Publications
128 results found
Nafees AA, Muneer MZ, Irfan M, et al., 2023, Byssinosis and lung health among cotton textile workers: baseline findings of the MultiTex trial in Karachi, Pakistan, OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, ISSN: 1351-0711
Ratanachina J, Amaral A, De Matteis S, et al., 2023, Association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study, European Respiratory Journal, Vol: 60, Pages: 1-16, ISSN: 0903-1936
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been associated with exposures in the workplace. We aimed to assess the association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study.We analysed cross-sectional data from 28,823 adults (≥40years) in 34 countries. Eleven occupations were considered and grouped by likelihood of exposure to organic dusts, inorganic dusts and fumes. The association of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheeze, dyspnoea, FEV1/FVC and FVC with occupation was assessed, per study site, using multivariable regression. These estimates were then meta-analysed. Sensitivity analyses explored differences between sexes and gross national income (GNI).Overall, working in settings with potentially high exposure to dusts or fumes was associated with respiratory symptoms but not lung function differences. The most common occupation was farming. Compared to people not working in any of the 11 considered occupations, those who were farmers for ≥20years were more likely to have chronic cough (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.19-1.94), wheeze (OR=1.37, 95%CI 1.16-1.63), and dyspnoea (OR=1.83, 95%CI 1.53-2.20), but not lower FVC (β=0.02L, 95%CI -0.02L to 0.06L) or lower FEV1/FVC (β=0.04%, 95%CI -0.49% to 0.58%). Some findings differed by sex and GNI. In summary, at a population level, the occupational exposures considered in this study do not appear to be major determinants of differences in lung function, although they associate with more respiratory symptoms. As not all work settings were included in this study, respiratory surveillance should still be encouraged among high-risk dusty and fume job workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Reynolds CJ, Sisodia R, Barber C, et al., 2023, What role for asbestos in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Findings from the IPF job exposures case-control study, OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, ISSN: 1351-0711
De Matteis S, Murgia N, 2022, Work-related interstitial lung disease: what is the true burden?, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE, Vol: 26, Pages: 1001-1005, ISSN: 1027-3719
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- Citations: 2
De Matteis S, Jarvis D, Darnton L, et al., 2022, Lifetime occupational exposures and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk in the UK Biobank cohort, Thorax, Vol: 77, Pages: 997-1005, ISSN: 0040-6376
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Occupational exposures are important, preventable causes of COPD. We previously found an increased risk of COPD among six occupations by analysing lifetime job histories and lung function data in the population-based UK Biobank cohort. We aimed to build on these findings and elucidate the underlying potential causal agents to focus preventive strategies. METHODS: We applied the ALOHA+job exposure matrix (JEM) based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations V.1988 codes, where exposure to 12 selected agents was rated as 0 (no exposure), 1 (low) or 2 (high). COPD was spirometrically defined as FEV1/FVC less than the lower limit of normal. We calculated semiquantitative cumulative exposure estimates for each agent by multiplying the duration of exposure and squared intensity. Prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% CI for COPD were estimated using robust Poisson regression adjusted for centre, sex, age, smoking and coexposure to JEM agents. Only associations confirmed among never-smokers and never-asthmatics were considered reliable. RESULTS: Out of 116 375 participants with complete job histories, 94 514 had acceptable/repeatable spirometry and smoking data and were included in the analysis. Pesticide exposure showed increased risk of COPD for ever exposure (PR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.28) and high cumulative exposure (PR=1.32, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.56), with positive exposure-response trends (p trend=0.004), which were confirmed among never-smokers (p trend=0.005) and never-asthmatics (p trend=0.001). CONCLUSION: In a large population-based study, occupational exposure to pesticides was associated with risk of COPD. Focused preventive strategies for workers exposed to pesticides can prevent the associated COPD burden.
Visona SD, Crespi E, Belluso E, et al., 2022, Reconstructing historical exposure to asbestos: the validation of 'educated guesses', OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE-OXFORD, Vol: 72, Pages: 534-540, ISSN: 0962-7480
De Matteis S, Forastiere F, Baldacci S, et al., 2022, Issue 1-"Update on adverse respiratory effects of outdoor air pollution". Part 1): Outdoor air pollution and respiratory diseases: A general update and an Italian perspective, PULMONOLOGY, Vol: 28, Pages: 284-296, ISSN: 2531-0437
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- Citations: 2
Cocco P, De Matteis S, 2022, The determinants of the changing speed of spread of COVID-19 across Italy, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Vol: 150, ISSN: 0950-2688
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- Citations: 1
De Matteis S, 2022, Occupational causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an update, CURRENT OPINION IN ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY, Vol: 22, Pages: 73-79, ISSN: 1528-4050
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- Citations: 1
Nafees A, De Matteis S, Amaral A, et al., 2022, Impact of using different predictive equations on the prevalence of chronic byssinosis in textile workers in Pakistan, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Vol: 79, Pages: 242-244, ISSN: 1351-0711
Objective Byssinosis remains a significant problem among textile workers in low/middle-income countries. Here we share our experience of using different prediction equations for assessing ‘chronic’ byssinosis according to the standard WHO classification using measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1).Methods We enrolled 1910 workers in a randomised controlled trial of an intervention to improve the health of textile workers in Pakistan. We included in analyses the 1724 (90%) men who performed pre-bronchodilator spirometry tests of acceptable quality. We compared four different equations for deriving lung function percentage predicted values among those with symptoms-based byssinosis: the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III, with ‘North Indian and Pakistani’ conversion factor); the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI, ‘other or mixed ethnicities’); a recent equation derived from survey of a western Indian population; and one based on an older and smaller survey of Karachi residents.Results 58 men (3.4%) had symptoms-based byssinosis according to WHO criteria. Of these, the proportions with a reduced FEV1 (<80% predicted) identified using NHANES and GLI; Indian and Pakistani reference equations were 40%, 41%, 14% and 12%, respectively. Much of this variation was eliminated when we substituted FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (<lower limit of normality) as a measure of airway obstruction.Conclusion Accurate measures of occupational disease frequency and distribution require approaches that are both standardised and meaningful. We should reconsider the WHO definition of ‘chronic’ byssinosis based on changes in FEV1, and instead use the FEV1/FVC.
Broccia G, Carter J, Ozsin-Ozler C, et al., 2022, Time trend and Bayesian mapping of multiple myeloma incidence in Sardinia, Italy (vol 12, 2736, 2022), SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2045-2322
Broccia G, Carter J, Ozsin-Ozler C, et al., 2022, Time trend and Bayesian mapping of multiple myeloma incidence in Sardinia, Italy, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2045-2322
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- Citations: 1
Broccia G, Carter J, Ozsin-Ozler C, et al., 2022, Incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among adults in Sardinia, Italy, PLOS ONE, Vol: 17, ISSN: 1932-6203
Nafees AA, De Matteis S, Burney P, et al., 2022, Contemporary prevalence of byssinosis in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review, Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, Vol: 34, Pages: 483-492, ISSN: 1010-5395
We aimed to identify the contemporary prevalence of byssinosis through a systematic review. We used Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Global Health databases to identify studies published in any language between 2000 and 2019, reporting primary data on byssinosis among adults. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist to estimate the risk of bias in studies and undertook a qualitative, narrative data analysis. The review considered the prevalence of byssinosis, chest tightness, and airflow obstruction in textile workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We found 26 relevant studies that included 6930 workers across 12 countries. Most of the studies (n = 19) were from Asia, and 7 from African countries. Twenty-five studies were cross-sectional surveys while 1 was a cohort study. The prevalence of byssinosis was reported by 18 studies, and ranged from 8% to 38%, without any clear associations, at the group level, between the prevalence of byssinosis and durations of workers’ exposures. Prevalence of chest tightness ranged between 4% and 58% and that of airflow obstruction between 10% and 30%. We found a strong correlation (r = 0.72) between prevalence of byssinosis and cotton dust levels. Our findings indicate that byssinosis remains a significant, contemporary problem in some parts of the textile sector in LMICs.
Cocco P, Piro S, Meloni F, et al., 2022, Night shift work and lymphoma: results from an Italian multicentre case-control study, OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, Vol: 79, Pages: 452-459, ISSN: 1351-0711
Veronesi G, De Matteis S, Calori G, et al., 2022, Long-term exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 incidence: a prospective study of residents in the city of Varese, Northern Italy, OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, Vol: 79, Pages: 192-199, ISSN: 1351-0711
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- Citations: 7
De Matteis S, Cancedda V, Pilia I, et al., 2022, COVID-19 incidence in a cohort of public transport workers, MEDICINA DEL LAVORO, Vol: 113, ISSN: 0025-7818
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- Citations: 1
Andersen ZJ, Gehring U, De Matteis S, et al., 2021, Clean air for healthy lungs - an urgent call to action: European Respiratory Society position on the launch of the WHO 2021 Air Quality Guidelines, EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL, Vol: 58, ISSN: 0903-1936
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- Citations: 7
Nafees AA, Iqbal AR, Cullinan P, et al., 2021, Use of low-cost particle counters for cotton dust exposure assessment in textile mills in low- and middle-income countries, Annals of Work Exposures and Health, Vol: 66, ISSN: 2398-7308
OBJECTIVE: There is a lack of consensus on methods for cotton dust measurement in the textile industry, and techniques vary between countries-relying mostly on cumbersome, traditional approaches. We undertook comparisons of standard, gravimetric methods with low-cost optical particle counters for personal and area dust measurements in textile mills in Pakistan. METHODS: We included male textile workers from the weaving sections of seven cotton mills in Karachi. We used the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler with a Casella Apex 2 standard pump and the Purple Air (PA-II-SD) for measuring personal exposures to inhalable airborne particles (n = 31). We used the Dylos DC1700 particle counter, in addition to the two above, for area-level measurements (n = 29). RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between the IOM and PA for personal dust measurements using the original (r = -0.15, P = 0.4) or log-transformed data (r = -0.32, P = 0.07). Similarly, there were no significant correlations when comparing the IOM with either of the particle counters (PA and Dylos) for area dust measurements, using the original (r = -0.07, P = 0.7; r = 0.10, P = 0.6) or log-transformed data (r = -0.09, P = 0.6; r = 0.07, P = 0.7). CONCLUSION: Our findings show a lack of correlation between the gravimetric method and the use of particle counters in both personal and area measurements of cotton dust, precluding their use for measuring occupational exposures to airborne dust in textile mills. There continues to be a need to develop low-cost instruments to help textile industries in low- and middle-income countries to perform cotton dust exposure assessment.
Lecca R, Puligheddu M, Acar GM, et al., 2021, Shift rotation scheme, sleepiness and sleep quality in night-shift workers, OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE-OXFORD, Vol: 71, Pages: 446-452, ISSN: 0962-7480
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- Citations: 1
Andersen ZJ, Hoffmann B, Morawska L, et al., 2021, Air pollution and COVID-19: clearing the air and charting a post-pandemic course: a joint workshop report of ERS, ISEE, HEI and WHO, EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL, Vol: 58, ISSN: 0903-1936
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- Citations: 12
Archangelidi O, Sathiyajit S, Consonni D, et al., 2021, Cleaning products and respiratory health outcomes in occupational cleaners: a systematic review and meta-analysis, OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, Vol: 78, Pages: 604-617, ISSN: 1351-0711
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- Citations: 11
Consonni D, De Matteis S, 2021, Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers, EPIDEMIOLOGIA & PREVENZIONE, Vol: 45, Pages: 310-311, ISSN: 1120-9763
Ratanachina J, Amaral A, De Matteis S, et al., 2021, Farming, pesticide exposure and respiratory health: a cross-sectional study in Thailand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Vol: 79, ISSN: 1351-0711
Objective: To assess the association of lung function and respiratory symptoms with farming, particularly pesticide use, in an agricultural province in Thailand.Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 40–65 in Nan province, Thailand, between May and August 2019. We randomly recruited 345 villagers and enriched the sample with 82 government employees. All participants performed post-bronchodilator spirometry and completed a questionnaire covering information on respiratory symptoms, farming activities, pesticide use and known risk factors for respiratory disease. Associations of respiratory outcomes with farming and pesticide exposures were examined by multivariable regression analysis.Results: The response rate was 94%. The prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction among villagers was 5.5%. Villagers had, on average, a lower percent predicted post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than government employees (98.3% vs 100.3%; p=0.04). There was no evidence of association of lung function with farming activities, the use of specific herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat), insecticides (organophosphates and pyrethroids) or fungicides. The exceptions were poultry farming, associated with chronic cough and an increase of FEV1/FVC, and atrazine, for which duration (p-trend <0.01), intensity (p-trend <0.01) and cumulative hours (p-trend=0.01) of use were all associated with higher FEV1/FVC in an exposure–response manner. Cumulative hours (−280 mL/hour), low duration (−270 mL/year) and intensity (−270 mL/hour/year) of atrazine use were associated with lower FVC.Conclusions: Chronic airflow obstruction is uncommon among villagers of an agricultural province in Nan, Thailand. Farming and pesticide use are unlikely to be major causes of respiratory problems there.
De Matteis S, 2021, COVID-19: are not all workers 'essential'?, OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, Vol: 78, Pages: 305-306, ISSN: 1351-0711
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- Citations: 7
Meloni F, Satta G, Padoan M, et al., 2021, Occupational exposure to glyphosate and risk of lymphoma:results of an Italian multicenter case-control study, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, Vol: 20
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- Citations: 5
Cocco P, Meloni F, Coratza A, et al., 2021, Vaccination against seasonal influenza and socio-economic and environmental factors as determinants of the geographic variation of COVID-19 incidence and mortality in the Italian elderly, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, Vol: 143, ISSN: 0091-7435
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- Citations: 14
Ratanachina J, Amaral AFS, De Matteis S, et al., 2021, OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH: THE BURDEN OF OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE (BOLD) STUDY RESULTS, Publisher: BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, Pages: A2-A2, ISSN: 0040-6376
De Matteis S, Pira E, Mutti A, 2021, The COVID-19 pandemic and Occupational Medicine: impact and opportunities, MEDICINA DEL LAVORO, Vol: 112, Pages: 411-413, ISSN: 0025-7818
Cocco P, Satta G, Meloni F, et al., 2021, Occupational exposure to organic dust and risk of lymphoma subtypes in the EPILYMPH case-control study, SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH, Vol: 47, Pages: 42-51, ISSN: 0355-3140
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- Citations: 1
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