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  • Articles  (43)
  • Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures  (22)
  • Open access  (16)
  • Press releases  (5)
  • 2010-2014  (43)
  • 11
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    Associations between arrhythmia episodes and temporally and spatially resolved black carbon and particulate matter in elderly patients (2014)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2014-02-07
    Description: Objectives Ambient air pollution has been associated with sudden deaths, some of which are likely due to ventricular arrhythmias. Defibrillator discharge studies have examined the association of air pollution with arrhythmias in sensitive populations. No studies have assessed this association using residence-specific estimates of air pollution exposure. Methods In the Normative Aging Study, we investigated the association between temporally resolved and spatially resolved black carbon (BC) and PM 2.5 and arrhythmia episodes (bigeminy, trigeminy or couplets episodes) measured as ventricular ectopy (VE) by 4 min ECG monitoring in repeated measures of 701 subjects, during the years 2000–2010. We used a binomial distribution (having or not a VE episode) in a mixed effect model with a random intercept for subject, controlling for seasonality, temperature, day of the week, medication use, smoking, having diabetes, body mass index and age. We also examined whether these associations were modified by genotype or phenotype. Results We found significant increases in VE with both pollutants and lags; for the estimated concentration averaged over the 3 days prior to the health assessment, we found increases in the odds of having VE with an OR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.94) for an IQR (0.30 μg/m 3 ) increase in BC and an OR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.71) for an IQR (5.63 μg/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5 . We also found higher effects in subjects with the glutathione S-transferase theta-1 and glutathione S-transferase mu-1 variants and in obese (p〈0.05). Conclusions Increased levels of short-term traffic-related pollutants may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in elderly subjects.
    Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
    Published by BMJ Publishing Group
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  • 12
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    Air pollution from livestock farms, and asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD among neighbouring residents (2014)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2014-01-16
    Description: Objectives There is an ongoing debate regarding environmental health risks of exposures to dust and microbial agents from livestock farming in the Netherlands. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate associations between indicators of air pollution from livestock farms and asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among neighbouring residents; and (2) to assess associations between farm exposures and endotoxin levels in participants’ homes. Methods Electronic medical records of all 92 548 patients of 27 general practices in a rural area with a high density of animal farms were analysed, followed up by a case-control component using a subsample of the full population. Distance between livestock farms and home address, presence of livestock within 500 m, and particulate matter (PM)10 emissions from farms within 500 m were computed as proxies for farm exposure. Potential confounding was investigated through a case-control questionnaire study in 269 adult patients with asthma and 546 controls. Endotoxin levels were assessed in 493 homes. Results Modelled PM10 emission was inversely associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD (p〈0.05). A smaller distance to the nearest farm, and the presence of swine, goat and sheep farms were also inversely related to respiratory morbidity, whereas mink farms showed positive associations with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Adjustment for confounding in the case-control study did not change results. Farm exposures were not associated with endotoxin levels in neighbouring residents’ homes. Conclusions In conclusion, indicators of air pollution from livestock farms were inversely associated with respiratory morbidity among neighbouring residents.
    Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 13
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    Genes involved in innate immunity associated with asbestos-related fibrotic changes (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-12-07
    Description: Objectives To determine whether genetic polymorphisms in several candidate genes related to innate immunity and protease–antiprotease balance modify individual susceptibility to develop asbestos-related fibrotic pleuropulmonary changes. Methods Sixteen polymorphisms from nine genes ( NLRP3 , CARD8 , TNF , TGFB1 , GC , MMP1 , MMP9 , MMP12 and TIMP2 ) were genotyped from 951 Finnish asbestos-exposed workers. The genotype/haplotype data were compared to signs of fibrosis and pleural thickenings using linear and logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Results A functional polymorphism (Q705K; rs35829419) in the NLRP3 gene was associated with interstitial lung fibrosis (p=0.013), and the TGFB1 rs2241718 SNP with visceral pleural fibrosis (VPF) (p=0.044). In stratified analysis, the carriage of at least one NLRP3 variant allele conferred a 2.5-fold increased risk for pathological interstitial lung fibrosis (OR 2.44, 95% CI 0.97 to 6.14). Conversely, the carriage of at least one TGFB1 rs2241718 variant allele protected against VPF (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.98). The TIMP 2 rs2277698 SNP and a haplotype consisting of the TGFB1 rs1800469 and rs1800470 SNPs were associated with the degree of pleural thickening calcification (p=0.037 and p=0.035), and the CARD8 rs2043211 SNP with the greatest thickness of pleural plaques (p=0.015). Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that the NLRP3 inflammasome is important in the development of fibrotic lung disease by associating the NLRP3 rs35829419 variant allele with increased risk of asbestos-related interstitial lung fibrosis, and the TGFB1 rs2241718 variant allele with decreased risk of asbestos-related VPF. Polymorphisms in CARD8 and TIMP2 are proposed to modify the development and/or calcification of pleural thickenings.
    Keywords: Open access
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
    Published by BMJ Publishing Group
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  • 14
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    Psychoactive substance use by truck drivers: a systematic review (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-12-07
    Description: The aim of this study was to summarise the scientific evidence on the prevalence of psychoactive substance use and on the factors associated with their intake among truck drivers. A systematic review was performed in the databases PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, and Cochrane and 36 cross-sectional studies were identified with quantitative results about the use of psychoactive substances by truck drivers. Out of these, 28 were carried out in countries with large land areas and 23 obtained their information through self-reporting. The most frequently studied substances were alcohol (n=25), amphetamines (n=17), marijuana (n=16) and cocaine (n=13). The prevalence of the use of these substances greatly varied: alcohol (0.1–91.0%); amphetamines (0.2–82.5%), marijuana (0.2–29.9%), cocaine (0.1–8.3%). The frequency of substance use was lower in studies that investigated the presence of these substances in biological samples than in those based on self-reported use. In 12 studies that evaluated factors associated with the intake of psychoactive substances, the following stood out: younger age, higher income, longer trips, alcohol consumption, driving in the night shift, travelling interstate routes, long or short sleep, fewer hours of rest, little experience of the driver, connection with small and medium sized companies, income below levels determined by labour agreements, productivity-based earnings and prior involvement in accidents. The frequency of psychoactive substance use by truck drivers seems to be high, although that greatly varies according to the type of substance and the method of collecting the information. The use of these substances was mainly associated with indicators of poor working conditions.
    Keywords: Open access
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
    Published by BMJ Publishing Group
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  • 15
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    Carving of non-asbestiform tremolite and the risk of lung cancer: a follow-up mortality study in a historical nephrite processing cohort (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-11-09
    Description: Objectives The health risks associated with exposure to non-asbestiform asbestos minerals, including nephrite, are unclear. In 1965 nephrite processing began in the town of Fengtian in Taiwan, and the majority of inhabitants were involved in the industry from 1970 until 1980. The objectives of this study were to examine lung cancer deaths and assess the carcinogenic effects of nephrite carving. Methods We studied mortality due to lung cancer (ICD-9 code 162 for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung) from 1979 to 2011. We calculated the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer using the age- and sex-specific cancer mortality rates in eastern Taiwan as the standard rates. Air samples, bulk samples and a surface sample were analysed. Results Nephrite is a non-asbestiform asbestos mineral composed of microcrystalline tremolite. During nephrite processing, in personal air samples the average concentration of elongated mineral particles with the morphological characteristics of asbestos fibres was 1.4 f/cm 3 , with rough grinding generating the highest concentrations (4.7 f/cm 3 ). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the air samples contained intact asbestiform tremolite fibres. The ambient air samples and the wipe sample indicated paraoccupational contamination. The crude mortality rates for lung cancer were higher in Fengtian than in Taiwan for all age groups and both genders. The SMR for lung cancer was 1.28 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.45). Conclusions Nephrite carving may increase the risk of lung cancer. Appropriate medical monitoring is warranted for workers who are exposed to similar materials.
    Keywords: Open access
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 16
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    Air pollution and childhood leukaemia: a nationwide case-control study in Italy (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-11-09
    Description: Objectives Leukaemia is the most common cancer in children, but its aetiology is still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that traffic-related air pollution is associated with paediatric leukaemia because of chronic exposure to several potential carcinogens. Methods The Italian SETIL study (Study on the aetiology of lymphohematopoietic malignancies in children) was conducted in 14 Italian regions. All incident cases of leukaemia in children aged ≤10 years from these regions (period 1998–2001) were eligible for enrolment. Two controls per case, matched on birth date, gender and region of residence were randomly selected from the local population registries. Exposure assessment at birth residence included traffic indicators (distance to main roads and length of main roads within 100 m) and estimates of pollutants concentrations (particulate matter -PM 2.5 and PM 10 - and gases -NO 2 and O 3 -) from national dispersion model and land use regression models. The association between the exposure variables and leukaemia was assessed by logistic regression analyses. Results Participation rates were 91.4% among cases and 69.2% in controls; 620 cases (544 acute lymphocytic and 76 acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia) and 957 controls were included. Overall, when considering the residence at birth, 35.6% of cases and 42.4% of controls lived along busy roads, and the mean annual PM 10 levels were 33.3 (SD=6.3) and 33.4 µg/m 3 (SD=6.5), respectively. No association was found, and all ORs, independent of the method of assessment and the exposure windows, were close to the null value. Conclusions Using various exposure assessment strategies, air pollution appears not to affect the incidence of childhood leukaemia.
    Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures
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    Topics: Medicine
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  • 17
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    Endotoxin in concentrated coarse and fine ambient particles induces acute systemic inflammation in controlled human exposures (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-10-19
    Description: Background Knowledge of the inhalable particulate matter components responsible for health effects is important for developing targeted regulation. Objectives In a double-blind randomised cross-over trial of controlled human exposures to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) and their endotoxin and (1-〉3)-β-D-glucan components, we evaluated acute inflammatory responses. Methods 35 healthy adults were exposed to five 130-min exposures at rest: (1) fine CAPs (~250 µg/m 3 ); (2) coarse CAPs (~200 µg/m 3 ); (3) second coarse CAPs (~200 µg/m 3 ); (4) filtered air; and (5) medical air. Induced sputum cell counts were measured at screening and 24 h postexposure. Venous blood total leucocytes, neutrophils, interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (CRP) were measured pre-exposure, 3 and 24 h postexposure. Results Relative to filtered air, an increase in blood leucocytes 24 h (but not 3 h) postexposure was significantly associated with coarse (estimate=0.44 x 10 9  cells/L (95% CI 0.01 to 0.88); n=132) and fine CAPs (0.68 x 10 9  cells /L (95% CI 0.19 to 1.17); n=132), but not medical air. Similar associations were found with neutrophil responses. An interquartile increase in endotoxin (5.4 ng/m 3 ) was significantly associated with increased blood leucocytes 3 h postexposure (0.27 x 10 9  cells/L (95% CI 0.03 to 0.51); n=98) and 24 h postexposure (0.37 x 10 9  cells/L (95% CI 0.12 to 0.63); n=98). This endotoxin effect did not differ by particle size. There were no associations with glucan concentrations or interleukin-6, CRP or sputum responses. Conclusions In healthy adults, controlled coarse and fine ambient particle exposures independently induced acute systemic inflammatory responses. Endotoxin contributes to the inflammatory role of particle air pollution.
    Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures
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    Topics: Medicine
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  • 18
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    Work-related premature ageing: old concept but emerging stakes (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-08-09
    Description: Many industrial countries try to raise the retirement age in a context of economic constraints, ageing populations and public pension funds financial difficulties. 1 2 One important barrier for delaying retirement is premature ageing caused by arduous and difficult working conditions, a situation known for many decades, if not centuries. 3 Although general health has improved in the last century in most industrial countries, clearly indicating more successful ageing, many social inequalities remain. 4 These inequalities stem in part from different work trajectories, which in turn, may explain premature ageing, 5 without existing cellular ageing indicator. 6 This concept of work-related premature ageing is an important aspect of retirement policy reforms, where the objective is to define an optimal retirement age, one which is both economically and socially sustainable. The difficulty here is to find an operational definition of work-related...
    Keywords: Open access
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 19
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    Ischaemic heart disease mortality and years of work in trucking industry workers (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-07-11
    Description: Objectives Evidence from general population-based studies and occupational cohorts has identified air pollution from mobile sources as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In a cohort of US trucking industry workers, with regular exposure to vehicle exhaust, the authors previously observed elevated standardised mortality ratios for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) compared with members of the general US population. Therefore, the authors examined the association of increasing years of work in jobs with vehicle exhaust exposure and IHD mortality within the cohort. Methods The authors calculated years of work in eight job groups for 30 758 workers using work records from four nationwide companies. Proportional hazard regression was used to examine relationships between IHD mortality, 1985–2000, and employment duration in each job group. Results HRs for at least 1 year of work in each job were elevated for dockworkers, long haul drivers, pick-up and delivery drivers, combination workers, hostlers, and shop workers. There was a suggestion of an increased risk of IHD mortality with increasing years of work as a long haul driver, pick-up and delivery driver, combination worker, and dockworker. Conclusion These results suggest an elevated risk of IHD mortality in workers with a previous history of regular exposure to vehicle exhaust.
    Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures
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    Topics: Medicine
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  • 20
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    Traffic-related air pollution and prostate cancer risk: a case-control study in Montreal, Canada (2013)
    BMJ Publishing Group
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    Publication Date: 2013-06-11
    Description: Objectives There is a paucity of information on environmental risk factors for prostate cancer. We conducted a case–control study in Montreal to estimate associations with exposure to ground-level nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), a marker for traffic-related air pollution. Methods Cases were 803 men with incident prostate cancer, ≤75 years of age, and diagnosed across all French hospitals in Montreal. Concurrently, 969 controls were drawn from electoral lists of French-speaking individuals residing in the same electoral districts as the cases and frequency-matched by age. Concentrations of NO 2 were measured across Montreal in 2005–2006. We developed a land use regression model to predict concentrations of NO 2 across Montreal for 2006. These estimates were back-extrapolated to 1996. Estimates were linked to residential addresses at the time of diagnosis or interview. Unconditional logistic regression was used, adjusting for potential confounding variables. Results For each increase of 5 parts per billion of NO 2 , as estimated from the original land use regression model in 2006, the OR 5ppb adjusted for personal factors was 1.44 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.73). Adding in contextual factors attenuated the OR 5ppb to 1.27 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.58). One method for back-extrapolating concentrations of NO 2 to 1996 (about 10 years before the index date) gave the following OR 5ppb : 1.41 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.62) when personal factors were included, and 1.30 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.52) when contextual factors were added. Conclusions Exposure to ambient concentrations of NO 2 at the current address was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. This novel finding requires replication.
    Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, Other exposures
    Print ISSN: 1351-0711
    Electronic ISSN: 1470-7926
    Topics: Medicine
    Published by BMJ Publishing Group
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