Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence of formaldehyde in indoor air of gross anatomy laboratory and cadaver storage room of a medical college","authors":"Shailesh Gahukar, U. Ramteke, D. Majumdar, Raman Malviya, Dinkar T Patil, J. Trivedi, C. Rao, Ashok H. Kale","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140915115950","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140915115950","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Concentration of formaldehyde (FA) which is used to preserve cadavers for dissection in medical colleges was monitored in indoor air including at the breathing level in dissection classes during a 2-week study in a gross anatomy laboratory and also in the cadaver storage room in a Medical College in India in 2012. Materials and Methods: Air samples were collected for 30 min and 3 h to commensurate with World Health Organization (WHO) standard (short-term exposure limit) value of FA (30-min) and dissection class of 3 h duration respectively. Results: FA concentration ranged from 0.11 to 1.07 mg/m3 in the cadaver storage room and 0.06-1.12 mg/m3 in the gross anatomy laboratory. In samples taken at 5 ft height at the breathing level, FA concentration ranged from 0.32 to 0.86 mg/m3. Conclusions: Most of the observed FA levels were found to be above the prescribed FA guideline values laid down by organizations such as OSHA, ACGIH, WHO, Japan Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and, therefore, could be considered as harmful for students’ and teachers’ health. FA concentrations reported from a few medical facilities in other countries are comparable, implying that some uniform management and control strategies for FA could be contemplated to reduce risks of FA exposure to students and teachers which are discussed in this paper.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"376 1","pages":"181-185"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74166997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of lead toxicity on albino rats filiform and fungiform papillae and the possible protective role of honey and black seed","authors":"Nehal El-Koshairy, R. Hassan, A. Halawa","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140328072527","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140328072527","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: (1) To investigate the histological changes in lingual papillae following lead toxicity in experimental rats. (2) To assess the possible protective effects of honey and black seed using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, 10 rats/group. Group I (control): 1 ml distilled water. Group II (lead): 16.5 mg lead acetate. Group III (honey + lead): 16.5 mg lead acetate + 50 mg/kg honey. Group IV (black seed + lead): 16.5 mg lead acetate + 50 mg/kg black seed aqueous suspension. All doses were given by oral intubation daily/6 weeks. After 6 weeks, rats were terminated, and tongues were decimated for LM and SEM. Results: True filiform papillae in Group II were distorted. Some appeared shorter while others had eroded tips and hyperkeratosis. Areas of epithelial erosion with complete loss of papillae and keratin were seen in some samples. Disfigured fungiform papillae with swollen taste buds were seen. In Group III, filiform and fungiform papillae appeared close to normal with minimal changes. However, in Group IV papillae were distorted with hyperkeratosis and limited areas of epithelial erosions were seen. Conclusion: The atrophy observed in Group II could be explained by lead-induced oxidative stress. Lead toxicity had a dual effect where increased free radical formation together with depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes resulted in inflammation and increased cell injury. Lead causes anemia and decreased salivary secretion, which may explain the epithelial erosion. Honey exerted its protective role through restoring enzymatic activity and through its antioxidant mechanism. Black seed offered lower protection than honey. Increased dose and/or duration of co-administration of black seed may improve protection.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"110 1","pages":"87-96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80541513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational hazards exposure and their resultant effects on hospital attendants in health facilities of a local government area in South-South, Nigeria","authors":"J. Bamidele, O. Adeoye, M. Ntaji, E. Oladele","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140521103409","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140521103409","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Health attendants are constantly faced with the hazards inherent in their occupation. The objective of this study was to assess the occupational hazards exposures and their resultant effects on health attendants in health facilities in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta state, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 199 health attendants selected from 37 hospitals within the LGA using Random Sampling Method. Data were collected by the interviewer and self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 (SPSS Inc. Released 2008. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc.). Statistical analysis involved the use of the Chi square (ϗ2) and t-test among others as applicable. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 for all analyses. Results: Female workers accounted for 95.5% of the respondents; 98.0% had secondary level education and below. About 79.9% have not attended training courses on safety in the workplace. Many respondents (92.0%) believed that the occupation is hazardous. Among those that ever had injuries (26.6%), cuts and bruises accounted for (66.0%); followed closely by needle pricks (64.2%) and skin irritation/allergy (22.6%). Only 18.1% of the respondents had received hepatitis B vaccination. Only 50.8% and 10.1% respondents always wear hand gloves and protective boots, respectively. A significant association (P < 0.05) was found as those that have had training sustained fewer injuries than those who have not had training; also awareness about hazards is more among respondents with high educational status; those that have had training and those that have spent more years at work. Conclusion: Health attendants in this study are aware of the hazardous nature of their occupation, but still vulnerable to direct hazards exposure. We recommend that there should be mandatory standardized training and re-training of these hospital attendants on the potential hazards of their work and measures should be put in place to enforce the usage of personal protective equipment by this group of workers.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"73 1","pages":"97-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89208062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manifestation ,complications and clinical outcome in paraquat poison ? A hospital based study in a rural area of Karnataka -","authors":"T. Banday, S. Bhat, S. Bhat","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140127031530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140127031530","url":null,"abstract":"Background; Paraquat is a broad spectrum liquid herbicide, leading to severe and often fatal toxicity. Most cases of intoxication, especially in third-world countries are due to suicidal attempts rather than homicidal or accidental exposure, because of its widespread availability and relative low cost. Diagnosis is often difficult in the absence of proper history, nonspecific clinical features, and lack of diagnostic tests. Objective; To describe the variability in presentation , primary outcome from intentional poisoning and to review its impact on morbidity and mortality of poisoning. Results; We report a case series of eight patients with paraquat poisoning who presented predominantly with pain in throat and vomiting .Out of eight cases six patients died despite intensive treatment. Most deaths occurred within in two weeks. Conclusion; Paraquat poison is highly lethal or deadly poison with very high mortality rate of around 70 to 80%.Also presentation may be variable and sometimes patient may present with mild symptoms with normal vitals or may remain asymptomatic for first few days. Although even in such cases morbidity and mortality of poison may be very high .","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"4 1","pages":"21-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85600312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Zoonotic Opportunistic Infections in HIV/AIDS Patients in Selected Residential Districts of Tigray Region, Ethiopia -","authors":"Sisay Weldegebriel Zeweld, D. Reta","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20131105124151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20131105124151","url":null,"abstract":"Zoonotic opportunistic infections (OIs) are of the causes a major life-threatening condition in HIV/AIDS patients. In Ethiopia, OIs are the leading cause of death among people who have HIV. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Hewane, Korem and Alalmata districts from October 2012 to May 2013 to observe the occurrence of concurrent OIs such as tuberculosis, cryptosporidium, candidiasis and toxoplasmosis in HIV patients; to determine the association between possible risk factors and the human-animal interface responsible for development of OIs. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and questionnaire was administered. A total of 651 HIV/AIDS patients and of which 300 (46.1%) were affected by OIs. Pregnancy (χ2 = 11.7; P = 0.0001), educational status (χ2 = 20.6; P = 0.0001), occupation (χ2 = 19.8; P = 0.001), raw milk consumption (χ2 = 32.14; P = 0.0001), raw meat consumption (χ2 = 16.82; P = 0.0001), regular contact with animals (χ2 = 7.83; P = 0.005) and the diabetic mellitus status (χ2 = 23.1; P =0.0001) were found to have significant statistical association with the detection of OIs in patients. In conclusion, OIs are of the causes a major life-threatening condition. Unrecognized, unknown and denied risk behaviors for OIs can pose major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians in Ethiopia. In views of the above conclusion; recommendations were suggested for possible control and prevention measures of OIs. Awareness about OIs should be created to HIV patients. All HIV-infected persons at risk for infection with OIs must be carefully evaluated and, if indicated, administered therapy to prevent the progression of latent infection to active disease and avoid the complications associated with HIV-related OIs. All HIV-infected patients undergoing treatment for OIs should be evaluated for antiretroviral therapy.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"72 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74263864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ambient air’s volatile organic compounds and potential ozone formation in urban area, Bangkok, Thailand -","authors":"Tanasorn Tunsaringkarn, T. Prueksasit, Daisy Morknoy, Saowanee Semathong, Anusorn Rungsiyothin, Kalaya Zapaung","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140903015449","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140903015449","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: The study were evaluated for the presence of the ambient air volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene [BTEX] and carbonyl compounds [CCs]) at the university, roadside and residential areas in order to assess the applicability for prediction of ozone formation in ambient air of these in urban area, Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: The ambient air VOCs levels were evaluated by the gas chromatography/flame ionization detector for BTEX analysis and the high-performance liquid chromatography/UV-visible detector for CCs analysis. Results: The comparison of VOCs levels in those areas showed that the roadside area had the highest VOCs levels (of toluene and benzene levels), while the residential area had the lowest of benzene level. However, the benzene levels of all studied-areas were higher than ambient air quality standard. The contributions of hydrocarbons to local ozone formation potential were evaluated in terms of maximum incremental reactivity. Our results showed that the largest contributors to ozone production in Bangkok were toluene and formaldehyde (possibly from the emission of biofuel motor vehicle exhaustion). The roadside area also had the highest ozone formation potential. The aromatic hydrocarbon was the major contribution to anthropogenic emissions of VOCs. However, anthropogenic emissions and photochemistry are mainly transported VOCs to ozone formation. Conclusion: There was the highest VOCs level at roadside area and also was the largest amount of ozone level from chemical reactions. Therefore, it is a need for more research and the environmental protection policy because it may have serious health risk from these pollutants in these areas.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"12 1","pages":"130-135"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90673957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Monitoring of metal contaminations in groundwater in Northern Rajasthan, India -","authors":"V. Duggal, A. Rani, Rohit Mehra","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140223121124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140223121124","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The purpose of this study was to monitor concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu and pH in groundwater of Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Churu and Sikar districts of in Northern Rajasthan, India; and to identify any relationships between metals. Materials and Methods: Heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The measured concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu varied from 14 to 23685 μg/l, 0.18 to 6.70 μg/l, 1 to 17 μg/l and 5 to 73 μg/l with overall mean values of 1595 ± 4094, 0.68 ± 1.02, 9 ± 4.44 and 23 ± 17 μg/l respectively. Conclusions: Copper level was found to be below the permissible limit of United States Environmental Protection Agency (1300 μg/l). In water sample code H-8 (Morjand Sikhan), the level of Cd was found (6.70 μg/l)to be above the permissible level (5 μg/l). In water samples codes H-7, H-9 and S-7 (Amarpura Jallu Khatt, Amar Singh Wala and Khandela-2), the level of Pb was found to be above the permissible level (15 μg/l). Significant correlations were found among the pH of water and different heavy metal concentrations.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"129 1","pages":"114-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85339858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On the genetic effects of low-dose radiation -","authors":"Sergei V. Jargin","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140929042654","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140929042654","url":null,"abstract":"There is a discrepancy between the reportedly significant elevation in a minisatellite DNA mutation rate in the children of parents, who had been exposed to radiation from the Chernobyl accident, and absence of significant inherited genetic effects found among the offspring of atomic bomb survivors. At the same time, average doses received by the residents of the contaminated areas, where the studies of the children of exposed parents were performed, had been comparable to those from the natural radiation background. Several publications exaggerating medical consequences of elevated radiation background were discussed earlier. The following flaws can be found in such papers: interpretation of spontaneous conditions as radiation-induced, indication of radioactivity or dose levels without confrontation with the natural radiation background, conclusions about incidence increase of certain conditions without an adequate comparison with a control. In conclusion, arguments in favor of inapplicability of the linear non-threshold theory to the radiation doses, comparable to those from the natural radiation background, are discussed here.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"61 1","pages":"199-203"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75379779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Volatile Organic Compounds Exposure and Health Risks among Street Venders in Urban Area, Bangkok","authors":"Tanasorn Tunsaringkarn, T. Prueksasit, Soawanee Sematong, W. Siriwong, Navaporn Kanjanasiranont, Kalaya Zapuang, Daisy Morknoy, Anusorn Rungsiyothin","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20131219105033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20131219105033","url":null,"abstract":"Air pollution has been for a long time a danger to human health and ecosystems. Many of the world's large cities today have bad air quality and can have a lot of health problems because of air pollution. Health risk of volatile organic compounds (VOCs: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) and carbonyl compounds; CCs) exposures and their associations with non-specific symptoms of street venders at main roadsides were assessed in Pathumwan Area, central Bangkok, Thailand. A questionnaire was performed for characteristics and non-specific symptoms of street venders. Ambient air and personal air samples were collected at 5 sites of main roadsides and street venders for 8 h during work time. They were collected using 2,4 DNPH cartridge for carbonyl compounds (CCs) by HPLC/UV and activated charcoal tube for BTEX analyses by GC/FID. The results of this study showed that ambient air and personal air samples were not significant different. The life time cancer risk of street venders of benzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde exposures were 3.12E-06, 8.00E-08, 3.20E-06 and 6.02E-07 which total cancer risk was higher than acceptable limited. But hazard quoteint (HQ) ranges of benzene, xylene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde exposures were lower than 1. The total cancer risk (7.00E-06) of these workers was higher than acceptable limited but hazard index (HI) was lower than limited value. The prevalence of headache, fatigue, dizziness and throat irritation symptoms of street venders were 58.0%, 47.8%, 26.5% and 24.6% respectively which most of them were associated with VOCs exposures.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"6 1","pages":"31-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75766363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"National Register of Radiofrequency Workers: Exploring health eff ects of occupational radiofrequency radiation exposure -","authors":"I. Litchfield","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140921104241","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140921104241","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Radiofrequency (RF) radiation continues to proliferate in the workplace. However, there is a broadly acknowledged need for additional research exploring the potential health effects of occupational exposure to RF. Aims: The aim was to establish a register of workers occupationally exposed to RF, in line with the recommendation of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones. This database is to be used as a resource for the investigation of any potential health effects of RF exposure. Methods: Following a series of consultations with industry and other relevant organizations, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) established a Steering Group in 2002 to manage the establishment of the National Register of individuals potentially exposed above public RF exposure guidelines. The Steering Group selected the University of Birmingham to administer the recruitment process. Recruitment and the first wave of analysis are due to finish in 2015. Results: The recruitment of a cohort of some 2500 individuals is near completion, and the initial study, a long-term follow-up of the cohort investigating mortality and cancer incidence is underway. Conclusions: The National Register of RF Workers provides the basis to explore potentially adverse health outcomes from occupational RF exposure. Funded by, key industry sponsors and supported by the University of Birmingham and HSE, the collaborative nature of the register provides an exemplar of how studies of occupational health can continue to be funded and managed.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"38 1","pages":"190-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78723356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}