Last data update: Nov 04, 2024. (Total: 48056 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Wiegand DM[original query] |
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Evaluation of low-frequency noise, infrasound, and health symptoms at an administrative building and men's shelter: A case study
Chiu SK , Brueck SE , Wiegand DM , Free HL , Echt H . Semin Hear 2023 44 (4) 503-520 Responses to complaints about low-frequency noise and infrasound at workplaces have not been extensively documented in the literature. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluated low-frequency noise, infrasound, and health symptoms among employees of an organization providing services to homeless persons. The organization's campus was evacuated after two loud noise and vibration incidents related to methane flare on an adjacent landfill. Employees were interviewed about health symptoms, perceptions of noise, and how the incidents were handled. Available medical records were reviewed. Sound level and noise frequency measurements taken in vacated campus buildings not during these incidents revealed overall levels across frequencies up to 100 hertz were 64 to 73 dB, well below those associated with adverse health effects. However, an unbalanced frequency spectrum could have contributed to the unusual sounds or vibrations reported before the first incident. Some symptoms predating the incidents are consistent with low-frequency noise exposure but are also common and nonspecific. Most interviewed employees (57%) reported being uncomfortable returning to work on the campus. Multiple factors such as noise characteristics, health effects, and employee perceptions need to be considered when assessing health concerns related to low-frequency noise and infrasound. |
A cross-sectional evaluation of city firefighters' exposure to potentially traumatic events during opioid overdose responses and mental health
Wiegand DM , Chiu SK , Broadwater K , Li JF . J Workplace Behav Health 2024 Firefighters often serve as emergency medical services providers and face repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) while participating in opioid overdose responses (OORs), which may impact their mental health. A survey of 173 firefighters who had participated in an OOR in the previous 6 months was used to assess exposure to PTEs during such events, job stress, mental health symptoms, and resources used to address mental health symptoms. Most firefighters (97%) reported experiencing one or more PTEs while responding to an opioid overdose in the past 6 months. Associations between PTEs and mental health are reported. For example, there was a higher prevalence of high job stress (22.7% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.014) and meeting the screening definition of PTSD (15.4% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.047), depression (33.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.022), and anxiety (33.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.022) among those who experienced a needlestick injury during an OOR than those who did not experience a needlestick injury during an OOR. Seeking social support is recommended following PTEs; mental health care should be sought when symptoms interfere with personal, social, or occupational functioning. This survey identified important firefighter mental health characteristics which will assist fire departments in determining the appropriate mental health training, support, and services. ©, This work was authored as part of the Contributor's official duties as an Employee of the United States Government and is therefore a work of the United States Government. In accordance with 17 U.S.C. 105, no copyright protection is available for such works under U.S. Law. |
Workplace Violence and the Mental Health of Public Health Workers During COVID-19.
Tiesman HM , Hendricks SA , Wiegand DM , Lopes-Cardozo B , Rao CY , Horter L , Rose CE , Byrkit R . Am J Prev Med 2022 64 (3) 315-325 INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health workers were at an increased risk for violence and harassment due to their public health work and experienced adverse mental health conditions. This article quantifies the prevalence of job-related threats, harassment, and discrimination against public health workers and measures the association of these incidents with mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A nonprobability convenience sample of state, local, and tribal public health workers completed a self-administered, online survey in April 2021. The survey link was emailed to members of national public health associations and included questions on workplace violence, demographics, workplace factors, and mental health symptoms. Mental health symptoms were measured using standardized, validated tools to assess depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation. Multivariable Poisson models calculated adjusted prevalence ratios of mental health symptoms, with workplace violence as the primary risk factor. Analyses were conducted in 2021-2022. RESULTS: Experiencing any type or combination of workplace violence was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting depression symptoms (prevalence ratio=1.21, 95% CI=1.15, 1.27), anxiety (prevalence ratio=1.21, 95% CI=1.15, 1.27), post-traumatic stress disorder (prevalence ratio=1.31, 95% CI=1.25, 1.37), and suicidal ideation (prevalence ratio=1.26, 95% CI=1.14, 1.38), after adjusting for confounders. A dose‒response relationship was found between the number of workplace violence events experienced by a public health worker and the likelihood of reporting mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Violence targeted at the public health workforce is detrimental to workers and their communities. Ongoing training, workplace support, and increased communication after a workplace violence incident may be helpful. Efforts to strengthen public health capacities and support the public health workforce are also needed. |
Occupational exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke among law enforcement officers providing security at outdoor concert events
Wiegand DM , Methner MM , Grimes GR , Couch JR , Wang L , Zhang L , Blount BC . Ann Work Expo Health 2020 64 (7) 705-714 OBJECTIVES: Numerous states within the USA have legalized cannabis for medical or non-medical (adult/recreational) use. With the increased availability and use of cannabis, occupational and environmental exposures to secondhand cannabis smoke (SHCS) raise concerns over whether non-users may be at risk for a 'contact high', impaired neurocognitive function, harm from irritants and carcinogens in smoke, or potentially failing a cannabis screening test. The extent of health effects from potential occupational exposure to SHCS is unknown. This is a study of occupational exposures to SHCS among law enforcement officers (LEOs) providing security at outdoor concerts on a college campus in a state where adult use of cannabis is legal. METHODS: Investigators evaluated a convenience sample of LEOs' potential exposure to SHCS and symptoms experienced while providing security during two open-air stadium rock-n-roll concerts on consecutive days in July 2018. During each event, full-shift area and LEO personal air samples were collected for Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. Urine (pre- and postevent; n = 58) and blood (postevent; n = 29) were also collected and analyzed for Delta9-THC and two of its metabolites [11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) and 11-nor-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (OH-THC)]. Urine samples were analyzed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and results were compared with the Department of Transportation guidelines for urine screening for cannabis. Blood (postevent) samples were also collected and the plasma fraction was tested for Delta9-THC, THC-COOH, and OH-THC using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. LEOs also completed a medical questionnaire asking about symptoms experienced during the concerts. RESULTS: Twenty-nine LEOs participated in the evaluation. Measurable amounts of Delta9-THC were found in area (concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 330 ng m-3) and personal air samples (53-480 ng m-3). Small amounts (<1.0 ng ml-1) of a Delta9-THC metabolite (THC-COOH) were found in the postevent urine of 34% of LEOs. Neither Delta9-THC nor its metabolites were detected in any blood sample. LEOs reported experiencing non-specific symptoms during the concerts, such as burning, itchy, or red eyes (31%); dry mouth (21%); headache (21%); and coughing (21%). CONCLUSIONS: Identification of Delta9-THC in the breathing zone for some LEOs indicates the potential for airborne exposure to the psychoactive component of cannabis. However, the magnitude of these exposures was small compared with those that would result in a dose of Delta9-THC associated with psychotropic effects. Similarly, THC-COOH was found in the postevent urine of some LEOs at concentrations that were orders of magnitude below active use cut-points used during a cannabis screening test (50 ng ml-1). Exposure to SHCS was not high enough to detect concentrations of THC, THC-COOH, to OH-THC in the blood, which could be due to differences between the limits of detection for the tests employed. The ocular and respiratory symptoms reported by LEOs may be related to irritants in SHCS. However, the health effects of SHCS remain unclear, and further research concerning occupational and environmental exposures is warranted. |
Review of NIOSH cannabis-related health hazard evaluations and research
Couch JR , Grimes GR , Green BJ , Wiegand DM , King B , Methner MM . Ann Work Expo Health 2020 64 (7) 693-704 Since 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has received 10 cannabis-related health hazard evaluation (HHE) investigation requests from law enforcement agencies (n = 5), state-approved cannabis grow operations (n = 4), and a coroner's office (n = 1). Earlier requests concerned potential illicit drug exposures (including cannabis) during law enforcement activities and criminal investigations. Most recently HHE requests have involved state-approved grow operations with potential occupational exposures during commercial cannabis production for medicinal and non-medical (recreational) use. As of 2019, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has banned cannabis as a Schedule I substance on the federal level. However, cannabis legalization at the state level has become more common in the USA. In two completed cannabis grow operation HHE investigations (two investigations are still ongoing as of 2019), potential dermal exposures were evaluated using two distinct surface wipe sample analytical methods. The first analyzed for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) using a liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4 nanograms (ng) per sample. A second method utilized high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection to analyze for four phytocannabinoids (Delta9-THC, Delta9-THC acid, cannabidiol, and cannabinol) with a LOD (2000 ng per sample) which, when comparing Delta9-THC limits, was orders of magnitude higher than the LC-MS-MS method. Surface wipe sampling results for both methods illustrated widespread contamination of all phytocannabinoids throughout the tested occupational environments, highlighting the need to consider THC form (Delta9-THC or Delta9-THC acid) as well as other biologically active phytocannabinoids in exposure assessments. In addition to potential cannabis-related dermal exposures, ergonomic stressors, and psychosocial issues, the studies found employees in cultivation, harvesting, and processing facilities could potentially be exposed to allergens and respiratory hazards through inhalation of organic dusts (including fungus, bacteria, and endotoxin) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. These hazards were most evident during the decarboxylation and grinding of dried cannabis material, where elevated job-specific concentrations of VOCs and endotoxin were generated. Additionally, utilization of contemporary gene sequencing methods in NIOSH HHEs provided a more comprehensive characterization of microbial communities sourced during cannabis cultivation and processing. Internal Transcribed Spacer region sequencing revealed over 200 fungal operational taxonomic units and breathing zone air samples were predominantly composed of Botrytis cinerea, a cannabis plant pathogen. B. cinerea, commonly known as gray mold within the industry, has been previously associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This work elucidates new occupational hazards related to cannabis production and the evolving occupational safety and health landscape of an emerging industry, provides a summary of cannabis-related HHEs, and discusses critical lessons learned from these previous HHEs. |
Potential occupational and respiratory hazards in a Minnesota cannabis cultivation and processing facility
Couch JR , Grimes GR , Wiegand DM , Green BJ , Glassford EK , Zwack LM , Lemons AR , Jackson SR , Beezhold DH . Am J Ind Med 2019 62 (10) 874-882 BACKGROUND: Cannabis has been legalized in some form for much of the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation request from a Minnesota cannabis facility and their union to undertake an evaluation. METHODS: NIOSH representatives visited the facility in August 2016 and April 2017. Surface wipe samples were collected for analysis of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol acid (Delta9-THCA), cannabidiol, and cannabinol. Environmental air samples were collected for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), endotoxins (limulus amebocyte lysate assay), and fungal diversity (NIOSH two-stage BC251 bioaerosol sampler with internal transcribed spacer region sequencing analysis). RESULTS: Surface wipe samples identified Delta9-THC throughout the facility. Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione were measured in initial VOC screening and subsequent sampling during tasks where heat transference was greatest, though levels were well below the NIOSH recommended exposure limits. Endotoxin concentrations were highest during processing activities, while internal transcribed spacer region sequencing revealed that the Basidiomycota genus, Wallemia, had the highest relative abundance. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report of potential diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione exposure in the cannabis industry, most notably during cannabis decarboxylation. Endotoxin exposure was elevated during grinding, indicating that this is a potentially high-risk task. The findings indicate that potential health hazards of significance are present during cannabis processing, and employers should be aware of potential exposures to VOCs, endotoxin, and fungi. Further research into the degree of respiratory and dermal hazards and resulting health effects in this industry is recommended. |
Health effects from unintentional occupational exposure to opioids among law enforcement officers: Two case investigations
Chiu SK , Hornsby-Myers JL , de Perio MA , Snawder JE , Wiegand DM , Trout D , Howard J . Am J Ind Med 2019 62 (5) 439-447 Recent increases in the rate of drug overdose-related deaths, the emergence of potent opioids such as carfentanil, and media reports of incidents have raised concerns about the potential for work-related exposure to a variety of illicit drugs among law enforcement officers (LEOs), other emergency responders, and other workers in the United States. To characterize the risk associated with unintentional occupational exposure to drugs, we retrospectively investigated two incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2018 where LEOs were exposed to opioid and stimulant drugs and experienced health effects. We interviewed five affected LEOs and others. We reviewed records, including emergency department documentation, incident reports, forensic laboratory results, and when available, body camera footage. Multiple drug types, including opioids and nonopioids, were present at each incident. Potential routes of exposure varied among LEOs and were difficult to characterize with certainty. Health effects were not consistent with severe, life-threatening opioid toxicity, but temporarily precluded affected LEOs from performing their essential job duties. While health risks from occupational exposure to drugs during law enforcement activities cannot currently be fully characterized with certainty, steps to prevent such exposures should be implemented now. The creation and implementation of appropriate controls plus education and training are both important to protecting first responders from these hazardous agents. To more fully characterize potential exposures, timely prospective toxicological evaluation of affected responders is recommended. |
Awareness, beliefs, and actions concerning Zika virus among pregnant women and community members - U.S. Virgin Islands, November-December 2016
Prue CE , Roth JN Jr , Garcia-Williams A , Yoos A , Camperlengo L , DeWilde L , Lamtahri M , Prosper A , Harrison C , Witbart L , Guendel I , Wiegand DM , Lamens NR , Hillman B , Davis MS , Ellis EM . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017 66 (34) 909-913 As of May 2, 2017, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), comprising St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, had reported 1,021 probable or confirmed cases* of Zika virus disease in its population of approximately 100,000 (1); 222 symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women in the USVI had tested positive for Zika virus. In January 2016, USVI Department of Health (USVI DOH) initiated Zika response measures, including surveillance, vector control, and a communications program. Interventions included education and outreach, distribution of Zika prevention kitsdagger to pregnant women in the USVI, and provision of free Zika virus laboratory testing and vector control services. In November 2016, USVI DOH staff members conducted interviews with convenience samples of community members and pregnant women to gather feedback about current and proposed interventions (2). Pregnant women reported taking a median of two actions to protect themselves from Zika, with repellent use being the most commonly reported action. Community members reported taking a median of one action and were supportive of several proposed vector control approaches. Whereas multiple pregnant women and community members reported hearing messages about the cause and consequences of Zika virus infections, few recalled messages about specific actions they could take to protect themselves. Integrating evaluation into response measures permits ongoing assessment of intervention effectiveness and supports improvement to serve the population's needs. |
Influenza vaccination coverage among school employees: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors
de Perio MA , Wiegand DM , Brueck SE . J Sch Health 2014 84 (9) 586-92 BACKGROUND: Influenza can spread among students, teachers, and staff in school settings. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent influenza. We determined 2012-2013 influenza vaccination coverage among school employees, assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding the vaccine, and determined factors associated with vaccine receipt. METHODS: We surveyed 412 (49%) of 841 employees at 1 suburban Ohio school district in March 2013. The Web-based survey assessed personal and work characteristics, vaccine receipt, and knowledge and attitudes regarding the vaccine. RESULTS: Overall, 238 (58%) respondents reported getting the 2012-2013 influenza vaccine. The most common reason for getting the vaccine was to protect oneself or one's family (87%). Beliefs that the vaccine was not needed (32%) or that it was not effective (21%) were the most common reasons for not getting it. Factors independently associated with vaccine receipt were having positive attitudes toward the vaccine, feeling external pressure to get it, and feeling personal control over whether to get it. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine coverage among school employees should be improved. Messages encouraging school employees to get the vaccine should address misconceptions about the vaccine. Employers should use methods to maximize employee vaccination as part of a comprehensive influenza prevention program. |
Influenza-like illness and presenteeism among school employees
de Perio MA , Wiegand DM , Brueck SE . Am J Infect Control 2014 42 (4) 450-2 We determined the prevalence of influenza-like illness (ILI) among employees of a suburban Ohio school district. In a survey of 412 of 841 employees (49%), 120 (29%) reported ILI symptoms during the school year, and 92 (77%) reported working while ill. Age ≥50 years and asthma were significantly associated with reporting of ILI symptoms. Encouraging school employees to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine and to stay home when ill should be part of a comprehensive influenza prevention strategy. |
Case studies: evaluation of cut-resistant sleeves and possible fiberglass fiber shedding at a steel mill
Ceballos DM , Tapp LC , Wiegand DM . J Occup Environ Hyg 2014 11 (2) D28-33 The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a health hazard evaluation (HHE) request from employees and union representatives at a steel mill. They were concerned with skin and upper respiratory irritation, and safety and hygiene issues regarding the required use of cut-resistant protective sleeves. The manufacturer of the cut-resistant sleeves reported that the sleeves were made of a blended weave of para-aramid (Kevlar), cellulose, and E-glass fibers. New sleeves were shown to emit very few fibers into the air under controlled use conditions.(1) However, employees were concerned that the sleeves could shed respirable fiberglass fibers, that this shedding could increase after repeated launderings, and that this exposure could cause skin irritation, respiratory irritation, or chronic respiratory disease. | During our evaluation, we met with union representatives and company health and safety managers, toured the facility, and confidentially interviewed employees. We collected surface samples using either Stick-to-it lift tape (SKC Inc., Eighty Four, Pa.) or vacuuming with a polycarbonate filter from work surfaces, workers’ skin, and workers’ clothing, including the surface of new and laundered protective sleeves. We also collected bulk samples of new and laundered protective sleeves and other potential sources of fibers at the steel mill (i.e., insulation materials). These samples were analyzed by stereomicroscope and polarized light microscopy for identification of fiberglass, Kevlar, and cellulose fibers, as well as for fiber morphology and size. This case study focuses on the industrial hygiene sampling component of our evaluation. Information regarding the medical interviews, and safety and hygiene issues related to the use of the sleeves can be found in the NIOSH HHE report. (2) |
Low influenza vaccination rates among child care workers in the United States: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors
de Perio MA , Wiegand DM , Evans SM . J Community Health 2012 37 (2) 272-81 Influenza can spread quickly among children and caregivers in child day care settings. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent influenza. We determined 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (pH1N1) and seasonal influenza vaccination rates during the 2009-2010 influenza season among child care center employees, assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding the vaccines, and determined factors associated with vaccine receipt. Using a cross-sectional study design, from January 30-March 1, 2010, we surveyed 384 (95%) of 403 employees at 32 licensed child centers in the United States about personal and work characteristics, vaccine receipt, and knowledge and attitudes regarding each vaccine. Forty-five (11%) and eighty five (22%) respondents reported receiving the pH1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines, respectively. The most common reasons cited for not getting either vaccine were "I don't think I need the vaccine," "I don't think the vaccine will keep me from getting the flu," and "the vaccine is not safe." Factors independently associated with receipt of either vaccine included belief in its efficacy, having positive attitudes towards it, and feeling external pressure to get it. Child care center employees had low rates of pH1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination largely due to misconceptions about the need for and efficacy of the vaccine. Public health messages should address misconceptions about vaccines, and employers should consider methods to maximize influenza vaccination of employees as part of a comprehensive influenza prevention program. |
A consensus method for updating psychosocial measures used in NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations
Wiegand DM , Chen PY , Hurrell JJ Jr , Jex S , Nakata A , Nigam JA , Robertson M , Tetrick LE . J Occup Environ Med 2012 54 (3) 350-5 OBJECTIVE: An expert panel was convened to select practical, valid psychosocial measures for use during National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health field investigations. METHODS: A taxonomy of psychosocial constructs was developed using existing taxonomies and criteria regarding the malleability, actionability, and validity of constructs. Panel members identified measures for each construct based on their expertise and experience. Measures were selected on the basis of the following criteria: practicality, brevity, validity, availability of existing data, and lack of confounds between psychosocial constructs and outcomes. RESULTS: The panel came to a consensus in recommending 24 measures representing 22 constructs. CONCLUSIONS: It is important that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health regularly evaluates its methodologies to ensure it is in line with current best practices. The measures identified will be used modularly in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health fieldwork depending on the nature of the evaluation request, industry type, and worker population. |
Commercial drivers' health: a naturalistic study of body mass index, fatigue, and involvement in safety-critical events
Wiegand DM , Hanowski RJ , McDonald SE . Traffic Inj Prev 2009 10 (6) 573-9 OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation of commercial truck drivers' body mass indexex (BMI) to fatigued driving episodes and involvement in safety-critical events. METHODS: One hundred and three professional truck drivers participated in a long-term naturalistic (on-road) driving study whereby vehicle motion data as well as video of the driver and driving environment were gathered continuously. This data set was analyzed to identify safety-critical events as well as fatigued driving episodes using two independent measures of fatigue. Odds ratio analyses were then performed to explore the relative risk of driving while fatigued and involvement in safety-critical events based on driver's BMI classification (obese versus non-obese). RESULTS: Results indicated that of the 103 participating truck drivers, 53.4 percent were obese based on BMI. Odds ratio calculations revealed that obese individuals were between 1.22 (CI = 1.03-1.45) and 1.69 times (CI = 1.32-2.18) more likely than non-obese individuals to be rated as fatigued based on the two measures of fatigue. Other analyses showed that obese individuals were at 1.37 times (CI = 1.19-1.59) greater risk for involvement in a safety-critical event than non-obese individuals. Finally, one of the fatigue measures showed that obese individuals were 1.99 times (CI = 1.02-3.88) more likely than non-obese individuals to be fatigued while involved in an at-fault safety-critical incident. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support other research in the field of health and well-being that indicate a link between obesity and fatigue, which is a major safety issue surrounding commercial motor vehicle operations given the long hours these drivers spend on the road. |
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