Neurosensory and vascular symptoms and clinical findings in the hands of Arctic open-pit miners in Sweden and Norway – a descriptive study

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Albin Stjernbrandt, Magnar Johnsen, Ingrid Liljelind, Anna Aminoff, Jens Wahlström, Anje Christina Höper, Hans Pettersson, Tohr Nilsson
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2023
• Subjects: Cold climate; vibration; mining; Sweden; Norway; peripheral nervous system diseases; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Circumpolar Health; International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2023.2254916; https://doaj.org/article/da0813e229554264aab4cf4cbdfaa845

ABSTRACTThis cross-sectional study aimed to describe exposure to cold climate and hand-arm vibration (HAV) as well as neurosensory and vascular symptoms and clinical findings among open-pit Arctic miners. It was based on data from questionnaires and physical examinations, including 177 men and 75 women from two open-pit mines in Sweden and Norway (response rate 54%). Working outdoors or in an unheated building or machine for at least two hours per day was reported by 44% and HAV exposure of the same duration by 10%. Neurosensory symptoms (e.g. reduced perception of touch) in the hands were reported by 47% and Raynaud’s phenomenon by 14%. In brief conclusion, the study showed that Arctic miners were commonly exposed to both cold temperatures and HAV. They also reported a broad range of neurosensory and vascular symptoms in their hands and had abnormal clinical findings related to the symptoms. The results emphasise the need for additional preventive measures in this occupational setting.