and 2016, unintentional occupational injury mortality for people aged 15–69 years dropped 46% (from 5.7 to 3.1 per 100,000 people) in HICs and 42% in LMICs (from 13.2 to 7.0 per 100,000 people). Sustained and large disparities existed between HICs and LMICs for both sexes and both age groups during 1990–2016 (mortality rate ratio: 2.2–2.4). All unintentional occupational injury causes of death displayed significant reduction with one exception (ages 15–49 years in HICs). Country-specific analysis revealed large variations in unintentional occupational injury mortality and changes in occupational injury mortality between 1990 and 2016. Conclusions: Despite substantial decreases in mortality between 1990 and 2016 for both HICs and LMICs, a large disparity continues to exist between HICs and LMICs. Multifaceted efforts are needed to reduce the disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China.
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - David C Schwebel
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Guoqing Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China.
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RICCÒ M, VEZZOSI L, GUALERZI G. Health and safety of pesticide applicators in a high income agricultural setting: a knowledge, attitude, practice, and toxicity study from North-Eastern Italy. J Prev Med Hyg 2018; 59:E200-E211. [PMID: 30397676 PMCID: PMC6196375 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2018.59.3.934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background We assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding pesticide handling and related health problems among pesticide applicators (PAs) from the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in spring 2016, involving 260 PAs. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with a safer use of pesticides. Results The mean age of participants was 48.8 ± 13.2 years. 89.2% were males. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was diffuse, particularly gloves (92.7%), face mask (91.2%), and post-spraying personal hygiene practices were extensively applied. Overall, 43.5% had experienced pesticide-related symptoms especially in subjects misusing PPE, but also for avoiding hygienic procedures. Knowledge about pesticides was a significant predictor for frequency of symptoms. Conclusions As a better knowledge of pesticide-related risks was a significant predictor to reduce symptoms, our results stress that improving awareness and promoting safe use of pesticide may improve the health of PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. RICCÒ
- Provincial Agency for Health Services of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Department of Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Unit (UOPSAL), Trento (TN), Italy
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza degli Ambienti di lavoro, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- * Correspondence: Matteo Riccò, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza degli Ambienti di lavoro, Reggio Emilia, Italy - E-mail:
| | - L. VEZZOSI
- University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Department of Experimental Medicine, Naples (NA), Italy
| | - G. GUALERZI
- University of Parma, Department Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, Parma (PR), Italy
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Hoseini Azizi T, Hejazi SS, Kameli A. Frequency of complications of falling from the walnut tree, as an occupational-seasonal injury. J Inj Violence Res 2018; 10:91-96. [PMID: 29937478 PMCID: PMC6101229 DOI: 10.5249/jivr.v10i2.980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falling from a tree is one of the major causes of serious injuries in farmers but it can be prevented. Walnut is one of the most important agricultural products in Iran and falling from walnut trees is common during the season of harvest. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of complications due to falling from walnut tree in patients referred to the emergency department of Imam Ali Hospital in Bojnurd City, Iran. METHODS A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 127 patients with injuries due to falling from the walnut tree in Bojnurd City, Iran, in the walnut harvest season of August 2013 to November 2014. The tools used for data collection in this study included a demographic information form, checklists of information about the injury and the follow-up checklist of treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by the SPSS software version 16. RESULTS From a total of 127 injured patients, 120 cases (94.4%) were males with a mean age of 36.49 ± 15.65 years. Five patients died on the day of admission. Eighty two patients (64.56%) were admitted in hospital wards. The most common type of injuries were trunk injuries (26.19%), followed by spinal cord injuries (18.1%). Also, 7 patients suffered from complete spinal cord injury. CONCLUSIONS Injuries caused by falling from walnut trees are seasonal and impose large financial burden on our health system. In most cases, young men suffer from varying degrees of disability and experience financial problems. It is very important to train farmers and workers, so as to prevent such injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Hoseini Azizi
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
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