In occupational epidemiology, it is often possible to obtain repeated measurements of exposure from a sample of subjects (workers) who belong to exposure groups associated with different levels of exposure. Average exposures from a sample of workers can be assigned to all members of that group including those who are not sampled, leading to a group-based exposure assessment. We discuss how this...

OBJECTIVES Crystalline silica occurs as a significant component of many traditional materials used in restoration stonework, and stoneworkers who work with these materials are potentially exposed to stone dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure to RCS can result in the development of a range of adverse health effects, including silicosis and lung cancer. An understanding o...

In this article, we propose statistical methods for setting upper limits on (i) the probability that the mean exposure of an individual worker exceeds the occupational exposure limit (OEL) and (ii) the probability that the exposure of a worker exceeds the OEL. The proposed method for (i) is obtained using the generalized variable approach, and the one for (ii) is based on an approximate method ...

OBJECTIVES High microbial exposures in farmers and agricultural workers are associated with less atopy. Although it has been speculated that healthy worker survival could be an explanation, this has not been studied so far. Therefore, we investigated the presence of healthy worker survival in a five-year follow-up study of an occupational cohort of Dutch farmers and agricultural industry (compa...

INTRODUCTION Limited quantitative information is available on dermal exposure to chemicals during various industrial activities. Therefore, within the scope of the EU-funded RISKOFDERM project, potential dermal exposure was measured during three different tasks: filling, loading and brushing. DEGBE (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol) was used as a 'marker' substance to determine dermal exposure to the ...

Pesticide Action Network, United Farmworkers of America, and California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation analyzed California government data on agricultural poisonings and enforcement of worker safety standards. Nearly 500 pesticide poisonings were reported for California farmworkers every year from 1997 to 2000. The actual number of pesticide-related illnesses is unknown, since many poisoning...

Within the UK exposure of the consumer to pesticides via food is under the jurisdiction of the Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD). However, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also has an input into the pesticide approvals process and this is related to worker safety. In terms of agricultural use, HSE has always had a watching brief as far as operator exposure is concerned either by doing ...

Indoor pesticide exposure is a growing concern, particularly from pyrethroids, a commonly used class of pesticides. Pyrethroid concentrations may be especially high in homes of immigrant farm worker families who often live in close proximity to agricultural fields, and are faced with poor housing conditions, causing higher pest infestation and more pesticide use. We investigate exposure of farm...