- Exposure to very noisy, hot, or cold work environments was associated with poorer self-reported mental health in 117,675 UK Biobank participants.
- Non-linear analysis indicated a possible ceiling effect after two to three years of cumulative exposure to very hot work environments.
- Associations were less pronounced in professional and managerial roles and male participants, supporting establishment of safe noise and temperature levels.
J Occup Environ Med. 2026 Jun 19. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003790. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the associations between exposure to very noisy, hot, or cold work environments and mental health.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 117,675 UK Biobank participants. Linear regression analyses were used to analyse the association between retrospective full-time equivalent years of exposure to environmental hazards and self-reported mental health. A generalised additive model with penalised cubic spline was used to examine the non-linear association of cumulative exposure to hazards with mental health.
RESULTS: Exposure to each work environmental hazard was associated with worse mental health. Non-linear association analysis showed a possible ceiling effect after 2-3 years of exposure to very hot environments. The associations were less pronounced in those working in professional/managerial roles and male participants.
CONCLUSIONS: The results support establishing safe noise and temperature levels for mental health.
PMID:42314000 | DOI:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003790
Share Evidence Blueprint
Save to Google Notes
Search Google Scholar
Save as PDF
⭐ My Revision List
