Prevalence of chronic venous pathology in healthcare workers and the role of upright standing

BACKGROUND

Chronic venous disease (CVD) affects around 25% of adult population in developed countries and it often represent a health problem for different kind of workers, in particular for who spend much of the working time in upright standing.

METHODS

The study was carried out on a population of 173 nonmedical workers of a midsize hospital in Italy (91 nurse, 31 support staff workers and 51 employees). The study protocol was taken from a previous study of our group and included a clinical examination and a questionnaire.

RESULTS

From the analysis of data it emerged a particular importance of upright standing as major risk factor for CVD. The prevalence of venous pathology seems to be greater among nurses and auxiliaries than the administrative staff and, as expected, it was significantly higher among female workers than in males.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained show that the clinical-diagnostic protocol described can be used by doctors for screening venous pathology at workplaces.

No Correlation between Blood Benzene Levels and Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Values in Outdoor Workers

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether low-dose exposure to benzene, an environmental pollutant to which male and female traffic policemen are daily exposed to could cause alterations in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.

METHODS

From an initial sample of 1594 workers, we only selected 95 workers of whom study we knew the values of late-shift benzene and LH hormone. All subjects underwent biological monitoring (final blood benzene evaluation) and luteinizing hormone dosing. Excluding subjects with the main confounding factors, the final sample included 76 workers. The normal distribution of the variables was evaluated using the Kolmogorov - Smirnov test, followed by the logarithmic transformation of the LH and benzene values. The comparison among means was performed by using the t-test for the independent samples. The ANOVA test was performed for variables with more than 2 modes (ages and seniority) and Pearson correlation index between variables in the total sample and after subdivision as to sex, job, sports activity and smoking. The results were considered significant when p values were less than 0.05.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

The study did not show a correlation between benzene levels and LH plasma levels in outdoor workers.

Work related stress and blood glucose levels

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate work-related subjective stress in a group of workers on a major Italian company in the field of healthcare through the administration of a valid "questionnaire-tool indicator" (HSE Indicator Tool), and to analyze any correlation between stress levels taken from questionnaire scores and blood glucose values.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied a final sample consisting of 241 subjects with different tasks. The HSE questionnaire - made up of 35 items (divided into 7 organizational dimensions) with 5 possible answers - has been distributed to all the subjects in occasion of the health surveillance examinations provided by law. The questionnaire was then analyzed using its specific software to process the results related to the 7 dimensions. These results were compared using the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression with the blood glucose values obtained from each subject.

RESULTS

From the analysis of the data the following areas resulted critical, in other words linked to an intermediate (yellow area) or high (red area) condition of stress: sustain from managers, sustain from colleagues, quality of relationships and professional changes. A significant positive correlation (p <0.05) between the mean values of all critical areas and the concentrations of glucose values have been highlighted with the correlation index of Pearson. Multiple linear regression confirmed these findings, showing that the critical dimensions resulting from the questionnaire were the significant variables that can increase the levels of blood glucose.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary results indicate that perceived work stress can be statistically associated with increased levels of blood glucose.

Correlation between benzene and testosterone in workers exposed to urban pollution

AIM

Many studies have examined the effects of benzene on testosterone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between the blood levels of benzene and the levels of testosterone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved a group of 148 subjects. For every worker have been made out a blood sample for the evaluation of benzene and testosterone levels and an urine analysis for the evaluation of the levels of trans, trans-muconic acid and S-phenylmercapturic acid. We estimated the Pearson correlation coefficient between the variables in the sample and the urinary metabolites, age, length of service, gender, BMI. For the analysis of the major confounding factors it was performed a multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The Pearson correlation coefficiet showed: 1. a significant inverse correlation between the S-phenyl mercapturic acid and free testosterone; 2. a significant direct correlation between trans-trans muconic acid and BMI. After dividing the sample according to the median of blood benzene (161.0 ng / L), Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant inverse correlation between the S-phenyl mercapturic acid and free testosterone in the group with values below this median.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results, to be considered preliminary, suggest that occupational exposure to low levels of benzene, present in urban pollution, affect the blood levels of testosterone. These results need to be confirmed in future studies, with the eventual possibility of including more specific fertility tests.

Blood pressure changes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in outdoor workers

OBJECTIVES

Everyday outdoor workers are exposed to chemicals including the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between hydroxypyrene and blood pressure in outdoor workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

374 subjects of both sexes entered the study. We evaluated the assay of urinary hydroxypyrene (1-HOP); their blood pressure (BP) was measured in upright position and in the supine position and the correlation between the levels of 1-HOP and BP was assessed using Pearson test and linear multiple regression.

RESULTS

The results obtained show that in the total sample the levels of urinary 1-OHP are negatively associated with systolic and diastolic BP in supine position and in upright position. The significance is maintained despite the stratification of the sample according to age; in non-smokers we found a negative relationship between 1-OHP and differential blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study suggest that occupational exposure to PAHs may be able to significantly influence the blood pressure probably acting on the autonomic nervous system.

[Prolonged exposure to urban pollutants and arterial blood pressure: a whole evaluation of our researches]

AIM

A significant relationship between exposure to cadmium and PAHs from urban air pollution and blood pressure has already been found. The aim of the study is to evaluate if other urban pollutants maintain a similar relationship in outdoor workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

349 subjects of both sexes were enrolled in the study; we evaluated values of environmental and biological monitoring of respirable dust, arsenic, lead, benzene, toluene, xylene and we measured blood pressure (BP) in upright and in supine position; to analyze data we used multiple linear regression. Also we valued our results in the light of those we have obtained in previous research.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression showed no significant results that demonstrate a relationship between BP and these pollutants.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study lead to assume that exposure to urban pollutants studied has not connection with blood pressure, and to retain valid the relationship previously observed for cadmium and PAHs, which seem to be the only pollutants that can affect blood pressure.

Urban stressors and plasmatic 17-β-estradiol (E2) in male exposed workers

The aim of the study is to evaluate if the occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in 17-β-estradiol (E2) plasma levels and related disorders in male traffic police compared with a control group. After excluding from the study, the subjects with the principal confounding factors, traffic police and controls were matched by age, working life, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking and drinking habit. A total of 171 male traffic police and 171 controls were included in the study. In traffic police, mean E2 values were significantly lower versus controls ( P < 0.001). The distribution of E2 values in traffic police and controls was significant ( P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in percentage of traffic police versus controls concerning the following questionnaire items: fertility and mental health diseases. Our results suggest that the occupational exposure to chemical urban stressor, interacting with and adding to the psychosocial ones, could alter plasma E2 concentrations in male traffic police compared with a control group. According to our previous researches on other neuro-immune-endocrine parameters, E2 could be used as an early biological marker, valuable for the group, to be used in occupational set even before the onset of the pathologies.

[Evaluation of liver function between indoor and outdoor workers: preliminary results]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study is to compare liver damage in "outdoor" environment technicians, a category occupationally exposed, and in "indoor" workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 142 male technicians of the environment exposed to urban pollution and 142 male "indoor" workers not exposed. We compared mean and standard deviation of the following liver parameters: glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-traspeptidasi (γGT) and alkaline phosphatase (PHA), total bilirubin (TB) and direct (DB). We made the two groups comparable for age, length of service, BMI, alcohol consumption and smoking habits, and excluded the workers who presented confounding factors.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant differences about the levels of γGT, PHA, GPT and albumin between the "outdoor" workers exposed and the "indoor" control group. In the outdoor group we observed statistically significant values, GPT (51.8 ± 30.6 I.U./l vs. 30 ± 22.3 I.U./l; p = 0.000), γ-GT (42.2 ± 29.4 I.U./l vs. 22.4 ± 20.7 I.U./l; p = 0.000) and PHA (75.7 ± 20.6 I.U./l vs. 59.1 ± 19.6 I.U./l; p= 0.000) compared to the unexposed group. No statistically significant difference emerged between the averages for the values of GOT (25.3 ± 20.7 I.U./l vs. 26 ± 17.7 I.U./l; p = 0.736) in two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It clearly emerges that the contaminants may alter the values of liver tests after prolonged exposure.

Work-related stress in healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

In the assessment of work-related stress it is crucial to find the factors that generate and increase it in order to identify categories of individuals at risk, to plan interventions for prevention, elimination or reduction of risk. The aim of the study is to assess the subjective stress in 68 workers of a large Italian company dealing with human health, through the use of a questionnaire-indicating tool, elaborated by the Italian National Institute for insurance against accidents at work (INAIL) and developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

METHODS

We studied a final sample of 68 individuals (34 drivers/rescuers and 34 video display unit (VDU) operators). The questionnaire consists of 35 items (divided into six areas) with five possible answers each, that cover working conditions considered potential causes of stress.

RESULTS

The drivers/rescuers had a better performance than the VDU operators, especially in the areas "demand", "relationships" and "role". We compared men and women in the two groups, finding that, in VDU operators, women had a better performance than men in all areas, except "role" and "changes", in which the overall scores were the same in men and women. In the drivers/rescuers women showed more critical scores in the items "relationships" and "change".

CONCLUSION

The results show that: the questionnaire-indicating tool is useful, with a demonstrated effectiveness for the occupational physician during the visits and proven validity; additional future efforts should focus on understanding the psycho-social, organizational and individual problems related to stress and the consequent implementation of preventive measures.

Occupational exposure to urban stressors and effects on atrial natriuretic peptide: preliminary results

PURPOSE

The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to low doses of pollutants present in the air of the city selected for the study could cause alterations in the concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in workers from the Municipal Police with outdoor tasks, compared to those with indoor tasks.

METHODS

A total of 208 non-smoking male and female subjects were enrolled and divided on the basis of whether their tasks were mainly outdoors or indoors. The dosage of plasma ANP was carried out on all workers included in the study. Differences between means and frequencies were compared using student's t-test for unpaired data and chi-square test with Yates' correction, and they were considered significant when the p value was <0.05.

RESULTS

Even after the subdivision of the total sample on the basis of sex, mean plasma levels of ANP were higher but not statistically significant in traffic police compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results suggest that further studies should be conducted before the influence of urban pollution on ANP could be confirmed or rejected.

Early diagnosis of hearing loss: otoacoustic emissions evoked by distortion products and pure-tone audiometry: Preliminary findings

OBJECTIVE

Literary studies underline the effectiveness of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which are not affected by the collaboration of the subject examined, in the early diagnosis of hearing loss. Aim of the study is to compare the objective technique of DPOAEs with respect to the pure-tone audiometry in early diagnosis of hearing loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical research was carried out on 852 workers. All subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry and distortion products.

RESULTS

The results show: a) a prevalence of subjects with impaired DPOAEs higher than the prevalence of subjects with impaired audiometries in the studied samples; and, after division by gender: b) a prevalence of subjects with impaired DPOAEs higher than the prevalence of subjects with impaired audiometries only in men; c) a prevalence of impaired DPOAEs and of impaired audiometries in men higher than in women.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest the higher effectiveness of DPOAEs compared to pure-tone audiometry in making an early diagnosis of hearing loss.

[Stress and work-related injuries]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate in scientific literature the more frequent work injuries among the occupational categories examined (construction workers, healthcare workers, night workers and shift work, drivers) and to identify occupational stressors that increase the risk of injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research was conducted through review of the scientific literature between 1990 and 2014. Two hundred articles were found of which 42 selected in the following categories: construction workers, healthcare workers, shift workers, lorry drivers.

RESULTS

The movement of machinery and working at height are due to injury for building sector and they were positively correlated with physical (r = 0,206) and mental (r = 0,254) stress. In health workers the injuries are more frequently bruises and sprains (50%). Studies showed a higher rate of injury in a group of shift workers compared to a control group on a rota basis (p <0.0001). Road accidents for drivers represent the most frequent cause of injury of which 13% comes from falling asleep, while 31% from distractions (OR = 3.16; CI = 1:22 to 8:24).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses have frequent injuries due to bruises, lumbago, punctures with needles and surgical wounds. Construction workers often suffer serious injury derived from falls at height, handling machinery. For workers on a rota basis, injuries are often related to lack of sleep. Road accidents in drivers are the most common injuries. A synergistic action finalized to promote health and safety organization, to ensure a work environment more secure, is advisable.

Work related etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between ALS and occupational exposure to physical (ELF-EMF) and chemicals (solvents, heavy metals and pesticides) agents.

METHODS

We considered articles published from 1980 up to April 2013; in total, 750 publications were evaluated. The studies had to satisfy the following criteria: 1) cohort or case-control studies; 2) the presence of individual exposures; 3) clinical diagnosis of sporadic ALS or sporadic ALS on the death certificate. We followed the evaluation of quality in two steps. The first step classified studies according to a rating system based on a mix of criteria developed by scientific organizations, especially developed for studies of risk factors for ALS. The ratings obtained range from I (highest) to V (lowest). The data on risk factors derived from studies with Armon ratings of I, II, and III can reach levels of evidence A (established risk factor), B (likely risk factor), or C (possible risk factor). The second step evaluated the exposure and a score from 1 to 4 was assigned to each item; an exposure with a score of 3 or 4 was considered sufficient. Different analyses were performed on ALS and exposure to metals, solvents, pesticides and electromagnetic fields. In our study the heterogeneity was assessed both by χ2-based Q-tests and through the index of inconsistency I² while the measure RR/OR and CI of 95% to estimate the relationship between ALS and the various considered risk factors was employed.

RESULTS

The association between exposure to pesticides and ALS as a whole is weak and not significant. With regard to the results of individual studies the following critical synthesis can be reported: 1) the selected studies showed a low level of association between ALS and electromagnetic fields; 2) as regards the solvents, the association with ALS in some studies is combined with a slightly increased risk, particularly in women, and in others a slight but significant linear association is observed; 3) for the metals, in some cases there was a stronger association in women than in men; for individual metals, there was an association especially with chromium and lead; 4) lastly, with regard to the products of agricultural pesticides in general, there was an association with ALS in men but not in women, with a dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of statistically significant association between occupational exposure and ALS is mainly due to the methodological diversity of the studies and the lack of prospective studies at the workplace.

Ballet and stress. A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Work-related stress is a complex problem requiring a work environment-based assessment. Artists like dancers represent a category of atypical workers potentially at high risk for work-related stress. Aim of our pilot study is to evaluate organizational stress in a population of professional dancers, using the HSE Indicator Tool for Work Related Stress.

METHODS

We administered the Italian version of the HSE Indicator Tool to 38 ballet dancers, males and females. The questionnaire evaluates 7 key organizational dimensions: demand, control, managers' support, peer support, relationships, role and change.

RESULTS

The standards required-ideal conditions are achieved in none of the above-mentioned dimensions. Change is the only dimension for which results fall between the 20th and the 50th percentile, while for other dimensions results fall below the 20th percentile suggesting the need for immediate corrective action. In male dancers an acceptable situation is highlighted for the dimension "change" compared to female dancers. In both sexes there is a high frequency of subjects complaining of verbal abuse, bullying and harassment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small sample size, our pilot study highlights the presence of heightened levels of organizational stress. Preventive measures targeted towards improving communication between managers and dancers and aimed at team building should be implemented.

Correlation between cadmium and blood counts in workers exposed to urban stressor

The objective of this study was to assess the exposures to cadmium (Cd) in urban workers and the association between Cd exposure and values of blood counts. Urinary Cd, blood Cd, and blood counts were obtained from 355 outdoor workers; a subgroup of 99 subjects were monitored to evaluate personal exposure to airborne Cd. The mean value of personal exposure to Cd was 1.5 ng/m3 for traffic assistants and 1.2 ng/m3 for drivers. Urinary and blood Cd were correlated to the airborne Cd (respectively r=3 and r=4). The multiple linear regression models showed the associations among white blood cell, the percentage of neutrophils (NEU%), the percentage of lymphocytes (LYM%), and the concentrations of blood Cd (respectively R2=27, R2=37, R2=581). The subjects with blood Cd values higher than 1.2 μg/L showed an increase of LYM% mean values and a decrease of NEU% mean values with respect to the group with blood Cd values lower than 1.1 μg/L.

Professional exposure to anaesthetic gases in health workers: estimate of some hepatic and renal tests

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to estimate whether the occupational exposure to low dose of anaesthetic gases could cause alterations of haematochemical hepatic and renal parameters in the health workers of a city hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After excluding the main confounding factors, 154 exposed subjects and 98 not exposed controls were included in the study. The exposed subjects were divided in more exposed (group 1: n.54) and less exposed (group 2: n.100). Each worker included in this study underwent the CBC test (Complete Blood Count test). The differences between means were compared using the Student T test for unpaired data and considered significant when the p value was < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean values of serum albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma globulins were significantly decreased in health workers of both groups compared to controls. The mean values of serum creatinine and gamma-GT were significantly higher in health workers of group 2 compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results suggest that occupational exposure to low dose of anaesthetic gases could influence haematochemical hepatic and renal parameters in exposed health workers.

Urinary hydroxypyrene and estradiol in an occupationally exposed "outdoor" population

BACKGROUND

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely present in the air pollution. The urinary hydroxypyrene (1-HOPu) is considered the main biological biomarker currently available to measure the exposure to PAH. It is supposed responsible of an increase of estradiol levels in males. Aim of this study is to verify whether there is a relation between 1-HOPu and plasmatic estradiol in non-smoker male workers.

METHODS

The study was conducted on a sample of 122 non-smoker policemen in a large Italian city; we monitored their levels of 1-HOPu and the values of estradiol. The sample was divided into three groups according to the levels of urinary hydroxypyrene. The indices of correlation (r) and multiple linear regression (β), between levels of 1-HOPu and estradiol were calculated. It was also calculated the student's t-test among the groups to check the differences.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant correlations and multivariate linear regressions between 1-HOPu and estradiol in the total sample and in group III (levels of 1-HOPu above the 75th percentile). The average levels of estradiol in group III was statistically and significantly higher than in the group I (levels of 1-HOPu below the 25th percentile) and group II (levels 1-HOPu between 25th and the 75th percentile).

CONCLUSIONS

1-HOPu in non-smoker male workers is related with an increase of plasmatic estradiol. We believe that PAHs, of which 1-HOPu is the main biomarker, can interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The preliminary results suggest that the topic needs further research on male and female as well.

Workers of the printing industry and hepatic damage

BACKGROUND

Typesetting industry is still the primary instrument of communication, despite the development of new technological systems. This study focuses on the analysis of the hepatic effects induced by the use of some organic solvents employed in the printing industry.

METHODS

We studied a group of 194 workers: 93 exposed and 101 not exposed. The level of the exposure to chemical pollutants were assessed through the environmental monitoring of blood concentrations and the analysis of airborne substances. The health survey was performed through the collection of the medical history and the use of hepatic tests, which were evaluated by calculating Mean, Standard Deviation, Student's t-test and X² test with Yates Correction, to investigate statistically significant differences in some hepatic parameters: AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, fractional and total bilirubin. The environmental data sometimes exceeded the TLV-TWA.

RESULTS

The clinical evaluation of the hepatic parameters showed statistically significant differences as to the hematic concentrations of AST, ALT, GGT.

CONCLUSIONS

The results we obtained support the hypothesis of a risk among the printing industrial workers attributable to the hepatotoxic solvents. This risk seems to be related to the use of a mixture of solvents, although at low doses, and the analysis of the results obtained confirms the validity of the investigation for the health screening protocol adopted in order to identify subjects and/or population at risk of hepatotoxicity.

Correlation between urinary nickel and testosterone plasma values in workers occupationally exposed to urban stressors

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to assess whether occupational exposure to low doses of nickel (Ni) present in urban air can cause alterations in the concentration of plasma testosterone in workers of the Municipal Police of a large Italian city assigned to different types of outdoor tasks.

METHODS

359 male subjects were included in the study and divided on the basis of job, age, length of service and smoking habits. The dosage of the atmospheric Ni was performed by personal dosimetries on a sample of the workers included in the study. For each worker included in the study the dosage of whole blood Ni and of the plasma testosterone was carried out. The total sample was subjected to the independent-samples T-test and the Mann-Whitney U test for variables with 2 modes (smoking cigarette) and the ANOVA test and the Kruskal Wallis test for variables with more than 2 modes (age, length of service and job function). The correlation of Pearson with p at 2 wings between the variables was evaluated in the total sample and after subdivision on the basis of smoking and on the basis of the job. After taking into account the major confounding factors the multiple linear regression was performed on the total sample and after breakdown by tasks.

RESULTS

The correlation between the values of urinary Ni and the values of plasma testosterone on the total sample and for all classes of subdivision was found constantly negative. These results were confirmed by multiple linear regression, which indicated the Ni as the only significant variable that can contribute to the alterations of the testosterone.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, the Authors suggest that occupational exposure to low doses of Ni present in the urban environment is able to influence some lines of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in exposed workers.

Thyroid hormones in male workers exposed to urban stressors

BACKGROUND

The occupational exposure to urban pollution may induce adverse effects on the human health.

METHODS

Plasma levels of thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) of 50 outdoor workers and 50 indoor workers were compared.

RESULTS

In the outdoor workers the TSH levels were significantly higher than in the control subjects (p =0.02) while the average of FT3 and FT4 values, was not significantly different compared to the controls (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The differences found for TSH levels between outdoor and indoor workers, though not high, suggest that, due to greater exposure to environmental pollutants, the outdoor workers are more susceptible to the development of function abnormalities of the thyroid gland compared to indoor workers.

Liver damage in automotive and industrial workers of the glass

OBJECTIVE

High doses of organic solvents can cause hepatic disease. We investigated whether exposure to low doses of solvents in automotive and industrial workers may lead to changes in liver tests.

METHODS

We studied the liver parameters (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-traspeptidasi (γ-GT), alkaline phosphatase (PHA), total (TB) and direct bilirubin (DB) of 24 workers exposed to organic solvents and of 30 unexposed controls.

RESULTS

A significant increase of GOT, GPT and γ-GT was found in exposed workers compared to unexposed controls workers. The ratio GPT/GOT was significantly higher among the exposed compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed the hypothesis that exposure to low doses of solvents may determine a liver damage.

[Urban individual exposure to cadmium and baroreceptor response to posture]

OBJECTIVE

Outdoor workers are daily exposed to urban pollutants. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the values of environmental monitoring collected by personal dosimetries and changes in blood pressure due to posture in outdoor workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 subjects of both sexes were enrolled in the study, we evaluated the values of environmental monitoring of breathable dust, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, lead, benzene, toluene, xylene and 16 PAHs. Blood pressure in supine and standing positions was measured in all subjects.

RESULTS

The multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant reduction of orthostatic response of diastolic blood pressure in non-smoking outdoor workers occupationally exposed to cadmium.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study let us to believe that exposure to low doses of urban polluted cadmium may affect the response of diastolic blood pressure to orthostatism, as per a paraphysiological condition of sympathetic down-regulation.

Can noise cause high blood pressure? Occupational risk in paper industry

OBJECTIVES

The authors hypothesize cardiovascular effects in paper industry workers exposed to noise.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 72 paper industry workers exposed to noise and two control groups not exposed to noise. The workers completed a questionnaire and underwent a medical examination, measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood tests, audiometry and measurement of noise exposure.

RESULTS

The workers exposed to noise, all hearing impaired, were compared with not exposed and showed: significant increase of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values (p<0.001), higher frequency of hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01 and p<0.001) and electrocardiografic abnormalities (p<0.05), significant reduction of blood pressure response in orthostatism (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that for the workers of the paper industry the noise is an occupational risk factor for cardiovascular effects.

Peripheral blood counts in workers exposed to synthetic fibres

Acrylonitrile is an intermediary with possible adverse health effects in the synthesis of organic products, such as acrylic fibres. This investigation was undertaken to determine the possible changes in the peripheral blood counts in workers of a polyacrylic fibres plant. The study involved 218 workers exposed to acrylonitrile at low doses and a control group of 200 unexposed workers. The chosen subjects underwent blood tests in order to check their haematological parameters. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the red blood cells, haemoglobin and total number of leukocytes. An increase in the neutrophils associated with a reduction of lymphocytes, both statistically significant, was observed. The authors hypothesized that the neutrophils are influenced by the exposure to acrylonitrile at low doses.

Workers exposed to urban stressors and the effects on antidiuretic hormone secretion

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether urban pollutants can affect plasma levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in outdoor workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We selected 208 subjects, 104 exposed to urban stressors and 104 non exposed to urban stressors. We divided these workers in 3 groups: Group 1 (non-smokers and non-drinkers), Group 2 (smokers and not drinkers) and Group 3 (drinkers and not smokers). The means and standard deviations of ADH were calculated, and a Student's t-test was used to compare means. The data were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

The outdoor workers in Group 1 had significantly reduced plasma levels of ADH. In contrast, the outdoor workers in Groups 2 and 3 had increased plasma levels of ADH. These results were consistent in both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that urban pollutants may influence the secretion of ADH.

Liver function in workers exposed of the cosmetics industry

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to assess whether occupational exposure to substances used in the cosmetic factories may cause effects on the liver and blood counts in exposed workers.

METHODS

The study included 48 exposed workers and 86 unexposed controls. All workers included in the study underwent blood count, white blood count, total, direct and indirect bilirubin, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and cholinesterase. The differences between the means and frequencies were compared using the Student's t-test and chi-square test with Yates correction and were considered significant when the p value was <0.05.

RESULTS

The analysis of the results shows that 35.4% of workers in the cosmetics industry had liver test values above the range. We noted a statistically significant higher prevalence of GPT (p <0.05) and total bilirubin (p <0.05) in the workers of the cosmetics industry compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained suggest that occupational exposure to low doses of substances used in the cosmetic industry is able to influence some liver parameters in occupationally exposed workers.

Dynamic blood pressure in workers exposed to urban stressors

BACKGROUND

The occupational exposure to urban pollution may induce adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.

METHODS

Basal blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) and the dynamic blood pressure monitoring during the work shift of 16 policemen (outdoors workers) and 16 administrative employees (indoor workers) were compared.

RESULTS

The mean value of all the diastolic blood pressure surveys in policemen (84,53 ± 10,78) is significantly higher (p = 0,014) than the mean value of all the diastolic blood pressure surveys in indoor workers (82,74 ± 11.52).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that the occupational exposure to urban stressors may induce an increase of the diastolic blood pressure in workers during the working hours.

[Carpal tunnel syndrome and steel industry]

OBJECTIVES

The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common working pathology. The CTS diagnosis is not so easy because neurophysiological investigations are necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the working risks and the presence of CTS signs using a focused anamnestic and clinical procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the working risks of CTS in a population of 65 male workers of a steel industry (average age 25.1 and seniority 2.82), performing 5 different tasks. The Borg Scale was used to evaluate the subjective muscle effort. Diurnal paresthesia (V1FG), nocturnal paresthesia (V1FN), hypersensitivity (V1IS), hypostenia (V1IT) were considered.

RESULTS

We identified three main working risks repetitiveness of single actions, static and prolonged posture of the truck, muscle effort. 21.5% of the workers showed at least one of the three symptoms;13.8% showed one or more symptoms; the clinical objectivity was observed in 18.5%. A relation between V1FG, V1FN, clinical objective linked to the workers age of the task 1 (p =0.035) is showed.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent CTS, the use of the Borg Scale associated with identification of the risks and with the anamenstic-clinical investigation is useful to discriminate people at risk of CTS.

Relationship between occupational exposure to cadmium, transaminases and γ-GT in workers exposed to urban stressors

BACKGROUND

The exposure to Cd has been linked to many disease and liver is the major target organ of Cd toxicity following acute or chronic exposure.No study has ever evaluated the association between liver function tests and exposure to Cd present in urban air in outdoor workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to assess the relationship between the exposure to urban Cd and the associated changes in liver functionality markers, we conducted a study on 110 municipal policemen divided into 2 groups according to their tasks: 60 traffic policemen and 50 drivers, underwent tests for the determination of the urinary values of Cd correlated with the blood levels of transaminases and ?-GT. Moreover we investigated the exposure to Cd in the air through a personal dosimetry on a subgroup of 40 subjects (20 traffic policemen 20 police drivers).

RESULTS

The results showed that the average personal exposure to air Cd was significantly higher in traffic policemen than drivers. Furthermore, in the subset of 40 subjects and in the total sample of 110 subjects, the mean values of urinary Cd were significantly higher in traffic policemen rather than in the police drivers. No significant difference was observed in the mean values of liver functionality in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the few studies on the effects of the exposure to Cd in big cities, the results of the present study offers useful information about occupational exposure to Cd on the road and in the car and the lack of effects on liver function.

Exposure to solvents in health care workers: assessment of the hepatic effects

OBJECTIVES

The use of organic solvents has been linked to pathologies of different apparatuses. The purpose of this study is to analyze the liver damage induced by organic solvents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 556 workers, 278 exposed to organic solvents (group 1) and 278 not exposed to organic solvents (group 2). The exposed group was further divided into 2 subgroups: group 1A (139 workers exposed to considerable doses) and group 1B (139 workers exposed to negligible doses). Mean and standard deviation of some liver parameters was calculated. Statistically significant differences between the liver parameters in the different groups and subgroups were detected using the t-test. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between laboratory parameters and the independent variable.

RESULTS

The data so far obtained showed the existence of statistically significant differences with regard to the total protein, total bilirubin, transaminase GOT and GPT, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (gamma-GT).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that exposure to solvents can alter some liver parameters. The blood tests we used can be useful tool for the assessment of the actual occupational hazards and to verify the effectiveness of the measures taken for the prevention and protection.

Coal plant: risk, disease and prevention with on environmental impact

Urban pollution is a current problem, constituting a serious health risk. Many pollutants are present in the urban atmosphere, they are mainly anthropogenic, resulting from the combustion of coal. Several studies have shown the harmful effects of these pollutants, particularly on the respiratory system. Through a library review, we want to explore the effects on the health of general population and of outdoor workers exposed to the products resulting from the combustion of coal, in order to compare them with the estimated effects of the pollutants from the new generation coal plants, certainly less harmful to the environment. In recent years investments in "clean technologies" have resulted in a rapid and significant reduction of all polluting emissions: sulfur dioxide, dust, oxides of nitrogen, ash and gypsum resulting from the desulfurization process. To conclude in the light of the scientific literature we can say that the activation of coal plants based on technologies for the maximum containment and optimal treatment of the production cycle is essential to defend both the environment and the health of the population. Nevertheless it remains necessary to ensure a systematic monitoring of the environment of sanitation and food processing of the population living in the area, with a long-term follow-up.

[Exposure to cadmium and plasma cortisol in workers exposed to urban stressor]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to estimate the exposure to Cd in a group of roadmen compared to a group of drivers by environmental monitoring and biological monitoring of blood and urinary Cd. It aims to evaluate whether exposure to Cd can affect plasma cortisol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The initial sample was composed by 130 employees of Municipal Police Force (roadmen and drivers). After administration of a clinical-anamnestic questionnaire were excluded 50 subjects who presented confounding factors and 30 subjects who weren't comparable. On a final sample of 25 drivers and 25 roadmen were conducted environmental monitoring of Cd, biological monitoring of urinary and blood Cd and assessment of cortisol.

RESULTS

Personal exposure to Cd in air was significantly higher in roadmen compared to drivers (p = 0.015). Urinary and blood Cd were significantly increased in roadmen compared to drivers (p = 0.18 and p = 0.025). There weren't significant differences in plasma cortisol between drivers and roadmen (p> 0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis shows that urinary and blood Cd are dependent on the environment Cd levels and on the job (driver or roadmen) (p = 0.014 and p = 0.012) and plasma cortisol isn't dependent on blood and urinary Cd.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show a higher concentration of Cd in roadmen both in air and urine and they don't indicate an influence of exposure to low doses of Cd on plasma cortisol.

Evaluation of some cardiovascular risk parameters in health professionals exposed to night work

BACKGROUND

Shift work and night work in particular represent a risk factor for the health of exposed workers; aim of our study is to evaluate whether night work may cause alteration of some cardiovascular risk parameters in health workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research was carried out on 415 health workers, 163 exposed to night work and 252 not exposed. A blood sample was taken from each worker, between 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. before lunch time, to test total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. Workers with cardiovascular diseases, thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, those who made use of antihypertensive drugs, hypoglycemic and/or lipid-lowering drugs, subjects with body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) higher than 30 were excluded.

RESULTS

In the group of exposed compared to controls, increasing values of arterial pressure and heart rate, were not significant. The mean values of total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher in exposed compared to controls while values of HDL cholesterol were significantly lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Night workers have clinically significant changes in blood levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, such alterations are presumably related to poor food hygiene and to psychosocial stressors.

[Assessment of otoacustic emissions efficiency in diagnosis of hearing loss in workers exposed to airport stressors]

OBJECTIVES

Otoacoustic emissions are signals that originate from the cochlea, measuring them can be considered an objective method in the assessment of auditory function. In our study we wanted to examine their efficiency among normal audiological exams.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 14 workers exposed to continuous aircraft noise. They underwent ENT examination, metric eardrum test, hearing test tone audiometry system powered by 1 dB, spontaneous otoacoustic emissions and evoked otoacoustic emissions. For inclusion in the study the patients had to show bilateral normoacusia at the audiometry.

RESULTS

The variation of the audiometric tracks was statistically significant (p <0.05) at a frequency of 4 kHz. As to SNR parameter (relationship between sound/noise) we noticed a tendency of the transient-evoked otoacustic emission (TEOAE) to shift their spectral content, in particular a decrease in the high frequency response and on the other hand an increase at low frequencies. A similar trend for shifting in latency of otoacoustic waves emissions after exposure to chronic noise.

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement of evoked transient otoacoustic emissions is well tolerated by the workers and provides objective results, so it is a more effective and objective method then the tone audiometry.

Perceived stress and stress-related parameters

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate, using a questionnaire developed by our research group, whether occupational exposure to physical, chemical and psychosocial urban stressors can lead to alterations in perceived stress in a group of both male and female outdoor workers. The study also examines possible correlations between the levels of stress as inferred from the scores of the questionnaire and the levels of certain stress-related parameters (prolactin levels, consumption of coffee, chocolate, alcohol and cigarette smoking).

METHODS

We evaluated a final sample of 480 subjects (342 male and 138 female). All workers included in the study were divided into three groups on the basis of scores of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

About 60% of workers showed a moderate or severe stress condition, with a statistically significant prevalence of female workers and younger subjects. There was a statistically significant correlation between the questionnaire score and the mean levels of stress-related parameters. The increase of perceived stress increases significantly the mean levels of prolactin and the consumption of coffee, chocolate and cigarettes. There was no statistically significant differences for alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that exposure to chemical physical and psycho-social urban stressors can influence perceived stress in outdoor workers. The questionnaire used in our research could be an useful instruments for physicians during the health surveillance visits

Exposure to antineoplastic drugs in health care and blood chemistry parameters

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the research is to evaluate whether the exposure to antineoplastic drugs of health workers may cause alteration of blood chemistry parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research was conducted on 5800 health workers employed in a hospital in a big Italian city. The final sample is composed of 57 people in charge of cytotoxic drugs compared with 57 subjects not exposed; each worker underwent a general clinical examination and determination of the following values: complete blood count (CBC), white blood cell count (WBC), total protein, BUN, total bilirubin, creatinine, GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, gamma GT. Statistical analysis of data was based on calculation of the mean, standard deviation and the distribution into classes according to the nature of each variable. Differences were considered significant when p was <= 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean and the distribution of values of total bilirubin were significantly higher in the workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs than in workers non-exposed; the mean and the distribution of values of monocytes were significantly lower in subjects exposed compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results antiblastic drugs, at the doses used in the departments we studied, can induce an increase in the values of total bilirubin for liver toxicity and a reduction in the monocyte line due to myelosuppression.

[Meta analysis indices of genotoxic damage in urban pollution exposed workers]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine if urban pollution can modify indices of genotoxic damage.

METHODS

Research of articles inherent in the evaluation of these alterations. Differents categories of exposed workers are included in the study (cases, in number of 7287) and compaired with no exposed workers (controls, in number of 8054). To calculate the result of meta-analysis the Effect Size (ES) was used and the confidence interval was calculated.

RESULTS

In this category we evaluated 54 studies and we observed significantly differences in the complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting from the individual variables analysis investigated, between exposed and not exposed group, we underline the utility to deepen the studies concerning of these parameters, to appreciate their benefits and to safeguard health of exposed workers.

[Meta analysis blood and urinary values in urban pollution exposed workers]

INTRODUCTION

Aim of this study is evaluating alteration of neuro-immune-endocrine parameters in exposed workers and estimating whether urban pollution can modify them.

METHODS

Literature research. Different categories of exposed workers were included in the study (7287) and compared with controls (8054). To calculate results Effect Size (ES) and confidence interval were used.

RESULTS

A correlation between urban pollution exposition and some neurogenic mediators and metabolites alterations was demonstrated; blood values can be alterated by toxicity of benzene and by xenobiotic metabolites' mechanism; follicle stimulating hormone is significantly increased in exposed versus controls.

CONCLUSIONS

High heterogeneity and literature limitations, together with results of this meta analysis, induce to believe that is necessary to deepen the research about urban pollution effects on these parameters.

[Medical legal issues associated with the evaluation of herniated discs in seafarers to merchant ships]

"Seafarer" means person employed with any job on board a ship offshore, whether publicly or privately, excluding ships of war. Day by day a seafarer is forced to confront a reality in constant motion and live in environments that require awkward movements, and restricting the normal mobility of the person. In order to verify the frequency of herniated discs in this particular category of workers, given the recent introduction of INAIL tabulated diseases, a study was conducted on a sample of seafarers. Data analysis showed that 48.3% of the seafarers of the sample has herniated lumbar disc, and 34.5% of these duties in the deck, and 65.5% of the machine. The study of sample, varied as to age and task being performed, supports the assertion that the individual risk factors, especially age and obesity, are not strongly implicated in the genesis of disk herniation suffered by seafarers while the work factors (vibrations) play a more significant role in the onset of this disease. This consideration is part of a context, that of legal medical evaluation and in particular the causal relationship, which currently seems rather lacking in terms of literature and scientific production.

[Asbestos risk: risk assessment and prevention]

Asbestos is a very relevant medical and social issue, because of its potential dangerous effects on human health. It's present indeed in different environments, because it was widely used in the past. Asbestos is classified as first-class carcinogen, and so labelled with R 45 risk phrase. Exposure to asbestos fibers (both occupational and not) can cause diseases involving mainly the respiratory system. We point out the methods for a correct assessment of the risk from asbestos, with particular reference to current legislation and to the main preventive measures that have to be taken in case of presence of asbestos in a building. A correct prevention has to be carried out through education and information of workers and the use of specific check-lists.

[Urban stressors and thyroid hormones]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in thyroid hormones plasma levels (TSH, FT3 and FT4) in female outdoor workers vs. administrative.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study has been performed on an initial sample of 198 female subjects divided in two groups (occupationally exposed and not exposed to urban stressors). After excluding the subjects with the main confounding factors, female outdoor workers and administrative staff were matched by age, working life and drinking habit.

RESULTS

In 40 female outdoor workers mean plasma TSH levels were significantly higher compared to 40 administrative staff. The distribution of TSH values in outdoor workers and in administrative staff was significant. Plasma FT3 and FT4 levels were not significantly different in the two groups. Our results suggest that exposure to urban stressors (chemical, physical and psycho-social), can alter the plasma concentration of TSH.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our previous research, plasma TSH levels may be used as an early biological marker of chronic exposure to urban stressors, in occupational set even before the onset of the related disorders.

[Dietary intervention programs in the workplace: an effective prevention strategy]

The main purpose of our meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of workplace dietary intervention on several variables. We made a systematic literature search by selecting articles published up to September 2009. Only 18 studies were deemed suitable for inclusion criteria considered in our meta-analysis. Among the dietary variables there was significant difference between the two groups after the administration of nutritional intervention programs. A significant improvement was also observed between the anthropometric and metabolic variables. No significant change was instead documented in relation to functional variables (systolic and diastolic pressure). Workplace dietary intervention, improving nutritional, anthropometrical and metabolic variables, can be identified as effective prevention strategy toward chronic diseases.

[Phlebopathies and workers]

The few studies in literature about the relationship between venous diseases and work show that the posture assumed while working could promote the occurrence of venous disease in lower limbs. We compared male workers belonging to different occupational categories, matched for age, BMI and traditional risk factors for venous diseases, in order to assess the prevalence of venous disease and occupational and not-occupational postural risk factors. We found that maintaining a standing position for more than 50% of the shift appears the most important occupational risk factor in provoking the observed higher prevalence of venous disease in the workers studied. It can be assumed the venous diseases are often determined by occupational factors which could be main or concomitant causes. The identification of preventive measures to apply in workplaces, such as better organization of work, targeted examinations and therapeutic indications as the prescription of elastic stockings, is very important.

[Meta-analysis: cardiovascular effects in workers occupationally exposed to urban pollution]

BACKGROUND

Many studies showed a connection between exposition to high levels of urban pollution (especially to particulate and traffic noise) and the onset of even deadly cardiovascular diseases.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of case-control design.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to estimate the association between cardiovascular effects and occupational exposition to atmospheric pollution in urban environment.

DATA SOURCES

Biomedcentral, MEDLINE/ PubMed, MEDLINE/ National Library of Medicine (NLM), MEDLINE Plus, Nioshtic-2, Scopus, TOXNET/Toxline, unpublished studies known by the authors and acts of national and international conferences between 1988 and May 2010 included. There has not been any kind of language or typological restriction. CRITERIA OF ELEGIBILITY: The research on cardiovascular effects includes control cases of workers exposed to urban pollution, compared with non-exposed subjects.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

The selected studies present outdoor workers exposed to urban pollution (drivers and petrol pump attendants) and a control group of indoor workers (managers, university students and other selected subjects).

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The evidences (independently token from two different authors) have been grouped in two classes, the first one formed by continuous variables (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and the second one by discontinuous variables (electrocardiographic abnormalities prevalence, hypertension prevalence, hypercholesterolemia prevalence). The studies related to both classes and presenting more than one variable for each class have been included and used, in order to elaborate the results. We calculated heterogeneity in each variable (ES calculation for continuous variables and OR calculation for discontinuous variables).

RESULTS

On 378 publications, we have selected and included 16 articles. The variables show statistically irrelevant differences between exposed group and control group, except regarding the triglycerides.

LIMITATIONS

The controlled studies are limited and characterized by a non-homogeneous evaluation of both expositional times of workers to urban pollution and of professional expositional values.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Considering the heterogeneity and the lack of studies, it is impossible at the moment to document effects on the cardiovascular system in workers exposed to urban pollution. The results of this meta-analysis only suggest the association of urban pollution with alteration of triglycerides blood levels (referring to just three studies). As reported in scientific literature on this subject, it is necessary to conduct a future professional investigation on this subject with more qualified and homogeneous studies.

Occupational exposure to noise and the cardiovascular system: a meta-analysis

The aim of our meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between the modifications of the cardiovascular system and chronic exposure to noise in occupationally exposed subjects. We considered the articles published from 1950 to May 2008. Only 15 papers were conforming to the inclusion criteria identified for this meta-analysis. A total of 18,658 workers were divided in three groups according to the level of noise exposure as measured in the original studies (High Exposure, HE, Intermediate Exposure, IE, Low Exposure, LE). A preliminary evaluation of the type of data allowed for a classification of the type of performed measurements. Two classes of variables were identified: Class I, composed by continuous variables (systolic blood pressure, SBP, diastolic blood pressure, DBP, and heart rate, HR) and Class II, composed by not continuous variables (prevalence of hypertension and prevalence of ECG abnormalities). For each variable the calculation of heterogeneity was performed. For continuous variables the calculation of ES and its significance were performed while Odds Ratio (OR) and its significance were calculated for not continuous variables. The results show a statistically significant increase of SBP and DBP in HE workers compared to LE and IE workers while HR is statistically higher in HE participants compared to LE participants. The prevalence of both hypertension and ECG abnormalities is statistically higher in HE workers compared to LE and IE workers. Taking into account both the extremely high heterogeneity among studies and the ES/OR values we suggest a particular attention to the measurement and evaluation of SBP, DBP and HR in workers with chronic exposure to noise. Also ECG for workers with chronic exposure to noise is suggested in order to identify and evaluate possible abnormalities noise could be a concurrent cause of.

Follicle-stimulating hormone levels in male workers exposed to urban chemical, physical, and psychosocial stressors

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in traffic policemen compared to a control group. After excluding the subjects with main confounding factors, traffic policemen and male controls were matched by age, working life, body mass index (BMI), drinking habit, cigarette smoking history, and daily consumption of Italian coffee, 166 traffic policemen and 166 controls were included into the study. FSH levels were significantly higher in traffic policemen compared to male controls ( P < 0.05). The distribution of FSH values in traffic policemen and controls was significant ( P < 0.05). Our results suggest that occupational exposure to low doses of chemical and psychosocial stressors may alter plasma levels of FSH in traffic policemen more than in the control group. If the results obtained are confirmed by further research, the plasma levels of FSH may be used as early biological markers, valuable for the group, used in occupational set even before the appearance of disorders of male fertility.

[Food service workers and cooks: occupational risk assessment]

The aim of the study is to evaluate the occupational risks among food service workers and cooks. During the occupational risks assessment the following risk factors must be evaluated: musculoskeletal disorders, chemical risk (cleaning kitchen work surface, dishes, utensils ecc.) biological risk (contact with foods or biological agents) cancerogenic risk (by baking smoke inhalation), and psycho-social stress. In this study the preventive measures and protective equipment to prevent health hazards for these workers have been evaluated (i.e. aspiration hood, adapted ventilation, chosen of less harmful methods of baking, ecc.). In particular the performance of rigid behavioural norms and hygienic procedures is very important for cooks and food service workers to reduce the risk of occupational infections.

[Night workers and plasmatic cortisol]

The aim of the study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to night work could cause alterations in the levels of plasmatic cortisol. The interest toward this argument arises form several studies in scientific literature referring the presence of an alteration in the synthesis and release of cortisol in workers exposed to night work. We studied a population of workers employed in night security service and monitoring service of alarm systems in different museums compared to a control group not performing shift-work and/or night work. The exposed and control subjects were compared by age, length of service, smoking habit (n. cigarettes per day), habitual consumption of alcoholic drinks (n. glass of wine/beer per day). We evaluated the levels of plasmatic cortisol on 50 workers exposed to night work, all males of whom 30 smokers and 20 non-smokers and on 50 controls of whom 30 smokers and 20 non-smokers.