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Healthcare workers have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and dermatitis, likely related to cleaning/disinfecting agents. The aim of this study was to identify work tasks and cleaning/disinfecting agents associated with respiratory symptoms and hand dermatitis among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital. Cleaning agent usage, respiratory symptoms and skin symptoms were recorded by participants using a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. Age and sex adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to examine associations between job tasks, exposures, respiratory, and skin outcomes. Two hundred and thirty healthcare workers who were exposed to cleaning agents were compared with 77 who had no, or minimal, exposure. Exposed workers had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18–4.14) and skin symptoms (adjusted OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.00 − 3.17). Washing instruments manually, using aerosol products, cleaning operating rooms, cleaning sanitary rooms, preparing disinfectants, and filling devices with cleaning products were cleaning tasks associated with various respiratory symptoms. Bleach was the only cleaning agent associated with a respiratory symptom: tightness in the chest (unadjusted OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.01–6.89) but statistical significance did not persist after adjustment for age and sex. Hand dermatitis was associated with actual disinfecting tasks (adjusted OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.10–4.66). Bleach was the only cleaning agent significantly associated with hand dermatitis (adjusted OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.32–5.13). This study provides insight into possible work tasks that need interventions to reduce or prevent respiratory and skin symptoms in healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of occupational hydrofluoric acid exposure is presented, accentuating the importance of eliciting an occupational history during the initial emergency department evaluation. Patients who present with major hydrofluoric acid burns are at risk for systemic complications, including potentially fatal hypocalcemia. Information regarding the accident and workplace circumstances may well allow the physician to anticipate the exposed patient's course. These patients should be considered occupational index cases that will require follow up by government occupational health services. Identification of potential hazards, risk assessment and enforcement of recommendations for change (such as engineering controls, personal protective equipment, education) may be key to preventing similar injuries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to wood dust and other chemicals used in particleboard manufacture may cause contact dermatitis. To assess the prevalence and nature of skin complaints in the refining and drying department of a particleboard manufacturing facility following introduction of a new process, workers were assessed by a physician, using a standardized questionnaire concerning symptoms, past and family history, workplace exposures, and use of protective equipment. Cutaneous examination and patch testing were then performed. Questionnaire results showed that workers complained of rash, nasal and eye irritation, as well as cough and bothersome odours. Cutaneous examination identified a heterogeneity of skin problems, with dermatitis being mainly irritant rather than allergic. Quaternium-15 (Dowicil 200) was the only allergen to which more than 1 individual reacted. Aside from the odours, exposure to wood dust could account for the other reported symptoms. Allergic reactions on patch testing were few and did not explain the dermatitis; most skin reactions were irritant. Recommendations to the company included improved dust control, through ventilation and personal hygiene measures, as well as protective clothing. The investigation highlights how the introduction of a new process may focus attention on health complaints that have been present for some time before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features a study which focused on the methods of auditing occupational health and safety management systems in the paper and pulp industry of Canada. Methodology; Results and discussions.

Describes a case of peripheral sensory neuropathy in a woman who had daily exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Development of a perioral tingling and burning sensation in the tongue; Association between exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane and acute central nervous system depression.

Presents the results of an attempt to replicate the Zeigarnik effect in a sample of mentally retarded persons. Subjects' greater recall for unfinished tasks; Applicability of the theory of tension to mental retardates.

This paper presents the methods and findings of a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Independent Living Management (RRTC-ILM) study which identifies the profile of an effective center for independent living (CIL) as seen by CIL stakeholders, with a focus on structural elements and expected outcomes. This study represents an initial phase of a larger RRTC-ILM project that seeks to identify CIL management practices with a view toward helping the centers identify training needs. Five hundred and eighty-eight (588) stakeholders participated in the study representing CIL board members, executive directors, staff, volunteers, consumers and funders. Their responses, collected in focus groups and via telephone interviews, were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings include nine management categories into which stakeholder-perceived elements clustered. Consumer Involvement emerged as a category distinct to CILs and showed the importance of consumer control in the organization. Outcomes found to be important to stakeholders were congruent with the management categories that were important to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 3D printers using polylactic acid (PLA) filaments at a university workroom to assess exposure and health risks in an occupational setting. Under typical-case (one printer) and worst-case (three printers operating simultaneously) scenarios, particulate concentration (total and respirable), VOCs and formaldehyde were measured. Air samples were collected in the printing room and adjacent hallway. Size-resolved levels of nano-diameter particles were also collected in the printing room. Total particulate levels were higher in the worst-case scenario (0.7 mg/m3) vs. typical-case scenario (0.3 mg/m3). Respirable particulate and formaldehyde concentrations were similar between the two scenarios. Size-resolved measurements showed that most particles ranged from approximately 27 to 116 nm. Total VOC levels were approximately 6-fold higher during the worst-case scenario vs. typical situation with isopropyl alcohol being the predominant VOC. Airborne concentrations in the hallway were generally lower than inside the printing room. All measurements were below their respective occupational exposure limits. In summary, emissions of particulates and VOCs increased when multiple 3D printers were operating simultaneously. Airborne levels in the adjacent hallway were similar between the two scenarios. Overall, data suggest a low risk of significant and persistent adverse health effects. Nevertheless, the health effects attributed to 3D printing are not fully known and adherence to good hygiene principles is recommended during use of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorhexidine skin allergy was defined as having a clinical history suggestive of chlorhexidine-associated contact urticaria/pruritus (ie a rash or pruritus occurring within 20 minutes of chlorhexidine exposure) and at least one positive allergy test, similarly to previously described methods.[7] Exposure was categorized as either the use of the agent(s) as replacement(s) for chlorhexidine due to adverse skin symptoms from chlorhexidine or in conjunction with chlorhexidine use (ie participants did not have adverse skin symptoms with chlorhexidine warranting its discontinuation). Ten haemodialysis patients and one nurse had a clinical history suggesting likely contact urticaria/pruritus to chlorhexidine ( I P i = 0.01); one patient and one nurse had a concurrent history of likely chlorhexidine-induced contact urticaria/pruritus and a positive SPT response (5% and 3% of the patients and nurses tested). Despite the high prevalence of skin symptoms reported with contact to chlorhexidine among haemodialysis patients, only one patient was determined to be allergic to chlorhexidine; this may suggest that mild skin symptoms to chlorhexidine exposure are common but not a reliable sign of chlorhexidine allergy. [Extracted from the article]