Thomas G Robins
Biographic Data
| ID | 5789908 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Thomas G Robins |
| GIVEN NAMES | Thomas G |
| FAMILY NAME | Robins |
| SIGNATURE | ROBINS T G |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Michigan |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3230-5143 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 15 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 10 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 15 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1996 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2024 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Cross-shift changes in pulmonary function and occupational exposure to particulate matter among e-waste workers in Ghana
Introduction Little is known on the association between cross-shift changes in pulmonary function and personal inhalation exposure to particulate matter (PM) among informal electronic-waste (e-waste) recovery workers who have substantial occupational exposure to airborne pollutants from burning e-waste. Methods Using a cross-shift design, pre- and post-shift pulmonary function assessments and accompanying personal inhalation exposure to PM (sizes…
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana-the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa-relative …
Personal exposure to particulate matter and heart rate variability among informal electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie
Informal e-waste workers are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease from cardiac autonomic dysfunction as seen in reduced HRV and increased heart rate
Effect of Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health of e-Waste Workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana
Background : Direct and continuous exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially in occupational settings is known to impact negatively on respiratory health and lung function. Objective : To determine the association between concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5-10 and 10 μm) in breathing zone and lung function of informal e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie. Methods : To evaluate lung function responses to PM (2.5, 2.5-10 and 10 μm), we conducted a long…
Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Growing evidence suggests that micronutrient status is adversely impacted by toxic metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, and arsenic) exposures; however, the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers who are amongst the highest metal-exposed groups is not known. This study, therefore, assessed the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers using dietary information (2-day 24-h recall survey) and biomarker data (whole blood and urine) among 151 participants…
Micronutrient-rich dietary intake is associated with a reduction in the effects of particulate matter on blood pressure among electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Consistent adequate dietary Fe intake was associated with reduced effects of PM 2.5 on SBP of e-waste recyclers overtime. Nonetheless, given that all other micronutrients are necessary in ameliorating the adverse effects of PM on cardiovascular health, nutrition-related policy dialogues are required. Such initiatives would help educate informal e-waste recyclers and the general population on specific nutrients of concern and their impact on the e…
A comparison of licensed and un-licensed artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) in terms of socio-demographics, work profiles, and injury rates
These findings advance our understanding of injuries amongst ASGM workers, and help identify important differences in socio-demographics, work profiles, and injury rates between miners working in a licensed versus and un-licensed site. The findings suggest that certain working conditions in a licensed site may be safer
Injury Profiles Associated with Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Tarkwa, Ghana
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is inherently risky, but little is known about mining-associated hazards and injuries despite the tremendous growth worldwide of ASGM and the benefits it offers. The current study aimed to characterize the physical injuries associated with ASGM in Ghana to guide policy formulation. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Tarkwa mining district of the Western Region of Ghana in 2014. A total of …
A Comparison of Exposure Metrics for Traffic-Related Air Pollutants
Vehicles are major sources of air pollutant emissions, and individuals living near large roads endure high exposures and health risks associated with traffic-related air pollutants. Air pollution epidemiology, health risk, environmental justice, and transportation planning studies would all benefit from an improved understanding of the key information and metrics needed to assess exposures, as well as the strengths and limitations of alternate ex…
Water Values in a Ghanaian Small-Scale Gold Mining Community
Water scarcity, quality, and control are growing problems worldwide. In this paper, values associated with water—sociocultural, economic, and chemical—in a small-scale gold mining community in northeastern Ghana are considered. Mining activities have affected the quality of locally scarce water resources. In an area without government provision of water, this situation has also forced community members to develop innovative water strategies that …
Air Change Rates and Interzonal Flows in Residences, and the Need for Multi-Zone Models for Exposure and Health Analyses
Air change rates (ACRs) and interzonal flows are key determinants of indoor air quality (IAQ) and building energy use. This paper characterizes ACRs and interzonal flows in 126 houses, and evaluates effects of these parameters on IAQ. ACRs measured using weeklong tracer measurements in several seasons averaged 0.73 ± 0.76 h(-1) (median = 0.57 h(-1), n = 263) in the general living area, and much higher, 1.66 ± 1.50 h(-1) (median = 1.23 h(-1), n = …
A Life Course Perspective on Stress and Health Among Caregivers of Children With Asthma in Detroit
Low-income caregivers raising children with asthma experience many obstacles to their own health, including stress. To understand and describe their daily experiences, researchers conducted 40 qualitative interviews supplemented with descriptive quantitative surveys in Detroit, Michigan, as part of a community-based participatory research partnership of Community Action Against Asthma. Prevalence of chronic illness is noticeably higher among part…
Cross-Sectional Silica Exposure Measurements at Two Zambian Copper Mines of Nkana and Mufulira
We measured the quartz content of 20 bulk settled dust and 200 respirable dust samples in a cross-sectional dust exposure assessment that is part of an epidemiological study to ascertain the risk of nonmalignant respiratory diseases among Zambian copper miners. Dust samples were collected from the copper mines of Mopani Copper Mine plc (Mufulira and Nkana Mines). Analytical measurements employed NIOSH Method 0600 for gravimetric analysis of respi…
How do people become empowered? A case study of union activists
Many organizations are interested in empowerment, believing that empowered workers will be more effective in reaching their goals. What does it mean to be empowered, and how do people achieve this state? Using qualitative data, we applied the developmental model proposed by Kieffer to a sample of 14 worker-trainers. We found that Kieffer's model worked well with this sample, with some modification. One is that workers did not have to feel persona…
The peopling of Africa
The peopling of Africa: A geographical interpretation The peopling of Africa: A geographical interpretation, by James L. Newman. Yak University Press, 1995. xiv+235 pages. £20 hardback. ISBN 0-300-06003-3. TAMASINE ROBINS TAMASINE ROBINS University of WalesAberystwyth Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar African Affairs, Volume 95, Issue 380, July 1996, Pages 481–482, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.afra…
How do people become empowered? A case study of union activists
Many organizations are interested in empowerment, believing that empowered workers will be more effective in reaching their goals. What does it mean to be empowered, and how do people achieve this state? Using qualitative data, we applied the developmental model proposed by Kieffer to a sample of 14 worker-trainers. We found that Kieffer's model worked well with this sample, with some modification. One is that workers did not have to feel persona…
The peopling of Africa
The peopling of Africa: A geographical interpretation The peopling of Africa: A geographical interpretation, by James L. Newman. Yak University Press, 1995. xiv+235 pages. £20 hardback. ISBN 0-300-06003-3. TAMASINE ROBINS TAMASINE ROBINS University of WalesAberystwyth Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar African Affairs, Volume 95, Issue 380, July 1996, Pages 481–482, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.afra…
How do people become empowered? A case study of union activists
Many organizations are interested in empowerment, believing that empowered workers will be more effective in reaching their goals. What does it mean to be empowered, and how do people achieve this state? Using qualitative data, we applied the developmental model proposed by Kieffer to a sample of 14 worker-trainers. We found that Kieffer's model worked well with this sample, with some modification. One is that workers did not have to feel persona…
Cross-Sectional Silica Exposure Measurements at Two Zambian Copper Mines of Nkana and Mufulira
We measured the quartz content of 20 bulk settled dust and 200 respirable dust samples in a cross-sectional dust exposure assessment that is part of an epidemiological study to ascertain the risk of nonmalignant respiratory diseases among Zambian copper miners. Dust samples were collected from the copper mines of Mopani Copper Mine plc (Mufulira and Nkana Mines). Analytical measurements employed NIOSH Method 0600 for gravimetric analysis of respi…
Air Change Rates and Interzonal Flows in Residences, and the Need for Multi-Zone Models for Exposure and Health Analyses
Air change rates (ACRs) and interzonal flows are key determinants of indoor air quality (IAQ) and building energy use. This paper characterizes ACRs and interzonal flows in 126 houses, and evaluates effects of these parameters on IAQ. ACRs measured using weeklong tracer measurements in several seasons averaged 0.73 ± 0.76 h(-1) (median = 0.57 h(-1), n = 263) in the general living area, and much higher, 1.66 ± 1.50 h(-1) (median = 1.23 h(-1), n = …
A Life Course Perspective on Stress and Health Among Caregivers of Children With Asthma in Detroit
Low-income caregivers raising children with asthma experience many obstacles to their own health, including stress. To understand and describe their daily experiences, researchers conducted 40 qualitative interviews supplemented with descriptive quantitative surveys in Detroit, Michigan, as part of a community-based participatory research partnership of Community Action Against Asthma. Prevalence of chronic illness is noticeably higher among part…
Water Values in a Ghanaian Small-Scale Gold Mining Community
Water scarcity, quality, and control are growing problems worldwide. In this paper, values associated with water—sociocultural, economic, and chemical—in a small-scale gold mining community in northeastern Ghana are considered. Mining activities have affected the quality of locally scarce water resources. In an area without government provision of water, this situation has also forced community members to develop innovative water strategies that …
A Comparison of Exposure Metrics for Traffic-Related Air Pollutants
Vehicles are major sources of air pollutant emissions, and individuals living near large roads endure high exposures and health risks associated with traffic-related air pollutants. Air pollution epidemiology, health risk, environmental justice, and transportation planning studies would all benefit from an improved understanding of the key information and metrics needed to assess exposures, as well as the strengths and limitations of alternate ex…
Injury Profiles Associated with Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Tarkwa, Ghana
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is inherently risky, but little is known about mining-associated hazards and injuries despite the tremendous growth worldwide of ASGM and the benefits it offers. The current study aimed to characterize the physical injuries associated with ASGM in Ghana to guide policy formulation. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Tarkwa mining district of the Western Region of Ghana in 2014. A total of …
A comparison of licensed and un-licensed artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) in terms of socio-demographics, work profiles, and injury rates
These findings advance our understanding of injuries amongst ASGM workers, and help identify important differences in socio-demographics, work profiles, and injury rates between miners working in a licensed versus and un-licensed site. The findings suggest that certain working conditions in a licensed site may be safer
Effect of Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health of e-Waste Workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana
Background : Direct and continuous exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially in occupational settings is known to impact negatively on respiratory health and lung function. Objective : To determine the association between concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5-10 and 10 μm) in breathing zone and lung function of informal e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie. Methods : To evaluate lung function responses to PM (2.5, 2.5-10 and 10 μm), we conducted a long…
Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Growing evidence suggests that micronutrient status is adversely impacted by toxic metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, and arsenic) exposures; however, the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers who are amongst the highest metal-exposed groups is not known. This study, therefore, assessed the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers using dietary information (2-day 24-h recall survey) and biomarker data (whole blood and urine) among 151 participants…
Micronutrient-rich dietary intake is associated with a reduction in the effects of particulate matter on blood pressure among electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Consistent adequate dietary Fe intake was associated with reduced effects of PM 2.5 on SBP of e-waste recyclers overtime. Nonetheless, given that all other micronutrients are necessary in ameliorating the adverse effects of PM on cardiovascular health, nutrition-related policy dialogues are required. Such initiatives would help educate informal e-waste recyclers and the general population on specific nutrients of concern and their impact on the e…
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana-the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa-relative …
Personal exposure to particulate matter and heart rate variability among informal electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie
Informal e-waste workers are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease from cardiac autonomic dysfunction as seen in reduced HRV and increased heart rate
Cross-shift changes in pulmonary function and occupational exposure to particulate matter among e-waste workers in Ghana
Introduction Little is known on the association between cross-shift changes in pulmonary function and personal inhalation exposure to particulate matter (PM) among informal electronic-waste (e-waste) recovery workers who have substantial occupational exposure to airborne pollutants from burning e-waste. Methods Using a cross-shift design, pre- and post-shift pulmonary function assessments and accompanying personal inhalation exposure to PM (sizes…
Medicine (10 works) · Environmental health (9 works) · Air Quality and Health Impacts (7 works) · Geography (6 works) · Chemistry (5 works) · Engineering (5 works) · Environmental Science (5 works) · Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting (4 works) · Electronic waste (4 works) · Internal Medicine (4 works)