| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Lindholm, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Do Code of Conduct audits improve chemical safety in garment factories: Lessons on Corporate Social Responsibility in the supply chain from Fair Wear Foundation
- 2016
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In: International journal of occupational and environmental health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1077-3525 .- 2049-3967. ; 22:4, s. 283-291
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In managing chemical risks to the environment and human health in supply chains, voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures, such as auditing code of conduct compliance, play an important role. Objectives: To examine how well suppliers’ chemical health and safety performance complies with buyers’ CSR policies and whether audited factories improve their performance. Methods: CSR audits (n = 288) of garment factories conducted by Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), an independent non-profit organization, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical modeling. Results: Forty-three per cent of factories did not comply with the FWF code of conduct, i.e. received remarks on chemical safety. Only among factories audited 10 or more times was there a significant increase in the number of factories receiving no remarks. Conclusions: Compliance with chemical safety requirements in garment supply chains is low and auditing is statistically correlated with improvements only at factories that have undergone numerous audits.
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| 27. |
- Perez-Alonso, Aranzazu, et al.
(author)
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Outbreak of silicosis in Spanish quartz conglomerate workers
- 2014
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In: International journal of occupational and environmental health. - 1077-3525 .- 2049-3967. ; 20:1, s. 26-32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of an outbreak of occupational silicosis and the associated working conditions. Methods: Cases were defined as men working in the stone cutting, shaping, and finishing industry in the province of Cadiz, diagnosed with silicosis between July 2009 and May 2012, and were identified and diagnosed by the department of pulmonology of the University Hospital of Puerto Real (Cadiz). A census of workplaces using quartz conglomerates was carried out to determine total numbers of potentially exposed workers. A patient telephone survey on occupational exposures and a review of medical records for all participants were conducted. Results: Silicosis was diagnosed in 46 men with a median age of 33 years and a median of 11 years working in the manufacturing of countertops. Of these cases, 91.3% were diagnosed with simple chronic silicosis, with an abnormal high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) scan. One patient died during the study period. Employer non-compliance in prevention and control measures was frequently reported, as were environmental and individual protection failures. Conclusions: The use of new construction materials such as quartz conglomerates has increased silicosis incidence due to intensive occupational exposures, in the context of high demand fuelled by the housing boom. This widespread exposure poses a risk if appropriate preventive measures are not undertaken.
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| 28. |
- Rodríguez, Teresa, 1966-, et al.
(author)
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Biological Monitoring of Pesticide Exposures among Applicators and Their Children in Nicaragua
- 2006
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In: International journal of occupational and environmental health. - : Maney Publishing. - 1077-3525 .- 2049-3967. ; 12, s. 312-320
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposures were assessed for seven small-scale farmers using chlorpyrifos on corn and ten banana plantation employees applying diazinon, and for one child of each worker. Metabolites (TCPYand IMPY) were measured in urine before and after applications. TCPY concentrations peaked at 27 and 8.5 hours post-application for applicators and children, respectively (geometric means, 26 and 3.0 microg/L). Proximity to spraying and spray mixture preparation in homes were important exposure factors. IMPY concentrations differed substantially across workers at two plantations (geometric means, 1.3 and 168 mirog/L); however, their children had little or no diazinon exposure. These workers and children were also exposed to chlorpyrifos, most likely through contact with chlorpyrifos-impregnated bags used in banana production. Several recommendations are offered: (1) monitor children's activities during applications; (2) do not store or prepare pesticides in homes; (3) institute sound occupational hygiene practices at banana plantations; (4) dispose of plastic insecticide bags properly at the worksite.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Rudén, Christina, et al.
(author)
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Evidence-Based Toxicology : "Sound Science" in New Disguise
- 2008
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In: International journal of occupational and environmental health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1077-3525 .- 2049-3967. ; 14:4, s. 299-306
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The "evidence-based toxicology" proposed by Guzelian et al. departs radically from state-of-the-art toxicology by claiming that risks for humans can only be determined on the basis of human evidence. Just like the previous proposal of "sound science," "evidence-based toxicology" poses a heavy burden of proof on any effort to control exposures in order to reduce health risks to those exposed. The alleged connection between "evidence-based toxicology" and evidence-based medicine is misconceived, since the strict criteria for use of scientific data in evidence-based medicine concerns proof of therapeutic effects, while in "evidence-based toxicology" these criteria are applied to proof of harmful effects. The slogans "sound science" and "evidence-based toxicology" have both been put forward by persons with a history of extensive involvement with the tobacco industry.
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