title: The occupational health of Southeast Asians in Lowell: a descriptive study.
abstract: To assess the occupational health of a group of vulnerable workers, Southeast Asians, in Lowell, Massachusetts, researchers surveyed 160 residents of Cambodian or Lao ethnicity regarding working conditions, health problems, and use of medical services. Over 40% reported work in electronics and computer assembly. A fourth of those currently employed held temporary jobs. Workplace hazards included soldering fumes; inadequate ventilation; prolonged sitting or standing; awkward postures; unguarded machinery; shift work; long hours; and pressure to produce quickly. Common work-related health problems included sprains and strains, headache, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms. Less than a third of the respondents knew about workers' compensation. Household surveys can provide otherwise unavailable occupational health data for defined populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, USA. Lenore_Azaroff@uml.edu
authors.forename: Lenore S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Azaroff
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Levenstein
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Wegman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian; D002160:Cambodia / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D016272:Occupational Health; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data