Articles tagged with Occupational Diseases
A national survey of Australian tunnel construction workers found significant silica dust exposure risks, with many reporting barriers to effective dust control measures. The study calls for stronger regulatory enforcement and oversight to prevent preventable disease in the high-risk industry.
Nine medical societies endorse 'ALARA+' safety framework to minimize radiation exposure and orthopedic strain in fluoroscopy labs, aiming to ensure safer environments, equipment, and care. The new standard aims to reduce occupational harms affecting healthcare staff, including chronic pain and spinal conditions.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has identified clear occupational factors and demographic indicators associated with elevated serum levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances among US career firefighters. The research provides vital insights into the factors that influence PFAS body bu...
A study analyzing smartphone-based sleep data from over 80,000 Japanese workers found associations between short and long sleep duration, sleep latency, and social jetlag with presenteeism scores. These factors can predict labor productivity loss, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions to improve sleep health.
A new study led by Silent Spring Institute examines how job-related chemical exposures contribute to breast cancer risk among foreign-born workers. Immigrant women are overrepresented in high-risk jobs with fewer health and safety protections, facing unique barriers to avoiding toxic exposures at work.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shift workers have a 15% higher risk of developing kidney stones, especially younger workers and those with low levels of manual labor. Lifestyle factors such as BMI, fluid intake, and smoking habits significantly contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.
A new study found a link between parents' workplace chemical exposure and their child's autism severity, with certain chemicals associated with cognitive deficits and developmental delays. The research emphasizes the need for workplace safety measures to protect not only workers but also their future children.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly disease in the US, caused by a mosquito bite. People at risk include those living near swamps or marshes and outdoor workers, such as farmers and campers.
Preliminary research suggests that long working hours can induce neuroadaptive changes in the brain, particularly in areas associated with emotional regulation and executive function. The study found increased brain volumes in regions such as the middle frontal gyrus, which is involved in attention and problem-solving.
The CDC has awarded a $3 million grant to the Texas A&M School of Public Health to investigate avian flu among dairy farm workers in Texas. The team, led by Dr. David Douphrate, aims to identify the scope of exposure and workplace factors involved in transmission.
A growing number of engineered stone countertop workers are developing silicosis, a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. The disease can lead to respiratory failure, increased risk of infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute has identified multiple chemical exposures in firefighters that increase their risk of developing breast cancer. The research found 12 hazardous substances, including benzene and flame retardants, that put female firefighters at increased risk for the disease.
A University of Gothenburg study found that occupational exposure to particles in the construction industry may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Construction workers exposed to high levels of dust and particles were about 15% more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
A 15-minute gamified workplace wellness program increased participants' average daily physical activity levels by 12 minutes per day, with 95% meeting physical activity guidelines. Participants also reported improvements in fitness, energy, overall health, sleep quality, and mood.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports identified degenerative joint changes in the skeletal remains of 30 adult male scribes buried between 2700 and 2180 BCE. These changes were more common among scribes compared to men with other occupations, suggesting prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks may have led to their degeneration.
Research in Paraguay highlights the importance of collecting better data to estimate the true burden of snakebites, which claim around 80,000-140,000 lives annually. The study found that most cases occur among men of productive age working in agricultural or livestock settings.
A researcher at the University of Arizona is using a $750,000 NIH grant to develop methodology for reducing asthma risks among nurses. Preliminary survey data suggest that nurses prioritize lower asthma risks over increased infection risks.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular mechanism behind noise-induced hearing loss, which affects millions of Americans. They found that excess zinc in the inner ear causes cellular damage and disrupts normal cell communication, leading to hearing loss.
A case-control study found associations between certain jobs and increased risks of ovarian cancer. Hairdressers, beauticians, and accountants were linked to higher risks, with cumulative exposure to agents like talcum powder and ammonia also contributing.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that gentle cleansers can be just as effective in killing viruses as harsh soaps. The study tested multiple handwash products and found that gentle cleansers were effective against enveloped viruses, while non-enveloped viruses showed greater resistance. Gentle cleansers may provide a sa...
A UIC study published in Obesity links precarious work to increases in body mass index, particularly among Latino and Black women with lower education. The researchers analyzed 20 years of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and found a 2.18-point increase in BMI for every 1-point increase in precarious employment.
Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.
A survey study of a large professional society meeting during the Omicron surge found low COVID-19 positivity rates among both in-person and virtual attendees. The study suggests that cautious strategies to mitigate transmission were effective, with no greater risk associated with in-person attendance.
Using standing desks alongside other measures reduced office workers' sitting time by about an hour a day over one year, leading to small improvements in stress, well-being, and energy levels. A height-adjustable desk was three times more effective than the standard SWAL intervention in reducing sitting time.
A review of 18 studies suggests that long distance airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur in indoor settings, particularly with poor ventilation. The evidence supports the role of mitigation measures, such as adequate ventilation, to prevent transmission.
A new study has found a clear link between silica exposure and severe black lung disease in contemporary coal miners. The researchers attributed the resurgence of progressive massive fibrosis to changes in mining technology, such as mechanized coal extraction devices introduced in the 1950s.
A pooled data analysis of 18 studies found that shift workers performed significantly worse than non-shift workers in five cognitive outcomes. The results suggest that shift work may increase the risk of workplace injuries and errors due to impaired brain function, particularly in impulse control and situational response.
A large population-based study found a significant association between lifetime workplace exposure to pesticides and an increased risk of COPD. The study, which included over 500,000 participants, controlled for other risk factors and found that even low levels of pesticide exposure were linked to a heightened risk of COPD.
A recent review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout among diagnostic radiologists, with causes including lack of control, social isolation and technological demands. Possible solutions include heightened engagement, dedicated reading room assistants and mindfulness techniques.
Researchers will conduct participatory research with transit workers to identify ways to reduce occupational health disparities and improve preparedness for public-facing workers. The project aims to improve safe working environments and build resilience among frontline workers.
A study of 18,000 workers and volunteers found that those who arrived on the site soon after the Twin Towers collapsed face the greatest risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD often follows an earlier diagnosis of asthma, and its development can take many years to emerge. The research highlights the importance of mo...
A study estimates that 14.4 million workers face weekly and 26.7 million monthly exposure to infections in the workplace, highlighting the need for improved protective measures.
There are around 500,000 new work-related illnesses every year, with over 13,000 deaths caused by occupational exposures. However, only 0.3% of these cases are reported to the Health and Safety Executive, leading to a lack of enforcement of employers' duty to protect workers.
A new study in France has found that flour is the main cause of occupational asthma, affecting 20% of cases. The study also reveals higher incidence rates among skilled and unskilled workers, particularly those working in food product manufacturing.
A new study links workplace exposure to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting three to five million people in the US. The research suggests that controlling hazardous exposures can play a significant role in reducing COPD cases.
Italian researchers found that workers exposed to hydrocarbon solvents, such as petroleum-based products, were three years younger when first showing symptoms. The severity of Parkinson's disease was directly related to the amount of exposure experienced.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that people with higher levels of non-occupational activities were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. Intellectual and physical activities, such as playing musical instruments or exercising, may help ward off the disease.
Research suggests that occupational lead exposure significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly among those working in jobs with high levels of lead exposure. The study found a strong correlation between lead exposure and Alzheimer's, while other metals such as aluminum and solvents were not associate...