Recognition of Cigarette Brand Names and Logos by Primary Schoolchildren in Ankara, Turkey

Objective-To assess the smoking behaviour of primary schoolchildren and their ability to recognise brand names and logos of widely advertised cigarettes, compared with other commercial products intended for children. Design-Cross-sectional survey in classroom settings using a questionnaire designed to measure attitudes towards smoking and the recognition of brand names and logos for 16 food, beverage, cigarette, and toothpaste products. Setting-Ankara, Turkey. Subjects-1093 children (54.6% boys, 44.4% girls) aged 7-13 years (mean = 10, SD = 1), from grades 2-5. The student sample was taken from three primary schools-one school in each of three residential districts representing high, middle, and low income populations. Main outcome measures- Prevalence of ever-smoking, recognition of brand names and logos. Results-Prevalence of ever-smoking was 11.7% overall (13.9% among boys and 9.1% among girls; p<0.05). Children aged eight years or less had a higher prevalence of ever-smoking (19.6%) than older children (p<0.002). Ever-smoking prevalence did not differ significantly across the three school districts. Ever-smoking prevalence was higher among children with at least one parent who smoked (15.3%) than among those whose parents did not (4.8%) (p<0.001). Brand recognition rates ranged from 58.1% for Chee-tos (a food product) to 95.2% for Samsun (a Turkish cigarette brand). Recognition rates for cigarette brand names and logos were 95.2% and 80.8%, respectively, for Samsun; 84.0% and 90.5%, respectively, for Camel; and 92.1% and 69.5%, respectively, for Marlboro. The Camel logo and the Samsun and Marlboro brand names were the most highly recognised of all product logos and brand names tested. Conclusions-The high recognition of cigarette brand names and logos is most likely the result of tobacco advertising and promotion. Our results indicate the need to implement comprehensive tobacco control measures in Turkey.WoSScopu

Byssinosis and Copd Rates Among Factory Workers Manufacturing Hemp and Jute

Objectives: Prior studies have been performed on cotton textile plants throughout the world. This study was planned to identify the rate of byssinosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in hemp and jute workers and those who worked with both of them. Material and Methods: The study was realized in a factory which consecutively processed hemp and jute. The study enrollment included 266 people, 164 of whom were active workers and 102 were retired. A questionnaire, plain chest X-rays, physical examination and pulmonary function tests were performed. Dust levels were measured in various sections of the factory during 8 h work shifts. Endotoxin levels of various quality hemp fibers and dusts were measured. Results: The rate of byssinosis (28.2%) was higher among the workers that who exposed to both jute and hemp dust. The frequency of chronic bronchitis in retired workers who previously smoked was higher (20%) as compared to currently smoking workers (17%). High dust levels were measured in some parts of the factory (mean (M) = 2.69 mg/m(3)). Working in dense dust areas, active smoking, being older than 40 years of age, being an ex-smoker, and working in the factory for a period exceeding 15 years were significantly associated with bronchitis and emphysema development. High endotoxin levels were determined for fine hemp dust (605 EU/mg), coarse hemp dust (336 EU/mg) and poor quality hemp fibers (114 EU/mg), whereas in fresh hemp stalks the level of endotoxin was determined to be lower (0.27 EU/mg). Conclusions: Because of high exposures to jute and hemp dusts that are associated with high byssinosis rates, personal protection and environmental hygiene is crucial to prevention of byssinosis

Lung Health in Workers Exposed to Reed Dust

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in a cellulose plant among 109 reed workers, exposed to reed dust and 78 unexposed office workers, to investigate respiratory health effects of reed dust exposure. Investigations included dust measurements, serum total IgE, skin prick test, pulmonary function testing and questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Total dust level in the reed processing unit was higher than the office (9.7 and 0.02 mg/m(3), respectively). Reed workers had a higher rate of current smoking (67% and 46%, respectively). After the adjustment for smoking status and age, reed dust exposure was significantly associated with wheezing, chronic cough, dyspnea, itching eyes and itching nose. Chest tightness and ODTS symptoms were only reported by reed workers (27.5% and 23.9%, respectively). After the adjustment for pack-years of smoking, percentage of predicted FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 in reed workers were significantly lower than office workers. Among reed workers, wheezing was associated with older age (> 40 years) and ever smoking, and cross-shift decline in FVC and FEV, with shorter duration of work. Reed dust exposure in the workplace could provoke respiratory symptoms, possibly due to an irritating effect. Health selection bias is likely, and could have underestimated the health effects of reed dust exposure. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.WoSScopu