Knowledge, Practices, and Environmental and Occupational Health Risks Associated with Electronic Waste Recycling in Cotonou, Benin

Objective: The e-waste recycling is increasing worldwide, yet there remain outstanding environmental and occupational health concerns. Most research conducted on e-waste recycling has focused on only few countries (e.g., China, Ghana), thus there is a need to increase understanding of e-waste workers’ (recyclers’) knowledge and practices in other locations, that is purpose of this study. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in Cotonou, Benin, 45 e-waste recyclers were interviewed from September to November 2018. Survey data was collected concerning their demographics, professional practices, and knowledge of occupational and environmental risks associated with e-waste recycling. Results: Most participants reported the following methods of material recovery of electronic items in declining orders: dismantling (97.8%) > sorting (91.1%) > incinerating (88.9%). Only 44.2% of the recyclers reported wearing ≥ 1 piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). More than 90% of e-waste workers noted that they disposed the e-waste in natural sites. About half, 46.7% believed that e-waste can pollute water and 71.1% considered that it can pollute air and soil. Recyclers reported several diseases including respiratory (67.4%), heart (62.8%), eye (65.1%), kidney (41.9%) and cancers (30.2%) could be linked to their work, respectively. Interestingly, we also found associations between the number of electronic items dismantled per month and self-report symptoms from the e-waste recyclers such as finding blood in urine and stool, wounds, dizziness, and itchy skin. Our results also indicated associations between the number of hours worked per day and blood in urine, dizziness, itchy skin and airway obstruction. Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first study to interview e-waste workers in Benin. Doing this increase understanding of their work practices and knowledge to help inform intervention and prevention activities.

Enhancing Population’s Resistance to Toxic Exposures as an Auxilliary Tool of Decreasing Environmental and Occupational Health Risks (a Self-Overview)

Environment chemical pollution can be persistent, and even virtually irremovable. For some chemicals in the workplace environment reliably safe low exposure levels are technically unattainable or presumably nonexistent. As a supplement to decreasing harmful exposures to as low levels as possible, the “biological prophylaxis” aims at enhancing host’s protective mechanisms. During over 30 years in animal experiments modeling isolated or combined chronic or subchronic exposures to silica, asbestos, monazite, lead, chromium, arsenic, manganese, nickel, vanadium, nanosilver, nanocopper, formaldehyde, phenol, naphthalene, benzo(a)pyrene we tested so-called “bioprophylatic complexes” (BPCs) comprising innocuous substances with theoretically expected beneficial influence on the toxicokinetics and/or toxicodynamics of those toxics. The BPCs proved protectively effective in animal experiments were then subjected to controlled field trials on restricted groups of volunteers. Once the effectiveness and safety of a BPC was established, it was recommended for practical use, first of all, in the most vulnerable population groups (children, pregnant women) and in the most harmful occupations. At each stage of this work the effectiveness of the bioprophylactic approach to chemical risks management was successfully demonstrated. The BPCs tested up to now proved capable of mitigating systemic toxicity, cytotoxicity, fibrogenicity, and mutagenicity of the above-listed chemicals.

The Enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Requirements in Public and Private Sectors in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates

Research Problem: In Abu Dhabi, limited implementation of OSH Regulations contributes to the general unawareness among employees and workers about occupational hazards and safety measures, resulting in slow responsiveness toward enforcement measures and a lack of self-regulatory approaches within companies. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation methods practised in Abu Dhabi with those in developed countries with established OSH regulatory bodies. Methodology: Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to gather primary research data. Workers from various industries in Abu Dhabi were sampled on purpose and asked to respond to questionnaires and interviews on OSH protocol awareness and implementation, and circumstances of workplace incidence. Results: The findings of this study showed that the enforcement of OSH requirements in UAE positively correlated to a reduction in the rate of work-related injury and improved business performance. The quantitative research data showed that the energy sector had the highest score (15) while the tourism sector had the lowest score (5.3) in occupational health systems and improvements in business efficiency and productivity. Implications: The outcomes of this study shed light on the importance of implementing OSH Guidelines for companies to empower their safety managers to fully enforce OSH requirements in their organisations. In conclusion, effective OSH enforcement requires cooperation between general workers and OSH managers and facilitation from business owners.

Implications of Dynamic Interactions between Meteorological Patterns and Surface Water Quality on Environmental Health—A Case Study of the Nairobi River

Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.

Research Progress in Occupational Health Risk Assessment Methods in China

Traditional occupational disease control and prevention has remained prevalent in China over recent decades. There are appropriately 30,000 new case reports of occupational diseases annually. Although China has already established a series of occupational disease prevention programs, occupational health risk assessment （OHRA） strategies continue to be a limitation.

Environmental and Health Effects Associated With Harmful Algal Bloom and Marine Algal Toxins in China

The frequency and scale of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and marine algal toxin incidents have been increasing and spreading in the past two decades, causing damages to the marine environment and threatening human life through contaminated seafood. To better understand the effect of HAB and marine algal toxins on marine environment and human health in China, this paper overviews HAB occurrence and marine algal toxin incidents, as well as their environmental and health effects in this country. HAB has been increasing rapidly along the Chinese coast since the 1970s, and at least 512 documented HAB events have occurred from 1952 to 2002 in the Chinese mainland. It has been found that PSP and DSP toxins are distributed widely along both the northern and southern Chinese coasts. The HAB and marine algal toxin events during the 1990s in China were summarized, showing that the HAB and algal toxins resulted in great damages to local fisheries, marine culture, quality of marine environment, and human health. Therefore, to protect the coastal environment and human health, attention to HAB and marine algal toxins is urgently needed from the environmental and epidemiologicalview.

Enlightenment from the COVID-19 Pandemic:The Roles of Environmental Factors in Future Public Health Emergency Response

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is challenging the current public health emergency response systems(PHERSs)of many countries.Although environmental factors,such as those influencing the survival of viruses and their transmission between species including humans,play important roles in PHERSs,little attention has been given to these factors.This study describes and elucidates the roles of environmental factors in future PHERSs.To improve countries’capability to respond to public health emergencies associated with viral infections such as the COVID-19 pandemic,a number of environmental factors should be considered before,during,and after the responses to such emergencies.More specifically,to prevent pandemic outbreaks,we should strengthen environmental and wildlife protection,conduct detailed viral surveillance in animals and hotspots,and improve early-warning systems.During the pandemic,we must study the impacts of environmental factors on viral behaviors,develop control measures to minimize secondary environmental risks,and conduct timely assessments of viral risks and secondary environmental effects with a view to reducing the impacts of the pandemic on human health and on ecosystems.After the pandemic,we should further strengthen surveillance for viruses and the prevention of viral spread,maintain control measures for minimizing secondary environmental risks,develop our capability to scientifically predict pandemics and resurgences,and prepare for the next unexpected resurgence.Meanwhile,we should restore the normal life and production of the public based on the“One Health”concept,that views global human and environmental health as inextricably linked.Our recommendations are essential for improving nations’capability to respond to global public health emergencies.

Human health and occupational exposure to pesticides among smallholder farmers in cotton zones of Côte d'Ivoire

While precautionary efforts are being made to minimize human health problems associated with agricultural pesticides, the continued occurrence of occupational poisoning from these chemicals raises major concerns among stake- holders. Information gap on human health problems associated with pesticides poses major obstacles to making informed policy decisions, particularly in developing countries where most of the poisonings occurs. In this study, we identified acute human health symptoms associated with pesticide use in cotton zone of C?te d’Ivoire and, documented the response of rural households to the symptoms. The results show that cotton farmers in Cote d’Ivoire suffer from different occupational health hazards from exposure to agricultural pesticides. Key health symptoms reported by pesticide applicators are headache, rheum, cough, skin rash and sneezing. Pesticide applicators reported four times higher symptoms of ill health than other household members who do not normally handle pesticides. Although, households recognized pesticides as an important cause of ill health, some of the symptoms have been accepted as norm by individuals who apply pesticides. Official data on pesticide poisoning in the country is most likely to be seriously under-estimated as applicators visited formal health centers for medical assistance in only 2% of poisoning cases reported. There is a high likelihood that households in the study area under-estimated pesticide-related health costs in making farm production decision-making. Approaches to use economic instruments for reliable monitoring and reporting procedures to formulate appropriate policies and regulations to minimize exposure to pesticides are recommended. Health planners and policy makers should aim at reducing the risks posed by pesticide to farm households by, improving awareness of farmers;promote complementary approach (e.g. Integrated Pest Management) and, use of economic instruments and improved surveillance to bridge the gap in the documentation of pesticide poisoning cases among farmers.

An Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in Ghana: A Study of the Construction Industry

Occupational health and safety continues to be a major component of the built environment. The study investigates the effectiveness of occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the construction industry in Ghana and identifies the influencing factors. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among 49 stakeholders from four relevant groups—regulatory institutions, consultants, contractors, artisans and labourers. The findings of the study suggest that the existing occupational health and safety legal and regulatory framework is barely effective. Stakeholders were aware of the existence of some laws and regulations but mostly could not identify the specific laws and their relevant contents. Consequently, compliance is found to be irregular. The key recurring factors affecting effectiveness of occupational health and safety laws and regulations include: negligence and lack of priority for occupational health and safety, lack of training, lack of funds for occupational health and safety, lack of capacity of regulatory and supervisory institutions, and lack of occupational health and safety education within construction firms. The findings of the study are foundational in strategic interventions aimed at improving compliance with occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the construction industry of Ghana.

Environmental influence in the forested area toward human health: incorporating the ecological environment into art psychotherapy

This study on the development of a psychotherapy program based on the relationship between forests and human health focused on actively considering the natural ecological environment. This study categorized and compared an art psychotherapy program that simply moved to an outdoor space and a forest-art therapy program that actively utilized the forest environment as a medium. The characteristics of the natural environment, such as openness, change, and diversity, shortened the amount of time participants took to develop a rapport and open up and played a vital role in recovering mental health. After a bold attempt at integrating forest environment and art psychotherapy by going beyond outdoor art therapy, there were significant results pertaining to improvements in mental disorders in today’s society, including stress vulnerabilities, depression, anxiety, and aggression. The research results verified that the developed forest-art therapy method had greater efficacy in relation to both the Stress Vulnerability-Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale and the Stress Vulnerability-Self-Regulation Scale.

Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Benzene,Toluene,and Xylene in Shanghai

Objective This study was designed to conduct a retrospective and systematic occupational health risk assessment(OHRA)of enterprises that used benzene,toluene,and xylene(BTX)in Shanghai,China.Methods All data for the study were obtained from 1,705 occupational health examination and evaluation reports from 2013 to 2017,and a semiquantitative model following Chinese OHRA guidelines(GBZ/T 298-2017)was applied for the assessment.Results The selected enterprises using BTX were mainly involved in manufacturing of products.Using the exposure level method,health risk levels associated with exposure to BTX were classified as medium,negligible,or low.However,the risk levels associated with benzene and toluene were significantly different according to job types,with gluers and inkers exhibiting greater health risks.For the same job type,the health risk levels assessed using the comprehensive index method were higher than those using the exposure level method.Conclusion Our OHRA reveals that workers who are exposed to BTX still face excessive health risk.Additionally,the risk level varied depending on job categories and exposure to specific chemicals.Therefore,additional control measures recommended by OHRA guidelines are essential to reduce worker exposure levels.

The Influence of Workplace Environment on Mental Health:A Quantitative and Qualitative Investigation in China

Background:The demanding nature of nursing,characterized by long hours,high-stress environments,and substantial workloads,can significantly impact nurses’mental health.However,there are limited studies that assessed the influence of workplace environment on nursing mental health based on both quantitative and qualitative approaches.Methods:This study aims to comprehensively investigate the multidimensional relationship between the workplace environment and nurses’well-being.This cross-sectional study was based on a sample of 3256 nurses from various healthcare settings in Shandong province,China(2022),who participated in the quantitative phase.For the qualitative phase,a subsample of participants from the quantitative phase was selected(n=200)using purposive sampling to ensure diversity in terms of age,gender,years of experience,and healthcare settings.The mean age was 35.2 years,with 74%female participants.Results:Significant negative correlations were found between leadership support and mental distress,while workload showed negative associations with General Positive Affect and mental health functioning(p<0.05).Multiple linear regression demonstrated the predictive power of workplace dimensions on mental health,with leadership support,teamwork,and organizational culture positively associated with mental health functioning(p<0.05).Thematic analysis underscored the intricate interplay between workplace indicators and mental health dimensions,emphasizing the need for a holistic approach.Conclusion:This study reveals that key workplace factors,including leadership support,teamwork,and organizational culture,play a vital role in enhancing nurse mental health,which is essential for sustaining high-quality patient care and a resilient healthcare workforce.

Occupational health protection for health workers during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic:6P-approach in China

Health workers(HW)are on the frontline fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,they are exposed to multiple occupational hazards.This article analyzed the comprehensive measures of protecting HWs during the COVID-19 response in China.Occupational health protection of HWs was one of the key strategies of the public health measures adopted against the COVID-19 outbreak from the earliest stage in China.This prioritization of HWs health protection was based on the technical and policy guidance of WHO and International Labor Organization as well as the experiences from previous outbreaks in China.The comprehensive measures in China can be summarized as‘6P-approach’:public health emergency response,prompt learning from lessons,proactive measures of occupational health,precaution strategies against occupational hazards,personal protective equipment and medical devices supply,and professional networking.Through this 6P-approach,China was able to minimize the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HWs,while successfully containing the outbreak dxuing the first quarter of 2020.Although the COVID-19 vaccines have been rolled out,however,the COVID-19 pandemic is still under rapidly evolving situation.Experiences from China may provide other countries with an example of prioritizing and incorporating occupational health protection of HWs in their public health measures responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Occupational Heat Stress in the Floriculture Industry of Ethiopia: Health Risks and Productivity Losses

Background: The Ethiopian flower industry is growing fast with successful diversification of export products under greenhouse structures. Higher temperatures in the greenhouses pose a serious threat to the health of workers and add to the risk of occupational heat stress. Excessive heat in workplace settings also reduces work capacity and labour productivity. This study aims to investigate the level of heat exposure, and workers’ and managers’ perceptions and behavioural responses towards extreme heat exposure in a warming climate. Methods: We used the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measured in representative greenhouses to capture the heat exposure during hotter and cooler seasons following ISO 7243 (generally risk of heat stress occurs when WBGT exceeds 26°C). A comparative cross-sectional study design with a stratified sampling method was used to assess occupational heat stress and workers’ perceptions of the impact of heat on their health and productivity in six different floriculture greenhouses in Ethiopia representing three different agro-ecologies and products. A questionnaire survey was conducted (30 managers/supervisors and 305 workers;76.1% female) to capture perceptions on heat exposures, symptoms of potential health impacts, productivity losses and coping mechanisms. Results: Heat exposure varied across different agroecologies, product types and greenhouse materials with a median WBGT Index of 25.5°C and a range from 18.1°C to 31.5°C. The impact of heat stress also varied across different employment sectors and geographical regions. Overall, workers in cut-flower greenhouses are exposed to higher than recommended WBGT Index (26°C) for 3 - 6 working hours daily. 65% of the managers reported that heat stress has a significant impact on the workers’ labour productivity, but do not have guidance about working in hot conditions. Workers reported more heat-related health issues and reduced productivity, especially in the mid-altitude greenhouses. About 50% of the workers reported that heat exposure decreased work productivity during hot hours. Sweating, exhaustion, heat-rashes, dehydration, crumps, nausea and headache were self-reported health issues. Labour productivity losses ranged from no loss to 19.5% in the mid- and low-altitudes. Conclusions and Recommendations: Excessive workplace heat in the greenhouses is both an occupational health hazard and detrimental to productivity in the floriculture industry. However, the level of understanding and actions on the ground regarding occupational heat stress are low. The code of conduct in place now does not consider the occupational heat stress issues. Multiple actions (engineering, management, training and policy-related recommendations) have to be implemented by Ethiopian Horticultural Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA) and farm owners to mitigate heat stress and loss of productivity. Designing and implementing these heat prevention strategies and incorporating them into the code of conduct is in the interests of both employers and employees.

Environmental Exposure to Glyphosate and Reproductive Health Impacts in Agricultural Population of Argentina

Argentina annually utilizes 240,000 tones of glyphosate in industrial agriculture and a change in the profile of morbidity is perceived for physicians of agricultural areas;now reproductive disorders seem to prevail. The objective of this study is to determine concurrence of glyphosate exposure and reproductive disorders in a typical argentine agricultural town (Monte Maíz). An ecological study was developed with an environmental analysis of pollution sources including measurements of glyphosate and other pesticides and a cross-sectional study of spontaneous abortions and congenital abnormalities prevalence. Glyphosate was detected in soil and grain dust and was found to be at an even higher concentration in the village soil than in the rural area;650 tonnes of glyphosate are used annually in the region and manipulated inner town contaminating the soil and dust in suspension of the town creating an burden of environmental exposure to glyphosate of 79 kg per person per year. We do not find other relevant sources of pollution. The spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities rates are three and two times higher than the national average reported by the national health (10% vs. 3% and 3% - 4.3% vs 1.4% respectively). Our study verified high environmental exposure to glyphosate in association with increased frequencies of reproductive disorders (spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities) in argentine agricultural village, but is unable to make assertions cause-effect. Further studies are required with designs for such purposes.

Study on Occupational Health and Safety Impact of Surfactant-Grafted Polyacrylamide Used in Oilfields

Surfactant-grafted Polyacrylamide (S-PAM) serves as a novel oil displacement agent in oilfield. Its toxicity and the impact on the occupational safety are unclear. The analysis on composition and chemical structure of S-PAM shows that due to its instability the harmful ammonia gas may be generated during the operation of S-PAM or high temperature. The toxicity and safety evaluation of the S-PAM were analyzed, and suggestions on the protection were proposed. It can provide a safe and healthy working environment for the operators with enormous social and economic benefits.

Sustainable Development Importance in Higher Education for Occupational Health and Safety Using Egypt Vision 2030 under COVID-19 Pandemic

Insertion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education is an important concern. This article aims to address the influences of SDGs in higher and engineering educational system in Egypt. The present study focuses on SDGs 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11. SDG 3 is related to occupational health and SDG 4 is related to higher education development. However, SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 11 are related to both mechanical and environmental engineering, and occupational safety. The study approach involves case risk analysis, investigations, and review for design concepts of occupational health and safety before and after the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A number of cross-sectional studies that constitute 125 multidisciplinary research plans (MDRPs) are grouped to monitor and evaluate two main factors which are an influence of involving SDGs into engineering education and selected curriculum of occupational health and safety. Then the results of these research-based studies, which performed over four academic years started from 2017 up to date 2021, are depicted and discussed. These results reveal the importance of interlink between engineering education and the intended SDGs. The latest 25 MDRPs demonstrate that Egypt response to alleviate the COVID-19 is rapidly pronounced specially on SDGs 3 and 4 simultaneously. However, those MDRPs show that neither record impacts nor delays on SDGs 6, 7, 9 and 11. The conclusions prioritize both the advanced educational mechanisms and verify the engineering curriculums to raise awareness of SDGs among both staff members and students in Egyptian universities. Finally, future work is recommended at the end of this article to focus on each specific goal to gain deep insight to state of the art for each SDG around globe using education development.

Environmental and Health Impact of Solid Waste Disposal in Developing Cities: A Case Study of Granville Brook Dumpsite, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in dumpsites located within urban areas has proved to be a problem to nearby residents in most developing cities of the world, Freetown is no exception. Open dumps have environmental safeguards;they can pose major public health threats and environmental effects in urban cities. Therefore, this paper presents the findings of a research carried out in Freetown municipal area in Sierra Leone to determine the environmental and health impacts of solid waste disposal at Granville Brook dumpsite on the surrounding human settlements. Data were collected from three hundred and ninety eight nearby dumpsite household residents (less than fifty metres) and two hundred and thirty three far away household residents (more than fifty metres) through the use of structured self-administered questionnaires. Interviews and personal observations were also used to collect some of the data. Descriptive statistics involving tables, graphs and figures were used to present and analyze the data. Results show that both nearby residents and far away residents suffered from related diseases such as malaria, chest pains, diarrhea and cholera, due to the location of the dumpsite closer to their settlements. As a result, this study highlights the need for the Freetown City Council to properly manage and relocate the dumpsite to a safe distance from all human settlements, and provide resettlement and environmental education programmes for all persons living less than fifty metres away from the dumpsite as interim measures.