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[MVOC of fungi--use as an indicator for exposure level].

The production of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) by fungi derived from biowaste was studied on synthetic agar (YES), compost-extract media (CEA VAR 1-3) and compost. Exposure assessment was carried out in composting facilities and the occurrence of VOC/MVOC was related to the presence of airborne fungi. A number of non-specific MVOC was found at all sampling sites or in each season, some of which showed preferences for certain sampling sites (3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-octanone). They seemed to be correlated with a certain species composition or with microbial activity, and may thus be used to describe a certain state of decomposition. Correlations between single volatiles and certain fungi were found in situ, but these findings did not match with the species-specific volatiles obtained from pure cultures.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Environmental hazards of automobile mechanics in Ibadan, Nigeria.

A cross sectional survey was conducted among automobile mechanics and technicians in Ibadan to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and environmental hazards of these workers. Three hundred workers were interviewed. All respondents were males aged between 13 and 72 years of age. Educational attainment was poor, with only 20% of respondents having completed secondary education. Sanitation facilities were inadequate. Forty percent of workshops provided facilities for refuse disposal. Of the 33 workshops visited, only 1 provided toilet facilities. Most workers used facilities in neighbouring residential premises. Only three workshops (9%) had designated eating areas. Occupational exposure to petrol was common to all trades. Other occupational exposures were to petrochemicals such as engine oil and brake oil. Protective clothing was not used by the majority of workers. Only 25 (8%) respondents were wearing overalls at the time of our visit. This findings illustrate the typical work conditions of workers in small scale industries. There is a need for health education programmes about occupational and non-occupational diseases. This and other health promotion activities can be organized through the unions.

Adolescent↗

Epidemiology of diarrhoeal diseases among children under age 5 years in Dakahlia, Egypt.

Using multistage cluster sampling, we conducted a household survey of diarrhoea among 4458 children under age 5 years in Dakahlia governorate from June 2002 to May 2003 to determine the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoeal diseases. Frequency of diarrhoea in the previous 2 weeks and last 24 hours were 23.6% and 8.7% respectively. Oral rehydration solution use rate was 24.3% among children with diarrhoea in the past 2 weeks. The frequency of diarrhoea was significantly higher among children in rural areas, those aged 6-24 months and of higher birth order, in the summer, when mothers were younger, had lower education or were not working, and when fathers had lower education or were farmers or manual labourers. Overcrowding, improper refuse disposal and non-flush toilets were also significantly correlated with diarrhoea incidence.

Age Distribution↗

Cholera in Sarawak: a historical perspective (1873-1989).

Cholera has been in existence in Sarawak for many years and since 1873 many major epidemics have occurred. The epidemics usually occur during the dry months of May, June and July and the population affected are those in coastal areas. As in other outbreaks the areas affected were those which had poor environmental sanitation, poor water supply, poor refuse disposal and indiscriminate disposal of faeces. Malays are more affected as in Peninsular Malaysia outbreaks. The classical biotype was common prior to 1961. In later years the El Tor (biotype) has been responsible for most outbreaks.

Cholera↗

Water supplies and sanitary facilities in rural Transkei.

Between October 1982 and September 1983, an outbreak of cholera occurred in Transkei. A total of 678 patients with clinical illness were reported in a review of positive laboratory results. Subsequent to each report, the health department personnel began a rigorous contact-tracing process during which data on the environment were collected. A total of 1,157 standardised forms listing 6,615 persons were returned to the Epidemiological Unit. Of these respondents, 87.2% reported having 'no sanitary facilities available' and 96.4% 'no refuse disposal site'. Rivers, wells, springs, streams, dams and stagnant pools were recorded as the main sources of water supply in the study area. Whether this situation will remain unchanged or improve can be determined only by continued surveillance.

Humans↗

[Risk factors in serologically diagnosed echinococcosis--a case control study in the Nemuro region of Hokkaido Prefecture].

To determine the risk factors for echinococcus infection, we conducted a case-control study in the Nemuro region of Hokkaido Prefecture. The cases included both clinically diagnosed patients with echinococcosis and registered persons who were seropositive. The control group was matched by residence, age (+/- 5 years) and sex. The data on the 99 cases and 430 controls were collected by mailed questionnaire. Because of the long latency of echinococcosis, we investigated the potential risk factors over two different periods-from 11-20 years before the time of registration, and from 10 years before the registration to the time of registration. For the 11-20 years before registration period, using well water as drinking water and cattle raising significantly increased the risk of echinococcosis. In the period 10 years before registration to the time of registration, hog raising also increased the risk. In contrast, drinking tap water decreased the risk. These results suggest the importance of a screening program, especially targeting people engaged in dairy farming and hog raising, as well as the need for extension of tap water services and health education on refuse disposal.

Adult↗

Microbial utilization and transformation of humic acid-like substances extracted from a mixture of municipal refuse and sewage sludge disposed of in a landfill.

The purpose of the research was to establish whether humic acid-like substances (HA) related to municipal refuse disposed of in a landfill can resist microbial degradation and if they contribute, in that way, to long-term stabilization of landfill refuse. Using a mixture of 0.1 M Na(4)P(2)O(7) + 0.1 M NaOH, we extracted HA from municipal refuse mixed with sewage sludge and disposed of for up to 12 months, in a 40-m(3) model landfill. In laboratory experiments under aerobic conditions, up to 50% of HA was utilized as a supplementary source of nutrients by an assemblage of soil microorganisms in only 21 days. The microbial utilization was enhanced to over 80%, and up to 98%, respectively, if HA served as the sole source of carbon or nitrogen. Remaining HA which could be re-isolated from microbial cultures were lower in carbon (<12%) and nitrogen (<2.3%). Spectroscopic analysis (UV, Vis, FTIR) indicated losses, especially in aliphatic structural units, and a relative enhancement in aromatic structures. It was postulated that for their high degree of degradability, HA indigenous to that anthropogenic environment would not play an important role in the long-term stabilization of landfill refuse.

Journal Article↗