Environmental hazards at work and mental health: a UK Biobank Retrospective Cohort Study

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.