Journal of occupational and environmental medicine
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J. Occup. Environ. Med. · Jan 2012
Association between cumulative fiber exposure and respiratory outcomes among Libby vermiculite workers.
To examine the association between cumulative fiber exposure and health outcomes in workers (n = 336) with Libby amphibole exposure. ⋯ The odds of several pulmonary health outcomes are correlated with cumulative exposure to Libby amphibole. That relatively low-lifetime cumulative exposures are associated with localized pleural thickening has implications for the non-cancer-risk assessment for Libby amphibole.
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J. Occup. Environ. Med. · Dec 2011
Effects of psychosocial work factors on lifestyle changes: a cohort study.
To evaluate the effect of the demand-control-support model, the effort-reward imbalance model, and emotional demands on smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index. ⋯ We found only limited and inconsistent support for the hypothesis that a poor psychosocial work environment is associated with an adverse lifestyle.
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To characterize mass fatality preparedness of the death care sector (ie, funeral industry organizations) and to determine the workforce's ability and willingness to report to duty during a hypothetical high fatality pandemic event. ⋯ Preparedness strategies that address interorganizational, surge capacity, and personal emergency planning are likely to be most efficacious. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Occupational medicine plays an important role in emergency preparedness and response. Funeral industry organizations could benefit from skills and resources of occupational medicine, including training, fit testing, development of plans, and coordination and hosting of planning exercises.
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J. Occup. Environ. Med. · Oct 2011
Periodic spirometry in occupational setting: improving quality, accuracy, and precision.
Effectiveness of periodic spirometry in medical monitoring depends on spirometry quality. We describe an intervention on spirometry quality and its impact on accuracy and precision of longitudinal measurements. ⋯ Monitoring of quality and data precision helped to recognize the need for intervention. The intervention improved accuracy and precision of spirometry measurements and their usefulness.