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Occupational and Environmental Medicine | 2011

Gender differences in occupational exposure patterns

Amanda Eng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Dave McLean; Lis Ellison-Loschmann; Soo Cheng; Neil Pearce

Objectives The authors conducted a population-based survey to examine gender differences in occupational exposure patterns and to investigate whether any observed differences are due to: (a) gender differences in occupational distribution; and/or (b) gender differences in tasks within occupations. Methods Men and women aged 20–64 years were randomly selected from the Electoral Roll and invited to take part in a telephone interview, which collected information on self-reported occupational exposure to specific dusts and chemicals, physical exposures and organisational factors. The authors used logistic regression to calculate prevalence ORs and 95% CIs comparing the exposure prevalence of males (n=1431) and females (n=1572), adjusting for age. To investigate whether men and women in the same occupation were equally exposed, the authors also matched males to females on current occupation using the five-digit code (n=1208) and conducted conditional logistic regression adjusting for age. Results Overall, male workers were two to four times more likely to report exposure to dust and chemical substances, loud noise, irregular hours, night shifts and vibrating tools. Women were 30% more likely to report repetitive tasks and working at high speed, and more likely to report exposure to disinfectants, hair dyes and textile dust. When men were compared with women with the same occupation, gender differences were attenuated. However, males remained significantly more likely to report exposure to welding fumes, herbicides, wood dust, solvents, tools that vibrate, irregular hours and night-shift work. Women remained more likely to report repetitive tasks and working at high speed, and in addition were more likely to report awkward or tiring positions compared with men with the same occupation. Conclusion This population-based study showed substantial differences in occupational exposure patterns between men and women, even within the same occupation. Thus, the influence of gender should not be overlooked in occupational health research.


Frontiers in Public Health | 2014

The MOBI-Kids study protocol: challenges in assessing childhood and adolescent exposure to electromagnetic fields from wireless telecommunication technologies and possible association with brain tumor risk

Siegal Sadetzki; Chelsea Eastman Langer; Revital Bruchim; Michael Kundi; Franco Merletti; Roel Vermeulen; Hans Kromhout; Ae-Kyoung Lee; Myron Maslanyj; Malcolm Ross Sim; Masao Taki; Joe Wiart; Bruce K. Armstrong; Elizabeth Milne; Geza Benke; Rosa Schattner; Hans-Peter Hutter; Adelheid Woehrer; Daniel Krewski; Charmaine Mohipp; Franco Momoli; Paul Ritvo; John J. Spinelli; Brigitte Lacour; Dominique Delmas; Thomas Remen; Katja Radon; Tobias Weinmann; Swaantje Klostermann; Sabine Heinrich

The rapid increase in mobile phone use in young people has generated concern about possible health effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF). MOBI-Kids, a multinational case–control study, investigates the potential effects of childhood and adolescent exposure to EMF from mobile communications technologies on brain tumor risk in 14 countries. The study, which aims to include approximately 1,000 brain tumor cases aged 10–24 years and two individually matched controls for each case, follows a common protocol and builds upon the methodological experience of the INTERPHONE study. The design and conduct of a study on EMF exposure and brain tumor risk in young people in a large number of countries is complex and poses methodological challenges. This manuscript discusses the design of MOBI-Kids and describes the challenges and approaches chosen to address them, including: (1) the choice of controls operated for suspected appendicitis, to reduce potential selection bias related to low response rates among population controls; (2) investigating a young study population spanning a relatively wide age range; (3) conducting a large, multinational epidemiological study, while adhering to increasingly stricter ethics requirements; (4) investigating a rare and potentially fatal disease; and (5) assessing exposure to EMF from communication technologies. Our experience in thus far developing and implementing the study protocol indicates that MOBI-Kids is feasible and will generate results that will contribute to the understanding of potential brain tumor risks associated with use of mobile phones and other wireless communications technologies among young people.


Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health | 2011

Determinants of non-response in an occupational exposure and health survey in New Zealand.

Andrea 't Mannetje; Amanda Eng; Jeroen Douwes; Lis Ellison-Loschmann; David McLean; Neil Pearce

Objective: Study the determinants of non‐response and the potential for non‐response bias in a New Zealand survey of occupational exposures and health.


Applied Ergonomics | 2012

Prevalence and work-related risk factors for reduced activities and absenteeism due to low back symptoms

Baiduri Widanarko; Stephen Legg; Mark Stevenson; Jason Devereux; Amanda Eng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Soo Cheng; Neil Pearce

Although quite a lot is known about the risk factors for low back symptoms (LBS), less is known about the risk factors for the consequences of LBS. A sample of 3003 men and women randomly selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll, were interviewed by telephone about self reported physical, psychosocial, organizational, environmental factors and the consequences of LBS (i.e. self-reported reduced activities and absenteeism). The 12-month period prevalence of reduced activities and absenteeism were 18% and 9%, respectively. Lifting (OR 1.79 95% CI 1.16-2.77) increased the risk of reduced activities. Working in awkward/tiring positions (OR 2.11 95% CI 1.20-3.70) and in a cold/damp environment (OR 2.18 95% CI 1.11-4.28) increased the risk of absenteeism. Among those with LBS, reduced activities increased with working in a hot/warm environment (OR 2.14 95% CI 1.22-3.76) and absenteeism was increased with work in awkward/tiring positions (OR 2.06 95% CI 1.13-3.77), tight deadlines (OR 1.89 95% CI 1.02-3.50), and a hot/warm environment (OR 3.35 95% CI 1.68-6.68). Interventions to reduce the consequences of LBS should aim to reduce awkward/tiring positions, lifting and work in a cold/damp environment. For individuals with LBS, additional focus should be to reduce tight deadlines, and work in hot/warm environments.


Annals of Occupational Hygiene | 2010

The New Zealand Workforce Survey I: Self-Reported Occupational Exposures

Amanda Eng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Soo Cheng; Jeroen Douwes; Lis Ellison-Loschmann; Dave McLean; Ian Laird; Stephen Legg; Neil Pearce

INTRODUCTION This study examines the prevalence of a range of occupational risk factors reported by a random sample of the New Zealand working population. METHODS Men and women aged 20-64 were selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll and invited to take part in a telephone interview, which collected information on lifetime work history, current workplace exposures and organizational factors, and various health conditions. The prevalences of occupational risk factors in each occupational and industry group are reported. RESULTS Three thousand and three interviews were completed (37% of the eligible sample and 55% of those that could be contacted). Trades workers reported the highest prevalences of exposure to dust (75%) and oils and solvents (59%). Agriculture and fishery workers reported the highest prevalences of exposure to pesticides (63%) and acids or alkalis (25%). Plant and machine operators and assemblers reported the highest prevalences of exposure to smoke/fume/gas (43%), working night shift in the previous 4 weeks (18%), and working irregular hours (33%). In the high exposure occupational and industry groups, males reported a higher prevalence of exposure than females. Lifting, exposure to loud noise, and the use of personal protective equipment were reported by >50% of the manual occupational groups. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that occupational exposure to risk factors for work-related disease and injury remains common in the New Zealand working population. While these occupational exposures are disproportionately experienced by workers in certain industries, they also occur in occupational groups not traditionally associated with hazardous exposures or occupational disease.


Ergonomics | 2012

Gender differences in work-related risk factors associated with low back symptoms.

Baiduri Widanarko; Stephen Legg; Mark Stevenson; Jason Devereux; Amanda Eng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Soo Cheng; Neil Pearce

The prevalence of low back symptoms (LBS) in many working populations is high and differences in prevalence between genders are inconsistent. However, gender-specific risk factors for LBS have seldom been examined. Hence, the aim of the present study was to indicate gender-specific LBS risk factors. A sample of 3003 people was interviewed by telephone to get information about current workplace exposure and LBS. The risk of LBS for the whole population increased with work in awkward/tiring positions (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12–1.68) and very/extremely stressful jobs (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.03). None of the explanatory variables were significantly associated with LBS for males but working in awkward/tiring positions (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04–2.20), dissatisfaction with contact and cooperation with management (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.02–2.78) and finding their job to be very/extremely stressful (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.46–3.52) were significantly associated with LBS for females. Interventions to reduce LBS in workplaces should focus on reducing working in awkward/tiring positions, improving contact and cooperation with management, and reducing stressful jobs, especially amongst females. Practitioner Summary: Strategies to prevent or reduce LBS should focus on reducing exposure to awkward or tiring positions at work, improving contact and cooperation with management, and reducing stressful jobs, especially for females.


Annals of Occupational Hygiene | 2010

The New Zealand Workforce Survey II: Occupational Risk Factors for Asthma

Amanda Eng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Jeroen Douwes; Soo Cheng; Dave McLean; Lis Ellison-Loschmann; Neil Pearce

INTRODUCTION We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey in New Zealand that collected information on work history, current workplace exposures, and selected health outcomes. We report here the findings on occupational risk factors for asthma symptoms. METHODS A random sample of men and women aged 20-64 years were selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll and invited to take part in a telephone survey. Current asthma was defined as: (i) woken up by shortness of breath in the past 12 months; or (ii) an attack of asthma in the past 12 months; or (iii) currently taking asthma medication. Adult-onset asthma was defined as first attack of asthma at age 18 or over. Prevalence odds ratios (ORs) for all occupations were calculated using logistic regression adjusting for sex, age, smoking, and deprivation. RESULTS Totally, 2903 participants were included in the analyses. The prevalence of current asthma was 17% and the prevalence of adult-onset asthma was 9%. Prevalence ORs for current asthma were elevated for ever working as a printer [OR = 2.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-4.66], baker (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.02-3.85), sawmill labourer (OR = 3.26; 95% CI = 1.05-10.16), metal processing plant operator (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.22-5.05), and cleaner (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09-2.35). Excess risks of adult-onset asthma were also found for ever working as a printer, baker, and sawmill labourer as well as ever-working as a market-oriented animal producer (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.14-2.41), and other agricultural worker (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.03-4.20). A number of occupations not previously considered at high risk for asthma were also identified, including teachers and certain sales professionals. CONCLUSION This population-based study has confirmed findings of previous international studies showing elevated risks in a number of high-risk occupations. The strongest risks were consistently observed for printers, bakers, and sawmill labourers. Several occupations were also identified that have not been previously associated with asthma, suggesting that the risk of occupational asthma may be more widely spread across the workforce than previously assumed.


American Journal of Industrial Medicine | 2009

Morbidity in former sawmill workers exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP): a cross-sectional study in New Zealand.

David McLean; Amanda Eng; Evan Dryson; Chris Walls; Elizabeth Harding; Khoon Ching Wong; Soo Cheng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Lis Ellison-Loschmann; Tania Slater; Phil Shoemack; Neil Pearce

BACKGROUND From 1950 to 1990 pentachlorophenol (PCP) was used widely in the New Zealand sawmill industry, and persistent claims of long-term health effects have been made. METHODS We surveyed surviving members of a cohort enumerated to study mortality in sawmill workers employed from 1970 to 1990. Estimates of historical exposure were based on job titles held, using the results of a PCP biomonitoring survey conducted in the 1980s. The survey involved interviews and clinical examinations, with interviewers and examiners blinded to exposure status. RESULTS Of the 293 participants 177 had not been exposed, and of the 116 exposed all but 10% had low or short-term PCP exposure. Nevertheless, a number of significant associations between PCP exposure and the prevalence of various symptoms were observed including associations between: (i) exposure levels and self-reported tuberculosis, pleurisy or pneumonia (P < 0.01) and a deficit in cranial nerve function (P = 0.04); (ii) duration of employment and thyroid disorders (P = 0.04), and neuropsychological symptoms including often going back to check things (P = 0.04), low libido (P = 0.02) and heart palpitations (P = 0.02), and a strong dose-response trend for frequent mood changes without cause (P < 0.01); and (iii) cumulative exposure and frequent mood changes without cause (P = 0.02), low libido (P = 0.04), and in the overall number of neuropsychological symptoms reported (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS PCP exposure was associated with a number of physical and neuropsychological health effects that persisted long after exposure had ceased.


Journal of Asthma | 2011

Work-Related Stress and Asthma: Results from a Workforce Survey in New Zealand

Amanda Eng; Andrea 't Mannetje; Neil Pearce; Jeroen Douwes

Objective. We assessed the association between work-related stress and asthma in a cross-sectional workforce survey in New Zealand. Methods. Men and women randomly selected from the Electoral Roll were invited to take part in a telephonic interview, which collected information on current workplace exposures and respiratory symptoms. Participants rated how stressful they found their current job on a five-point scale. We conducted unconditional logistic regression to calculate prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for job stress and both current and adult-onset asthma, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and deprivation. Analyses were also stratified by sex, smoking status, body mass index, and age group. Results. Results were based on 2903 interviews. Participants with very or extremely stressful jobs were twice as likely to have current asthma (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.52–2.58) and 50% more likely to have adult-onset asthma (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.05–2.15) compared to those with not at all or mildly stressful jobs. This association was evident for both sexes and was not explained by either occupation, age, body mass index, or smoking, although the results did differ by smoking status. Conclusion. Our study adds to the sparse evidence on the relationship between work-related stress and asthma in adult working populations.


Chemosphere | 2009

Serum dioxin levels in former New Zealand sawmill workers twenty years after exposure to pentachlorophenol (PCP) ceased

David McLean; Amanda Eng; Chris Walls; Evan Dryson; Joe Harawira; Soo Cheng; Khoon Ching Wong; Andrea 't Mannetje; Michelle Gray; Phil Shoemack; Allan H. Smith; Neil Pearce

From the 1950s to the late 1980s pentachlorophenol (PCP) based anti-sapstain fungicides were widely used in the New Zealand timber industry. Workers involved in treatment, or those handling freshly treated timber, experienced significant PCP exposure. Commercial grade PCP contained contaminants including 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners. To determine whether PCP exposure had resulted in elevated serum dioxin levels twenty years after its use had ceased we tested 94 former sawmill workers randomly selected from surviving members of a cohort enumerated for a mortality and cancer incidence study. After interviewing these individuals to collect demographic data and a comprehensive work history, they were divided into 71 PCP-exposed and 23 non-exposed individuals on the basis of job title and work tasks performed. We compared age-adjusted dioxin levels in the exposed and non-exposed groups, examined the effect of PCP exposure duration and intensity, and compared congener profiles with those found in the commercial grade PCP used at the time. Mean levels in exposed workers were elevated when compared with the non-exposed, with levels of 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and OCDD being two to three times higher. The congener profiles in serum were consistent with those in PCP solutions, and dioxin levels increased with both employment duration and estimated exposure intensity. Serum dioxin levels in former New Zealand sawmill workers remain elevated twenty years after exposure to PCP ceased, and reflect the pattern of past PCP exposure.

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