Nickel-exposed workers in China: a cohort study.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Epidemiology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Jinchuan Group Co, Ltd (JNMC) employs over 50,000 workers, with all eligible for biennial medical examinations.
• A cohort of 23,484 nickel-exposed subjects from JNMC participated in a comprehensive epidemiological survey and medical examinations between June 2011 and September 2012.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between metal exposure, genetic factors, epigenetics, and the risk of human diseases in a large industrial workforce.
• To assess the prevalence of specific lifestyle factors and common diseases among nickel-exposed workers.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological survey and medical examination data collection from 23,484 nickel-exposed workers.
• Analysis of lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, and tea drinking.
• Assessment of the prevalence of hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and cholecystitis.

Main Results:

• The study included 23,484 nickel-exposed subjects from JNMC.
• Prevalence rates: 39.1% current smokers, 19.7% alcohol drinkers, 55.2% tea drinkers.
• Top 3 prevalent diseases: hypertension (11.7%), allergic rhinitis (11.0%), and cholecystitis (8.9%).

Conclusions:

• The study provides extensive data on metal exposure, gene-environment interactions, and disease risk in an industrial setting.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for targeted occupational health interventions and disease prevention strategies.
• The findings establish baseline health data and lifestyle patterns for the JNMC workforce, informing future research and health management.