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

Lam, Winnie Wy; Demou, Evangelia; Ho, Frederick K · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

This study aims to examine the associations between exposure to very noisy, hot, or cold work environments and mental health. 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. 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. The results support establishing safe noise and temperature levels for mental health.