BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the heat stress and semen quality among male workers in a steel industry in Iran and investigate the relationship between heat stress indices and semen parameters. METHODS: The study was conducted on workers exposed (n = 30) and unexposed (n = 14) to heat in a steel industry. After obtaining a brief biography of the selected employees, scrotal temperature, oral temperature, and environmental parameters were measured, and their semen samples were analyzed according to the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization. The heat stress indices, including wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and predicted heat strain (PHS), in their workplace were calculated according to environmental parameters (ISO 7243:1989 and 7933:2004, respectively). RESULTS: Time-weighted averages of WBGT and PHS (35.76°C and 491.56 w/m2 w m 2 , respectively) for the exposed group were higher than threshold limit values. The mean difference of environmental, physiological, and semen parameters (exception: pH of semen), and also WBGT and PHS indices were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean semen parameters were in the normozoospermic range. WBGT and PHS indices showed significantly “negative” correlation with physiological parameters (scrotal and oral temperature) and most semen parameters (semen volume, sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count; p < 0.05); moreover, the correlation of WBGT with these parameters was stronger than PHS. CONCLUSION: Semen parameters of the studied workers exposed to heat were in the borderline level of normozoospermic range, and their semen parameters were significantly lower than controls. For better assessment of occupational environment concerning physiological and semen parameters in steel industries, WBGT can be a more useful index.
Cross-Sectional Studies* ; Hot Temperature* ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Iran ; Male ; Semen Analysis* ; Semen* ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; Steel* ; Threshold Limit Values ; World Health Organization

We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive value of different parameters in the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). All relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO. We chose three parameters to perform the meta-analysis: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular volume, and testicular histopathological findings which included three patterns: hypospermatogenesis (HS), maturation arrest (MA), and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS). If there was a threshold effect, only the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC) was calculated. Otherwise, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were also calculated. Twenty-one articles were included in our study finally. There was a threshold effect among studies investigating FSH and SCOS. The AUSROCs of FSH, testicular volume, HS, MA, and SCOS were 0.6119, 0.6389, 0.6758, 0.5535, and 0.2763, respectively. The DORs of testicular volume, HS, and MA were 1.98, 16.49, and 1.26, respectively. The sensitivities of them were 0.80, 0.30, and 0.27, while the specificities of them were 0.35, 0.98, and 0.76, respectively. The PLRs of them were 1.49, 10.63, and 1.15, respectively. And NLRs were 0.73, 0.72, and 0.95, respectively. All the investigated factors in our study had limited predictive value. However, the histopathological findings were helpful to some extent. Most patients with HS could get sperm by microdissection TESE.
Adult ; Azoospermia/therapy* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Humans ; Male ; Microdissection ; Oligospermia/pathology* ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome/pathology* ; Sperm Maturation ; Sperm Retrieval ; Spermatozoa ; Testis/pathology* ; Threshold Limit Values

BACKGROUND: Workers laboring in steel industries in tropical settings with high ambient temperatures are subjected to thermally stressful environments that can create well-known risks of heat-related illnesses and limit workers’ productivity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study undertaken in a steel industry in a city nicknamed “Steel City” in Southern India assessed thermal stress by wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and level of dehydration from urine color and urine specific gravity. A structured questionnaire captured self-reported heat-related health symptoms of workers. RESULTS: Some 90% WBGT measurements were higher than recommended threshold limit values (27.2–41.7°C) for heavy and moderate workloads and radiational heat from processes were very high in blooming-mill/coke-oven (67.6°C globe temperature). Widespread heat-related health concerns were prevalent among workers, including excessive sweating, fatigue, and tiredness reported by 50% workers. Productivity loss was significantly reported high in workers with direct heat exposures compared to those with indirect heat exposures (χ2 = 26.1258, degrees of freedom = 1, p < 0.001). Change in urine color was 7.4 times higher among workers exposed to WBGTs above threshold limit values (TLVs). CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence shows that high heat exposures and heavy workload adversely affect the workers’ health and reduce their work capacities. Health and productivity risks in developing tropical country work settings can be further aggravated by the predicted temperature rise due to climate change, without appropriate interventions. Apart from industries enhancing welfare facilities and designing control interventions, further physiological studies with a seasonal approach and interventional studies are needed to strengthen evidence for developing comprehensive policies to protect workers employed in high heat industries.
Climate Change ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dehydration ; Efficiency* ; Fatigue ; Hot Temperature* ; India* ; Seasons ; Specific Gravity ; Steel* ; Sweat ; Sweating ; Threshold Limit Values

Formaldehyde (FA) used for preserving the body for anatomy dissection is harmful to the human body. In many countries, for the purpose of protecting the health of workers in the industrial field, the maximal allowable air concentration of FA has been set. The threshold limit values of time weighted average (TLV-TWA) and short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL) of FA recommended by Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) of Korea are less than 0.5 and 1 ppm, respectively. In the United States and Europe, TLV-TWAs of FA are recommended at between 0.3 and 2 ppm. In this study, we compared the air concentration of FA to domestic and foreign standards of FA in an anatomy laboratory equipped dissecting tables with inbuilt exhaust and an air diffuser/return system. We installed ten elevated dissection tables, 18 air diffusers on the ceiling, and 10 air returns at the bottom of both side walls. The concentration of FA was measured at five sites in the anatomy laboratory and above the cadavers on the dissecting tables at a height of 1.5 m from the floor using a Formaldemeter. The average concentration of FA in the anatomy laboratory (five sites) was 0.31 ppm (0.45 mg/m³), range 0.21 to 0.41 ppm (0.26~0.51 mg/m³). The average concentration of FA above the cadavers was 0.45 ppm (0.56 mg/m³), range 0.31 to 0.64 ppm (0.39~0.80 mg/m³). The average TWA of FA in the anatomy laboratory was 0.19 ppm (0.24 mg/m³), range 0.13 to 0.26 ppm. The average TWA of FA above the cadavers was 0.28 ppm (0.35 mg/m³), range 0.19 to 0.40 ppm. The anatomy laboratory dissecting tables equipped with inbuilt exhaust and air diffuser/return system met the criteria of the FA concentration recommended by MOEL of Korea and most foreign countries. This study was the first evaluation of the air concentration of FA in an anatomy laboratory equipped dissecting tables with inbuilt exhaust and an air diffuser/return system in Korea. We expect it will be not only used as a standard of comparison for anatomy laboratories, but as a reference for design and construction to improve air quality in Korean Medical Colleges.
Cadaver ; Employment ; Europe ; Formaldehyde* ; Human Body ; Korea ; Threshold Limit Values ; United States ; Ventilation

OBJECTIVETo understand the exposed positions and levels of indium and its compounds in manufacture of liquid crystal displays, and to evaluate the degree of occupational hazard from indium and its compounds.

METHODSOn-site investigation of occupational health, occupational hazard monitoring, and occupational health examination were used to evaluate the degree of occupational hazard from indium and its compounds in three manufacturers of liquid crystal display panel in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

RESULTSThe time-weighted average (TWA) and short-term exposure limit (STEL) concentrations of indium and its compounds to which sputtering machine operating positions were exposed were less than 0.002~0.004 mg/m³ and 0.006~0.007 mg/m³, respectively, both of which complied with the National Hygienic Standard (PC-TWA = 0.1 mg/m³; PC-STEL = 0.3 mg/m³); the TWA and STEL concentrations of indium and its compounds to which grinding positions were exposed were 0.114~2.98 mg/m³ and 0.31~10.02 mg/m³, respectively, both of which exceeded the National Hygienic Standard with the highest concentration 33-fold higher than the standard. No significant health damages were found in exposed workers according to the results of occupational health examination.

CONCLUSIONThe grinding positions are the key to the control of occupational hazard from indium and its compounds in manufacture of liquid crystal display panel. The workers should be equipped with the anti-particulate full-face respirator, which is an effective way to prevent occupational hazard from indium and its compounds.

Air Pollutants, Occupational ; toxicity ; China ; Data Display ; Humans ; Indium ; toxicity ; Liquid Crystals ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Occupational Health ; Risk Assessment ; Threshold Limit Values

BACKGROUND: Unleaded petrol contains significant amounts of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX). Toxic responses following occupational exposure to unleaded petrol have been evaluated only in limited studies. The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether (or not) exposure to unleaded petrol, under normal working conditions, is associated with any hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic response. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 200 employees of Shiraz petrol stations with current exposure to unleaded petrol, as well as 200 unexposed employees, were investigated. Atmospheric concentrations of BTX were measured using standard methods. Additionally, urine and fasting blood samples were taken from individuals for urinalysis and routine biochemical tests of kidney and liver function. RESULTS: The geometric means of airborne concentrations of BTX were found to be 0.8 mg m-3, 1.4 mg m-3, and 2.8 mg m-3, respectively. Additionally, means of direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea and plasma creatinine were significantly higher in exposed individuals than in unexposed employees. Conversely, serum albumin, total protein, and serum concentrations of calcium and sodium were significantly lower in petrol station workers than in their unexposed counterparts. CONCLUSION: The average exposure of petrol station workers to BTX did not exceed the current threshold limit values (TLVs) for these chemicals. However, evidence of subtle, subclinical and prepathologic early liver and kidney dysfunction was evident in exposed individuals.
Alanine Transaminase ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Benzene* ; Bilirubin ; Calcium ; Creatinine ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fasting ; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic ; Kidney* ; Liver* ; Occupational Exposure* ; Plasma ; Serum Albumin ; Sodium ; Threshold Limit Values ; Toluene* ; Urea ; Urinalysis ; Xylenes*

OBJECTIVETo systematically compare occupational exposure limits (OELs) in GBZ 2.1 with the ones in TLV-CS of ACGIH on quantity, level, procedures of management etc.; to propose priority chemicals for establishing OELs and suggestions on the revisions of occupational health standards; to provide basic scientific evidence for the planning and development of occupational health standards.

METHODCompilation of a database on OELs in GBZ 2.1 and in TLV-CS of ACGIH according to types of exposure limits, and comparison of the data in the two systems on the values of exposure limits, quantitative descriptions of specific occupational hazards, legal status, TLV-CS setting up principles, basis, condition and procedures, key adverse effect, application of carcinogenicity/sensitization/skin notations, adjustment of OELs for unusual work schedules, the concept and application of combined effects, the concept and application of Excursion Limits, the identity of particles, and analysis of the comparison result.

RESULTS(1) There are 339 chemical substances included in GBZ 2.1 and 656 in TLV-CS in ACGIH. (2) The number of the chemical substances in GBZ 2.1 with specified OELs but not included in TLV-CS of ACGIH is 52; the chemical substances with OELs in TLV-CS of ACGIH but not in GBZ 2.1 are 371. (3) There are 260 chemical substances which have OELs in both GBZ 2.1 and ACGIH and with a total of 302 OELs, among them, 47 OELs are higher and 96 are lower in the GBZ 2.1 than the ones in TLV-CS of ACGIH, 81 of them are similar, and 77 are the same in the two. (4) Guidelines on notations of carcinogenicity, sensitization and skin in China need to be developed. (5) Guidelines for adjustment of OELs for unusual work schedules need to be adopted in China. (6) There is still a wide gap between OELs in GBZ 2.1 and in TLV-CS of ACGIH in many aspects. The management and approval procedures of China in setting up OELs are more bureaucratic, and the biological plausibility and feasibility aspects should be strengthened.

CONCLUSIONS(1) Evaluation guidelines on risk assessment on notations of carcinogenicity, sensitization and skin need to be formulated in China. (2) A priority list in setting up OELs in China needs to be determined. Priority needs to be given to review and revision of the OELs which are significantly different from the ones in TLV?CS of ACGIH but without support of adequate scientific evidence. Priority should also be given to chemical substances which have no OELs in GBZ 2.1 but have specific OELs in TLV-CS of ACGIH. (3) Periodic and systematic review and revision of the existing OELs should be conduced based on the state-of-the-art scientific data, peer-critical-review and public opinion. (4) Important technical issues in GBZ 2.1 need to be elaborated and examined, including the concept of excursion limits, adjustment of OELs for unusual work schedules, the concept and application of synergetic effect, description of the forms and physical characteristics of chemical substances.

China ; Databases, Factual ; Hazardous Substances ; analysis ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Risk Assessment ; Threshold Limit Values ; United States ; Workplace

BACKGROUND: Livestock breeders including poultry workers are exposed to various agricultural chemicals including pesticides and/or organic solvents. Multiple myeloma is a rare disease in Korea, and few reports have investigated the influence of occupational exposures on multiple myeloma occurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old male poultry farm worker presented with bone pain and generalized weakness. A bone marrow biopsy was performed, and he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The patient had worked in a poultry farm for 16 years and was exposed to various pesticides and organic solvents such as formaldehyde without any proper personal protective equipment. Results of the work reenactment revealed that the concentration of formaldehyde (17.53 ppm) greatly exceeded the time-weighted average (0.5 ppm) and short-term exposure limit (1.0 ppm) suggested in the Korean Industrial Safety and Health Act. CONCLUSIONS: This case report suggests that poultry workers may be exposed to high levels of various hazardous chemicals including pesticides and/or organic solvents. Numerous previous studies have suggested an association between multiple myeloma and exposure to agricultural chemicals; thus, multiple myeloma in this patient might have resulted from the prolonged, high exposure to these chemicals.
Agrochemicals ; Biopsy ; Bone Marrow ; Formaldehyde ; Hazardous Substances ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Humans ; Korea ; Livestock ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Occupational Exposure ; Pesticides ; Poultry* ; Rare Diseases ; Solvents ; Threshold Limit Values

OBJECTIVETo investigate atmospheric mercury concentration in the workplace and urinary mercury concentration in workers exposed to mercury in a thermometer factory, and to determine the levels and influencing factors of urinary Β₂-microglobulin (Β₂-MG) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in these workers.

METHODSAn occupational health survey of the workplace was completed according to relevant national occupational health standards. Questionnaire survey and occupational health examination were conducted in 178 workers exposed to mercury in the factory. Statistical analysis was accomplished using SPSS 19.0.

RESULTSIn the workplace, atmospheric mercury concentration was out of limits at seven of eight detection points expressed by short-term exposure limit; it was out of limits at all the eight detection points shown by time-weighted average. Statistically significant difference in atmospheric mercury concentration was found among different detection points (F = 138.714, P < 0.001). The geometric mean of urinary mercury concentration measured in 154 workers was 171.607 µg/g. There were 127 workers with urinary mercury concentration exceeding the standard (82.5% over-standard rate). Significant difference in urinary mercury concentration was shown in the workers among different positions (χ² = 44.531, P < 0.01). Urinary mercury concentration was positively correlated with atmospheric mercury concentration (r = 0.624, P < 0.01). The mean urinary Β₂-MG level measured in 148 workers was 0.142 mg/L, and seven workers had urinary Β₂-MG levels greater than 0.3 mg/L (4.7% abnormal rate). The mean urinary RBP level measured in 153 workers was 0.485 mg/L, and 19 workers had urinary RBP levels greater than 0.7 mg/L (12.4% abnormal rate). Ordinal logistic regression showed that age >34 years (OR = 4.88, 95%CI: 2.24∼10.62) and length of service >15 years (OR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.06-5.92) were risk factors for increased urinary Β₂-MG level. Age >45 years (OR = 7.52, 95%CI: 2.50∼22.65) was a risk factor for increased urinary RBP level.

CONCLUSIONIn the thermometer factory under study, atmospheric and urinary mercury concentrations both seriously exceeded the standards, which were harmful to the health of workers. High atmospheric mercury concentration, old age, and long length of service were risk factors for increased urinary Β₂-MG and RBP levels in workers exposed to mercury.

Adult ; Environmental Exposure ; Humans ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Kidney Diseases ; chemically induced ; Mercury ; analysis ; toxicity ; Occupational Exposure ; Risk Factors ; Threshold Limit Values ; Time Factors ; Workplace

OBJECTIVES: Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral substance formerly used widely in the construction industry, all forms of which, except for chrysotile asbestos, have been banned in the Philippines. This article aims to propose policy alternatives to reduce the health and economic effects of continued asbestos use in the country.
METHODS: Records of asbestos-related diseases, and asbestos industry-related data in the country were consolidated. The impact of continued asbestos use on the national economy were estimated incorporating natural mortality, regulations of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and concepts of multiplier effect and net present value. Round table discussions validated data and generated policy recommendations.
RESULTS: Filipinos directly and indirectly exposed to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are 5,289 and 30,000, respectively. The contributions of these groups to the national economy were estimated at PhP 1.08 Billion annually for workers directly exposed to ACMs and PhP 6.83 Billion annually for workers indirectly exposed. Two policy options--adjustment of threshold limit values, and a total ban--are presented.
CONCLUSION: A total ban on all forms of asbestos is shown to be the more cost-effective policy option for the country. It is recommended that government agencies, stakeholders in the asbestos industry, and the general public be involved in strategies for improving surveillance on asbestos exposure, increasing public awareness, and promoting the use of asbestos alternatives.

Asbestos, Serpentine ; Threshold Limit Values ; Construction Industry ; Philippines ; Asbestos ; Carcinogens ; Policy ; Government Agencies ; Employment