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ObjectivesTo assess if improvement of working conditions related to heat stress was associated with improved kidney health outcomes among sugarcane harvest workers in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua, a region heavily affected by the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin.MethodsBased on our findings during the 2017–2018 harvest (harvest 1), recommendations that enhanced the rest schedule and improved access to hydration and shade were given before the 2018–2019 harvest (harvest 2). Actual work conditions during harvest 2 were then observed. Serum creatinine (SCr) was measured before and at end-harvest, and cross-harvest changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and incident kidney injury (IKI, ie, SCr increase by ≥0.30 mg/dL or ≥1.5 times the baseline value) were compared between harvest 1 and harvest 2 for three jobs with different physical workloads using regression modelling. Workers who left during harvest were contacted at home, to address the healthy worker selection effect.ResultsIn burned cane cutters, mean cross-harvest eGFR decreased 6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 2 to 9 mL/min/1.73 m2) less and IKI was 70% (95% CI 90% to 50%) lower in harvest 2 as compared with harvest 1 data. No such improvements were seen among seed cutters groups with less successful intervention implementation.ConclusionKidney injury risk was again elevated in workers with strenuous jobs. The results support further efforts to prevent kidney injury among sugarcane workers, and other heat-stressed workers, by improving access to water, rest and shade. The distinction between design and implementation of such interventions should be recognised.

The prevalence of precarious employment has increased in recent decades and aspects such as employment insecurity and income inadequacy have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, appraise, and synthesise existing evidence pertaining to implemented initiatives addressing precarious employment that have evaluated and reported health and well-being outcomes. We used the PRISMA framework to guide this review and identified 11 relevant initiatives through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and three sources of grey literature. We found very few evaluated interventions addressing precarious employment and its impact on the health and well-being of workers globally. Ten out of 11 initiatives were not purposefully designed to address precarious employment in general, nor specific dimensions of it. Seven out of 11 initiatives evaluated outcomes related to the occupational health and safety of precariously employed workers and six out of 11 evaluated worker health and well-being outcomes. Most initiatives showed the potential to improve the health of workers, although the evaluation component was often described with less detail than the initiative itself. Given the heterogeneity of the 11 initiatives regarding study design, sample size, implementation, evaluation, economic and political contexts, and target population, we found insufficient evidence to compare outcomes across types of initiatives, generalize findings, or make specific recommendations for the adoption of initiatives.

The aim of this case study was to explore the abilities and limitations of trade unions in their response to undeclared work, which has received scant attention in research on working conditions and industrial relations. The authors use power resource theory to examine the outcome of a Swedish government initiative aimed to boost the ability of the social partners to tackle undeclared work. The findings confirm previous literature suggesting cross-sectoral differences in the extent and nature of undeclared work and an association between low levels of power resources and high risk of undeclared work. The authors recommend that future initiatives take account of cross-sectoral differences in the nature and extent of undeclared work and available power resources. Future research should consider how different actors can contribute to the ability of the social partners in different sectors to engage in the battle against undeclared work.

ObjectivesTo examine the association between workload and kidney injury in a fieldworker cohort with different levels of physically demanding work over a sugarcane harvest, and to assess whether the existing heat prevention efforts at a leading occupational safety and health programme are sufficient to mitigate kidney injury.MethodsBiological and questionnaire data were collected before (n=545) and at the end (n=427) of harvest among field support staff (low workload), drip irrigation workers (moderate), seed cutters (high) and burned sugarcane cutters (very high). Dropouts were contacted (87%) and reported the reason for leaving work. Cross-harvest incident kidney injury (IKI) was defined as serum creatinine increase ≥0.30 mg/dL or ≥1.5 times the baseline value, or among dropouts reporting kidney injury leading to leaving work.ResultsMean cross-harvest estimated glomerular filtration rate change was significantly associated with workload, increasing from 0 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the low-moderate category to −5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the high and −9 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the very high workload group. A similar pattern occurred with IKI, where low-moderate workload had 2% compared with 27% in the very high workload category. A healthy worker selection effect was detected, with 32% of dropouts reporting kidney injury. Fever and C reactive protein elevation were associated with kidney injury.ConclusionsWorkers considered to have the highest workload had more cross-harvest kidney damage than workers with less workload. Work practices preventing heat stress should be strengthened and their role in preventing kidney damage examined further. Future occupational studies on chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology should account for a healthy worker effect by pursuing those lost to follow-up.

The world of work is facing an ongoing pandemic and an economic downturn with severe effects worldwide. Workers trapped in precarious employment (PE), both formal and informal, are among those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we call attention to at least 5 critical ways that the consequences of the crisis among workers in PE will be felt globally: ( a) PE will increase, ( b) workers in PE will become more precarious, ( c) workers in PE will face unemployment without being officially laid off, ( d) workers in PE will be exposed to serious stressors and dramatic life changes that may lead to a rise in diseases of despair, and ( e) PE might be a factor in deterring the control of or in generating new COVID-19 outbreaks. We conclude that what we really need is a new social contract, where the work of all workers is recognized and protected with adequate job contracts, employment security, and social protection in a new economy, both during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

BackgroundPrecarious employment is a significant determinant of population health and health inequities and has complex public health consequences both for a given nation and internationally. Precarious employment is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct including but not limited to employment insecurity, income inadequacy, and lack of rights and protection in the employment relation, which could affect both informal and formal workers. The purpose of this review is to identify, appraise, and synthesize existing research on the effectiveness of initiatives aiming to or having the potential to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate workers’ exposure to precarious employment conditions and its effects on the health and well-being of workers and their families.MethodsThe electronic databases searched (from January 2000 onwards) are Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed, along with three institutional databases as sources of grey literature. We will include any study (e.g. quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design) evaluating the effects of initiatives that aim to or have the potential to address workers’ exposure to precarious employment or its effects on the health and well-being of workers and their families, whether or not such initiatives were designed specifically to address precarious employment. The primary outcomes will be changes in (i) the prevalence of precarious employment and workers’ exposure to precarious employment and (ii) the health and well-being of precariously employed workers and their families. No secondary outcomes will be included. Given the large body of evidence screened, the initial screening of each study will be done by one reviewer, after implementing several strategies to ensure decision-making consistency across reviewers. The screening of full-text articles, data extraction, and critical appraisal will be done independently by two reviewers. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Established checklists will be used to assess a study’s methodological quality or bias. A narrative synthesis will be employed to describe and summarize the included studies’ characteristics and findings and to explore relationships both within and between the included studies.DiscussionWe expect that this review’s findings will provide stakeholders interested in tackling precarious employment and its harmful health effects with evidence on effectiveness of solutions that have been implemented to inform considerations for adaptation of these to their unique contexts. In addition, the review will increase our understanding of existing research gaps and enable us to make recommendations to address them. Our work aligns with the sustainable development agenda to protect workers, promote decent work and economic growth, eliminate poverty, and reduce inequalities.Systematic review registrationPROSPEROCRD42020187544.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the potential to reduce kidney function damage during the implementation of a water, rest, shade (WRS) and efficiency intervention program among sugarcane workers. METHODS: A WRS intervention program adapted from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) coupled with an efficiency program began two months into the 5-month harvest. One of the two groups of workers studied was provided with portable water reservoirs, mobile shaded tents, and scheduled rest periods. Health data (anthropometric and questionnaires), blood, and urine were collected at baseline and at three subsequent times over the course of the harvest. Daily wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) were recorded. RESULTS: Across a working day there were changes in biomarkers indicating dehydration (urine osmolality) and serum albumin and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cross-shift eGFR decrease was present in both groups; -10.5 mL/min/1.73m2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -11.8– -9.1], but smaller for the intervention group after receiving the program. Decreased eGFR over the 5-month harvest was seen in both groups: in the one receiving the intervention -3.4 mL/min/1.73m^2 (95% CI -5.5– -1.3) and in the other -5.3 (95% CI -7.9– -2.7). The decrease appeared to halt after the introduction of the intervention in the group receiving the program. CONCLUSION: A WRS and efficiency intervention program was successfully introduced for workers in sugarcane fields and appears to reduce the impact of heat stress on acute and over-harvest biomarkers of kidney function. Further research is needed to determine whether biomarker changes predict reduced risk of chronic kidney disease in this type of work.

The death toll of the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional origin (CKDnt) in Mesoamerica runs into the tens of thousands, affecting mostly young men. There is no consensus on the etiology. Anecdotal evidence from the 1990s pointed to work in sugarcane; pesticides and heat stress were suspected. Subsequent population-based surveys supported an occupational origin with overall high male-female ratios in high-risk lowlands, but small sex differences within occupational categories, and low prevalence in non-workers. CKDnt was reported in sugarcane and other high-intensity agriculture, and in non-agricultural occupations with heavy manual labor in hot environments, but not among subsistence farmers. Recent studies with stronger designs have shown cross-shift changes in kidney function and hydration biomarkers and cross-harvest kidney function declines related to heat and workload. The implementation of a water-rest-shade intervention midharvest in El Salvador appeared to halt declining kidney function among cane cutters. In Nicaragua a water-rest-shade program appeared sufficient to prevent kidney damage among cane workers with low-moderate workload but not among cutters with heaviest workload. Studies on pesticides and infectious risk factors have been largely negative. Non-occupational risk factors do not explain the observed epidemiologic patterns. In conclusion, work is the main driver of the CKDnt epidemic in Mesoamerica, with occupational heat stress being the single uniting factor shown to lead to kidney dysfunction in affected populations. Sugarcane cutters with extreme heat stress could be viewed as a sentinel occupational population. Occupational heat stress prevention is critical, even more so in view of climate change.La mortalidad por la epidemia de enfermedad renal crónica de origen no tradicional (ERCnt) en Mesoamérica asciende a decenas de miles de personas, principalmente hombres jóvenes. No existe consenso sobre su etiología. En la década de 1990, informes anecdóticos apuntaban como factor de riesgo al trabajo en plantaciones de caña de azúcar; se consideró como posibles causantes a los plaguicidas y el estrés térmico. Estudios de prevalencia de base poblacional subsiguientes apoyaron un origen ocupacional, con una proporción elevada de hombres respecto de las mujeres en las tierras bajas donde el riesgo era elevado, pero con pequeñas diferencias de sexo dentro de las categorías ocupacionales y baja prevalencia en el ámbito no laboral. Se reportó ERCnt en los trabajadores de la caña de azúcar y otros cultivos con alta exigencia física y en ocupaciones no agrícolas que implican trabajo manual intenso en ambientes calurosos, pero no entre los agricultores de subsistencia. Estudios recientes con diseños más sólidos han demostrado cambios en la función renal y en los biomarcadores de hidratación en el curso de los turnos laborales, y disminución de la función renal relacionada con el calor y la carga de trabajo en el curso de la cosecha. La implementación de una intervención basada en la provisión de agua, descanso y sombra a mitad de la cosecha en El Salvador detuvo la disminución de la función renal en los cortadores de caña. En Nicaragua, un programa de provisión de agua, descanso y sombra evitó la lesión renal en los trabajadores de la caña con una carga de trabajo baja y moderada, pero no entre los cortadores, quienes tienen la mayor carga de trabajo. Los estudios sobre plaguicidas y factores de riesgo infecciosos han sido en gran medida negativos. Los factores de riesgo no ocupacionales no explican los patrones epidemiológicos observados. En conclusión, el trabajo es el principal desencadenante de la epidemia de ERCnt en Mesoamérica, y el estrés térmico ocupacional es el único factor que consistentemente conduce a la disfunción renal en las poblaciones afectadas. Los cortadores que trabajan en los ingenios azucareros y están expuestos a un estrés térmico extremo podrían ser considerados una población ocupacional centinela. La prevención del estrés térmico ocupacional es crítica, más aún si se consideran los efectos del cambio climático.A mortalidade devida à epidemia de doença renal crônica de origem não tradicional (DRCnt) na Mesoamérica atinge dezenas de milhares de pessoas, principalmente homens jovens. Não há consenso sobre a sua etiologia. Na década de 1990, informações empíricas apontavam o trabalho em plantações de cana de açúcar como um fator de risco; pesticidas e estresse térmico também eram considerados causas possíveis. As pesquisas populacionais subsequentes sustentam uma origem ocupacional da doença, com uma elevada proporção de homens quando comparados à de mulheres, em areas de baixa altitude, onde o risco da doença é mais elevado, mas com pequenas diferenças de gênero quando se consideram as categorias ocupacionais e baixa prevalência no ambiente não-ocupacional. A DRCnt foi identificada em trabalhadores agrícolas da cana de açúcar e de outras culturas que exigem trabalho físico de alta intensidade e em ocupações não agrícolas envolvendo um trabalho manual intenso em ambientes quentes, mas não entre os agricultores de subsistência. Estudos recentes com desenhos mais robustos demonstraram mudanças na função renal e nos biomarcadores de hidratação ao longo dos turnos de trabalho, e diminuição da função renal relacionada à exposição ao calor e à carga de trabalho ao longo da colheita. A implementação de uma intervenção de água-descanso-sombra durante a colheita em El Salvador interrompeu o declínio da função renal em cortadores de cana. Na Nicarágua, intervenções água-descanso-sombra parecem ter sido suficientes para evitar lesões renais em trabalhadores canavieiros com cargas de trabalho baixa e moderada, mas não entre os cortadores de cana que têm carga de trabalho mais pesada. Estudos sobre exposição a pesticidas e a fatores de risco de origem infecciosa têm sido largamente negativos. Os fatores de risco não-ocupacionais não explicam os padrões epidemiológicos observados. Em conclusão, ocupação é o principal desencadeador da epidemia de DRCnt na Mesoamérica, e o estresse térmico ocupacional é o único fator comprovado que leva à disfunção renal nas populações afetadas. Os cortadores de cana que trabalham em engenhos de açúcar e expostos a um estresse térmico extremo podem ser considerados uma população ocupacional sentinela. A prevenção do estresse térmico ocupacional é crítica, especialmente considerando os efeitos das mudanças climáticas.

Background A systematic review of the associations between occupational chemical exposures and cardiovascular diseases has been performed under management of Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). Methods Inclusion criteria: (i) epidemiology publication in English in peer-reviewed journal between 1970 and 2016, (ii) cohort studies with at least 50 exposed participants or case-control studies with at least 50+50 participants. Relevance and quality were assessed using predefined criteria. Level of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. Consistency of findings was examined for a number of confounders and regarding the healthy worker effect when possible. Results More than 8000 abstracts were screened. 162 articles of high or medium high scientific quality were finally included. There was moderately strong evidence (grade 3 out of 4) for a relationship between silica dust, engine exhaust and welding and IHD incidence. Limited evidence (grade 2) was found for arsenic, benz(a)pyrene, lead, dynamite, carbon disulphide, carbon monoxide, cutting fluids, TCDD, asbestos and tobacco smoke in the work environment. Results for stroke, cor pulmonale and high blood pressure will also be reported. Conclusions This review identified several established associations, some less established and many knowledge gaps including lack of studies on women. Many chemical exposures have not been studied epidemiologically and there is often a shortage of exposure estimates, particularly concerning intensity and long-term exposure. A comprehensive risk analysis of chemical exposures must use social, environmental and experimental results as well.

Background The Central American kidney disease epidemic persists despite efforts to identify cause(s) and introduce clear, evidence-based interventions to protect workers. Evidence suggests that chronic dehydration during heavy work in hot environments contributes to morbidity. An intervention was introduced to determine if risk could be reduced in sugarcane workers. Objective To assess efforts to implement a Water.Rest.Shade intervention in one setting where sugarcane cutting was believed to increase CKDu in the workforce. Methods The intervention was introduced mid-way through the harvest in one of two work groups. The intervention group received water throughout the day with scheduled rest breaks in shaded settings. Health data (anthropometric and questionnaires), blood and urine were collected four times over a-six-month harvest. Daily wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) were recorded. Results There were significant changes in biomarkers across-shift and across-harvest that reduced the markers of dehydration (changes of urine osmolality and serum albumin) and reduced rate of loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cross-shift change in eGFR was reduced in the group receiving the intervention. Significant decreased eGFR over the harvest appeared to stop after the intervention in those receiving the Water.Rest.Shade program. Conclusion Preliminary evidence indicates a Water.Rest.Shade intervention program reduces the impact of heat stress on acute and over-harvest biomarkers of kidney function. Potential long-term benefits of such an intervention need to be confirmed in long-term follow-up and in other settings. Further research is needed to determine whether biomarker changes predict reduced risk of CKDu in this type of work.

SALTRA, IRET, IMM Program on Work, Environment and Health in Central America Programa de Trabajo, Ambiente y Salud en Centroamérica The First International Research Workshop on Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) met in Costa Rica in November 2012 to discuss how to establish the extent and degree of MeN, examine relevant causal hypotheses, and focus efforts to control or eliminate the disease burden. MeN describes a devastating epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin predominantly observed among young male sugarcane cutters. The cause of MeN remains uncertain; however, the strongest hypothesis pursued to date is repeated episodes of occupational heat stress and water and solute loss, probably in combination with other potential risk factor(s), such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and other nephrotoxic medication use, inorganic arsenic, leptospirosis, or pesticides. At the research workshop, clinical and epidemiologic case definitions were proposed in order to facilitate both public health and research efforts. Recommendations emanating from the workshop included measuring workload, heat, and water and solute loss among workers; quantifying nephrotoxic agents in drinking water and food; using biomarkers of early kidney injury to explore potential causes of MeN; and characterizing social and working conditions together with methods for valid data collection of exposures and personal risk factors. Advantages and disadvantages of different population study designs were detailed. To elucidate the etiology of MeN, multicountry studies with prospective cohort design, preferably integrating an ecosystem health approach, were considered the most promising. In addition, genetic, experimental, and mechanistic methods and designs were addressed, specifically the need for kidney biopsy analysis, studies in animal models, advances in biomarkers, genetic and epigenetic studies, a common registry and repository of biological and demographic data and/or specimens, and other areas of potential chronic kidney disease experimental research. Finally, in order to improve international collaboration on MeN, workshop participants agreed to establish a research consortium to link these Mesoamerican efforts to other efforts worldwide. El Primer Taller Internacional de Investigación sobre Nefropatía Mesoamericana (MeN) se reunió en Costa Rica en noviembre de 2012 para discutir cómo establecer la extensión y el grado de MeN, examinar hipótesis causales relevantes y enfocar los esfuerzos para controlar o eliminar la carga de la enfermedad. MeN describe una devastadora epidemia de enfermedad renal crónica de origen desconocido que se observa predominantemente entre los hombres jóvenes cortadores de caña de azúcar. La causa de MeN sigue siendo incierta; sin embargo, la hipótesis más fuerte perseguida hasta la fecha son los episodios repetidos de estrés por calor ocupacional y pérdida de agua y solutos, probablemente en combinación con otros factores de riesgo potenciales, como el uso de medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y otros medicamentos nefrotóxicos, arsénico inorgánico, leptospirosis o pesticidas. En el taller de investigación, se propusieron definiciones de casos clínicos y epidemiológicos con el fin de facilitar tanto la salud pública como los esfuerzos de investigación. Las recomendaciones que surgieron del taller incluyeron medir la carga de trabajo, el calor y la pérdida de agua y solutos entre los trabajadores; cuantificación de agentes nefrotóxicos en agua potable y alimentos; el uso de biomarcadores de lesión renal temprana para explorar las posibles causas de MeN; y caracterizar las condiciones sociales y laborales junto con métodos para la recopilación de datos válidos de exposiciones y factores de riesgo personales. Se detallaron las ventajas y desventajas de los diferentes diseños de estudios de población. Para dilucidar la etiología de MeN, los estudios multinacionales con diseño de cohortes prospectivo, preferiblemente integrando un enfoque de salud ecosistémica, se consideraron los más prometedores. Además, se abordaron métodos y diseños genéticos, experimentales y mecanicistas, específicamente la necesidad de análisis de biopsias renales, estudios en modelos animales, avances en biomarcadores, estudios genéticos y epigenéticos, un registro y repositorio común de datos biológicos y demográficos y / o especímenes y otras áreas de investigación experimental potencial de enfermedad renal crónica. Finalmente, con el fin de mejorar la colaboración internacional sobre MeN, los participantes del taller acordaron establecer un consorcio de investigación para vincular estos esfuerzos mesoamericanos con otros esfuerzos en todo el mundo. O Primeiro Workshop Internacional de Pesquisa sobre Nefropatia Mesoamericana (MeN) se reuniu na Costa Rica em novembro de 2012 para discutir como estabelecer a extensão e o grau de MeN, examinar hipóteses causais relevantes e concentrar esforços para controlar ou eliminar a carga da doença. MeN descreve uma epidemia devastadora de doença renal crônica de origem desconhecida observada predominantemente entre jovens cortadores de cana do sexo masculino. A causa do MeN permanece incerta; no entanto, a hipótese mais forte perseguida até o momento são episódios repetidos de estresse calórico ocupacional e perda de água e soluto, provavelmente em combinação com outro (s) fator (es) de risco potencial (s), como o uso de antiinflamatórios não esteróides e outros medicamentos nefrotóxicos, arsênico inorgânico, leptospirose , ou pesticidas. No workshop de pesquisa, definições de casos clínicos e epidemiológicos foram propostas a fim de facilitar os esforços de saúde pública e de pesquisa. As recomendações emanadas da oficina incluíram a medição da carga de trabalho, calor e perda de água e soluto entre os trabalhadores; quantificar agentes nefrotóxicos em água potável e alimentos; usando biomarcadores de lesão renal precoce para explorar causas potenciais de MeN; e caracterizar as condições sociais e de trabalho juntamente com métodos para coleta de dados válidos de exposições e fatores de risco pessoais. Vantagens e desvantagens de diferentes desenhos de estudo populacional foram detalhadas. Para elucidar a etiologia do MeN, estudos multinacionais com desenho de coorte prospectivo, preferencialmente integrando uma abordagem de saúde do ecossistema, foram considerados os mais promissores. Além disso, métodos e designs genéticos, experimentais e mecanísticos foram abordados, especificamente a necessidade de análise de biópsia renal, estudos em modelos animais, avanços em biomarcadores, estudos genéticos e epigenéticos, um registro comum e repositório de dados biológicos e demográficos e / ou espécimes e outras áreas de pesquisa experimental em potencial para doença renal crônica. Finalmente, a fim de melhorar a colaboração internacional no MeN, os participantes do workshop concordaram em estabelecer um consórcio de pesquisa para vincular esses esforços mesoamericanos a outros esforços em todo o mundo. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Karolinska Institutet, Sweden Lund University, Sweden Umeå University, Sweden University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

The epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Mesoamerica : a call for interdisciplinary research and action

Objectives. We examined cancer incidence in an expanded cohort of Swedish chimney sweeps. Methods. We added male chimney sweep trade union members (1981–2006) to an earlier cohort (employed 1918–1980) and linked them to nationwide registers of cancer, causes of deaths, and total population. The total cohort (n = 6320) was followed from 1958 through 2006. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) using the male Swedish population as reference. We estimated exposure as years of employment and analyzed for exposure–response associations by Poisson regression. Results. A total of 813 primary cancers were observed versus 626 expected (SIR = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = 1.21, 1.39). As in a previous follow-up, SIRs were significantly increased for cancer of the esophagus, liver, lung, bladder, and all hematopoietic cancer. New findings included significantly elevated SIRs for cancer of the colon, pleura, adenocarcinoma of the lung, and at unspecified sites. Total cancer and bladder cancer demonstrated positive exposure–response associations. Conclusions. Exposure to soot and asbestos are likely causes of the observed cancer excesses, with contributions from adverse lifestyle factors. Preventive actions to control work exposures and promote healthier lifestyles are an important priority.

Introduction CKD unrelated to diabetes or hypertension is epidemic in Central America. Sugarcane workers are among the most affected with heat stress and dehydration suggested as central factors. An intervention on these factors accompanied by productivity improvements was piloted in El Salvador during the 2014–15 harvest. Methods The intervention adapted OSHA’s Water.Rest.Shade (W.R.S.) hot work guidelines mid-way through the harvest for one inland cutting group. Water was provided in individual backpacks along with mobile shaded rest areas and scheduled rest periods. Ergonomically improved machetes and efficiency strategies were implemented for productivity. Health data (anthropometric, blood, urine, questionnaires) were collected four () times over six months. Daily wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) were recorded at inland and coastal worksites. The employer provided production records. Results WBGT exceeded OSHA’s limits for continuous work from 9 AM onwards and exceeded OSHA’s highest limit (i.e., 30°C WBGT, requiring 45 min rest/hour) for 14% and 38% of hours worked at inland and coastal worksites, respectively. Post-intervention, self-reported water consumption increased 25%. Symptom surveys suggested reduction in most heat stress and/or dehydration symptoms. Daily production increased significantly post intervention exceeding productivity increases for most other cutting groups. Focus groups reported positive perception for both the W.R.S. program and the productivity improvements. Preliminary analysis of kidney function show decreased eGFR during the first two months of work before receiving the intervention but did not decrease further thereafter. Conclusion A W.R.S. and efficiency intervention is feasible for manual sugarcane cutters. The intervention demonstrated reduced heat stress symptoms and higher intake of water. The combination of W.R.S. with efficiency measures also improved individual productivity without negative effects on health and well-being. Initial adoption by participants and the company is encouraging, as is interest from labour ministries of El Salvador and Costa Rica.

In 2003, the university-based Program on Work and Health in Central America, SALTRA, was launched to build national and regional capacities in occupational safety and health with the goal of preventing and reducing poverty in Central America. SALTRA has implemented 20 projects including action projects in priority sectors (e.g., construction, sugarcane, hospitals, migrant coffee workers); strengthening of surveillance (occupational health profiles, carcinogenic exposures, fatal injuries and pesticides); a participatory model for training and risk monitoring by workers; building occupational health capacity for professionals, employers, and workers, with collaborating networks between the countries; strengthening of universities in work, environment, and health; studies of serious occupational and environmental situations; communication channels; and continued efforts to raise political awareness. SALTRA has placed issues of workers' health on political, business, and academic agendas throughout the region and has laid the foundations for achieving substantial future improvements in health conditions of all workers in the region. External evaluators envisioned SALTRA as an innovative development model.

This commentary addresses the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Public Health Association's international program 'Strengthening of Public Health Associations' and its importance for the World Federation of Public Health Associations. Furthermore, it points out future challenges for public health associations throughout the world, on social determinants and fair societies, global governance, non-communicable diseases and chronic conditions, harmful use of alcohol, healthy ageing, and millennium development goals post-2015. The suggestions for keys to success are to expand the advocacy role, to improve the collaboration with public health practitioners, and to develop the interface between evidence and policymaking.

Global economic development has had major positive impacts on public health in many parts of the world. Improved economic conditions can lift communities up from abject poverty via expanded agriculture, industrial development and improved access to markets. But globalisation has not benefited everyone; economic inequalities between and within countries are actually increasing. Economic development in itself is not enough to improve health and wellbeing for all people. Specific policies and actions to improve living and working conditions have to be properly financed, implemented and organised.

Objective Lack of adherence with pharmacological therapy is a public health concern that compels tremendous costs for the health care system and the community. To analyse the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and primary non-adherence with medication, and to explore possible mediating effects of trust in health care and lifestyle profile. Design Cross-sectional population-based study based on data from the Swedish national public health surveys 2004–2005. Participants The study comprised 13603 men and 18292 women aged 21–84 years who had any contact with a physician at a hospital or primary care centre. Measures Primary non-adherence with medication based on whether respondents reported that they refrained from purchasing at the pharmacy prescribed medication. Socioeconomic Disadvantage Index was based on four different indicators of economic deprivation. Results Socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with primary non-adherence with medication independent of long-term illness, risky lifestyle, low education, living alone and low trust for health care. This association increased with older age, particularly among women. Among individuals aged 21–34 years, severe compared with no socioeconomic disadvantage, was associated with two-fold increased odds for non-adherence with medication. The corresponding odds among individuals aged 65–84 years were three-fold increase among elderly men (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4–7.8) and six-fold increase among elderly women (OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.5–15.3). Yet every seventh elderly woman aged 65–84 years suffered from long-term illness. Conclusions Results indicate that health policies for ‘care on equal terms’ in Sweden have been less successful in relation to equitable access to prescribed medication, especially among the elderly.

There is an epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown etiology in Central American workers.To investigate changes and job-specific differences in kidney function over a 6-month sugarcane harvest season, explore the potential role of hydration, and measure proteinuria.We recruited 284 Nicaraguan sugarcane workers performing seven distinct tasks. We measured urine albumin and serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).eGFR varied by job and decreased during the harvest in seed cutters (-8·6 ml/min/1·73 m(2)), irrigators (-7·4 ml/min/1·73 m(2)), and cane cutters (-5·0 ml/min/1·73 m(2)), as compared to factory workers. The number of years employed at the company was negatively associated with eGFR. Fewer than 5% of workers had albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)30 mg/g.The decline in kidney function during the harvest and the differences by job category and employment duration provide evidence that one or more risk factors of CKD are occupational.

Objectives Mesoamerican nephropathy is an epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) unrelated to traditional causes, mostly observed in sugarcane workers. We analysed CKD mortality in Costa Rica to explore when and where the epidemic emerged, sex and age patterns, and relationship with altitude, climate and sugarcane production. Methods SMRs for CKD deaths (1970–2012) among population aged ≥20 were computed for 7 provinces and 81 counties over 4 time periods. Time trends were assessed with age-standardised mortality rates. We qualitatively examined relations between mortality and data on altitude, climate and sugarcane production. Results During 1970–2012, age-adjusted mortality rates in the Guanacaste province increased among men from 4.4 to 38.5 per 100 000 vs 3.6–8.4 in the rest of Costa Rica, and among women from 2.3 to 10.7 per 100 000 vs 2.6–5.0 in the rest of Costa Rica. A significant moderate excess mortality was observed among men in Guanacaste already in the mid-1970s, steeply increasing thereafter; a similar female excess mortality appeared a decade later, remaining stable. Male age-specific rates were high in Guanacaste for age categories ≥30, and since the late 1990s also for age range 20–29. The male spatiotemporal patterns roughly followed sugarcane expansion in hot, dry lowlands with manual harvesting. Conclusions Excess CKD mortality occurs primarily in Guanacaste lowlands and was already present 4 decades ago. The increasing rates among Guanacaste men in hot, dry lowland counties with sugarcane are consistent with an occupational component. Stable moderate increases among women, and among men in counties without sugarcane, suggest coexisting environmental risk factors.

Background: Depressive symptoms are potential outcomes of poorly functioning work environments. Such symptoms are frequent and cause considerable suffering for the employees as well as financial loss for the employers. Accordingly good prospective studies of psychosocial working conditions and depressive symptoms are valuable. Scientific reviews of such studies have pointed at methodological difficulties but still established a few job risk factors. Those reviews were published some years ago. There is need for an updated systematic review using the GRADE system. In addition, gender related questions have been insufficiently reviewed. Method: Inclusion criteria for the studies published 1990 to June 2013: 1. European and English speaking countries. 2. Quantified results describing the relationship between exposure (psychosocial or physical/chemical) and outcome (standardized questionnaire assessment of depressive symptoms or interview-based clinical depression). 3. Prospective or comparable case-control design with at least 100 participants. 4. Assessments of exposure (working conditions) and outcome at baseline and outcome (depressive symptoms) once again after follow-up 1-5 years later. 5. Adjustment for age and adjustment or stratification for gender. Studies filling inclusion criteria were subjected to assessment of 1.) relevance and 2.) quality using predefined criteria. Systematic review of the evidence was made using the GRADE system. When applicable, meta-analysis of the magnitude of associations was made. Consistency of findings was examined for a number of possible confounders and publication bias was discussed. Results: Fifty-nine articles of high or medium high scientific quality were included. Moderately strong evidence (grade three out of four) was found for job strain (high psychological demands and low decision latitude), low decision latitude and bullying having significant impact on development of depressive symptoms. Limited evidence (grade two) was shown for psychological demands, effort reward imbalance, low support, unfavorable social climate, lack of work justice, conflicts, limited skill discretion, job insecurity and long working hours. There was no differential gender effect of adverse job conditions on depressive symptoms Conclusion: There is substantial empirical evidence that employees, both men and women, who report lack of decision latitude, job strain and bullying, will experience increasing depressive symptoms over time. These conditions are amenable to organizational interventions. Funding Agencies|Swedish Council of Health Technology Assessment

Objectives Previous studies of chimney sweeps have shown an excess mortality from cardiovascular diseases, although the extent of confounding from tobacco smoking is uncertain. The present study used referents of similar socioeconomic background as the chimney sweeps in order to reduce confounding, included both lethal and surviving cases of myocardial infarction, and investigated dose–response in terms of duration of employment. Methods A cohort of 4436 male chimney sweeps was identified from nationwide trade union records from 1918 to 2006. Myocardial infarctions during 1991–2005 were identified from the Swedish nationwide register of first-time myocardial infarctions. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated using skilled manual workers in the service sector in Sweden to calculate expected numbers. Results There was a strong and statistically significant excess of myocardial infarction among the chimney sweeps, SIR 1.39 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.55). The excess was observed among both short- and long-term employed. Conclusions While the excess of myocardial infarction among the short-term employed may be due to tobacco and, possibly, alcohol use, it is likely that the excess noted among the long-term employed was caused by the high exposure to combustion products, particles or metals still occurring among chimney sweeps. Preventive measures to reduce hazardous occupational exposures as well as smoking and alcohol use among chimney sweeps are urgently needed.

Organophosphate poisoning has been associated with chronic neurobehavioral dysfunction, but no epidemiologic data exist with regard to long-term consequences from carbamate poisoning. This cross-sectional study evaluated the neurobehavioral performances of 81 banana workers who, on average 27 months earlier, had received medical attention not requiring hospitalization for mild occupational poisoning by either an organophosphate or a carbamate pesticide. These performances were compared with those of 130 banana workers who had never sought medical attention for pesticide poisoning. Poisoned subjects did less well than controls on tests measuring psychomotor and visuomotor skills, language function, and affect, the differences being significant for coding skills on the Digit-Symbol test and two tests of neuropsychiatric symptoms. These deficits, in particular a marked increase of neuropsychiatric symptoms, occurred among the organophosphate-poisoned subjects, but small deficits in performance were also seen in the carbamate-poisoned subjects. The performances of the previously poisoned subjects who had had contact with cholinesterase inhibitors within three months before testing were particularly poor. These findings in workers with mild poisoning are consistent with previous findings of persistent damage to the central nervous system from organophosphate poisoning. The possibility of persistent neurobehavioral effects associated with poisonings by nmethyl carbamate insecticides cannot be excluded. Workers with histories of poisoning may be more susceptible to neurobehavioral effects with subsequent exposures.

There is a well-established association between particulate urban air pollution and cardiovascular disease, but few studies have investigated the risk associated with occupational exposure to particles from motor exhaust. This study investigated the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) after occupational exposure to motor exhaust, using elemental carbon (EC) as a marker of exposure. A population-based case-control study of first-time non-lethal MI was conducted among Swedish citizens in ages 45-70 living in Stockholm County 1992-1994, including 1,643 cases and 2,235 controls. Working histories and data on potential confounders were collected by questionnaire and medical examination. The exposure to EC was assessed through a job-exposure matrix. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. We investigated various exposure metrics: intensity, cumulative exposure and years since exposure. There was an exposure-response relation between the highest average exposure intensity during the work history and the risk of MI when adjusting for smoking and alcohol drinking (p for trend 0.034), with an OR of 1.30 (95% CI 0.99-1.71) in the highest tertile of exposure compared to the unexposed. An exposure-response pattern was observed in the analysis of years since exposure cessation among formerly exposed. Additional adjustments for markers of the metabolic syndrome reduced ORs and trends to non-significant levels, although this might be an over-adjustment since the metabolic syndrome may be part of the causal pathway. Occupational exposure to motor exhaust was associated with a moderately increased risk of MI.

This case-referent study investigated the risk of myocardial infarction from occupational exposure to motor exhaust, other combustion products, organic solvents, lead, and dynamite. We identified first-time, nonfatal myocardial infarctions among men and women 45-70 years of age in Stockholm County from 1992 through 1994. We selected referent subjects from the population to match the demographic characteristics of the cases. A lifetime history of occupations was obtained by questionnaire. The response rate was 81% for the cases and 74% for the referents, with 1,335 cases and 1,658 referents included in the study. An occupational hygienist assessed occupational exposures, coding the intensity and probability of exposure for each subject. We adjusted relative risk estimates for tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight, and physical inactivity at leisure time. The relative risk of myocardial infarction was 2.11 (95% confidence interval = 1.23-3.60) among those who were highly exposed and 1.42 (95% confidence interval = 1.05-1.92) among those who were intermediately exposed to combustion products from organic material. We observed an exposure-response pattern, in terms of both maximum exposure intensity and cumulative dose. Exposure to dynamite and organic solvents was possibly associated with an increased risk. The other exposures were not consistently associated with myocardial infarction.

Objectives This study investigated the effect of lifelong physical load from work on the development of knee osteoarthrosis (OA) leading to prosthetic surgery among men and women. Methods In a population-based case-referent study, men and women (N=625) who had had prosthetic surgery due to primary tibiofemoral OA were compared with referents (N=548) as to job titles and exposure to physical load in occupational work, housework, and leisure-time activities from 15 to 50 years of age. Results Male forestry and construction workers, and both male and female farmers ran the highest risk of knee OA. The men had considerably higher exposure to lifting at work, and also to jumps and vibration, than the women. Among the men there was an association between lifting at work [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.6-5.5], squatting or knee bending (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7-4.9), kneeling (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.3), and jumping (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7-4.1) with knee OA. Exposure to physically demanding tasks at home, such as taking care of an elderly or handicapped person, was associated with knee OA among the women (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.6). Conclusion Working as a farmer or as a construction worker could be associated with the development of knee OA and lead to prosthetic surgery. Men and women differ in the quality and quantity of reported physical load and also in the strength of the risk estimates. A reduction of high physical load at work and at home could probably lower the risk of knee OA later in life.

Reuterwall C, Hallqvist J, Ahlbom A, de Faire U, Diderichsen F, Hogstedt C, Pershagen G, Theorell T, Wiman B, Wolk A, the S heep Study Group (National Institute for Working Life; Karolinska Institute; Karolinska Hospital; and National Institute for Psychosocial Factors and Health, Solna; and the Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden). Higher relative, but lower absolute risks of myocardial infarction in women than in men: analysis of some major risk factors in the S heep study. J Intern Med 1999; 246: 161–174. Objectives. Middle-aged men have often been the subjects of multifactorial studies of myocardial infarction (MI) risk factors. One major objective of the S heep study was to compare the effects of different MI risk factors in women and men. Design. S heep (Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program) is a population-based case-referent study of causes of MI (first event) in Swedish women and men aged 45–70 years. During the period 1992–94, 2246 cases of MI were identified; 34% of the cases were women and 27% of the cases were fatal. One referent per case was chosen randomly from the Stockholm County population after stratification for the case’s sex and age. Logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risks associated with risk factors of primary interest (diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia , hypertension, overweight, physical inactivity, smoking and job strain). Results. The relative risk estimates ranged from 1.5 to 4.4 in women and from 1.3 to 2.9 in men (results for nonfatal cases and their referents). None of the 95% confidence intervals included 1.0. The relative risks were higher in the women than in the men (101–180%). The absolute risks, however, were all lower in the women than in the men. Estimates of Rothman’s synergy index for gender ranged from 1.0 (hypertension) to 1.8 (current smoking). Conclusions. The indications of some effect modification due to sex (stronger risks in men for certain exposures) invoke the question of possible mechanisms.

Collaborative occupational health and safety studies between counterparts in developing and developed countries and between developing countries have demonstrated their potential for improving occupational health and safety. Such collaboration in occupational health and safety is encouraged in the development of infrastructure in research empowerment and capacity building. This action includes the setting of priorities, the identification and documentation of problems, sponsorship, data bases and surveillance systems, technical support, methodology, publishing, research and training programs, controlled intervention, information exchange, and networking. Examples of priorities in occupational health and safety in the developing world include the informal sector (informally hired and independent workers), temporary work, pesticides, accidents, dusts, carcinogens, solvents, ergonomics, women and child labor, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiencey syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and transfer of hazardous materials and technologies. The sustainability of occupational health and safety structures and functions in the developing countries is a primary concern. Socioethical principles emphasize local, national, mutual and global gains. Examples of collaboration are given. Pervasive problems and strategies toward their solution are highlighted.

Objectives A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between respiratory health and paraquat exposure. Methods The study population was selected from among workers at 15 Nicaraguan banana plantations which relied on paraquat for the control of weeds. All the workers were interviewed after they received their job assignment for the day of the survey, and all who reported never having applied paraquat and all who reported more than 2 years of cumulative exposure as applicators of paraquat with knapsack sprayers were invited for medical evaluation. One hundred and thirty-four exposed workers and 152 unexposed workers were administered a questionnaire interview asking about exposure and respiratory symptoms, and they underwent spirometric testing of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Results In the exposed group 53% reported having experienced a skin rash or burn resulting from paraquat exposure, 25% reported epistaxis, 58% nail damage, and 42% paraquat splashed in the eyes. There was a consistent dose-response relationship between intensity of exposure (as indicated by a history of skin rash or burn) and the prevalence of dyspnea. This relationship was more marked for more severe dyspnea. There was a 3-fold increase in episodic wheezing accompanied by shortness of breath among the more intensely exposed workers. There was no relationship between exposure and FEV1.0 or FVC. Conclusion The high prevalence of respiratory symptoms associated with exposure, in the absence of spirometric abnormalities associated with exposure, could be a result of unmeasured gas exchange abnormalities among workers with long-term exposure to paraquat.

This study analyzes the exposure circumstances of 15 fatal occupational paraquat poisonings. To evaluate the potential danger of dermal absorption and the amount needed to produce a fatal outcome in the event of oral intake, we reviewed the medical records and autopsy protocols and interviewed relatives. Five fatalities were due to ingestion of a mouthful of paraquat concentrate, and five to intake of a smaller amount; three cases were associated with dermal exposure, and in two, there was no evidence of either oral or dermal exposure. Several cases concerned diluted paraquat spray. The clinical and pathomorphological findings, including a "blinded" evaluation of lung slides, were consistent with paraquat poisoning in all cases. Difficulties in establishing the diagnosis and recognizing the exposure were identified, as well as classification of unintentional poisonings as suicides at autopsy. The findings suggest that paraquat may cause fatal poisonings by ingestion of small amounts, by dermal absorption of diluted paraquat, and possibly by inhalation. More conclusive studies are warranted.

Objective The objective of this study was to provide an extended follow-up of workers in three Swedish plants producing man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) Methods Mortality and cancer incidence was investigated among 3539 male and female workers, employed for at least one year before 1978. Mortality was followed from 1952 to 1990 and cancer incidence from 1958 to 1989. National and regional mortality and cancer incidence rates were used to calculate expected numbers. Results Twenty-seven lung cancer deaths were observed compared to 23 expected (standardized mortality ratio 117, 95% confidence interval 81--176), based on regional mortality. With a latency of 30 years, the lung cancer risk was significantly elevated, but no trend was found for the standardized mortality ratio with increasing duration of exposure to MMVF. The lung cancer and stomach cancer mortality was higher in the rock wool plants than in the fiber glass industry. Fiber exposure from 1938 to 1990 was estimated in the two rock wool plants by applying a model for historical fiber exposure estimation, specific for different job titles in the rock wool production industry. No relationship was found between individually cumulated rock wool fiber exposure and lung cancer nor stomach cancer risk. Conclusion The numbers of lung cancers and stomach cancer cases were low and did not therefore allow more general conclusion regarding the cancer hazard for exposed workers. A large European study in progress will probably allow more precise conclusions.

bases in Occupational Health. International Commission of Occupational Health, Geneva, Switzerland, 1987 (updated 1993). 174 pp. 22. Takalaj, Clevenstine E, FedotovI, Nahmias M,Obadia I, Sandi G .. Sources of information in occupational health practice. In jeyaratnam j (ed). Occupational Health in Developing Countries. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1992, pp 450-71. 23. Wood N, Philipp R, Colley]. On-line medical database searching. j Soc Occup Med. 1988:38(3):73-6. 24. Mrican Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, ILO /CIS, Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland, Vol. 1, 1991,424 pp. 25. SengeP. The Fifth Discipline-The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York: Doubleday/Currency, 1990. 26. Engestrom Y. Training for Change. New approach to Instruction and Learning in Working. Life. International Labour Office, Geneva, Switzerland, 1994, 148 pp. 27. Takala]' Safety and Health Information Systems: Analysis of Local National and Global Methods. Tampere. University Qf Technology Publ. 109, Tampere, Internati nal Labour Office, Geneva, 1992,247 pp.

Background: An epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause has emerged along the Pacific coast of Central America, particularly in relatively young male sugarcane workers. In El Salvador, we examined residence and occupations at different altitudes as surrogate risk factors for heat stress. Study Design: Cross-sectional population-based survey. Setting & Participants: Populations aged 20-60 years of 5 communities in El Salvador, 256 men and 408 women (participation, 73%): 2 coastal communities with current sugarcane and past cotton production and 3 communities above 500 m with sugarcane, coffee, and service-oriented economies. Predictor: Participant sex, age, residence, occupation, agricultural history by crop and altitude, and traditional risk factors for CKD. Outcomes: Serum creatinine (SCr) level greater than the normal laboratory range for sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Swedish voters' support for the labor movement has decreased from about 50 percent to less than 40 percent in recent decades, with a resulting loss of the majority in parliament. Over the same period, capitalism has undergone profound changes—transfer of production across borders, the huge growth and ultra-rapid movement of financial capital, and subordination of social welfare to the interests of profit. A new phase in the development of capitalism can be detected: from welfare capitalism to financial capitalism. Large parts of the public sector have been privatized by both conservative and labor governments, even while retaining public funding. The social gaps grow, and a new line of conflict is emerging in the values and interests that should govern care-taking, schools, and living conditions. The labor movement's ideological and scientific analyses have taken a backseat to liberal-conservative think tanks. An effective response to financial capitalism, transnational production chains, and European integration will require trade union and political actions across national borders to strengthen the power resources in the hands of the majority of the population, so as to counter the increasingly destructive powers of capitalism.

Objectives We extended a cohort study of Swedish chimney sweeps and prolonged follow-up in order to increase power and study those first employed after 1950 when oil began to replace wood as a main fuel for heating in Sweden. Methods Male Swedish chimney sweeps who were members of the national trade union in 1981–2006 were identified (n=1087) and included to a previous cohort of those employed in 1918–1980 (n=5287). All employment histories were updated, and the total extended cohort (n=6374) was linked to the registers of Causes of Death and Total Population and followed for mortality from 1952 through 2006. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated using the Swedish male population as reference. Results 1841 observed deaths resulted in an SMR for all causes of deaths of 1.29 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.36). Mortality was significantly increased for all malignant tumours, oesophageal cancer, bowel cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, alcoholism, ischaemic heart disease, non-malignant respiratory diseases, liver cirrhosis, external causes and suicides. The lung cancer SMR remained increased, although attenuated, after adjustment for group-level smoking data, SMR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.89). Duration of employment showed no consistent evidence of dose–response associations. Alcohol-related deaths (liver cirrhosis and alcoholism) were not increased among those employed >30 years. Mortality among those employed after 1950 was similar to that of the entire cohort. Conclusions Chimney sweeps are exposed to high levels of toxic substances in the occupation, but excess alcohol and smoking habits were also observed, and the results must be interpreted cautiously. However, group-level data on tobacco smoking indicated that the lung cancer excess only to some extent could be explained by smoking habits, and the increased mortality from oesophageal cancer and ischaemic heart disease among chimney sweeps employed >30 years is less likely to be caused by excess alcohol habits.

In light of the above disturbing facts, we appeal to you, as you are about to leave on a trade mission to India, to show the integrity and honor that the world expects of Quebec. We ask that you listen to the overwhelming evidence put forward by independent health experts, including your own Quebec health experts, and not succumb to the political lobbying of the asbestos industry. We call on you, as well as the leaders of the other Quebec political parties, to end Quebec’s export of asbestos, to stop funding the Chrysotile Institute, to support the listing of chrysotile asbestos under the UN Rotterdam Convention, to assist the last 340 asbestos miners and their community with economic diversification, and to address the asbestos disease epidemic in Quebec. We thank you for giving our request your consideration and look forward with hope and anticipation to receiving your response.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the survey methodology and initial general findings of the first Central American Survey of Working Conditions and Health. METHODS: A representative sample of 12 024 workers was interviewed at home in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Questionnaire items addressed worker demographics, employment conditions, occupational risk factors and self-perceived health. RESULTS: Overall, self-employment (37%) is the most frequent type of employment, 8% of employees lack a work contract and 74% of the workforce is not covered by social security. These percentages are higher in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, and lower in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua. A third of the workforce works more than 48 h per week, regardless of gender; this is similar across countries. Women and men report frequent or usual exposures to high ambient temperature (16% and 25%, respectively), dangerous tools and machinery (10%, 24%), work on slippery surfaces (10%, 23%), breathing chemicals (12.1%, 18%), handling toxic substances (5%, 12.1%), heavy loads (6%, 20%) and repetitive movements (43%, 49%). Two-thirds of the workforce perceive their health as being good or very good, and slightly more than half reports having good mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The survey offers, for the first time, comparable data on the work and health status of workers in the formal and informal economy in the six Spanish-speaking Central American countries, based on representative national samples. This provides a benchmark for future monitoring of employment and working conditions across countries.

We appreciate Ventres' observations and share his goal to reduce CKD incidence "by occupational, environmental, and health-related reforms that make this work [agricultural labor] more humane." In our summary of the workshop on the Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN) in San Jose, Costa Rica, November 2012, we also noted the need for a broad understanding of the epidemic and we call readers' attention to the full report(1) that details the comprehensive discussion of the epidemic including the issues raised by Ventres. In the workshop, we took account of the several points raised in his letter, but in our editorial we wished to call special attention to the growing evidence of heat stress and dehydration as an essential cofactor in a likely multifactorial disease etiology. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 16, 2014: e1. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301803). (Less)