{"title":"Aflatoxin B1 exposure during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: A systematic review.","authors":"Behnam Ghorbani Nejad, Zahra Sadat Mirshafiei, Mohammad Hosein Darijani, Fatemeh Mehravar, Mahtab Zarei, Azadeh Dehghani, Milad Rahimzadegan, Somayyeh Karami-Mohajeri, Hamzeh Alizadeh","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2025.2603898","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2025.2603898","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence has suggested that exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) during pregnancy may be associated with adverse neonatal outcomes; however, available data are inconclusive. We conducted this systematic review to estimate the relation of AFB1 exposure during pregnancy to neonatal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Scopus and PubMed databases were systematically searched for relevant publications published before December 2022 evaluating the connection between AFB1 exposure in pregnant women and outcomes such as small for gestational age (SGA), birth length, low birth weight (LBW), birth weight, and preterm birth (PTB).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study comprised 7 studies with a combined sample size of 4,047 participants. After pooling all available effect sizes, it was determined that there was no significant correlation between increased AFB1 exposure during pregnancy and SGA, PTB, LBW, birth weight, and birth length. Significant heterogeneity was observed across studies for LBW (I2 = 68.6%, <i>p</i> = 0.02), birth weight (I2 = 96.8%, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), and birth length (I<sup>2</sup>= 93.1%, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). However, the sensitivity analysis suggested that exposure to AFB1 might be significantly linked to higher odds of LBW infants and inversely related to both birth weight and birth length.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Exposure to AFB1 in pregnant women might be linked to adverse neonatal outcomes. Given the heterogeneity and the limited number of studies available, further high-quality, standardized research is essential to confirm or refute these findings with greater confidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145770154","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":"Vibration dose and carpal tunnel syndrome in sandstone quarry workers: A cross-sectional study from Thailand.","authors":"Pornthip Yenjai, Waripat Nenpong, Jasmin Sukhathon, Ninur-Ida Niheng, Nisita Sroithong, Chan Pattama Polyong","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2663827","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2663827","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common in vibration-exposed occupations, but evidence from informal sandstone workers is limited. This cross-sectional study examined hand-wrist symptoms and the association between cumulative hand-arm vibration exposure and CTS severity among 92 sandstone workers. Data were collected through structured interviews and ergonomic observation, and CTS severity was assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire-Symptom Severity Scale (BCTQ-SSS). CTS (mild or greater severity) was observed in 58.7% of workers. Compared with the lowest exposure quartile (Q1), workers in the highest quartile (Q4) had significantly higher symptom severity scores (adjusted <i>β</i> = 3.84; 95% CI 0.81-7.25; p = 0.049). A significant linear trend across quartiles was observed (adjusted <i>p</i>-trend = 0.029), supporting a dose-response relationship and highlighting the need for preventive controls in informal quarry settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"139-147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791878","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}
A M Taiwo, B O Dimowo, A M Gbadebo, O S Sojinu, P K Dimowo
{"title":"Cancer and non-cancer risk assessment of fluoride and nitrate in water samples from selected Niger Delta communities.","authors":"A M Taiwo, B O Dimowo, A M Gbadebo, O S Sojinu, P K Dimowo","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2676878","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2676878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>) and fluoride (F<sup>-</sup>) are beneficial in trace amounts but pose health risks at high concentrations. This study evaluated their contamination and associated health risks in water from Niger Delta communities, focusing on infants, children, teenagers, and adults through oral ingestion and dermal exposure pathways. Analysis of 113 samples revealed fluoride concentrations (3.55-7.50 mg/L) consistently exceeded the WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L) with dietary intake mostly exceeding tolerable upper intake levels across life stage groups with a few exceptions in Communities such as Evboehighae, Ikobi, Jadawa By EPZ, Obubra and Maternity. Nitrate levels (3.55-13.10 mg/L) were below the WHO guideline (50 mg/L), with a low Nitrate Pollution Index. Human Health Risk Assessment identified oral ingestion as the main exposure pathway. Fluoride posed a pervasive non-carcinogenic risk, with its Hazard Quotient (HQ) exceeding the safety threshold for all age groups in every community. Nitrate, while low, presented a critical carcinogenic threat. The Mean Cancer Risk (MCR) for nitrate surpassed acceptable limits by several orders of magnitude for all ages, with infants most vulnerable. These findings indicate a public health crisis involving widespread fluorosis and a latent carcinogenic risk from nitrate, necessitating immediate interventions like defluoridation, pollution control, and health education.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"193-210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148019282","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}
Jacqueline C Lee, Sarah Thornburgh, Zsolt P Nagy, Daniel B Shapiro, Heather S Hipp, Audrey J Gaskins
{"title":"Effect of occupation on assisted reproduction outcomes in an oocyte donor model.","authors":"Jacqueline C Lee, Sarah Thornburgh, Zsolt P Nagy, Daniel B Shapiro, Heather S Hipp, Audrey J Gaskins","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2640098","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2640098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous studies have linked workplace conditions, including chemical and physical exposures, and reproductive health outcomes in women. Our study included 603 oocyte donors who underwent 967 controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles for planned oocyte vitrification between 2008 and 2020. Cohorts of oocytes were then thawed and fertilized with resultant embryos utilized by intended parents. In our cohort of young, healthy oocyte donors, those employed in \"healthcare practitioners and technical\" occupations and in \"office and administrative support\" roles had lower ovarian reserve testing by antral follicle count and fewer mature oocytes retrieved COH when compared to the reference group. <i>In vitro</i> fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes, including live birth, for oocyte recipients were not statistically different between occupation groups when compared to the reference group. Future research is needed to clarify specific occupational exposures that may be driving these observed differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"95-104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147391867","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}
Asuman Aslan Kara, Gülden Sarı, Adem Koyuncu, Seher Baki, Cebrail Şimşek
{"title":"The importance of small airway dysfunction in the assessment of pneumoconiosis.","authors":"Asuman Aslan Kara, Gülden Sarı, Adem Koyuncu, Seher Baki, Cebrail Şimşek","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2625249","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2625249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in patients with pneumoconiosis and to emphasize its role in early stage and disease monitoring. Data including demographics, ILO pneumoconiosis classification, and pulmonary function tests were analyzed. SAD was defined by at least two pulmonary function parameters-maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF50), and 75% (FEF75)-below 65% of predicted values. SAD was identified in 59% of patients (<i>n</i> = 118). Compared to stage 1, the risk of SAD was fourfold higher in stage 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.037, OR = 4.119) and nearly 14-fold higher in stage 3 pneumoconiosis (<i>p</i> = 0.008, OR = 13.714). Progressive massive fibrosis increased SAD risk by nearly seven times (<i>p</i> = 0.010, OR = 6.884). These results highlight that SAD is common and may occur early in pneumoconiosis, underscoring its importance in patient monitoring protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"37-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146101170","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 posture and progressive relaxation exercises on perceived stress levels of bus drivers in Turkey and Malta.","authors":"Gülay Turgay, Rosenna Galea, Bülent Özkan, Mustafa Gülşen, Ayça Aytar, Çiğdem Özdemir Eler","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2678948","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2678948","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This randomized controlled study examined the effects of posture and progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) on perceived stress levels among bus drivers in Turkey and Malta. The study included 430 bus drivers working in public transportation services between April and October 2023. The intervention group received posture and PRE training through face-to-face instruction, brochures, audio-supported materials, and an e-learning platform, and practiced the exercises three times weekly for one month, whereas the control group received no intervention. In Turkey, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in PSS-14 scores, with a very large effect size compared with the control group (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.51, <i>p</i> = 0.001). In Malta, perceived stress scores also decreased significantly in the intervention group (<i>p</i> = 0.001). The findings indicate that posture and relaxation exercises are effective in reducing stress levels in bus drivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"211-220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148038552","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}
Mohamed El-Helaly, Asmaa El-Sayed Awaad, Ahmed Mohamed Elhelaly
{"title":"Artificial intelligence and mental health in the workplace: positive and negative impacts.","authors":"Mohamed El-Helaly, Asmaa El-Sayed Awaad, Ahmed Mohamed Elhelaly","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2623267","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2623267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The mental health of workers is a crucial objective of occupational health and safety programs. Mental health issues in the workforce present a significant public and occupational health challenge, with considerable impacts on workers, families, employers, and society. Meanwhile, the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various work environments prompts important questions regarding its impact on workers' mental well-being. AI can positively contribute to workplace mental health in various ways, including the early detection of fatigue, stress, and anxiety through wearable sensors. However, it also raises potential drawbacks, such as concerns about job displacement and job insecurity. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature to highlight the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of AI in the workplace and its implications for mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"57-65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146196086","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":"Associations between ultra-processed food consumption, work-related and mental health outcomes among staff at a private hospital in Türkiye.","authors":"Esma Yenice Kartal, Hacı Ömer Yılmaz","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2654391","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2654391","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and work performance, sleep quality, and mental well-being among hospital staff in Türkiye using a cross-sectional design. A total of 150 participants aged 18-65 were included. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), and the Job Performance Scale (JPS). Participants were divided into three groups based on their daily UPF consumption: low (<306.97 g/day), moderate (306.97-778.57 g/day), and high (>778.57 g/day). The mean UPF intake was 507.3 ± 288.1 g/day. Overall, 51.3% of participants had poor sleep quality. Mean PSQI scores were 5.05 ± 2.12 in the low UPF group and 5.48 ± 3.21 in the high group (<i>p</i> = 0.360). Participants in the high UPF group had a mean WEMWBS score of 60.04 ± 9.45, compared to 56.10 ± 7.02 in the low UPF group (<i>p</i> = 0.019). The high UPF group showed higher job performance scores (mean = 50.44 ± 4.93) compared to the moderate group (mean = 46.23 ± 7.27) and the low group (mean = 46.07 ± 7.25) (<i>p</i> = 0.016). While the findings suggest a positive association between UPF consumption and both mental well-being and job performance, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. Additionally, future research could examine whether short-term improvements in mood or energy from UPF consumption translate into long-term health tradeoffs.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"113-125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694157","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}
Heidi Levine, Molly McCann-Pineo, Haley M Cook, Timmy Li, Mayer Bellehsen, Lily Thomas, Samantha S Corley, Andrew Yacht, Margaret Gorlin, Rebecca M Schwartz
{"title":"Posttraumatic growth in a nursing population: Implications for future crises.","authors":"Heidi Levine, Molly McCann-Pineo, Haley M Cook, Timmy Li, Mayer Bellehsen, Lily Thomas, Samantha S Corley, Andrew Yacht, Margaret Gorlin, Rebecca M Schwartz","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2671041","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2671041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses during a health crisis and identified whether resilience, perceived organizational support, and well-being resource use moderate the link between negative occupational experiences (NOE) and PTG. In fall 2020, 816 nurses from a US health system completed surveys on NOE, PTG, resilience, support, and resource use. Linear regression analyzed associations and moderation, adjusting for workload and demographics. NOE predicted PTG in adjusted models (β = 0.47, p = 0.0002), strengthening in the full model (β = 0.79 per NOE unit, 95% CI [0.50, 1.01], p < 0.0001). PTG increased with organizational support (p = 0.001) and resource use (p = 0.003). Resilience showed a mixed interaction with NOE (p = 0.047), but no direct association. Perceived organizational support and well-being resource use represent actionable targets for fostering PTG.e.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"159-169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984684","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":"Observed frequency of increased iron indices and associated factors in welders.","authors":"Yusuf Samir Hasanli, Selin Çakmakci Karakaya","doi":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2671046","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19338244.2026.2671046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Increased iron indices among welders are underrecognized. This study investigated their frequency and associated factors in an observational cross-sectional study including 55 male welders. Increased iron indices were defined as serum ferritin >400 µg/L and/or TS ≥45%. Standard statistical and regression analyses were used. Increased iron indices were identified in 25.5% of welders. Compared to those with normal indices, affected welders had longer employment duration. Iron parameters were significantly higher in the increased group (serum iron 139.6 vs. 93.3 µg/dL, ferritin 498.9 vs. 142.3 µg/L, TS 47.7% vs. 28.9%; all p<0.001). Liver enzymes were also higher in this group. Pulmonary siderosis was more prevalent (64.3% vs. 31.7%; p=0.032) and associated with increased iron indices (OR 3.88 [1.08-13.89]; p=0.037). Use of respiratory protective equipment was associated with lower frequency. Increased iron indices are common in welders, particularly with longer exposure and pulmonary siderosis, suggesting a need for routine monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":93879,"journal":{"name":"Archives of environmental & occupational health","volume":" ","pages":"171-182"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147876664","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}