Saf Health Work.  2018 Sep;9(3):239-248. 10.1016/j.shaw.2018.04.002.

Multiple Exposures and Coexposures to Occupational Hazards Among Agricultural Workers: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

• Nguyen TH
• Bertin M
• Bodin J
• Fouquet N
• Bonvallot
• Roquelaure Y

• KMID: 2425296
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2018.04.002

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Workers may be exposed to various types of occupational hazards at the same time, potentially increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this review was to analyze the effects of multiple occupational exposures and coexposures to chemical, biomechanical, and physical hazards on adverse health outcomes among agricultural workers.
METHODS
Articles published in English between 1990 and 2015 were identified using five popular databases and two complementary sources. The quality of the included publications was assessed using the methodology developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project assessment tool for quantitative studies.
RESULTS
Fifteen articles were included in the review. Multiple chemical exposures were significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, cancer, and DNA and cytogenetic damage. Multiple physical exposures seemed to increase the risk of hearing loss, whereas coexposures to physical and biomechanical hazards were associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders among agricultural workers.
CONCLUSION
Few studies have explored the impact of multiple occupational exposures on the health of agricultural workers. A very limited number of studies have investigated the effect of coexposures among biomechanical, physical, and chemical hazards on occupational health, which indicates a need for further research in this area.

Keyword

Agricultural workers; Coexposures; Multiple exposures; Occupational hazards

MeSH Terms

Cytogenetics
DNA
Farmers*
Hearing Loss
Occupational Exposure
Occupational Health
Public Health Practice
DNA