Public Health Commons^™

Spectral Frequency And Broadband Noise Analysis Of The Firefighter Environment: Potential Implications For Cardiac Health, James Blando, Catherine Reed, Amya Turner

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Firefighters are well known to have elevated risk of adverse health outcomes across a wide range of diseases and injuries, including cancer, hearing loss, fatal cardiac events, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, and many other adverse outcomes. It has been speculated that the noise environment is a significant risk factor for several of these diseases. In particular, the impact of noise on cardiac outcomes has recently been identified. An environmental survey of noise that included spectral and broadband analysis was conducted across all 14 firehouses in a southeastern city in the United States as a first step to investigate …

Comparison Of Push-Pull Air Curtain To Overhead Downdraft Systems On Aerosol Containment And Distribution In Controlled Environments, Manal Mutairi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Comparison of Push-Pull Air Curtain to Overhead Downdraft Systems on Aerosol Containment and Distribution in Controlled Environments.

This dissertation looks at the ongoing issue of tiny airborne particles created during medical and dental procedures and evaluates ways to reduce the risk of exposure for healthcare workers and patients to these particles. The first study focuses on the size, how long particles stay in the air, and how far they travel from common medical procedures that create aerosols, showing that tiny particles (less than 5 µm) can stay in the air long enough to escape basic droplet controls. As a …

Effets Respiratoires De L'Exposition Journalière Aux Particules Respirables, Fines Et Ultrafines Dans Divers Milieux De Travail, Audrey Smargiassi, Maximilien Debia, Eva Suarthana

États de la question, rapports d’expertise et revues de littérature

De très nombreux travailleurs sont exposés quotidiennement à des niveaux de particules dans l’air ambiant qui dépassent largement les concentrations auxquelles la population générale est exposée. Néanmoins, très peu d’études ont porté sur l’influence de l’exposition quotidienne des travailleurs aux particules respirables sur la santé respiratoire. La majorité des études se sont intéressées aux effets des expositions prolongées sur le développement de maladies respiratoires. Pourtant, les associations entre l’exposition journalière aux particules respirables et l’inflammation pulmonaire et la fonction respiratoire sont bien documentées pour la population générale. Les effets des particules respirables pourraient différer pour les travailleurs parce que les …

Occupational Exposure To Pesticides Increases The Risk Of Amyotrophyc Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, France Labrèche, Pamela Prudhomme, Maryse Gagnon, Nicolas Dupré, Sabrina Gravel

Études primaires

Objective To systematically review the evidence on the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods A systematic search, conducted in eight bibliographic databases for publications between 1990 and 2025, identified observational studies estimating the risk of ALS after occupational pesticide exposure. Study quality was assessed using the WHO Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment instrument for systematic reviews, with the ROBINS-E (RoB in non-randomised studies of exposure) tool domains of bias. Pooled risk estimates were produced using random-effects models with restricted maximum likelihood, heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics, and meta-regressions and publication …

Exploring The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Preventive Healthcare Utilization In Rural Georgia, Ryan R. Traylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and preventive healthcare use among adults in Georgia, specifically within rural populations facing structural barriers. Using 2023 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, the research analyzes associations between ACE exposure, rural residence, and preventive care outcomes, including physical exams and flu vaccinations. Guided by an intersectionally adapted version of Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, the study evaluates how predisposing factors, enabling resources, and perceived barriers relate to healthcare engagement. Logistic regression analyses assess the correlation of ACE exposure, cost barriers, provider access, and sociodemographics with preventive …

Analysis Of The Functional And Acoustical Comfort Of Earplugs Experienced By A Group Of Workers In Canadian Companies And Identification Of The Influencing Variables, Bastien Poissenot-Arrigoni, Olivier Doutres, Alessia Negrini, Djamal Berbiche, Franck Sgard

Études primaires

Earplugs are essential for hearing protection in noisy workplaces, but their effectiveness depends heavily on user comfort, which influences proper and consistent use. This study explores functional and acoustical comfort experienced by 173 workers across Canadian companies, each testing different ’disposable or reusable’ earplug models over seven weeks. Comfort is assessed using detailed questionnaires covering six subdimensions: ease of insertion and removal, noise protection, impact on work, and discomfort related to internal and external noise perception. Linear mixed-effects models are applied within a triad framework encompassing person-, earplug-, and environment-related characteristics in order to identify those with a significant influence …

Lung Inflammation From Daily Exposure To Airborne Particulate Matter In A Trade School, Kynda Tinawi, Céline Plante, Alan Da Silveira Fleck, Édith Giasson, Isabelle Valois, Caroline Couture, Eva Suarthana, Maximilien Debia, Audrey Smargiassi

Études primaires

Background Workers are exposed daily to various airborne chemical agents, however, associations between daily exposures to particulate matter and lung inflammation in occupational settings have been little explored. Objective To estimate the association between daily occupational exposure to respirable (PM4 and PM2.5), ultrafine particles, their oxidative potential, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide within apprentices in a school of construction trades. Methods We used a repeated measures design over 5 consecutive days in 56 apprentices from 3 construction trade sectors (bricklaying, welding, and carpentry). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured each day post-work. Personal and work area daily PM4 were collected …

Reduced Physical Activity During Submarine Deployment: Health And Performance Consequences And Feasible Countermeasures—A Narrative Review, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Submarine environments pose unique challenges to maintaining physical activity due to space constraints, operational demands, and prolonged confinement. This review aims to synthesize existing literature on the health and performance consequences of reduced physical activity in submarine personnel and to examine feasible strategies to mitigate these effects during deployment. Methods: A narrative overview methodology was adopted, with peer-reviewed studies identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles examining physical activity patterns, health outcomes, and exercise or movement-based interventions in submarine environments and comparable confined operational settings were included. Results: Submarine deployments are consistently associated with reduced physical activity, low …

Rare Manifestation Of Scapular Cutaneous Larva Migrans Infection Among Sand Porters In Warm Climate: A Case Report, Prio Hangudi Sampurno, Tri Wisesa Soetisna

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Cutaneous larva migrans is a serpiginous helminthic infection common among certain occupations dealing with contaminated soil especially in warm climate. Most common predilections include the feet, legs, and buttocks with only a fraction of cases found on the trunk and upper extremities.

Case Presentation A rare scapular cutaneous larva migrans manifestation on a thirty-six years old sand porter with high occupational exposure was described. Physical examination revealed progressive pruritic and warm rash in a serpiginous pattern on the left shoulder.

Results Diagnosis was established based on characteristic serpiginous rash physical findings supported by history of contact. This case needed …

Incident Of Sensorineural Hearing Disorder In Toll Road Workers Exposed To Noise And Lead, Fitria Rimadhanty Setyaningtyas, Muhammad Ilyas, Dewi Yunia Fitriani, Suryo Wibowo

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Toll road workers are exposed to traffic noise and lead, both of which may increase the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This study aimed to examine the association between noise and lead exposure and the occurrence of SNHL among toll road workers.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data derived from medical check-up records of 1,445 toll road workers in 2022. Study variables included age, sex, length of employment, past medical history, smoking status, job position, blood lead levels and SNHL incidence. Descriptive analyses were performed, followed by bivariate analysis using the chi square test and …

Fatigue Assessment And Workplace Decision-Making: A Scoping Review, Tamio Papilika, Rony Catur Wibowo, Famelia Famelia

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Fatigue is a recognized contributor to impaired performance and increased occupational risk in safety-critical industries. Although various assessment tools are available, their real-world implementation and role in operational decision-making remain unclear.

Methods This scoping review mapped fatigue assessment methods in workplace settings and evaluated their application in operational contexts. A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified 693 records, of which 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for real-world occupational settings.

Results All included studies utilized combined subjective and objective fatigue assessment approaches; however, this finding should be interpreted in light of the search strategy. Administrative applications were …

A Fishy Situation: Hand Infection Due To Mycobacterium Marinum Mistaken For Giant Cell Tumor, Alynna Knaub, Dylan Baker, Jennifer Hanrahan

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Mycobacterium marinum is an acid-fast bacterium (AFB) associated with exposure to water and aquatic species. When inoculated, infection can result in nodular cutaneous lesions. In the absence of detailed history or culture data, these nodular skin lesions can be mistaken for noninfectious orthopedic conditions. We present a case of M. marinum mistaken for a giant cell tumor. This case illustrates the overlap in these conditions, as well as the utility of QuantiFERON Gold testing to provide supportive evidence for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium marinum.

Thorium Lung Burdens Of Norm Workers Revisited, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Historical thorium bioassay data collected from Australian mine workers in the 1990s, including in vivo lung counting and thoron-in-breath (TIB) measurements, were re-evaluated using current dosimetric and biokinetic models. Revised daily thorium intakes from bioassay were compared with previous estimates to assess changes in the dose profile and potential implications for contemporary operations. Reanalysis revealed lower estimates of annual dose, including the number of workers assessed as exceeding 20 mSv. However, it was found that intakes derived from industry personal air sampling (PAS) underestimated intake by up to three-fold. This study determined that sensitive bioassay techniques, such as TIB using …

The Basis For Recommending The Selection Of Samplers In Determining Occupational Exposures To Aerosols, Martin Harper, Pieter Bertier, Marcus Cattani, Karen Galea, Darrah Sleeth, Steven Verpaele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Measurements are considered to be the basis of exposure assessments used to determine risks to workers. Inhalation exposure poses the greatest risk for most airborne chemicals, and measurements are based on collecting (sampling) and analyzing air samples. Samplers have been developed for more than 120 years. Each new design has been intended to address flaws perceived in earlier designs. Users are faced with a varied array of samplers from which to choose. Comparisons are difficult to make because tests of sampler performance were not standardized until recently and have not been applied consistently. The existing large body of work does …

Intratracheal Interleukin-10 Administration Reduces Acute Lung Injury Induced By Sulfur Dioxide Exposure In Mice, Amy J. Nelson, Todd A. Wyatt, Bradley W. Richmond, Belinda Diaz, Angela Gleason, Michael J. Duryee, Geoffrey M. Thiele, Ted R. Mikuls, Jill A. Poole

Journal Articles: Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

Therapies capable of reducing acute high-consequence airborne chemical exposure-induced lung disease are lacking. This study seeks to determine the therapeutic potential of interleukin (IL)-10 administered following acute sulfur dioxide (SO₂) exposure in mice. C57BL/6 male and female mice were exposed to SO₂ gas at 125 ppm for 4 h and subsequently treated 2-3 h later with IL-10 (1 μg) or vehicle control by intratracheal instillation for a total of 3 doses over 2 days with comparisons to sham-treated mice (N = 20 mice/group). IL-10 treatment reduced SO₂-induced weight loss with corresponding reductions in SO_{2 …}

Health Risk Assessment (Hra) In Home-Based Ironing Businesses: Risk Identification, Intervention, And Evaluation In Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, Heru Alfares, Irawadi Darmaputra, Marsen Isbayuputra, Muhammad Ilyas

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Home-based ironing businesses in Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, are part of the informal sector, vulnerable to health risks due to suboptimal working conditions. This study aims to identify, assess, and control health risks through a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) approach.

Methods Research methods include direct observation, interviews, environmental measurements, health screenings, and ergonomic surveys using the BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factor) instrument.

Results The results indicate that the temperature in the ironing area reaches 33°C, exceeding the comfort standard, and that 80% of workers have dark yellow urine, indicating a high risk of dehydration. Risk assessment …

Returning To Work On Chef With Graves’ Disease: A Case Report, Izzatul Abadiyah, Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Graves’ disease has adverse effects on quality of life, because of somatic psychiatric symptoms and an inability to work. Chefs face many occupational hazards that can aggravate certain medical conditions, worsen the disease, and pose safety risks at work. This case report aims to assess the returning-to-work evaluation and program for a chef with Graves’ disease.

Case Description A forty-seven-year-old Indonesian male who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease from characteristic clinical features and biochemical abnormalities was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. TSH concentration was 0.001mU/L, FT4 concentration was 2.85 ng/dL, hemoglobin level was 10.6 g/dL, and …

Burden Of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Associated Risk Factors And Perceptions On Prevention Among Airport Baggage Handlers, Ashish A. Trivedi Md, Alice Lai, Mahmud Tasim, Nik Tuah

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Airport baggage handlers are involved in manual handling of heavy loads, predisposing them to the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to determine the burden of self-reported MSDs and their associated factors among airport baggage handlers in Brunei Darussalam.

Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used a self-administered questionnaire to collect demographic and work profile data. We also incorporated the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess body-part MSD symptoms over a 12-month period. Baggage handlers’ perceptions of the likelihood of specific work tasks related to MSDs and of preventative measures were also sought.  The data were …

From Medical Check-Ups To Risk-Based Health Governance: Reframing Fitness-For-Work And Preventive Health In Modern Health Systems, Kasyunnil Kamal, Iqbal Mochtar

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

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A Study Of Perceptions, Readiness, Benefits, And Barriers Related To Exoskeleton Adoption In New Jersey’S Warehousing Sector, Terry Asante

Theses

The warehousing industry in New Jersey remains a vital component of the region's logistics network, employing more than 200,000 workers who routinely engage in lifting, bending, overhead reaching, and other physically demanding activities. These exposures contribute to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rates that exceed national averages, particularly affecting the low back and shoulders. Nationally, MSDs account for an estimated $420 billion in combined direct and indirect costs each year, underscoring the need for interventions that can effectively reduce biomechanical strain. Industrial exoskeletons have emerged as a potential solution, with prior research demonstrating reductions in muscle activation, perceived exertion, and fatigue during …

Uji Kelayakan Teknis Dan Performa Auvest: Rompi Pendingin Otomatis Berbasis Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler Untuk Mitigasi Risiko Heat Stress, Muchammad Adam Wildan, Amelia Avril Rayhana, Nadia Hanifan Nabila, Bian Shabri Putri Irwanto

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Heat stress is a serious threat to construction workers that can reduce productivity and even threaten lives. Existing cooling vest innovations still have limitations, such as weight, manual systems, and the risk of leakage. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Automatic Vest (AUVEST), an automatic cooling vest based on Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler and the Internet of Things (IoT), in preventing the risk of heat stress. The method used is experimental with trials on one construction worker in indoor and outdoor environments. AUVEST is equipped with temperature sensors (DS18B20, TMP102) and humidity (DHT11), whose data is processed by …

Analisis Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Pemberian Vaksinasi Polio Pada Anak Usia 0 - 59 Bulan Di Wilayah Cakupan Vaksinasi Tinggi (Dki Jakarta) Dan Rendah (Di. Yogyakarta), Mayla S. Zahrie, Zakianis Zakianis, Budi Haryanto, Yulia Fitria Ningrum

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Polio vaccination coverage in Indonesia was uneven across provinces. Based on data from the 2017 Indonesian Health Profile, the coverage of complete oral polio vaccination for infants in Indonesia reached 91,7%, while polio injection vaccination reached only 46,8%. DKI Jakarta was one of the regions with high oral polio vaccination coverage (101.7%), whereas DI Yogyakarta was among the regions with low oral polio vaccination coverage (73.3%). This study aimed to determine the factors associated with polio vaccination among children under five years old in DKI Jakarta and DI Yogyakarta in 2017 using IDHS data from 2017. The study used a …

Analisis Spasial Sebaran Kejadian Diare Berdasarkan Faktor Iklim Di Kota Batam Tahun 2020-2023, Syofetim Esther Novi Triyanti

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Diarrhea is the leading cause of morbidity in coastal regions. Batam City is highly vulnerable to climate change. This study aims to analyze the relationship between rainfall, air humidity, population density, safe drinking water facilities, and access to latrines with the incidence of diarrhea and the spatial distribution based on climate factors in Batam City from 2020 to 2023. The study used an ecological study design with subdistricts as the unit of analysis. Aggregate secondary data were obtained from the Batam City Public Health Office, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Batam City, and NASA POWER. The analysis of the data included univariate …

Hubungan Faktor Iklim, Faktor Polutan Dan Faktor Sosioekonomi Terhadap Proporsi Pneumonia Balita Provinsi Dki Jakarta Tahun 2013 – 2022, Fayza Chairunnisa Permana, Zakianis Zakianis, Laila Fitria, Erni Pelita Fitratunnisa

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

In 2022, the Province of DKI Jakarta ranked fourth with the highest coverage of pneumonia in toddlers (53.2%), exceeding Indonesia's toddler pneumonia coverage (38.78%). Pneumonia is influenced by various risk factors, including environmental factors such as climate and weather conditions as well as air pollution, and social and behavioral factors such as toddler characteristics, parental socioeconomic status, and access to health care services. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between climate factors (air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and air pressure), pollutant factors (PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, O₃, NO₂), and parents' socioeconomic …

Hubungan Ruang Terbuka Hijau Dengan Prevalensi Diabetes Melitus Di Provinsi Dki Jakarta Tahun 2022, Nurcholiza Hayati, Zakianis Zakianis, Al Asyary, Yulia Fitria Ningrum

Jurnal Nasional Kesehatan Lingkungan Global

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. According to Riskesdas (2018), Jakarta has the highest prevalence rate at 2.6%. Objective: To analyze the relationship between green open spaces, socio-economic factors, demographics, and physically active residents with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Method: An ecological study design with the unit of analysis is districts and the population consisting of 44 districts in DKI Jakarta Province in 2022. The dependent variable is the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and the independent variables include education, employment status, population density, gender, age, physically active residents, the area of green …

Efektivitas Pemberian Buah Pisang Raja Untuk Menurunkan Kelelahan Kerja Pada Operator Sewing Umkm Garmen X Karanganyar, Virginia Bernardine Gavra Prachristma Sujudi, Tyas Lilia Wardani, Rizqy Kartika Sari

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Work fatigue is a common problem that can reduce productivity and increase the risk of workplace accidents. At UMKM Garmen X Karanganyar, the lack of supplementary food intake causes energy deficits and fatigue among workers. This condition underlies the research to analyze the effectiveness of giving banana raja (Musa paradisiaca L.) as an additional snack in reducing work fatigue among sewing operators at UMKM Garmen X Karanganyar. The research was conducted using a true experimental method with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. 42 sewing operators were selected from 47 workers using simple random sampling, divided into …

Evaluasi Keselamatan Alat Permainan Edukatif (Ape) Dan Penataan Area Bermain Outdoor Di Dua Taman Kanak-Kanak, Auri Willyado, Novrikasari Novrikasari, Mona Lestari, Dina Waldani, Desheila Andarini

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Educational Play Equipment (APE) is one of the facilities provided by Early Childhood Education (PAUD) institutions to support the learning process through play. This study aims to assess the compliance of APE and the arrangement of outdoor play areas with the 2018 Guidelines for Managing PAUD Classroom Space, SNI 9169:2023, the Ministry of Education and Culture’s 2021 Safe APE Guidelines for Early Childhood, and Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2022. The study employs a qualitative design with a descriptive approach through facility observations, interviews with teaching staff, and a review of school documents. The data analysis process includes data reduction, …

Efektivitas Dan Keberterimaan Madcom Noise Protection Sebagai Alat Pelindung Pendengaran Berbasis Perlindungan Ganda, Ahmad Athif Wahyu Ramadhan, Yamtana Yamtana, Naris Dyah Prasetyawati, Sigid Sudaryanto

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Industrial environments often generate high noise levels due to the continuous operation of machinery and production equipment. Persistent exposure to workplace noise exceeding the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 430 million people worldwide require rehabilitation for hearing impairment, with 109.4 million of these cases occurring in Southeast and Central Asia. As a critical component of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management, noise control is often implemented using Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an earplug-earmuff combination, developed as Madcom Noise Protection, …

Exposures, Protections, And Barriers: Advancing Understanding Of Agricultural Worker Health, Alexandra A. Farfalla

Theses & Dissertations

Farming is a hazardous occupation. Exposures are multifactorial, variable, and shaped by overlapping tasks, environments, and social contexts. This dissertation aimed to illustrate the complexity of agricultural exposures and the barriers to protective practices through three complementary studies.

The first study examined co-exposures to solvents and noise as risk factors for hearing loss (HL) among 7,495 farmers and ranchers in a 7-state region. Results indicated nearly 60% of co-exposed participants reported hearing loss, with an adjusted odds ratio nearly six-fold (OR=6.03, [4.67-7.78]) for moderate/severe HL. This work highlights the importance of recognizing chemical exposures as a modality in HL in …

Behind The Badge: Effects Of Stress And Trauma In Policing -- Understanding The Importance Of Evidence-Based Prevention, Early Intervention, And Wellness Programs, Jessica Rolshouse

Master of Arts in Human Services

Law enforcement officers are exposed to occupational stress and trauma routinely and at rates that far exceed the general population. This chronic exposure places them at risk for physical and psychological injury and negative outcomes to include mental health disorders including burnout, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Prolonged exposure to occupational stress and trauma also increases the risk of suicidal ideation and dying by suicide, the most tragic outcome of the stress law enforcement officers face. This literature review focuses on individual risk factors, occupational stress, and trauma, and the development of mental health disorders in law enforcement officers. It also …