Incidence of sharp and needle-stick injuries and mucocutaneous blood exposure among healthcare workers

Healthcare workers are exposed to biological hazards on a daily basis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risks of infection after occupational exposure to blood or body fluids among HCWs operating in the period 2013-2014, in a university hospital of Southern Italy. The frequency of accidents during the 2-year period was always lower than 5%.  READ MORE

Occupational and work-related respiratory disease attributed to cleaning products

Exposure to cleaning products has been associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the medically reported incidence, trends in incidence and occupational determinants of work-related respiratory disorders attributed to cleaning agents and to explore the role of “Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships” in corroborating the identification of chemical respiratory sensitisers.  READ MORE

The relationship between occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and changes in thyroid hormones in hospital workers

The effects of ionized radiation on the thyroid have been extensively studied. However, most studies have focused on high-dose radiation received accidentally or through therapy, and few were on low-dose occupational exposure. Using a retrospective cohort study design, we collected health examination reports from employees who worked on jobs with occupational exposure to radiation at a hospital to evaluate possible changes in the serum thyroid hormones and determine whether there is a dose-response effect.  READ MORE

Change in prevalence of asbestos-related disease among sheet metal workers 1986 to 2016

A medical screening program began in 1986 for sheet metal workers exposed to asbestos, primarily while working alongside insulators applying spray-on asbestos materials, a practice banned in 1973. Exposure continues during maintenance, renovation and repair. Radiographic abnormalities among 26,397 sheet metal workers examined from 1986 to 2016 were analyzed by year of entry into the trade.  READ MORE