Showing papers in "International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in 2010"
TL;DR: Several new important findings herein include generation of airborne clusters of CNTs not seen during saw-cutting of similar composites, fewer nanofibers and respirable fibers released, similarly high exposures to nanoparticles with less dependence on the composite thickness, and ultrafine (< 5 nm) aerosol originating from thermal degradation of the composite material.
Abstract: This work investigated exposures to nanoparticles and nanofibers during solid core drilling of two types of advanced carbon nanotube (CNT)-hybrid composites: (1) reinforced plastic hybrid laminates (alumina fibers and CNT); and (2) graphite-epoxy composites (carbon fibers and CNT). Multiple real-time instruments were used to characterize the size distribution (5.6 nm to 20 μm), number and mass concentration, particle-bound polyaromatic hydrocarbons (b-PAHs), and surface area of airborne particles at the source and breathing zone. Time-integrated samples included grids for electron microscopy characterization of particle morphology and size resolved (2 nm to 20 μm) samples for the quantification of metals. Several new important findings herein include generation of airborne clusters of CNTs not seen during saw-cutting of similar composites, fewer nanofibers and respirable fibers released, similarly high exposures to nanoparticles with less dependence on the composite thickness, and ultrafine (< 5 ...
114 citations
TL;DR: It is found that eight of the 10 studies reported increased prevalence of adverse neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living at distances < 500 meters from base stations, suggesting that current guidelines may be inadequate in protecting the health of human populations.
Abstract: Human populations are increasingly exposed to microwave/radiofrequency (RF) emissions from wireless communication technology, including mobile phones and their base stations. By searching PubMed, we identified a total of 10 epidemiological studies that assessed for putative health effects of mobile phone base stations. Seven of these studies explored the association between base station proximity and neurobehavioral effects and three investigated cancer. We found that eight of the 10 studies reported increased prevalence of adverse neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living at distances < 500 meters from base stations. None of the studies reported exposure above accepted international guidelines, suggesting that current guidelines may be inadequate in protecting the health of human populations. We believe that comprehensive epidemiological studies of long-term mobile phone base station exposure are urgently required to more definitively understand its health impact.
84 citations
TL;DR: Five suggestions for triggering a transition towards more sustainable PPE use are formulated: diversifying targets/tools; addressing structural aspects; sustaining interventions in the long-term; targeting farmers' learning-by-experience; and targeting P PE use on a collective level.
Abstract: The misuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application was investigated among smallholders in Colombia. The integrative agent-centered (IAC) framework and a logistic regression approach were adopted. The results suggest that the descriptive social norm was significantly influencing PPE use. The following were also important: (1) having experienced pesticide-related health problems; (2) age; (3) the share of pesticide application carried out; and (4) the perception of PPE hindering work. Interestingly, the influence of these factors differed for different pieces of PPE. Since conformity to the social norm is a source of rigidity in the system, behavioral change may take the form of a discontinuous transition. In conclusion, five suggestions for triggering a transition towards more sustainable PPE use are formulated: (1) diversifying targets/tools; (2) addressing structural aspects; (3) sustaining interventions in the long-term; (4) targeting farmers' learning-by-experience; and (5) targeting PPE use on a collective level.
61 citations
TL;DR: Five suggestions for triggering a transition towards more sustainable PPE use are formulated, including diversifying targets/tools, addressing structural aspects, sustaining interventions in the long-term, and targeting farmers' learning-by-experience.
Abstract: The misuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application was investigated among smallholders in Colombia. The integrative agent-centered (IAC) framework and a logistic regression approach were adopted. The results suggest that the descriptive social norm was significantly influencing PPE use. The following were also important: (1) having experienced pesticide-related health problems; (2) age; (3) the share of pesticide application carried out; and (4) the perception of PPE hindering work. Interestingly, the influence of these factors differed for different pieces of PPE. Since conformity to the social norm is a source of rigidity in the system, behavioral change may take the form of a discontinuous transition. In conclusion, five suggestions for triggering a transition towards more sustainable PPE use are formulated: (1) diversifying targets/tools; (2) addressing structural aspects; (3) sustaining interventions in the long-term; (4) targeting farmers' learning-by-experience;...
49 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that highly-toxic pesticides, such as aldicarb, methamidophos, and chlorpyrifos, are easily available in informal markets in Cape Town's urban periphery.
Abstract: In South Africa, as in much of the developing world, youth participation in the informal, unregulated street pesticide market results in exposures and risks of acute and chronic effects, yet has gone largely undocumented A conceptual framework for understanding youth involvement in street pesticide sales and use includes contextual factors, health outcomes, and externalities (unintended negative consequences) An exploratory study based on this framework shows that highly-toxic pesticides, such as aldicarb, methamidophos, and chlorpyrifos, are easily available in informal markets in Cape Town's urban periphery Youth are involved in the sale, distribution, and use of street pesticides, and are exposed during handling, transportation, spillage, storage, use and other activities, with little safety information available Demand and supply for street pesticides is driven by joblessness, poverty, and inadequate pest management strategies National and international efforts addressing underlying contextual determinants are required to protect children from exposures to street pesticides
48 citations
TL;DR: This study explored three methods for characterizing nanoparticulate mineral filters in sunscreens and found that the combination of all three microscopy methods provided the most comprehensive information on size-related properties, which are crucial parameters for risk assessment of NPs in wet matrices.
Abstract: There is increasing concern over the risks of nanoparticles to humans and the environment, but little is known about the properties of the nanoparticulate mineral filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, in sunscreens. There is an urgent need to develop methods for characterizing nanoparticles in (NPs) such products to provide data for human and environmental risk assessments. This study explored three methods (transmission electron microscopy [TEM], conventional scanning electron microscopy [SEM], and wet-scanning electron microscopy [WetSEM]) for characterizing NPs in sunscreens. Our results showed that these products contained titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particles in the nanometer range; thus, it is likely that consumers and the environment are exposed to engineered NPs through the use of these products. Further, we found that the combination of all three microscopy methods provided the most comprehensive information on size-related properties, which are crucial parameters for risk assessment of NPs in wet matrices.
46 citations
TL;DR: Differences between phagocytic responses to nanoparticles (NPs) versus microparticles in the pulmonary region are studied by synthesizing magnetite of different sizes and instilling suspensions of these particles intratracheally into rats' lungs.
Abstract: We studied differences between phagocytic responses to nanoparticles (NPs) versus microparticles in the pulmonary region by synthesizing magnetite of different sizes and instilling suspensions of these particles intratracheally into rats' lungs. Ten and 50 nm particles caused a greater increase in cell counts of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) than the instillation of microparticles. The response to 10 nm particles was weaker than to 50 nm ones, and the smaller NPs were more cytotoxic; both were more cytotoxic than the microparticles. Phagocytic activity was also studied using optical and atomic force microscopy. Phagocytes were more "loaded" in the lungs instilled with 10 nm particles as compared with those instilled with 50 nm particles; NPs of both sizes were engulfed more avidly than microparticles. We found in a separate comparative experiment that magnetite NPs were more cytotoxic than titanium dioxide and quartz suspensions having particle size distribution typical of industrial dusts.
38 citations
TL;DR: This study selects for further scrutiny substances for which the level of OELs vary by a factor of 100, focussing on 45 documents concerning 14 substances from eight standard-setters.
Abstract: It has previously been shown that occupational exposure limits (OELs) for the same substance can vary significantly between different standard-setters. The work presented in this paper identifies the steps in the process towards establishing an OEL and how variations in those processes could account for these differences. This study selects for further scrutiny substances for which the level of OELs vary by a factor of 100, focussing on 45 documents concerning 14 substances from eight standard-setters. Several of the OELs studied were more than 20 years old and based on outdated knowledge. Furthermore, different standard-setters sometimes based their OELs on different sets of data, and data availability alone could not explain all differences in the selection of data sets used by standard-setters. While the interpretation of key studies did not differ significantly in standard-setters' documentations, the evaluations of the key studies' quality did. Also, differences concerning the critical effect coincided with differences in the level of OELs for half of the substances.
31 citations
TL;DR: The results of this research suggest that tannery work may be associated with reduced fertility in males, and additional studies should be conducted to further examine fertility among tannery workers.
Abstract: To our knowledge, reproductive health effects among male leather tannery workers have not been previously investigated. Tannery work involves exposure to chromium, solvents, and other chemicals, which has been associated with adverse pregnancy and fertility outcomes in animals or humans in some studies. This study retrospectively investigates the association of male leather tannery work with preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, time to pregnancy, and infertility by comparing tannery employees to other workers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Participants were randomly selected from current employee rosters at eight tanneries and two bread-making companies. The results of this research suggest that tannery work may be associated with reduced fertility in males. The study had limited statistical power, and some factors are likely to have biased findings toward the null hypothesis; other limitations and possible sources of undetermined bias give reason for cautious interpretation. Additional studies should be conducted to further examine fertility among tannery workers.
31 citations
TL;DR: The extent to which present-day ultrafine sampling and analysis methods may be sufficient for identifying and possibly quantifying engineered NMs (ENMs) in ambient air was determined.
Abstract: A state-of-the-science review was undertaken to identify and assess sampling and analysis methods to detect and quantify selected nanomaterials (NMs) in the ambient atmosphere. The review is restricted to five types of NMs of interest to the Office of Research and Development Nanomaterial Research Strategy (US Environmental Protection Agency): cerium oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon nanostructures (carbon nanotubes and fullerenes), zero-valent iron, and silver nanoparticles. One purpose was determining the extent to which present-day ultrafine sampling and analysis methods may be sufficient for identifying and possibly quantifying engineered NMs (ENMs) in ambient air. Conventional sampling methods for ultrafines appear to require modifications. For cerium and titanium, background levels from natural sources make measurement of ENMs difficult to quantify. In cases where field studies have been performed, identification from bulk analysis samples have been made. Further development of methods is nee...
30 citations
TL;DR: It appears that a properly designed LEV system, coupled with good work practices can be highly effective in controlling nanoscale material emissions during processes of this type.
Abstract: As the nanotechnology industry expands, facilities engaged in the production and use of engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) are challenged with determining whether their processes pose a risk for worker inhalation exposure. Although there are neither regulatory exposure limits specific to ENMs nor validated measurement standards for nanomaterials in the workplace, many facilities opt to be proactive in managing uncharacterized ENMs by reducing or eliminating the potential for exposure by controlling their release into the workplace atmosphere. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable, HEPA-filtered, local exhaust ventilation system equipped with a custom-fitted flange for controlling the emission of engineered nanoscale metal oxide particulates during reactor cleanout operations. On the basis of the findings of this study, it appears that a properly designed LEV system, coupled with good work practices can be highly effective in controlling nanoscale material emissions during processes of this type.
TL;DR: To protect the health of all people, the Collegium Ramazzini calls again on all countries of the world to join in the international endeavor to ban all forms of asbestos.
Abstract: All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens, causing malignant mesothelioma and a host of other types of cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk; there is no safe threshold of exposure to asbestos. When evidence of the carcinogenicity of asbestos became incontrovertible, a worldwide ban was called for on asbestos use, mining, and manufacturing. Asbestos is now banned in 52 countries. Nonetheless, many countries still use, import, and export asbestos and asbestos-containing products; many countries that have banned other forms of asbestos still permit the use of chrysotile asbestos. This exemption has no basis in medical science, but reflects the political and economic influence of the asbestos industry. To protect the health of all people, the Collegium Ramazzini calls again on all countries of the world to join in the international endeavor to ban all forms of asbestos. An international ban on asbestos is urgently needed.
TL;DR: Symptoms and signs of acute and repetitive injury and respiratory symptoms were more common among carpet-weaving children than their non-working peers and working children had significantly greater odds of joint pain and cuts/bruises.
Abstract: Carpet weaving among children is common in rural Pakistan, but little information is available on the health effects of this work A total of 628 carpet-weaving children and 292 non-working children from 10 rural villages were evaluated with questionnaires and physical exams Fifty-five home-based and 30 shed-based worksites in these villages were assessed Girls comprised the majority of working (73%) and non-working (69%) children; the mean age for both boys and girls was 10 years The mean number of hours worked daily was 72 for males and 68 for females Dust exposure in homes was generally higher than in sheds Working children had significantly greater odds of joint pain (OR = 28), dry cough (OR = 25), cuts/bruises (OR = 221), Phalen's sign (OR = 172), and neck/shoulder abnormalities (OR = 142) Symptoms and signs of acute and repetitive injury and respiratory symptoms were more common among carpet-weaving children than their non-working peers
TL;DR: The occurrence of silicosis in a group of stone polishing and/or mining workers who began working under the age of 18, the minimum age in Brazil for working in hazardous or unhealthy conditions is described.
Abstract: This study describes the occurrence of silicosis in a group of stone polishing and/or mining workers who began working under the age of 18, the minimum age in Brazil for working in hazardous or unhealthy conditions. The design is that of a case series with medical follow up via a surveillance program that included medical and occupational histories, chest radiography interpreted according to International Labour Organization (ILO) Classification, and spirometry. The findings call attention to the importance of the problem of silicosis, which persists in the region despite new production technologies, legal requirements, and initiatives to protect workers. Silicosis is a public health problem that must be addressed by the implementation of public policies to improve working conditions and ensure children and teenagers are kept away from hazardous work. While Brazil has started to be a part of the global effort to eliminate silicosis and the worst forms of child labor, there are still problems that must be addressed.
TL;DR: The role of exposure assessment in the regulation of nanotechnology-based pesticides is considered and several issues specific to NBP exposure are discussed, including disclosures of nanoparticle characteristics in product formulations.
Abstract: Given the development of nanotechnology within numerous scientific disciplines, it is likely that nanoscale products have been and will be used for agricultural, vector, and urban pest control prior to a complete evaluation of exposure and risk. Significant differences may exist between nanotechnology-based pesticides (NBPs) and conventional pesticides, primarily due to size and surface characteristics. These differences may result in changes in bioavailability, sensitivity, dosimetry, and pharmacokinetics. This paper considers the role of exposure assessment in the regulation of NBPs. While the existing regulatory infrastructure for pesticides is well established, several issues specific to NBP exposure are discussed, including: (1) disclosures of nanoparticle characteristics in product formulations; (2) additional uncertainty factors for NBPs with inadequate data; (3) route-specific approaches for assessing exposure; (4) testing with the commercial form of NBPs; (5) initiation of a health surveillance program; and (6) development of educational programs. Key words: agriculture; pesticides; nanotechnology; exposure assessments; toxicology, risk assessments; nanotechnology-based pesticides (NBPs). INT J OCCUP ENVIRON HEALTH 2010;16:467‐474
TL;DR: The gaps in understanding of human exposures to nanoparticles stemming from the use of nanotechnology-based consumer products by the general public are discussed and a series of steps that could be taken to characterize such exposures are described.
Abstract: This article discusses the gaps in our understanding of human exposures to nanoparticles stemming from the use of nanotechnology-based consumer products by the general public. It also describes a series of steps that could be taken to characterize such exposures. The suggested steps include classification of the nanotechnology-based products, simulation of realistic exposure patterns, characterization of emissions, analysis of the duration of activities resulting in exposures, and consideration of the bioaccessibility of nanoparticles. In addition, we present a preliminary study with nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders where particle release was studied under realistic powder application conditions. The data demonstrated that when nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders were used, there was a potential for inhaling airborne particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers.
TL;DR: Data demonstrate that LRS continue to burden residents living in the areas affected by the WTC disaster, and residents with multiple sources of potential 9/11-related exposures were at greatest risk for LRS at follow-up.
Abstract: We investigated whether residents living near the World Trade Center (WTC) continued to experience respiratory problems several years after September 11, 2001 (9/11). Residents living within one mile of the WTC surveyed after 9/11 responded two and four years later to follow-up surveys that asked about lower respiratory symptoms (LRS), medical history, psychological stress, and indoor environmental characteristics. There were declines in the proportion of residents reporting LRS, new lower respiratory diagnoses, unplanned medical visits, and asthma medication use. However, the proportion of residents reporting any LRS in the affected area at follow-up remained higher than the original proportion in the control area; residents with multiple sources of potential 9/11-related exposures were at greatest risk for LRS at follow-up. Psychological stress, dust/odors, and moisture were significantly associated with LRS at follow-up. These data demonstrate that LRS continue to burden residents living in the areas affected by the WTC disaster.
TL;DR: A multitiered model is proposed in which information on exposure factors can be obtained at the macrolevel; the midlevel; and the microlevel, and potential exposure factors are defined by a source-receptor model.
Abstract: There is a critical need to understand the factors that influence engineered nanomaterial (ENM) exposures in the workplace Such an understanding would aid in: identifying and prioritizing control measures; targeting future exposure measurements; and predicting worker exposures for work scenarios This information could also be used in epidemiological studies We propose a multitiered model in which information on exposure factors can be obtained at the macrolevel (examining differences in exposures between different ENM sectors or product types); the midlevel (examining differences in exposures between workplaces within the same ENM sector or product type); and the microlevel (examining differences in exposure between tasks or between ENM types during the same task) Further, within the microlevel, potential exposure factors are defined by a source-receptor model We recommend that auxiliary data be collected systematically, along with exposure measurements, to enable analysis of exposure factors as well as the pooling of data across studies
TL;DR: The developmental processes of adolescence is described using a bioecological framework to describe how factors such as neuromaturation, pubertal development, physical growth, and social contexts may place youth at greater risk of injury and other negative outcomes in the work environment.
Abstract: Adolescents and young adults experience higher risks of occupational injuries and fatalities compared to adult workers Consequently, understanding the risk and protective factors for young workers through a developmental lens is all the more compelling This study describes the developmental processes of adolescence using a bioecological framework It describes how factors such as neuromaturation, pubertal development, physical growth, and social contexts may place youth at greater risk of injury and other negative outcomes in the work environment While the emphasis of the paper is on the developmental processes specific to adolescence, this is discussed in the larger contexts of macro forces such as policies, schools, and families Implications of developmental factors on work-based practices and policies are also discussed
TL;DR: Assessment of workplace physical exposures by selfreported questionnaires has logistical advantages in population studies, but is subject to exposure misclassification and predictors of intermethod agreement are evaluated.
Abstract: Assessment of workplace physical exposures by self-reported questionnaires has logistical advantages in population studies, but is subject to exposure misclassification This study measured agreement between eight self-reported and observer-rated physical exposures to the hands and wrists, and evaluated predictors of intermethod agreement Workers (n = 341) from three occupational categories (clerical/technical, construction, and service) completed self-administered questionnaires and worksite assessments Analyses compared self-reported and observed ratings using a weighted kappa coefficient Personal and psychosocial factors, presence of upper extremity symptoms, andjob type were evaluated as predictors of agreement Weighted kappa values were substantial for lifting (067) and holding vibrating tools (061), moderate for forceful grip (058), and fair to poor for all other exposures Upper extremity symptoms did not predict greater disagreement between self-reported and observed exposures Occupational category was the only significant predictor of inter-method agreement Self-reported exposures may provide a useful estimate of some work exposures for population studies
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed and described all reported acute pesticide poisonings (APP) and estimated the yearly incidence and underreporting rates among five to fourteen-year-olds.
Abstract: Since 1995, Nicaragua has adopted several legal instruments to comply with children's rights, including international conventions and a minimum working age of 14 years. However, records from the Ministry of Health's Pesticide Program show continuing occupational acute pesticide poisonings (APP) among children five to 14-years-old from 1995 to 2006. We reviewed and described all reported APPs and estimated the yearly incidence and underreporting rates. Of 2069 APP cases, 432 were occupational. Annual incidence rates (range: 1-4.7/100,000) have been decreasing since 1997. Six fatal and most non-fatal cases were related to work in tobacco and basic grain crops. Based on underreporting data, we estimate actual incidence during the period studied to be 18,516 (95% CI, 3840-33,204) cases among five- to fourteen-year-olds. With regard to child labor and pesticide exposure, children's rights violations still exist and must be abolished in both formal employment and in the informal economy, including in family-based agricultural activities.
TL;DR: The development of a comprehensive policy on efficient clinical waste management in Cameroon is imperative because most hospital workers lacked sufficient awareness of any environmental or public health impacts of poor clinical waste disposal and had never heard of any policy—national or international—on safeclinical waste management.
Abstract: Due to the infectious nature of some clinical waste, poor disposal practices have sparked concern regarding the impact on public health and the environment. Lack of sufficient knowledge of the associated risks may be a strong factor contributing to inadequate disposal practices. We conducted a survey to evaluate hospital workers' awareness of health and environmental impacts of poor clinical waste disposal in Cameroon. We randomly distributed 500 questionnaires to hospital workers in three hospitals in the Northwest Region of Cameroon in April 2008. In addition, we observed collection, segregation, transportation, and disposal of clinical waste at the three hospitals. Of 475 total respondents, most lacked sufficient awareness of any environmental or public health impacts of poor clinical waste disposal and had never heard of any policy—national or international—on safe clinical waste management. Methods of collecting, segregating, transporting and disposing clinical waste at the three hospitals wa...
TL;DR: Results suggest that working is a significant predictor for sleepiness and that two shifts of daily systematic activities, study and work, might lead to excessive daytime sleepiness on the first day off.
Abstract: Previous studies have revealed that students who work and study build up sleep deficits during the workweek, which can trigger a sleep rebound during days off. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of working/non-working on sleepiness during days off among high school students. The study population, aged 14-21 years, attended evening classes in Sao Paulo, Brazil. For the study, the students completed questionnaires on living conditions, health, and work; wore actigraphs; and completed the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). To predict sleepiness, a logistic regression analysis was performed. Excessive sleepiness was observed on the first day off among working students. Results suggest that working is a significant predictor for sleepiness and that two shifts of daily systematic activities, study and work, might lead to excessive daytime sleepiness on the first day off. Further, this observed excessive sleepiness may reflect the sleep debt accumulated during the workweek.
TL;DR: Wheezing among children was related to exposure status, with waste-picking children who are both “never highly exposed" and “ever highly exposed” having greater prevalence of wheezing compared to the children who do not pick waste.
Abstract: This study evaluates respiratory symptoms, lung function, and exposure to airborne particles among waste-picking children. We enrolled 103 waste-picking children at a dump in Managua, Nicaragua and 103 children who do not pick waste. Exposure to airborne particles was assessed by area sampling. Health data were obtained from a questionnaire, clinical examination, and spirometry. Exposure effects were evaluated with multivariate regression analysis. Exposure to particles exceeded national and international standards. Wheezing among children was related to exposure status, with waste-picking children who are both "never highly exposed" and "ever highly exposed" having greater prevalence of wheezing compared to the children who do not pick waste. FEV1 among "ever highly exposed" waste-picking children with wheeze was 13% lower than non-waste-picking children with wheeze. Exposure to small particles was unacceptably high and associated with wheeze and decreased lung function.
TL;DR: The prevalence of, and factors associated with workplace abuse and economic exploitation among 584 children ages 5 to 17 working in the streets of the Latin American cities of Bogotá, Lima, Quito, and São Paulo are presented.
Abstract: This study presents the prevalence of, and factors associated with workplace abuse and economic exploitation among 584 children ages 5 to 17 working in the streets of the Latin American cities of Bogota, Lima, Quito, and Sao Paulo. Each additional 10 hours/week of children's work in the streets increased workplace abuse prevalence by 8% (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.01–1.19). Suffering an occupational injury was associated with abuse (OR, 1.70; 95%CI, 1.13–2.57). Participation in begging was associated with an almost five-fold increase in economic exploitation (OR, 4.94; 95%CI, 1.96–12.48). Children residing with their mothers were 2.6 times more likely to experience economic exploitation (OR, 2.61; 95%CI, 1.58–4.33), reflecting our definition of economic exploitation in which a child's income is confiscated by parents, even if used for basic family needs. Increased health care coverage and conditional cash transfer programs are recommended to improve the situation.
TL;DR: Preliminary results of inventories of exposure scenarios for nanomaterials have indicated possible dermal exposure, and it is shown it is both feasible and useful to assess the potential dermal Exposure using shortened DREAM questionnaires.
Abstract: Preliminary results of inventories of exposure scenarios for nanomaterials have indicated possible dermal exposure. Within the NANOSH project focused on occupational safety and health aspects of nanotechnology a shortened version of the observational DeRmal Exposure AssessMent (DREAM) method was used as an initial method to assess dermal exposure. A total of 45 tasks (such as bagging, dumping, and cleaning) involving different manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) such as carbon nanotubes, fumed silica, and cerium oxide, were observed in industrial and research facilities. In 39 tasks potential dermal exposure (that is, exposure of the skin and clothing) was likely to occur. Exposure resulted from different routes, including direct contact with MNPs as well as the deposition or transfer of MNPs. The survey showed it is both feasible and useful to assess the potential dermal exposure using shortened DREAM questionnaires.
TL;DR: A pilot study suggests a relationship between symptoms of neurotoxicity and injury among adolescent farmworkers, supporting the need for more rigorous investigations.
Abstract: Little is known regarding the relationship between neurotoxicity symptoms and injury, particularly among adolescent farmworkers. This pilot study utilized logistic regression to analyze injury prevalence in relation to self-reported symptoms of neurotoxicity among adolescent farmworkers along the US-Mexico border in Texas. Respondents reporting at least five symptoms had 8.75 (95% CI, 1.89-40.54) times the prevalence of injury compared with those reporting zero or one symptom. Significant associations were observed for six items: trouble remembering things, family noticing memory loss, making notes, irritated for no reason, heart pounding, and tingling. This pilot study suggests a relationship between symptoms of neurotoxicity and injury among adolescent farmworkers, supporting the need for more rigorous investigations. Language: en
TL;DR: Despite poor-quality toxicity tests, acesulfame potassium was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use as an artificial sweetener and steps should be taken to ensure the objectivity of the bioassay nomination process.
Abstract: Despite poor-quality toxicity tests, acesulfame potassium was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an artificial sweetener. At present, acesulfame is very widely used, most frequently in blends with the most popular artificial sweetener in the US, sucralose (Splenda). Acesulfame was nominated twice (in 1996 and again in 2006) for testing in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) bioassay program. Both nominations were rejected by NTP. Rather than carry out bioassays, NTP subjected acesulfame to tests in genetically modified mice (GMM). Those GMM tests yielded results that provided no insight into potential carcinogenicity of acesulfame. It is possible that FDA discouraged NTP from conducting bioassays of acesulfame. Acesulfame should be tested in the bioassay program as soon as possible, and steps should be taken to ensure the objectivity of the bioassay nomination process.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the available evidence of leukemias near nuclear installations around the world and outline a possible biological mechanism to explain the increased cancers, suggesting that doses from environmental nuclear power plant emissions to embryos/ fetuses in pregnant women near the plants may be larger than suspected, and that hemopoietic tissues may be considerably more radiosensitive in embryos/fetuses than in newborn babies.
Abstract: As reported in this journal in 2009, the 2008 KiKK study in Germany found a 60% increase in all cancers and a 120% increase in leukemias among children living within 5 km of all German nuclear power stations. The KiKK study has triggered debates as to the cause(s) of these increased cancers. This article discusses the available evidence of leukemias near nuclear installations around the world. Over 60 epidemiological studies exist, the large majority of which indicate increases in leukemia incidence. The article also outlines a possible biological mechanism to explain the increased cancers, suggesting that doses from environmental nuclear power plant emissions to embryos/ fetuses in pregnant women near the plants may be larger than suspected, and that hemopoietic tissues may be considerably more radiosensitive in embryos/ fetuses than in newborn babies. The article concludes with recommendations for further research.
TL;DR: Research on child and adolescent labor around the world is presented, focusing on studies that evaluate health effects from exposures at work; programmatic interventions to reduce work exposures or limit hazardous work activities; and policy mechanisms to reduce the negative health impacts from working too many hours, night hours, or in settings that are too dangerous and inappropriate for youth under age 18.
Abstract: According to the International Labour Organization, more than 218 million children in the world today are involved in child labor, often doing work that is damaging to their mental, physical, and emotional development. At least 126 million children are performing hazardous work. For many decades, children have been recognized as a vulnerable population in need of and deserving special protections, as reflected in international conventions and national laws. This special issue of the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health presents research on child and adolescent labor around the world, focusing on studies that evaluate health effects from exposures at work; programmatic interventions to reduce work exposures or limit hazardous work activities; and policy mechanisms to reduce the negative health impacts from working too many hours, night hours, or in settings that are too dangerous and inappropriate for youth under age 18. The issue also includes a resource list and photographs of children at work.