Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Holland, Michael G.; Cawthon, David; ,

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000928pmid: 27930493

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000905pmid: N/A

Forrester, Mathias B.

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000896pmid: 27930494

Schlimgen, Ryan; Howard, John; Wooley, Dawn; Thompson, Maureen; Baden, Lindsey R.; Yang, Otto O.; Christiani, David C.; Mostoslavsky, Gustavo; Diamond, David V.; Duane, Elizabeth Gilman; Byers, Karen; Winters, Thomas; Gelfand, Jeffrey A.; Fujimoto, Gary; Hudson, T. Warner;

Caretto, David C.; Ostbye, Truls; Stroo, Marissa; Darcey, Dennis J.; Dement, John

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000882pmid: 27930473

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Barth, Shannon K.; Dursa, Erin K.; Bossarte, Robert; Schneiderman, Aaron

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000885pmid: 27930474

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory exposures and the association between respiratory exposures and respiratory disease among veterans deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) compared with nondeployed veterans of this era.Methods:Data come from a national health survey of 20,563 deployed and nondeployed OEF/OIF era veterans. Prevalence estimates and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Results were weighted to represent the population.Results:Prevalence of at least one respiratory exposure was high among both deployed and nondeployed groups (95% and 70%, respectively). In both groups, those with any respiratory exposure were at an increased risk for reporting a respiratory disease.Conclusion:Respiratory exposures are highly prevalent and are associated with increased odds of respiratory diseases among the OEF/OIF era population.

Fink, Jennifer T.; Rich, Jennifer; Smith, David R.; Singh, Maharaj; Sutton, Kelly; Mueller, George; Ihrke, Doug M.; Skalla, Jessica L.; Cisler, Ron A.

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000893pmid: 27930475

Objective:We examined the relationship between the type of incentivized wellness program and employee weight loss and the effects of participant income.Methods:We retrospectively examined employees who participated in one of six weight loss wellness programs, which were categorized for the present analysis: reweigh/body mass index, Coaching, and Weight Watchers/Meal Replacement. Those who participated were eligible for a $350/year insurance premium discount.Results:Employees in the low-income category of $45K or less participated at a higher rate, however, did not lose as much weight as those participants in the higher income categories of $70K or more. We found a positive association with weight loss in two of the categories, reweigh/body mass index, and Weight Watchers/Meal Replacement programs.Conclusion:Wellness programs have a significant impact on employee weight loss, but this relationship may vary across the income level of participants.

Syamlal, Girija; Jamal, Ahmed; Mazurek, Jacek M.

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000898pmid: 27930476

Objective:The aim of this study was to examine tobacco use among working adults at least 18 years of age.Methods:The 2012 to 2014 National Health Interview Survey (n = 105,779) was used to estimate prevalences for cigarette smoking, other combustible tobacco use, and smokeless tobacco use and prevalence odds ratios (PORs) for any tobacco product use among working adults at least 18 years of age, by industry and occupation.Results:Of the estimated 144 million currently employed adults, 17% were cigarette smokers, 7.0% other noncigarette combustible tobacco users, and 3.4% smokeless tobacco users. Odds of using tobacco varied by sociodemographic characteristics and by industry and occupations.Conclusions:Disparities in tobacco use exist among working adults. Continued implementation of proven interventions to prevent and reduce all forms of tobacco use among U.S. workers is warranted, particularly among those workers with a higher burden of use.

Löfstedt, Håkan; Westerlund, Jessica; Graff, Pål; Bryngelsson, Ing-Liss; Mölleby, Göte; Olin, Anna-Carin; Eriksson, Kåre; Westberg, Håkan

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000883pmid: 27930477

Background:This study investigated trichloramine exposure and prevalence of respiratory and ocular symptoms among Swedish indoor swimming pool workers.Methods:Questionnaires were distributed to pool workers and referents. Lung function and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured before and after work. Exposure to trichloramine and trihalomethanes was measured over work shifts.Results:The mean personal trichloramine exposure was 36 μg/m3. Significantly more exposed workers reported ocular and nasal symptoms. There were significant differences between groups in FeNO change following work, with exposed showing increased FeNO, which grew when analyses included only nonsmokers.Conclusions:The findings indicate that indoor swimming pool environments may have irritating effects on mucous membranes. FeNO data also indicate an inflammatory effect on central airways, but the clinical relevance is unclear. Low trichloramine levels found in this study were not associated with health effects.

Lavoie, Kim L.; Favreau, Helene; Paine, Nicola J.; Lemière, Catherine; Joseph, Maryann; Gagnon-Chauvin, Avril; Cartier, André; Bacon, Simon L.

doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000886pmid: 27930478

Objective:We previously reported high rates (34%) of psychiatric disorders (PSY) in patients evaluated for occupational asthma (OA). We determined the impact of PSY on employment status and health care use 12 to 18 months later.Methods:One hundred ninety-six patients underwent clinical and psychiatric interviews on the day of their OA evaluation. Patients were re-contacted 12to 18 months later to assess employment status and health care use.Results:Results indicated that patients with a PSY at baseline were less likely to be employed (adjusted odds ratio = 2.88; 95% confidence interval = 1.29 to 6.44) irrespective of final medical diagnosis (including OA), and had higher rates of emergency visits (35% vs 19%, P = 0.04).Conclusion:Psychiatric morbidity is common in this population and associated with lower employment rates and greater use of emergency services. Greater efforts should be made to assess and treat PSY in this population.