Prostate cancer and driving occupations: could whole body vibration play a role?

Purpose: To summarize the literature on the risk of prostate cancer in whole body vibration (WBV) related occupations and estimate a combined meta-rate ratio.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of five case-control and three cohort studies published between 1996 and 2004 was conducted. A pooled relative risk (RR) estimate was calculated and the studies were evaluated for homogeneity and publication bias.

Work-attributed symptom clusters (darkroom disease) among radiographers versus physiotherapists: associations between self-reported exposures and psychosocial stressors.

Background: "Darkroom disease" (DRD) has been used to describe unexplained multiple symptoms attributed by radiographers to their work environment. This study determines the prevalence of symptom clusters similar to other unexplained syndromes among (medical radiation technologists (MRTs) as compared with physiotherapists (PTs), and identifies associated work-related (WR) factors.

Methods: A mail survey was undertaken of members of the professional associations of MRTs and PTs in Ontario, Canada.