Respirator usage protects brain white matter from welding fume exposure: A pilot magnetic resonance imaging study of welders.

Welding fume exposure has been associated with structural brain changes and a wide variety of clinical and sub-clinical outcomes including cognitive, behavioral and motor abnormalities. Respirator use has been shown to decrease exposure to welding fumes; however, the associations between respirator use and health outcomes, particularly neurologic health, have been understudied. In this preliminary study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the effectiveness of respirator use in protecting workers' white matter (WM) from the harmful effects related to welding fume exposure.

Access to properly fitting personal protective equipment for female construction workers.

Background: Previous literature suggests that most personal protective equipment (PPE) for construction is designed for males and does not accommodate female anthropometry. We conducted a pilot study to identify whether female construction workers currently have adequate access to properly fitting PPE.

Methods: Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with union female carpenters, laborers, and ironworkers.

The association between body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease in the World Trade Center Health Program General Responder Cohort.

Background: There is increasing concern about the obesity epidemic in the United States. Obesity is a potential risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This analysis examined whether body mass index (BMI) was associated with physician-diagnosed GERD in World Trade Center (WTC) general responders.

Current Status and Prospects of Occupational Medicine in the Russian Federation.

An in-depth analysis conducted on the historical background and current status of occupational medicine in Russia is presented. Scientific and practical bases of occupational medicine in the Russian Federation were based on 2 of the most important principles of health service: free medical care and its preventive orientation. Our analysis of the current situation in occupational medicine in modern Russia shows a transition from the vision of zero occupation-related harm to the strategy of recognizing, assessing, and managing occupational exposures.

Construction workers struggle with a high prevalence of mental distress, and this is associated with their pain and injuries.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate how mental distress was associated with pain and injuries in a convenience sample of construction workers.

Methods: A cross-sectional, mental health assessment was conducted in a convenience sample of construction workers (N = 172). A subsample participated in a clinical interview (n = 10).

Effects of forearm and palm supports on the upper extremity during computer mouse use.

The use of forearm and palm supports has been associated with lower neck and shoulder muscle activity as well as reduced musculoskeletal discomfort during keyboard use, however, few studies have investigated their effect during computer mouse use. Eight men and eight women completed several computer mousing tasks in six arm support conditions: Forearm Support, Flat Palm Support, Raised Palm Support, Forearm + Flat Palm Support, Forearm + Raised Palm Support, and No Support. Concurrently, an infrared three-dimensional motion analysis system measured postures, six-degree-of-freedom force-torque sensors measured applied forces & torques, and surface electromyography measured muscle activity.