Brage (Statens arbeidsmiljøinstitutt)
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Characterization of dust and crystalline silica exposure during indoor demolition
Full text linkExposure to dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a continuing concern in the construction industry when working with silica-containing materials, such as concrete, brick, or stone. Increased knowledge of the dust characteristics can be used to improve measures to reduce potential exposure. This study aimed to characterize dust collected from indoor demolition in terms of particle size distribution and mineral content, including quartz. Airborne dust was collected with Sioutas cascade impactors at five different construction sites involved in indoor demolition and renovation. Four of the locations had workers demolishing concrete, while at the fifth location brick structures were demolished. An aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) was used to continually monitor the particle number concentrations in the size range 0.54 µm to 17 µm. Material samples of demolished material were collected from each location to determine mineral content. The filters from the Sioutas cascade impactors were weighted to determine dust concentrations in five size fractions ranging from 10 µm down to less than 0.25 µm. Quartz concentrations were quantified with X-ray diffraction using the NIOSH 7500 method and Rietveld refinement was further used to determine other mineral content in the Sioutas impactor samples and material samples. Respirable dust and quartz concentrations were calculated from the Sioutas data. The mass- and number-based particle size distributions measured by the APS were similar for the four locations involved in concrete demolition, whereas the location working with brick had a different distribution. The concentration levels varied widely, and the highest levels were observed at an enclosed location with no natural ventilation where concrete demolition took place. Limited natural or mechanical ventilation led to an accumulation of smaller particles around 1 µm and a lower mass median aerodynamic diameter for RCS, down to 1.2 µm, compared to locations with ventilation. The quartz percentages of the dust collected by Sioutas impactors were found to increase with increasing particle size. The dust contained less quartz than the source material, and an up-concentration of softer minerals like calcite was observed. The knowledge of particle size distributions and concentration levels occurring in the field during indoor demolition is important to ensure effective measures to reduce worker exposure. The results highlight the importance of effective ventilation to reduce the accumulation of airborne particles.publishedVersio
DNA metabarcoding and its potential in microbial risk assessment in waste sorting plants
Full text linkExposure to hazardous microorganisms during waste handling is a potential health concern. Molecular biological techniques provide means of profiling the microbial community at high taxonomic resolution, allow the identification of critical human pathogens on the species level and thereby aid the risk assessment of work tasks. The present study used high-throughput sequencing to characterise the microbiome in personal full-shift air samples collected at contemporary waste sorting plants (WSPs) and identified large variations in community composition within (alpha diversity) and between (beta diversity) WSPs. Seasonality did not contribute to differences in the community composition. Cladosporium sp. was dominant among fungi, whereas Aerococcus sp. was dominant among bacteria. The personal air-samples contained potential human pathogens, such as Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp. and Enterobacteriaceae, that encompass strains with the potential to develop drug-resistance. This study provided characterization of the microbial community composition of personal bioaerosol samples and provided evidence for the occurrence of potential human pathogens in contemporary waste sorting plants. Furthermore, this study highlighted the potential of microbial metabarcoding to detect critical human pathogens that may be encountered in working environments.DNA metabarcoding and its potential in microbial risk assessment in waste sorting plantspublishedVersio
Does Attending Work When Ill Vary Across Different Office Concepts? A Bayesian Analysis of Differences in Sickness Presenteeism using Nationally Representative Data
Full text linkSeveral studies have examined how sickness absence varies across different office concepts, but the potential role of sickness presenteeism (i.e., attending work when faced with health complaints) is poorly understood. We discuss how different office concepts may influence the decision between attending and not attending work when faced with health complaints, and the implications this may have for how observed differences in sickness absence are interpreted. We then use data from a nationwide probability sample from Norway (N = 3112) to explore (i) differences in presenteeism among employees in different office concepts with and without assigned workstations (i.e., private, conventional shared-room, conventional open-plan, non-territorial) and (ii) whether and how perceived health status moderates these differences. Based on a frequency measure of presenteeism, we infer about likely differences in presenteeism propensity by adjusting for perceived health status and self-certified sickness absence, in addition to important demographic and occupational covariates. Results from Bayesian cumulative probit models indicated similar levels of presenteeism among employees in private and conventional shared-room and open-plan offices and lower levels among employees in non-territorial offices. Differences in presenteeism between private and non-territorial offices increased as perceived health status deteriorated. Our study represents an important step towards a complete picture of attendance patterns across different office concepts. Our findings suggest that whether you have a personalized workstation may be relevant for attending or not attending work when faced with health complaints. Future studies should take this into account when interpreting differences in sickness absence observed across office concepts.Does Attending Work When Ill Vary Across Different Office Concepts? A Bayesian Analysis of Differences in Sickness Presenteeism using Nationally Representative DatapublishedVersio
Respiratory symptoms, sensitisation and occupational exposure in the shrimp processing industry
Full text linkIntroduction: Shellfish processing workers are highly susceptible to respiratory illnesses such as allergies and asthma. This study examined respiratory symptoms and biomarkers of allergy and asthma in Norwegian shrimp processing plant workers and evaluated allergenic and irritant protein exposures in the workplace. Material and methods: The study included 35 shrimp processing workers and 21 controls. Respiratory symptoms were assessed via questionnaire; blood samples were analysed for allergy and asthma biomarkers and specific IgE levels. Air samples were analysed for protein levels and composition. Results: Shrimp processing workers had four to five times higher odds of reporting acute upper and chronic lower respiratory symptoms than the controls. They also had significantly higher plasma levels of IL4, CCL20, CSF2 and MMP12, with 11% of the exposed workers showing elevated levels of shrimp and crab specific IgE. Furthermore, exposed workers showed increased plasma levels of SFTPD and CHI3L1 post-shift. The median total protein exposure was 6 µg/m3, with peaks up to 66 µg/m3 in the cooking and peeling department. Total protein levels were correlated with CCL20, IL13, and basophil counts. Ninety-five shrimp proteins were identified, including seven known and eight potential allergens. Tropomyosin levels were generally high, particularly in the cooking and peeling department. Conclusion: Shrimp workers had a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and biomarkers of allergy and asthma. The work environment contained tropomyosin and other allergenic proteins as well as irritants, highlighting the need for protective measures, especially in the cooking and peeling departments.Respiratory symptoms, sensitisation and occupational exposure in the shrimp processing industrypublishedVersio
Pepper mild mottle virus as a potential indicator of occupational exposure to airborne viruses in wastewater treatment plants
Full text linkWastewater is a known carrier for human pathogenic viruses, with seasonal variations in concentrations, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) workers are a potentially overlooked occupational group regarding exposure to secondary aerosolized viruses. Exposure assessment of airborne pathogens is complicated by a lack of universal markers of viruses, no standardized sampling protocol, and challenges in detecting extremely low-abundant targets. In this study, we evaluate the risk of workers’ exposure to 4 pathogens, Adenovirus, Norovirus GI and GII, and Influenza A and the Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) as an indicator for aerosolized viruses from wastewater, in 3 WWTPs in the Oslo region, Norway. We collected personal and stationary air samples in summer and winter and used digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) to enable the detection of low-abundant targets. Pathogenic viruses were detected in 22% of all samples, with similar detection rates in personal and stationary samples, with a maximum concentration of 762 genome copies/m3 air. PMMoV was detected in 69% of all samples, with concentrations ranging from 28 to 9703 genome copies/m3 air. The pathogens and PMMoV were most frequently detected at the grids, biological cleansing, sedimentation basins, and sludge treatment/de-watering stations, and were associated with tasks such as flushing, cleaning, and maintenance of the same workstations. Overall, the concentration of pathogens and PMMoV in the air was low, but there is a potential for high point exposure which may pose a risk to workers’ health and is increased by the nature of the workers’ tasks. PMMoV may be a promising tool for assessing the overall potential for viruses with human waste origin aerosolized from sewage. To strengthen this indicator-based approach to occupational exposure assessment, we recommend validating PMMoV along with other potential indicators. Validation should include evaluating the correlation between these indicators and pathogens in both wastewater and bioaerosols.publishedVersio
GLU24/7 study: cardiometabolic health risk factors in night shift workers – protocol for a 2-year longitudinal study in an industrial setting in Norway
Full text linkIntroduction Evidence links night shift work to circadian rhythm disruption, causing hormonal and metabolic alterations, as well as increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigates whether night shift work affects blood glucose variability and dysregulation, potentially driven by circadian misalignment. It also examines whether such disruptions elevate inflammatory markers involved in atherosclerosis and contribute to the exacerbation of CVD risk markers. Methods and analysis The study includes 60 participants: rotating night shift workers (day, evening, and night shifts) and day workers (controls) at a pharmaceutical plant. We will assess the effects of night shift work on metabolic and cardiovascular health over three phases: an initial 6-week observational period (phase I), baseline registration of CVD risk factors (phase II), and follow-up assessment of CVD risk factors at 2 years (phase III). Phase I registrations include working hours derived from payroll data, sleep metrics by OURA ring (actigraphy, plethysmography and temperature), continuous assessments of blood glucose using continuous glucose monitor, self-reported food diary and measurements of circadian rhythm markers (monocyte mRNA expression). In phases II and III, blood CVD risk factors such as markers of inflammation, lipids, glycosylated haemoglobin, D-dimer, clinical examination of blood pressure, resting heart rate, arterial stiffness by the means of carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid intima–media thickness and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) are measured. To this end, a comprehensive set of methods will be used in a prospective manner to provide new knowledge on shift work-induced glucose regulation and CVD risk factors. Ethics and dissemination All participants provided written informed consent prior to participating in the study, which will adhere to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval has been granted by the Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics South-East B (reference # 745702). Dissemination plans include academic and public publications, as well as collaborations with national and regional policy-makers.GLU24/7 study: cardiometabolic health risk factors in night shift workers – protocol for a 2-year longitudinal study in an industrial setting in NorwaypublishedVersio
Occupational exposure to diesel engine exhaust and first-time acute myocardial infarction. A nationwide register-based cohort study 1976- 2018
Full text linkAims: Exposure to air pollution including diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Few studies have investigated the risk of AMI according to occupational exposure to DEE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to DEE and the risk of first-time AMI. Methods: The study was a register-based cohort study of the Danish working population and included 903,415 individuals aged 35-50 years in 1995. Exposure estimates of DEE were assigned by linking a quantitative DEE job exposure matrix with the individual job history (1976-2017). National registers provided data on AMI throughout the follow-up period (1996-2018). The incidence rate ratios (IRR) for AMI were computed using Poisson regression while adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, socio-economic factors, ambient air pollution and occupational exposure to noise, physically demanding work, and job strain. Results: 35,511 cases of AMI occurred during the follow-up period of 19,357,326 person-years. IRRs for cumulative exposure to DEE in the fully adjusted model were 1.04 (95%CI: 1.00-1.08) for exposure levels between the 50th and 75thpercentiles and 1.08 (95%CI: 1.04-1.12) for exposure levels ≥75thpercentile. Recent exposure to DEE was associated with an increased IRR in the highest exposed quartile (IRR=1.15 (95%CI: 1.05-1.27)), but only when compared within exposed workers. Conclusion: Increasing exposure to DEE was associated with increasing IRR for first-time AMI across different exposure measures. The results indicate that AMI should be included in risk assessment of DEE when establishing occupational exposure limits.Occupational exposure to diesel engine exhaust and first-time acute myocardial infarction. A nationwide register-based cohort study 1976- 2018publishedVersio
Unraveling the occupational exposure to mycotoxins in a waste management setting: results from a case study in Norway
Full text linkIntroduction: Waste management represents an occupational setting where fungi are significant contaminants. This study aimed to assess the exposure of waste workers to mycotoxins through a human biomonitoring study. Methods: A total of 33 workers and 19 controls provided spot urine samples to determine 10 mycotoxins’ urinary biomarkers using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Risk characterization was performed using hazard quotient and margin of exposure assessments. Results: The results indicated that workers were exposed to six out of the 10 mycotoxins tested, with the following detection rates: deoxynivalenol (91%, 30/33), ochratoxin A (33%, 11/33), zearalenone (17%, 5/33), α-zearalenol (12%, 4/33), β-zearalenol (12%, 4/33), and HT-2 toxin (3%, 1/33). Within controls and outwith controls, were exposed to 5/10 and 2/10 mycotoxins, respectively. All participants exhibited hazard quotients for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone below one, indicating that the exposure is unlikely to pose a health risk. However, when considering the margin of exposure determined for ochratoxin A, 18% of the total participants presented results below 200 for non-neoplastic effects, and 100% of the total participants presented values below 10,000 for neoplastic effects, suggesting potential health concerns that require further assessment. Discussion: This study highlights the need for future research on occupational exposure to mycotoxins in waste management settings.publishedVersio
Psychosocial work exposures as risk factors for skin problems in a general working population: cross-sectional and prospective associations
Full text linkObjective The potential contribution of psychosocial work exposures to skin problems is largely overlooked in the occupational health literature. To address this knowledge gap, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between six psychosocial work exposures (i.e., quantitative demands, job control, social support, emotional demands, role confict, and interpersonal confict) and self-reported skin problems. Methods Data came from a probability sample of the general working population in Norway surveyed in 2016 (N=7833) and 2019 (N=8038). The prospective sample comprised 3430 participants. Data were analysed with ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, and exposure to cleaning products, water, and dry indoor air. Results Cross-sectional analyses indicated statistically signifcant associations with skin problems for emotional demands, role confict, and interpersonal confict in 2016 and 2019, and for social support in 2019. In prospective analyses, emotional demands (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.23), role confict (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29), and interpersonal confict (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.52) signifcantly predicted subsequent skin problems. Interpersonal confict (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.57) was a signifcant predictor above and beyond baseline levels of skin problems. Quantitative demands and job control was generally non-signifcant, except for a signifcant interaction in the 2019 sample. Conclusion Exposure to certain psychosocial work stressors may be a risk factor for experiencing skin problems, particularly if you are exposed to interpersonal confictPsychosocial work exposures as risk factors for skin problems in a general working population: cross-sectional and prospective associationspublishedVersio
Occupation and 11-year lung function decline in the HUNT Study
Full text linkBackground: The association between occupational titles and lung function has mostly been examined through cross-sectional studies. Preventive measures are expected to mitigate adverse effects; hence, updated estimates are necessary. Aims: To study change in lung function measured by spirometry across occupations. Methods: This population-based prospective cohort study comprised 5618 working adult participants of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3, 2005–07), Norway. Among these, 3800 individuals (43% men, mean age 42 years, range 20–55) also attended HUNT4 (2017–19). We analysed longitudinal decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) z-score during the 11-year follow-up by occupation (white-collar workers as reference category), in mixed models, adjusting for age, sex and smoking. We assessed the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms and disease in the working population in HUNT4 (n = 32 124) and HUNT3 (n = 32 070). Results: Compared with white-collar workers, agricultural workers and ‘drivers and mobile plant operators’, had larger declines in FEV1 z-score during follow-up. In sex-stratified analyses, men defined as agricultural workers and ‘drivers and mobile plant operators’ had larger declines than white-collar workers. Among women, who were underrepresented in many blue-collar jobs, workers classified as ‘machine operators and assemblers’ experienced greater declines. In the working population in HUNT4, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in connection with work was 8%, and lower among white-collar workers (6%) than blue-collar workers (14%). Conclusions: Although certain workers in Norway remain at risk for occupational lung function decline, there were modest differences between occupations. The findings encourage continuous efforts to implement preventive measures in high-risk jobs.Occupation and 11-year lung function decline in the HUNT StudypublishedVersio