Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence of antibodies against hantavirus, Leptospira, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Chlamydia psittaci in pest control workers in Germany - a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Tiana Barnekow, Anja Schablon, Olaf Kleinmüller, Albert Nienhaus","doi":"10.1186/s12995-026-00503-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-026-00503-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pest control workers may be exposed to zoonotic pathogens during their work, yet data on the prevalence of zoonotic infections in this occupational group in Germany is scarce. This study investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies against four pathogens commonly transmitted by rodents and pigeons among pest control workers in Germany.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood samples of participants were analysed for antibodies against hantavirus, Leptospira, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCM virus) and Chlamydia psittaci. Additional data was collected using a questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 154 participants, five were seropositive for hantavirus (3.2%), seven for Leptospira (4.6%) and two for Chlamydia psittaci (1.5%). No participants tested positive for LCM virus. Seropositive participants were mostly male (85.7%), aged 31-63 years and were predominantly engaged in field service pest control activities (85.7%). Both highly experienced (> 20 years of experience) and fairly inexperienced (< 1 year of experience) workers were affected. Notably, 42.9% of seropositive participants reported no or only occasional occupational exposure to the respective reservoir species. Most reported only occasional use of personal protective equipment (57.1%). Self-rated knowledge of zoonotic diseases was most commonly rated as moderate (50.0%) or good (42.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Seroprevalence of antibodies against hantavirus, Leptospira, LCM virus, and Chlamydia psittaci was low among pest control workers in Germany. This may be indicative of effective infection control in this occupational group. Workers should receive intensified, regular training to further strengthen their knowledge of zoonotic diseases and improve adherence to precautionary measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13063529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147348899","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":"Development of an interdisciplinary consensus statement for assessing fitness for work at heights in the South African construction industry: a virtual Modified Nominal Group Technique study.","authors":"Lyndsey Swart, Tania Buys, Nicolaas Claassen","doi":"10.1186/s12995-026-00500-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-026-00500-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Falls from heights are a leading cause of occupational injury and death globally, with construction workers disproportionately affected. In South Africa, employers must ensure that workers performing fall-risk tasks are certified as fit to work at heights, yet regulations provide little guidance on how such assessments should be conducted. Within a broader two-phase research project undertaken by the authors, Phase 1 comprised a scoping review that identified limited peer-reviewed evidence and a lack of standardised frameworks for assessing fitness for work at heights, followed by a qualitative study that found inconsistent, predominantly medicalised assessment practices that inadequately reflect job-specific risks and demands. In response, a draft interdisciplinary consensus statement was developed. This study reports Phase 2, a structured expert consensus process undertaken to systematically revise and consolidate the draft consensus statement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A virtual Modified Nominal Group Technique was conducted with six experts from occupational medicine, occupational health nursing, occupational therapy, and construction health and safety. Participants reviewed the draft consensus statement prior to a facilitated online discussion, followed by an anonymous post-session rating survey. Quantitative ratings were analysed using medians and interquartile ranges against predefined consensus criteria, while qualitative data from transcripts, field notes, and participant annotations were analysed using directed qualitative content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Consensus was achieved on 20 of 27 items, indicating strong support for the draft statement's overall structure and intent. Items not reaching consensus mainly concerned definitional clarity, occupational risk-exposure profiling, and follow-up procedures. Revisions focused on clarifying terminology; strengthening guidance on occupational risk exposure and worker-job specification; recognising behavioural and psychosocial factors alongside physical, cognitive, and environmental considerations; and introducing the concept of a competent, registered and authorised person.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study presents an interdisciplinary consensus statement, developed through expert consensus, providing a principles- and process-based framework for assessing fitness for work at heights. It promotes consistent, transparent, job-specific, risk-based fitness assessments beyond generic medical certification. Future efforts should focus on translating this framework into practical tools and evaluating its feasibility across various construction settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12983645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311446","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":"Determination of muscle fatigue of operating theatre staff using myotonometric measurements.","authors":"Zenija Roja, Kristine Smiukse, Henrijs Kalkis, Justs Dimants, Liga Peiseniece","doi":"10.1186/s12995-026-00499-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-026-00499-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: In Latvia, more than 31,000 surgical operations were performed in hospitals in 2023, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent one of the most common occupational health problems among healthcare workers. The increasing number of surgeries and the shortage of healthcare personnel in Latvia have led to a higher physical workload among operating theatre staff. This increased workload contributes to muscle fatigue and elevates the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess changes in muscle frequency and stiffness in order to determine muscle fatigue during the working shift in operating theatre staff using myotonometric measurements. METHODS: Myotonometric measurements were performed at the beginning and end of the work shift using the MyotonPRO device. Muscle frequency and stiffness were assessed bilaterally in selected superficial muscles of the neck, upper limbs, and lower limbs. The study sample consisted of 55 operating theatre employees from two hospitals, representing different occupational roles within surgical and endoscopy departments, and results were analysed according to occupational role, age group, body side, and pre- and post-work shift. RESULTS: Work-shift related increases in muscle frequency and stiffness were observed in the m. trapezius and m. flexor carpi radialis, indicating elevated muscle tension in the neck, shoulder, and forearm regions associated with combined static postures and repetitive upper-limb activity during the working day. These changes were most pronounced among anaesthesia nurses and endoscopy department staff. Statistically significant differences were found between occupational and age groups and between the left and right sides of the body, reflecting task-specific and uneven musculoskeletal loading related to occupational demands. CONCLUSIONS: Myotonometric measurements revealed work-shift-related increases in muscle frequency and stiffness, particularly in the neck and forearm muscles, reflecting muscle fatigue associated with occupational demands in operating theatre staff. </p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13037231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147277478","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 exposure to vapor, gas, dust and fume using job-exposure matrix in a population-based, nationwide study in Kazakhstan.","authors":"Denis Vinnikov, Irina Mukatova, Zhangir Dairuly, Aizhan Raushanova, Zhanna Romanova","doi":"10.1186/s12995-026-00501-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-026-00501-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: We aimed to characterize the populational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts and fumes (VGDF) in a nationwide population-based study in Kazakhstan. METHODS: Data on all positions held for more than a year in the lifetime were collected from 5058 (median age 47 (interquartile range (IQR) 31;61) years, 50% men) participants. Prevalence of each exposure was computed using ACE job-exposure matrix (JEM), and a multivariate logistic regression was applied to compute the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of such exposure. RESULTS: Lifetime exposure to VGDF was found in 53% of general population, more in men (61% vs. 45%, p < 0.001), with dust (45%), mineral dust (32%) and gas (30%) being the top three exposures. Ever-smoking (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.36;1.83), exposure to secondhand smoke (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.29;1.71), education below university level (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.86;2.41), being a male (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.17;1.55), and living in the North and Center increased the odds of being exposed, independent of each other and work initiation since independence, body mass index and even the use of fossil fuel for heating. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to VGDF in the general population of Kazakhstan is high, with some regional discrepancies. Predictors of such exposure can help identify most exposed population to tailor targeted preventive interventions. </p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13032510/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146776865","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":"Scoping review on the effect of labour inspections on occupational health and safety: a meta-analytic update.","authors":"Melanie Schubert, Ulrich Bolm-Audorff, Johan Hviid Andersen, Gabriela Petereit-Haack, David Reissig, Andreas Seidler","doi":"10.1186/s12995-026-00497-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-026-00497-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarise recent literature on labour inspections carried out by government authorities and accident insurance organisations, and their impact on workers’ health and safety. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to investigate the effect of occupational safety and health (OSH) inspectorate interventions on occupational safety and health. The methodical approach was based on a previous systematic review on the effect of inspections on OSH. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science and NIOSHTIC-2, complemented by screening of reference lists of the included full texts and topic-relevant reviews and a forward search in Google Scholar. Additionally, OSH authorities and accident insurance institutions in Germany, as well as the EU-OSHA national focal points were asked to submit reports on OSH inspections. Furthermore, the ‘grey’ literature search was extended to publications from the federal governments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Findings were extracted and combined with studies from the above-mentioned systematic review for meta-analysis. The study protocol with the methodological procedure was registered on Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/gy2u6/ ). RESULTS: A total of 37 publications from Europe and North America on the effect of OSH inspections by government authorities were included in the study. Most of the studies examined the effect of labour inspections on (fatal and non-fatal) injuries at work, as well as the implementation of safety measures and compliance with legal requirements. The results of the individual studies generally indicate a protective effect of labour inspections on work-related injuries and compliance, but the results regarding compensation claims were heterogenous. In addition, pooled risk estimates from meta-analyses indicate that inspected workplaces had a lower risk of work-related injuries (relative risk (RR) = 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.97) and of non-compliance with workplace safety rules (RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.45–1.01) compared with non-inspected workplaces. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reinforce the findings of previous reviews that inspections are effective in reducing work-related injuries. Thus, inspections are important for promoting and improving occupational health and safety. </p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"21 1","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12903292/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146182879","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":"Web application development using multiple regression analysis to predict silicosis risk among stone carvers in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.","authors":"Arroon Ketsakorn, Ratchapong Chaiyadej","doi":"10.1186/s12995-026-00496-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-026-00496-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PURPOSE: To develop a web-based application that uses multiple regression analysis to predict the risk of silicosis among stone carvers in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. METHODS: Data from 243 stone carvers were used to construct a multiple regression model incorporating key associated variables key associated variables: concentration of respirable silica dust, daily working hours, presence of underlying diseases, and residential proximity to the workplace. Model performance was assessed via R², adjusted R², RMSE, and the significance of associated variables. The model was integrated into a user-friendly web application and deployed for real-time risk assessment among 362 stone carvers. Silicosis risk scores were categorized into five levels to facilitate interpretation and targeted interventions. The Mann‒Whitney U test was applied to compare silicosis risk scores before and after application. RESULTS: The regression model explained 66.2% of the variance in silicosis risk scores (adjusted R² = 0.662), with strong predictive accuracy (RMSE = 2.59). All predictor variables were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The web application assigned silicosis risk scores ranging from 12 to 25, with 77.1% of participants classified as “very high risk.” However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the model and web application silicosis risk scores (p = 0.155); nonetheless, the observed trend suggests potential benefits in enhancing worker awareness and promoting protective behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The developed multiple regression model and web application provide an effective tool for real-time silicosis risk prediction and stratification in stone carving communities. This digital health tool shows promise for early risk detection and prevention of silicosis in workers. </p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"21 1","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12874754/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146127076","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":"When did we start calling it silicosis? A historical perspective on the naming of an occupational disease.","authors":"Alberto Zanatta, Fabio Zampieri, Giovanni Magno, Sofia Bollini","doi":"10.1186/s12995-025-00494-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-025-00494-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Silicosis is one of the most severe occupational diseases in industrial history, yet the term itself has a surprisingly recent origin. OBJECTIVE: To trace the historical emergence of the term “silicosis” and examine the scientific and cultural context in which it was coined. METHODS: A review of ancient, early modern, and 19th-century medical literature, with particular focus on Italian medical practice during the post-Unification industrial period. Primary sources include autopsy records, early pathological reports, and contemporary scientific publications. RESULTS: While symptoms consistent with pneumoconiosis were described by authors such as Hippocrates, Pliny, and Ramazzini, it remains uncertain whether these early reports accurately reflected silicosis or other dust-induced pathologies, a clear nosological distinction between tuberculosis and silica-induced pneumoconiosis only emerged in the 19th century. In 1870, Italian pathologist Achille Visconti identified a case of severe lung fibrosis due to silica dust exposure and explicitly labeled it “silicosis.” A year later, Carlo Luigi Rovida formally published the case, marking the scientific debut of the term. Visconti’s naming not only addressed a terminological gap, but also laid the groundwork for the recognition of silicosis as a distinct occupational disease. CONCLUSIONS: The coining of “silicosis” was a pivotal moment not only in terminology but in the nosological recognition of the disease as distinct from tuberculosis and other wasting conditions. It reflected the growing awareness of industrial health hazards and enabled a clearer categorization of dust-related lung pathologies, separating them from tuberculosis. Today, more than 150 years later, the term remains universally adopted in clinical and legal contexts. </p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12833926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044484","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":"Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial stress factors in emergency medical services: a differentiated gender comparison.","authors":"Sebastian Niesert, Lars Elschen, Fabian Holzgreve, Verena Komanek-Prinz, Rejane Golbach, Eileen M Wanke, Gerhard Oremek, David A Groneberg, Daniela Ohlendorf","doi":"10.1186/s12995-025-00495-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-025-00495-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Working in emergency medical services involves a high level of physical and psychological stress. The proportion of female professionals in the German emergency medical services has been steadily increasing in recent years. This gender-comparative study therefore aims to identify potential differences and similarities in the stress profiles of men and women across different age groups regarding physical and psychosocial complaints. METHODS: A total of 201 employees (132 male, 69 female) from the emergency medical services in one German federal state (Hesse) voluntarily participated in this survey, which included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and the Sources of Occupational Stress in Firefighters and Paramedics (SOOS-14) questionnaire. In addition to comparing all variables between genders and different age groups, a total score was calculated based on a Rasch model for the items of the COPSOQ and SOOS-14. Correlations were performed with sociodemographic data as well as well-being (total COPSOQ score) and individual stress levels (total SOOS-14 score). RESULTS: The prevalence of physical complaints was highest in the cervical spine at 72.6%, with women affected significantly longer (p ≤ 0.01; female: 42% > 30 days/12 months vs. male: 16.7% > 30 days/12 months). This corresponded with the subjective perception of 74.1% of respondents who regularly had to perform heavy physical work. Overtime was worked regularly by 94.6%, and 51.2% perceived emotional stress to be above average. No significant differences were found in occupational stressors and psychosocial factors across all age and gender groups, except for the diversity evaluation between genders, with women reporting higher levels of variety in their work (p < 0.01). Sleep interruptions and poor nutrition were the most important job-related stress factors for both genders. An above-average level of pride (74.6%) and meaningfulness (73.2%) compensated for this high workload. Correlations were particularly evident among female participants between higher weight (p < 0.01; rho = -0.39), and higher body mass index (p < 0.01; rho = -0.37) and health status. Men’s well-being and occupational stress was more severely impaired by higher weekly working hours and larger amount of active service (p < 0.01; rho = 0.3) in older men and high body mass index (p < 0.01; rho = 0.4) in younger men. CONCLUSION: Women in particular rate their health as similar to that of their male colleagues despite higher physical stress - especially in younger women - with obesity negatively influencing their self-assessment. For older male employees, higher mental stress and strain at work is associated with long working hours. Psychosocial factors such as professional pride and meaningfulness appear to serve as important resilience resources for both genders. Future analyses should therefore be multidimensional. </p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"21 1","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12810012/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991342","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":"Ceramic industry and pneumoconiosis in Turkey: a cross-sectional study on workplace health management.","authors":"Duygu Luleci, Arif Cimrin","doi":"10.1186/s12995-025-00493-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-025-00493-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pneumoconiosis is among the most frequently diagnosed occupational diseases in Turkey, with the ceramic industry accounting for a considerable proportion. This study aimed to assess the frequency of pneumoconiosis among ceramic industry workers referred to an occupational medicine clinic with suspected pneumoconiosis, to identify high-risk departments, and to evaluate the referral process and workplace case management practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 295 ceramic industry workers aged 18-64 years who were referred to an occupational medicine clinic for suspected pneumoconiosis by three medium-sized companies between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. Data were obtained from referral forms and clinic records. Pneumoconiosis diagnosis was established by occupational medicine specialists based on chest radiographs, high-resolution computed tomography, and occupational history. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the distribution. Pearson's chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 295 workers, 56.3% were current smokers, and 32.5% were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis. The frequency of pneumoconiosis was lower among never-smokers compared with the current and ex-smokers (p < 0.01). The highest diagnosis rates were observed in shaping (41.9%), glazing (38.6%), and raw material processing (36.6%) departments. Referral documents often lacked essential information, with workplace duties missing in 89.5%, workplace exposures in 84.1%, and hygiene assessments in 100% of cases. Among the workers diagnosed with pneumoconiosis who attended at least one follow-up visit, 49.2% were reassigned to different duties. Of the smokers within this follow-up group, 79.0% continued smoking.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pneumoconiosis is a significant occupational disease among ceramic workers in Turkey, requiring coordinated preventive action at both workplace and national levels. The critical lack of adequate exposure data in referral documents and the absence of structured post-diagnosis follow-up reveal weaknesses in current occupational hygiene and workplace health surveillance practices. Strengthening accurate assessment and documentation of exposure, standardizing referral protocols, ensuring effective periodic screenings, and promoting structured post-diagnosis follow-up, including smoking cessation interventions, are fundamental to improve disease management. To ensure effective control of pneumoconiosis in the ceramic industry in Turkey, existing legislation and occupational safety and health principles must be translated into well-monitored preventive actions at the workplace.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12752093/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145811741","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":"Topical anesthetic abuse keratopathy: an overlooked occupational eye health concern.","authors":"Alireza Attar, Alison L S Chiu, Fatemeh Razmjooei, Zoi Karagiannidou, Mohammad Ranjbar, Mohammad Mohammadi","doi":"10.1186/s12995-025-00492-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-025-00492-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Topical anesthetic abuse keratopathy is a rare but potentially devastating complication that may lead to irreversible vision loss. In occupational settings, workers who sustain frequent ocular injuries may self-administer topical anesthetics without prior prescription, consequently increasing the risk of severe complications. This study evaluated the clinical findings and visual outcomes of patients with this condition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All patients diagnosed with topical anesthetic abuse keratopathy who presented to Khalili Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, from March 2023 to March 2025 were included. Demographics, duration of abuse, risk factors, microbial culture results, treatments, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at admission and three-month follow-up were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen patients (14 eyes; mean age, 43.15 years; 12 males, 1 female) were included. The median duration of abuse was 8.5 days (IQR = 2). Occupational exposures were the primary risk factors, including welding (5/13, 38.5%), metal grinding (3/13, 23.1%), construction work (2/13, 15.4%), and plumbing (2/13, 15.4%). Additionally, one case (1/13, 7.7%) had a history of drug abuse. Cultures were negative in 7 cases (53.8%); positive results included Staphylococcus aureus (3/13, 23.1%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3/13, 23.1%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (1/13, 7.7%). Following topical anesthetic cessation, all patients received supportive therapy with lubricants and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Four patients (30.8%) required hospitalization, and one (7.7%) with a history of drug abuse developed corneal perforation. The proportion of eyes with Snellen visual acuity ≥ 5/10 increased from 2/14 at baseline to 12/14 at follow-up. Median CDVA improved significantly from 0.61 (IQR 0.50) to 0.154 (IQR 0.125) LogMAR at 3 months (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Topical anesthetic abuse keratopathy is a serious public health concern with potential complications such as infectious keratitis and corneal perforation. Public education, workplace protection, and stricter regulations are essential to reducing the burden of this vision-threatening disorder.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12801944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745199","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}