Microbiological characterization of solid wastes and aerosol in a municipal solid waste landfill site

Authors report data about microbiological characterization of solid wastes and aerosol in the municipal solid waste landfill site in Poiatica (RE). In solid waste samples high values of total coliform and fecal coliform were observed (10(5)-10(6) CFU/g): total bacterial counts at 22 degrees, at 36 degrees and at 44 degrees ranged from 10(7) to 10(9) CFU/g. Aerosol samples collected during waste movement in the landfill site showed values of total and fecal bacterial ranging from 10(3)-10(4) CFU/m3. Staphylococci and fungi reported the same values while streptococci, total and fecal coliform and spore evidenced lower values. Municipal solid wastes and aerosol have to be considered as an infective substrate: it is necessary to adopt protective barriers in occupationally exposed subjects.     

Respiratory function and immunological status in workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant

A study was performed in 17 female workers employed in a latex glove manufacturing plant. The mean age of these workers was 42 years and the mean duration of their employment was 19 years. The employees were primarily nonsmokers or light smokers. The presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute work-related symptoms was recorded for these workers. Ventilatory capacity was measured during the morning work shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume curves from which forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) and maximum expiratory flow at 50%, and the last 25% of the vital capacity (FEF₅₀, FEF₇₅) were measured. A control group of 17 nonexposed women workers was also studied. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was greater among latex workers than among control confectionry packer workers, varying from 5.9% (vs. 0% in controls) for occupational asthma to 58.8% (vs. 0% in controls) for dyspnea grades 3 or 4. There was also a high prevalence of acute work-related symptoms in this industry, in particular, eye irritation (76.5%), dryness of the nose (70.6%), throat burning (70.6%), dryness of the throat (64.7%), and cough (58.8%). Among exposed workers, measured ventilatory capacity data were significantly lower than among controls, particularly FEF₇₅ (75.1% ± 10.5%). One of the 17 studied workers (5.9%) had a positive skin reaction to latex and had symptoms compatible with occupational asthma. Our data suggest that in addition to occupational asthma, the manufacture of latex gloves is associated with frequent, nonspecific respiratory findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 33:175–181, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Respiratory and general health impairments of ragpickers in India: a study in Delhi

Objective: This study attempted to assess the respiratory and general health of ragpickers who rummage through the garbage dumps and landfill sites in India to collect and sell recyclable materials for a living. Methods: 98 ragpickers and 60 controls from Delhi, matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic conditions, were examined. Health data were obtained from questionnaire survey, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry. Results: After controlling for smoking as a confounder, respiratory symptoms and lung function decrement were recorded in 94% and 52% of the ragpickers, respectively, compared with 56% and 34% of controls. The ragpickers showed a higher prevalence of low hemoglobin, high circulating eosinophil and monocyte counts, unhealthy gums, frequent diarrhea, and dermatitis, when compared with controls. Their sputum showed an abundance of alveolar macrophages, siderophages and inflammatory cells, and a very high frequency of squamous metaplasia and dysplasia of bronchial epithelial cells, suggesting inflammation and cellular changes in the airways. Conclusion: The ragpickers suffer from a multitude of health problems which seem related to their occupation.     

Relationships between physicochemical parameters and the toxicity of leachates from a municipal solid waste landfill

Landfills are used to dispose municipal solid wastes, and although on-site recycling in these places is an extensive practice in Latin America, diverse pollutants are incorporated into the leachates. The objective of this work was to establish relationships between composition and toxicity of leachates from the landfill of the city of Cartagena, Colombia. Leachates were characterized measuring Cd, Ni, Hg, Mn, Cu, and Pb concentrations, and physicochemical parameters including pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and hardness. Bioassays were conducted diluting with synthetic sea water, recording toxicity against Artemia franciscana as median lethal concentrations (LC50 values) after 24 and 48 h exposure. Average LC₅₀ values oscillated between 3.20% and 39.33% (v/v). Multivariate analysis showed that toxicity was dependent on Cd and COD. The slope of the concentration–response curve correlated with Ni concentration independently from toxicity. Results suggest toxicity of these leachates depends on Cd concentrations associated with organic matter, this effect being modulated by Ni.     

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in workers in a vegetable pickling and mustard production facility

Summary A group of 117 women occupationally exposed in a pickling factory were studied for the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. Workers were studied by task which included (1) pickling, (2) mustard making, and (3) packing. Similar prevalences for all respiratory symptoms were seen for the three worker groups, with all groups having significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough (P < 0.05), chest tightness, nasal catarrh, and sinusitis (P < 0.01) than a nonexposed control group from a bottling plant. Prevalences of acute symptoms were greater for pickling than for mustard or packing workers. Measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s and maximum flow rates at 50% and the last 25% of the control vital capacity were in general significantly lower than predicted values for the worker subgroups. Pickling workers exposed for more than 1 year in the industry had greater across-shift reductions for all spirometric parameters tested than those workers exposed for 1 year or less. Our data suggest that extended occupational exposure in the pickling industry results in acute exposure-related respiratory effects and ultimately may lead to the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and changes in baseline lung function.     

Respiratory function of textile workers employed in dyeing cotton and wool fibers

A group of 135 textile dyeing workers (97 male and 38 female) was studied for the prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function changes. Respiratory symptoms were elicited by a standardized questionnaire, and lung function testing was performed before and after the morning shift by recording maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves. In addition, 103 nonexposed control workers were studied. The prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed than in the control workers; in particular, the prevalence of occupational asthma was 6%. The exposed nonsmoking workers had more complaints than the controls who were nonsmokers. As expected, most of the symptoms were more prevalent in smokers than in nonsmokers. Nonsmokers with both long- and short-term work exposure had higher prevalences of dyspnea and rhinitis than control workers. Smokers exposed for 10 years or less had significantly higher prevalences of chronic phlegm than nonsmokers with the same duration of exposure (p < 0.05). In workers exposed for >10 years, there were significantly higher prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and chronic bronchitis in smokers than in nonsmokers (p < 0.01). A high prevalence of shift-related symptoms was found in exposed workers. Significant across-shift reductions of ventilatory capacity tests were documented in this cohort and varied from an average of 4.0% for FVC to 14.2% for FEF₂₅. Preshift values of ventilatory capacity were significantly lower in this exposed population compared to predicted values suggesting a chronic effect. Our data suggest that textile dyeing workers develop acute and chronic respiratory impairment as a result of their exposures. These findings are exacerbated by cigarette smoking. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:344–352, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Socioeconomic and health status of electronics workers employed in organized industry

To study their socioeconomic and health status, 1,770 workers in the organized electronics industry in India were surveyed. Mean age of the workers employed in this industry was 32.5 ± 6.01 years. The average per capita income/month was Rupees 333, indicating a higher socioeconomic status, compared with the status of the national population, as well as compared with their counterparts in the unorganized sectors. Respiratory symptoms and impairment rates were significantly higher in workers exposed to soldering fumes. The high prevalence of congested or inflamed throat was also related to chemical exposure specially among solderers and workers exposed to metal oxides. The ocular symptoms and signs were also related to chemical exposure. Musculoskeletal disorders were related to erratic ergonomic postures. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Risks of developing cancer relative to living near a municipal solid waste landfill site in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In this study, we sought to determine whether men who lived near the Miron Quarry municipal solid waste landfill site in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, were at higher risk for developing cancer than individuals who lived at more remote locations. Subjects were selected from a previously completed population-based, interview, cancer case-control study of men who lived in metropolitan Montreal. Thirteen sites of cancer (n = 2 928 subjects) and a population-based control group (n = 417) were analyzed. We used the exact street address at the time of diagnosis to classify subjects by geographic zones and distance from the site. We used unconditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each site of cancer, adjusted for key covariates. In the exposure zone nearest to the site, elevated risks were found for cancers of the pancreas (adjusted OR = 1.4 [95% CI = 0.8, 2.6]); liver (OR = 1.8 [95% CI = 0.8, 4.3]); and prostate (OR = 1.5 [95% CI = 1.0, 2.1]). A high risk was also found for pancreatic cancer (OR = 1.7 [95% CI = 0.9, 3.5]) and the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (OR = 1.5 [95% CI = 0.8, 2.6]) in a subexposure zone approximately downwind from the site. We used distance from the site as another exposure metric, and higher-than-expected risks were found for pancreatic cancer (OR for living within 1.25 km of the site [OR<1.25km] = 2.2 [95% CI = 1.0, 4.6]); liver cancer (OR<1.5km = 2.1 [95% CI = 0.8, 5.3]); kidney cancer (OR<2 km = 1.4 [95% CI = 0.9, 2.3]); and the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (OR<1km = 2.0 [95% CI = 1.0, 4.0]). Data from this study and from a previous investigation at the same site suggest that men who lived near this landfill site may have been-and may continue to be-at excess risk of cancers of the liver, kidney, pancreas, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in municipal solid waste workers in Keratsini (Greece)

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers among municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs) in Keratsini (Greece). METHODS: We assessed in a cross-sectional study the prevalence of biological markers of HBV infection (HbsAg, anti-Hbc, anti-Hbs) and their association with exposure to waste and other socio-demographic factors in 166 municipal employees in Keratsini (Greece). RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-Hbc (+) did differ significantly between exposed and non-exposed employees to waste. Older employees had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-Hbc (+). MSWWs who were anti-Hbc (+) were less educated than non-exposed employees. Logistic regression analysis has shown that the exposure to waste and age were independently associated with the anti-Hbc positivity. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to waste is possibly associated with the acquisition of HBV infection. Immunization of MSWWs should be considered to reduce the risk of HBV infection.     

Respiratory health of automobile workers and exposures to metal-working fluid aerosols: lung spirometry

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial evidence that workers exposed to metal-working fluids (MWF) have increased respiratory morbidity, the few studies of chronic effects on lung function have not been conclusive. METHODS: Lung spirometry was measured and both current and past exposures to metal-working fluid (MWF) aerosols were estimated in this cross-sectional cohort of 1,811 male automobile workers. Satisfactory exposure data were available for 1,745 (96%): 239 assemblers (never-exposed to MWF), 487 assemblers (previously exposed), 352 machinists currently exposed to straight oils, 441 to soluble oils, and 226 to synthetic fluids. Operations were classified as either grinding or non-grinding machining. RESULTS: Current exposure was not found to be associated with either forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) or forced ventilatory capacity (FVC). Nor was past exposure to water-based fluids (soluble or synthetic MWF) related to pulmonary function. Past exposure to straight oils, however, was significantly associated with FVC. This association was more obvious among older workers and among workers who had never transferred from MWF exposed jobs to assembly. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of the association between FVC and lifetime exposure to straight MWF was slightly larger than the estimated cigarette effect, suggesting that the impact of an additional year of exposure to 1 mg/m(3) of mineral oil particulate in the thoracic particle size range, has the same impact on FVC as smoking one pack per day for one more year.     

Non-inert industrial solid waste disposal in landfill dumps: evaluation of toxicity and implications for the environment and human health

According to Brazilian recommended technical procedures (mainly NBR 10,004), solid waste must be previously classified in order to be disposed of adequately. Non-inert industrial solid waste is being dumped in landfill areas, most of which operate inefficiently and are located near the population and important ecosystems. In order to evaluate the potential toxicity of solid waste produced by various types of industries, 21 samples were analyzed according to NBR 10,004 procedures. Of these, 18 were classified as non-inert solid waste. The main substances contributing to the classification of these samples as non-inert waste were: aluminum, iron, manganese, phenol, and surfactants. Aluminum, manganese, and phenol are the main toxicologically relevant substances for human and environmental health because they can alter the quality of groundwater situated under solid waste disposal areas.     

综合医院开展心理卫生服务的经验与体会

介绍了１０余年来首先在综合医院开设心理卫生科的经验，从现代医学模式的发展、两个文明建设及群众需要的角度强调了在综合医院设立心理科的重要性与必要性。详细阐述了心理卫生门诊、病房及电话心理咨询的工作方法，以及社会各界对医院开设心理科的评价。认为，综合医院开设心理卫生科势在必行。     

某电子企业流动女工心理健康现状调查

目的 了解流动女工的心理健康状况,促进流动女工心理健康的改善.方法 采用心理健康测试量表(SCL-90)整群随机抽取某电子企业2560名流动女工进行现状调查.结果 流动女工存在不同程度的心理问题,与年龄和受教育程度有一定的相关性,常见的心理问题为强迫症状、敌对、抑郁和人际关系敏感等,检出率为15.08%.结论 该企业流动女工的心理健康问题与年龄偏小、文化程度偏低等有关,建议适当丰富业余文化生活,并加强女工的再教育等预措施以减轻心理健康问题.     

Mental health status of healthcare workers at a third line tunisian hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: During the COVID-19(coronavirus-19 disease) pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) faced the risk of infection and distressing work to meet health requirements. The aim of the present stud ywas to evaluate perceptions of HCWs of their security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping strategies, at the military hospital of Tunis, during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted via an auto-questionnaire on February 2021.HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis were included. Participants were asked about their perceived security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping behaviors. Mental disorders were assessed, via qualitative questionnaires. Results:A total of 110 HCWs’ responses were collected. Fifty-eight participants (52.7%) were females. The mean age was 33.7 years (SD 9.3). They were doctors at 45.5% and nurses at 39.1%. HCWs declared having worked in COVID-19 units in 81.8% of cases. The participants reported their fears about being infected in 58.2% and infecting family members in 85.5% of cases. Protective factors included information about the disease (80%), availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (80.9%), support from colleagues(72.7%)or superiors at work (50.9%), and ability to communicate with others (63.6%). Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were found in respectively 25.5%, 30%, and 41.8% of HCWs. In multivariate analysis, suffering from a traumatic distress was significantly associated with anxiety and depression (p<0.01 and, p<0.05 respectively). In addition, insomnia severity was linked to age (p=0.05) and having colleagues infected with COVID-19 (p<0.05). Conclusion:In the present study, HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis stated having high levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression since the early outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. These mental disorders may have a negative impact on the quality of life of HCWs and should be enhanced by psychological support and preventive measures.     

山东省制药和电子行业流动女工职业和心理健康调查

目的了解山东省制药和电子行业流动女工的职业健康和心理健康状况。方法 2010—2011年选择电子、制药行业各3个企业流动女工共3 804人,填写个人调查表、企业调查表,进行症状自评量表(SCL-90)测量。全部数据录入Epi-Data数据库,应用SPSS 17.0统计软件进行单因素多个样本F检验、相关分析、多重线性回归分析。结果①电子行业流动女工年龄小,工龄低,学历低,多未婚;制药行业流动女工年龄大,工龄较长,学历较低,多已婚。2种行业女工的生殖健康表现为痛经和淤血,躯体健康方面表现为头痛、头晕、腰背痛、抑郁等。电子行业重复单调动作、连续站立工作较多。②电子行业女工心理障碍较制药行业女工为重。③心理健康与一般情况、生殖健康、躯体健康、工作情况有显著相关,但相关度不高。④以心理因素为因变量,以一般情况和躯体健康、职业情况为自变量,根据相关分析结果,进行多重线形回归分析,建立回归方程,各自变量对心理因素的贡献率在8%～32%之间。结论山东省电子制药行业流动女工存在严重的生殖健康和职业健康问题。电子行业流动女工心理问题较严重,与职业特点、躯体健康有关。心理问题的影响因素较多,职业因素和个体因素在心理因素中占有很重要的比重。     

福州社区卫技人员工作满意度与稳定性调查

采用问卷调查和半结构式访谈相结合的方法,对福州市社区卫生服务中心卫技人员进行工作满意度和稳定性调查。结果显示目前福州社区卫技人员的工作总体满意度不高,最不满意的是工资、福利;高学历年轻医生流失严重。对此,提出提高薪酬水平、满足自我实现需要、关注高学历年轻医生的发展等建议。     

社区卫生综合改革对卫生人员激励机制的影响与对策

建立和完善卫生人员的激励机制是社区卫生综合改革的关键。本文基于激励机制的定义和卫生人员激励机制的特点,分析了当前社区卫生服务机构开展的收支两条线管理、基本药物制度、人员编制管理、绩效工资改革和全科医生培养等改革对社区卫生人员激励机制的影响,建议通过完善社区卫生各项改革制度,建立科学合理的薪酬体系、公平公正的考核机制、积极和谐的人文环境和持续发展的职业平台来完善社区卫生人员的激励机制,激发他们的工作积极性。     

Integrating community health workers into a community hearing health collaborative to understand the social determinants of health in children with hearing loss

BackgroundChildren with hearing loss (HL) require coordination of care to navigate medical and social services. Strong evidence supports the role of community health workers (CHWs) to identify and address social barriers.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of integrating CHWs into the medical teams of children with HL and identify the social needs associated with their caregivers at a large urban hospital center.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted for 30 children with HL whose caregivers enrolled in a CHW program between August 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. Baseline demographic data were collected, including social circumstances such as food and housing insecurity, status of social security supplemental income (SSI), and need for referral to early intervention (EI) or preschool/school services. Caregivers were assessed for confidence in self-management; baseline distress level was measured via a distress thermometer.ResultsOf the 30 charts reviewed, 93% demonstrated social needs including food insecurity (24%) and educational service needs (45%). Eighty-seven percent of caregivers reported a sense of control over the child's condition, yet 73% reported a stress level of four or greater on the distress thermometer scale. At 3 months follow-up, 70% of patients completed referrals; a significant number of patients had obtained hearing aids and cochlear implants compared to baseline (p = 0.017).ConclusionsCaregivers of children with HL face multiple social obstacles, including difficulties connecting to educational and financial resources. CHWs are instrumental in identifying social needs and connecting caregivers to services.     

Perception and prevalence of work-related health hazards among health care workers in public health facilities in southern India

Background:

Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to occupational related health hazards. Measuring worker perception and the prevalence of these hazards can help facilitate better risk management for HCWs, as these workers are envisaged to be the first point of contact, especially in resource poor settings.

Objective:

To describe the perception of occupational health hazards and self-reported exposure prevalence among HCWs in Southern India.

Methods:

We used cross sectional design with stratified random sampling of HCWs from different levels of health facilities and categories in a randomly selected district in Southern India. Data on perception and exposure prevalence were collected using a structured interview schedule developed by occupational health experts and administered by trained investigators.

Results:

A total of 482 HCWs participated. Thirty nine percent did not recognize work-related health hazards, but reported exposure to at least one hazard upon further probing. Among the 81·5% who reported exposure to biological hazard, 93·9% had direct skin contact with infectious materials. Among HCWs reporting needle stick injury, 70·5% had at least one in the previous three months. Ergonomic hazards included lifting heavy objects (42%) and standing for long hours (37%). Psychological hazards included negative feelings (20·3%) and verbal or physical abuse during work (20·5%).

Conclusion:

More than a third of HCWs failed to recognize work-related health hazards. Despite training in handling infectious materials, HCWs reported direct skin contact with infectious materials and needle stick injuries. Results indicate the need for training oriented toward behavioral change and provision of occupational health services.