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Pesticides are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. This cross-sectional study measured serum samples for levels of thyroid hormones including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4) among Indonesian female farmers (n = 127) and non-farmers (n = 127). A questionnaire was used to collect information on demographics and risk factors including work characteristics and frequency, and the use of home and agricultural pesticides. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the distribution of the clinical categories of thyroid levels between farmers and non-farmers except for FT3 and T4. However, in multivariable regression controlling for confounders, FT3 and T4 were significantly higher for farmers compared to non-farmers. In addition, 32% of farmers had clinically low iodine levels and 49% of non-farmers had clinically high iodine levels. We conclude that pesticide exposure may not be as important as iodine intake in explaining these findings. We recommend counseling by health workers about the importance of using iodized salt for farmers and counseling about high iodine foods that need to be avoided for non-farmers.
Dian Mardhiyah; Wan Komaruddin; Fasli Jalal; Sri Wuryanti; Syukrini Bahri; Qomariah Qomariah; Insan Sosiawan; Himmi Marsiati; Legiono Legiono; Harliansyah Hanif; Susan Woskie; Pornpimol Kongtip. Comparison of Thyroid Hormone Levels between Women Farmers and Non-Farmers in Banten Indonesia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6618 .
AMA StyleDian Mardhiyah, Wan Komaruddin, Fasli Jalal, Sri Wuryanti, Syukrini Bahri, Qomariah Qomariah, Insan Sosiawan, Himmi Marsiati, Legiono Legiono, Harliansyah Hanif, Susan Woskie, Pornpimol Kongtip. Comparison of Thyroid Hormone Levels between Women Farmers and Non-Farmers in Banten Indonesia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (12):6618.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDian Mardhiyah; Wan Komaruddin; Fasli Jalal; Sri Wuryanti; Syukrini Bahri; Qomariah Qomariah; Insan Sosiawan; Himmi Marsiati; Legiono Legiono; Harliansyah Hanif; Susan Woskie; Pornpimol Kongtip. 2021. "Comparison of Thyroid Hormone Levels between Women Farmers and Non-Farmers in Banten Indonesia." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 12: 6618.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in various occupations. However, there is still limited research about the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, MSDs among oil palm harvesting workers in Thailand. To investigate the prevalence of MSDs and risk factors associated with MSDs in Thai oil palm harvesting workers, face-to-face interviews were conducted with Thai oil palm harvesting workers in Krabi Province, Thailand, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four sections which included information on demographic characteristics, work-related characteristics, job stress, and MSDs. A total of 334 oil palm harvesting workers participated in the current study. The prevalence of MSDs during the past 12 months was 88.0%. Lower back MSDs had the highest (59.0%) 12-month prevalence among oil palm harvesting workers, followed by shoulder (37.1%) and neck (27.2%). Factors associated with lower back MSDs included type of task, heavy lifting, and job stress. Moreover, type of task, repetitive movement, and job stress were associated with shoulder and neck MSDs. The cutters had a higher risk of having shoulder and neck MSDs, primarily due to the fact that their work involved cutting the fresh fruit bunches from high up in the trees. The collectors had more back issues due to the heavy lifting. These findings showed the need to raise awareness, and to design guidelines and interventions to prevent MSDs in oil palm harvesting workers.
Petcharatana Bhuanantanondh; Bryan Buchholz; Sara Arphorn; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. The Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Thai Oil Palm Harvesting Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 5474 .
AMA StylePetcharatana Bhuanantanondh, Bryan Buchholz, Sara Arphorn, Pornpimol Kongtip, Susan Woskie. The Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Thai Oil Palm Harvesting Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (10):5474.
Chicago/Turabian StylePetcharatana Bhuanantanondh; Bryan Buchholz; Sara Arphorn; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. 2021. "The Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Thai Oil Palm Harvesting Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 10: 5474.
The herbicides glyphosate, paraquat, and 2,4-D play a significant role in Thailand. This paper is among the first study to describe the intensity of herbicide application and illustrate how the herbicides are extensively distributed over a large area through both agricultural and nonagricultural practices. Using a quick, economical, and simplified method of Material Flow Analysis together with spatial analysis, better data for the analysis of possible environmental herbicide contamination, human exposure, and related health risks for the general public and applicators can be developed. The findings from this study showed that in the study province, about 2.2 million kg of the active ingredients from the three targeted herbicides is applied annually. Pathway flow modeling with spatial analysis identified several local hotspots of concern based on the type of herbicide and crop/activity where it was used. Cassava planting was found to have the highest herbicide application activity, whereas rice cultivation was the major contributor of total herbicide mass, due to the wide area of cultivation in the province. The herbicide most likely to be applied at rates higher than recommended was 2,4-D, particularly on cassava and sugarcane farms.
Suphaphat Kwonpongsagoon; Chanokwan Katasila; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. Application Intensity and Spatial Distribution of Three Major Herbicides from Agricultural and Nonagricultural Practices in the Central Plain of Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 3046 .
AMA StyleSuphaphat Kwonpongsagoon, Chanokwan Katasila, Pornpimol Kongtip, Susan Woskie. Application Intensity and Spatial Distribution of Three Major Herbicides from Agricultural and Nonagricultural Practices in the Central Plain of Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (6):3046.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSuphaphat Kwonpongsagoon; Chanokwan Katasila; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. 2021. "Application Intensity and Spatial Distribution of Three Major Herbicides from Agricultural and Nonagricultural Practices in the Central Plain of Thailand." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 6: 3046.
Antibiotics used during production of food crops to control plant diseases may result in selection of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and occurrence of antibiotic residues. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of antibiotics used in butterhead lettuce production on persistence of commensal microbiota. Butterhead lettuce were treated with antibiotics (oxytetracycline, gentamicin, and streptomycin) at different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) starting at 5 weeks’ growth by spraying once daily for 4 weeks and harvesting 7 days after the final spray application. The population of total aerobic bacteria and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria were determined. The results showed antibiotic usage significantly decreased bacterial populations on lettuce. Moreover, increased concentration of antibiotics resulted in significantly greater decrease in bacterial populations. At a concentration of 500 ppm, all antibiotics achieved an approximate 2 log CFU/g decrease in bacterial populations. A stable population (4 log CFU/g) of potentially antibiotic‐resistant commensal microbiota were maintained throughout production. Screening for level of susceptibility indicated that bacteria exhibited greater resistance to oxytetracycline than gentamicin. In conclusion, application of antibiotics failed to eliminate commensal microbiota, demonstrating large populations of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria reside on lettuce grown under conditions used in the present study. This is the first study focused on antibiotic usage on hydroponic systems. Results of this study suggest regulations directed at antibiotic use on food crops must be developed and implemented to control the selection and spread of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria that present a global health concern.
Warangkana Srichamnong; Natcha Kalambaheti; Susan Woskie; Pornpimol Kongtip; Jintana Sirivarasai; Karl R. Matthews. Occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria on hydroponically grown butterhead lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. capitata ). Food Science & Nutrition 2021, 9, 1460 -1470.
AMA StyleWarangkana Srichamnong, Natcha Kalambaheti, Susan Woskie, Pornpimol Kongtip, Jintana Sirivarasai, Karl R. Matthews. Occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria on hydroponically grown butterhead lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. capitata ). Food Science & Nutrition. 2021; 9 (3):1460-1470.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWarangkana Srichamnong; Natcha Kalambaheti; Susan Woskie; Pornpimol Kongtip; Jintana Sirivarasai; Karl R. Matthews. 2021. "Occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria on hydroponically grown butterhead lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. capitata )." Food Science & Nutrition 9, no. 3: 1460-1470.
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of acute pesticide exposures and acute changes in thyroid hormones among Thai farmers. We recruited 78 farmers, who were scheduled to spray insecticides (chlorpyrifos and/or cypermethrin) or herbicides (paraquat and/or glyphosate). On the day before spraying, farmers collected their first morning void urine and went for blood collection. On the spray day, urine samples were collected at end of the spraying event and they were interviewed with questionnaires. The next morning, the first morning void urine and blood samples were collected. Blood samples were analyzed for thyroid hormones. Urine samples were analyzed for the metabolites of the pesticide sprayed. The results showed that the thyroid hormones, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and total triiodothyronine (T3) were significantly reduced as urinary chlorpyrifos metabolite increased the day after spraying. Total thyroxine (T4) significantly increased as cypermethrin metabolites increased the day after spraying. T4 significantly increased as urinary glyphosate levels increased; however, FT3 and T3 decreased significantly as urinary paraquat levels increased the day after spraying. These findings suggest that acute exposures to the pesticides chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, paraquat and glyphosate can produce acute effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis, acutely altering thyroid hormone levels.
Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Ritthirong Pundee; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Sumate Pengpumkiat; Jutamanee Chungcharoen; Chavisa Phommalachai; Pajaree Konthonbut; Nattagorn Choochouy; Preecha Sowanthip; Phanthawee Khangkhun; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. Acute Changes in Thyroid Hormone Levels among Thai Pesticide Sprayers. Toxics 2021, 9, 16 .
AMA StylePornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Ritthirong Pundee, Nichcha Kallayanatham, Sumate Pengpumkiat, Jutamanee Chungcharoen, Chavisa Phommalachai, Pajaree Konthonbut, Nattagorn Choochouy, Preecha Sowanthip, Phanthawee Khangkhun, Jutharak Yimsabai, Susan Woskie. Acute Changes in Thyroid Hormone Levels among Thai Pesticide Sprayers. Toxics. 2021; 9 (1):16.
Chicago/Turabian StylePornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Ritthirong Pundee; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Sumate Pengpumkiat; Jutamanee Chungcharoen; Chavisa Phommalachai; Pajaree Konthonbut; Nattagorn Choochouy; Preecha Sowanthip; Phanthawee Khangkhun; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. 2021. "Acute Changes in Thyroid Hormone Levels among Thai Pesticide Sprayers." Toxics 9, no. 1: 16.
Insulin resistance is a risk factor for various diseases. Chronic organophosphate exposure has been reported to be a cause of insulin resistance in animal models. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between organophosphate exposure and insulin resistance in pesticide sprayers and nonfarmworkers. Participants aged 40–60 years, consisting of 150 pesticide sprayers and 150 nonfarmworkers, were interviewed and assessed for their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level. Organophosphate (OP) exposure was measured in 37 sprayers and 46 nonfarmworkers by first morning urinary dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites. The DAP metabolite levels were not different in either group except for diethylthiophosphate (DETP; p = 0.03), which was higher in sprayers. No significant association was observed between DAP metabolite levels and HOMA-IR. Wearing a mask while handling pesticides was associated with lower dimethyl metabolites (95% CI = −11.10, −0.17). Work practices of reading pesticide labels (95% CI = −81.47, −14.99) and washing hands after mixing pesticide (95% CI = −39.97, −3.35) correlated with lower diethyl alkylphosphate level. Overall, we did not observe any association between OP exposure and insulin resistance in pesticide sprayers and the general population. However, personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization and work practice were associated with OP exposure level in sprayers.
Mathuramat Seesen; Roberto Lucchini; Somkiat Siriruttanapruk; Ratana Sapbamrer; Surat Hongsibsong; Susan Woskie; Pornpimol Kongtip. Association between Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Insulin Resistance in Pesticide Sprayers and Nonfarmworkers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8140 .
AMA StyleMathuramat Seesen, Roberto Lucchini, Somkiat Siriruttanapruk, Ratana Sapbamrer, Surat Hongsibsong, Susan Woskie, Pornpimol Kongtip. Association between Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Insulin Resistance in Pesticide Sprayers and Nonfarmworkers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):8140.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMathuramat Seesen; Roberto Lucchini; Somkiat Siriruttanapruk; Ratana Sapbamrer; Surat Hongsibsong; Susan Woskie; Pornpimol Kongtip. 2020. "Association between Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Insulin Resistance in Pesticide Sprayers and Nonfarmworkers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 8140.
Background Research has documented that housing conditions can negatively impact the health of residents. Asthma has many known indoor environmental triggers including dust, pests, smoke and mold, as evidenced by the 25 million people in the U.S. population who have asthma. The paper describes a follow-up study involving elder adults with asthma who participated in a multifaceted home educational and environmental intervention shown to produce significant health benefits. On average the time between the end of the prior intervention study and the follow-up was 2.3 years. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether improvements in environmental conditions and health outcomes resulting from the original Older Adult Study (OAS, multifaceted educational and environmental interventions) would be maintained or decline over time for these low income seniors with asthma. Methods Health assessment included data on respiratory health outcomes included the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Asthma Control Test from the original Older Adult Study (OAS) and this follow-up Older Adult Study (OAFS) along with health care utilization data. Environmental assessments included evaluation of asthma trigger activities (ATAs) and exposures before and after the original healthy homes intervention (questionnaire, home survey) and at this follow-up. Assessments were conducted in English, Khmer and Spanish. Results At assessment in the Older Adult Follow-up Study (OAFS), the older adults maintained some of the health improvements gained during the OAS when compared to the OAS pre-intervention baseline. However, health outcomes declined from the OAS final assessment to the OAFS (only the SGRQ Impact scores were significantly different). Conclusion These findings suggest that further study with a larger population is needed to determine if the significant health outcome improvements from multifaceted home educational and environmental interventions (OAS) could be more strongly maintained by providing additional follow-up “booster” interventions to this older adult population with asthma.
David A. Turcotte; Susan Woskie; Rebecca Gore; Emily Chaves; Kelechi L. Adejumo; Kim-Judy You. Sustainability of residential environmental interventions and health outcomes in the elderly. Asthma Research and Practice 2020, 6, 1 -8.
AMA StyleDavid A. Turcotte, Susan Woskie, Rebecca Gore, Emily Chaves, Kelechi L. Adejumo, Kim-Judy You. Sustainability of residential environmental interventions and health outcomes in the elderly. Asthma Research and Practice. 2020; 6 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid A. Turcotte; Susan Woskie; Rebecca Gore; Emily Chaves; Kelechi L. Adejumo; Kim-Judy You. 2020. "Sustainability of residential environmental interventions and health outcomes in the elderly." Asthma Research and Practice 6, no. 1: 1-8.
Examining the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) profiles in the two study locations was intended to show temperature differences during the week of the study. Information obtained from the weather stations that provide contextual long-term information on heat and humidity also showed temperature differences. The average measured temperature and humidity in the past year from each of these weather stations show an average heat index of 22 °C in Bogor and an average heat index of 32 °C in Karawang. Interpretation of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) findings was more complicated because we also found that farmers in our two locations reported differences in the use of mechanization in their farming, presumably impacting their workloads.
Laila Fitria; Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono; Doni Hikmat Ramdhan; Susan Woskie. Reply to “Comment on Fitria et al. ‘Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia’ Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2020, 17, 4521”. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7273 .
AMA StyleLaila Fitria, Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono, Doni Hikmat Ramdhan, Susan Woskie. Reply to “Comment on Fitria et al. ‘Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia’ Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2020, 17, 4521”. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (19):7273.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaila Fitria; Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono; Doni Hikmat Ramdhan; Susan Woskie. 2020. "Reply to “Comment on Fitria et al. ‘Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia’ Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2020, 17, 4521”." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 19: 7273.
Many pesticides are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with hormone levels. This study aimed to assess the longitudinal impact of exposure to pesticides on thyroid hormone levels, including Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Triiodothyronine (T3), and Thyroxine (T4). Both conventional (i.e., pesticide using) and organic farmers were interviewed using questionnaires, and blood samples were collected at 7–9 a.m. to determine thyroid hormone levels for four rounds, with a duration of eight months between each round. A linear mixed model of the natural log of the individual hormone levels used random intercepts for subjects while controlling gender, baseline age, and body mass index (BMI) was used to compare between conventional and organic farmers or the impact of cumulative days of spraying insecticides, herbicides or fungicides. The estimated marginal means of the thyroid hormone levels (TSH, FT3, T3, and T4) estimated from the linear mixed models were significantly higher among the conventional farmers than organic farmers. As cumulative spray days of insecticide, herbicide or fungicide increased, TSH and FT3 increased significantly. FT4 decreased significantly as cumulative spray days of insecticide or fungicide increased. These findings suggest that the insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides sprayed by conventional farmers exert endocrine-disrupting activities, altering the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis homeostasis.
Noppanun Nankongnab; Pornpimol Kongtip; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Ritthirong Pundee; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. Longitudinal Study of Thyroid Hormones between Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. Toxics 2020, 8, 82 .
AMA StyleNoppanun Nankongnab, Pornpimol Kongtip, Nichcha Kallayanatham, Ritthirong Pundee, Jutharak Yimsabai, Susan Woskie. Longitudinal Study of Thyroid Hormones between Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. Toxics. 2020; 8 (4):82.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNoppanun Nankongnab; Pornpimol Kongtip; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Ritthirong Pundee; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. 2020. "Longitudinal Study of Thyroid Hormones between Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand." Toxics 8, no. 4: 82.
Prolonged or intense exposure to heat can lead to a range of health effects. This study investigated heat exposure and heat-related symptoms which sugarcane workers (90 sugarcane cutters and 93 factory workers) experienced during a harvesting season in Thailand. During the hottest month of harvesting season, wet bulb globe temperature was collected in the work environment, and workloads observed, to assess heat stress. Urine samples for dehydration test, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature were measured pre- and post-shift to measure heat strain. Fluid intake and heat-related symptoms which subjects had experienced during the harvesting season were gathered via interviews at the end of the season. From the results, sugarcane cutters showed high risk for heat stress and strain, unlike factory workers who had low risk based on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) for heat stress. Dehydration was observed among sugarcane cutters and significant physiological changes including heart rate, body temperature, and systolic blood pressure occurred across the work shift. Significantly more sugarcane cutters reported experiencing heat-related symptoms including weakness/fatigue, heavy sweating, headache, rash, muscle cramp, dry mouth, dizziness, fever, dry/cracking skin, and swelling, compared to sugarcane factory workers. We conclude that the heat stress experienced by sugarcane cutters working in extremely hot environments, with high workloads, is associated with acute health effects. Preventive and control measures for heat stress are needed to reduce the risk of heat strain.
Pongsit Boonruksa; Thatkhwan Maturachon; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. Heat Stress, Physiological Response, and Heat-Related Symptoms among Thai Sugarcane Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6363 .
AMA StylePongsit Boonruksa, Thatkhwan Maturachon, Pornpimol Kongtip, Susan Woskie. Heat Stress, Physiological Response, and Heat-Related Symptoms among Thai Sugarcane Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6363.
Chicago/Turabian StylePongsit Boonruksa; Thatkhwan Maturachon; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. 2020. "Heat Stress, Physiological Response, and Heat-Related Symptoms among Thai Sugarcane Workers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6363.
Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in agricultural population is an increasing issue. This study aims to obtain a prevalence estimate of CKDu in male rice farmers in West Java, Indonesia; and analyze the relationship between CKDu and environmental and occupational factors. The study design was cross-sectional. This study included 354 healthy male farmers in two rice agriculture areas in West Java with different altitudes (low altitude and high-altitude location). This research included blood and urine sampling from the farmers for serum creatinine (SCr) level and proteinuria; questionnaire on demographic information, occupational factors and other risk factors for CKDu. We measured ambient temperature and humidity in both study locations for environmental factors. From SCr level and proteinuria, we categorized the farmers into five stages of CKD; then we distinguished CKDu from CKD if the farmers had stage 1–4 of CKD but without diabetes, hypertension and other traditional causes. Data were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to get prevalence odd ratios of CKDu and its relationship with environmental and occupational factors, adjusted with other risk factors of CKDu. The overall prevalence of CKD was 24.9% and CKDu was 18.6%. For the environmental factors, farm location (high altitude versus low altitude location) was associated with CKDu (Prevalence Odds Ratio (POR): 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2–3.5). For the occupational factors, although not significant, the risk of CKDu increased with the longer use of insecticide and with the more frequent of insecticide use. We suggested that there was a need to conduct future research to investigate more on the association of those environmental and occupational factors with CKDu.
Laila Fitria; Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono; Doni Hikmat Ramdhan; Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4521 .
AMA StyleLaila Fitria, Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono, Doni Hikmat Ramdhan, Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono, Pornpimol Kongtip, Susan Woskie. Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (12):4521.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaila Fitria; Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono; Doni Hikmat Ramdhan; Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono; Pornpimol Kongtip; Susan Woskie. 2020. "Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 12: 4521.
The aim of this longitudinal study is to assess how pesticide use may impact metabolic biomarkers by collecting and comparing data from conventional (n = 13) and organic farmers (n = 225) every eight months for four rounds. Farmers were interviewed about family health history, food consumption behaviors, self-reported health problems, agricultural activities, and history of pesticide use. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Blood samples were collected for total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose, and triglycerides. A linear mixed model with random intercepts for subjects was used to compare the metabolic biomarkers between conventional and organic farmers and to examine the impact of the number of pesticide spray days for all four rounds after controlling for covariates. The conventional farmers reported using insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The marginal means for chemical farmers were significantly higher than organic farmers for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference. Increasing the number of days of spraying either insecticides or fungicides was associated with an increase in HDL, LDL, and cholesterol levels. Increasing the number of herbicide spray days was associated with an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a decrease in BMI. These findings suggest that pesticide-using conventional farmers may be at higher risk of metabolic disease in the future.
Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Ritthirong Pundee; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. Longitudinal Study of Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4178 .
AMA StylePornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Nichcha Kallayanatham, Ritthirong Pundee, Jutharak Yimsabai, Susan Woskie. Longitudinal Study of Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (11):4178.
Chicago/Turabian StylePornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Ritthirong Pundee; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. 2020. "Longitudinal Study of Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 11: 4178.
Pesticides can act as endocrine disruptors by different mechanisms including inhibition of iodine absorption, increases in thyroid hormone clearance, decreased cellular uptake of thyroid hormones, or changes in expression of thyroid hormone regulated genes. This study examined how exposure to pesticides impacts thyroid hormone levels, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4) by comparing conventional (n = 195) and organic farmers (n = 222), and by evaluating which types of pesticides might be associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels. Questionnaires were used to collect information about farmer characteristics, self-reported stress, agricultural activities, and history of pesticide use. Conventional farmers were asked to report the type and quantity of pesticides used each day. The TSH, FT3, T3, and T4 levels of conventional farmers were 1.6, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.1 times higher than those of organic farmers, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. Several specific herbicides had a significant relationship between the amount applied and an increase in thyroid hormone levels, after covariate adjustment. They included: paraquat (TSH, FT3 and T3); acetochlor (FT4); atrazine (TSH, FT3 and T3); glyphosate (T4); diuron (TSH) and the “other” herbicides including alachlor, propanil, and butachlor (FT4 and T3). The most commonly used herbicide among conventional farmers was glyphosate, followed by paraquat, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). These findings suggest that exposure to pesticides could impact the development of metabolic diseases and other health outcomes by altering the endocrine system (the thyroid hormone levels) through the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis. This work is a part of a longitudinal study which will evaluate the sub-chronic effects of repeated exposure to different types of pesticides on thyroid hormone levels.
Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Ritthirong Pundee; Nattagorn Choochouy; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. Thyroid Hormones in Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 2704 .
AMA StylePornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Nichcha Kallayanatham, Ritthirong Pundee, Nattagorn Choochouy, Jutharak Yimsabai, Susan Woskie. Thyroid Hormones in Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (15):2704.
Chicago/Turabian StylePornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Nichcha Kallayanatham; Ritthirong Pundee; Nattagorn Choochouy; Jutharak Yimsabai; Susan Woskie. 2019. "Thyroid Hormones in Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 15: 2704.
Pesticide exposure has been implicated as a risk factor for developing a wide range of adverse health issues. Some examples are metabolic syndromes, including diabetes. This study investigated the relationship between current occupational use of pesticides and metabolic and cardiovascular biomarker levels among organic and conventional farmers in Thailand. In total, 436 recruited farmers were divided into two groups: conventional farmers (n = 214) and organic farmers (n = 222). Participants, free of diabetes, were interviewed and submitted to a physical examination. Serum samples were collected for clinical laboratory analyses, i.e., serum glucose and lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins). Potential risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and heavy exercise were significantly different between the two groups. There were significant differences in terms of the years of pesticide use, pesticide use at home, sources of drinking water, and distance between the farmers’ homes and farms between the groups. After adjusting for confounders, current conventional farmers had significantly higher abnormal body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (% body fat), triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein values as compared to organic farmers. Conventional farmers had higher risk of many metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors as compared to organic farmers, putting them at higher risk of metabolic diseases in the future.
Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Ariya Bunngamchairat; Jutharak Yimsabai; Aranya Pataitiemthong; Susan Woskie. A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2590 .
AMA StylePornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul, Ariya Bunngamchairat, Jutharak Yimsabai, Aranya Pataitiemthong, Susan Woskie. A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (11):2590.
Chicago/Turabian StylePornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Ariya Bunngamchairat; Jutharak Yimsabai; Aranya Pataitiemthong; Susan Woskie. 2018. "A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 11: 2590.
Public assistance for low-income urban housing is associated with better health among children with asthma, and may influence the impact the in-home interventions have on health outcomes because children in market-rate housing have more prospects for improvement in their asthma-related health.
D.A. Turcotte; E. Chaves; R. Gore; K.L. Adejumo; S. Woskie. The impact of housing type on low-income asthmatic children receiving multifaceted home interventions. Public Health 2018, 164, 107 -114.
AMA StyleD.A. Turcotte, E. Chaves, R. Gore, K.L. Adejumo, S. Woskie. The impact of housing type on low-income asthmatic children receiving multifaceted home interventions. Public Health. 2018; 164 ():107-114.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD.A. Turcotte; E. Chaves; R. Gore; K.L. Adejumo; S. Woskie. 2018. "The impact of housing type on low-income asthmatic children receiving multifaceted home interventions." Public Health 164, no. : 107-114.
Objectives Exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD) were investigated during demolition, crushing, and chipping at several Massachusetts construction sites. Methods Personal breathing zone samples (n = 51) were collected on operating engineers working at demolition and crushing sites, laborers performing miscellaneous tasks at demolition sites, crushing machine tenders at crushing sites, and chipping workers at substructure bridge repair sites. Area samples (n = 33) were collected at the perimeter of demolition and crushing sites to assess potential bystanders’ exposures. Exposures ‘with’ and ‘without’ the use of dust suppression methods were compared when possible. RD samples were analyzed for crystalline silica content with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FT-IR) according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7602. Statistical analyses of the exposure data were performed in SAS version 9.4. Results Chipping workers had the highest exposure levels [the geometric mean (GM) time-weighted average (TWA) for RCS was 527 µg/m3 and the GM for RD was 4750 µg/m3]. The next highest exposures were among crushing machine tenders (RCS GM of 93.3 µg/m3 and RD GM of 737.6 µg/m3), while laborers and operating engineers had the lowest exposures (RCS GM of 17.0 and 6.2 µg/m3, respectively). Personal 8-h TWA RCS exposures were higher than the new OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 for 80% of samples collected on chipping workers (n = 31) and 50% of samples collected on crushing machine tenders (n = 8). Operating engineers (n = 9) and laborers (n = 3) had RCS exposures lower than OSHA PEL. The highest concentrations measured would have exceeded the PEL within 15 min chipping and within 2 h of crushing with no further exposure. Chipping workers’ RCS exposures were higher than OSHA PEL even when they were adjusted to account for the assigned protection factor of the half-face N95 cartridge respirators used during chipping. Exposures of crushing tenders were reduced to levels under the OSHA PEL when a water spraying system in crushing machines was utilized, but not when a water cannon machine was used. Area samples at demolition and crushing sites indicate overall lower exposures than the PEL, however, bystander workers at crushing sites could be exposed to higher levels compared to demolition sites. Real-time dust monitoring during demolition indicate very high short-term peak exposures. Conclusions Controlling or reducing crystalline silica exposures to levels under the new OSHA PEL of 50 µg/m3 remains challenging for chipping workers and crushing machine tenders. Even with the use of dust suppression controls, respiratory protection may be required for various tasks.
Anila Bello; Christopher Mugford; Amanda Murray; Susan Shepherd; Susan R Woskie. Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities. Annals of Work Exposures and Health 2018, 63, 34 -44.
AMA StyleAnila Bello, Christopher Mugford, Amanda Murray, Susan Shepherd, Susan R Woskie. Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. 2018; 63 (1):34-44.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnila Bello; Christopher Mugford; Amanda Murray; Susan Shepherd; Susan R Woskie. 2018. "Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities." Annals of Work Exposures and Health 63, no. 1: 34-44.
Vegetable farmers applying the herbicide alachlor may be highly exposed through dermal contact when spraying. Dermal patches were attached to 10 locations on the farmers’ skin when they mixed and applied alachlor in vegetable farming areas in Thailand. Measurements were made on farmers using either a backpack sprayer with a 2 stroke gasoline motor and fan or a battery operated pump. Forty-seven vegetable farmers in Bungphra subdistrict of Thailand participated in this study. Both motorized and battery pump backpack sprayers wearing long-sleeve shirts had significantly lower alachlor concentrations on the dermal patches under their long-sleeve shirts compared to those who wore only short-sleeve shirts, regardless of the sprayer type. Moreover, sprayers wearing long pants had significantly lower alachlor concentrations on dermal patches placed under the pants on the lower legs than those wearing short pants, regardless of the sprayer type. The highest estimated alachlor exposures were found on the upper legs (median = 9.29 µg/h) for those using a 2 stroke engine/fan backpack sprayer and on the lower legs (2.87 µg/h) for those using the battery operated pump backpack sprayer. The estimated total body alachlor exposures of applicators using the 2 stroke engine/fan backpack sprayer (219.48 µg/h) were significantly higher than those using the battery operated pump backpack sprayer (15.50 µg/h). Using long-sleeve shirts as personal protection reduced alachlor exposures for the arms 97–99% and wearing long pants reduced alachlor exposure to the legs for 81–99%. Thus, training about the protection provided by clothing choices would be one step in improving the health and safety of Thai farmers.
Redeerat Mahaboonpeeti; Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Ariya Bunngamchairat; Witaya Yoosook; Susan Woskie. Evaluation of Dermal Exposure to the Herbicide Alachlor Among Vegetable Farmers in Thailand. Annals of Work Exposures and Health 2018, 62, 1147 -1158.
AMA StyleRedeerat Mahaboonpeeti, Pornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul, Ariya Bunngamchairat, Witaya Yoosook, Susan Woskie. Evaluation of Dermal Exposure to the Herbicide Alachlor Among Vegetable Farmers in Thailand. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. 2018; 62 (9):1147-1158.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRedeerat Mahaboonpeeti; Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Ariya Bunngamchairat; Witaya Yoosook; Susan Woskie. 2018. "Evaluation of Dermal Exposure to the Herbicide Alachlor Among Vegetable Farmers in Thailand." Annals of Work Exposures and Health 62, no. 9: 1147-1158.
This study aimed to assess paraquat concentrations in the urine of women at 28 weeks of pregnancy, delivery and 2 months postpartum and in the meconium of neonates. In all, 79 pregnant women were recruited from three hospitals located in agricultural areas in Thailand. The subjects were interviewed about personal characteristics, agricultural activities and pesticide use patterns. Paraquat was analyzed in urine and meconium using high performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector. The geometric mean (GSD) of urinary paraquat concentrations at 28 weeks of pregnancy, delivery and 2 months postpartum were 2.04 (4.22), 2.06 (5.04) and 2.42 (5.33) ng/mL, respectively. The urinary paraquat concentrations at 28 weeks of pregnancy, delivery and 2 months postpartum between agriculturist and non-agriculturist were not significantly different (p = 0.632, p = 0.915, p = 0.57 respectively). The geometric mean (GSD) of paraquat concentration in the meconium was 33.31 (4.59) ng/g. The factors predicting paraquat exposures among pregnant women and neonates included working outside, living near farmland, having family members who work on a farm, drinking well water and using herbicides or paraquat.
Pajaree Konthonbut; Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Witaya Yoosook; Susan Woskie. Paraquat Exposure of Pregnant Women and Neonates in Agricultural Areas in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 1163 .
AMA StylePajaree Konthonbut, Pornpimol Kongtip, Noppanun Nankongnab, Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul, Witaya Yoosook, Susan Woskie. Paraquat Exposure of Pregnant Women and Neonates in Agricultural Areas in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (6):1163.
Chicago/Turabian StylePajaree Konthonbut; Pornpimol Kongtip; Noppanun Nankongnab; Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Witaya Yoosook; Susan Woskie. 2018. "Paraquat Exposure of Pregnant Women and Neonates in Agricultural Areas in Thailand." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 6: 1163.
Michael P Mellette; Dhimiter Bello; Yalong Xue; Michael Yost; Anila Bello; Susan Woskie. Testing of Disposable Protective Garments Against Isocyanate Permeation From Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation. Annals of Work Exposures and Health 2018, 62, 754 -764.
AMA StyleMichael P Mellette, Dhimiter Bello, Yalong Xue, Michael Yost, Anila Bello, Susan Woskie. Testing of Disposable Protective Garments Against Isocyanate Permeation From Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation. Annals of Work Exposures and Health. 2018; 62 (6):754-764.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael P Mellette; Dhimiter Bello; Yalong Xue; Michael Yost; Anila Bello; Susan Woskie. 2018. "Testing of Disposable Protective Garments Against Isocyanate Permeation From Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation." Annals of Work Exposures and Health 62, no. 6: 754-764.
Introduction Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used as a nanofiller in polymer composites to improve the quality of neat polymers. However, the use of CNT are threatened by concerns over its toxicology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential emissions of NPs and CNTs during cutting CNT polycarbonate composites (CNT/PC) and evaluate the impact of recycling CNT/PC (up to 20 cycles) on the emission during cutting operation. Methods Cutting CNT/PC bars was conducted using a saw with a diamond coated blade at 1600 rpm in an enclosing chamber. Particle number concentration and size distribution emitted from cutting were measured using real time instruments: a fast mobility particle sizer and an aerodynamic mobility particle sizer. Particles were also collected using an electrostatic precipitator and examined by a transmission electron microscope for particle morphology. Result After saw’s motor background correction, cutting of CNT/PC released airborne nanoparticles with geometric mean of particle concentrations from 4.01 × 104 to 1.47 × 105 particles/cm3, but we did not find the effect of recycling CNT/PC on nanoparticle emission during cutting operation. The count median diameter of particles varied from 21 to 24 nm. Free CNTs were not observed during cutting CNT/PC; however, particles with extruding fibres or CNTs, and respirable fibres were found. Discussion Our findings were consistent with several studies which investigated and characterised airborne particles generated from cutting CNT composites. Although free CNTs were not observed, we did find particles with CNTs embedded in the PC matrix, particles with CNTs or fibre extrusions, and respirable fibres produced during cutting CNT/PC. The health risk and hazard profile of these particles is limited and need for future research. In the meanwhile, exposure controls should be implemented during finishing CNT composites.
Pongsit Boonruksa; Dhimiter Bello; Jacqueline Isaacs; Joey Mead; Susan Woskie. 913 Nanoparticle emission during cutting operation of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites and recycling effect. Indoor Air Quality 2018, 75, A196 -A196.
AMA StylePongsit Boonruksa, Dhimiter Bello, Jacqueline Isaacs, Joey Mead, Susan Woskie. 913 Nanoparticle emission during cutting operation of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites and recycling effect. Indoor Air Quality. 2018; 75 ():A196-A196.
Chicago/Turabian StylePongsit Boonruksa; Dhimiter Bello; Jacqueline Isaacs; Joey Mead; Susan Woskie. 2018. "913 Nanoparticle emission during cutting operation of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites and recycling effect." Indoor Air Quality 75, no. : A196-A196.