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Background: In-situ burning (ISB) could be an effective cleanup method during spills. This study aims to study occupational exposure to pollutants emitted from offshore, large-scale ISB-experiments among personnel on vessels involved in ISB. Materials and methods: Six experimental ISBs after release of 4.2–6 m3 crude or refined oils were performed. Air measurements on three vessels were taken of particulate matter (PM) of different size fractions, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Results: One vessel was located upwind (about 80–140 m) from the burning oil while two work boats were positioned 200–400 m downwind. One of the work boats moved back and forth transverse to the smoke plume while the other followed the edge of the smoke plume downwind. During the burn period (28–63 min) the range of mean concentrations of PM2.5 particles in the closest work boat downwind from the burn (0.068–0.616 mg/m3) was considerably higher than in the upwind vessel (0.0198–0.029 mg/m3) and in the work boat moving downwind at the edge of the visible smoke (0.007–0.078 mg/m3). The particles were mainly in the PM

Background: Cancer in Africa is an emerging public health problem that needs urgent preventive measures, particularly in workplaces where exposure to carcinogens may occur. In Tanzania, the incidence rate of cancer and mortality rates due to cancers are increasing, with approximately 50,000 new cases each year. This is estimated to double by 2030. Methods: Our hospital-based cross-sectional study describes the characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with head and neck or esophageal cancer from the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Tanzania. We used an ORCI electronic system to extract secondary data for these patients. Results: According to the cancer registration, there were 611 head and neck and 975 esophageal cancers recorded in 2019–2021. Two-thirds of these cancer patients were male. About 25% of the cancer patients used tobacco and alcohol, and over 50% were involved in agriculture. Conclusion: Descriptions of 1586 head and neck cancer patients and esophageal cancer patients enrolled in a cancer hospital in Tanzania are given. The information may be important for designing future studies of these cancers and may be of value in the development of cancer prevention measures.

Background: Pesticide use in Ethiopia has become a common practice in which large-scale flower farms are the main consumers. Workers on flower farms might be exposed to pesticides while spraying or while performing other tasks related to pesticide use and management. It is unclear whether working as a flower farm sprayer is associated with respiratory health problems. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare respiratory symptoms and lung function indices between pesticide sprayers and non-spraying workers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 flower farms, involving all-male sprayers as the pesticide-exposed group and all other male workers as a control group. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire for respiratory symptoms developed by the British Medical Research Council and the American Thoracic Society. Lung function tests were performed to determine forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), mid 50 expiratory flow, and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC. Chi-squared tests and Poisson regression analyses were used to compare respiratory symptoms between the two working groups. General linear regression models were used to compare lung function test indices between spraying and non-spraying working groups. The significance level was set to 0.05. Results: A total of 285 male workers participated (152 sprayers and 133 non-spraying workers). The mean age of the workers was 25 years for sprayers and 24 years for non-sprayers. The proportions of cough, cough with sputum, breathlessness, and wheezing were similar in the two groups, while chest tightness was significantly high in the non-spraying group. Sprayers had significantly higher FVC and FEV1 than the non-spraying group. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms were not different between the sprayers and non-spraying workers except that the non-spraying workers had increased chest tightness. FVC and FEV1 were significantly higher among sprayers relative to non-sprayers. The results must be interpreted with caution, as the sprayers used respiratory protective equipment, which probably reduced their exposure to the pesticides. Also, the workers were young, and a healthy worker effect might be present among the sprayers.

The aim of this study was to determine personal exposure to inhalable dust and endotoxin levels among workers in an integrated cotton-processing textile factory and exposure variability across the different work sections. Full shift measurements were carried out using inhalable conical samplers with 37 mm glass-fiber filters. Personal inhalable dust was determined gravimetrically, and endotoxin levels were analyzed by kinetic chromogenic Limulus Amebocytes Lysate assay. The geometric means of personal dust and endotoxin concentrations were 0.75 mg·m−3 and 831 EU·m−3, respectively. The highest dust and endotoxin concentrations were observed in carding section (1.34 mg·m−3 and 6,381 EU·m−3, respectively). Altogether, 11% of dust and 89% of endotoxin samples exceeded workplace exposure limits. This study showed a moderate correlation between inhalable dust and endotoxin (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that low dust exposure does not guarantee a low exposure to endotoxin.

ObjectivesThis study examined the association between night shift work and risk of breast cancer, overall and by hormone receptor subtype, among females in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort. We also examined the association of coexposure (chlorinated degreasers and benzene) and breast cancer risk, and possible interaction with work schedule.DesignProspectively recruited case-cohort study within the NOPW cohort.SettingFemale offshore petroleum workers active on the Norwegian continental shelf.Participants600 female workers (86 cases and 514 non-cases) were included in the study. We excluded workers that died or emigrated before start of follow-up, had missing work history, were diagnosed with breast cancer or other prior malignancy (except non-melanoma skin cancer) before start of follow-up.ResultsNo overall association was found between breast cancer risk and work schedule (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.46 for work schedule involving night shift vs day shift only). There was no significant association between work schedule and risk of any breast cancer subtype. No significant interactions were found between work schedule and chemical coexposures (breast cancer overall Pinteraction chlorinated degreasers=0.725 and Pinteraction benzene=0.175).ConclusionsOur results did not provide supporting evidence that work schedule involving night shift affects breast cancer risk in female offshore petroleum workers, but should be considered cautiously due to few cases. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

In situ burning (ISB) is an oil spill response technique including ignition and burning to remove oil on the water surface. The technique rapidly and effectively removes large portions of the oil. However, the combustion process causes a large smoke plume and leaves a viscous residue in the water. During six large-scale experimental burns in the North Sea in 2018 and 2019, the smoke plume, released oil and contained residues were analysed. The objectives were to document the content of particles and gases in the smoke plume, properties of both the released oils and residues, and the effectiveness of the burns. Oseberg crude oil, Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO), Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO180) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) were released into a fire-boom and ignited. Particles and gases in the smoke plume were monitored using drones with several sensors. Soot particle monitoring indicated that more than 90% of the particles produced during the burns were 90% for MGO, and

Coffee workers respiratory health problems, found to be associated with dust exposure in the coffee factories, but the content of the dust is not well known. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the microbial contamination of coffee in dry and wet coffee process, from four farms in two regions of Ethiopia. A total of 36 samples of coffee were collected for laboratory investigation. The microbial load in the dry process ranged from 6.9 × 10

Background: Workers in iron and steel factories in Tanzania are exposed to noise levels above recommended limit values, without using hearing protection devices. Exposure to noise levels above 85 dB(A) is associated with temporary threshold shifts (TTS) of human hearing. Nevertheless, there are few studies of noise and hearing from African countries. Objective: To determine whether the normal hearing workers in Tanzania experiences TTS after full-shift occupational noise exposure of 85 dB(A) and above. Methods: A total of 55 workers were included. Full-shift personal noise measurements were conducted. Pre- and post-shifts pure-tone audiometry were conducted for each worker. TTS was defined as a 10 dB or greater change at 1000, 2000, 3000 or 4000 Hz in either ear. Results: We found that 85.5% of the workers developed TTS across the work shift. There was significant increase in mean hearing thresholds across shift at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz among the workers exposed to an average personal noise exposure (LAeq,8h) of 90.4 dB(A) (SD = 2.7). The difference in mean hearing thresholds was higher at 4000 Hz [Arithmetic Mean (AM) = 10 dB SD = 4 dB] compared to that of 1000 Hz (AM = 4 dB SD = 3 dB), 2000 Hz (AM = 4 dB SD = 4 dB), and 3000 Hz (AM = 9 dB SD = 6 dB), respectively. Conclusions: Interventions to reduce occupational personal noise exposure are warranted to reduce the high risk of developing a permanent threshold shift with persistent high noise exposure. An intervention study is planned for this group of workers. publishedVersion

Objectives To assess the hazard of tool vibrations, we need valid exposure measurements. The use of hand-attached accelerometers (vibration sensors) to measure hand-arm vibrations (HAVs) has become a popular approach. However, according to International Standard ISO 5349-2, the preferred attachment of accelerometers is at the tool handle. We compared measures of HAV between hand- and tool-attached accelerometers in rock drilling. Methods We measured HAV in five rock drillers using jackleg drills in normal working operations with simultaneous measures of both hand-attached and tool-attached accelerometers. Five to seven measurement cycles of 15 s were executed on each worker, resulting in a total of 29 measurement cycles. To identify possible differences in working technique, we recorded videos of tool handle handgrips during drilling. Results There was a significant difference (9.5 m s−2; P ≤ 0.05) in vibration magnitudes measured by the tool-attached accelerometers compared with the hand-attached accelerometers. The hand-attached accelerometer showed a lower vibration magnitude for all workers (range of difference: 2.3–14.6). The variation between the two accelerometer attachments was larger between workers than within workers (ICC = 0.68). Conclusions For measurements of HAV from jackleg drills, the use of hand-attached accelerometers may cause a lower recorded vibration level compared with tool-attached accelerometers. This difference is likely to vary depending on how workers grip the tool handle, and a misclassification of exposure will occur if workers grip the tool handle in a way that makes the accelerometer lose contact with the vibrating surface. Individual differences in how workers grip the tool handles should be considered when assessing HAV.

Background Textile and garment factories are growing in low and middle-income countries as worldwide demand for inexpensive clothing increases each year. These integrated textile and garment production factories are often built-in areas with few workplaces and environmental regulations, and employees can be regularly exposed to workplace hazards with little regulatory oversight. Consequently, workers’ health may be significantly affected due to long term exposure to hazards. This study describes registered health problems and their association to work-related and personal factors among workers in integrated textile factories in Ethiopia. Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed for this analysis. A one-year recording of worker’s clinical diagnoses (between March 2016 and February 2017) was gathered from the factory clinics of three integrated textile factories. Clinical diagnosis data was obtained as factory workers visited the clinics if feeling unwell. Sociodemographic characteristics and work-related information were obtained from the factory’s human resource departments. The sociodemographic and clinical diagnosis statuses of 7992 workers were analyzed. The association between the registered diagnoses and workplace factors (work in textile production, garment production and support process) and personal factors (age, sex and educational status) were studied using logistic regression analysis. Results The average employee age and years of service were 40 years and 11 years respectively. 60% of workers were females, comprising of 4778 women. 66% of all workers (5276) had 27,320 clinical diagnoses. In total, this caused 16,993 absent working days due to sick leave. Respiratory diseases (34%) and musculoskeletal disorders (29%) were the most prevalent diagnoses, while bodily injuries were the cause of most work absences. Work department, sex and educational status are variables that were most significantly associated with higher prevalence of disease groups. Conclusions About two-thirds of the integrated textile factory workers were diagnosed with different types of disease. The textile and garment production department workers were affected at a greater rate than the support process workers, indicating that some diseases may be related to workplace exposure. Further study should investigate rare chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, renal diseases and diabetes.

Background: Although provision of sanitary facilities in workplaces is an important issue, very few studies have been undertaken in this regard. Objective: This study assessed the provision of sanitary facilities for market traders and their perceptions of the provided facilities in Lusaka district Zambia. Methods: A cross-sectional study of workplace observations in 12 randomly selected markets and interviews with 386 traders, conducted in Lusaka district. Findings: The study revealed that eleven of the twelve markets provided toilets, hand-washing and drying facilities, water, urinals, soap, and toilet paper. However, most of the markets did not comply with the Zambian laws in terms of the adequacy and privacy of facilities. One market did not have any of the listed facilities. Most traders perceived facilities to be unsatisfactory and used them only because of the lack of alternatives. Poor provision of sanitary facilities was observed at markets thus predisposing its workforce and trading population to multiple public health hazards. Conclusions: The findings of this study call for urgent investments in sanitary structures and surveillance systems to guarantee the safety of the population and to promote the health of market traders as well as the community at large. publishedVersion

Background: Textile and garment factories are growing in low and middle-income countries; integrated textile and garment production factories are developing, where workers are exposed to dust and dangerous, noisy machines in the work environment. Hence, workers' health might be affected negatively due to exposure to different occupational hazards. However, the health condition of workers in this sector is not adequately investigated. The aim of this study is to describe the registered diagnoses of health problems and their association to work-related and personal factors among workers in integrated textile factories in Ethiopia. Methods: A one year recording of worker’s clinical diagnoses (between March 2016 and February 2017) was gathered from the respective factory clinics in three integrated textile factories. Sociodemographic characteristics and work-related information is obtained from the factory’s human resource departments. The association between the registered diagnoses and work-related factors (work in textile production, garment production and support department) and personal factors (age, gender and educational status) were studied using logistic regression analyses.Results: The socio-demographic and clinical diagnosis statuses of 7992 workers are analyzed. The average of workers' age and years of service is 40 years and 11 years, respectively. Majority 4778(60%) of workers are females; a total of 5276 (66%) of workers had 27320 clinical diagnoses; in total this causes 16993 working days lost due to sick leave. Respiratory diseases (34%) and musculoskeletal disorders (29%) were the most prevalent diagnoses, while injuries cause most of the days of work absence. Work department, gender and educational status are the variables that are significantly associated with several disease groups.Conclusions: About two-thirds of the integrated textile factory workers were diagnosed with different types of diseases. The textile and garment production department workers were more affected than the support department workers, indicating that some of the diseases are related to work in these departments. Further study should investigate the occurrence of rare chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, renal diseases and diabetics in relation with workers exposure profile.

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We assessed Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding occupational noise exposure, Noise-induced hearing loss, audiometry and use of hearing protection devices among iron and steel factory workers exposed to high noise level. A modified, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 253 male workers randomly selected from the four factories. The sum scores for each domain of KAP were computed. Scores above 75% were defined as good knowledge and positive attitude. For practice, scores of >50% were defined as good. Independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test were used to analyze association between KAP and continuous/categorical variables respectively. Majority of workers displayed poor knowledge and poor practice (94%), but 76% displayed a positive attitude. Most of the workers (86%) had never been provided with hearing protection devices. The mean scores for attitude and practice differed significantly between the four factories (one-way ANOVA, p

Volcanic rock for use as building material is mined extensively in the North Eastern Region of Tanzania. Dust emitted from the rock may contain harmful elements such as crystalline silica, arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), boron (B) and mercury (Hg) which might contribute to severity and onset of health symptoms. Objective: This study assessed respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide as a marker for respiratory inflammation in relation to dust exposure among workers in different job sections in volcanic block mining. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed a total of 135 workers in which 70 were exposed and 65 none exposed. The mining activities are mainly manual, and include cutting of blocks underground, transporting blocks to the shaping area, shaping blocks, loading blocks and aggregates (Murom) to vehicles and clearing or expanding the site. Respiratory health questionnaires were administered through face–to-face interviews. A total of 28 samples of “total” dust were collected around the breathing zone of the workers using SKC Sidekick pump (model 224–50) with a flow rate of 2.0 l/min. FE NO assessed respiratory system inflammation using a portable electrochemistry-based sensor (NIOX MINO). Findings: The overall arithmetic mean concentration of personal total dust exposure among the workers was 4.37 mg/m 3 (range 0.15-20.84). The prevalence of acute cough and red eyes were significantly higher among exposed than among non exposed (35% vs 10% and 45% vs 14%, respectively). The ANOVA Boniferroni test showed a significant difference in mean FENO between stone cutters and none exposed (P = 0.005). Conclusions: This study suggests the strong association between working as a stone cutting and shaping with respiratory inflammation. There is a need for respiratory mask type P2 use to protect workers from the exposure. There is also need for the follow up study involving cohorts of all workers happened to be in the mine.

Background: Excess skin cancer mortality and incidence have been reported among both land-based and offshore petroleum workers. The association between skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure has not been examined in these workers, although they have long off-duty periods and high average income that may allow travelling to sunny destinations. In addition, they have access to solariums free of charge on many accommodation platforms. Aims: To prospectively examine risk of incident cutaneous melanoma (CM) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), according to sun-tanning habits with adjustment for aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. Methods: A cohort of men employed offshore from 1965 to 1999 was linked through the Cancer Registry of Norway 1999–2012. Cox regression adapted to a stratified case-cohort design was used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The cohort included 24917 men. During 13.5 years of follow-up, 112 CMs and 70 NMSCs occurred. A positive dose–response relationship was seen between sunburn frequency and risk of CM (Ptrend < 0.05) and NMSC (Ptrend < 0.01). Solarium use both before and after age 20 was related to increased risk of NMSC. Sunscreen use was associated with increased risk of NMSC (Ptrend < 0.001). Conclusions: UVR exposure seems to be a significant contributor to the elevated risk of skin cancer observed in North Sea offshore workers. The positive association between solarium use and NMSC risk adds to the growing body of literature on artificial UV devices as carcinogenic. This research has been published in Occupational Medicine. © 2017 Oxford University Press

Background: We prospectively examined skin cancer risk according to occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons with adjustment for ultraviolet radiation exposure, in a cohort of 24 917 male offshore petroleum workers. Methods: Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with Cox regression adapted to a stratified case‐cohort design. Results: During 13.5 years of follow‐up, 112 cutaneous melanomas (CMs) and 70 non‐melanoma skin cancers were identified. Increased risks of CM and of squamous cell carcinoma on the forearm and hand were seen among those ever exposed to crude oil or benzene. For skin cancers of the forearm and hand combined, cumulative and duration metrics of benzene exposure showed Ptrends of 0.031 and 0.003, respectively. Conclusions: Our results support an association between exposure to crude oil or benzene and skin cancer risk on hands and forearms among offshore petroleum workers. Dermal uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or benzene may explain this association. This research has been published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. © 2017 Wiley

We aimed to characterize bakers' personal exposure to airborne flour dust with respect to the health-related aerosol fractions inhalable, extrathoracic, and thoracic dust, and to examine possible production-related determinants of dust exposure. Sixty-eight bakers from 7 bakeries in Bergen, Norway (2009-2012) participated in the exposure assessment, comprising full-shift personal samples of inhalable dust (n = 107) and thoracic dust (n = 61). The relation between possible determinants and exposure was estimated using mixed effects models, while associations between the various aerosol fractions across task groups and type of bakeries were described by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Bakers' overall geometric mean personal exposure to inhalable, extrathoracic, and thoracic dust were 2.6 mg/m3 (95% CI: 2.0, 3.2), 2.2 mg/m3 (95% CI: 1.9, 2.7), and 0.33 mg/m3 (95% CI 0.3, 0.4), respectively. A total of 29% of the measurements of inhalable dust were above the Norwegian Occupational Exposure Limit of 3 mg/m3. The exposure variability of inhalable dust could not be explained by any of the examined production-related determinants, while the daily production volume explained 18% of the variance in thoracic dust exposure. Overall, the thoracic dust represented 15% of the inhalable dust, being rather stable across the production-related determinants. The overall correlation between inhalable and thoracic dust was nevertheless moderate (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), with the highest correlation for craft bakers (r = 0.62) and no correlation during dough forming (r = 0.01). Bakers are exposed to flour dust at a level that most likely represents an excess risk of developing chronic diseases of the respiratory system, and a decrease of present exposure level is imperative. Extrathoracic dust-likely the most relevant sub-fraction in respect to flour-induced sensitization and occupational rhinitis-represented the main proportion of the measured inhalable dust. The variation in correlation coefficients between the dust fractions across bakery types and task groups underlines the need of more knowledge about how these aerosol fractions are distributed across the production process and bakery types.

Work in the wood industry might be associated with respiratory health problems. The production of particleboard used for furniture making and construction is increasing in many countries, and cause dust, endotoxin and formaldehyde exposure of the workers. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to measure lung function among Ethiopian particleboard workers using Eucalyptus trees as the raw material. In total 147 workers, 74 from particleboard production and 73 controls, participated in the study. Mean wood dust in the particleboard factories was measured to be above recommended limit values. Particleboard workers had a mean age of 28 years and the controls were 25 years. They had been working for 4 and 2 years, respectively. Lung function test was done using spirometry following American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations. Respiratory symptoms were collected using a standard questionnaire of ATS. Particleboard workers had higher prevalence of wheezing, cough, cough with sputum production, phlegm, and shortness of breath compared to controls. Lung function status was similar in the two groups. The symptoms might be related to the work in the factories. Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the chronic impact of work in particleboard factories on respiratory health. publishedVersion

Iron and steel factory workers in Tanzania are likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to exposure to high sound levels. Studies on hearing status in this population are lacking. The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of NIHL among iron and steel workers and compare hearing thresholds at different frequencies with a control group. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 221 iron and steel workers exposed to average noise level of 92 dB(A), compared with 107 primary school teachers recruited as controls and exposed to average noise level of 79.7 dB(A). We used a questionnaire-based interview to collect information on socio demographic characteristics and other confounding variables. Hearing loss was defined as hearing threshold levels &ge, 25 dB hearing loss in either ear at 3000, 4000 or 6000 Hz. The prevalence of hearing loss was significantly higher among the exposed group than among the controls, i.e. 48% and 31%, respectively. There were significant differences in hearing thresholds between the exposed and control groups at 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. Hearing loss was more frequent among workers exposed to higher noise levels than among the controls suggesting that iron and steel workers run a higher risk of developing hearing loss.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, naphthalene and n-hexane evaporating from a thin oil film was measured for 30 min in a small-scale test system at 2 and 13 °C and the impact of physicochemical properties on airborne benzene with time after bulk oil release was studied. Linear mixed-effects models for airborne benzene in three time periods; first 5, first 15 and last 15 min of sampling, indicated that benzene content in fresh oil, oil group (condensate/light crude oil) and pour point were significant determinants explaining 63–73% of the total variance in the outcome variables. Oils with a high pour point evaporated considerably slower than oils with a low pour point. The mean air concentration of total volatile organic compounds was significatly higher at 13 °C (735 ppm) compared to 2 °C (386 ppm) immediately after release of oil, but at both temperatures the concentration rapidly declined. acceptedVersion

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function among female hand pickers. Methods: A total of 374 hand pickers exposed to coffee dust and 175 female controls from water bottling factories were included. The symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Personal total dust exposure and lung function tests were performed. Results: Hand pickers experienced a higher dust exposure, displayed a higher prevalence ratio for cough [prevalence ratio (PR) = 3.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.4 to 6.2] and work-related shortness of breath (PR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1 to 5.6), and had a lower FEF25–75 than controls. Hand pickers without tables had a significantly higher prevalence ratio of cough with sputum (PR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.6 to 9.5) and lower forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the FVC than hand pickers with tables. Conclusion: Hand pickers show a range of adverse symptoms and lung function impairments that warrant efforts to improve working conditions. publishedVersion

The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate a significant threshold shift (STS) among personnel working on board the Royal Norwegian Navy′s (RNoN) vessels between 2012 and 2014 and to identify possible determinants of STS. Hearing thresholds were measured by pure tone audiometry in two consecutive examinations (n = 226). STS was defined as an average change in hearing thresholds ≥ + 10 dB at 2,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz in either ear. Determinants of STS were assessed through a questionnaire. The incidence of STS was 23.0%. Significant determinants of STS were the number of episodes of temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in the Navy, exposure to continuous loud noise during work on board, and the number of gun shots (in the Navy, hunting, and sports). This study indicated a significant association between noise exposure on board Navy vessels and development of STS.

Chronic respiratory symptoms and reduction in lung function has been described as a common health problem among textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers from an integrated textile factory. A comparative cross-sectional study design with a cross-shift lung function measurement was performed in 306 cotton dust exposed workers from an integrated textile factory and 156 control workers from a water bottling factory. An integrated textile factory typically has four main production departments (spinning, weaving, finishing, and garment) that process raw cotton and manufacture clothes or fabrics. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by adopting the standard American Thoracic Society questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic and linear regression analysis were used. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among textile workers (54%) than in controls (28%). Chronic cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness were significantly higher among textile workers (23%, 33%, and 37%, respectively) than in the control group (5%, 17% and 6%, respectively). Breathlessness was the most prevalent chronic respiratory symptom with highest adjusted odds ratio 9.4 (95% CI 4.4&ndash, 20.3). A significantly higher cross-shift lung function reduction was observed among textile workers (123 mL for FEV1 and 129 mL for FVC) compared with the control group (14 mL for FEV1 and 12 mL for FVC). Thus, workers&rsquo, respiratory health protection programs should be strengthened in textile factories.

The flower industry in East Africa has grown in recent years, especially in the production and export of roses. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use on selected flower farms in Ethiopia. Serum cholinesterase levels in workers were used as a marker of pesticide exposure. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 588 workers from 15 different flower farms. It had a response rate of 95.5%. The participants included 277 males (mean age 26 years, 148 pesticide sprayers and 129 non-sprayers) and 311 females (mean age 25 years, 156 working in greenhouses and 155 working outside the greenhouses). The researchers undertook structured interviews, blood sampling, and walkthrough surveys. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used in the statistical analyses. A total of 154 different trade names of pesticides were found. Of them, 31 (27%) were classified as moderately hazardous by the WHO, and 9% were organophosphates. Serum levels of cholinesterase deviating from 50&ndash, 140 Michel units were considered abnormal. Abnormal serum cholinesterase levels (above 140 Michel units) were found in 97 participants (16.5%, 95% confidence interval 13.7&ndash, 19.7%). There were no differences between the four job groups regarding cholinesterase levels. The high prevalence of abnormal serum cholinesterase levels might indicate the presence of pesticide intoxication. Thus, there is a need for routine monitoring of all workers exposed to pesticides, not only sprayers.

Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess the biological uptake of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for subjects exposed to fresh crude oil released at sea. Methods: The study included 22 subjects participating in an ‘oil-on-water’ field trial in the North Sea. Over 2 consecutive days, there were six releases with two different types of fresh crude oils. Exposed subjects (n = 17) were either located in small, open-air boats downwind and close to the released oil (

Introduction In 2007, an oil tank in an industrial area in Norway exploded and caused a prolonged malodorous pollution. Previous studies have shown that acute physical and psychological health complaints are prevalent in populations recently affected by industrial accidents. However, follow-up studies of human health effects after such accidents are limited, and knowledge about long-term health effects among workers exposed to malodourous emissions following a chemical accident is scarce. The aim of the study was to assess whether subjective health complaints among employees in the industrial area and clean-up workers declined over a four-year period after an oil tank explosion, a period that included removal of the malodorous pollution. Methods A longitudinal survey from 2008 (1 ½ years after the explosion) to 2012 (5 ½ years after the explosion) was performed using the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory, a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed using a linear mixed effects model. Results In 2008, exposed workers (n=147) had significantly more health complaints such as headache, tiredness, sleep problems, dizziness and depression, compared to unexposed controls living far away from the explosion site (n=137). In 2012, there was a reduction of subjective health complaints among the exposed workers, but they still had significantly more subjective neurological symptoms (p Discussion It is likely that the overall decrease of subjective health complaints among exposed workers could be due to decreased exposure to malodorous pollutants or time passed since explosion. However, the persistent subjective neurological complaints might be mediated by perceived pollution and health risk perception. Worry might have caused a chronic effect, manifested by a dysfunctional and persistent neuropsychological response. A possible implication is that quick clean-up of malodorous chemical spills is important to avoid persistent health effects.

Introduction Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is apreventable disease. However, the global burden of NIHL is increasing; especially in developing countries. The prevalence of NIHL among metal industry workers in Sub Saharan countries including Tanzania is not well documented. Methods This study was conducted among male metal industry workers (Exposed, n=226) and Public Primary School teachers (Controls, n=110) between June 2016 and June 2017, in Dar es Salaam. The exposed were from four metal industries (Factory A, n=65; B, n=45; C, n=53; D, n=63). Hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 KHz were examined using Interacoustic AD 226 audiometer. NIHL was defined as hearing threshold levels>25 dB in either ear at 3, 4 and 6 KHz. The WHO classification of hearing loss was used. Results The prevalence of NIHL among exposed was 50% and 47% in the right and left ear, respectively. The highest prevalence was found in factory B(71% and 62%), followed by D(48% and 54%), A(48% and 48%), and the lowest in factory C(37% and 25%) in the right and left ear, respectively. The proportion of mild, moderate and severe NIHL in the right and left ear was 80% and 79%, 20% and 18%, 0% and 2%, respectively. Among controls, the prevalence of NIHL was 31% and 28% in the right and left ear, respectively. The proportion of mild, moderate, severe NIHL in the right and left ear was 86% and 76, 11% and 15%, 3% and 0%, respectively. Nine percent of the controls had profound NIHL in the left ear and none among exposed. Discussion We found high prevalence of NIHL among Tanzanian metal industry workers. Further studies on noise exposure and the determinants for reduced hearing are needed. Establishment of a hearing conservation program in the metal industries seems to be important.

Introduction Oil spill cleanup personnel could be exposed to benzene during cleanup of accidental spill of crude oil at sea. S-Phenyl Mercapturic Acid (SPMA) is reported to be a sensitive urinary marker of exposure to low levels of benzene, but there is a lack of information on biological uptake of benzene during cleanup of oil spills. The aim of this study was to investigate the exposure to benzene during an oil spill by measuring the concentration of SPMA in urine for subjects participating in an oil spill field trial at sea. Methods The study included 22 subjects taking part in an oil spill field trial in the North Sea with two types of fresh crude oil. The subjects were located in open air sampling boats close to the oil slick ( Results SPMA was not detected in the urine samples of subjects wearing protective masks and in the control group. Among the six subjects who reported not to wear protective masks during the spill the concentration of SPMA in urine ranged 0.5–3.3 µmol/mol. They were all located in the boat closest to the oil spill. Discussion We have previously reported that mean personal exposure to benzene in air was 0.43 ppm for the personnel in the boat closest to the oil spill. The present study suggests that work with fresh oil spilled at sea might cause biological uptake of benzene. Appropriate personal respiratory protection should be used to prevent such uptake.

Introduction Exposure to organic dust may lead to decrease in lung function among healthy subjects or development of respiratory symptoms. Studies done among coffee workers reported significant exposure to endotoxins with no evidence of decrease in lung function. The current study aimed at determining seasonal variation of lung function among coffee workers due to endotoxin exposure. Methods The study was done in coffee factory where 30 workers were monitored for one season of coffee processing that is from June 2016 to February 2017. Lung function tests were performed once in the morning on any day before the season, then on Monday morning and Friday evening at mid-season and end of the season. A portable spirometer WinspiroLIGHT was used. ATS/ERS guidelines were followed. All measurements were taken in standing position. Data was analysed by paired-sample T-test. Smoking and age used to adjust lung function change in linear regression. Results The mean age of participants was 38 (8.4) and mean time of working in coffee factories was 10 (6.8) years. There was a significant decrease of 24 and 20 mls for FEV 1 and FVC, the change being high in the mid-season compared to end season. Improved in FEV 1 (3.29 l/s – 3.65 l/s) at the beginning of season to mid-season was observed. Discussion Lung function decrease is observed along the season with higher decrease at the end of season. The slight increase in FEV 1 between beginning of season and mid-season could be due to cessation of exposure.

Introduction Rock drills expose workers to high levels of hand-arm vibration, and extensive use of these tools give an increased risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome. Hand-arm vibration exposure can be difficult to estimate by using the task-based method because of an intermittent exposure pattern and changing working conditions throughout the work shift. New advances in measurement technology make it possible to perform full-shift measurements at the workplace. Methods Hand-arm vibration exposure for rock drillers/rock face stabilisers in Norway was assessed by full-shift field measurements with Svantek SV103 vibration metres on both right and left hand simultaneously. Result The mean daily vibration exposure for the rock drillers was 4.9 m/s2(A8) (range 2.7–8.8) for the right hand and 4.4 m/s2(A8) (1.0–7.0) for the left hand, based on 17 full-shift measurements. The mean exposure magnitude from the tools was 14.0 m/s2 (9.2–20.0). For 12 of the 17 measurements the exposure was highest on the dominant hand. Discussion The full-shift method was practical to implement in the field measurements, and should be considered as an alternative to the task based method. This method has the potential to reduce the uncertainties associated with unpredictable changes in exposure like changing hardness of the rock. The daily exposure to hand-arm vibrations for the rock drillers was high compared to the occupational exposure limit. Thus, implementation of efficient strategies to reduce vibration exposure is important.

Introduction Machines and processes in the metal industry produce noise levels that are harmful to the human ear if not properly controlled. Empirical studies are lacking to document noise exposure which is one of the stepping stones towards development and enforcement of policies, and standards on noise control in developing countries, including Tanzania where this is lacking. Methods The study was conducted from June 2016 to June 2017. Full-shift noise measurements (LAeq) were taken by personal dosimeters (Bruel and Kjaer type 4448) in four metal factories in Tanzania (Factory A; 47 measurements, B; 47, C; 34 and D; 40). Workers were randomly selected from payroll and shift list and assigned into job groups; Melters, moulders, firemen, tongsmen, roughing, cutters and pushers. Results Personal noise exposure varied both within and between factories. The average noise exposure was 91.6 dB(A) in factory A, 96.7 dB(A) in factory B, 93.7 dB(A) in factory C and 89.9 dB(A) in factory D. The moulders had the lowest noise exposure (87.3 dB(A)), followed by melters (89.9 dB(A)), pushers (91.6 dB(A)), tongsmen (93.7 dB(A)), roughing (94.2 dB(A)), firemen (94.5 dB(A)) and cutters/bundlers (98.1 dB(A)). Discussion To our knowledge this is the first study in East Africa to document personal noise exposure levels in metal industries. The noise exposure exceeded the occupational exposure limit used by OSHA, Tanzania. This study is expected to serve as an important input towards the development of the country’s own regulations regarding noise exposure at the workplace.

Background: In the prospective population-based Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), comprising 113 754 offspring, we investigated the association between parental exposure to “gasoline or exhaust”, as a proxy for benzene exposure, and childhood leukaemia. Methods: Around gestational week 17, mothers and fathers responded to a questionnaire on exposure to various agents during the last 6 months and 6 months pre-conception, respectively. Benzene exposure was assessed through self-reported exposure to “gasoline or exhaust”. Cases of childhood leukaemia (n = 70) were identified through linkage with the Cancer Registry of Norway. Risk was estimated by hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), comparing offspring from exposed and unexposed parents using a Cox regression model. Results: Maternal exposure to "gasoline or exhaust" was associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia (HR = 2.59; 95%CI: 1.03, 6.48) and acute lymphatic leukaemia (HR = 2.71; 95%CI: 0.97, 7.58). There was an increasing risk for higher exposure (p value for trend = 0.032 and 0.027). The association did not change after adjustment for maternal smoking. Conclusion: In spite of rather few cases, the findings in this prospective study, with the exposure metric defined a priori, support previous observations relating maternal exposure to benzene from gasoline and other petroleum-derived sources and the subsequent development of childhood leukaemia in the offspring.