Association of Endotoxin and Allergens with Respiratory and Skin Symptoms: A Descriptive Study in Laboratory Animal Workers.

Background: In laboratory animal work, allergens are classically considered to play a prominent role in generation of respiratory and skin symptoms. However, recent development may have changed working conditions and require an updating of preventive measures.

Objective: In workers exposed to a range of animals besides laboratory mice and rats the relative role of endotoxin, irritants, and allergens in symptom generation was assessed for updating preventative measures and health surveillance.

Can serum cytokine profile discriminate irritant-induced and allergen-induced symptoms? A cross-sectional study in workers mostly exposed to laboratory animals.

Background: In workers exposed mostly to laboratory animals (LA), symptoms may be due to irritants or allergens. Correct aetiological diagnosis is important for health surveillance.

Objectives: This study aims to test whether work-related (WR) allergen-induced symptoms are associated with a cytokine profile distinct from that due to irritants.

Cadmium or cadmium compounds and chronic kidney disease in workers and the general population: a systematic review.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is abundantly documented as a metal mainly affecting tubular function both in workers and in the general population indirectly exposed via the environment. Results from epidemiological studies linking Cd exposure and risk of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) are, however, conflicting.

Objectives: To perform a systematic review of the association between Cd exposure and CKD.

Assessment of airborne virus contamination in wastewater treatment plants.

Introduction: Occupational exposure to bioaerosols in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and its consequence on workers' health are well documented. Most studies were devoted to enumerating and identifying cultivable bacteria and fungi, as well as measuring concentrations of airborne endotoxins, as these are the main health-related factors found in WWTP. Surprisingly, very few studies have investigated the presence and concentrations of airborne virus in WWTP.

Biological monitoring and health effects of low-level exposure to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To examine the value of urinary 5-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNMP) and 2-hydroxy-N-methylsuccinimide (2-HMSI) in a population of workers exposed to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and to look for health effects of exposure to this organic solvent.

Methods: Airborne NMP was determined according to the NIOSH method. Urinary 5-HNMP and 2-HMSI (after and before next shift) were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

High occurrence of hepatitis E virus in samples from wastewater treatment plants in Switzerland and comparison with other enteric viruses.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for many enterically transmitted viral hepatitides around the world. It is currently one of the waterborne diseases of global concern. In industrialized countries, HEV appears to be more common than previously thought, even if it is rarely virulent.

Exposure to bioaerosols, respiratory health and lung-specific proteins: a prospective study in garbage and wastewater workers.

Objectives: To prospectively assess respiratory health in wastewater workers and garbage collectors over 5 years.

Methods: Exposure, respiratory symptoms and conditions, spirometry and lung-specific proteins were assessed yearly in a cohort of 304 controls, 247 wastewater workers and 52 garbage collectors. Results were analysed with random coefficient models and linear regression taking into account several potential confounders.