Reliability and factorial validity of a questionnaire to assess organophosphate pesticide exposure to agricultural workers in Maule,Chile

The aim was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a questionnaire to assess organophosphate pesticide (OP) exposure in agricultural workers. We then enrolled a random sample of 114 agricultural workers from the region of Maule, Chile (mean age = 50 years [SD = 12]). An internal consistency analysis (Cronbach’s alpha> 0.70) and a Varimax rotational factorial analysis were applied. The instrument had a high reliability to predict likely occupational pesticide exposures: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure was 0.90 and the Bartell sphericity test = p < 0.001. Four factors explaining 68% of the variance were extracted. The factors identified were as follows: (1) labor conditions during application of OPs; (2) use of personal protective equipment; (3) workplace conditions related to OP exposure and (4) home conditions related to OP exposure. The questionnaire has adequate metric properties to characterize likely OP exposure of agricultural workers and to explore associated working and home conditions.     

Peripheral nervous system function and organophosphate pesticide use among licensed pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study

Background: Evidence is limited that long-term human exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides, without poisoning, is associated with adverse peripheral nervous system (PNS) function.Objective: We investigated associations between OP pesticide use and PNS function by administering PNS tests to 701 male pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS).Methods: Participants completed a neurological physical examination (NPx) and electrophysiological tests as well as tests of hand strength, sway speed, and vibrotactile threshold. Self-reported information on lifetime use of 16 OP pesticides was obtained from AHS interviews and a study questionnaire. Associations between pesticide use and measures of PNS function were estimated with linear and logistic regression controlling for age and outcome-specific covariates.Results: Significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) were observed for associations between ever use of 10 of the 16 OP pesticides and one or more of six NPx outcomes. Most notably, abnormal toe proprioception was significantly associated with ever use of 6 OP pesticides, with ORs ranging from 2.03 to 3.06; monotonic increases in strength of association with increasing use was observed for 3 of the 6 pesticides. Mostly null associations were observed between OP pesticide use and electrophysiological tests, hand strength, sway speed, and vibrotactile threshold.Conclusions: This study provides some evidence that long-term exposure to OP pesticides is associated with signs of impaired PNS function among pesticide applicators.     

Chronic exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides and neuropsychological functioning in farm workers: a review

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that acute poisoning from exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in agricultural workers causes adverse health effects. However, neuropsychological and cognitive effects of chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides remain controversial.

Objective: To identify, evaluate, and systematize existing evidence regarding chronic exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects in farmworkers.

Methods: Using the PubMed search engine, a systematic review process was implemented and replicated according to the PRISMA statement. Eligibility criteria included workers over 18 years of age exposed to OP pesticides as well as assessment of neuropsychological and cognitive functioning. Search terms were in English and Spanish languages and included organophosphate and workers.

Results: Of the search results, 33 of 1,256 articles meet eligibility criteria. Twenty-four studies found an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and low neuropsychological performance in workers. We classified nine of the studies to have study design limitations. Studies indicated occupational exposure to OP pesticides is linked to difficulties in executive functions, psychomotor speed, verbal, memory, attention, processing speed, visual–spatial functioning, and coordination. Nine studies find no relationship between OP pesticides exposure and neuropsychological performance.

Conclusions: Overall, evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects. However, there is no consensus about the specific cognitive skills affected.     

Occupational exposure to pesticides and congenital malformations: A review of mechanisms,methods, and results

Pesticides are chemicals that are widely used all over the world. Human beings can be exposed through environmental contamination and/or occupational use of pesticides. Although there is substantial information on the acute toxicity of many of these chemicals, available knowledge on delayed effects is much more limited. This paper reviews epidemiological studies on occupational exposure to pesticides, mainly in agricultural workers, and risk of congenital malformations. The discussion includes postulated mechanisms for birth defects from paternal or maternal exposure, a detailed review of methods of the studies carried out so far on the relationship between occupational exposure to pesticides and congenital malformations, and a summary of main results obtained. From available information, it seems reasonable to conclude that, to date, there is inadequate evidence for either establishing a relationship between pesticides exposure in human beings and birth defects or for rejecting it. Avoiding the main limitations of previous studies, some of the key elements for future research are presented. Am. J. Ind. Med. 33:232–240, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Health symptoms and exposure to organophosphate pesticides in farmworkers

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the relationship between reported health symptoms and exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides. METHODS: Fisher's exact test was used to assess the relationship between self-reported health symptoms and indicators of exposure to OP pesticides in 211 farmworkers in Eastern Washington. RESULTS: The health symptoms most commonly reported included headaches (50%), burning eyes (39%), pain in muscles, joints, or bones (35%), a rash or itchy skin (25%), and blurred vision (23%). Exposure to pesticides was prevalent. The proportion of detectable samples of various pesticide residues in house and vehicle dust was weakly associated with reporting certain health symptoms, particularly burning eyes and shortness of breath. No significant associations were found between reporting health symptoms and the proportion of detectable urinary pesticide metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Certain self-reported health symptoms in farmworkers may be associated with indicators of exposure to pesticides. Longitudinal studies with more precise health symptom data are needed to explore this relationship further.     

Reduction in fertility in male greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides

The paper examines the possible interference of pesticide exposure on male fertility, by studying the time to pregnancy (TTP) in the first pregnancy of 127 greenhouse workers and 173 controls. The TTP of exposed and control population, analysed by logistic regression model, has shown an increase in the risk of conception delay among the greenhouse workers with high exposure (OR:2.4; 95% CI: 1.2–5.1).     

Rural hospitals and the provision of agricultural occupational health and safety services

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous work environments in the United States. Ironically, there is a near-total absence of occupational health and safety services being provided to agricultural workers. While many of the agricultural occupational hazards could be addressed through health and safety services provided by rural hospitals, the absence of dedicated funds to pay for these services is a major barrier. The ability of rural hospitals to provide these services and specific issues related to the unique character and problems in implementing agricultural occupational health and safety services are discussed.     

Agrochemicals pose health risks to coffee factory workers in Githuguri (Kenya)

In this century, the use of pesticides and fertilizers (agrochemicals) is indispensable because they are seen as a panacea for protecting crops from insects and diseases. However, the manner in which these agrochemicals are handled poses significant health risks to manufacturers, transporters, vendors and farmers. In Kenya, for example, coffee factory workers (specifically storekeepers) apportion the agrochemicals and sell them to the coffee farmers. The process of apportioning and other factors expose these workers to health risks. In order to evaluate the extent of the problem, a pilot study was undertaken in the Githuguri location. The results showed that lack of use of protective clothing, poor handling of agrochemicals and poorly designed storage facilities were very common. As a result, 95% of the workers interviewed reported a variety of agrochemical health related problems. In conclusion, the government and the public role regarding possible preventive measures were proposed.     

农村基层妇产科工作人员职业暴露及有关因素的调查报告

目的 了解农村基层妇产科工作人员在工作中职业暴露——意外针刺和污染物溅人眼鼻口——的发生情况及有关因素。方法 采用半结构式同卷对安徽省两个县的县级和乡镇级卫生机构妇产科所有在岗工作人员进行横断面调查。结果 在137名调查对象中．在工作中发生过由针头或其它锐利器具引起的意外刺伤的人数为78，占57％；在工作中发生过让病人分泌物意外溅人眼鼻口的人数是90，占66％。发生过刺伤或粘膜暴露的人数是107，占78％。在职业暴露的5条补救措施中．选出2条以上的人数是41人．占31％。绝大多数人报告工作场所内没有防护眼镜(93％)．也有不少人报告工作场所没有盛废弃锐利器具的专用垃圾桶(27％)。讨论和结论 基层妇产科工作人员职业暴露情况严重．存在一定的职业危险。提出5条措施降低卫生人员职业暴露危险。     

Survey of reproductive hazards among oil, chemical, and atomic workers exposed to halogenated hydrocarbons

Several halogenated hydrocarbons are suspected of causing adverse reproductive effects. Because of such concerns, the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union surveyed the reproductive histories of two groups of workers. One group worked at plants engaged in the production or use of halogenated hydrocarbons (exposed) whereas the others had no such opportunity for exposure (nonexposed). Although a low response rate precludes firm conclusions, the 1,280 completed questionnaires provide useful data for generating hypotheses in this developing field of interest. A history of diagnosed cancer was reported more frequently among exposed workers. The infant mortality rate was also significantly elevated among the offspring of exposed workers. No risk gradient was observed for episodes of infertility, fetal loss, congenital defects, or low-birthweight offspring. Concerns with nonresponse, exposure characterization, possible confounding factors, and limited statistical power are addressed. The results provide further suggestions which help to direct studies of occupational reproductive risks.     

医务人员职业暴露的危害及其防护

对医院中医务人员的职业暴露进行了全面识别，阐述了物理性、化学性、生物性职业暴露及心理和暴力对医护人员的伤害。提出了相应的管理及防护措施。     

Systemic Nicotine Exposure in Tobacco Harvesters

Several epidemics of nicotine intoxication have been described among tobacco harvesters; however, little is known about nicotine absorption under typical working conditions. To assess systemic nicotine absorption during a regular working shift, the authors performed an observational field study. Included in the study were 10 healthy, nonsmoking, female tobacco harvesters and a control group of 5 healthy, nonsmoking, female hospital workers. Nicotine and cotinine were measured in sequential samples of blood and urine during a regular workshift. Blood nicotine levels rose from a nadir value of 0.79 ± 0.12 ng/ml to a peak value of 3.45 ± 0.84 ng/ml (p < .05 [Tukey's modified t test]) in the exposed group. In the control group, levels were stable at 0.1 ± 0.1 ng/ml (p < .01). Moreover, the mean blood nicotine level measured 3 mo following the end of exposure in 6 of 10 exposed subjects was 0.24 ± 0.12 ng/ml (p < .01). Corresponding higher values of urine nicotine and urine cotinine were observed in the exposed versus control group (comparative P values were < .01 and < .05, respectively). Overall, tobacco harvesters absorbed approximately 0.8 mg of nicotine daily. Given that nicotine can induce adverse health effects, the authors believe that prevention of nicotine absorption in tobacco harvesters should be sought and that workers should be informed about occupational risks.     

医疗卫生机构医务人员结核病感染控制现状

目的分析我国医务人员结核感染和患病情况以及相应的危险因素,为加强医疗卫生机构医务人员的结核病感染预防控制工作提供理论依据。方法采取系统综述的方法,对1995-2010年关于医疗卫生机构中医务人员结核感染和患病情况及其影响因素的相关文献资料进行综合分析。结果我国关于医务人员结核感染预防控制方面的研究很欠缺。文献资料显示,我国医务人员的结核感染率明显高于普通人群,其PPD阳性率达60.4%～62.8%;医务人员的结核病患病率也比一般人群高,达6.7/1 000人年。对医务人员感染结核的危险因素分析显示,其结核感染和患病风险主要与在工作场所暴露和感染预防控制措施不足等有关。结论医务人员的结核感染控制工作十分薄弱,相关研究不足,目前已成为我国结核病控制面临的重要问题。     

２３３名铬作业工人皮肤、鼻咽部职业性疾患的调查研究

［目的］为了解湖南省某金属冶炼厂铬对作业工人皮肤、鼻咽部职业性危害的状况。［方法］对车间空气中铬浓度进行了监测;并对车间第一线铬作业工人开展卫皮肤、鼻咽部等方面的职业性健康检查。［结果］该分厂铬作业工人职业性铬鼻病的患病率为１０.30%。职业性接触性皮火的患病率为９.44%。皮肤铬溃疡的患病率为６.44%。［结论]铬的职业性危害不容忽视,厂方应加强通风排毒措施,督促工人做好个人卫生防护,积极治疗各种职业性疾患。     

Exposure of health care workers to pentamidine isethionate.

Pentamidine isethionate is currently used for the prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Its use has been associated with a number of symptoms in staff administering treatment, and there are some additional concerns about possible adverse health effects of long term exposure. The aim of this study was to quantify exposure of health care staff administering nebulized pentamidine to patients. Personal breathing zone and static air samples at the height of the patient's head were collected during the nebulization of pentamidine to nine sequential outpatients attending a haemophilia unit. These were analysed using a standard method allowing the exposure of staff to be estimated. The duration of treatment varied between 15 and 60 min. Personal breathing zone samples showed exposure to be between 2 and 100 micrograms/m3. Static samples showed the concentration of pentamidine in the room varied from 15 to 2,100 micrograms/m3. While these exposures were relatively low, they were higher than some other studies have reported, and may pose some risk of adverse effects to staff. Some simple measures could reduce staff exposure.     

德阳市某铸锻钢企业职业病危害因素调查

目的了解某铸锻钢企业职业病危害因素分布及其对健康的影响。方法按照国家有关标准的要求,对该企业进行工作场所职业病危害因素识别和卫生检测,并对其危害因素进行分析和分级。结果监测生产性粉尘、化学因素、物理因素共9种,其中粉尘共6种,超标率为41.8%,锰及其化合物超标率为61.1%;噪声超标率为26.8%;高温超标率为16.0%;职业病危害因素作业分级情况：粉尘轻度危害作业14个,中度危害作业8个,高度危害作业6个,锰及其化合物中度危害作业3个,高度危害作业6个,噪声轻度危害作业4个,中度危害作业3个,高度危害作业1个,极重危害作业3个,高温轻度危害作业1个,中度危害作业2个,高度危害作业2个。结论粉尘、锰及其化合物、噪声、高温是该企业主要的职业病危害因素,且危害较严重。