Exposure to pesticides via inhalation might impair lung function and develop further severe respiratory symptoms and diseases. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare lung function between pre- and post-pesticide spraying seasons among male sprayers. The study also evaluated the association of lung function changes and other factors with respiratory symptoms. The follow-up study was conducted on 58 male sprayers. The subjects were interviewed and measured lung function before and after pesticide spraying season. The results found that forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and peak expiratory flow rate in the post-spraying season were significantly lower than in the pre-spraying season. With regard to respiratory symptoms, cough symptoms were associated with changes in FEV₁/FVC [odd ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.67)] and smoking status (OR = 12.95, 95%CI = 1.35–124.34). Phlegm symptoms were also associated with changes in FVC (OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.01–4.25) and FEV₁ (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.18–0.91). The study provides evidence that pesticide spraying may increase risks for significant alteration of lung function and respiratory symptoms.

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) reportedly induces chronic lung injury. We investigated the association between RCS exposure and two biomarkers of the effect, plasma club cell protein 16 (CC16) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels, in stone-carving workers. Fifty-seven exposed workers (EWs) and 20 unexposed workers (UWs) were enrolled onto the study. Cumulative exposure to RCS was individually estimated using a filter-based gravimetric method. The plasma CC16 and HO-1 levels were determined using commercial kits. The 8-h time-weighted average for RCS concentration in the EW was significantly greater than this concentration in the UW (p < 0.001). The health risk characterization for RCS exposure expressed as a hazard quotient (HQ) indicated that crystalline silica might be a risk factor where there is chronic exposure (HQ = 4.48). The EW group presented a significant decrease in CC16 and an increase in HO-1 levels in comparison to the UW group (p < 0.001). In addition, we found a significant association between RCS concentration and plasma CC16 only. Therefore, our findings representing a significant decrease in CC16 in the plasma of stone-carving workers and this biological marker were significantly associated with RCS concentration. Our data indicated that CC16 might be a suitable biomarker to use to predict the health risk to stone-carving workers of exposure to RCS.

Air pollution is a significant health risk factor. Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution has a significant impact on chronic respiratory illnesses and diseases related to health problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between air pollution, respiratory diseases and diseases related to health in Northern Thailand. The daily mean concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5, including meteorological condition data from 2015 to 2020, were measured and recorded by Pollution Control Department (PCD), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand. The daily cumulative number of respiratory diseases and related health problems data from 2015 to 2020 was measured and recorded by Information and Communication Technology Centre, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. The daily mean concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were positively associated with CO, NO2, SO2, O3, circulatory system (I00-I99), respiratory system (J00-J99.8), eye (H10-H19.8), rash and other nonspecific skin eruption (R21), and neoplasms (C00-D48). After adjusting for confounding factors, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the escalating daily mean PM10 concentrations were connected to the increasing daily mean PM2.5 concentrations. This indicates that providing health education programmes and pollution protection, as well as policymakers and legislation, is required for better health.

Fall is the leading cause of disability and mortality due to unintentional injury in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with knee pain, fear of falling, and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults in Northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults aged 60 and over. A total of 369 participants were enrolled from April to May 2024. Oxford knee score, a short version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and World Health Organization quality of life-BREF-Thai, was measured. The results showed that the mean age was 69.4 years and 47 (12.7%) had a history of falls in the previous year. The prevalence of fear of falling was 39.3% for low, 22.5% for moderate, and 38.2% for high concern. Age, marital status, alcohol, history of falls, hypertension, arthritis, and osteoporosis were associated with fear of falling. After adjusting to age, gender, body mass index, education, marital status, smoking, alcohol, history of falls, and chronic disease, osteoarthritis of the knee was positively associated with increasing fear of falling (β: 0.361; p<0.001), while quality of life was negatively associated with fear of falling (β: -0.064; p<0.011). In conclusion, the identified determinants of fear of falling among the elderly indicated the need for fear of falling prevention programs targeting not only individual lifestyles but also chronic diseases. This study provides useful information that might help to develop and adopt effective policies for fear of falling control in Thailand.