Michelle Pacheco, Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Carolyn Reeb-Whitaker, Kenneth Rosenman, Jennifer Flattery, Justine Lew Weinberg, Mary Jo Reilly, Sarah Yiu, Coralynn Sack, Danièle Todorov, Robert Harrison, Katelynn E Dodd, Emily Sparer-Fine
{"title":"Work-Related Asthma in the Cannabis Industry: Findings From California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington.","authors":"Michelle Pacheco, Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Carolyn Reeb-Whitaker, Kenneth Rosenman, Jennifer Flattery, Justine Lew Weinberg, Mary Jo Reilly, Sarah Yiu, Coralynn Sack, Danièle Todorov, Robert Harrison, Katelynn E Dodd, Emily Sparer-Fine","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003461","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003461","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Describe work-related asthma (WRA) cases and associated exposures in the legalized cannabis industry.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using data from four state-based surveillance systems (California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington), WRA cases within the cannabis industry were identified and classified as new-onset asthma or work-aggravated asthma.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From legalization dates (1996 in California, 2012 in Massachusetts, 2008 in Michigan, 1998 in Washington) through 2023, 30 WRA cases were identified. A majority were aged 18 to 34 years (66.7%) and were male (60%). Thirteen (52%) cases were new-onset asthma, and 12 (48%) were work-aggravated asthma, with two fatalities. The most frequently reported exposure was plant materials (40.4%), of which 94.7% were cannabis dust and/or marijuana plant. Most cases (69%) worked in indoor cultivation/processing.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cannabis industry workers are at risk for WRA, emphasizing the need for interventions to address workplace respiratory hazards.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"862-868"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499979","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":"Cross-Sectional Association Between Work Intervals and Metabolic Syndrome Among Japanese Daytime Workers: Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study.","authors":"Chihiro Nagayama, Haruka Miyake, Shohei Yamamoto, Yosuke Inoue, Maki Konishi, Hiroko Okazaki, Hiroshi Ide, Toshiaki Miyamoto, Takeshi Kochi, Aki Tomizawa, Seitaro Dohi, Isamu Kabe, Tetsuya Mizoue","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003454","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the association between work intervals and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Japanese daytime workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 5094 daytime workers from the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study. Work intervals, with and without commuting, were calculated using a self-administered questionnaire. The Joint Interim Statement criteria defined MetS. Logistic regression estimated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for MetS across quartiles of work intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although participants with the shortest interval had unhealthy lifestyles, they had a lower prevalence of MetS (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.97) than those with the longest. This association was no longer significant after accounting for commuting (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.68-1.10). MetS was more prevalent among those with unhealthy lifestyles, regardless of work interval.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cross-sectionally measured shorter work intervals were not associated with a higher prevalence of MetS.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"843-850"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144251635","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":"Impacts of Altering Spirometric Prediction Equations in Occupational Health.","authors":"Mary C Townsend, Philip Harber, Clayton T Cowl","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003506","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to assess implications of applying \"Race-neutral\" GLI-Global spirometry prediction for workers in occupational medicine (OM).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We applied GLI-Global to 24 hypothetical male subjects (most industrial workers have been male for decades.) We examined the following: 1) four reference/prediction equations; 2) four racial groups; and 3) 80%, 100%, and 120% of race-specific predicted forced vital capacity (FVC).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The effect of changing to GLI-Global varied by group: White > Northeast (NE) Asian > Southeast (SE) Asian > Black. GLI-Global predicted values are midway between Blacks' and Whites,' and among those with lower lung function (80% predicted FVC), Blacks and SE Asians show declining %predicted values and Z-scores and increasing FVCs<LLN, while Whites and NE Asians show increasing % predicted and Z-scores and decreasing FVCs<LLN.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>OM clinicians and policymakers must carefully consider the implications of changing prediction equations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e729-e737"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692878","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}
Guillermo Villamizar, Arthur Frank, Paula Bizzi Junqueira, Juan Felipe Villamizar, Gabriel Camero
{"title":"Asbestos Exposure in Low-Middle Income Communities of Cartagena, Colombia: A Survey of Knowledge, Practices, and Environmental Contamination.","authors":"Guillermo Villamizar, Arthur Frank, Paula Bizzi Junqueira, Juan Felipe Villamizar, Gabriel Camero","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003472","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003472","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to assess community knowledge, practices, and environmental risks associated with residential asbestos exposure in low-middle income neighborhoods of Cartagena, Colombia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a cross-sectional survey, 305 residents from 30 asbestos-affected neighborhoods completed questionnaires on asbestos knowledge and practices. Environmental samples (roofing, dust, and water) were analyzed for asbestos fibers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Asbestos-cement roofing was present in 87.5% of homes. While 55.8% recognized asbestos hazards, 52% routinely disturbed asbestos materials, and informal disposal was common. Socially embedded practices, such as repurposing asbestos sheets and improper disposal were common. Asbestos fibers were found in 90% of dust samples and 85% of rainwater samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Residential asbestos exposure remains a major health risk in these communities. Mitigation requires not only education but also improved policies for safe removal and replacement of asbestos materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e708-e719"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499967","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 Role of Alcohol, Sports Drinks, and Caffeinated Beverages in Preventing Heat-Related Illness.","authors":"Shlomo Greenberg, Linda Forst, Michael D Klein","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003470","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003470","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e762-e764"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499975","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}
Anthony J Holmes, Katrina Wilhite, Christopher E Kline, Kelliann K Davis, Benjamin Dh Gordon, Lee Stoner, Tyler D Quinn, Bethany Barone Gibbs
{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators of Achieving Healthy 24-hour Movement Behaviors in Work-from-Home Desk Workers: Findings from the Work from Home 24 (WFH24) Mixed Methods Study.","authors":"Anthony J Holmes, Katrina Wilhite, Christopher E Kline, Kelliann K Davis, Benjamin Dh Gordon, Lee Stoner, Tyler D Quinn, Bethany Barone Gibbs","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003561","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003561","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Work-from-home (WFH) has recently become a common work modality. Scarce evidence exists assessing determinants of 24-hour movement behaviors (24 MB) in WFH workers. The aim of this study was to identify 24 MB determinants in WFH.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Device-measured (activPAL3 Micro, Actiwatch Spectrum Plus) and self-reported (four questionnaires) 24 MB data were assessed quantitatively in 27 WFH desk workers. Qualitative data were gathered using transcripts from five focus groups to identify determinants for 24 MB in WFH.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants displayed low adherence to physical activity and sedentary behavior guidelines but healthy sleep patterns. Focus groups revealed three key themes: 1) workspace characteristics, 2) support for healthy living, and 3) non-work-related influences.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Device and focus group findings suggest improving waking day behaviors by leveraging the WFH physical environment, garnering social support, and improving self-efficacy could contribute to improving 24MBs in WFH desk workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202526","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":"Global, regional, and national burden of environmental heat and cold exposure in adults aged 55 years and older from 1990 to 2021: a trend analysis.","authors":"Wen-Jie Li, Jia-Jun Deng, Xue-Er Cheng, Xiao-Xiao Li, Yu-Wan Chang, Sha-Sha Tao, Hai-Feng Pan","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003560","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003560","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To analyze temporal trends of environmental heat and cold exposure (EHCE)-related burden among adults aged 55 years and older.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the Global Burden of Disease database, we examined EHCE-related incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs trends from 1990-2021 via joinpoint regression, assessing global, regional, and national patterns by sex, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Global EHCE incidence declined (AAPC, -1.46), more in males (AAPC, -1.62) than females (AAPC, -1.23), notably in ages 55-59 (AAPC, -1.77). High-middle-SDI nations had the largest incidence drop (AAPC, -2.29), but mortality (AAPC, 1.07) and DALYs (AAPC, 0.38) rose in high-SDI countries. High-income Asia Pacific showed increased incidence (AAPC, 0.96).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Global EHCE burden decreased, but high-income regions showed stagnation or reversal, urging revised response strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202469","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":"Workplace Inclusion and Its Associations with Psychological Distress and Work Engagement among Japanese Employees: The Moderating Role of Work Arrangement in a Prospective Study.","authors":"Nobutada Yokouchi, Megumi Ikeda, Rie Fujisawa, Nobutaka Ishiyama, Yoshiaki Takao","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003559","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003559","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined the prospective associations of workplace inclusion with psychological distress and work engagement, and assessed whether work arrangements moderate these associations among Japanese employees.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A web-based longitudinal survey was conducted in February and November 2024. Linear regression models were used to analyze 3851 responses, stratified by gender.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Greater workplace inclusion was significantly associated with lower psychological distress and higher work engagement in both men and women. Among women, work arrangement moderated the effect of inclusion on work engagement, with significant positive effects observed only among office workers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Workplace inclusion contributes to employee well-being and motivation over time. However, its effect on work engagement may differ by work arrangement, particularly among women, underscoring the need for tailored inclusion strategies in remote and hybrid settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202484","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":"Response Letter to the Letter to the Editor.","authors":"Say Hiang Lim, Yin Cheng Lim, Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Bushra Megat Johari, Chung Yuan Chang, Sharifah Faridah Syed Omar, Amirah Azzeri, Maznah Dahlui, Adeeba Kamarulzaman","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003563","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003563","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208844","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":"Public health challenges to inclusive workplaces for people with mental disorders in a post-COVID scenario.","authors":"Pallab K Maulik","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003562","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188096","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}