Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels in workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon from rubber wood burning.

Background: Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was selected as a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to explore the accumulation level in the bodies of workers at rubber smoke sheet factories in southern Thailand.

Methods: Spot urine samples were taken from four groups of workers from June 2006 to November 2007. The nonexposure or control groups included habitual cigarette smokers and nonsmokers.

Noise exposure assessment in a dental school.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Dental School of Prince of Songkla University to ascertain noise exposure of dentists, dental assistants, and laboratory technicians. A noise spectral analysis was taken to illustrate the spectra of dental devices.

Methods: A noise evaluation was performed to measure the noise level at dental clinics and one dental laboratory from May to December 2010.

Biomonitoring of heavy metals among nielloware workers in Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province.

Objective: To determine lead and mercury concentrations in biological samples from nielloware workers, to describe the association between occupational lifestyle, workposition, work environment, behavioral factors, acute and chronic neurological symptoms, and levels of metals in biological samples.

Material And Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 45 nielloware workers and 45 matched nonexposed persons living in the municipality of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Blood and urine samples were collected to determine lead and mercury concentrations by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Elevated lead contamination in boat-caulkers' homes in southern Thailand.

Surface-wipe lead loading was measured at various locations in the homes of 31 boat-caulkers and 31 location-matched controls to identify factors associated with household lead contamination. Data were obtained by observation checklist and questionnaire. Lead loading was significantly higher in caulkers' than in control households.

Construct validity of the Thai version of the job content questionnaire in a large population of heterogeneous occupations.

Objective: To test the construct validity of the Thai version of the job content questionnaire (TJCQ).

Material And Method: The present descriptive study recruited 10415 participants from all occupations according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations. The instrument consisted of a 48-item of the job content questionnaire.

Psychometric properties of the Thai version of the 22-item and 45-item Karasek job content questionnaire.

Objectives: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Thai version of the job content questionnaire (TJCQ) both 22-item and 45-item versions.

Materials And Methods: The study encompassed 10,450 employees in Songkhla province, Thailand. A 45-item job content questionnaire (JCQ) was translated and back translated complying with the JCQ usage policy.

Exposure to lead of boatyard workers in southern Thailand.

Lead oxide is used extensively in the construction and repair of wooden boats in Thailand, but the behaviors of boatyard workers that could place them at risk of contamination have not previously been documented. Baseline data on practices and behaviors of boatyard workers and on the level of worker and workplace contamination with lead were therefore collected. Fifty workers in two boatyards participated in this study.

Work-related respiratory symptoms among cotton-fabric sewing workers.

Objectives: An inspection of the sewing unit in a 700-bed hospital revealed that workers employed in this unit complained of cough, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the sewing workers and dust concentration in the workplace. The obtained results were compared with the control group.