Explore the vast range of titles available.

The 6 February 2023 earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, caused significant debris accumulation, raising concerns about air quality and public health. This study assessed dust concentrations during debris removal and emergency response efforts over a five-day period. Post-disaster respirable and total dust concentrations were measured using dust monitoring devices and the MDHS-14/3 gravimetric method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses identified fibrous structures and elements associated with asbestos, suggesting potential long-term health risks such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The average respirable dust concentration was 30.84 mg/m3, and the total dust concentration was 33.66 mg/m3. The findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to mitigate exposure risks for affected populations and emergency responders. Integrating health risk assessments into disaster management strategies are crucial to reducing long-term public health impacts.

Background Wood dust in a form of inhalable particulates can penetrate the lung tissues and affect respiratory health. Woodwork factory workers are at a greater risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, associated factors, and concentration of personal total wood dust level among medium-scale woodwork factory workers. Methods An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 woodwork factory workers. We selected study participants using a simple random sampling technique. We assessed chronic respiratory symptoms using the British Medical Research Council respiratory symptoms questionnaire with a few modifications. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors. Forty dust measurements were collected from 20 randomly selected workers using a closed-face cassette (CFC) personal sampler. We analyzed the dust samples gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale. Results We recruited a random sample of 506 workers in the study with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among woodworkers was 69.8% with a prevalence of cough (54.6%), phlegm (52.2%), wheezing (44.6%), breathlessness (42.1%), and chest pain (42.9%). Past occupational dust exposure history (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI; 1.09–4.01), work experience > 5 years (AOR = 9.18, 95% CI; 5.27–16.00), using bio-fuel as energy for cooking (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI; 1.44–4.07), and having no occupational safety and health training (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI; 1.20–9.49) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among woodwork workers. The geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level among woodworkers was 10.27 mg/m 3 , which exceeded the limit of 10 mg/m 3 set by the ACGIH. Conclusions High prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was reported from woodwork factory workers. Increased work- experience, using bio-fuel as an energy source for cooking, past occupational dust exposure history, and having no occupational safety and health training were identified risk factors. The measured average personal wood dust exposure level was above the recommended occupational threshold limit value. Therefore, workers’ wood dust exposure reduction and control methods and respiratory health awareness programs should be implemented.

Background Within the construction industry the risk of lung disorders depends on the specific professions probably due to variations in the levels of dust exposure, and with dust levels depending on the work task and job function. We do not know the extent of exposure in the different professions or the variation between the different work tasks. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess if there were differences in dust exposure between carpenters and demolition workers who were expected to have low and high dust exposure, respectively. Methods Through interviews of key persons in the construction industry the most common work tasks were selected, and the concentration of dust during these tasks (indoors) were measured by personal sampling varying between 4 and 6 h of a working day. In total 38 measurements of total dust, and 25 of respirable dust on seven different work tasks were carried out for carpenters and 20 measurements of total dust, 11 of respirable dust and 11 of respirable crystalline silica dust on four different works tasks for demolition workers. Dust measurements were tested for differences using linear regression, t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results For carpenters the geometric mean for all the measurements of total dust was 1.26 mg/m 3 (geometric standard deviation 2.90) and the respirable dust was 0.27 mg/m 3 (geometric standard deviation 2.13). For demolition workers the geometric mean of total dust for all the measurements was 22.3 mg/m 3 (geometric standard deviation 11.6) and the respirable dust was 1.06 mg/m 3 (geometric standard deviation 5.64). The mean difference between total dust for demolition workers and carpenters was 11.4 (95 % confidence interval 3.46–37.1) mg/m 3 . The mean difference between respirable dust for demolition workers and carpenters was 3.90 (95 % confidence interval 1.13–13.5) mg/m 3 . Dust exposure varied depending on work task for both professions. The dustiest work occurred during demolition, especially when it was done manually. Only few workers used personal respiratory protection and only while performing the dustiest work. Conclusions This study confirmed that the exposure to dust and especially total dust was much higher for demolition workers compared to carpenters. Trial registration (ISRCTN registry): The study is not a clinical trial and are thus not registered.

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation of smoking with cumulative total dust exposure (CTE) and cumulative abnormal rate of pulmonary function in coal-mine workers. A total of 376 coal-mine workers were recruited as the observational group, while 179 healthy workers in other industries were selected as the control group. All the workers underwent pulmonary function testing to determine their forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC, in order to compare the abnormal pulmonary function between the two groups. A markedly higher number of smokers was observed in the observational group (200/376, 53.19%) when compared with the control group (72/179, 40.22%). In smokers, the abnormal rate of pulmonary function in the observational group (102/200, 51.00%) was evidently higher compared with that in the control group (19/72, 26.39%), whereas no significant difference was detected between the two groups of non-smokers (P=0.077). In addition, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC of the observational group were found to be lower compared with those in the control group, in both the smoking and non-smoking subgroups. In the smoking subgroup, FVC and FEV1 in subjects working at the coal mine for different number of years showed significant differences (all P<0.05), whereas comparison of FEV1/FVC in workers with different working durations showed no significant difference (P=0.169). However, in the non-smoking subgroup, the comparison of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in different working duration groups also showed no significant difference (all P>0.05). Furthermore, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in smoking coal-mine workers were negatively correlated with the dust-exposure working duration (P<0.05). CTE was also positively correlated with cumulative abnormal rate of pulmonary function in the smoking and non-smoking subgroups, while FEV1 was negatively correlated with CTE in the smoking subgroup (P=0.009). In conclusion, smoking is an important risk factor for the damage of pulmonary function in coal-mine workers, and it is positively correlated with dust-exposure time and CTE in these individuals.

Abstract Rationale The relationship between dust exposure and annual decline in lung function among employees in the smelting industry is unknown. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between annual change in lung function and occupational dust exposure among workers in 15 Norwegian smelters. Methods All employees (n = 2,620) were examined annually for 5 years (11,335 health examinations). At each examination spirometry was performed and a respiratory questionnaire was completed. The smelters were grouped as follows: (1) ferrosilicon alloys (FeSi) and silicon metal (Si-metal); and (2) silicon manganese (SiMn), ferromanganese (FeMn), and ferrochromium (FeCr). A job exposure matrix was available on the basis of 2,619 personal dust exposure measurements. The association between lung function expressed as FEV1 and FVC per squared height (height2) and dust exposure was investigated using multivariate linear mixed model analyses. Measurements and Main Results The annual change in FEV1/height2 (δFEV1) related to dust exposure in the FeSi/Si-metal and SiMn/FeMn/FeCr smelters was –0.42 (95% confidence interval, −0.95 to 0.11) and −1.1 (−2.1 to −0.12) (ml/m2) × (mg/m3)−1 × year−1, respectively. The annual decline in FEV1/height2 was 1.6 ml/m2 (0.15 to 3.1) steeper in smokers than in nonsmokers. The median geometric mean of the time-weighted dust exposure concentration levels of the employees was 2.3 mg/m3 in the FeSi/Si-metal smelters and 1.6 mg/m3 in the SiMn/FeMn/FeCr smelters. Among nonsmokers, δFEV1 was −0.86 (−1.6 to −0.10) and –1.1 (−2.5 to 0.25) (ml/m2) × (mg/m3)−1 × year−1 in the FeSi/Si-metal and SiMn/FeMn/FeCr smelters, respectively. Thus, for a 1.80 m tall employee the annual decline in FEV1 associated with average dust exposure was 5.7 ml/year in the SiMn/FeMn/FeCr smelters, and 6.4 ml/year for a nonsmoker in the FeSi/Si-metal smelters. Conclusions In all smelters combined, the annual change in FEV1 was negatively associated with increasing dust exposure. This association was also significant among workers in SiMn/FeMn/FeCr smelters and among nonsmokers in the FeSi/Si-metal smelters.

Background It has been suggested that dust exposure causes airway inflammation among cement factory workers. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms of this effect. We explored any associations between total dust exposure and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) as a marker of airway eosinophilic inflammation among cement production workers in Tanzania. We also examined possible differences in FENO concentration between workers in different parts of the production line. Methodology We examined 127 cement workers and 28 controls from a mineral water factory. An electrochemistry-based NIOX MINO device was used to examine FENO concentration. Personal total dust was collected from the breathing zone of the study participants using 37 mm cellulose acetate filters placed in three-piece plastic cassettes. Interviews on workers’ background information were conducted in the Swahili language. Results We found equal concentrations of FENO among exposed workers and controls (geometric mean (GM)=16 ppb). The GM for total dust among the exposed workers and controls was 5.0 and 0.6 mg/m3, respectively. The FENO concentrations did not differ between the exposed workers with high (GM≥5 mg/m3) and low (GM<5 mg/m3) total dust exposure. There was no significant difference in FENO concentration between workers in the two main stages of the cement production process. Conclusions We did not find any difference in FENO concentration between dust-exposed cement workers and controls, and there were similar FENO concentrations among workers in the two main stages of cement production.

Sustained drought and reduced precipitation in the Sistan region, Iran, has dried the Hamoun Lake and local vegetation, significantly reducing ground cover. These conditions have permitted strong wind erosion on already susceptible land. Analysis of data collected from the synoptic station in Zabol from 1999 to 2004 revealed that after 1999 the total number of dust storm events (DST) increased considerably. Accordingly, the number of hours of dusty air and the Dust Storm Index (DSI) have increased and horizontal visibility has decreased. Increasing DST and DSI values and decreasing horizontal visibility are indicators of dustiness in the region. The highest DST and DSI values—74 and 149 d, respectively—were observed in 2001. The indexes were higher in July and August every year. Additionally, a relationship was observed between increasing DST and DSI, drought occurrence and wind speed. Drought occurrence, an increase in wind speed and Lake Hamoun dryness have severely intensified dustiness in the region.

Objectives This study assessed chronic respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among workers exposed to cement dust at a Tanzanian cement factory. Methods A total of 120 exposed workers and 107 controls participated in this cross-sectional investigation. Information on demographics, occupational history, chronic respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and use of respiratory protection equipment was collected by questionnaire. Ventilatory function testing and measurement of personal total dust exposure were also carried out. COPD was diagnosed for workers with chronic bronchitis who also had spirometric airflow obstruction. Chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD were correlated with cumulative total dust exposure and adjusted for age, pack-years, and education. Results The exposed workers had more chronic cough [odds ratio (OR) 4.5,95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.9-10.4], chronic sputum production (OR 10.8,95% CI 4.4-26.4.), dyspnea (OR 5.3,95% CI 1.9-15.2), workrelated shortness of breath (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.6-14.2), and chronic bronchitis (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.0-15.3) than the controls. Chronic cough, chronic sputum production, dyspnea, work-related shortness of breath, and chronic bronchitis were significantly related to cumulative dust exposure of 20.0-99.9 and ≥100.0 versus <20.0 mg/m³-years. The prevalence of COPD was higher for the exposed group (18.8%) than for the controls (4.8%). The odds ratio for COPD was significantly increased for cumulative dust exposure, ≥100.0 versus < 20.0 mg/m³-years (OR 11.2, 95% CI 2.2-56.0). Conclusions Cement workers seem to be at high risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD, probably caused by cumulative total dust exposure independent of smoking habits.

Objectives: To evaluate the relation between occupational dust exposure and lung cancer in tin mines. This is an update of a previous study of miners with high exposure to dust at four tin mines in southern China. Methods: A nested case-control study of 130 male lung cancer cases and 627 controls was initiated from a cohort study of 7855 subjects employed at least 1 year between 1972 and 1974 in four tin mines in China. Three of the tin mines were in Dachang and one was in Limu. Cumulative total exposure to dust and cumulative exposure to arsenic were calculated for each person based on industrial hygiene records. Measurements of arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and radon in the work sites were also evaluated. Odds ratios (ORs), standard statistic analysis and logistic regression were used for analyses. Results: Increased risk of lung cancer was related to cumulative exposure to dust, duration of exposure, cumulative exposure to arsenic, and tobacco smoking. The risk ratios for low, medium, and high cumulative exposure to dust were 2.1 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1 to 3.8), 1.7 (95% CI 0.9 to 3.1), and 2.8 (95% CI 1.6 to 5.0) respectively after adjustment for smoking. The risk for lung cancer among workers with short, medium, and long exposure to dust were 1.9 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.5), 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.1), and 2.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.2) respectively after adjusting for smoking. Several sets of risk factors for lung cancer were compared, and the best predictive model included tobacco smoking (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4) and cumulative exposure to arsenic (ORs for different groups from low to high exposure were 2.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.9); 2.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.9); 1.8 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.6); and 3.6 (95% CI 1.8 5 to 7.3)). No excess of lung cancer was found among silicotic subjects in the Limu tin mine although there was a high prevelance of silicosis. Exposures to radon were low in the four tin mines and no carcinogenic PAHs were detected. Conclusions: These findings provide little support for the hypothesis that respirable crystalline silica induces lung cancer. Ore dust in work sites acts as a carrier, the exposure to arsenic and tobacco smoking play a more important part in carcinogenesis of lung cancer in tin miners. Silicosis seems not to be related to the increased risk of lung cancer.

The presented quantitative and qualitative analysis of dust in agricultural working environment is a continuation of the process of recognizing the exposure to dust among private farmers. The study covers the following: determination of respirable fraction of dust in the respiratory zone (on the background of total dust) while performing individual farming activities which constitute an annual work cycle, organic and mineral components of settled dust for basic groups of farming activities, and the main mineral pathogenic component - free silica in airborne and settled dust. The study was conducted on 5 farms specialising in: cultivation of cereals, root plants, vegetables, dairy cattle and swine breeding and mixed production. The analysis of settled dust covered 17 types of dust accompanying field work and farm/indoor activities. Studies of airborne dust were conducted on farmers while performing 40 main work activities which contributed to the annual work cycle. Results of the study confirmed the following: agricultural work activities are accompanied by a high level of dustiness and showed the presence of a respirable fraction in airborne dust of up to 25%, a higher level of pathogenic free silica SiO(2) in settled dust samples in the working environment of a farmer, compared to dust in respiratory zone, a comparable level of SiO(2) in total and respirable airborne dust, and a high level of organic component in settled dust at work activities with plant material. These results indicated that the evaluation of farmers' exposure to dust should be based on the examination of samples taken in the respiratory zone while performing individual work activities