Risk factors and prevalence of declined work ability among dairy farmers

Farm work, particularly with livestock, exposes farmers to injuries, occupational diseases, and disabling health conditions, which in many cases result in early retirement and loss of quality of life. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for declined work ability among full-time dairy farmers. We conducted a postal survey using the standard Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire augmented with a form containing questions about working conditions and lifestyle factors that potentially affect work ability. We received 399 usable responses (245 female and 154 male; 41.5% response rate). The prevalence of declined work ability (poor or moderate WAI score) was 39% overall, 44% among females, and 32% among males. Older age, small herd size, lack of mental breaks from work, inadequate leisure, and non-use of alcohol were significantly associated with declined work ability. The odds ratios for these risk factors ranged from 2.04 to 4.67. Current injuries and diseases are part of the WAI questionnaire contributing to declined work ability. This study indicates that interventions are needed, particularly among older farmers and farmers with injuries or diseases, to restore their work ability. Life-long measures to maintain work ability are also important, preventing the steep decline in work ability currently occurring among older farmers. Based on this study, we recommend guidance addressing the identified risk factors, particularly the importance of organizing both farm and domestic work with adequate rest, leisure time, and mental breaks as counterbalance to the daily workload among livestock farmers.     

Gender difference in prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms among Swedish pig farmers

There have been very few epidemiological studies dealing with pig farmers' musculoskeletal health. The aim of this study was to carry out a cross-section postal questionnaire survey dealing with musculoskeletal symptoms among female and male pig farmers in large-scale production. The participation rate overall was 70% (288/410). Over 10% of the questionnaires had missing gender data. Three different questionnaires were used: the general standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms; a questionnaire dealing with occurrence of numbness, reduced muscle strength, etc., in the wrists and hands; and occupational factors were screened by a special questionnaire. The results showed that musculoskeletal morbidity is high among pig farmers. The women had significantly more problems than the men with respect to the upper extremities. Symptoms in the wrists and hands such as numbness, reduced muscle strength, aching fingers and wrists, and tendency to drop things were significantly more common among the women than the men. Occupational factors dealing with, for example, the size of the pig farm, were not related to the occurrence of symptoms. Occupational factors of importance for the development of disorders, particularly among women pig farmers, should be given priority in ergonomic interventions.     

An evaluation of New York state lake liming data and the application of models from Scandinavian lakes to Adirondack lakes

Limestone dissolution efficiencies and reacidification rates observed in ten small Adirondack Mountain lakes, treated in 1983 to 1984 as part of the Extensive Liming Study (ELS), were compared with Scandinavian model predictions of dissolution (Sverdrup and Bjerle, 1983), and reacidification (Wright, 1985). The standard deviation of predicted initial dissolution was 15.4% of the observed fraction of limestone dissolved. Model predictions of dissolution for the Scandinavian lakes were similarly within 8 to 14% of observed values. Further analysis of the ELS data indicated that of the dissolution model parameters, dose rate alone was the best predictor of initial dissolution efficiency. Dissolution rates declined exponentially with time to undetectable levels within 2 to 3 yr following treatment. Total limestone dissolution efficiencies were in the range of 17 to 59% for the ELS lakes, which are comparable to levels observed in Scandinavian treatments with similar limestone materials (26 to 64%). Analysis of data from other Adirondack lakes limed by private groups and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for fisheries management programs, yielded similar estimates of dissolution efficiency for calcite based materials (average 36%). However, some of these lakes which were treated with slaked lime [Ca(OH)₂], exhibited initial dissolution efficiencies approaching 100%. The simple two box dilution model of reacidification, satisfactorily predicted Ca loss rates in the ELS lakes, indicating the importance of hydrology (water retention time) as a factor controlling reacidification rates in these small, limed lakes. For the ELS lakes, the ratio of watershed area/lake volume satisfactorily predicted Ca loss rates (R² = 0.96) and this simplified empirical model was applied to other Adirondack lakes where inadequate water chemistry and hydrologic data were available to utilize the dilution model. Limed Adirondack lakes with mean water retention times less than 4 mo reacidified within 1 yr after treatment. Given the preponderance of acidified lakes in the Adirondack region with retention times less than this threshold value of 4 mo (approximately 80% of lakes <10 ha surface area), simple whole lake liming practices would not be adequate for maintaining water quality suitable for the support of viable fish populations in these lakes.     

An exploratory analysis of occupational skin disease among Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina

Occupational skin disease is highly prevalent among all agricultural workers. However, few data exist on risk factors for occupational skin disease among migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The goal of this analysis was to further document the prevalence of occupational skin disease among Latino farmworkers and delineate risk factors. This exploratory analysis used data collected in repeated survey interviews with Latino farmworkers in North Carolina in June and July (early season) and in August and September (late season), 1999. Respondents were largely male (95%) and from Mexico (95%), with about one-third each age 18-24, 25-34, and 35 and older. About half were in the U.S. on work contracts. Independent variables included the physical environment (crops worked), the social environment (having received pesticide safety training, having a work contract), and behavior and individual characteristics (re-wearing work clothes, showering after work, age). The dependent measures were reporting having had itching or burning skin or a skin rash in the two months prior to each interview; 24% of the respondents in the early season, and 37% in the late season reported skin disease signs and symptoms during the previous two months. Those reporting signs and symptoms in the early season were more likely to report them in late season. Significant independent risk factors for skin signs and symptoms in early season were re-wearing work clothes, showering after work, and being age 35 or older. In late season, those who had not received pesticide safety training had lower odds of reporting skin disease signs and symptoms, after adjusting for other potential risk factors. This exploratory study indicates that Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers experience a high incidence of occupational skin disease. Further research is required with improved measurement of skin disease signs and symptoms, diagnosis of specific skin disease, and improved measurement of risk factors.     

Impact of New York state emission sources on class 1 areas

The ARL-ATAD (Air Resources Laboratory-Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion) Model is used to calculate trajectories of air parcels leaving New York City, Albany, and Buffalo airshed regions and terminating near Federally-mandated Class 1 areas in the Northeastern United States, for which visibility is protected from degradation under the Clean Air Act. The purpose of this study is to provide an estimate of the frequency of occurrence of trajectory end points terminating over or near these environmentally sensitive regions from data for a one year period. Results indicate that these regions are not substantially effected by the air parcels either on an annual or seasonal basis.     

Risk factors for agricultural injury: a case-control analysis of Iowa farmers in the Agricultural Health Study

The purpose of this case-control study nested in the Agricultural Health Study was to assess risk factors for agricultural injury among a large group of Iowa farmers. A questionnaire sent to 6,999 farmers identified 431 cases who had a farm work-related injury requiring medical advice/treatment in the previous year and 473 controls who had no injury in the previous year. We assessed several potential risk factors for injury. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between farm work-related injury and weekly farming work hours (> or = 50 hours/week) (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.23-2.21), the presence of large livestock (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.24-2.51), education beyond high school (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.21-2.12), regular medication use (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.04-1.96), wearing a hearing aid (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.07-5.20), and younger age. These results confirm the importance of risk factors identified in previous analytic studies and suggest directions for future research in preventive intervention strategies to reduce farm work-related injuries.     

Farmwork-related injury among farmers 50 years of age and older in Kentucky and South Carolina: a cohort study, 2002-2005

Farmers in the U.S. are becoming more diverse; the average age of the farmer is increasing, as is the number of women and minority farm operators. There is limited research on injury risk factors in these special populations of farmers. It is especially important to study the risk factors for injury in these growing and at-risk groups. A longitudinal survey was conducted of farmers (n = 1,394) age 50 and older who resided in Kentucky and South Carolina. The questionnaire was administered by telephone and mail surveys four times between 2002 and 2005 to the fixed cohort of farmers, obtained by convenience sample. Approximately half of the cohort was female, and the majority of the cohort worked less than 40 hours per week. This cohort reported a crude, non-fatal injury rate of 9.3 injured farmers per 100 per year. Farmers reporting chronic bronchitis/emphysema (estimated odds ratio [EOR] = 1.57), back problems (EOR = 1.37), arthritis (EOR = 1.31), 3 to 4 restless nights in the past week (EOR = 2.02), or 5 to 7 restless nights in the past week (EOR = 1.82) were at significantly higher odds of sustaining a farmwork-related injury as calculated by the generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression method Farmers operating equipment on highways (EOR = 1.51) or climbing higher than eight feet (EOR = 1.69) were at significantly higher odds of sustaining a farmwork-related injury, and females were at higher risk of injury when performing animal-related tasks (EOR = 3.00) or crop-related tasks (EOR = 2.21). Identified factors associated with farmwork-related injury should better inform agricultural health policies and guidelines for older farmers, such as policies governing the allowable number of hours worked per week and rest breaks, guidelines that advise appropriate types of farm tasks, and ergonomic engineering advances on farming equipment.     

Distribution of mercury in the aquatic food web of Onondaga Lake,New York

Historical discharges of mercury (Hg) to Onondaga Lake, New York, have resulted in elevated Hg concentrations in lake fishes. In 1990, a remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) was initiated to evaluate problems related to Hg and other hazardous substances in the lake. As part of the RI/FS, the distribution of Hg in the aquatic food web was determined to provide input to a site-specific model of Hg cycling and to evaluate potential ecological risks of Hg in the lake. Mercury concentrations were measured in surficial sediments, sediment interstitial water, lake water, phytoplankton, Zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fishes (including planktivores, benthivores, and piscivores). The percentage of total Hg accounted for by methyl-Hg (CH₃Hg) generally increased with higher trophic levels, confirming that CH₃Hg is more efficiently transferred to higher trophic levels than is inorganic Hg. Concentrations of total Hg in amphipods and chironomids were closely related to concentrations of total Hg in sediments, suggesting that sediments are a likely source of Hg for benthic macroinvertebrates. Mercury concentrations in edible muscle tissue (fillets) of lake fishes have declined substantially from values found in the early 1970s, reflecting the large reductions in Hg discharges to the lake that have occurred since that time. The CH₃Hg concentrations in fillets and whole bodies of fishes generally were similar, indicating that concentrations in fillets often can provide estimates of concentrations in whole bodies. Methyl-Hg concentrations and bioaccumulation factors increased with higher trophic levels in both the pelagic and benthic components of the lake food web.     

Determinants of Summer Nitrate Concentration in a Set of Adirondack Lakes,New York

Following reductions in the emission and deposition of sulfur compounds in the past decade, atmospheric deposition of nitrogen has become a focus of concern. Identification of watershed characteristics that mediate the effect of atmospheric nitrogen deposition can help evaluate the sensitivity of lakes to chronic and episodic nitrogen addition. Twenty four lakes in the southwestern portion of the Adirondack Park, New York, U.S.A., were classified into three N classes by cluster analysis of lakewater NO3- N concentration [N] during the summers of 1994–1996. The lake-N classes were best characterized as having (1) low [N] throughout the summer, (2) high [N] in early- but low [N] in late-summer, and (3) high [N] throughout the summer. The three lake-N classes were reconstructed perfectly by canonical discriminant analysis based mainly on lake average depth (AD), and lakewater concentrations of chlorophyll a [Chla] and SO4-S [S] in mid-summer. Increases in AD and [S], but decrease in [Chla] corresponded with a transition from low- to high-N classes.     

Chemical characteristics and temporal trends in eight streams of the Catskill Mountains,New York

Discharge to concentration relationships for eight streams studied by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) Long-Term Monitoring Project (1983–89) indicate acidification of some streams by H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ in atmospheric deposition and by organic acids in soils. Concentrations of major ions in precipitation were similar to those reported at other sites in the northeastern United States. Average concentrations of SO₄ ^2? and NO₃ ^? were similar among streams, but base cation concentrations differed widely, and these differences paralleled the differences in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). Baseflow ANC is not a reliable predictor of stream acidity at high flow; some streams with high baseflow ANC (>150 Μeq L^?1) declined to near zero ANC at high flow, and one stream with low baseflow ANC (<50 Μeq L^?1) did not approach zero ANC as flow increased. Episodic decreases in ANC and pH during peak flows were associated with increased concentrations of NO₃ ^? and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Aluminum concentrations exceeding 300 Μg L^?1 were observed during peak flows in headwater streams of the Neversink River and Rondout Creek. Seasonal Kendall Tau tests for temporal trends indicate that SO₄ ^2? concentrations in streamwater generally decreased and NO₃ ^? concentrations increased during the period 1983–1989. Combined acid anion concentrations (SO₄ ^2? + NO₃ ^?) were generally unchanged throughout the period of record, indicating both that the status of these streams with respect to acidic deposition is unchanged, and that NO₃ ^? is gradually replacing SO₄ ^2? as the dominant acid anion in the Catskill streams.     

Estimating survival from joint analysis of resighting and radiotelemetry capture-recapture data for wild animals

Biologists often use more than one marking technique in wildlife studies. For each of the mark types, it is common to conduct a separate analysis of the recapture data to estimate parameters of interest, such as survival rates. Two data types that can be used in estimating survival rates are resighting and radiotelemetry data. The Cormack-Jolly-Seber model is commonly used to analyze the resighting data, while the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator, modified for staggered entry of animals, is used to analyze the radi otelemetry data. In a study where some animals receive two types of tags and others receive just one tag type, the separate Cormack-Jolly-Seber and Kaplan-Meier analyses do not exploit all of the information in the combined data sets. In this article, we propose a model and likelihood for the combined analysis of resighting and radi otelemetry data. In comparison with the separate analyses, this richer model provides more information about the biology and sampling processes. For example, the richer model permits assessment of assumptions required by the separate analyses and allows estimation of additional parameters. We apply the model to annual resighting and monthly telemetry data from a population of snail kites in Florida. The snail kite is a threatened species of bird in the United States, and our results on survival are very important. In this example, all birds are marked using leg bands and some of them receive radios.     

Biology of the European bitterling Rhodeus sericeus (pisces: cyprinidae) in the Bronx River,New York,USA: An apparently benign exotic species

Selected aspects of the biology of the European bitterling Rhodeus sericeus in southern New York were investigated as a preliminary determination of the impact of this species on the native ecosystem. There are about 900 bitterlings in the only extant North American population. The oldest specimen was in its fourth summer (III +) and all were mature in their first year. Fecundity is low, less than 60 eggs per female. Bitterlings feed primarily on diatoms and the digestive system is typical of a surface-scraping herbivore. Impact of this exotic species on the ecosystem appears minimal. It is unlikely that the species would cause appreciable negative impact on any habitat in the northeastern United States.     

An ecogeographic analysis of the Vicia narbonensis complex

An ecogeographical analysis of the V. narbonensis complex and V. bithynica was conducted using herbarium specimens and genebank accessions. 956 specimens were included in the study from 26 herbaria, with geographical and ecological data recorded for each specimen. A distribution map of each taxa was produced, and the geographical and ecological preferences of each taxa were analysed and discussed. The taxa with the widest distribution were found to be V. narbonensis, V. bithynica and V. johannis, and the rarest taxa were V. galilaea var. galilaea and V. narbonensis var. aegyptiaca. The complex includes three endemic species; V. hyaeniscyamus, V. kalakhensis and V. eristalioides. The complex as a whole, was most frequently collected from grasslands, as a weed in cultivated fields and in wasteland. It showed a strong preference for calcareous soils. It was found that the quality of the passport data varied widely, but that in general the specimens from more recent collections included more detailed passport data. Herbarium specimens are invaluable in ecogeographic studies as the information obtained can be used as a guide for future collecting missions and in determining areas of importance when collecting material for conservation. Finally as the whole plant is available, the identification of each specimen can be checked.