Antifungal activity of essential oils against fungi isolated from air.
This study provides a preliminary screening of the antifungal properties of clove, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils against a range of fungal species isolated from environmental air samples. The ability of the essential oils to inhibit fungal growth was examined using the disk diffusion assay on malt extract agar and was compared with vinegar, bleach and limonene, with phenol as a positive control. Results identified essential oils which demonstrated antifungal potential against species of environmental origin. Clove oil was found to be most efficacious, with eucalyptus and lavender oils showing some antifungal poten...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - March 10, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Occupational predictors of urinary dialkyl phosphate concentrations in Mexican flower growers.
Conclusion Improved safety training is needed for correct PPE usage, especially among flower growers who use conventional pest control methods and who work in a greenhouse environment. PMID: 29484957 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - February 28, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Control of exposure to hexavalent chromium concentration in shielded metal arc welding fumes by nano-coating of electrodes.
Discussion Increase in fume levels blocked the UV radiation responsible for the formation of ozone thereby preventing the formation of Cr(VI). PMID: 29460694 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - February 21, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Use of information communication technology and stress, burnout, and mental health in older, middle-aged, and younger workers - results from a systematic review.
Authors: Berg-Beckhoff G, Nielsen G, Ladekjær Larsen E Abstract The aim of this systematic review is to summarise quantitative studies in occupational settings observing the association between Information communication technology (ICT) and stress, and burnout, considering age as an effect modifier. A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted through the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Psycinfo, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were occupational settings and content relevant to our research question. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa ...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - February 21, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Spatio-seasonal variation of airborne asbestos concentration in urban areas of Shiraz, Iran.
Conclusions The average of asbestos fibers in all sampling points was higher than the WHO guideline (0.05 PCM f/l, 2.2 SEM f/l). This may be attributed to the frequently occurrence of heavy traffic, the existence of relevant industries in and around the city, and the topographic characteristics of the city. Thus, product substitution, traffic smoothing and industrial sites relocating are suggested to eliminate the asbestos fibers emission. PMID: 29421994 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - February 11, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Withdrawal statement.
Authors: Abstract [This retracts the article .]. PMID: 29368909 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 28, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Early detection of lung cancer potential among Egyptian wood workers.
This study aimed at assessing the genotoxicity of wood dust and demonstrating the role of sputum PCR as a screening tool for early prediction of lung cancer among wood workers. The study was carried out in the carpentry section of a modernized factory involved with the manufacture of wooden furniture in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Environmental assessment of respirable wood dust concentrations was done. Frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA%) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE%) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was assessed and comet assays were performed in samples from among the study population (n = 86). Levels of ...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 25, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Neuropsychological state of the population living in the Aral Sea region (zone of ecological crisis).
Conclusions The research suggests a high prevalence of cerebrovascular pathology among the population, changes in cognitive function parameters, long-term and short-term memory problems and high levels of depression. PMID: 29359636 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 25, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Determinants of hand dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function in professional cleaners in New Zealand.
In conclusion, cleaners have an increased risk of hand/arm dermatitis, urticaria and loss of skin barrier function. PMID: 29359638 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 25, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Case study of occupational mercury exposure during decontamination of turnaround in refinery plant.
Authors: Muadchim M, Phanprasit W, Robson MG, Sujirarat D, Detchaipitak R Abstract Decontamination during turnaround (TA) can lead to high exposure to toxic chemicals among workers. The decontamination process in refinery plants usually comprises two types, i.e. steam and chemical decontamination. No matter the method used, concentrations of toxic chemicals must be measured using the direct reading instrument at the end of each decontamination cycle, which maybe repeated several times until the readings are in acceptable level. To evaluate mercury exposure of decontamination workers during decontamination ...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 19, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Biomonitoring of arsenic in woodworkers exposed to CCA and evaluation of other non-occupational sources in Uruguay.
This study aims a retrospective evaluation of toxicologically relevant species levels in CCA exposed woodworker's urine (As-U) and an assessment of the effects of work risk factors and non-occupational sources in As-U of workers from a selected plant. From 2014 to 2016, As-U in 212 urine samples (As-U) of 73 woodworkers from six CCA impregnation plants were determined. In one of these plants, 35 workers were interviewed to obtain individual data of work tasks, lifestyles, diet, habits, etc. that may contribute to their overall exposure to Arsenic. Responses were statistically evaluated. Out of the 212 urine samples from 73...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 19, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

An assessment of the level of awareness and reported complaints regarding occupational health hazards and the utilization of personal protective equipments among the welders of Lahore, Pakistan.
Conclusion The findings suggest that welders had low level of awareness and reported many complaints of occupational health hazards. Preventive initiatives are recommended. PMID: 29338641 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 19, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Breast cancer screening among shift workers: a nationwide population-based survey in Korea.
Authors: Son H, Kang Y Abstract We aimed to examine the association between shift work types and participation in breast cancer screening (BCS) programs by comparing rates of participation for BCS among regular daytime workers and alternative shift workers using data from a nationally representative, population-based survey conducted in Korea. In addition, the results were analyzed according to sociodemographic factors, including occupation, education, income, private health insurance, age, and number of working hours a week. This secondary cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2012 Korean National H...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 19, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

Factors that contribute to insecticide poisoning among immigrant agricultural workers in Thailand.
CONCLUSION: It is recommended that insecticide self-protection measures should be promoted and health monitoring should be implemented for migrant workers affected by high-risk insecticide use. PMID: 29308720 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health)
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - January 9, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research

It does not occur by chance: a mediation model of the influence of workers' characteristics, work environment factors, and near misses on agricultural machinery-related accidents.
Authors: Caffaro F, Micheletti Cremasco M, Roccato M, Cavallo E Abstract Agriculture is among the most hazardous productive sectors, and farm machinery is a major source of injury. In the present study, a mediated model was used to test the role played by workers' characteristics, work environment factors, and near misses in predicting agricultural machinery-related accidents in a sample of Italian users (n = 290). Hours worked per week (via the mediation of an adverse work environment) showed a positive association and years of work experience (via the mediation of risk perception) showed a negative ass...
Source: International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health - November 22, 2017 Category: Environmental Health Tags: Int J Occup Environ Health Source Type: research