Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM)

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Background: Associations between estimates of long-term population exposure to fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) and cardiovascular endpoints, especially mortality, have now been reported in several population cohort studies.

Background: In the late 1960s and early 1970s it was asserted that the most critical aspect of trauma care was early arrival to surgical care, especially within the first sixty minutes after injury. This presumed relationship between time and mortality became popularly known as “The Golden Hour”, and has driven Emergency Medical System (EMS) organizations since.

Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most carefully studied and documented environmental exposures worldwide. However, despite increased awareness that lead exposure can compromise health and that lead exposure is completely preventable, lead continues to contribute significantly to the global burden of disease.

Nearly 8000 claims for occupationally related carpal tunnel syndrome (OCTS) were seen in the Washington State worker's compensation system (WSWCS) between 1984-1988. Approximately 40% went on to surgical treatment for this disorder. In 1987 alone, there were 539 surgically treated cases of OCTS within this compensation system. In 1988 this number increased to 756.

Malignant Mesothlioma (MM) is an uncommon tumor; only about 3000 cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Epidemiological studies have consistently confirmed that the pre-eminent risk factor for the development of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos in a variety of occupational and environmental settings.

Hearing loss is a disabling chronic health problem. In addition to the direct costs of disability and worker productivity, there are many other aspects of a person’s life that are affected. It has been demonstrated that people with hearing loss are less satisfied with their lives, lose independence, and have relational problems because of their decreased ability to communicate.

Vietnam, a developing country, work-related injuries have steadily been increasing since 1995. Occupational now is recognized as a significant public health problem. However, there is no integrated data system that can thoroughly describe the situation of work-related injuries in Vietnam today.

Rationale: Refractory brick manufacturing releases large amounts of crystalline silica dust into the work environment due to the use of silica containing materials such as kaolin clay and rock. Workers working in this industry are potentially exposed to silica dust and consequently at high risk for development of silicosis.

Decompression illness (DCI) is a known risk of SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving, however this risk has not been well described in children.

The Medical Board is an administrative process whereby Soldiers with a medical disability are evaluated to determine fitness for duty. This cohort study attempted to better understand the role of personal motivation and its association with retention in the Army. We postulated that personal motivation is positively correlated with retention.

Introduction: Epidemiologic studies have shown an association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5.) air pollution and mortality, but few large cohort studies have been performed. It is also unclear what populations are at greatest risk.

The overall goal of this study was to shift some of the focus of environmental education to prevention, and away from the current practice of assessing damage to people and the environment.

Introduction: Traffic related air pollution is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the biological mechanisms are not well understood, oxidative stress may be a primary pathway.

Introduction: Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution (particulate matter less than 2.5 um in diameter, or PM2.5) has been associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in several large epidemiologic studies, but the mechanisms remain unclear.

Soldiers serving in Iraq are exposed to a variety of environmental hazards which they often cannot avoid and frequently lack personal protective equipment for. Sixteen percent of soldiers are currently reporting environmental exposure concerns in post deployment health screening.

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational disease in the United States with greater than 9 million workers exposed to noise levels that could induce hearing loss. Greater than 95% of U.S. Army aviators fly helicopters, placing them at risk of NIHL due to the generally open environment of the aircraft, with cockpit noise levels reaching 105 dB.

To maintain an effective force structure, all service branches must replace personnel regardless of the mechanism of loss. The ideal recruit should be free from any disease or disorder that may prevent them from completing their service obligation.

Opioids continue to be prescribed in increasing amounts for the management of chronic non-cancer pain in general and for musculoskeletal pain in particular. Despite little change in musculoskeletal pain office visit rates, US office-based opioid prescriptions increased for acute musculoskeletal pain and doubled for chronic musculoskeletal pain in the period between 1980 and 2000.

Background: High blood pressure remains a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. Stress has been postulated to disrupt cardiovascular equilibrium causing short-term elevations in blood pressure acutely, and hypertension with chronic exposure.

Childhood lead poisoning, while diminishing in industrialized nations, continues to be a common and preventable public health threat throughout the world. This is particularly true among poorer communities where lead recycling, especially from used car batteries, is an important source of revenue.

Background: An association between residential proximity to roadway and coronary artery calcium score (CAC) has been previously described. CAC is a measure of coronary artery calcification that reflects the extent of atherosclerosis.

Background: In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified shift work that involves circadian disruption as a probable human carcinogen. Nighttime chronodisruption has been shown to decrease concentrations of melatonin, a presumed antineoplastic hormone.