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Lie JAS, Zienolddiny-Narui S, Bråtveit M. Effects of the combined exposure to chemicals and unusual working hours. Ann Work Expo Health 2024:wxae033. [PMID: 38708995 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae033] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both exposure to occupational chemicals and to unusual working hours have well documented effects on health. Determination of occupational exposure limits is, however, usually based on chemical-only exposure and assumes an 8-h workday, 5 days/week and a 40-h work week. A significant proportion of the workforce is exposed to chemicals while working in other work schedules. This review thus aimed to synthesize and evaluate the scientific support for a combined effect of unusual working hours and chemical exposure and, if possible, give recommendations for OEL adjustments to account for unusual working hours. METHODS The search for articles was made as part of the preparation of a report for the Nordic Expert Group for Criteria Documentation of Health Risks from Chemicals. In this report, unusual working hours were categorized as shift work or extended (>8 h) working hours. Inclusion criteria were observational studies in the English language published up to November 2021 in peer-reviewed journals, with explicit metrics of exposure (chemicals and unusual working hours) and of health outcome, and which explicitly tested the association between exposure and outcome. Search engines of seven databases were used. RESULTS Of the initially 15 400 identified papers, 9 studies published between 1985 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria, 7 of which showed significant associations. Results from a few of the studies, i.e. regarding effects of dust and endotoxin on lung function, effects of acetone on sleep quality and tiredness, effects of carbon disulphide on coronary artery disease and effects of chemicals on spontaneous abortion, suggested more pronounced effects during night shifts compared to during day shifts. DISCUSSION The reviewed data is considered insufficient to conclude on recommendations for OEL adjustment for shift work. Suggested areas of future studies are mentioned. CONCLUSION Further studies about the effects of the combined exposure to unusual working hours and chemical exposure are essential for risk assessment, and for recommendation of potential OEL adjustments. What is important about this paper? Effects of chemical agents at the workplace may depend not only on exposure level and duration but also on the time of exposure in relation to the circadian rhythm. This study reviewed the scientific support for a combined effect of unusual working hours and chemical exposure and revealed an obvious need for additional studies regarding the complex interplay of the two different exposures with respect to adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny-Anne S Lie
- Group of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shan Zienolddiny-Narui
- Group of Occupational Toxicology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Babigumira R, Veierød MB, Hosgood HD, Samuelsen SO, Bråtveit M, Kirkeleit J, Rothman N, Lan Q, Silverman DT, Friesen MC, Shala NK, Grimsrud TK, Stenehjem JS. Benzene exposure and risk of lung cancer in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Worker cohort: a prospective case-cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2023:oemed-2023-109139. [PMID: 38154914 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109139] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to examine whether occupational exposure to benzene is associated with lung cancer among males in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers cohort. METHODS Among 25 347 male offshore workers employed during 1965-1998, we conducted a case-cohort study with 399 lung cancer cases diagnosed between 1999 and 2021, and 2035 non-cases sampled randomly by 5-year birth cohorts. Individual work histories were coupled to study-specific job-exposure matrices for benzene and other known lung carcinogens. Weighted Cox regression was used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for the associations between benzene exposure and lung cancer, by major histological subtypes, adjusted for age, smoking and occupational exposure to welding fumes, asbestos and crystalline silica. Missing data were imputed. RESULTS For lung cancer (all subtypes combined), HRs (95% CIs) for the highest quartiles of benzene exposure versus unexposed were 1.15 (0.61 to 2.35) for cumulative exposure, 1.43 (0.76 to 2.69) for duration, and 1.22 (0.68 to 2.18) for average intensity (0.280≤P-trend≤0.741). For 152 adenocarcinoma cases, a positive trend was observed for exposure duration (P-trend=0.044). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of offshore petroleum workers generally exposed to low average levels of benzene, we did not find an overall clear support for an association with lung cancer (all subtypes combined), although an association was suggested for duration of benzene exposure and adenocarcinoma. The limited evidence might be due to restricted statistical power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Babigumira
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit B Veierød
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Dean Hosgood
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Qing Lan
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa C Friesen
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nita Kaupang Shala
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Kumie A, Deressa W, Moen BE. Bacterial contamination of coffee and personal exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin in primary coffee processing factories in Ethiopia. Ann Agric Environ Med 2023; 30:611-616. [PMID: 38153062 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/173222] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria might be released when the coffee cherries are processed and may cause respiratory health problems among workers in the coffee industry. The relationship between bacterial contamination and occupational exposure to endotoxin levels has not been thoroughly explored previously in primary coffee processing factories in Ethiopia, or elsewhere. The aim of this study was to characterize the level of personal endotoxin exposure and its relations with bacterial contamination of coffee cherries in such factories in Ethiopia. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 - February 2021 in 9 primary coffee processing factories in 3 regions in Ethiopia. A total of 180 personal air samples were collected to analyze workers' exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin. Correlation tests were performed to assess the relationship between total bacteria and endotoxin levels and between inhalable dust and endotoxin levels. RESULTS The geometric mean (GM) of personal inhalable dust exposure among machine room workers and hand pickers were 9.58 mg/m3 and 2.56 mg/m3, respectively. The overall GM of endotoxin exposure among machine room workers and hand pickers were 10,198 EU/m3 and 780 EU/m3, respectively. Gram-negative bacteria were found in all 54 coffee samples. The correlation between inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure was significant (r=0.80; P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS About 92% of the samples from hand pickers and all samples from machine room workers exceeded the occupational exposure limit of 90 EU/m3 recommended by the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Standards. Prevention and control of bacterial contamination of the coffee in primary coffee processing are suggested to reduce endotoxin exposure that might cause respiratory health problems among coffee workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Bente Elisabeth Moen
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Aasbø K, Bråtveit M. Validation of a full-shift benzene exposure empirical model developed for work on offshore petroleum installations on the Norwegian continental shelf. J Occup Environ Hyg 2023; 20:460-467. [PMID: 37526465 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2242416] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Workers on offshore petroleum installations might be exposed to benzene, a carcinogenic agent. Recently, a full-shift benzene exposure model was developed based on personal measurements. This study aimed to validate this exposure model by using datasets not included in the model. The exposure model was validated against an internal dataset of measurements from offshore installations owned by the same company that provided data for the model, and an external dataset from installations owned by another company. We used Tobit regression to estimate GM (geometric mean) benzene exposure overall and for individual job groups. Bias, relative bias, precision, and correlation were estimated to evaluate the agreement between measured exposures and the levels predicted by the model. Overall, the model overestimated exposure when compared to the predicted exposure level to the internal dataset with a factor of 1.7, a relative bias of 73%, a precision of 0.6, a correlation coefficient of 0.72 (p = 0.019), while the Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) was 0.53. The model underestimated exposure when compared to the external dataset with a factor of about 2, with a relative bias of -45%, a precision of 1.2, a correlation coefficient of 0.31 (p = 0.544), and a Lin's CCC of 0.25. The exposure model overestimated benzene exposure in the internal validation dataset, while the precision and the correlation between the measured and predicted exposure levels were high. Differences in measurement strategies could be one of the reasons for the discrepancy. The exposure model agreed less with the external dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Ridderseth
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Shala NK, Stenehjem JS, Babigumira R, Liu FC, Berge LAM, Silverman DT, Friesen MC, Rothman N, Lan Q, Hosgood HD, Samuelsen SO, Bråtveit M, Kirkeleit J, Andreassen BK, Veierød MB, Grimsrud TK. Exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons and risk of bladder cancer among male offshore petroleum workers. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:838-851. [PMID: 37464024 PMCID: PMC10449774 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02357-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational exposures constitute the second leading cause of urinary bladder cancer after tobacco smoking. Increased risks have been found in the petroleum industry, but high-quality exposure data are needed to explain these observations. METHODS Using a prospective case-cohort design, we analysed 189 bladder cancer cases (1999-2017) and 2065 randomly drawn non-cases from the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers cohort. Cases were identified in the Cancer Registry of Norway, while work histories (1965-1998) and lifestyle factors were recorded by questionnaire at baseline (1998). Occupational petroleum-related hydrocarbon exposures were assessed by expert-developed job-exposure matrices. Hazard ratios were estimated by weighted Cox-regressions, adjusted for age, tobacco smoking, education, and year of first employment, and with lagged exposures. RESULTS Increased risks were found in benzene-exposed workers, either long-term exposure (≥18.8 years, HR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.14-3.13; p-trend = 0.044) or high-level cumulative benzene exposure (HR = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.97-2.63; p-trend = 0.065), compared with the unexposed. Associations persisted with 20-year exposure lag. No associations were found with skin or inhalation exposure to crude oil, mineral oil (lubrication, hydraulics, turbines, drilling), or diesel exhaust. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that exposures in the benzene fraction of the petroleum stream may be associated with increased bladder cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nita K Shala
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jo S Stenehjem
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ronnie Babigumira
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fei-Chih Liu
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leon A M Berge
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melissa C Friesen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qing Lan
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - H Dean Hosgood
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marit B Veierød
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Onni AT, Dodanwalage AKP, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Prevalence of Occupational Injuries in selected Coir Industries in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. Int J Occup Saf Health 2023. [DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v13i2.48717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The coir industry processes fibers from coconuts and is important for a high number of people in Sri Lanka. Coir workers handle several dangerous machines. This project has studied occupational injuries among coir workers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in six medium-sized coir industries in Sri Lanka, each with 15-100 employees. The workers who were present at work on the two days the researchers visited the respective industries (128 of total 214 workers) were interviewed on socio-demographics, work tasks they normally perform and occupational injuries they had experienced in the last three months. Independent T-tests and Chi-square tests were used to analyze for differences between groups.
Results: The mean age of the 128 interviewed workers was 45 years and 53.9% were male. Totally 34 (26.6%) of the workers had experienced at least one injury each during the past three months. Women reported significantly more injuries than men (38.9% vs 15.9%). The workers operating machines reported significantly more injuries than workers who performed other types of work (42.3% vs 22.0%). Slipped, tripped, and fall (64%) were the most common events of injury seen among the injured workers followed by cuts by sharp objects or machines (20%). The most common type of injury among the workers reporting injuries were cuts and bruises (50%).
Conclusion: More than one-fourth of the workers reported to have been injured in the last three months, indicating a high injury risk. This raises concerns and highlights the need for preventative measures to minimize risks.
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Mwelange LP, Mamuya SHD, Mwaiselage J, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Esophageal and Head and Neck Cancer Patients Attending Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania from 2019 to 2021: An Observational Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3305. [PMID: 36833998 PMCID: PMC9962976 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043305] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer in Africa is an emerging public health problem that needs urgent preventive measures, particularly in workplaces where exposure to carcinogens may occur. In Tanzania, the incidence rate of cancer and mortality rates due to cancers are increasing, with approximately 50,000 new cases each year. This is estimated to double by 2030. METHODS Our hospital-based cross-sectional study describes the characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with head and neck or esophageal cancer from the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Tanzania. We used an ORCI electronic system to extract secondary data for these patients. RESULTS According to the cancer registration, there were 611 head and neck and 975 esophageal cancers recorded in 2019-2021. Two-thirds of these cancer patients were male. About 25% of the cancer patients used tobacco and alcohol, and over 50% were involved in agriculture. CONCLUSION Descriptions of 1586 head and neck cancer patients and esophageal cancer patients enrolled in a cancer hospital in Tanzania are given. The information may be important for designing future studies of these cancers and may be of value in the development of cancer prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luco P. Mwelange
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Simon H. D. Mamuya
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Aasbø K, Bråtveit M. Benzene Exposure From Selected Work Tasks on Offshore Petroleum Installations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, 2002-2018. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 67:228-240. [PMID: 36269106 PMCID: PMC9923039 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac067] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Work on offshore petroleum installations may cause exposure to benzene. Benzene is a carcinogenic agent, and exposure among workers should be as low as reasonably practicable. We aimed to assess short-term (less than 60 min) benzene exposure from the most frequent work tasks on offshore installations on the Norwegian continental shelf and identify determinants of exposure. In addition, we aimed to assess the time trend in task-based benzene measurements from 2002 to 2018. METHODS The study included 763 task-based measurements with a sampling duration of less than 60 min, collected on 28 offshore installations from 2002 to 2018. The measurements were categorized into 10 different tasks. Multilevel mixed-effect Tobit regression models were developed for two tasks: sampling and disassembling/assembling equipment. Benzene source, season, indoors or outdoors, design of process area, year of production start, sampling method, and work operation were considered as potential determinants for benzene exposure in the models. RESULTS The overall geometric mean (GM) benzene exposure was 0.02 ppm (95% confidence intervals 95%(CI: 0.01-0.04). The pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) operation task was associated with the highest exposure, with a GM of 0.33 ppm, followed by work on flotation cells, disassembling/assembling, and sampling, with GMs of 0.16, 0.04, and 0.01 ppm, respectively. Significant determinants for the disassembling/assembling task were work operation (changing or recertifying valves, changing or cleaning filters, and breaking pipes) and benzene source. For sampling, the benzene source was a significant determinant. Overall, the task-based benzene exposure declined annually by 10.2% (CI 95%: -17.4 to -2.4%) from 2002 to 2018. CONCLUSIONS The PIG operation task was associated with the highest exposure out of the ten tasks, followed by work on flotation cells and when performing disassembling/assembling of equipment. The exposure was associated with the type of benzene source that was worked on. Despite the decline in task-based exposure in 2002-2018, technical measures should still be considered in order to reduce the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Ridderseth
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +47 90779086; e-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Shentema MG, Bråtveit M, Kumie A, Deressa W, Moen BE. Respiratory Health among Pesticide Sprayers at Flower Farms in Ethiopia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19127427. [PMID: 35742676 PMCID: PMC9224342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127427] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Pesticide use in Ethiopia has become a common practice in which large-scale flower farms are the main consumers. Workers on flower farms might be exposed to pesticides while spraying or while performing other tasks related to pesticide use and management. It is unclear whether working as a flower farm sprayer is associated with respiratory health problems. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare respiratory symptoms and lung function indices between pesticide sprayers and non-spraying workers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 flower farms, involving all-male sprayers as the pesticide-exposed group and all other male workers as a control group. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire for respiratory symptoms developed by the British Medical Research Council and the American Thoracic Society. Lung function tests were performed to determine forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), mid 50 expiratory flow, and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC. Chi-squared tests and Poisson regression analyses were used to compare respiratory symptoms between the two working groups. General linear regression models were used to compare lung function test indices between spraying and non-spraying working groups. The significance level was set to 0.05. Results: A total of 285 male workers participated (152 sprayers and 133 non-spraying workers). The mean age of the workers was 25 years for sprayers and 24 years for non-sprayers. The proportions of cough, cough with sputum, breathlessness, and wheezing were similar in the two groups, while chest tightness was significantly high in the non-spraying group. Sprayers had significantly higher FVC and FEV1 than the non-spraying group. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms were not different between the sprayers and non-spraying workers except that the non-spraying workers had increased chest tightness. FVC and FEV1 were significantly higher among sprayers relative to non-sprayers. The results must be interpreted with caution, as the sprayers used respiratory protective equipment, which probably reduced their exposure to the pesticides. Also, the workers were young, and a healthy worker effect might be present among the sprayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaza Gezu Shentema
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (B.E.M.)
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Bente Elisabeth Moen
- Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (B.E.M.)
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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Faksness LG, Leirvik F, Taban IC, Engen F, Jensen HV, Holbu JW, Dolva H, Bråtveit M. Offshore field experiments with in-situ burning of oil: Emissions and burn efficiency. Environ Res 2022; 205:112419. [PMID: 34822858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In situ burning (ISB) is an oil spill response technique including ignition and burning to remove oil on the water surface. The technique rapidly and effectively removes large portions of the oil. However, the combustion process causes a large smoke plume and leaves a viscous residue in the water. During six large-scale experimental burns in the North Sea in 2018 and 2019, the smoke plume, released oil and contained residues were analysed. The objectives were to document the content of particles and gases in the smoke plume, properties of both the released oils and residues, and the effectiveness of the burns. Oseberg crude oil, Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO), Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO180) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) were released into a fire-boom and ignited. Particles and gases in the smoke plume were monitored using drones with several sensors. Soot particle monitoring indicated that more than 90% of the particles produced during the burns were <1 μm. Soot fallout was mainly limited to visible smoke, and the particle concentration was highest directly under the smoke plume and declined with distance from the burn. Gas monitoring in the smoke indicated low concentrations of SO2 and NOX (<2 ppm), and the concentrations of CO2 and CO were within air quality standards. Black Carbon produced relative to the amount of oil burned was 10-18%. The burn efficiency varied and were estimated to 80-91% for Oseberg, >90% for MGO, and <60% for both ULSFO and IFO180. The present paper addresses the results of the smoke plume monitoring, properties of the ISB residues and the burn efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ingrid C Taban
- Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies, NO-4068, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Frode Engen
- Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies, NO-4068, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Hans V Jensen
- Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies, NO-4068, Stavanger, Norway
| | | | - Hilde Dolva
- Norwegian Coastal Administration, NO-3187, Horten, Norway
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Szwangruber M, Gjesteland I, Hollund BE, Faksness LG, Taban IC, Engen F, Holbu JW, Dolva H, Bråtveit M. Occupational exposure to air pollutants emitted from in situ burning of offshore oil spills: a large-scale field study. Int Marit Health 2022; 73:1-9. [DOI: 10.5603/imh.2022.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Liu FC, Veierød MB, Kjærheim K, Robsahm TE, Ghiasvand R, Hosgood HD, Samuelsen SO, Bråtveit M, Kirkeleit J, Rothman N, Lan Q, Silverman DT, Friesen MC, Babigumira R, Shala N, Grimsrud TK, Stenehjem JS. Night shift work, chemical coexposures and risk of female breast cancer in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort: a prospectively recruited case-cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056396. [PMID: 35074823 PMCID: PMC8788313 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056396] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the association between night shift work and risk of breast cancer, overall and by hormone receptor subtype, among females in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort. We also examined the association of coexposure (chlorinated degreasers and benzene) and breast cancer risk, and possible interaction with work schedule. DESIGN Prospectively recruited case-cohort study within the NOPW cohort. SETTING Female offshore petroleum workers active on the Norwegian continental shelf. PARTICIPANTS 600 female workers (86 cases and 514 non-cases) were included in the study. We excluded workers that died or emigrated before start of follow-up, had missing work history, were diagnosed with breast cancer or other prior malignancy (except non-melanoma skin cancer) before start of follow-up. RESULTS No overall association was found between breast cancer risk and work schedule (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.46 for work schedule involving night shift vs day shift only). There was no significant association between work schedule and risk of any breast cancer subtype. No significant interactions were found between work schedule and chemical coexposures (breast cancer overall Pinteraction chlorinated degreasers=0.725 and Pinteraction benzene=0.175). CONCLUSIONS Our results did not provide supporting evidence that work schedule involving night shift affects breast cancer risk in female offshore petroleum workers, but should be considered cautiously due to few cases. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chih Liu
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Reza Ghiasvand
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Dean Hosgood
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Universitetet i Bergen Det medisinsk-odontologiske fakultet, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Universitetet i Bergen Det medisinsk-odontologiske fakultet, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Qing Lan
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa C Friesen
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Nita Shala
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oslo Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Austgulen LT, Bråtveit M. OUP accepted manuscript. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:895-906. [PMID: 35522183 PMCID: PMC9357345 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac022] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Workers on offshore petroleum installations are at risk of being exposed to benzene which is carcinogenic to humans. The present study aimed to assess the time trend of full-shift benzene exposure from 2002 to 2018 in order to characterize benzene exposure among laboratory technicians, mechanics, process operators, and industrial cleaners, and to examine the possible determinants of benzene exposure. Methods A total of 924 measurements of benzene exposure from the Norwegian petroleum offshore industry were included. The median sampling duration was 680 min, ranging from 60 to 940 min. The overall geometric mean (GM) and 95% confidence interval, time trends, and determinants of exposure were estimated using multilevel mixed-effects tobit regression analyses. Time trends were estimated for sampling duration below and above 8 h, both overall and for job groups. The variability of exposure between installation and workers was investigated in a subset of data containing worker identification. Results The overall GM of benzene exposure was 0.004 ppm. When adjusting for job group, design of process area, season, wind speed, and sampling duration, industrial cleaners had the highest exposure (GM = 0.012). Laboratory technicians, mechanics, and process operators had a GM exposure of 0.004, 0.003, and 0.004 ppm, respectively. Overall, the measured benzene exposure increased by 7.6% per year from 2002 to 2018. Mechanics had an annual increase of 8.6% and laboratory technicians had an annual decrease of 12.6% when including all measurements. When including only measurements above 8 h, mechanics had an increase of 16.8%. No statistically significant time trend was found for process operators. Open process area, high wind speed, and wintertime were associated with reduced exposure level. Conclusions An overall increase in measured exposure was observed from 2002 to 2018. The increase may reflect changes in measurement strategy from mainly measuring on random days to days with expected exposure. However, the time trend varied between job groups and was different for sampling duration above or below 8 h. Industrial cleaners had the highest exposure of the four job groups while no differences in exposure were observed between laboratory technicians, mechanics, and process operators. The design of the process area, job group, wind speed, and season were all significant determinants of benzene exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Ridderseth
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +47 90779086; e-mail:
| | | | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Ridderseth H, Daltveit DS, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Kromhout H, Krüger K, Austgulen LT, Bråtveit M. Time trends in full- shift exposure to benzene in the offshore petroleum industry in Norway (2002-2018). Saf Health Work 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Moen, Mamuya S, Deressa W, Bråtveit M. A MOOC to teach basics on Occupational Health in a global setting. Saf Health Work 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Bråtveit M, Abaya SW, Sakwari G, Moen BE. Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health Among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2021; 9:730201. [PMID: 34616708 PMCID: PMC8488214 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.730201] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In primary coffee factories the coffee beans are cleaned and sorted. Studies from the 80- and 90-ties indicated respiratory health effects among the workers, but these results may not represent the present status. Our aim was to review recent studies on dust exposure and respiratory health among coffee factory workers in Tanzania and Ethiopia, two major coffee producing countries in Africa. Methods: This study merged data from cross-sectional studies from 2010 to 2019 in 4 and 12 factories in Tanzania and Ethiopia, respectively. Personal samples of “total” dust and endotoxin were taken in the breathing zone. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire. Lung function was measured by a spirometer in accordance with ATS guidelines. Results: Dust exposure among male production workers was higher in Ethiopia (GM 12 mg/m3; range 1.1–81) than in Tanzania (2.5; 0.24–36). Exposure to endotoxins was high (3,500; 42–75,083) compared to the Dutch OEL of 90 EU/m3. The male workers had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than controls. The highest symptom prevalence and odds ratio were found for cough (48.4%; OR = 11.3), while for breathlessness and wheezing the odds ratios were 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. There was a significant difference between the male coffee workers and controls in the adjusted FEV1 (0.26 l/s) and FVC (0.21 l) and in the prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < 0.7) (6.3 vs. 0.9%). Among the male coffee workers, there was a significant association between cumulative dust exposure and the lung function variables FEV1 and FVC, respectively. Conclusions: The results suggest that coffee production workers are at risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, and that the findings are related to high dust levels. Measures to reduce dust exposure should be targeted to factors identified as significant determinants of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gloria Sakwari
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Clemm T, Nordby KC, Lunde LK, Ulvestad B, Bråtveit M. Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure in Rock Drill Workers: A Comparison between Measurements with Hand-Attached and Tool-Attached Accelerometers. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:1123-1132. [PMID: 34254993 PMCID: PMC8577229 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab051] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the hazard of tool vibrations, we need valid exposure measurements. The use of hand-attached accelerometers (vibration sensors) to measure hand-arm vibrations (HAVs) has become a popular approach. However, according to International Standard ISO 5349-2, the preferred attachment of accelerometers is at the tool handle. We compared measures of HAV between hand- and tool-attached accelerometers in rock drilling. Methods We measured HAV in five rock drillers using jackleg drills in normal working operations with simultaneous measures of both hand-attached and tool-attached accelerometers. Five to seven measurement cycles of 15 s were executed on each worker, resulting in a total of 29 measurement cycles. To identify possible differences in working technique, we recorded videos of tool handle handgrips during drilling. Results There was a significant difference (9.5 m s−2; P ≤ 0.05) in vibration magnitudes measured by the tool-attached accelerometers compared with the hand-attached accelerometers. The hand-attached accelerometer showed a lower vibration magnitude for all workers (range of difference: 2.3–14.6). The variation between the two accelerometer attachments was larger between workers than within workers (ICC = 0.68). Conclusions For measurements of HAV from jackleg drills, the use of hand-attached accelerometers may cause a lower recorded vibration level compared with tool-attached accelerometers. This difference is likely to vary depending on how workers grip the tool handle, and a misclassification of exposure will occur if workers grip the tool handle in a way that makes the accelerometer lose contact with the vibrating surface. Individual differences in how workers grip the tool handles should be considered when assessing HAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clemm
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Ulvestad
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), PO Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, PO Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Stenehjem JS, Babigumira R, Hosgood HD, Veierød MB, Samuelsen SO, Bråtveit M, Kirkeleit J, Rothman N, Lan Q, Silverman DT, Friesen MC, Robsahm TE, Kjærheim K, Andreassen BK, Shala NK, Liu FC, Strand LÅ, Grimsrud TK. Cohort Profile: Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) Cohort. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:398-399. [PMID: 32879941 PMCID: PMC8128454 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jo S Stenehjem
- Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | | | - H Dean Hosgood
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marit B Veierød
- Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qing Lan
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melissa C Friesen
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Trude E Robsahm
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Nita K Shala
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fei-Chih Liu
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leif-Åge Strand
- Institute of Military Medicine and Epidemiology, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Sessvollmoen, Norway
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Nyarubeli IP, Bråtveit M, Tungu AM, Mamuya SH, Moen BE. Temporary Threshold Shifts among Iron and Steel Factory Workers in Tanzania: A Pre-Interventional Study. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:35. [PMID: 33868967 PMCID: PMC8034394 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Workers in iron and steel factories in Tanzania are exposed to noise levels above recommended limit values, without using hearing protection devices. Exposure to noise levels above 85 dB(A) is associated with temporary threshold shifts (TTS) of human hearing. Nevertheless, there are few studies of noise and hearing from African countries. Objective To determine whether the normal hearing workers in Tanzania experiences TTS after full-shift occupational noise exposure of 85 dB(A) and above. Methods A total of 55 workers were included. Full-shift personal noise measurements were conducted. Pre- and post-shifts pure-tone audiometry were conducted for each worker. TTS was defined as a 10 dB or greater change at 1000, 2000, 3000 or 4000 Hz in either ear. Results We found that 85.5% of the workers developed TTS across the work shift. There was significant increase in mean hearing thresholds across shift at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz among the workers exposed to an average personal noise exposure (LAeq,8h) of 90.4 dB(A) (SD = 2.7). The difference in mean hearing thresholds was higher at 4000 Hz [Arithmetic Mean (AM) = 10 dB SD = 4 dB] compared to that of 1000 Hz (AM = 4 dB SD = 3 dB), 2000 Hz (AM = 4 dB SD = 4 dB), and 3000 Hz (AM = 9 dB SD = 6 dB), respectively. Conclusions Interventions to reduce occupational personal noise exposure are warranted to reduce the high risk of developing a permanent threshold shift with persistent high noise exposure. An intervention study is planned for this group of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel P. Nyarubeli
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander Mtemi Tungu
- Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Simon H. Mamuya
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Kumie A, Moen BE. Respiratory Health Among Hand Pickers in Primary Coffee-Processing Factories of Ethiopia. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 61:565-571. [PMID: 31045853 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function among female hand pickers. METHODS A total of 374 hand pickers exposed to coffee dust and 175 female controls from water bottling factories were included. The symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Personal total dust exposure and lung function tests were performed. RESULTS Hand pickers experienced a higher dust exposure, displayed a higher prevalence ratio for cough [prevalence ratio (PR) = 3.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.4 to 6.2] and work-related shortness of breath (PR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1 to 5.6), and had a lower FEF25-75 than controls. Hand pickers without tables had a significantly higher prevalence ratio of cough with sputum (PR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.6 to 9.5) and lower forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC than hand pickers with tables. CONCLUSION Hand pickers show a range of adverse symptoms and lung function impairments that warrant efforts to improve working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Mr Abaya, Dr Deressa, Dr Kumie); Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (Dr Bråtveit); and Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (Dr Moen)
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Tefera Y, Schlünssen V, Kumie A, Deressa W, Moen BE, Bråtveit M. Personal inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure among workers in an integrated textile factory. Arch Environ Occup Health 2020; 75:415-421. [PMID: 32308145 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1743958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine personal exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin levels among workers in an integrated cotton-processing textile factory and exposure variability across the different work sections. Full shift measurements were carried out using inhalable conical samplers with 37 mm glass-fiber filters. Personal inhalable dust was determined gravimetrically, and endotoxin levels were analyzed by kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocytes Lysate assay. The geometric means of personal dust and endotoxin concentrations were 0.75 mg·m-3 and 831 EU·m-3, respectively. The highest dust and endotoxin concentrations were observed in carding section (1.34 mg·m-3 and 6,381 EU·m-3, respectively). Altogether, 11% of dust and 89% of endotoxin samples exceeded workplace exposure limits. This study showed a moderate correlation between inhalable dust and endotoxin (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that low dust exposure does not guarantee a low exposure to endotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifokire Tefera
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Tefera Zele Y, Kumie A, Deressa W, Moen BE, Bråtveit M. Reduced Cross-Shift Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms among Integrated Textile Factory Workers in Ethiopia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17082741. [PMID: 32316175 PMCID: PMC7215879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082741] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic respiratory symptoms and reduction in lung function has been described as a common health problem among textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers from an integrated textile factory. A comparative cross-sectional study design with a cross-shift lung function measurement was performed in 306 cotton dust exposed workers from an integrated textile factory and 156 control workers from a water bottling factory. An integrated textile factory typically has four main production departments (spinning, weaving, finishing, and garment) that process raw cotton and manufacture clothes or fabrics. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by adopting the standard American Thoracic Society questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic and linear regression analysis were used. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among textile workers (54%) than in controls (28%). Chronic cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness were significantly higher among textile workers (23%, 33%, and 37%, respectively) than in the control group (5%, 17% and 6%, respectively). Breathlessness was the most prevalent chronic respiratory symptom with highest adjusted odds ratio 9.4 (95% CI 4.4–20.3). A significantly higher cross-shift lung function reduction was observed among textile workers (123 mL for FEV1 and 129 mL for FVC) compared with the control group (14 mL for FEV1 and 12 mL for FVC). Thus, workers’ respiratory health protection programs should be strengthened in textile factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifokire Tefera Zele
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (B.E.M.); (M.B.)
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +251-91-375-4082
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (B.E.M.); (M.B.)
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway; (B.E.M.); (M.B.)
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Shentema MG, Kumie A, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Ngowi AV, Moen BE. Pesticide Use and Serum Acetylcholinesterase Levels among Flower Farm Workers in Ethiopia-A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17030964. [PMID: 32033179 PMCID: PMC7037783 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The flower industry in East Africa has grown in recent years, especially in the production and export of roses. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use on selected flower farms in Ethiopia. Serum cholinesterase levels in workers were used as a marker of pesticide exposure. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 588 workers from 15 different flower farms. It had a response rate of 95.5%. The participants included 277 males (mean age 26 years; 148 pesticide sprayers and 129 non-sprayers) and 311 females (mean age 25 years; 156 working in greenhouses and 155 working outside the greenhouses). The researchers undertook structured interviews, blood sampling, and walkthrough surveys. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used in the statistical analyses. A total of 154 different trade names of pesticides were found. Of them, 31 (27%) were classified as moderately hazardous by the WHO, and 9% were organophosphates. Serum levels of cholinesterase deviating from 50-140 Michel units were considered abnormal. Abnormal serum cholinesterase levels (above 140 Michel units) were found in 97 participants (16.5%, 95% confidence interval 13.7-19.7%). There were no differences between the four job groups regarding cholinesterase levels. The high prevalence of abnormal serum cholinesterase levels might indicate the presence of pesticide intoxication. Thus, there is a need for routine monitoring of all workers exposed to pesticides, not only sprayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaza Gezu Shentema
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +25-191-203-2797
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (B.E.M.)
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia; (A.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Aiwerasia Vera Ngowi
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dares Salaam 65015, Tanzania;
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (B.E.M.)
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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Asgedom AA, Bråtveit M, Schlünssen V, Moen BE. Exposure to inhalable dust, endotoxin and formaldehyde in factories processing particleboards from eucalyptus trees in Ethiopia. EOH-P 2020. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2019-0016-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Akeza Awealom Asgedom
- Department of Environmental Health and Behavioral Science, College of Health Science, Mekelle University
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University
- National Research Center for the Working Environment
| | - Bente Elisabeth Moen
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Kumie A, Moen BE. Personal Dust Exposure and Its Determinants among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing in Ethiopia. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:1087-1095. [PMID: 30219883 PMCID: PMC6231026 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy079] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coffee processing has been shown to cause high dust exposure among the workers, but there are few studies from primary processing of coffee, and none of them is from Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess dust exposure and its determinants among workers in primary coffee processing factories of Ethiopia. Methods A total of 360 personal ‘total’ dust samples were collected from the breathing zone of workers in 12 primary coffee processing factories in Ethiopia. Dust sampling was performed with 25-mm three piece conductive cassettes with cellulose acetate filters attached to pumps with flow rate of 2 l min−1 for an average sampling duration of 410 min. The dust samples were analysed gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale. An observational checklist was used to collect information about possible determinants of dust exposure in the work environment. Linear mixed effect regression models were used to identify significant determinants of total dust exposure. Results Personal total dust exposure levels varied between the three main job groups with a geometric mean (GM) of 12.54 mg m−3 for the machine room workers, 12.30 mg m−3 for the transport workers, and 1.08 mg m−3 for hand pickers. In these three groups, 84.6%, 84.1% and 2.6% of the samples exceeded the occupational exposure limit for organic total dust of 5 mg m−3, respectively. The mixed-effects model for the machine room workers explained 21% of the total variance in total dust exposure, and showed that vigorously pouring coffee from a dropping height was associated with an about two times increase in exposure. For the transport workers, the mixed-effects model that included pouring method of coffee beans, number of huller machine in the room, mixing coffee, and feeding hopper explained 32% of total variance in personal total dust exposure. Conclusion About 84% of the dust samples among machine room and transport workers in primary coffee processing factories were above the occupational exposure limit value for organic dust. Proper control measures are necessary to reduce the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Nyarubeli IP, Tungu AM, Bråtveit M, Sunde E, Kayumba AV, Moen BE. Variability and Determinants of Occupational Noise Exposure Among Iron and Steel Factory Workers in Tanzania. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:1109-1122. [PMID: 30113644 PMCID: PMC6231025 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Machines, processes, and tasks in the iron and steel factories may produce noise levels that are harmful to hearing if not properly controlled. Studies documenting noise exposure levels and related determinants in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania are lacking. The aim of this study was to document noise exposure and to identify determinants of noise exposure with a view to establishing an effective hearing conservation programme. Methods A walk-through survey was conducted to describe the working environment in terms of noise sources in four metal factories (A–D) in Tanzania. Noise measurements were conducted by both personal, full-shift noise measurements (8 h) using dosimeters and area measurements (10-s measurements) using a sound level meter. A total of 163 participants had repeated personal noise measurements (Factory A: 46 participants, B: 43, C: 34, and D: 40). Workers were randomly selected and categorized into 13 exposure groups according to their job. Linear mixed effects models were used to identify significant determinants of noise exposure in the furnace section and the rolling mill section. Results The average personal noise exposure in the four factories was 92.0 dB(A) (range of job group means; 85.4–96.2 dB(A)) (n = 326). Personal exposure was significantly higher in the rolling mill section (93.0 dB(A)) than in the furnace section (89.6 dB(A)). Among the job groups, the cutters located in the rolling mill section had the highest noise exposure (96.2 dB(A)). In the furnace section, furnace installation (below the ground floor), manual handling of raw materials/billets/crowbars, and billet weighing/transfer were significant determinants explaining 40% of the total variance in personal noise exposure. In the rolling mill section, the size of the cutting machine, steel billet weight and feeding re-heating furnace explained 46% of the total variance in personal noise exposure. The mean noise level of the area measurements was 90.5 dB(A) (n = 376). Conclusion Workers in the four iron and steel factories in Tanzania were exposed to average noise of 92.0 dB(A), without using hearing protection, implying a high risk of developing hearing loss. Task and factory level determinants were identified in the furnace and the rolling mill sections of the plant, which can inform noise control in factories with similar characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel P Nyarubeli
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Alexander M Tungu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erlend Sunde
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Akwilina V Kayumba
- Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Asgedom AA, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. High Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms among Particleboard Workers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E2158. [PMID: 31216746 PMCID: PMC6617153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Work in the wood industry might be associated with respiratory health problems. The production of particleboard used for furniture making and construction is increasing in many countries, and cause dust, endotoxin and formaldehyde exposure of the workers. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to measure lung function among Ethiopian particleboard workers using Eucalyptus trees as the raw material. In total 147 workers, 74 from particleboard production and 73 controls, participated in the study. Mean wood dust in the particleboard factories was measured to be above recommended limit values. Particleboard workers had a mean age of 28 years and the controls were 25 years. They had been working for 4 and 2 years, respectively. Lung function test was done using spirometry following American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations. Respiratory symptoms were collected using a standard questionnaire of ATS. Particleboard workers had higher prevalence of wheezing, cough, cough with sputum production, phlegm, and shortness of breath compared to controls. Lung function status was similar in the two groups. The symptoms might be related to the work in the factories. Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the chronic impact of work in particleboard factories on respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akeza Awealom Asgedom
- Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 150461, Ethiopia.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Bente Elisabeth Moen
- Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
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Nyarubeli IP, Tungu AM, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss: A study of knowledge, attitude and practice among Tanzanian iron and steel workers. Arch Environ Occup Health 2019; 75:216-225. [PMID: 31033430 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2019.1607816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We assessed Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding occupational noise exposure, Noise-induced hearing loss, audiometry and use of hearing protection devices among iron and steel factory workers exposed to high noise level. A modified, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 253 male workers randomly selected from the four factories. The sum scores for each domain of KAP were computed. Scores above 75% were defined as good knowledge and positive attitude. For practice, scores of >50% were defined as good. Independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test were used to analyze association between KAP and continuous/categorical variables respectively. Majority of workers displayed poor knowledge and poor practice (94%), but 76% displayed a positive attitude. Most of the workers (86%) had never been provided with hearing protection devices. The mean scores for attitude and practice differed significantly between the four factories (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Implementation of hearing conservation program with provision of hearing protection devices are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel P Nyarubeli
- Department of Global Public and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Global Public and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander M Tungu
- Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
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Asgedom AA, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Knowledge, attitude and practice related to chemical hazards and personal protective equipment among particleboard workers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:440. [PMID: 31029126 PMCID: PMC6487067 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work in the wood industry is often associated with exposure to wood dust and formaldehyde. The aims of this study were to describe the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) concerning chemical health hazards among particleboard workers and to compare the KAP among temporary and permanent workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data by structured questionnaires in two particleboard factories in Ethiopia. A total of 159 workers and 13 management personnel participated in this study. Both closed-ended and open-ended questions were included in the interviews. Chi-square tests, T tests and correlation analyses were used for categorical and continuous data. Total knowledge score (range 0-8) was calculated as the sum score of 8 items weighing one point each. Multiple linear regression was applied to estimate the impact of employment status on total knowledge score adjusted for level of education. Content analysis was applied to analyse collected data from open-ended questions. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 28 (SD = 6) years and on average they had 3.7 [3] years of service. The permanent workers were older than the temporary workers (29 vs 26 years, p = 0.001), and a considerably high fraction of the permanent workers had vocational education (90%) compared to the temporary workers (11%). Permanent workers had higher proportion of response on knowledge of 10 of 12 topics regarding chemical hazards and attitudes on 6 of 11 of these topics than temporary workers. Permanent workers had higher knowledge scores (3.7) compared to temporary workers (1.3) (p < 0.001), also after adjusting for education (p = 0.011). Permanent workers were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) while temporary workers were not. The qualitative data helps to understand the workers and administrative personnel attitude and thinking regarding chemical hazards and PPE. CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that permanent workers have higher proportion of positive response on knowledge and attitude towards chemical health hazards than temporary workers. However, practice in use of PPE depended on access to PPE. Few temporary workers were provided with PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akeza Awealom Asgedom
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente Elisabeth Moen
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Nyarubeli IP, Tungu AM, Moen BE, Bråtveit M. Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Tanzanian Iron and Steel Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16081367. [PMID: 30995750 PMCID: PMC6518298 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Iron and steel factory workers in Tanzania are likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to exposure to high sound levels. Studies on hearing status in this population are lacking. The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of NIHL among iron and steel workers and compare hearing thresholds at different frequencies with a control group. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 221 iron and steel workers exposed to average noise level of 92 dB(A), compared with 107 primary school teachers recruited as controls and exposed to average noise level of 79.7 dB(A). We used a questionnaire-based interview to collect information on socio demographic characteristics and other confounding variables. Hearing loss was defined as hearing threshold levels ≥25 dB hearing loss in either ear at 3000, 4000 or 6000 Hz. The prevalence of hearing loss was significantly higher among the exposed group than among the controls, i.e. 48% and 31%, respectively. There were significant differences in hearing thresholds between the exposed and control groups at 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. Hearing loss was more frequent among workers exposed to higher noise levels than among the controls suggesting that iron and steel workers run a higher risk of developing hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel P Nyarubeli
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Alexander M Tungu
- Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Bente E Moen
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Kumie A, Tenna A, Moen BE. Microbial contamination of coffee during postharvest on farm processing: A concern for the respiratory health of production workers. Arch Environ Occup Health 2019; 75:201-208. [PMID: 30929620 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2019.1592094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coffee workers respiratory health problems, found to be associated with dust exposure in the coffee factories, but the content of the dust is not well known. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the microbial contamination of coffee in dry and wet coffee process, from four farms in two regions of Ethiopia. A total of 36 samples of coffee were collected for laboratory investigation. The microbial load in the dry process ranged from 6.9 × 102 to 7.2 × 105 colony forming units (CFU)/mL while the microbial load in wet process ranged from 2.5 × 102 to 4.6 × 105 CFU/mL. The results indicate the presence of gram negative bacteria in dried and stored beans from both the wet and dry process. During further coffee processing possible release of endotoxin from coffee contaminated by gram negative bacteria might affect coffee workers respiratory health. Further studies are required to assess the relation between bacterial contamination of coffee and endotoxin level in coffee factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abiyot Tenna
- Addis Ababa Region Public Health Research and Emergency Management Core Process, Research Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Gjesteland I, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Daling PS, Sørheim KR, Bråtveit M. Determinants of airborne benzene evaporating from fresh crude oils released into seawater. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 140:395-402. [PMID: 30803659 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, naphthalene and n-hexane evaporating from a thin oil film was measured for 30 min in a small-scale test system at 2 and 13 °C and the impact of physicochemical properties on airborne benzene with time after bulk oil release was studied. Linear mixed-effects models for airborne benzene in three time periods; first 5, first 15 and last 15 min of sampling, indicated that benzene content in fresh oil, oil group (condensate/light crude oil) and pour point were significant determinants explaining 63-73% of the total variance in the outcome variables. Oils with a high pour point evaporated considerably slower than oils with a low pour point. The mean air concentration of total volatile organic compounds was significatly higher at 13 °C (735 ppm) compared to 2 °C (386 ppm) immediately after release of oil, but at both temperatures the concentration rapidly declined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Gjesteland
- University of Bergen, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- University of Bergen, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen, Norway; Haukeland University Hospital, Department of Occupational Medicine, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- University of Bergen, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen, Norway; Haukeland University Hospital, Department of Occupational Medicine, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per S Daling
- SINTEF Ocean, Department of Environmental Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- University of Bergen, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen, Norway
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Abaya SW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Kumie A, Moen BE. Reduced Lung Function among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:ijerph15112415. [PMID: 30384429 PMCID: PMC6266034 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dust exposure is one of the major risk factors for respiratory health in many workplaces, including coffee factories. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function reduction among workers in Ethiopian primary coffee processing factories, compared to a control group of workers. A total of 115 coffee workers and 110 water bottling workers were involved in this study, from 12 coffee and 3 water bottling factories in Ethiopia, respectively. The chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured interview, using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lung function tests were performed according to the ATS recommendation for spirometry. The coffee workers had a significantly higher prevalence of coughing, coughing with sputum, breathlessness, work-related shortness of breath, and wheezing compared with the controls. The prevalence ratio of work-related shortness of breath (PR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6–8.7) and wheezing (PR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4) was significantly higher for the coffee workers compared to the controls. The coffee workers in the age groups 28–39 years and ≥40 years, had a significantly lower forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s compared to the controls in the similar age groups. The findings indicated the need for longitudinal studies on the possible effect of coffee dust on respiratory health of coffee production workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Wakuma Abaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 90861000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 90861000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 90861000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Bente E Moen
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
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Gjesteland I, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Daling P, Bråtveit M. Biomonitoring of Benzene and Effect of Wearing Respirators during an Oil Spill Field Trial at Sea. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:1033-1039. [PMID: 30010761 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess the biological uptake of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for subjects exposed to fresh crude oil released at sea. Methods The study included 22 subjects participating in an 'oil-on-water' field trial in the North Sea. Over 2 consecutive days, there were six releases with two different types of fresh crude oils. Exposed subjects (n = 17) were either located in small, open-air boats downwind and close to the released oil (<50 m) or on the main deck of two large vessels further from the released oil (100-200 m). Subjects assumed to be unexposed (n = 5) were located indoors on the command bridge of either vessel. Full-shift personal benzene exposure was monitored with passive thermal desorption tubes (ATD-tubes) packed with Tenax TA and subsequent gas chromatographic analysis. Urine samples were collected before and after work-shift on both days and analyzed for urinary markers of benzene [(S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA)] and PAHs [1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH)]. Information about the use of personal protective equipment, smoking habits, location, work tasks, and length of work-shift were recorded by a questionnaire. Results Subjects located in the small boats downwind and close to the released oil were exposed to relatively high concentrations of benzene (arithmetic mean = 0.2 ppm, range 0.002-1.5 ppm) compared to the occupational exposure limits (OELs) for 8 h (1 ppm) and 12 h (0.6 ppm). Although respirators were available to all exposed subjects, SPMA was detected in post-shift urine (0.5-3.3 µmol mol-1) of five exposed subjects reporting not wearing respirators, all located in the small boats downwind and close to the released oil. For exposed subjects wearing respirators (n = 12), the post-shift urinary SPMA was below the detection limit (0.8 µmol mol-1) even when the benzene exposure exceeded the OELs. Urinary levels of PAH were within the reference range of what is considered as background levels (<0.4 µmol mol-1). Conclusions During the initial stages of a bulk oil spill at sea, when the evaporation of benzene is at its highest, it is important to use appropriate respirators to prevent biological uptake of benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Gjesteland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Daling
- SINTEF Ocean, Department of Environment and New Resources, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Mamuya S, Sakwari G, Ngowi V, Moen B, Bråtveit M. Dust Exposure, Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Respiratory Symptoms among Volcanic Rock Miners in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Ann Glob Health 2018; 84:380-386. [PMID: 30835375 PMCID: PMC6748255 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Volcanic rock for use as building material is mined extensively in the North Eastern Region of Tanzania. Dust emitted from the rock may contain harmful elements such as crystalline silica, arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), boron (B) and mercury (Hg) which might contribute to severity and onset of health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Mamuya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Dar es Salaam, TZ
| | - Gloria Sakwari
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Dar es Salaam, TZ
| | - Vera Ngowi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Dar es Salaam, TZ
| | - Bente Moen
- Center for International Health, University of Bergen, NO
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, NO
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Stenehjem JS, Robsahm TE, Bråtveit M, Samuelsen SO, Kirkeleit J, Grimsrud TK. Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer risk in offshore workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2017; 67:569-573. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqx110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Stenehjem JS, Robsahm TE, Bråtveit M, Samuelsen SO, Kirkeleit J, Grimsrud TK. Aromatic hydrocarbons and risk of skin cancer by anatomical site in 25 000 male offshore petroleum workers. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:679-688. [PMID: 28692192 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We prospectively examined skin cancer risk according to occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons with adjustment for ultraviolet radiation exposure, in a cohort of 24 917 male offshore petroleum workers. METHODS Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with Cox regression adapted to a stratified case-cohort design. RESULTS During 13.5 years of follow-up, 112 cutaneous melanomas (CMs) and 70 non-melanoma skin cancers were identified. Increased risks of CM and of squamous cell carcinoma on the forearm and hand were seen among those ever exposed to crude oil or benzene. For skin cancers of the forearm and hand combined, cumulative and duration metrics of benzene exposure showed Ptrends of 0.031 and 0.003, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results support an association between exposure to crude oil or benzene and skin cancer risk on hands and forearms among offshore petroleum workers. Dermal uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or benzene may explain this association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
| | | | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
- Department of Clinical Science; University of Bergen; Bergen Norway
- Department of Occupational Medicine; Haukeland University Hospital; Bergen Norway
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Gjesteland I, Hollund BE, Kirkeleit J, Daling P, Bråtveit M. Oil Spill Field Trial at Sea: Measurements of Benzene Exposure. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:692-699. [PMID: 28595265 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Characterize personal exposure to airborne hydrocarbons, particularly carcinogenic benzene, during spill of two different fresh crude oils at sea. Methods The study included 22 participants taking part in an «oil on water» field trial in the North Sea. Two types of fresh crude oils (light and heavy) were released six times over two consecutive days followed by different oil spill response methods. The participants were distributed on five boats; three open sampling boats (A, B, and C), one release ship (RS), and one oil recovery (OR) vessel. Assumed personal exposure was assessed a priori, assuming high exposure downwind and close to the oil slick (sampling boats), low exposure further downwind (100-200 m) and upwind from the oil slick (main deck of RS and OR vessel), and background exposure indoors (bridge of RS/OR vessel). Continuous measurements of total volatile organic compounds in isobutylene equivalents were performed with photoionization detectors placed in all five boats. Full-shift personal exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, naphthalene, and n-hexane was measured with passive thermal desorption tubes. Results Personal measurements of benzene, averaged over the respective sample duration, on Day 1 showed that participants in the sampling boats (A, B, and C) located downwind and close to the oil slick were highest exposed (0.14-0.59 ppm), followed by participants on the RS main deck (0.02-0.10 ppm) and on the bridge (0.004-0.03 ppm). On Day 2, participants in sampling boat A had high benzene exposure (0.87-1.52 ppm) compared to participants in sampling boat B (0.01-0.02 ppm), on the ships (0.06-0.10 ppm), and on the bridge (0.004-0.01 ppm). Overall, the participants in the sampling boats had the highest exposure to all of the compounds measured. The light crude oil yielded a five times higher concentration of total volatile organic compounds in air in the sampling boats (max 510 ppm) than the heavy crude oil (max 100 ppm) but rapidly declined to <20 ppm within 24 min after release of oil, indicating short periods of exposure. Conclusions The personal exposure to benzene downwind and close to the oil slick during spills of light crude oil was relatively high, with concentration levels approaching the occupational exposure limits for several participants. For bulk spill scenarios like in this study, cleanup should not be initiated the first 30-60 min to allow for evaporation, while appropriate personal protective equipment should be used in continuous spills when working downwind and close to the oil slick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Gjesteland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jorunn Kirkeleit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Daling
- SINTEF Ocean, Department of Environmental Technology, 7010 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
We aimed to characterize bakers' personal exposure to airborne flour dust with respect to the health-related aerosol fractions inhalable, extrathoracic, and thoracic dust, and to examine possible production-related determinants of dust exposure. Sixty-eight bakers from 7 bakeries in Bergen, Norway (2009-2012) participated in the exposure assessment, comprising full-shift personal samples of inhalable dust (n = 107) and thoracic dust (n = 61). The relation between possible determinants and exposure was estimated using mixed effects models, while associations between the various aerosol fractions across task groups and type of bakeries were described by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Bakers' overall geometric mean personal exposure to inhalable, extrathoracic, and thoracic dust were 2.6 mg/m3 (95% CI: 2.0, 3.2), 2.2 mg/m3 (95% CI: 1.9, 2.7), and 0.33 mg/m3 (95% CI 0.3, 0.4), respectively. A total of 29% of the measurements of inhalable dust were above the Norwegian Occupational Exposure Limit of 3 mg/m3. The exposure variability of inhalable dust could not be explained by any of the examined production-related determinants, while the daily production volume explained 18% of the variance in thoracic dust exposure. Overall, the thoracic dust represented 15% of the inhalable dust, being rather stable across the production-related determinants. The overall correlation between inhalable and thoracic dust was nevertheless moderate (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), with the highest correlation for craft bakers (r = 0.62) and no correlation during dough forming (r = 0.01). Bakers are exposed to flour dust at a level that most likely represents an excess risk of developing chronic diseases of the respiratory system, and a decrease of present exposure level is imperative. Extrathoracic dust-likely the most relevant sub-fraction in respect to flour-induced sensitization and occupational rhinitis-represented the main proportion of the measured inhalable dust. The variation in correlation coefficients between the dust fractions across bakery types and task groups underlines the need of more knowledge about how these aerosol fractions are distributed across the production process and bakery types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorunn Kirkeleit
- a Department of Occupational Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
- b Department of Clinical Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- a Department of Occupational Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
- b Department of Clinical Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Trond Riise
- c Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- d Department of Chemical and Biological Working Environment , National Institute of Occupational Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- a Department of Occupational Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
- c Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Torgeir Storaas
- a Department of Occupational Medicine , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
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Granslo JT, Bråtveit M, Hollund BE, Lygre SHL, Svanes C, Moen BE. A follow-up study of airway symptoms and lung function among residents and workers 5.5 years after an oil tank explosion. BMC Pulm Med 2017; 17:18. [PMID: 28095831 PMCID: PMC5240231 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-016-0357-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assess if people who lived or worked in an area polluted after an oil tank explosion had persistent respiratory health impairment as compared to a non-exposed population 5.5 years after the event. Methods A follow-up study 5.5 years after the explosion, 330 persons aged 18–67 years, compared lung function, lung function decline and airway symptoms among exposed persons (residents <6 km from the accident site or working in the industrial harbour at the time of the explosion) with a non-exposed group (residence >20 km away). Also men in the exposed group who had participated in accident related tasks (firefighting or clean-up of pollution) were compared with men who did not. Data were analysed using Poisson regression, adjusted for smoking, occupational exposure, atopy and age. Results Exposed men who had participated in accident related tasks had higher prevalence of lower airway symptoms after 5.5 years (n = 24 [73%]) than non-exposed men (28 [48%]), (adjusted relative risk 1.51 [95% confidence interval 1.07, 2.14]). Among men who participated in accident related tasks FEV1 decline was 48 mL per year, and 12 mL among men who did not (adjusted difference −34 mL per year [−67 mL, −1 mL]), and at follow-up FEV1/FVC ratio was 71.4 and 74.2% respectively, (adjusted difference −3.0% [−6.0, 0.0%]). Conclusion Residents and workers had more airway symptoms and impaired lung function 5.5 years after an oil tank explosion, most significant for a group of men engaged in firefighting and clean-up of pollution after the accident. Public health authorities should be aware of long-term consequences after such accidents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-016-0357-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens-Tore Granslo
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate a significant threshold shift (STS) among personnel working on board the Royal Norwegian Navy's (RNoN) vessels between 2012 and 2014 and to identify possible determinants of STS. Hearing thresholds were measured by pure tone audiometry in two consecutive examinations (n = 226). STS was defined as an average change in hearing thresholds ≥ + 10 dB at 2,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz in either ear. Determinants of STS were assessed through a questionnaire. The incidence of STS was 23.0%. Significant determinants of STS were the number of episodes of temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in the Navy, exposure to continuous loud noise during work on board, and the number of gun shots (in the Navy, hunting, and sports). This study indicated a significant association between noise exposure on board Navy vessels and development of STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Irgens-Hansen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen; Department of Occupational Medicine, The Norwegian Centre for Maritime Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Valborg Baste
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ola Lind
- Department of Audiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
Background Pesticide exposure is an important public health concern in Ethiopia, but there is limited information on pesticide intoxications. Residents may have an increased risk of pesticide exposure through proximity of their homes to farms using pesticides. Also the pesticide exposure might be related to employment at these farms. This study investigated the prevalence of acute pesticide intoxications (API) by residence proximity to a nearby flower farm and assessed if intoxications were related to working in these farms or not. Methods A cross-sectional survey involving 516 persons was conducted. Participants were grouped according to their residence proximity from a large flower farm; living within 5 kilometers and 5–12 kilometers away, respectively. In a structured interview, participants were asked if they had health symptoms within 48 h of pesticide exposure in the past year. Those who had experienced this, and reported two or more typical pesticide intoxication symptoms, were considered as having had API. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Confounding variables were adjusted by using binomial regression model. Results The prevalence of API in the past year among the residents in the study area was 26 %, and it was higher in the population living close to the flower farm (42 %) compared to those living far away (11 %), prevalence ratio (PR) = 3.2, 95 % CI: 2.2-4.8, adjusted for age, gender & education. A subgroup living close to the farm & working there had significantly more API (56 %) than those living close & didn’t work there (16 %), adjusted PR = 3.0, 95 % CI: 1.8-4.9. Flower farm workers reported more API (56 %) than those not working in the flower farm (13 %,), adjusted PR = 4.0, 95 % CI: 2.9-5.6. Conclusion Our study indicates a 26 % prevalence of self-reported symptoms attributable to API. The residents living closer than 5 kilometers to the flower farm reported significantly higher prevalence of self-reported API than those living 5–12 kilometers away. This increased risk of API was associated with work at the flower farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare W Nigatu
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Moen BE, Kayumba A, Sakwari G, Mamuya SHD, Bråtveit M. Endotoxin, dust and exhaled nitrogen oxide among hand pickers of coffee; a cross-sectional study. J Occup Med Toxicol 2016; 11:17. [PMID: 27073408 PMCID: PMC4828861 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-016-0108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary coffee processing takes place in countries where coffee is grown, and may include hand picking of coffee to remove low quality beans. Hand picking is mostly performed by women. No previous studies on dust and respiratory health have been performed in this occupational group, although studies indicate respiratory problems among other coffee production workers. FINDINGS Our aim was to assess dust and endotoxin exposure among hand pickers in a coffee factory and compare the levels with limit values. In addition we wanted to examine the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a possible inflammatory marker in the airways among the hand pickers and evaluate the association between FeNO and years of hand picking. All hand pickers in a factory were examined during 1 week. The response was 100 %; 69 participated. FeNO was measured using an electrochemistry-based NIOX MINO device. Nine out of 69 workers (13 %) had levels of FeNO above 25 ppb, indicating presence of respiratory inflammation. A significant positive association was found between increasing FeNO and years of hand picking. Nine personal samples of total dust and endotoxin were taken. None of the dust samples exceeded the occupational limit value for total organic dust of 5 mg/m(3). Three samples of endotoxin (33 %) were above the recommended value of 90 EU/m(3). CONCLUSIONS Levels of endotoxin were higher than recommended standards among hand pickers, and there was a positive association between the level of exhaled nitrogen oxide and years of work with hand picking coffee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Elisabeth Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Postbox 7804, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Akwilina Kayumba
- Occupational Safety and Health Authority, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gloria Sakwari
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Stenehjem JS, Kjærheim K, Bråtveit M, Samuelsen SO, Barone-Adesi F, Rothman N, Lan Q, Grimsrud TK. Benzene exposure and risk of lymphohaematopoietic cancers in 25,000 offshore oil industry workers. Br J Cancer 2016; 113:1641. [PMID: 26625220 PMCID: PMC4705899 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Irgens-Hansen K, Gundersen H, Sunde E, Baste V, Harris A, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Noise exposure and cognitive performance: A study on personnel on board Royal Norwegian Navy vessels. Noise Health 2015; 17:320-7. [PMID: 26356374 PMCID: PMC4900491 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.165057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior research shows that work on board vessels of the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) is associated with noise exposure levels above recommended standards. Further, noise exposure has been found to impair cognitive performance in environmental, occupational, and experimental settings, although prior research in naval and maritime settings is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive performance after exposure to noise among personnel working on board vessels in the RNoN. Altogether 87 Navy personnel (80 men, 7 women; 31 ± 9 years) from 24 RNoN vessels were included. Noise exposure was recorded by personal noise dosimeters at a minimum of 4 h prior to testing, and categorized into 4 groups for the analysis: <72.6 dB(A), 72.6-77.0 dB(A), 77.1-85.2 dB(A), and >85.2 dB(A). The participants performed a visual attention test based on the Posner cue-target paradigm. Multivariable general linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to analyze whether noise exposure was associated with response time (RT) when adjusting for the covariates age, alertness, workload, noise exposure in test location, sleep the night before testing, use of hearing protection device (HPD), and percentage of errors. When adjusting for covariates, RT was significantly increased among personnel exposed to >85.2 dB(A) and 77.1-85.2 dB(A) compared to personnel exposed to <72.6 dB(A).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Irgens-Hansen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen; Department of Occupational Medicine, Norwegian Centre for Maritime Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Svanes Ø, Skorge TD, Johannessen A, Bertelsen RJ, Bråtveit M, Forsberg B, Gislason T, Holm M, Janson C, Jögi R, Macsali F, Norbäck D, Omenaas ER, Real FG, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T, Wieslander G, Zock JP, Aasen T, Dratva J, Svanes C. Respiratory Health in Cleaners in Northern Europe: Is Susceptibility Established in Early Life? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131959. [PMID: 26168149 PMCID: PMC4500550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE There is some evidence that maternal smoking increases susceptibility to personal smoking's detrimental effects. One might question whether early life disadvantage might influence susceptibility to occupational exposure. OBJECTIVES In this cross-sectional study we investigated respiratory symptoms, asthma and self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as related to working as a cleaner in Northern European populations, and whether early life factors influenced susceptibility to occupational cleaning's unhealthy effects. METHODS The RHINE III questionnaire study assessed occupational cleaning in 13,499 participants. Associations with respiratory symptoms, asthma and self-reported COPD were analysed with multiple logistic regressions, adjusting for sex, age, smoking, educational level, parent´s educational level, BMI and participating centre. Interaction of occupational cleaning with early life disadvantage (maternal smoking, severe respiratory infection <5 years, born during winter months, maternal age at birth >35 years) was investigated. MAIN RESULTS Among 2138 ever-cleaners the risks of wheeze (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3-1.6), adult-onset asthma (1.5 [1.2-1.8]) and self-reported COPD (1.7 [1.3-2.2]) were increased. The risk increased with years in occupational cleaning (adult-onset asthma: ≤1 year 0.9 [0.7-1.3]; 1-4 years 1.5 [1.1-2.0]; ≥4 years 1.6 [1.2-2.1]). The association of wheeze with cleaning activity ≥4 years was significantly stronger for those with early life disadvantage than in those without (1.8 [1.5-2.3] vs. 1.3 [0.96-1.8]; pinteraction 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Occupational cleaners had increased risk of asthma and self-reported COPD. Respiratory symptom risk was particularly increased in persons with factors suggestive of early life disadvantage. We hypothesize that early life disadvantage may increase airway vulnerability to harmful exposure from cleaning agents later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øistein Svanes
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Trude Duelien Skorge
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ane Johannessen
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bertil Forsberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Thorarin Gislason
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Sleep, National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mathias Holm
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rain Jögi
- Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ferenc Macsali
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Francisco Gómez Real
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gunilla Wieslander
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tor Aasen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Julia Dratva
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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47
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Stenehjem JS, Kjærheim K, Bråtveit M, Samuelsen SO, Barone-Adesi F, Rothman N, Lan Q, Grimsrud TK. Benzene exposure and risk of lymphohaematopoietic cancers in 25 000 offshore oil industry workers. Br J Cancer 2015; 112:1603-12. [PMID: 25867262 PMCID: PMC4453669 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this work was to examine the risk of lymphohaematopoietic (LH) cancer according to benzene exposure among offshore workers. Methods: Cancer registry data were used to identify 112 cancer cases diagnosed during 1999–2011 in a cohort of 24 917 Norwegian men reporting offshore work between 1965 and 1999. Analyses were conducted according to a stratified case–cohort design with a reference subcohort of 1661 workers. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for other benzene exposure and smoking. Results: Most workers were exposed to benzene for <15 years. The upper range values of average intensity and cumulative exposure were estimated to 0.040 p.p.m. and 0.948 p.p.m.-years, respectively. Risks were consistently elevated among exposed workers for all LH cancers combined and for most subgroups, although case numbers were small and yielded imprecise risk estimates. There was evidence of dose-related risk patterns according to cumulative exposure for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), multiple myeloma (MM) (P trends 0.052 and 0.024, respectively), and suggestively so for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) according to average intensity (P trend 0.094). Conclusions: Our results support an association between cumulative and intensity metrics of low-level benzene exposure and risk for AML, MM, and suggestively for CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Stenehjem
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, P.O. Box 5313 Majorstuen, Oslo N-0304, Norway
| | - K Kjærheim
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, P.O. Box 5313 Majorstuen, Oslo N-0304, Norway
| | - M Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
| | - S O Samuelsen
- Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo, Oslo N-0316, Norway
| | - F Barone-Adesi
- 1] Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK [2] Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara 28100, Italy
| | - N Rothman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Q Lan
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - T K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, P.O. Box 5313 Majorstuen, Oslo N-0304, Norway
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48
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Nigatu AW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Moen BE. Respiratory symptoms, fractional exhaled nitric oxide & endotoxin exposure among female flower farm workers in Ethiopia. J Occup Med Toxicol 2015; 10:8. [PMID: 25741375 PMCID: PMC4347973 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-015-0053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Greenhouse workers are exposed to organic dusts, and they are thereby at risk of developing airway disorders. This study aims to measure personal endotoxin exposure, assess respiratory symptoms and measure fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among female flower farm workers in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study involving female workers (n = 248) from four flower farms was conducted. The workers were interviewed for respiratory symptoms using a standard questionnaire. Workers from two of these farms also participated in personal endotoxin sampling (46 workers, 75 measurements) on glass fiber filters (0.2 μm pore size) inside conductive 25 mm Millipore cassettes for sampling of the “total dust” fraction. They also participated in FeNO (n = 114) measurements with a portable electrochemistry-based sensor. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables respectively. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze exposure determinants. Results Endotoxin exposure had a geometric mean (GM) of 22.8 endotoxin units (EU)/m3 with a maximum of 180 EU/m3. Greenhouse workers had significantly higher endotoxin exposure than workers outside the greenhouses (GM = 26.7 vs. 19.3 EU/m3 respectively; p < 0.05). The mean age of the workers was 24 years, and their mean working time in the flower farm was 21 months. Greenhouse workers had higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms than those outside greenhouses. However, after adjusting for education only blocked nose remained significant. The FeNO concentration ranged 5–166 ppb (GM = 14 ppb). Two workers had FeNO concentration above 50 ppb. FeNO levels differs significantly between the farms but there was no difference between workers inside and outside greenhouses. Conclusion Greenhouse workers at flower farms had higher prevalence of blocked nose than workers outside, which may indicate the presence of rhinitis. Endotoxin exposure was low. There were few workers with objective signs of airway inflammation; this might be because the mean working time in the greenhouses was only two years. We suggest further studies to evaluate the effect of longer employment and exposure time as well as to investigate possible exposure to pesticides and other components in the bio-aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare W Nigatu
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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49
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Gundersen H, Harris A, Bråtveit M, Moen BE. Odor-related Chronic Somatic Symptoms Are Associated with Self-Reported Asthma and Hay Fever: The Hordaland Health Study. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015; 14:19-27. [PMID: 25530135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aetiology behind odor-related chronic somatic symptoms (O-RCSS) is unknown, although both immunological and psychiatric causes have been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of self-reported asthma and hay fever and psychiatric symptoms in individuals having O-RCSS compared to individuals with similar chronic somatic symptoms (CSS) which were not odors-related, and also compared to healthy controls. Data from the Hordaland Health Study were used. 13,799 individuals, 40-45 years, answered a questionnaire including 16 questions related to somatic symptoms. They also indicated if the symptoms were odor-related, and answered questions about asthma and hay fever. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. 38 (0.6%) men and 106 (1.4%) women had O-RCSS, whereas 88 (1.5%) men and 192 (2.5%) women had CSS. Adjusted logistic regression analyses showed increased odds of self-reported asthma in those with O-RCSS compared to those with CSS (males: 3.81, 1.06-13.8, females: 2.60, 1.05-6.93) and compared to male and female controls (3.56, 1.89-6.68 and 4.81, 1.92-12.1 respectively). Increased odds of self-reported hay fever were in addition seen in females with O-RCSS. There were no differences in psychiatric symptoms between individuals with O-RCSS and CSS, although individuals in both groups showed increased odds compared to male and female controls. Increased occurrence of self-reported asthma was exclusively found among male and females with O-RCSS, compared to CSS and controls. Increased occurrence of psychiatric symptoms was seen both in individuals with O-RCSS and CSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Gundersen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anette Harris
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
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50
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Tjalvin G, Hollund BE, Lygre SHL, Moen BE, Bråtveit M. Subjective Health Complaints Among Workers in the Aftermath of an Oil Tank Explosion. Arch Environ Occup Health 2015; 70:332-340. [PMID: 25136935 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2014.918929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess whether exposed workers had more subjective health complaints than controls 1 1/2 years after a chemical explosion involving a mixture of hydrocarbons and sulfurous compounds. A cross-sectional survey based on the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) was conducted among 147 exposed workers and 137 controls. A significantly higher total SCH score (linear regression, p=.01) was found for the exposed workers compared with controls when adjusting for gender, age, smoking habits, and educational level. The exposed workers reported significantly more headache, hot flashes, sleep problems, tiredness, dizziness, and sadness/depression. The cause of these complaints is unknown, but health personnel should be aware that health complaints might be related to polluting episodes even when exposure levels are below occupational guideline levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro Tjalvin
- a Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
- b Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
| | - Bjørg Eli Hollund
- b Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway
| | | | - Bente Elisabeth Moen
- c Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- a Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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