Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Exposure Matrix (exposure + matrix)
Kinds of Exposure Matrix Selected AbstractsThe influence of sociodemographic characteristics on agreement between self-reports and expert exposure assessments,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010Grace Sembajwe ScD Abstract Background Often in exposure assessment for epidemiology, there are no highly accurate exposure data and different measurement methods are considered. The objective of this study was to use various statistical techniques to explore agreement between individual reports and expert ratings of workplace exposures in several industries and investigate the sociodemographic influences on this agreement. Methods A cohort of 1,282 employees at 4 industries/14 worksites answered questions on workplace physical, chemical, and psychosocial exposures over the past 12 months. Occupational hygienists constructed job exposure matrices (JEMs) based on worksite walkthrough exposure evaluations. Worker self-reports were compared with the JEMs using multivariable analyses to explore discord. Results There was poor agreement between the self-reported and expert exposure assessments, but there was evidence that agreement was modified by sociodemographic characteristics. Several characteristics including gender, age, race/ethnicity, hourly wage and nativity strongly affected the degree of discord between self-reports and expert raters across a wide array of different exposures. Conclusions Agreement between exposure assessment tools may be affected by sociodemographic characteristics. This study is cross-sectional and therefore, a snapshot of potential exposures in the workplace. Nevertheless, future studies should take into account the social contexts within which workplace exposures occur. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1019,1031, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Avoidance tests in site-specific risk assessment,influence of soil properties on the avoidance response of collembola and earthworms,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2008Tiago Natal-da-Luz Abstract The ability of organisms to avoid contaminated soils can act as an indicator of toxic potential in a particular soil. Based on the escape response of earthworms and Collembola, avoidance tests with these soil organisms have great potential as early screening tools in site-specific assessment. These tests are becoming more common in soil ecotoxicology, because they are ecologically relevant and have a shorter duration time compared with standardized soil toxicity tests. The avoidance response of soil invertebrates, however, can be influenced by the soil properties (e.g., organic matter content and texture) that affect behavior of the test species in the exposure matrix. Such an influence could mask a possible effect of the contaminant. Therefore, the effects of soil properties on performance of test species in the exposure media should be considered during risk assessment of contaminated soils. Avoidance tests with earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and springtails (Folsomia candida) were performed to identify the influence of both organic matter content and texture on the avoidance response of representative soil organisms. Distinct artificial soils were prepared by modifying quantities of the standard artificial soil components described by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to achieve different organic matter and texture classes. Several combinations of each factor were tested. Results showed that both properties influenced the avoidance response of organisms, which avoided soils with low organic matter content and fine texture. Springtails were less sensitive to changes in these soil constituents compared with earthworms, indicating springtails can be used for site-specific assessments of contaminated soils with a wider range of respective soil properties. [source] Occupational asbestos exposure and digestive cancers , a cohort studyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2009B. CLIN Summary Background, Although the role of asbestos in the genesis of mesothelioma and primary bronchopulmonary cancers has been established, results from studies focusing on the relationship between occupational exposure to asbestos and digestive cancer remain contradictory. Aim, To determine whether occupational asbestos exposure increases the incidence of digestive cancers. Methods, Our study was a retrospective morbidity study based on 2024 subjects occupationally exposed to asbestos. The incidence of digestive cancer was calculated from 1st January 1978 to 31st December 2004 and compared with levels among the local general population using Standardized Incidence Ratios. Asbestos exposure was assessed using the company's job exposure matrix. Results, Eighty-five cases of digestive cancer were observed within our cohort, for an expected number of 66.90 (SIR = 1.27 [1.01; 1.57]). A significantly elevated incidence, particularly notable among women, was observed for peritoneal mesothelioma, independently of exposure levels. A significantly elevated incidence was also noted among men for cancer of small intestine and oesophagus, for cumulative exposure indexes for asbestos above 80 fibres/mL × years. A significantly elevated incidence of cancer of the small intestine was also observed among men having been exposed to asbestos for periods in excess of 25 years and for mean exposure levels in excess of 4 fibres/mL. Conclusions, This study suggests the existence of a relationship between exposure to asbestos and cancer of the small intestine and of the oesophagus in men. [source] Use of O*NET as a job exposure matrix: A literature reviewAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010Manuel Cifuentes MD Abstract Background O*NET is a publicly available online database that describes occupational features across US job titles and that has been used to estimate workplace physical and psychosocial exposures and organizational characteristics. The aim of this review is to describe and evaluate the use of O*NET as a job exposure matrix. Methods A review of the peer-reviewed published and gray literature was conducted. Twenty-eight studies were found that used O*NET to estimate work exposures related to health or safety outcomes. Each was systematically evaluated across eight main features. Results Many health outcomes have been studied with O*NET estimates of job exposures. Some studies did not use conceptual definitions of exposure; few studies estimated convergent validity, most used predictive validity. Multilevel analysis was underutilized. Conclusion O*NET is worthy of exploration by the occupational health community, although its scientific value is still undetermined. More studies could eventually provide evidence of convergent validity. O*NET has the potential to allow examination of occupational risks that might have otherwise been ignored due to missing data or resource constraints on field data collection of job exposure information. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:898,914, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Data linkage to estimate the extent and distribution of occupational disease: new onset adult asthma in Alberta, CanadaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Nicola Cherry MD Abstract Background Although occupational asthma is a well recognized and preventable disease, the numbers of cases presenting for compensation may be far lower than the true incidence. Methods Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims for any reason 1995,2004 were linked to physician billing data. New onset adult asthma (NOAA) was defined as a billing for asthma (ICD-9 code of 493) in the 12 months prior to a WCB claim without asthma in the previous 3 years. Incidence was calculated by occupation, industry and, in a case,referent analysis, exposures estimated from an asthma specific job exposure matrix. Results There were 782,908 WCB eligible claims, with an incidence rate for NOAA of 1.6%: 23 occupations and 21 industries had a significantly increased risk. Isocyanates (OR 1.54: 95% CI 1.01,2.36) and exposure to mixed agricultural allergens (OR,=,1.59: 95% CI 1.17,2.18) were related to NOAA overall, as were exposures to cleaning chemicals in men (OR,=,1.91:95% CI 1.34,2.73). Estimates of the number of cases of occupational asthma suggested a range of 4% to about half for the proportion compensated. Conclusions Data linkage of administrative records can demonstrate under-reporting of occupational asthma and indicate areas for prevention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:831,840, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ergonomic and socioeconomic risk factors for hospital workers' compensation injury claimsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009Jon Boyer ScD Abstract Background Hospital workers are a diverse population with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The risk of MSD leading to workers' compensation (WC) claims is likely to show a gradient by socioeconomic status (SES) that may be partly explained by working conditions. Methods A single community hospital provided workforce demographics and WC claim records for 2003,2005. An ergonomic job exposure matrix (JEM) was developed for these healthcare jobs from direct observation of physical workload and extraction of physical and psychosocial job requirements from the O*NET online database. Occupational exposures and SES categories were assigned to workers through their O*NET job titles. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed to estimate the propensity to file an injury claim in relation to individual factors, occupational exposures, and SES. Results The jobs with the highest injury rates were nurses, semi-professionals, and semi-skilled. Increased physical work and psychological demands along with low job tenure were associated with an increase in risk, while risk decreased with psychosocial rewards and supervisor support. Both occupational and individual factors mediated the relationship between SES and rate of injury claims. Conclusions Physical and organizational features of these hospital jobs along with low job tenure predicted WC injury claim risk and explained a substantial proportion of the effects of SES. Further studies that include lifestyle risk factors and control for prior injuries and co-morbidities are warranted to strengthen the current study findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:551,562, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Estimating exposures in the asphalt industry for an international epidemiological cohort study of cancer riskAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2003Igor Burstyn Abstract Background An exposure matrix (EM) for known and suspected carcinogens was required for a multicenter international cohort study of cancer risk and bitumen among asphalt workers. Methods Production characteristics in companies enrolled in the study were ascertained through use of a company questionnaire (CQ). Exposures to coal tar, bitumen fume, organic vapor, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, diesel fume, silica, and asbestos were assessed semi-quantitatively using information from CQs, expert judgment, and statistical models. Exposures of road paving workers to bitumen fume, organic vapor, and benzo(a)pyrene were estimated quantitatively by applying regression models, based on monitoring data, to exposure scenarios identified by the CQs. Results Exposures estimates were derived for 217 companies enrolled in the cohort, plus the Swedish asphalt paving industry in general. Most companies were engaged in road paving and asphalt mixing, but some also participated in general construction and roofing. Coal tar use was most common in Denmark and The Netherlands, but the practice is now obsolete. Quantitative estimates of exposure to bitumen fume, organic vapor, and benzo(a)pyrene for pavers, and semi-quantitative estimates of exposure to these agents among all subjects were strongly correlated. Semi-quantitative estimates of exposure to bitumen fume and coal tar exposures were only moderately correlated. EM assessed non-monotonic historical decrease in exposures to all agents assessed except silica and diesel exhaust. Conclusions We produced a data-driven EM using methodology that can be adapted for other multicenter studies. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:3,17, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Radiofrequency exposure on fast patrol boats in the Royal Norwegian Navy,an approach to a dose assessmentBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 5 2010Valborg Baste Abstract Epidemiological studies related to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) have mainly used crude proxies for exposure, such as job titles, distance to, or use of different equipment emitting RF EMF. The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) has measured RF field emitted from high-frequency antennas and radars on several spots where the crew would most likely be located aboard fast patrol boats (FPB). These boats are small, with short distance between the crew and the equipment emitting RF field. We have described the measured RF exposure aboard FPB and suggested different methods for calculations of total exposure and annual dose. Linear and spatial average in addition to percentage of ICNIRP and squared deviation of ICNIRP has been used. The methods will form the basis of a job exposure matrix where relative differences in exposure between groups of crew members can be used in further epidemiological studies of reproductive health. Bioelectromagnetics 31:350,360, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Estimation of whole-body SAR from electromagnetic fields using personal exposure metersBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2010Wout Joseph Abstract In this article, personal electromagnetic field measurements are converted into whole-body specific absorption rates for exposure of the general public. Whole-body SAR values calculated from personal exposure meter data are compared for different human spheroid phantoms: the highest SAR values (at 950,MHz) are obtained for the 1-year-old child (99th percentile of 17.9,µW/kg for electric field strength of 0.36,V/m), followed by the 5-year-old child, 10-year-old child, average woman, and average man. For the 1-year-old child, whole-body SAR values due to 9 different radiofrequency sources (FM, DAB, TETRA, TV, GSM900 DL, GSM1800 DL, DECT, UMTS DL, WiFi) are determined for 15 different scenarios. An SAR matrix for 15 different exposure scenarios and 9 sources is provided with the personal field exposure matrix. Highest 95th percentiles of the whole-body SAR are equal to 7.9,µW/kg (0.36,V/m, GSM900 DL), 5.8,µW/kg (0.26,V/m, DAB/TV), and 7.1,µW/kg (0.41,V/m, DECT) for the 1-year-old child, with a maximal total whole-body SAR of 11.5,µW/kg (0.48,V/m) due to all 9 sources. All values are below the basic restriction of 0.08,W/kg for the general public. 95th percentiles of whole-body SAR per V/m are equal to 60.1, 87.9, and 42.7,µW/kg for GSM900, DAB/TV, and DECT sources, respectively. Functions of the SAR versus measured electric fields are provided for the different phantoms and frequencies, enabling epidemiological and dosimetric studies to make an analysis in combination with both electric field and actual whole-body SAR. Bioelectromagnetics 31:286,295, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Parental lead exposure and total anomalous pulmonary venous returnBIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004Leila W. Jackson Abstract BACKGROUND Investigators from the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study (BWIS) reported an association between self-reported maternal lead exposure and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) in their offspring. This association was further evaluated in the BWIS population using a more sensitive exposure estimate. METHODS Cases included 54 live-born infants with TAPVR; controls were a stratified random sample of 522 live-born infants from the BWIS control group. Parental lead exposure was based on three assessment methods, including: an industrial hygiene assessment, an a priori job exposure matrix, and self-reported exposures. A parent was classified as exposed to lead if he/she was classified as exposed by any one of the assessment methods. RESULTS Approximately 17% of case mothers and 11% of control mothers were classified as exposed to lead during the three months prior to conception through the first trimester (odds ratio [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64,3.47). Among fathers, 61% of case fathers and 46% of control fathers were classified as exposed to lead during the six months prior to conception (paternal critical period) (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.00,3.42). During the paternal critical period, when only the father was exposed compared to neither parent exposed, the OR for any lead exposure and TAPVR was 1.65 (95% CI, 0.84,3.25). CONCLUSIONS This study supports a possible association between paternal lead exposure and TAPVR. Further studies are warranted using validated assessment methods for occupational and nonoccupational lead exposures to corroborate this association and to elucidate the possible biological mechanism. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||