Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology最新文献

{"title":"Retention of nickel, cobalt and chromium in skin at conditions mimicking intense hand hygiene practices using water, soap, and hand-disinfectant in vitro.","authors":"Libe Vilela, Linda Schenk, Anneli Julander, Klara Midander","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00442-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00442-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased hand hygiene practices using water, soap and hand disinfectants, became prevalent, particularly among frontline workers. This study investigates the impact of these practices on the skin's ability to retain the allergenic metals nickel, cobalt, and chromium. The study constitutes three parts: (I) creating an impaired skin barrier, (II) exposing treated and untreated skin to nickel alone, and (III) in co-exposure with cobalt and chromium.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using full-thickness skin from stillborn piglets, in vitro experiments were conducted to assess retention of metals in skin at conditions mimicking intense hand hygiene practices. Treatment of skin with varying concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), to impair its barrier integrity was assessed. This was followed by exposure of treated and untreated skin to the metals, that were dissolved in Milli-Q water, 0.5% SLS, and ethanol respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed that pre-treatment with 5% SLS impaired the skin barrier with regards to the measure of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Metal amounts retained in the skin were generally higher in treated than untreated skin. The highest amounts of metal retained in skin were observed for exposure to nickel in ethanol. Co-exposure to nickel, cobalt, and chromium in 0.5% SLS resulted in the highest amounts of total metal retention.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The in vitro findings highlight the increased risk of metal retention in skin due to an impaired barrier. The SLS concentration used in the current study corresponds to those used in many hand hygiene products. Hence, occupational settings with frequent exposure to water, soap and disinfectants need to consider protective measures not only for the irritant exposures themselves but also simultaneous exposure to allergenic metals.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11539800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142591392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-term course and factors influencing work ability and return to work in post-COVID patients 12 months after inpatient rehabilitation.","authors":"Katrin Müller, Iris Poppele, Marcel Ottiger, Alois Wastlhuber, Rainer-Christian Weber, Michael Stegbauer, Torsten Schlesinger","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00443-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00443-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring work ability and facilitating the reintegration of post-COVID patients into the workforce. The impact of rehabilitation on work ability and return to work (RTW) of post-COVID patients remains poorly understood. This study was conducted to assess the work ability and RTW of post-COVID patients before rehabilitation and 12 months after rehabilitation and to identify physical and neuropsychological health factors influencing RTW 12 months after rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This longitudinal observational study included 114 post-COVID patients with work-related SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent inpatient post-COVID rehabilitation with indicative focus on pulmonology and/or psychotraumatology (interval between date of SARS-CoV-2 infection and start of rehabilitation: M = 412.90 days). Employment status, work ability, and the subjective prognosis of employment (SPE) scale were assessed before rehabilitation (T1) and 12 months after rehabilitation (T4). The predictors analysed at T4 were functional exercise capacity, physical activity, subjective physical and mental health status, fatigue, depression, and cognitive function. Longitudinal analyses were performed via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Logistic and linear regression analyses identified predictors of work ability and return to work (RTW), whereas mediation analyses examined the relationships between these predictors and work ability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At T4, the median of WAI total score indicated poor work ability, which significantly worsened over time (p < 0.001; r = 0.484). The SPE scale significantly increased from T1 to T4 (p = 0.022, r = -0.216). A total of 48.6% of patients had returned to work 12 months after rehabilitation. Fatigue was identified as the main predictor of reduced work ability and RTW, with each unit increase in fatigue severity decreasing the odds of RTW by 3.1%. In addition, physical capacity and subjective health status were significant predictors of perceived work ability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings highlight the significant challenges that post-COVID patients face in regaining work ability and achieving successful RTW 12 months after rehabilitation. Fatigue appears to be an important predictor of work ability and RTW. To optimize recovery and enhance both biopsychosocial health and work ability, it is crucial to develop and implement personalised interventions that address fatigue, improve physical capacity, and support mental health.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00022928.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11529184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142565042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between job demand-control-support and high burnout risk among physicians in Sweden: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Filip Christiansen, Britta Elsert Gynning, Abid Lashari, Josefina Peláez Zuberbühler, Gun Johansson, Emma Brulin","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00441-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00441-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The knowledge about job demands, control, and support, and their potential associations with burnout risk among physicians in Sweden, is limited. This study aimed to explore (i) factors of the JobDemand-Control-Support (J-DCS) model across different groups of physicians in Sweden, (ii) their association with high burnout risk, and (iii) the potential buffering impact of job control and support.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cross-sectional data from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Health in Healthcare Survey (LOHHCS) study cohort was used. In 2021, a total of 2032 respondents submitted questionnaire data comprising J-DCS measures (i.e., job demands, workplace control and task-level control, and social support from peers and managers). Burnout risk was measured using the Burnout Assessment Tool. Binary logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between the J-DCS variables and high burnout risk. Interaction analysis was performed to explore any moderation of the associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Job demands were significantly associated with increased odds of high burnout risk (odds ratio (OR) 2.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-3.84. Workplace control (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.71) and peer support (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48-0.77) were significantly associated with reduced odds of high burnout risk. The interaction analysis showed no significant moderation of the association between job demands and high burnout risk by either peer support or workplace control, and no buffering impact was found.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Job demands were associated with high burnout risk among physicians in Sweden. Although workplace control and peer support had inverse associations with high burnout risk, no moderation or buffering impact on the association between job demands and high burnout risk was found. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11520855/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142548473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function among foundry workers.","authors":"Kirsi Koskela, Lauri Lehtimäki, Jukka Uitti, Panu Oksa, Antti Tikkakoski, Riitta Sauni","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00440-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00440-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Foundry workers are occupationally exposed to a variety of inhalable chemical substances. Occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes can lead to adverse health effects on the respiratory system and cause chronic respiratory diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Research on respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function in foundry workers over the past few decades has been limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function of current foundry workers, ex-foundry workers, and unexposed controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function among 335 current foundry workers, 64 ex-foundry workers, and 161 unexposed controls. The cumulative dust exposure (mg-y) of each participant was calculated, and the median cumulative dust exposure according to the main places of exposure was determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis, as reported in a questionnaire, was found among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls, even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking (p = 0.009). Additionally, cough and wheezing in adulthood without respiratory infection, and chronic rhinitis symptoms were more common among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls. These differences remained significant even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007 and p  < 0.001, respectively). Impaired lung function was more prevalent among both ex-foundry workers (29.7%) and current foundry workers (15.5%) compared to the unexposed controls (8.7%), with the difference remaining significant even after adjusting for the pack-years of smoking and BMI (p = 0.009). According to the questionnaire, the number of physician-diagnosed cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis was unexpectedly low compared to the indications from the symptom questionnaire and lung function test results, suggesting a potential underdiagnosis. The prevalence of silicosis was low (0.8%) among current and ex-foundry workers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Respiratory symptoms are common among foundry workers. Current and ex-foundry workers exhibited lower lung function in spirometry compared to unexposed controls. There is a potential underdiagnosis of COPD and chronic bronchitis among foundry workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515409/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142511134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological morbidity among coal miners compared to other occupations in Appalachia.","authors":"Paul D Blanc, Laura Trupin, Edward H Yelin, Patricia P Katz","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00439-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00439-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Depressive symptoms, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common morbidities among coal miners, but the risk of these morbidities has not been analyzed relative to other occupations taking into account relevant covariates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using random digit dialing, we surveyed men aged 50 or over with a history of employment who resided in counties in Appalachia with high coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) mortality rates. We used the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) Screen and the Brief Trauma Questionnaire to query specific traumatic experiences. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire scale to assess depression symptoms and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire to measure anxiety. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between coal mining and depression, anxiety, and PTSD, adjusting for trauma, smoking and demographics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 1,428 participants, 233 (16.3%) reported coal mining employment. Coal mining was associated with increased odds of depression (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4) and anxiety (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.7). Among those with any trauma (n = 711), coal mining was not associated with increased risk of PTSD (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.3]. Non-coal trauma was associated with three-fold increased odds of anxiety (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.0 to 5.1); for coal trauma, anxiety was associated with six-fold increased odds (OR 6.0; 95% CI 2.9 to 12.4).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Appalachian region coal miners carry an increased burden of depression and anxiety. This should be recognized by clinicians and at a population level, as worthy of individual and public health intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11495004/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142511133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence of occupational-related low back pain among working populations in sub-saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yibeltal Assefa Atalay, Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu, Kelemu Abebe Gelaw","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00438-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00438-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major public health problem, contributing significantly to the global burden of disability-adjusted life years and affecting the quality of life of all population groups. The main problem in most musculoskeletal disorders is low back pain. Therefore, our study aims to identify the overall prevalence of work-related low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Research published between 2010 and 2023 in English, conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa was included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using Boolean logic operators and targeted keywords, we searched for publications on a number of electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Science Direct). The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal techniques were utilized to conduct a quality assessment of the papers and ascertain their relevance to the study. The degree of heterogeneity among the included studies, the 95% confidence interval, and the pooled prevalence were estimated using a random effects model. Sensitivity studies were carried out to determine the causes of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, a total of 970 articles were retrieved, and 35 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa was (55.05% [95% CI: 49.34, 60.76]). Based on a sub-group analysis by countries, the higher pooled prevalence of low back pain was found in Uganda at (61.48% [95% CI: 40.39, 82.57]), while the lower pooled prevalence of low back pain was in Ghana at (34.48% [95% CI: 17.96, 51.01]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 55.05% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous years. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers incorporate and enhance strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain within the health system management guidelines of each country.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11488191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142478505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metabolomics and proteomics in occupational medicine: a comprehensive systematic review.","authors":"Carlos Ochoa-Leite, Sara Rodrigues, Ana Sofia Ramos, Flávio Ribeiro, João Barbosa, Carmen Jerónimo, Paula Guedes de Pinho, Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, José Torres Costa","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00436-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00436-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Occupational biomonitoring is essential for assessing health risks linked to workplace exposures. The use of 'omics' technologies, such as metabolomics and proteomics, has become crucial in detecting subtle biological alterations induced by occupational hazards, thereby opening novel avenues for biomarker discovery.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This systematic review aims to evaluate the application of metabolomics and proteomics in occupational health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for original human studies that use metabolomics or proteomics to assess occupational exposure biomarkers. The risk of bias was assessed by adapting the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 2311 initially identified articles, 85 met the eligibility criteria. These studies were mainly conducted in China, Europe, and the United States of America, covering a wide range of occupational exposures. The findings revealed that metabolomics and proteomics approaches effectively identified biomarkers related to chemical, physical, biomechanical, and psychosocial hazards. Analytical methods varied, with mass spectrometry-based techniques emerging as the most prevalent. The risk of bias was generally low to moderate, with specific concerns about exposure measurement and confounding factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Integrating metabolomics and proteomics in occupational health biomonitoring significantly advances our understanding of exposure effects and facilitates the development of personalized preventive interventions. However, challenges remain regarding the complexity of data analysis, biomarker specificity, and the translation of findings into preventive measures. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and biomarker validation across diverse populations to improve the reliability and applicability of occupational health interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11479568/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142478504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bibliometric analysis of occupational exposure in operating room from 1973 to 2022.","authors":"Chuang Li, Meng Geng, Shujun Li, Xianglan Li, Huiqin Li, Hufang Yuan, Fengxia Liu","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00437-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00437-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study is to identify and visualize from different perspectives the topic on occupational exposure in operating room (OEOR).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), all the half-century data were retrieved from January 1st, 1973 to December 31st, 2022. CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Excel 2019 were employed to analyze and visualize data, based on publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of 336 journal papers were found. The increase of publications virtually started in 1991, peaked in 2020 and has been slowing down ever since. USA played most significant part among all the 49 countries/regions, while Universidade Estadual Paulista out of 499 institutions published the most papers. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health bears the most documents and citations in all the 219 retrieved journals. There are 1847 authors found, among whom Hoerauf K is the most influential one. \"Occupational exposure\", \"nitrous oxide\" and \"operating room personnel\" are the top 3 co-occurrences keywords.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The trend in the field lies in \"anaesthetic gas\", \"blood borne pathogen\", \"radiation\" and \"aerosol\", while \"surgical smoke\" and \"occupational safety\" are the recently researching hot spots in this study. Accurate recognize and effective protection are always essential subjects for researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"37"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11457397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142394475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating the skies: a cross-sectional study of depression among Saudi Arabian airline pilots.","authors":"Sarah AlMuammar, Rahaf Alkhaldi, Roaa Alsharif, Daniah Allbdi, Mashael Alasmari, Bashair Alasmari, Afaf Alkhaldi, Refaal Aldealij, Nabeela Ismail","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00435-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00435-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression poses a significant challenge globally, including in safety-critical industries such as aviation. In Saudi Arabia, where the aviation sector is rapidly expanding, pilots encounter unique stressors inherent to their profession. However, research on pilot mental health, particularly within the Saudi context, remains limited despite its critical role in flight safety.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional survey was designed to estimate the self-reported prevalence of depression in a convenience sample of airline pilots in Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited from various commercial airlines in Saudi Arabia. Recruitment efforts utilized targeted outreach on social media platforms, focusing on pilot forums and groups. The survey was administered online for accessibility and convenience. The structured questionnaire, developed through a literature review and expert consultation, comprises sections on demographic and professional characteristics, occupational information, health habits, and depression assessment via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study enrolled 310 participants, with the largest cohort (34.8%, n = 108) falling within the 30-39 years age group, closely followed by individuals under 30 years (30.0%, n = 93). Males dominated the sex distribution (99.0%, n = 307). The mean PHQ-9 score was 8.2 ± 5.4. Notably, 40.6% (n = 126) of the participants had a score of 10 or higher, indicating the potential for moderate, moderate-severe, or severe depression. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that pilots with 11-15 years of experience had greater odds of experiencing depression than did those with 0-10 years of experience did (odds ratio [OR]: 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.1-8.4], p = 0.04). Pilots with rest times exceeding 24 h had lower odds of depression than did those with rest times less than 1 h (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: [0.1-0.8], p = 0.02). Engaging in regular exercise was associated with reduced odds of depression (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: [0.2-0.5], p < 0.01), as was longer sleep duration (> 8 h) (OR: 0.2, 95% CI: [0.1-1.0], p = 0.04).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study estimates the prevalence and severity of self-reported depressive symptoms among airline pilots in Saudi Arabia, surpassing global estimates. The identified factors, including lack of regular exercise, short sleep duration, and insufficient rest between flights, underscore the complex mental health challenges faced by pilots in this region. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for pilot well-being but also for flight safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"36"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11373124/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational, environmental, and toxicological health risks of mining metals for lithium-ion batteries: a narrative review of the Pubmed database.","authors":"Connor W Brown, Charlotte E Goldfine, Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz, Timothy B Erickson","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00433-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00433-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global market for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is growing exponentially, resulting in an increase in mining activities for the metals needed for manufacturing LIBs. Cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel are four of the metals most used in the construction of LIBs, and each has known toxicological risks associated with exposure. Mining for these metals poses potential human health risks via occupational and environmental exposures; however, there is a paucity of data surrounding the risks of increasing mining activity. The objective of this review was to characterize these risks.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a review of the literature via a systematic search of the PubMed database on the health effects of mining for cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel. We included articles that (1) reported original research, (2) reported outcomes directly related to human health, (3) assessed exposure to mining for cobalt, lithium, manganese, or nickel, and (4) had an available English translation. We excluded all other articles. Our search identified 183 relevant articles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Toxicological hazards were reported in 110 studies. Exposure to cobalt and nickel mining were most associated with respiratory toxicity, while exposure to manganese mining was most associated with neurologic toxicity. Notably, no articles were identified that assessed lithium toxicity associated with mining exposure. Traumatic hazards were reported in six studies. Three articles reported infectious disease hazards, while six studies reported effects on mental health. Several studies reported increased health risks in children compared to adults.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of this review suggest that occupational and environmental exposure to mining metals used in LIBs presents significant risks to human health that result in both acute and chronic toxicities. Further research is needed to better characterize these risks, particularly regarding lithium mining.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11348589/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142082400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}