RESUMEN
PROBLEM: After receiving several reports of occupational asthma among cosmetology professionals, we studied the prevalence, work-attributable risk, and tasks associated with asthma in this industry. METHODS: We selected a stratified random sample of cosmeticians, manicurists, barbers, and cosmetologists holding licenses in Colorado for a mail survey instrument. RESULTS: The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma among the 1883 respondents (68% response rate) was 9.3%; of these, 67 (38%) developed asthma after entering the cosmetology profession. Multivariate analyses showed that hairstyling, application of artificial nails, and shaving and honing were significantly associated with asthma arising in the course of employment (P < 0.005) with relative risks of 2.6-2.9. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of asthma with onset during employment among cosmetologists is probably attributable to their exposure to sensitizers and irritants in tasks demonstrated to be associated with asthma.
Asunto(s)
Asma/epidemiología , Peluquería/estadística & datos numéricos , Industria de la Belleza/estadística & datos numéricos , Cosméticos/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Adulto , Asma/etiología , Colorado/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Masculino , Exposición Profesional/estadística & datos numéricos , Prevalencia , Análisis de Regresión , RiesgoRESUMEN
The capacity of state and territorial health departments to investigate foodborne diseases was assessed by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists from 2001 to 2002 with a self-administered, Web-based survey. Forty-eight health departments responded (47 states and 1 territory). The primary reason for not conducting more active case surveillance of enteric disease is lack of staff, while the primary reasons for not investigating foodborne disease outbreaks are limited staff and delayed notification of the outbreak. Sixty-four percent of respondents have the capacity to conduct analytic epidemiologic investigations. States receiving Emerging Infections Program (EIP) funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more often reported having a dedicated foodborne disease epidemiologist and the capability to perform analytic studies than non-EIP states. We conclude that by addressing shortages in the number of dedicated personnel and reducing delays in reporting, the capacity of state health departments to respond to foodborne disease can be improved.
Asunto(s)
Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & control , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/prevención & control , Agencias Gubernamentales , Agencias Estatales de Desarrollo y Planificación de la Salud , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles , Recolección de Datos , Epidemiología/economía , Epidemiología/organización & administración , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/epidemiología , Agencias Gubernamentales/organización & administración , Internet , Práctica de Salud Pública , Agencias Estatales de Desarrollo y Planificación de la Salud/organización & administración , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Recursos HumanosRESUMEN
This article proposes and discusses legal and administrative preparations for a bioterrorist attack. To perform the duties expected of public health agencies during a disease outbreak caused by bioterrorism, an agency must have a sufficient number of employees and providers at work and a good communications system between staff in the central offices of the public health agency and those in outlying or neighboring agencies and hospitals. The article proposes strategies for achieving these objectives as well as for removing legal barriers that discourage agencies, institutions, and persons from working together for the overall good of the community. Issues related to disease surveillance and special considerations regarding public health restrictive orders are discussed.
Asunto(s)
Bioterrorismo/legislación & jurisprudencia , Planificación en Desastres/legislación & jurisprudencia , Planificación en Desastres/organización & administración , Administración en Salud Pública , Salud Pública/legislación & jurisprudencia , Bioterrorismo/prevención & control , Bioterrorismo/tendencias , Tratamiento de Urgencia/tendencias , Relaciones Interinstitucionales , Programas Nacionales de Salud/organización & administración , Evaluación de Necesidades , Formulación de Políticas , Vigilancia de la PoblaciónRESUMEN
Risk factors for Kawasaki syndrome (KS) were evaluated through a case-control study during an investigation of a KS cluster in Denver, CO. KS was associated with a humidifier in the child's room (odds ratio, 7.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 29.3) and possibly with an antecedent respiratory illness. The use of humidifiers should be further investigated as part of future studies of KS.