Attitudes toward tobacco advertising among Hispanic migrant farm workers

The existing literature surrounding the effects of transnational tobacco advertising, advertising near or around U.S. borders, on migrant farm workers have been virtually ignored. The purpose of this study was to determine the media literacy skills among migrant farm workers and gather information regarding attitudes and beliefs surrounding tobacco use. Results indicate that migrant Hispanic farm workers believe that smoking is highly popular in the United States and a necessary part of American culture. The data also revealed low media literacy skills regarding tobacco advertising and protobacco attitudes among Hispanic migrant farm workers. As a result, the current study suggests that this population has specific needs for basic media literacy skills regarding tobacco use. Therefore, health education specialists can develop educational strategies that will address tobacco advertising and media literacy skills among migrant farm workers.     

The heat exposure risk to outdoor workers in Brazil

Abstract

Heat exposure is a major cause of health issues in outdoor workers. The aim of this study is to show a macro analysis of the heat exposure risk (HER) countrywide through the WBGT index. The index estimates are conducted from 50?years of meteorological observations. The HER takes into account the light, moderate, and heavy workloads, and the HER maps are separately generated decade by decade and season by season. It was found that HER has stronger effect on heavy workload workers during summer. It is even more critical in the Northern, Northeastern, and in part of Midwestern Brazil. There was HER increase in the last two decades, showing the need of applying control measures. It is very important taking continuous actions such as environmental and physiological monitoring, light clothing, and flexible work shifts.     

Mortality of aircraft manufacturing workers in Southern California

A retrospective cohort mortality study was conducted among men and women employed for four or more years, between 1958 and 1982, at an aircraft manufacturing company in San Diego County. Specific causes of death under investigation included cancer of the brain and nervous system, malignant melanoma, and cancer of the testicle, which previous reports have suggested to be associated with work in aircraft manufacturing. Follow-up of the cohort of 14,067 subjects for a mean duration of 15.8 yr from the date of first employment resulted in successful tracing of 95% of the cohort and found 1,804 deaths through 1982. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated based on U.S. national mortality rates and separately based on San Diego County mortality rates. Mortality due to all causes was significantly low (SMR = 75), as was mortality due to all cancer (SMR = 84). There was no significant excess of cancer of the brain, malignant melanoma, cancer of the testicle, any other cancer site, or any other category of death. Additional analyses of cancer sites for which at least ten deaths were found and for which the SMR was at least 110 showed no increase in risk with increasing duration of work or in any specific calendar period. Although this study found no significant excesses in cause-specific mortality, excess risks cannot be ruled out for those diseases that have latency periods in excess of 20 to 30 yr, or for exposures that might be restricted to a small proportion of the cohort.     

Risk factors associated with allergic sensitization and asthma phenotypes among poultry farm workers

Background

This study investigated the risk factors for occupational allergic sensitization and various asthma phenotypes in poultry‐workers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 230 workers used a modified ECRHS questionnaire, spirometry, FeNO, Phadiatop, and sIgE to poultry farming related allergens.

Results

Worker's mean age was 37 ± 9 years, 68% male, 43% current‐smokers, 34% atopic, and 5% casual‐workers. The prevalence of non‐atopic asthma (NAA = 7%) was higher than atopic‐asthma (AA = 5%) and probable allergic occupational‐asthma (OA = 3%). Sensitization to at least one poultry farming related allergen was 24%. Workers sensitized to chicken‐specific‐allergens were more likely to be atopic (OR_unadj = 20.9, 95%CI: 4.7‐93.2) or employed as casual‐workers (OR_unadj = 6.0, 95%CI: 1.1‐35.9). Work‐related chest symptoms were associated the rearing‐department (OR_adj = 3.2, 95%CI: 1.2‐8.4) and exposure to high gas/dust/fumes (OR_adj = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.4‐9.5). Airflow reversibility (OR_adj = 10.9, 95%CI: 2.0‐60.3) was significantly associated with casual‐work status.

Conclusion

Allergic and non‐allergic mechanisms play a role in asthma development among poultry‐workers with casual workers demonstrating increased risk.

     

Maternal Prepregnancy Obesity is an Independent Risk Factor for Frequent Wheezing in Infants by Age 14 Months

Background: Maternal prepregnancy obesity has been linked to the offspring's risk for subsequent asthma. We determined whether maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of wheezing phenotypes early in life. Methods: We used data on 1107 mother–child pairs from two birth cohorts from the INMA–INfancia y Medio Ambiente project. Maternal height was measured and prepregnancy weight self‐reported at enrolment (on average at 13.7 ± 2 weeks of gestation). Maternal prepregnancy body mass index was categorised as underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to WHO recommendations. Information on child's wheezing was obtained through questionnaires up to the age of 14 (±1) months. Wheezing was classified as infrequent (<4 reported wheezing episodes) or frequent (≥4 episodes). Weight and length of infants were measured by trained study staff at 14.6 (±1) months of age and weight‐for‐length z‐scores computed. Results: Although maternal obesity did not increase the risk of the child to have any or infrequent wheezing, children of obese mothers were more likely to have frequent wheezing than children of normal‐weight mothers (11.8% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.002). In fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression models, including infants' weight‐for‐length z‐scores and other covariates, maternal prepregnancy obesity was associated with increased risk of frequent [adjusted relative risk (RR) 4.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55, 11.3] but not infrequent (RR 1.05 [95% CI 0.55, 2.01]) wheezing in their children. Conclusions: Maternal prepregnancy obesity is independently associated with an increased risk of frequent wheezing in the infant by the age of 14 months. These findings add evidence on the potential effects of in utero exposures on asthma‐related phenotypes.     

Exposure to potential occupational asthmogens: Prevalence data from the National Occupational Exposure Survey

Few data are available about the prevalence of occupational exposures to agents which can cause occupational asthma or aggravate preexisting asthma (asthmogens). Using potential occupational exposure data from the National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) of 1980–1983, we investigated the number of asthmogen exposures, asthmogen-exposure(s) per production worker, and unprotected occupational asthmogen exposures in different industries and occupations. Data for the entire United States were used to generate estimates of occupational exposure at two selected state and local levels. It was estimated that 7,864,000 workers in the surveyed industries were potentially exposed to one or more occupational asthmogen(s) in the United States. The average number of observed potential exposures per asthmogen-exposed worker was 4.4, and varied from 11.9, in the Water Transportation industry, to 1.2 in Local and Suburban transportation. The largest number of observed potential exposures was recorded in the Apparel and Other Finished Products (garment) industry. This work and further analyses using this approach are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of occupational asthma, and to serve as a guide to target future occupational asthma surveillance efforts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:195–201 © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Presenteeism among fruit farm workers in Northeast Brazil: cross-sectional study

The scientific literature about presenteeism among farm workers is scarce. This study estimated the prevalence of and factors associated with presenteeism among paid fruit farm workers. A cross-sectional study investigated 340 paid employees of both sexes, aged 18 years or above, who worked during the 2019 irrigated fruit harvest in the municipality of Petrolina, Northeast Brazil. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, general health status, occupational characteristics, interpersonal work aspects, and the work environment’s structural characteristics was collected in a structured questionnaire. Presenteeism was established when participants reported working one or more days during the previous season despite feeling ill or when injured. Cox regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios adjusted by sex, area of residence (urban or rural), employment contract (permanent or seasonal), satisfaction with management, participation in workplace decision-making, availability of on-site healthcare facilities, and on-site availability of sunscreen. The prevalence of presenteeism during the previous season was high: 58.2%. In the final multivariate model, the adjusted prevalence ratio was higher (≥1.20) among female workers (1.42), workers dissatisfied with management (1.28), and those for whom sunscreen was not available on site (1.61). The prevalence of presenteeism was high and associated with personal, work organizational, and workplace resources characteristics.     

Zika virus in workers: Considerations for ongoing exposure prevention

Since at least 2015, a major Zika virus epidemic has impacted the Americas and the Caribbean. There is an ongoing risk of Aedes mosquito-borne transmission in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide. In these areas, as well as in places that are not experiencing active outbreaks, workers in a variety of jobs may be exposed to the virus. In addition to outdoor workers in places with ongoing, vector-borne transmission who may be exposed when bitten by Zika-infected mosquitoes, biomedical researchers studying the virus and health care workers and staff in clinical laboratories may encounter blood and infectious body fluids from infected individuals, including travelers from Zika virus-affected areas. Because of potentially serious health outcomes, including reproductive effects, sometimes associated with Zika, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health previously issued guidance to help US employers protect workers from exposure to the virus on the job. This commentary summarizes the details of these recommendations and explains their rationale, which is important to understand when adapting and implementing workplace controls to prevent occupational Zika virus exposures and infections at individual worksites. The industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls, including elimination and substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices, and personal protective equipment, serves as a framework for infection prevention practices for at-risk workers discussed here.     

A qualitative study of workers with chronic pain in Brazil and its social consequences

Chronic pain contributes towards less diversified participation centred on household activities, fewer social relationships and smaller number of recreational activities. The aim of the study was to further investigate the effects of chronic pain on participation, focusing on how workers deal with the experienced restrictions. Ten workers with chronic pain participated in the survey, which was conducted with qualitative interviews. Analyses of thematic units revealed that chronic pain has consequences for participation, leading to work restrictions and loss of social roles. Social relationships tend to be limited to family, and workers become isolated from other social groups. The rebuilding of participants' lives was a counterpoint to the identified social rupture. The narratives revealed strategies for dealing with pain, attempts at reorganizing their daily activities and formulating new plans. Understanding what resources individuals use to cope with their difficulties allow occupational therapists to plan client‐centred treatment goals. A limitation of the study was to involve employees of very similar socio‐economic classes. Studies directed to understanding the relationship between social support and the reconstruction of participation must be conducted to further advance knowledge on possible mechanisms underlying social participation among workers with chronic pain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

病毒相关性喘息患儿血清中嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子的检测及临床意义

目的:检测支气管哮喘与病毒相关性喘息患儿血清Eotaxin和sICAM-1浓度,研究其与喘息反复发作高危因素之间的关系。方法:按中华儿科学会呼吸学组制定的统一标准随机选择支气管哮喘组和病毒相关性喘息组各60例,支气管哮喘组于急性发作期、慢性持续期采取血清,病毒相关性喘息组于急性期、恢复期采取血清,用酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清Eotax-in和sICAM-1浓度。对60例病毒相关性喘息患儿依据病史并进行1年随访,分析各组血清Eotaxin和sICAM-1浓度与喘息高危因素发生的关系。结果:病毒相关性喘息组急性期血清Eotaxin、sICAM-1浓度高于恢复期(P<0.01);喘息Ⅰ组(喘息发作3次或3次以上)急性期血清Eotaxin、sICAM-1浓度与哮喘组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),比喘息Ⅱ组(喘息仅发作1次)高差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);恢复期血清Eotaxin浓度与哮喘组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),血清sICAM-1浓度较哮喘组低。哮喘组急性发作期、慢性持续期血清Eotaxin、sICAM-1浓度两者互呈正相关性(P<0.01);病毒相关性喘息组急性期、恢复期血清Eotaxin、sICAM-1浓度两者互呈正相关性(P<0.01)。结论:①Eotaxin和sICAM-1参与了哮喘和病毒相关性喘息急性发病的过程。②反复喘息患儿慢性炎症持续存在,Eotaxin可作为早期干预的重要指标之一。③病毒相关性喘息患儿与血清Eotaxin和sICAM-1浓度有关,Eotaxin和sICAM-1浓度变化可能有助于预测病毒相关性喘息发展成哮喘的指标之一。     

Reducing occupation-based disparities related to tobacco: roles for occupational health and organized labor

BACKGROUND: Persistent and growing occupation-based disparities related to tobacco pose a serious public health challenge. Tobacco exacts a disproportionate toll on individuals employed in working class occupations, due to higher prevalence of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke among these workers compared to others. METHODS: We provide an overview of recent advances that may help to reduce these disparities, including research findings on a successful social contextual intervention model that integrates smoking cessation and occupational health and safety, and a new national effort to link labor unions and tobacco control organizations around their shared interest in reducing tobacco's threat to workers' health. CONCLUSIONS: Implications of these efforts for future research and action are discussed.     

Literature review: dermal monitoring data for pesticide exposure assessment of farm workers

Objective: To conduct a literature review to determine the types of information that existing dermal pesticide monitoring data could provide for future pesticide exposure assessment in occupational epidemiology.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on eight online databases. Two screening phases with predetermined criteria identified the qualifying literature. Standard information and dermal pesticide monitoring data were recorded and summarized from each qualifying study to assess its usefulness for future pesticide exposure assessment.

Results: A total of 31 farm studies qualified for review; task information was used to standardize all farm job(s) evaluated into 5 job groups: operators, applicators, mixer-loaders, field workers, and flaggers. When attempting to compare dermal exposure levels between studies, two types of variation were identified: (1) variation in study focus and reporting and 2) variation in exposure levels. The former variation type prevented exposure level comparisons between studies. Within studies, exposure levels were compared across body parts to identify that which had the highest measured exposure and to determine if results were similar in other studies that evaluated the same farm job. Using studies that measured exposure for multiple farm jobs, within study comparisons of total body exposure were performed to evaluate work factors.

Conclusion: Future dermal pesticide exposure monitoring studies should standardize reporting procedures, as suggested in this review, to allow for more extensive dermal data comparisons. Body parts with highest measured levels of dermal exposure were identified by farm job, along with work factors to be further investigated as potential dermal pesticide exposure determinants for farm workers.     

Acute and chronic health effects due to green tobacco exposure in agricultural workers

BACKGROUND: An epidemiological study was undertaken in Gujarat, India to study the acute and chronic health effects of occupational exposure to green tobacco. METHODS: Non-Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is the main crop in many districts of Central Gujarat. Three villages were selected from Anand district for the study and a random sample of 685 exposed workers were examined. Six hundred and fifty-five control workers with the same socio-economic status were examined from two villages where tobacco was not cultivated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of green tobacco sickness (GTS) was 47.0% among tobacco workers. The prevalence in women workers was 55.7% while in men workers it was 42.66%. To detect the chronic health effects prevalence of hypertension, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, and eye problems in all the workers and reproductive abnormalities in women workers, all subjects received a medical examination. The data were compared in exposed and control group but they were non-significant statistically. No case of tobacco amblyopia was detected. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GTS among non-FCV tobacco workers is high. However, from viewpoint of severity it can be considered as mild acute nicotine toxicity, which is relieved without medication. No significant difference is observed as regards to chronic health effects among tobacco workers and control workers.     

Mortality among rubber workers: X. Reclaim workers

This study evaluated the mortality experience of 1,352 white and 438 nonwhite men who worked in the rubber-reclaiming division of a large rubber manufacturing company. In comparisons of mortality of white reclaim workers with that of nonreclaim workers rate ratios were 2.7 for esophageal cancer (six observed deaths among reclaim workers), 2.1 for bladder cancer (seven observed deaths), and 4.5 for multiple myeloma (six observed deaths). The excess of bladder cancer among white reclaim workers may be associated with their employment in other high-risk areas of the plant, whereas no such explanation was found for the excesses of esophageal cancer and multiple myeloma. Overall, the lung cancer mortality rate of white reclaim workers was similar to the rate of US white males and other white rubber workers. There was a 50% excess of lung cancer deaths among nonwhite reclaim workers compared with other nonwhite rubber workers. However, this observation is based on small numbers, and no firm conclusions can be reached about the risk of lung cancer associated with reclaim operations in this group of rubber workers.     

Reported occupational respiratory diseases in Catalonia

Objectives

A voluntary surveillance system was implemented in Catalonia (Spain) to ascertain the feasibility, incidence, and characteristics of occupational respiratory diseases and compare them with those of the compulsory official system.

Methods

In 2002, in collaboration with the Occupational and Thoracic Societies of Catalonia, occupational and chest physicians and other specialists were invited to report, on a bimonthly basis, newly diagnosed cases of occupational respiratory diseases. Information requested on each case included diagnosis, age, sex, place of residence, occupation, suspected agent, and physician''s opinion on the likelihood that the condition was work related. Compulsory official system data derived from statistics on work related diseases for possible disability benefits declared by insurance companies, which are responsible for declaring these diseases to the Autonomous Government of Catalonia.

Results

Of 142 physicians seeing patients with occupational respiratory diseases approached, 102 (74%) participated. Three hundred and fifty nine cases were reported, of which asthma (48.5%), asbestos related diseases (14.5%), and acute inhalations (12.8%) were the most common. Physicians rated 63% of suspected cases as highly likely, 28% as likely, and 8% as low likelihood. The most frequent suspected agents reported for asthma were isocyanates (15.5%), persulphates (12.1%), and cleaning products (8.6%). Mesothelioma (5.9%) was the most frequent diagnosis among asbestos related diseases. The number of acute inhalations reported was high, with metal industries (26%), cleaning services (22%), and chemical industries (13%) being the most frequently involved. The frequency of occupational respiratory diseases recorded by this voluntary surveillance system was four times higher than that reported by the compulsory official system.

Conclusions

The compulsory scheme for reporting occupational lung diseases is seriously underreporting in Catalonia. A surveillance programme based on voluntary reporting by physicians may provide better understanding of the incidence and characteristics of these diseases. Persulphates and cleaning products, besides isocyanates, were the most reported causes of occupational asthma. Metal industries and cleaning services were the occupations most frequently involved in acute inhalations with a remarkably high incidence in our register.