2025-12-16
Hadi Daneshmandi, Reyhane Sadeghian, Niloofar Rahgoshay, Nahideh Sartavi, Fardin Negahdari, Laleh Golkari
Background : This cross-sectional study aims to assess cumulative loads affecting the lower back, shoulders, and distal upper extremities among automotive mechanics. Methods: The survey was conducted in automotive repair workshops in Shiraz, involving 157 independent mechanics selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a multiple-questionnaire including the Persian Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (P-CMDQ), the Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool (LiFFT), the Shoulder Work Assessment Tool (SWAT), and the Distal Upper Extremity Tool (DUET). Descriptive statistics were used to assess musculoskeletal discomfort, and Partial correlation analyses, adjusted for age and Body Mass Index (BMI), examined the relationships between risk levels from LiFFT, SWAT, and DUET and discomfort reported in the P-CMDQ. Results: The results showed a high level of musculoskeletal discomfort, especially in the lower back, shoulders, and hands. Risk assessments indicated that the cumulative loads are in the high range for the lower back in 42.7% of cases, the shoulders in 40.8%, and the distal upper extremities in 36.3%. A strong correlation was observed between cumulative load on the lower back and perceived discomfort in this region (r = 0.730), whereas the correlations for the shoulders (r = 0.611) and distal upper extremities (r = 0.537) were moderate. Conclusions: The findings highlight the significant influence of workplace factors on the musculoskeletal health of automotive mechanics, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and ergonomic solutions to enhance their health and productivity.
2025-12-16
Christoph Schmidtkunz, Isabell Schönrath, Aline Murawski, Katja Küpper, Nora Lemke, Till Weber, Gabriele Leng, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is an antioxidant which is used in a vast array of consumer products. The most sensitive toxicological endpoints of BHT are hepatic enzyme induction and reproductive effects. Because of its wide dispersive use and its potential relevance for human health, BHT was included in the human biomonitoring (HBM) cooperation between the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and the German Chemical Industry Association. An analytical method for the sensitive determination of 3,5‑di‑tert‑butyl‑4‑hydroxybenzoic acid (BHT acid)—an oxidized metabolite of BHT which is excreted in urine—was developed. This method was then applied in several environmental and occupational HBM surveys, and BHT acid was detected in the vast majority of samples. Health-based guidance values as well as reference values for the interpretation of HBM results were derived for BHT acid. Thus, a fine-grained picture of the current state of BHT exposure in different populations in Germany is now available. Uncertainties arise from large variability in the fraction of dose excreted as BHT acid and incomplete understanding of human metabolism, which limits reverse dosimetry and risk assessment, particularly for children.
2025-12-16
Gabriele d'Ettorre, Roberta Tornese, Andrea Baldassarre
Background: Prevention of headache disorders (HDs) among healthcare workers in hospital settings remains a challenge for organizations and employees worldwide. The goals of the present retrospective study were both to analyze the 1-year prevalence of any primary HDs among female registered nurses (RNs) employed in hospital settings and to investigate the relationship between occupational risk factors and HDs. Methods: We analyzed the occupational medicine database of RNs employed in a large hospital. The sample included 975 female RNs; the diagnostic criteria were based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Results: One-year prevalence of any HD was 45.9%; tension-type headache (TTH) was the most commonly reported headache type (by 25.6% of participants), followed by migraine (17.5%). No association was found between the different headache types and work schedules; TTH was linked to age ≥40 years (OR=1.91; 95% CI=1.41-2.72), duration of service ≥15 years (OR=1.61; 95% CI=1.24-2.38), and number of night shifts >5 per month (OR=1.71; 95% CI=1.09-2.68). A high level of WRS was a significant predictor of TTH. Conclusions: We found a link between TTH and modifiable risk factors at both the individual and organizational levels. These findings suggest interventions in occupational settings to minimize the occurrence of TTH among RNs. Policy-makers and employers should implement preventive measures to reduce the incidence of HDs among RNs by minimizing modifiable risk factors associated with increased occupational risk.
2025-12-16
Antonio Mutti
2025-12-16
Alessandro Godono, Veruscka Leso, Ettore Paradisi, Elisa Carena, Maria Vittoria Picciaiola, Anna Schneider-Kamp, Catalina Ciocan, Fabrizio Bert, Franco Veglio, Paolo Boffetta, Ivo Iavicoli
Background : This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace-based health promotion programs targeting cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods : We conducted a systematic review and three-level random-effects meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, covering studies published from January 2019 to September 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental (QE) designs assessing workplace interventions to reduce cardiometabolic risks in adult workers. Twelve outcomes were considered. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE assessment tool. Results : Forty-four studies (30 RCTs, 14 QE) involving 49,813 participants were included. Significant improvements were found in nine of twelve outcomes. These included reductions in BMI (–0.61kg/m²; [–0.93; –0.29]), body weight (–2.43kg; [–3.48; –1.38]), waist circumference (–3.46cm; [–5.21; –1.71]), body fat (–1.58%; [–2.40; –0.76]), systolic (–3.75mmHg: [–5.67; –1.82]) and diastolic (mmHg; [-3.58; -1.29]) blood pressure, LDL cholesterol (–5.9 mg/dL; [–11.6; –0.12]), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (2.76 mg/dL; [0.42; 5.09]). All significant outcomes were supported by moderate-to-high certainty evidence except LDL cholesterol, which was rated very low. Non-significant results were observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides and FBG. High heterogeneity was observed. Pre-existing health conditions, author and duration of intervention partially explained between-study heterogeneity. Conclusions : Workplace health promotion programs were associated with improvements in various cardiometabolic health indicators. Greater effectiveness was observed in interventions targeting high-risk populations, delivered by physicians or qualified health professionals, and implemented over shorter durations. Findings support the integration of such programs into occupational health policies and broader public health strategies. Future research should optimize intervention designs, extend follow-up, and consider integrated approaches to maximize long-term benefits.
2025-10-24
Giulia Collatuzzo, Federica Teglia, Paolo Boffetta
Background: The association between diesel exhaust and cancer other than the lung is not well established. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between diesel and kidney cancer in workers. Methods: Two trained researchers conducted a systematic review to identify cohort studies examining the relationship between occupational exposure to diesel exhaust and the risk of cancer other than lung cancer. Of the 43 retained studies, 15 reported information on kidney cancer. We performed random-effects meta-analyses for ever-exposure to diesel exhaust. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the association between diesel exhaust exposure and kidney cancer. Results: Overall, the RR of kidney cancer was 1.08 (95% CI=1.01-1.15, heterogeneity p=0.1, I2=28.6%). The summary RR was 1.08 for incidence (95% CI=1.01-1.16; I2=36.7%) and 1.09 for mortality (95% CI=0.92-1.30, I2=14.5%), p of heterogeneity=0.914. The summary RR of European studies was 1.08 (95% CI=1.00-1.16, I2=37.8 %), that of USA/Canada studies was 1.10 (95% CI=0.94-1.29, I2=8.5%), p of heterogeneity=0.837. Publication bias was not detected. Conclusions: Workers exposed to diesel exhaust may experience an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, although the evidence is not entirely consistent, and residual confounding cannot be excluded.
2025-04-17
Antonio Mutti