Occupational and environmental medicine
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Neuropsychiatric disorders and increased suicide rates have been associated with exposure to cholinesterase inhibiting organophosphates. This study examined symptoms of psychological distress, including suicidal ideation, among banana workers in Costa Rica previously exposed to a cholinesterase inhibiting pesticide. ⋯ This cross-sectional study showed a relationship between acute occupational poisoning with organophosphates and psychological distress including suicidal ideation. Stronger designs are needed to address causality.
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The lung cancer carcinogenicity of crystalline silica dust remains the subject of discussion. Epidemiological evidence is based on occupational cohort studies and population-based case-control studies. The aim of this study was to assess associations between male lung cancer risk and silica exposure in a population-based cohort study. ⋯ Results from this prospective population-based cohort study corroborate the classification of crystalline silica as a lung carcinogen. Associations could not be explained by smoking or by asbestos exposure.
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Studies of underground miners have documented an increased risk of lung cancer mainly linked to radon exposure but possibly influenced by other concurrent exposures. ⋯ Crystalline silica, a known carcinogen, probably affects lung cancer risk in iron ore miners. The main implication of the results is for interpretation of the dose-response curve for radon and lung cancer in underground iron ore miners. Since exposure to radon and quartz is often correlated, quartz exposure can be an important confounder.
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In a follow-up study of previous research, in which exposure pathways for opioid narcotic analgesics were identified in pharmaceutical workers involved in drug synthesis, the current research focused on the selection of an appropriate biomonitoring strategy. ⋯ Fentanyl levels in pre-shift urine samples reflect dermal exposure to the compound during the previous day. Thus, in the specific working environment investigated, a biological monitoring protocol evaluating pre-shift urinary fentanyl levels could provide an adequate risk estimate in individual workers.